On behalf of us all, a bouquet of spring flowers was sent to Neil’s funeral with the

message…

‘In grateful thanks for many years of service to the 70th'

‘Stand at Ease'

At the service of thanksgiving for Neil’s life, Chris Buss spoke of Neil’s time in the 70th

and his words are included in this edition, along with a recollection of Neil from Martin

Richardson.

Daphne Knights…

Daphne closely supported her husband Peter during some 30 years of service to the

Company and during part of that period she also served as a GLB Lieutenant. She

remained in continuous contact with both the 7th and the 70th communities and was an

'ever present' at any Company gathering. Her bright greeting, loyal friendship and wise

counsel will be greatly missed.

Our thanks to Sheila Davies and Sheila Clark for their tributes to Daphne included in this issue. These tributes

appear

together with some of the many immediate reactions received to the news of Daphne’s passing.

Ron Webb…

Ron Webb joined the Company in 1941 and it was he who persuaded his father William ('Pop') Webb, a local police

officer, to become the acting Captain during a difficult time for the 70th when all Officers were engaged in the war

effort. Ron involved himself with the Boys Brigade wherever his work took him and this was evidenced by the many

hands that went up when the question "how many here today are connected with the Boys Brigade?" was asked at his

thanksgiving service.

Also in this Edition...

Two 'memory joggers' from Pete Ellis, our thanks to him, and feedback on the piece re. 'Walter Pook' that appeared in

the last edition...

Continued…

3120

2 Chris#

Newsletter of Old Boys & Friends of 70

London BB Company

REFLECTIONS

Edition

October 2015

Losses from our Communit

Losses from our CommunitLosses from our Communit

Losses from our Communities

iesies

ies...

......

...

Since March we have sadly lost two long standing pillars of the 70

BB and 7th GLB/GB communities in Neil Pheasant

and Daphne Knights and also Ron Webb, who was a boy in the company during World War II.

Neil Pheasant…

Neil joined the 70th in 1965, was a Lieutenant from 1975-80 and again from 1984-89 and the Company Captain from

1980-84 – nearly 25 years of direct involvement. Although suffering an increasingly debilitating illness in r

ecent years,

Neil kept in touch, always helpful and offering encouragement and he drew strength from being so deeply part of the

and it’s history.

Naming names

Naming namesNaming names

Naming names…

In Reflections edition 10, April 2013, there is a

photograph of the 1965 Gym Team. Three faces were

unidentified. The boy in the back row on the left is

Andy Taylor who lived in Poplar Ave, Mitcham. I

thought he had an elder brother in the company, but

cannot find his name in my collection of old

membership cards. The boy on the far right is possibly

Trevor (?) and the one seated on the left again possibly

Lloyd (?). These last two are only my guesses, but

perhaps these names will prompt someone’s memory…

Pete Ellis

(

The Website…

Thanks to the receipt of further membership cards from Peter Ellis and Hazel Willson – her father Arthur Bowbeer’s

large collection - we can now display scans of card covers, with a few gap years (mainly during the war) from 1936 to

1977 and staff / squad name lists wherever a company handbook was included. There are some striking cover designs

and, for those in the Company during the period, the lists will provide recollections of many long forgotten names and

individuals...

The Reflections Newsletter...

Regretfully, this will be the last edition of 'Reflections' in its current format... From the beginning Alan set the bar high

for presentation and content and he and the other committee members have sought to maintain this level, but finding

'copy' for recent editions has proved increasingly difficult. We have found that 'voluntary', as opposed to 'pressed',

contributions have dried up and the feeling has grown that we have extracted most everything that you wish to relate...

We will continue to inform of 'Parish Notices', via an email / letter in the form of a ‘mini Reflections’ and the website

will continue as an archive of 70th material.

As those of you who have produced similar newsletters will know, such publications cannot be produced without

considerable skill, thought and effort and our thanks are due to Alan for his leading role in this. Thanks also to the

committee, to the many past contributors and to Chris Buss for his assistance with printing and its associated costs.

Alan has put this in his own words in a 'reflective' piece in this edition...

In closing, please keep Jack Fishpool, Bill Pizey, Bernard Shaw and Gerald (Geb) Rance in your thoughts and prayers

Dave

REFLECT

IONS

Page 2

eil joined the BB in early 1966, serving as a boy and then an officer

until going into ministerial training in 1988. I will try to avoid what has

been said earlier and some of what I will say is repeating Neil’s own

words written in 2007.

Neil explains how he joined the BB and what happened next…

“It was my Mum’s idea! You just did not say “no” to my Mum. She

invited Curly (Peter Knights, the Captain) round for a cup of tea

as I recall and that was that. I have got to admit I was not keen to

start with but the boys were very friendly. The first night was a

Drill Parade just a week or so before the Annual Display. That fi

rst

night really sticks in my memory. I felt a little bit in awe of the

discipline and the need to clean uniform etc. Rolly Clark inspected

me, calling me “mate” and telling me that

my hair needed a lot of

brush and comb. I got to watch the drill session as Fred Bateman

put them through their paces. Then there was some pretty

spectacular gym practice for the display. Why did I stay? I guess BB

intrigued me. A bit scary, but it demanded something. Besides,

no-one had ever called me “mate” before. You could just sense

the friendliness, even through the strong discipline. I just went

home and asked Mum to buy me a brush and comb.

I was a bit of slow starter when it came to the activity side of

things, but things like First Aid, Communications (Morse code etc),

and Expeditions all held their attractions.

My BIG hate was cross-country running. We HAD to do it at camp. One cross-country run could wipe out a

whole year’s good experiences. I always came back from camp vowing to leave the Company before the new

session started – I never did though.”

Reaching the age limit in 1973 Neil undertook basic training - in 1975 becoming a Lieutenant and then Company

Captain in 1980. As has been explained Neil took the drill book on honeymoon with him, becoming the 2nd 70th

captain to do such a thing, also, at the 2008 centenary event, Neil admitted that he chose his wedding day October

- Founders day, so he would never forget his anniversary.

It was in 1982 that I met Neil and we served together for six years until he went to Bible College. During that time

we had a great number of humorous and serious occasions which would take many hours to recount. We also had a

great group of lads who made it a delight to serve even if it did involve most weekends travelling around London

and further afield… I will try and summarise as best I can…

Neil as captain and as an officer had what can best be described as an interesting sense of humour with his bad

puns and one liners and his descriptive wit - when at one camp, where we were visited by some robust GB officers

who were complaining about a nocturnal visit by some of the boys, he described them as “castors” as they

appeared to have no visible means of perambulation!

A tribute to Neil Pheasant

A tribute to Neil PheasantA tribute to Neil Pheasant

A tribute to Neil Pheasant

…

… …

…

Page 3

REFLECTIONS

Neil was inventive and always willing to try something new from

badge classes in heraldry, to playing with

what was then,

a top of the range Sinclair ZX80. He also had new ideas for displays, including an adaptation of

parts of Pilgrim’s progress crossed with Star wars, a complete Royal Tournament Gun carriage run, with

explosions and a course that was not ‘health and safety’ approved, and the 1st Covent Garden Drill /ballet

sketch including one boy in a tutu, although I suspect Karen would claim co-credit for that one.

For Neil the BB was not about fun for the boys but primarily about showing them the love of Christ and their

need for a saviour. This was perhaps best demonstrated during the annual BB camp, which Neil would come

back to even after he left as an officer to experience what was a time of fellowship, where boys and staff

could mix together. It’s difficult to describe to a non BB member the impact of attending camp but it is the

time that old boys will reminisce about the most, whether it be the pranks, normally involving a combination

of two or more of flag pole, sleeping bag, canvas and water, the food – both good and bad and the spiritual

message, something that can and did impact individuals for life, as Neil said at the Centenary Reunion… I do

hope they have camp’s in heaven Neil, if they do, just make sure that you keep Brian Prichard away from the

menu – plum duff would be heavenly for eternity but Brian can keep his pilchards.

Neil’s time as BB captain was relatively short but it is no exaggeration to say that without it the 70th could

well have clos

ed some 30 years before it did in 2010. So there are many, many boys who can unwittingly thank

him for his service. I would add that if ever anyone took Ecclesiastes 9 v10 to heart with his BB work it was

Neil in that literally ‘Whatever his hand found to do he did it with all his might’.

It is perhaps best to close with Neil’s own words on what the BB meant to him…

“The Lord Jesus Christ and more guidance for life and happy memories than I could ever write down.”

Neil, thanks mate for being a steadfast friend and for happy memories that will last through

eternity.

Chris Buss

Recollections of Neil...

I first encountered Neil when I was a Staff Sergeant attached to the

Life Boys. He joined the company from the age of eleven I think. He

was quite shy but he did not give up easily on tasks and would stick it

out to the bitter end. As he grew up he devoted more of his time to

the Christian way of life and this, I think, was the power behind the

man. I also remember at camp that from a small quiet

boy, he grew in

confidence over the years and eventually became a tent commander.

He then progressed through the officer ranks, finally becoming

Captain. Neil was a man of principle, who lived by his ideals, had a

good sense of humour and was a loyal friend.

Martin Richardson

REFLECTIONS

Page 4

A few months ago I came across th

e Cheam Baptist

Church website and was pleased to see that amongst

their activities they still have a Boys Brigade Company.

Following a call to the church’s office, I made contact

with Les Hillman who is now the acting captain of the

company while they seek a permanent replacement.

Many of us will remember our camps through the 50s and

60s in company with the 3rd Mid Surrey, an association

which began after WW2 in 1945. The camps I remember

being at Charmouth, Pett Level in Hastings, Isle of Wight

and Swanage.

The company today is not the 3rd Mid Surrey but the 1st

Cheam and is part of the reorganised Kingston, Merton

and Mid Surrey Battalion -

they were the 1st Cheam when

they started as a Boys Life Brigade company.

During our telephone conversation we recalled a few

names from those days... There was Ernie Butcher the

captain whose strict demeanour filled us with terror, but

who was actually very friendly. Do any of you remember

how he would amuse us by eating fruit cake between two

slices of bread? There was also the minister of Cheam

Baptist the Rev. A.J. Matthews. He would regularly

attend camp and encourage us to call him AJ.

Camping with the 3rd Mid Surre

Camping with the 3rd Mid SurreCamping with the 3rd Mid Surre

Camping with the 3rd Mid Surrey…

y…y…

y…

The following were also

recalled:

Arthur and Paul Haffenden, ? Croucher, Alan Kingett,

Dave Skingall, Roger Chapman, Roger Godfrey, and the

Salters -

their father Bill, who was captain following Ernie

Butcher, and his sons, one being Neil .(cannot remember

his brothers name).There was also of course Les himself.

Perhaps others can recall more names for future issues

and also details of the 181st London Company from

Clapham who also camped with us on occasions.

Les himself took over as captain in 1986 following

Malcolm Skingall, but due to ill health had to resign.

Before moving away for work purposes, he formed the 1st

Whitstable in 1968 and in 1980 a company in Stonleigh.

The Cheam company today has around 50 members in all

sections, including an Amicus group which includes girls.

They often have camps in conjunction with the local

Scout troop where they work to qualify for their Gold

Duke of Edinburgh award. Les also mentioned that the 1st

Wandsworth (known to us as the 37th London at Trinity

Rd Chapel), continues to grow.

Hoping this brings back some good memories.

Pete Ellis

The Camp Ensemble

. Please note the ‘strict’ Ernie Bu

cher in

the middle glaring at a certain particularly joyous Jackie Fishpool!

REFLECTIONS

Page 5

By Sheila Davies (Holbrook)

My memories of Daphne began when I first joined GB in the Cadets and has lasted through many years right up to

the present time.

Happy times of Company nights, Annual Displays and Summer camps when it was great to be away with the girls

and officers in a different environment enjoying ourselves and having a wonderful time together.

Daphne as an officer was always there with a friendly word, helping and encouraging and she also had such a

great sense of fun. I look back and feel so much gratitude to Daphne and to all the officers who dedicated

themselves to leading us in those days. She was very much committed to helping and encouraging young people

not only in GB but also in the young peoples’ groups that she led.

She always made a point of keeping in touch with so many over the years from her days at Tooting Junction

Baptist Church and then at Morden Baptist Church – she had friends in so many parts of the country.

It must not be forgotten what a support she was for Peter, particularly in the 1970’s, when the pressure of

captaining the 70th was taking its toll, she got to know a number of the lads well and liked to call them ‘her

boys’.

In later years I remember with pleasure the evenings we shared with Daphne and Peter; having fish and chips

suppers, lots of chat and always fun – very special memories.

By Sheila Clark

(Crane)

We have a shrub in our garden called daphne ododata, It is a reliable,

withstands inclement conditions and bears the most heavenly scented

blossoms –a very good description of Daphne wouldn’t you say?

Daphne joined the GLB cadets when she was six. Sunday school attendance

was a first principle of the GLB and later the monthly church parade with

the BB band [with a certain Peter Knights] leading the parade round the

local streets was a must. She always appeared full of energy but never in

such a showy way as to draw attention to herself

I remember the GLB displays and her skill with the skipping rope. She was

not petite but there was no one lighter on her feet. She could do intricate

steps whist turning the rope backwards with outstretched arms…and if you

think that is easy- just try it!

Her deep Christian faith was expres

sed in her baptism and led to work in the

Sunday School and the GLB for which she is remembered fondly.

I recall how

smart and tidy she looked; never a hair out of place [not fashionable these

days – but that is my age showing!] and with discreet make up.

When she was elected

eacon, the rev. David Reddaway appreciated he

wise and gentle council

Married to Peter she supported his BB work wholeheartedly, which is quite something when you realise how much

of his time and commitment it took, even behind the scenes

I remember at the BB sport at Tooting Bec she was there with little daughter Susan, probably four years old at

most, adding her support and encouragement to the 70th’s very successful athletics team.

Daph and Pete/Pete and Daph, what a splendid couple whose life together became greater than the sum of the two

individuals. Their commitment and enthusiasm was of such a high calibre that it will remain an example to us all.

REFLECTIONS

Page 6

Memories of Daphne.....

Memories of Daphne.....Memories of Daphne.....

Memories of Daphne.....

In Memory of Deck Boy Walter Po

In Memory of Deck Boy Walter PoIn Memory of Deck Boy Walter Po

In Memory of Deck Boy Walter Pook

okok

ok…

……

…

In the last edition of

Reflections

we reported the ‘detective’ work carried out by Kei

th Bilyard on Walter Pook, a company

member who served in the 70

and in the Merchant Navy in the Second World War. Walter was tragically killed in 1942 when

his ship was torpedoed by a German U boat in 1942.

Keith has since unveiled a further two twists in the story:

1. re. the U-588…

The submarine that torpedoed and sunk the S.S. Carperby, met the same fate four months later with the loss of all

hands. She was depth charged in the North Atlantic by two Canadian ships, a corvette HMCS Wetaskiwin and a

destroyer HMCS Skeena.

2. from James Pook…

‘I stumbled across your old boys site and saw that you have put up a memorial in Carshalton. Wally, as my grandad

called him, is my granddad’s brother and told me of his brother and how sad it was he died at a young age, good to

see it's appreciated. Thanks.’

We did inform James that we were not actually responsible for erecting the new memorial!

‘Though sad, she is now with her Lord and

it, sounds as if there was no long illness

which is merciful.’

(Hazel Willson)

‘We have good memories of Daphne and of course Peter who was my 'skipper' all through my time in the

… On the 29th I shall remember Daphne in my service on what is the Feast of the Archangels Michael,

Gabriel and Raphael and pray that she joins their heavenly choir in the praise of God as she meets Him,

face to face.’

(Fr. Michael Bartlett).

We received many responses to the news

regarding Daphne, some of which are

included here…

‘Sad indeed - a good friend lost...’ (Roy Norris)

‘I am really saddened at this news. Daphne was an

inspiration to many for her commitment and service for

Christ and His Church all her life, whether it was at Tooting

or Morden.’ (Moreen Sore)

‘I can hardly believe it – I’ve known her all my life…’

(Margaret Rowbotham)

‘My memories of Daphne are of a lovely lady with a huge

warm heart for me and the other boys in the BB. She always

welcomed me with a lovely smile and hug and took a huge

interest in how I and my family were getting on. Sorry to

hear of her sudden death but because she loved the Lord

and knew Him as her personal Saviour, I know that she is in

a much better place.’ (Carl Osbourne)

‘What sad news. Such a lovely lady who meant much to so

many people and will be greatly missed.’ (Keith Holbrook)

REFLECTIONS

Page 7

It was April 2009 when the first edition of our newsletter was published. Some 6 years later we bring you

Edition 14, regrettably our ‘swan song’. Reasons for this tough decision have been set out by Dave on the

front page…a sad but we believe sensible one.

However let’s not get too down about its passing but rejoice in the many memorable stories we covered...

Looking back over the content of the 14 issues we recall a fascination of reading about what ‘boys’ have been

getting up to since leaving the company. John Ward’s rise to become a curator for the National Science

Museum and Roy Norris’ bee keeping hobby are two stories that for me were particularly memorable. The ‘I

Remember When’ column evoked many good stories, often as not, linked to the happy and often emotional

experiences of Camp. The annual displays, bugle band and sporting stories were also frequent sources of

happy recollection. Hearing of the legacy of the ‘Seveno’ football and cricket teams was heart warming.

Inevitably over the years we had to report the passing of many ‘a good man and true’ including several Past

Captains, Officers and Old Boys. We shall remember them.

One of the ‘stats’ covered were: the number of boys who passed through the Company to be of the order of

1500; the percentage of Old Boys currently residing in the South East, 83%... the rest living further afield.

Putting together Reflections has always been an enjoyable and satisfying experience… but sometimes

challenging. Contributions from Old Boys came in steadily in the early years, but inevitably over time the

stories became less forthcoming. Our thanks to all those ‘boys’ and occasional ‘girls’ who put pen to paper.

Thanks in particular go to Keith Holbrook who could always be relied on to fill a space to help us complete

the twice yearly ‘8 page’ publication challenge. The very comprehensive story book of the 70

th,

‘A Positive

Contribution’ by Chris Buss was always a valuable source of inspiration and published material.

My thanks go to Dave and his wife Angie for their meticulous proof reading and fine polishing and to Dave,

whose skills have allowed us to have a ‘70

London Old Boys’ website. This not only features our archived

pictures, sounds and documents but also all editions of Reflections. Our newsletters and their historic

content are now therefore ‘out there for ever’!

We should feel proud that we did our bit to capture our ‘reflections’ on the wonderful

time we had in the 70

and the undoubted positive influence it had on us all.

Alan

POST SCRIPT

POST SCRIPTPOST SCRIPT

POST SCRIPT

: We welcome all comments and suggestions on

Reflections

Please contact either Alan Rance:

alan.rance@virginmedia.com

01491 839164

or Dave Richardson:

davri22@gmail.com

01323 483066

www.70thlondonoldboys.org.uk

Reflecting on

Reflecting onReflecting on

Reflecting on

Reflections

Page 8

REFLECTIONS