Rhubarb 2020

ST EDWARD’S r h u b a r b

Henderson (A, 1935-1940). The below was kindly provided by his son, Stephen Henderson: With the death of Derek Henderson at the ripe old age of 93, Teddies has lost one of its most loyal, devout and celebrated old boys. Like his elder brother, ‘Chas’, Derek was Head Boy, a distinction he assumed lightly and with kindly humour. By some way he was also the best games player in the School, being captain of Cricket and Rugby and playing Cricket for the Public Schools at Lord’s, of itself a rare distinction. Even now, the first Cricket XI can have enjoyed few days more heartily than that on which Derek and his opening bowling partner and old friend, Mike Womersley, bowled out, for a mere 62, what Cheltenham considered to be the best side they had ever had. Derek wasn’t fast, but he had a lovely rhythm and could get anyone out on his day: the great Tom Graveney would vouch for that. ‘I can’t play those’, said Tom after Derek had bowled him neck and crop playing for Oxford against Gloucestershire in the University Parks. Graveney’s was a reaction shared by many of Derek’s opponents in matches played not only for Oxford but also for the

Company Secretary 1968. Graham was much involved in rowing administration after the war, having been President of the North West Rowing Council, a member of the Amateur Rowing Association Council and President of the Royal Chester Rowing Club.

DOMINEY, ALAN (1926-2020) On 24th March 2020, Alan Michael Dominey (G, 1941-1943).

V A L E T E O B I T U A R I E S

Aleyn Grellier

able to play due to sickness. My father showed not the slightest disappointment saying how he was there to support Teddies not ‘Grellier’ (Teddies won a very hard-fought game 3-0 as I recall). Whilst following me, my team and crewmates around the country and Europe he joined and ultimately chaired the Martyrs Boat Club Committee, playing an active and supportive role in the School’s Boat Club for several years. Unquestionably one of his proudest moments was to have a Teddies coxless pair boat named after him. Teddies and rowing played a huge part in his life: he went on to read PPE at Trinity College, Oxford and said he got his offer to study at Trinity because he’d rowed at Teddies! Whilst at Oxford he met my mother, Helen, an undergraduate at Somerville. Together they had a wonderfully happy marriage and were both ardent Teddies fans. Sadly, my mother died shortly after my father, on 26th April. On behalf of my father I’d like to thank Teddies and everyone associated who helped forge his future life and some of his and my mother’s happiest lifelong memories. HENDERSON, DEREK (1926-2019) On 14th June 2019, Derek Henderson (A, 1939-1944). Brother of Terence Charles Henderson (A, 1933- 1938) and Michael Wallace

would become extremely proud when recalling reading a postcard pinned on the school noticeboard sent by Douglas Bader from Colditz and the day when Wing Commander Guy Gibson visited the School whilst on leave. He revelled in House sports – during the 40s Mac’s dominated Athletics, Rugby and Rowing and he played his part. Athletics was his particular forte and he was selected for the School’s Athletics team. When learning to scull the Coach bawled out: “Grellier!! What are you doing over there?!!” – “Sinking Sir!” – “Well you shouldn’t be sinking there – you should be sinking over here!” When my father was in the Lower V1, due to the War my grandfather was no longer able to afford the fees, and to his great sadness he had to leave before having the opportunity of representing the School’s senior sporting teams – something he regretted throughout the rest of his life. However, he was never bitter and this probably spurred a passion for following the sporting successes of others. He was an avid touchline and riverbank Teddies supporter – never missing a game or regatta throughout my own time at St Edward’s. His passion was never better illustrated than when Howard Blackett, 1st XV Captain in 1978, apologetically informed my father on arrival at Wellington College ahead of the away game that I wasn’t

Alan joined St Edward’s Science Sixth Form in 1941, having previously attended Witney Grammar School. He found boarding difficult but enjoyed other aspects of his two years at Segar’s House, and then went to Imperial College to read Chemistry. All his working life was spent at Esso Research, near Abingdon, working with oil additives. Alan was an accomplished pianist and had interests in Geology and modern railways. He leaves a wife, daughter and son. His son treasures the St Edward’s tuck box, no.670G, which has now become his toolbox! On 5th April 2020, Aleyn George Stanley Grellier (D, 1940-1944). Father of Jonathan J J du V Grellier (D, 1973- 1978) and Fran Grellier, who kindly provided the obituary below. In 1940 my father’s family evacuated from London to Oxfordshire to escape the Blitz and as a result he found himself sent to Teddies and MacNamara’s. When I was at my prep school he would regale me with stories prefects exercising a ruthless authority, prepared to cane younger boys for mere trifles – he was caned for sneezing too loudly! However, he of dayrooms consisting of ‘horseboxes’ and House GRELLIER, ALEYN (1926-2020)

Derek Henderson

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