St Edward's Rhubarb - 2018

46 ST EDWARD’S r h u b a r b

A further development championed under Nick’s leadership was a device that would hold the pendulum for precisely one or eleven hours and then release it accurately. Thus the problem of GMT/BST clock changes was solved without any of the damage to the pendulum spring that could arise from these situations, and reduced the challenges associated with difficult- to-access clocks. These are just two examples amongst many of how Nick constantly surveyed techniques that might help Smith of Derby better serve horology and the customer. He was also determined that the modest scale of the company should not limit its ambitions: Smith of Derby was one of the first traditional engineering companies of its size in the country to purchase a computer. This fact was made evident when it became clear there was no trainer available for the foreseeable future, and Nick proceeded to teach himself how to make good use of it. Nick retired as Managing Director in 2001, but remained a key member of the board, and mentored and supported both senior team members, and the next generation of Smiths as they took increasing responsibility as non-executive Directors. Nick continued to provide both strategic and detailed commercial and engineering advice right up to the end of his life. Just a fortnight before he died he enjoyed a meeting on his hospital ward with one of his Smith of Derby engineering colleagues to work through the fine-grained details of the next generation Auto Wind unit. SMITH – On 20th November 2017, Peter Michael Smith (C, 1942-1946). Born 17th August 1928. RAF 1946. Faraday House London 1949-1952. King’s London 1952- the engineering landscape for new materials, tools and

1956 BA. Priest 1957. Curate Pokesdown, Bournemouth 1956- 1959, Weeke, Hants 1959-1963. Vicar Hutton Roof, Cumbria 1963-1969, Barrow-in-Furness 1969-1972, Preston Patrick, Milnthorpe 1972. SMYTH – Archibald Malcolm Smyth (F, 1948-1953). Brother of Donald (F, 1947-1950). Royal Dental Hospital 1954- 1961. Dental Practitioner in Hythe specialising in cosmetic dentistry. STEVENSON – On 26th May 2017, Adam Bristow Stevenson (formerly Peter William, B, 1965-1969), in Agadir. Son of William (B, 1938-1943), brother of Adrian (B, 1964-1969), James (B, 1976-1981) and Henry (B, 1983-1988). Guildhall School of Music 1971. Musician. Civil Servant. Director of Public Relations, Gazelle D’Or, Morocco. STEWART – On 29th March 2017, Hugh MacDonald Stewart (B, 1943-1947). Brother of John (B, 1947-1950). Athletics and Rowing. Royal Signals 1947. Company Director, Reading. TOOP – In June 2016, Geoffrey Herbert Toop (A, 1957-1962). Brother of John (A, 1955-1960). Trainee Actuary 1962. Financial Secretary Portsmouth and Sunderland Newspapers 1987. FICA. Retired. TREND – On 26th April 2017, Andrew Gauntlett Trend (A, 1948-1951). Brother of Edward (A, 1936-1940) and Martin (A, 1938-1941). Nephew of Jack Gauntlett (Common Room, 1924-1964). The following words have kindly been provided by his son Nick: Andrew followed his elder brothers to St Edward's. His uncle, Jack Gauntlett, a chemistry teacher at the school for many

One interest which endured for much longer than the others was amateur radio, and the complex aerials which he constructed around and on top of his various homes were objects of wonder to his family and neighbours. The last few years were consumed with a battle against Parkinson’s disease, but he retained a remarkable acuity, determination and a dry sense of humour until the end. Andrew was married first to Jean (née Brown) from 1959 to 1981 and they had three children together, Nicholas, Catherine and Lucy. In 1991 he married Alix Fulton, whom he met while studying at Southampton, a marriage which lasted until his death. TRIDGELL – In January 2017, John Leonard William Tridgell (D, 1987-1992), from a rare form of cancer, male breast cancer, aged 43. John was a marketing manager for LinkedIn, and a keen half- marathon runner. He leaves a wife and two daughters. His widow, Jo Tridgell ran the London Marathon in order to raise much needed money for this underfunded cause, in order to directly assist in a study in which John took part. His friend Robert Calhoun (D, 1990- 1992) also ran a half marathon with Jo as part of her preparation. You can donate to support the research here: https://www. justgiving.com/fundraising/ makejohnproud WATKINS – On 20th April 2017, Mark Christopher Watkins (C, 1965-1969). The following words were kindly sent by his wife Elizabeth: Mark was a well-known Lloyd’s Underwriter and FCII of great experience and when he died aged 64, he was CEO of Munich Re Underwriting. At one time he was the youngest Lloyds Underwriter.  He spent all of his professional life in the Lloyds marketplace and was well known for setting rates

years, was also part of the St Edward's family. Andrew was also keen to become a chemist but was unable to afford to take up his offer of a place at Southampton University, so instead he joined Barclays Bank. After a successful period at head office in London, he tired of commuting and became a branch manager at various locations along the south coast. He was at Totton when he he took early retirement at the age of 52, and from then on he threw himself into academia, a calling to which he was far better suited than banking. Thirty five years after his first offer, he finally took a degree at Southampton, this time in history, which gave him the chance to prove his remarkably creative intellect. It inspired a passion for research, which was to lead to the drafting of a biography of Maurice Egerton - the pioneer aviator. Sadly this was left unfinished at the end of his life. After his degree, along with his second wife Alix, he worked as a guardian/curator at two National Trust properties, the Red House in Kent and Little Moreton Hall in Cheshire, and for the last 20 years of his life he settled in Congleton. From early family camping holidays to France, Austria and Scandinavia, to later explorations of the Greek islands, Andrew was an intrepid traveller, with a talent for discovering little-known destinations. His other passions tended to come and go, and at various stages he took up sailing, ice-skating, and horse-riding.

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

Andrew Trend