Howard LeRoy 1988

I was actually decorating the bathroom when a letter arrived bearing a 'J. L. Winder & Co. ' postmark. Intrigued as to why I should be contacted by someone whom I had known for seven years through my association with the Grammar School 3rd Scout Troop, but had seen rarely since 1964, I opened the envelope. I was being invited to be Vice-President, and ultimately President, of the Old Barrovians' Association! The decorating stopped temporarily whilst I reread the name and address. Having confirmed the accuracy of the information memories of the late 50's and early 60's started to flood back.

I joined the old school in 1957 and although that doesn't make me vintage it none the less means I remember things and, unfortunately, people no longer with us. Sam Price, Chip Robinson and Claude Lord all have special places in my thoughts for quite different reasons.

Chris. King, Doug. Hammersley, Bill Shepherd, Jack Spry ……. the prefects I so looked up to when a ' fag' and, of course, the Head Boy "got me off the hook" when my ball smashed a window in the Annexe despite the Chicken-wire protection. Not that I was a great sportsman — keen enough but not good enough - except for cross-country which kept me reasonably fit though often exhausted.

Naturally enough my thoughts went on to schoolmates  - Jack Tarburn, Geoff. Orrell, Brian Neal and Tony, Cus, Derek, Graham, Garry, Alan ……were there that many? Probably more but age being what it is I've begun to forget!

I'd become a life member of the 'Old Boys' on leaving in 1964 and since then I've graduated from Manchester University and had a number of jobs in V.S.E.L., mainly In Production Management but latterly in training. It's this last job (or hopefully only the latest!) which has brought me back into contact with schools. The Skill Centre Manager has responsibility for recruitment, apprentices and trainees and during the last four years I have thoroughly enjoyed the challenge this job has presented. I've established links with every secondary school in the area and made new friends who, together with me, are seeking to bring youngsters into interesting and fruitful careers in shipbuilding.

I have for a long time had an interest in music, playing the guitar and singing. Since becoming a Christian in 1964 1 have made two gospel L.P. 's and, together with my wife, Jenny, and our three children, have sung in many churches throughout England. Family, Church, Music and D.I Y. seem to ensure that my 'spare' time is usefully occupied, and I am delighted to report that boredom is no problem.

One of the first things I did on becoming Vice-President was to ask for sight of the Old Barrovians’ Association Membership List. I started attending and enjoying, the lunches at the Lisdoonie; had a thoroughly good time at the buffet dance and looked forward to the committee meetings but looking again at that Membership List prompted three questions: -

1. Why do members stay away in droves from functions of the Association?

2. Why are so many of the names I remember not on the list and where are they now?

3. Why don’t more Barrow Sixth Form students join?

Although I hand over Presidency to Jim Goggin in 1989 I hope to continue the acquaintance renewed when the letter interrupted my decorating and I’m sure the whole committee would like to know the answers to my three questions. Any ideas?