There is an old Chinese proverb that goes something like this, “if you are planning for one year, plant rice… if you are planning for 10 years, plant trees.… if you are planning for 100 years, educate people”. Having read some extracts from Barry Hobson’s forthcoming book on the history of Millfield, I am uncertain as to whether the ‘Founder’ was a planner or not, but he did win over and convince parents, teachers, old pupils and the pupils themselves that what he was offering was a progressive education which embraced a global perspective, individual excellence and had its roots in classical times.
As most of the pre-1975 OM’s were educated under the ‘reign’ of RJOM, they all have ‘stories’ to tell about this special comprehensive school, its philosophy and their time spent at Millfield. In my case, catching a cricket ball thrown at me by the ‘Boss’ in his study during an interview 48 years ago ensured that I qualified for entry into this different type of Public School. There was no mention of my academic abilities, which baffled my father who thought that a school was not a school if its yardstick was sporting success and being able to catch a silly leather ball! As a result of this interview I was granted a sports scholarship as well as being detailed off to have special Speech Therapy classes to improve the way I spoke and to make me a more effective and confident communicator. It seems ironic that my career has mainly centred around the areas of speech, language and communication. I cannot believe that he was that good at vocational guidance, or was he?
When I received all the details of the Reunion Programme my heart nearly stopped beating when I thought there would be a Games Programme. I have not taken any serious exercise for 35 years so I was relieved to read that ‘strolling around and viewing the amazing physical changes’ would be part of the programme. I certainly liked the other proposed activities, of taking drinks with Peter and Chrissy Johnson and having dinner in the new Dining Hall. I did wonder what kind of house (or mansion) they lived in which would accommodate 400 OM’s and their partners, and whether the garden would be big enough.
Two weeks before the event the Secretary, John Davies, wrote to me to asking whether I would contribute something for the Millfield Society Chronicle. At first I thought he was asking me to make a speech on behalf of the OMs, which would have been easier for me than writing up this sketchy outline of our Reunion.
It was strange to return to Street, especially as I lived in the town for 19 years of my life, near to the home of Lawrence Housman, the famous poet. On arriving at the school later than I had planned, my wife and I caught up with the ‘strollers’, who were being guided around the new and old buildings by Barry Hobson, who was aided by a hand-held microphone so that those who were hard of hearing (in fact I now have a high frequency loss) could follow all the ‘archivist’ stories too numerous to relate in an article of this kind. The swimming pool, Athletic Arena and Equestrian Centre, together with the Meyer Theatre and new Dining Hall were impressive, and most of the OMs seemed genuinely supportive and approving of the investment, which the School had made over recent years.
There was a chuckle when Barry told the story of how the Meyer Theatre and its cost of £3 ½ million was paid for. £1 million came from the OMs and the rest from having a Bursar with outstanding financial management skills (no further comment!). Some of the older OMs were disappointed not to see the notorious Nissan Huts and thought that at least one of them should have been preserved for posterity. My memory of the classes held in the Nissan Huts were that they were very stimulating, especially as I was taught English by Robert Bolt – later the distinguished author of ‘The Man for all Seasons’, and Economics by Dr Paxton who had been declared bankrupt. During breaks they would argue incessantly about socialism and capitalism.. the pupils became spectators, soaking in the skills involved in arguing your case and cheering on their chosen debater. Whilst buildings and facilities are important there is no substitute for engaging outstanding individuals as tutors who have the ability to make one think and be responsible for ones own actions.
On completing the tour, we leisurely returned for tea, which was served outside Millfield House, which is where Boss and the highly efficient Miss Sankey had previously had their offices. During tea I was approached by Marcus Branson, who recognised me from years ago when his mother, Mary, helped in supporting a group of deaf children when they attended the Millfield Village of Education. She had been a Speech Therapist, an actress and an outstanding communicator. The tea and cakes went down well as the group was in need of some sustenance.
With tea over we all dispersed to get ready for drinks in the Headmaster’s garden. Once there, there were some anxious moments as the champagne flowed and the weather was threatening and thunderous. The gathering reminded me of the Henley Royal Regatta without the women’s hats, hooray Henries and the pints of Pimms. There were plenty of umbrellas at the ready as well as swarms of very welcomed ‘glass fillers’ and ‘nibble providers’. The buzz of conversation came to an abrupt end when the English Summer monsoon ensured that everyone made a dash for the new Dining Hall, which was not easy to find, especially as most of the pre-75 Class were unfamiliar with the terrain and the intricate pathways leading to the Dining Hall.
It took some time for everyone to find their table, recover from the downpour and ensure they had purchased some wine for dinner. The seating was arranged with the swimmers down one side of the Hall and the ‘Golden-Oldies’ – some were silver and bronze – down the other. There were 36 tables, we found ourselves on table 5 and in the company of some entertaining individuals. It was good to meet Syd Hill and his wife again. When I played for the Millfield 1st XV, Syd supported Walter Gluck, who was the Senior Coach at the time and played an important role in our success. The word ‘lose’ was not part of our vocabulary in those days.
To remind OMs that they were back in a school environment the food was not served at the table but instead on the theme of Oliver Twist. Once the coffee had done its rounds, the speeches got underway. It is a pity that speeches are not delivered at the beginning of the proceedings instead of towards the end, as one might remember more of what each of them conveyed. With a mix of champagne, wine and my deafness my recollections are more general than specific.
After-dinner speeches are generally predictable, follow reciprocal compliments and endeavour to win over the hearts and minds of those who attend such functions. They are a far cry from speeches in the old Soviet Union, which invariably went on for 6 hours. On one occasion, Premier Khrushchev went for a radical change by producing a 2-hour speech. With difficulty because the Speech Writer was not used to such compression, the speech was produced. Unfortunately, when Khrushchev delivered it again took 6 hours. The unfortunate Speech Writer was sent for and threatened with expulsion to Siberia. “.. But Premier Khruschev it was a two hour speech! I wrote it, tried it and it could not have been tampered with because I brought it here myself to your office. A top and two copies..” Peter Johnson, Duncan Goodhew and other speakers did not have the same predicament. Thank goodness!
What impressed me about the main speakers was their ability to see the ‘bigger picture’ of what they are both trying to accomplish in their respective ways.
Duncan gave a rousing rendition of how he sees the school and its many achievements. His style of getting the audience to ‘remember this and remember that..’ worked a treat. A special tribute was paid to Paddy Garrett and his excellence as a swimming coach.
Peter wants Millfield to be recognised as the best all-round school anywhere in the world. Its prowess in sport is renowned throughout the land but there is this desire to ensure that Art, Drama, Music and the 42 academic subjects are equally valued in this diversified and inclusive educational environment. As part of the Headmasters relay team he wants to ensure that he hands on the ‘baton of success’ and leaves the school a much better place than he found it. It is my view that the present Head understands the Chinese Proverb – “.. If you are planning for 100 years, educate people..”
Having read most of the Millfield Society Chronicles, it is quite obvious that ‘networking’ has been an important feature of the school’s development. From the early years, the ability to share the experience has enabled generations of pupils to acquire a real affection for the Millfield ethos and apply it to their everyday lives. In my case, after the Royal Marines (National Service), Loughborough, Surrey and London Universities, I set up four Charitable Trusts, which have helped, deaf, deaf-blind and speech/language impaired children, young people and adults to become more confident about themselves and to receive an all-round education. My latest venture is Deafax, supported by the Father/Architect of the Internet, Dr Vinton Cerf, who is our Honorary President.
Through the power of the Internet and emailing, a whole new 21st Century revolution is taking place which will spread Millfield’s prowess even wider throughout the world.
The Reunion was indeed a trip down memory lane for most of those who attended but it was also an opportunity for us to have an insight into what is happening now and the plans that the school has for the future. On looking at the list of attendees of the Pre-75 Class, there is a wonderful resource to be nurtured and used for the benefit of Millfield.
Thank you to those who organised this memorable and friendly event and to those who attended. When is the next one, please?
