D N E Evans      Mead’s / Beevor’s - 1936 – 1940

As requested I have endeavoured to set down what I can remember of my life at Aldenham which included the Munich Days and the start of WORLD WAR II. I have consulted what remains of my diaries. I have no knowledge of the visit of Hitler Youth to which reference was made and am very surprised to hear it. I do have an entry for 6.3.1937 - Ist XI played Germans and lost.  The only piece of excitement that I recall was when SABU, the Indian boy Film Star came to visit the school. He was working at the nearby Film Studios on the film Jungle Story. Directed by Alexander Korda. He was thinking of coming to Aldenham for a short time so as not to miss out on education.  I cannot actually remember seeing him about the place. He later went to Hollywood, I believe.

My chosen 'House' (Mead's) was full. I was housed temporarily with Mr and Mrs J.C.Evans in their house in the village of Letchmore Heath. There were several of us, the overflow from various Houses.  It was only for sleeping and breakfast. You could walk to the school either up the road or via the soccer ground which was at the rear of "Jock" Evans's house. (Taught me Geography).

Mead's House was like two houses, one part occupied by the Housemaster, Mr Mead (Tibby) his sister, ‘Tabitha' who supervised the domestic and welfare side, Mr Mabbott, tutor and the domestic staff. This block faced the cricket field and pavilion. The dormitory block was at right angles, it comprised: GF. Large Classroom (dayroom), Small Classroom, Prae's study, library, dining room and kitchen, wash/changing room, drying room, showers, open yard with toilet block leading off. There were steps leading down to the boiler room with, I think a coke fired boiler. The Boilerman, Mr Folder, I think, an elderly kindly soul, kept this part of the premises and changing rooms etc. clean.

FF.  Large and small open dormitories, bathroom with 3 baths in cubicles without doors, sick room and  linen room etc.  

SF.  Large and small dormitories and bathroom as above, trunk room?

The heating in the dorms was by hot water radiators along the centre of the large dorms.were benches housing wash bowls. These were filled with hot water by the junior boys each evening.  There was a radiator below each. As there were windows on all three sides of the room and these were open at all times it was not unusual to find ice in the bowls in the morning.

Cold baths were the order of the day. Not every one was keen to have a dip so some would wrap the towel around their waist and trot back to their dorm. The Prae was, of course, wise to such dodges and would call you over, if he was suspicious, feel the towel and if not wet enough, send you back for another dip.  Certainly you had a lovely warm glow from head to foot after a cold bath. It was the duty of a junior, by rota, to run the baths.

The daily routine was as follows:-

PT for 15mins on full school days.

Letter writing Sundays 1.45 or 4.45 in Winter and Supper 8.30

Typical meals (1937) :-

DAY                 BREAKFAST                  LUNCH                                      TEA

Mon.                 baked beans                  stew, roly-poly                           kipper

                          roll /butter

Tues.                kipper                           steak & kidney pie                      2 sausages

                                                            apple/gooseberry fool

Wed.                 scrambled egg               lamb,peas,pots, and                   sausages

                                                            apple jelly

Thurs                fish cakes                      sausages etc.apple charlotte       boiled egg

Fri.                   bacon                            liver etc and treacle tart              sausage meat

Sat.                  fish                               lamb, cabbage and potatoes        eggs

Sun.                                                      meat and baked pots.                 cakes & cheese

                                                            in skins.   trifle. 

The Classrooms (dayrooms) had lockers along the walls to house your personal belongings and tuck etc. Invariably they were festooned with photographs of family, girl friends and celebrities. Film stars were a popular choice. (I had photographs and letters from Jessie Matthews, Nova Pilbeam, Fay Wray among others).  Many would be bought from F.W.Woolworth for a halfpenny, one penny or even tuppence. (F W W's motto-'Nothing Over 6d').

We all had 'tuck boxes' which held extra food such as tins of fruit, baked beans etc in addition to cakes, sweets and non-alcoholic drink, plus personal items. All of this had to go into the lockers. Trunks and tuck boxes went into store.

The Lower Classroom had six large tables seating six, three on either side of the room. There were two coal fires, one at either end.  The senior boys occupied the lockers at the Upper Fireplace. Only they were permitted to walk down the centre of the room to that Fireplace. The juniors of the Lower Fireplace had to make their way down the side of the room between tables and wall to approach a member of the Upper Fireplace.

In Meads after prep and prior to retiring 'COME ALONG' was held in the large classroom. The inhabitants of that, the Lower Classroom would line up along the locker wall with the most junior at the entrance end then the seniors from the Upper Classroom would enter, three abreast, centre button done up, hands in pockets in front of bottom part of jacket, arms linked and very slowly parade down the centre of the room to the upper fireplace and deposit themselves along that end  of the room. Next the 'Praes', jackets open and hands in pocket, would, in single file, make their way down to the bottom end and take up their position with back to fireplace. To perform the walk the toe was pointed forward just brushing the floor.   Finally the House Captain would call the Roll and then inform the Housemaster or Tutor who would come in and read a short prayer and make any announcement before saying Goodnight and leaving the boys to retire, the juniors first.  At a late hour the Housemaster or Tutor would do the rounds of the dorms to make sure all were present and in their own beds.

Half-term Singing was a ritual that the 'first year boys' had to go through. One of the older boys of that group had to see that all those concerned had chosen a popular song to sing and make sure that there was no duplication. After chapel four of the tables would be pushed together near the Upper Fireplace so that a cross was made in the centre by the joins. Benches would be arranged with back to fire for those the senior boys of the Upper Fireplace and Upper Classroom.  One bench was placed so as to make a step to get on to the table. The first boy would then be summoned.  He would have to run down the centre of the room, clamber up on to the table, stand with feet either side of the join and toes in line with the other joins formed by the tables, stare straight ahead at the clock and on being asked give the name of their song and when invited to proceed to sing it until stopped. There must be no faltering even though remarks were being made and shoe laces played with etc.  You could be ordered to stop, turn around and then asked where the clock fingers were pointing. In due course you would be ordered to stop get down and, in a bent position, pass along the line of seniors who would whack you with greater or lesser force depending upon your perceived conduct around the school. I neither enjoyed the experience as the recipient nor as giver.  I was admonished by Tibby Mead for my reluctance to take part, I thought my revision more important. It was, however, quite a leveller, especially so in respect of those of a bullying or unpleasant behaviour as they received the hardest whacks and admonition.  (I suppose today writs for assault would be issued) No-one was the worse for wear.

We had one big-head whose father was very rich and most found him objectionable. Naturally he suffered most from the seniors.

Before my days in Meads House they used to have a yard ball game which involved getting possession of the ball. Apparently the ball went down the stoke hole and one of the juniors jumped down the hole and broke his collarbone. After that it was stopped. We still had 'Rooting Up' which was purely a ball game.

Fagging was not adopted as such at Aldenham.  Our name for the menial duties was called 'Boying'. In Mead's House when the Praeposters wanted their shoes cleaned etc or a message delivered he would shout 'BOY' and all the first year boys had to rush to the Prae's study and queue up. The last one(s) got the jobs. You did not have to answer the call if you were at the end of the external passageway. Other duties could result in making toast for their tea in front of the gas fire in the dining room etc.

Only Praes were allowed to use the pathway leading from the front drive to the boys entrance at the side of Mead's House.

You were allowed three EXEATS per term. On those chosen Sundays, after chapel, you could leave the premises with your relatives providing you had been granted one by your Housemaster.  You would see all the cars waiting at the school for their charges.  As soon as it struck twelve there was a rush to get away. That hour was fixed to prevent any restlessness arising from boys wanting to rush the Service so as to get away earlier. All had to be back in time for evening chapel at 6.45.pm. Any other absence had to be approved by the Housemaster. As a number of boys lived a long way away I used to take one or more home with me for the day.

 I remember clambering out of a ground floor window at about 6.00am in the summer to play tennis. Our grass court was always in such demand that it was often difficult to get a booking at other times. We had a Tennis Ladder. This was a board with a slip bearing the name of each player inserted in descending order of proficiency. The idea was that you could challenge one of the next two or three players above you and if you won you moved up and they moved down, The aim, of course, was to get to the top of the Ladder.

Pocket money of one shilling a week was paid out by House Tutor. He was the banker. Money brought had to be handed to him for safe keeping and was logged on your account. 

We used to buy, sell and swop items between us, such as photos of film stars, food and other items.

May 12th 1937 we listened to The Coronation

July 13th 1937 the House assembled for the formal Christening of the House Cup.

In addition to Mead’s (50 boys) there were three other Houses, School House, the largest, was divided into two, Odds (53) and Evens (52), Allsop’s (50) and Cox’s (50). They were placed two on each side of the cricket field. There were also a small number of dayboys.

When I started at Aldenham, Assembly, Gym, Fencing, Boxing, Singing, School Concerts and Plays were held in the Gym building near the Fives Courts. It was the venue for the Inter House Shout comps.(singing) and Inter House Acting Comps. We were allowed to have guests to the School Concerts and Plays.  Some of the concerts and recitals were held in Schoolhouse Dining Hall.  Die Fledermaus, The Tempest and Trial by Jury  to name but a few.  Following the construction of the Odeon Cinema like building opposite the school gates, the new chapel, the old chapel was deconsecrated and became the gym.

The new classroom block fronted the quadrangle and had a cloister along the front. Apart from classrooms it housed the museum. At one end of the cloister was the large open sided games shed which was used for PT. if it was wet and for 'rooting up' and "6's", this was a team game using a  rubber ball about twice the size of a tennis ball. (played 10/3/37)

At the other end of the 'Rooting Up' shed was the Memorial Library with two floors of shelving and tables for sitting and studying.

The other end of the cloisters led to Schoolhouse. Between the New Classrooms and Schoolhouse was an open area giving access to the two old classroom blocks. These had high windows so you could not be distracted by any activities outside.   I thought this easier for working than the new block for that reason.

Aldenham was fortunate in having a good cricket field prominently on show through the double wrought iron gates.   With Houses on two sides of the field it made a very pleasant scene.  The soccer fields were located to the North and were approached by a long pathway leading downhill from behind the Five Courts. They had a sandy soil thus draining well for such activities.  In the Lent Term hockey took over from soccer.  I seem to remember that there was some talk of playing rugger instead of soccer but most, I think were against it. In addition to these amenities we were fortunate in having Courts for Eton Fives and Harrow Fives as well as a Squash Court.  Our choice of sporting activities did not end there because you could indulge in shooting, swimming, cross country running, fencing, boxing, gymnastics and tennis. Notices were put up in Houses listing the various teams for that day. If you were not listed you could select another activity or go for a walk. Playing '6's' was popular. I often used to go in the field across the road and listen to my crystal set.

The modern popular Tuck Shop building backed on to the public highway. It comprised Tuck Shop, Tearooms and school-shop. The shop was run by one of the masters, Mr Webber (maths) and the tuck shop and tearooms by Mr and Mrs Timms (Groundsman). Oxo was provided at break times. Afternoon teas were available at the weekend and Tuesday afternoons. A sample tea for two taken comprised 2 boiled eggs at 3d each, 4 crumpets at 1d each, 4 cakes at 1d each, 4 chocolate biscuits at 1/2d each, pot of tea at 61/2d, total 1s/71/2d (one shilling and seven pence halfpenny)[about 8 new pence] .

The Sanatorium was situated fronting the Letchmore Heath road, midway between the School gates and village. It was a modern building, light and airy. Dr Wilson, the local G.P. was the school Medical Officer, a kindly man, easy to talk to. Sister O'Leary and Nurse Mary Johnston attended the sick, and they did it very well. It was almost worth being confined to the San. to be nursed by them. I learnt how to make beds using the 'envelope' system and still use it.

The Headmaster throughout my time at Aldenham was Mr G.A.Riding. He made a practise of taking each class once a year in order to see his charges. I was taken aback on one occasion when he called me to my feet and after looking at his notes remarked that "you seemed to have persuaded Mr English that you are a hard worker".

Mr G.C.F.Mead, my Housemaster and Form Master to Va., a cheery soul with rosy cheeks affectionately known among the boys as 'Tibby'  Latin was his forte. He used to come around the dorms and sit on the beds of the new boys and always managed to make a merry remark which justified him tickling you. He and his sister Tabitha retired to Cornwall. My wife and I called on them while on our honeymoon in 1952.

Mr Mabbott was my House Tutor when I arrived. He taught chemistry, a subject I did not do well in. He moved out later, after marrying I think.

Mr Les Jones became the House Tutor. He also was an officer in the O.T.C. together with Mr Kennedy. Capt. Green was in charge of the OTC.

Mr Allsop (Lopper) was a Housemaster and Form Master to Vb.. He took us juniors for Latin. He was elderly and was rather slow and some boys would take advantage of him. There was some trouble in his House which caused the school to be assembled for a 'pep' talk. A number of boys were expelled.

Mr George Vasey (V Shell) took me for English. I remember reading Chaucer, Nuns Priest Tale among others also Moonstone, the great detective book. He was a short fellow and quite a character. Well known at the Battle Axes PH I believe. He was quite relaxed and would not hesitate to use part of his gown to clean the blackboard.

Mr F.H.English, (Fred) (Lwr.VIi) the 'Awesome Beak' taught me French in middle school. Most boys feared him but somehow I got on well with him. He picked me to be 'Form Captain'. The duties comprised making sure that the class was ready for him, handing out books and paper and reporting to the Common Room if he did not arrive within a few minutes of starting time. His wife, a French lady, taught us juniors, French. A slim and attractive young lady. Mr English looked the typical 'beak' in his cap and gown, just like those seen in films.

Mr S. Cox (Sammy) (IVc) was a Housemaster. He taught maths.  Mr R.J.Evans (Jock) taught me geography. Very good he was too. It was not difficult to ask a 'leading' question which he would answer in great detail. I wish I could still draw freehand maps of countries and insert the main towns and rivers. I still remember two of the theories of the end of the world. All things being equal, since land will always take up the angle of rest and since the sea is deeper than the height of land, then the world would be covered in water. The other one was that 'the earth's crust is cooling all the time and as it cools it contracts thus the hot core gets hotter as the pressure grows so one day the pressure will become so great that the world will blow up.

Mr C.J.Leighton took the school for music. Excellent. He gave a number of piano recitals. He organised the concerts. He was a perfectionist where music was concerned. His nickname 'Lousy Leighton' was unfortunate.

The Rev. Basil Snell (II) prepared me for Confirmation. Apart from conducting the Chapel Services he taught Divinity.

Mr C.A.Stott (VI) looked after the Library apart from teaching classics. Referred to as 'Scabby', poor chap.

Mr. W.Green (Willey) apart from taking classes was Capt.Green of the O.T.C. I think he took us for Physics.

Mr B.T.Pike took us for drawing. Not being artistic I hated this subject. To make matters worse it was a double subject.

Mr A.N.Jack (Jacko) I think took us for History; a big man.

Mr R.C.Clift (Cocky) He died 1937

Mr S.R.Pollard took us for Biology.

Mr H.U.Kuester tried hard to instil the French language in me. He must have liked teaching because he always seemed to be having us 'in' to redo something that was not good enough. Kept in more by him than all the other masters put together. Even so I failed School Cert. the first time because I failed in French. Got there next time.

Mr F.E.Stevens replaced Mr Leighton as Music Master. In my opinion he was not up to the standard of his predecessor. If he hit a wrong note it did not seem to worry him whereas Mr Leighton would have stopped and tried again,

Mr Winlaw (Windbag) I think took us for Latin. I seem to associate him with Caesar and the Ides of March.

Sgt.Maj. Buckingham. He conducted the school-break PT, Gym, boxing, shooting and O.T.C. Demonstrations on rifles and machine guns etc. A cheery soul and very popular.

In my days all masters wore cap and gowns. We called them .Sir' and they called us by our surnames. We stood up when they came into the room and likewise if another master called in.

Life at Aldenham was very much governed by school rules and traditions. There were some variations between 'Houses' however.   I remember some of them: Shops etc. were 'Out of Bounds', You became subject to School Rules when you reached Radlett Station.

Dress was black jacket, white shirt, stiff collar, black tie with grey trousers during the week and black striped trousers on Sundays. Straw hats with the House ribbon on completed the outfit. In the summer term it was blazer and, I think, house ties. Black shoes etc. and house-shoes etc.   During your first year you had to have all three coat buttons done up on all occasions. After that you were allowed to have the top and bottom buttons undone and this was as far as you could go unless you were promoted to either House or School Praeposter when all three buttons would remain undone.

Linking of arms was regulated likewise. During your first couple of terms no linking then you were allowed to link in twos, then threes and so on. This perambulating took place along the drive while waiting to enter chapel and other such occasions when a gathering was taking place.  The 'Praes' were not so restrained. Last night of term all was relaxed.

One Sunday the whole school walked a circular route around Aldenham Reservoir. Another was round the Wall Hall estate, owned by the famous American Banker, Pierpoint Morgan. It also encompassed the Dorothy Page estate, the eminent racehorse owner. Sometimes a Fireworks display was held to which the school was invited.   On June 11th 1937 Coronation year, such a display was held together with a Concert starring Leonard Henry. He was a well-known comedian. I obtained his autograph but no longer possess it. 

It was a sad day when the 'old chapel' was replaced by the 'Odeon’ type structure. We had some interesting sermons from many a Missionary, among others. I remember one sermon telling us that lying in bed and imagining you were having a cold bath or doing exercises was as good as actually carrying out those activities. Nevertheless we were never given the chance of trying that method.

Speech Day was always popular as apart from having one's parents present the 'Special Guest' who was going to address us invariably asked the Headmaster, Mr George A. Riding to grant us a remedy (half holiday). Mr and Mrs Riding provided afternoon tea for visitors and their offspring. These comprised sandwiches and small cakes. You were allowed out until lock-up.

(3.7.37, 2.7.38 and 1.7.39)

Among the Preachers, Lecturers etc. were, The Bishop of Lebombo, The Headmaster of Lancing [7.2.37], Parable Players, [13.3.37] Mr Bertram on Religious Art [25.11.38],

Films shown included Faust, Chicken Coupe [20.3.37], Boys will be Boys (Will Hay)

Mr Hood, the Newsagent from Letchmore Heath, would bring and take orders for papers and magazines from his stand outside the New Classrooms. His was the only shop not out of bounds to the school.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

Line Inspections each term

March 20th 1937 the School was placed in Quarantine by the Ministry of Health because of diphtheria.

May 22nd 1937 School went to Borehamwood to see 'Coronation News of the Service in the Abbey'.    Film was San Francisco.

May 2nd 1937 Service in memory of Mr Clift, who was Tutor to 'Evens' and form Master to Form III who died in the hols.

Saw new chapel 2.7.1938

Dedication of new Chapel 8th October 1938. We were allowed out with parents afterwards.

Confirmed by the Bishop of St Albans December 9th.1938. Allowed out with parents prior to Service. Went to Plough Inn, Elstree for lunch. Tea in School Hall afterwards.

23/9/39 When out walking met Nurse Mary Johnson and Miss Evettes. They were leaving the San. Mary was married and Miss E. engaged to be married in a month. Asked them if they got to Egypt. No only as far as France. They belonged to Surrey branch of Red Cross.

26/9/38 measured for gasmasks, watched Mr Abbott dig trench, listened the Prime Minster, Mr Neville Chamberlain speak, Peace in Our Time.  peace to be signed.

22/10/38 There was a Debate 'Would German domination solve the present problems' Lost 53-4

28/12/38 I went with Derek Curling of Mead's House to Leukerbad in Switzerland for a Skiing holiday. We went with the Varsity and Public School Association. After a couple of days we took to our beds with the 'flu' and stayed until we returned home a few days later.

22/9/39 Football for new boys from other schools who were evacuated from London, i.e. Highgate & Mill Hill

12/11/39 ARP practise 3.00.a.m (Air Raid Precautions)     

Clocks turned back 19.11.1939

12/3/40 Tibby took Peter Rogers and myself to Watford so that we could buy a 'leaving' present for him and Mr Jones. Bought Tibby and Tabitha a silver entree dish and Les' Jones gloves.

I remember listening to the radio in the Lower Classroom and hearing Lord Haw-Haw broadcasting from Germany, reporting the German successes and asking his listeners to ask the Government where the Ark Royal was because they had sunk it. They did that sometimes to try and find out where our ships were.  He was treated with amusement.  His name was Joyce and he, I think, was executed after the war as a traitor

O.T.C.

Thursday was O.T.C. day. This comprised lectures, drill, marches and weapon training.  Sergeant-Major Buckingham trained the cadets under Lieutenants Jones  and Kennedy and Capt. Green. Whereas Sgt.Maj. Buckingham was a professional the others were form masters.

We had Field Days against other schools or colleges, home or away. It was always fun climbing aboard the coaches to visit another school or place and put the theory of warfare into practice. We had a Field Day on 9th.June 1937.  We went to the Rushmoor Camp, Aldershot from 27/7/37 - 4.8.37 where we saw demonstrations by the RAF, Infantry, Tank, Anti-Aircraft and Searchlight Divisions. We had a Field Day and were able to go into town afterwards, a Church Parade and Camp Inspection. A lot of polishing of belts, buttons and insignia took place. Much elbow grease was used on the boots I can tell you. We had our contingent photograph taken on August 2nd. and returned home on the fourth. An interesting and impressive time. Back at Aldenham we had a Field Day at Aldershot 5.5.38, at Whipsnade  9.11.38,  Versus Wellingborough at Elstree  17.11.38

Once a term we had a church parade from the School to Aldenham Church.   Sgt. Harris, the Bandmaster and the school band led the way. It was quite an impressive occasion. Funny how the Bandmaster seem to slip out just before the sermon

Passed my Certificate 'A' Exams. in 2 parts, 2/5/37 and 17/7/37. One part entailed drilling

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