Rhubarb Issue 12: November 2023

ose events 2022-2023 REGIONAL rhubarb – SOUTH WEST lunch 19TH OCTOBER 2022 T hirteen OSE gathered for lunch at the Arundell Arms in Lifton, where everyone enjoyed some excellent food and convivial company.

John Crosse (Sing’s, 1955-1960), the regional representative, was sadly unable to attend due to illness. David Smart (Field House, 1968-1972) attended to represent the School and updated the group on progress during Alastair Chirnside’s second year as Warden. David also paid tribute to all the teaching and support staff at the School, who work so incredibly hard to keep all pupils well educated and safe.

OSE EVENTS

This was yet another thoroughly enjoyable occasion beautifully organized by John Crosse (Sing’s, 1955-1960).

Report by David Smart (Field House, 1968-1972)

tony snell’s Memorial 24TH OCTOBER 2022 A round 50 friends, former colleagues and pupils joined Tony’s nephew Hamdi and his family at the North Oxford Crematorium on Monday 24th October for a Humanist ceremony with Celebrant Pat Winslow.Tony’s life was recalled with words from Pat along with Hamdi’s memories of growing up with Uncle Tony from whom he learnt so much. John Wiggins (SCR, 1998-present) shared extracts from an article written for Rhubarb , published in the last year of Tony’s life, with memories from colleagues and pupils fortunate to have shared experiences with him. Music was from Paul Simon, Jack Johnson and Domenico Modugno singing ‘Volare’ and the service ended with Supertramp.

Most of the mourners travelled the short distance back to Teddies and the catering team provided welcome drinks and a buffet lunch in Willows. John Wiggins welcomed everyone and introduced each of the contributors.We heard from a number of Tony’s colleagues recounting tales of teaching and expeditions. Keith Jones (SCR, 1971-2003) had consulted with Arthur Murray (SCR, 1988-2004) and reminded us of Tony’s skills as an innovative teacher and head of department, introducing computing to the School. Richard Anderson (SCR, 1984-2006) recalled Tony’s mathematical prowess as well as his immersion in the Duke of Edinburgh program over many years, while Ann (Hodgson) Butler (SCR, 1995-2000), another mathematician, shared memories both of DofE and times on the river with Tony. Rowing Olympian,Tom Middleton, (Apsley, 1989-1994) spoke for a number of those who struggled initially to fit the mould as ‘A-boat rowers’ but who needed a more solitary path to achieve success and to whom Tony devoted inordinate time and resources. After lunch, Simon Taylor (SCR, 1969-1985) told us about sharing a house in Oakthorpe Road with Tony for 10 years, how they were polar opposites in many ways but how he had found Tony the most wonderful and enlightening company.The emphasis then shifted to Tony’s love of music and folk tradition as we heard music and tales of tours by several incarnations of his folk band,Tremenysy (Cornish for travellers) as well as the later-formed, Teddies Morris Men.These included OSE, Nigel Grice (Apsley, 1972-1977), Peter Davies (Cowell’s, 1971-1976),

74