120

2 Chris#

Newsletter of Old Boys & Friends of 70

London BB Company

REFLECTIONS

Making it happen

Making it happenMaking it happen

Making it happen

Welcome to the 4

Edition of Reflections, our

twice-

yearly Newsletter for Old Boys and Friends of

London BB Company.

Over the past couple of years or so we have been

trying to raise the quality and frequency of

communication between OB’s. To this end four

OB’s: Dave Richardson; Alan Rance; Keit

h Holbrook;

and John Ward got together as an informal group to

set about the task. They are in regular touch with

each other and other OB’s, exchanging ideas on

how best to ‘make things happen’.

Whilst all four members of the group have an active

role, two members are more specialised. Dave acts

as a ‘nominal Chairman’ as well as maintaining the

OB’s contact list, looking after the funds; and

overseeing the

printing and distribution of

Chris joined the 70

London in 1982 as a Lieutenant

after

the closure of the 79th London. He succeeded Neil

Pheasant as captain in 1984 and then served as such until

2010, a period of 26 years. In the 102 years of the history

of the 70

, only one other captain, the first, William

Cotsell, served longer!

Chris not only presided successfully over many

challenging times in this period to keep the company

going, but was instrumental in bringing great glories to

the company. Cups and shields were won, not only at the

District and Battalion level but also on the National BB

scene. Even international acclaim was forthcoming via

the very talented ‘Kool Drummings’ the company’s steel

band

Those who served under Chris reckon him to be a natural

leader of boys and men….leading in a benevolent but

determined way that produced strong feelings of respect

and loyalty.

How Chris managed to find the time to Captain the 70

serve as a church deacon, hold down the Director of

Finance post with the Wandsworth London BC, and be a

dedicated family man…. we find truly amazing

Chris Buss…

Chris Buss… Chris Buss…

Chris Buss…

‘an Absolute Legend!’

‘an Absolute Legend!’‘an Absolute Legend!’

‘an Absolute Legend!’

Reflections

. Alan has the task of editing and

producing

Reflections

every 6 months.

On the money side, we have existed thus far on a

combination of contributions from OB’s & their

friends and 70

Company funds set aside to support

OB’s activities. Expenditure solely covers the cost

of printing and distributing

Reflections

, occasional

deserved gifts [e.g. for Chris Buss on his

retirement] and covering any outlay for our now

‘every two year’ Reunions.

These arrangements seem to have worked fine to

date…but any comments/ideas from anyone

on how we might care to do things

differently would be most welcome.

Just let any of the gang of 4’ know!

Edition

October 2010

Many of the boys and officers who served under Chris

have acknowledged how he had changed their lives. A

few of these ‘experiences’ are covered overleaf.

As one OB:

Erryck Prince Onyemachi

so aptly

summed up Chris and his time in the 70

th….

Absolute Legend

• From Dylan Davies……

From Dylan Davies……From Dylan Davies……

From Dylan Davies……

One of my fondest memories of Mr Buss was perhaps my first camp where, like any other 11-year-old who'd never been away

from home before; I was overwhelmed by the experience. At times the homesickness was so much I would isolate myself to hide

my sorrow and inadequacy. I remember Mr Buss picking up on this on the second or third day as I sat by myself in the Marquee.

He came over to me and spoke to me in a manner that did two things for me. First, it dissolved my perception of him as the

unapproachable Captain to be feared and obeyed, and second, he left me feeling that I might actually belong there, which was

perhaps the main source of my grief.

“I don't think I ever looked back since that day as far as my time with the 70th was concerned. For that

and many other similar instances a debt of gratitude is owed to Mr Buss.”

• From Jason Hall, Nathan Asare and Stephen Rock……

From Jason Hall, Nathan Asare and Stephen Rock…… From Jason Hall, Nathan Asare and Stephen Rock……

From Jason Hall, Nathan Asare and Stephen Rock……

Based on a weekend when we were doing an expedition and shortly after Mr C Buss passed his driving test.

Others mentioned are Jabu Siphika and Michael Scott (the fourth member).

Captain's Log 23453

somewhere in the Surrey Countryside

Once upon a time, four young men decided to venture into the unknown. They had been previously under the wing of

commanding officer Jabu, who's expert map reading skills kept these young men climbing up and down country hills (as well as

mistaking a water ditch for a pathway).

While on board the GBM (Green Bridge Minibus) these young men were dropped off in the unknown by Captain C Buss, who had

just passed his driving test

. They were given a checkpoint and set off on their way.

Bravely battling through stinging nettles and electrically charged fences, Staff Member Asare spotted far away, in the abyss,

what looked like a vehicle on its roof. 'Look guys' said Asare 'some idiot has had an accident'.

We decided to investigate…As we moved in closer we noticed that the vehicle's colour had a resemblance to the GBM. We

decided to move in closer…at this time we were approximately 400 meters away and could see that it was a minibus or van of

some sort. Refusing to put the obvious together, Staff member Scott said 'wow that looks just like the GBM', we moved in even

closer. Once we were within 50 metres we saw that this was in fact the GBM!

No C Buss in sight, however there was a police officer on the scene. 'Are you the 70th London Boys' said the officer. 'Yes' we all

replied. 'Your Captain has had an accident but is OK. 30 minute

s later Mr Buss turned up in a police car unharmed (Praise God). 'I

am guilty officer' he joked.

A replacement GBM was dispatched within 24 hours and the young men eventually finished their venture. From this point on

everyone always asked who would be doing the driving when we went away!

“We would like thank Mr Buss for everything he has done for us, it will never be forgotten!”

Fond Memories of Chris Buss’s Captaincy……..

Fond Memories of Chris Buss’s Captaincy……..Fond Memories of Chris Buss’s Captaincy……..

Fond Memories of Chris Buss’s Captaincy……..

REFLECTIONS

Page 2

•

From Jim Ballard....

From Jim Ballard....From Jim Ballard....

From Jim Ballard....

Chris did everything for the boys up here. He organised all the camps and the displays, he organised football, cricket... We went

everywhere, Scotland, the Isle of Wight, all over the place... At camp, the swimming, bowling, rock climbing, he organised

everything... Chris was good at getting money for the boys for football equipment and other stuff... when we got boys from the

Mitcham area he started on Morden Council!...

"None of the boys or anyone else would fault Chris on anything.... He did everything for the Church and

everything for the boys and that was it..."

Jim was an officer in the 70th during the period that Chris was Captain. Jim and Barry Green were the sole supporting officers for

the last 11 years of the Company. We would like to thank Jim for background information on Chris used in this edition.

REFLECTIONS

Page 3

Brian Prichard

Brian PrichardBrian Prichard

Brian Prichard

1924-2010

Brian had not been a member of the BB as a boy

and only came into contact when his two sons

joined the 37

London Company that was part of

Trinity Rd chapel in the early 1970’s. He became

involved in the BB when the 37th camp was short of

a Medical Officer and he was asked if he fancied

doing the job [which he then continued to do

without fail every year] firstly with the 37th and

latterly with the 70th. In fact the last thing he

would ask at the end of each camp was the date of

the next one to ensure that his busy professional

diary was kept clear for that week.

Brian, being himself, meant that he took the remit

of Medical Officer in its widest sense to include a

long health warning at the start of camp, starting as

an ‘ABC’ and ending up as a ‘ABCDEF’ by 2005! This

covered modifying the camp menu by abolishing

such things as evaporated milk and introducing

pilchards and ensuring plenty of exercise. The

latter could include the cross-country run,

something he did even up to his 70

birthday.

Hundreds of boys will have enjoyed or endured

what was supposed to be the pleasant Sunday

evening stroll, later to become Prof’s walk.

Depending on the year and site this invariably

involved either walking up non existent paths, up

cliff faces, walking waist deep through an incoming

tide with the small boys being balanced on staff

shoulders to avoid total immersion, or walking

through thick undergrowth which would normally

need a machete! The undergrowth would be cleared

by Brian with his trademark shorts, sandals, short

sleeved shirt and always with the cine-camera or

videocam in hand.

Brian also took a firm view on discipline, (more

than once he referred to Margaret Thatcher as a

dangerous liberal) and it was not unknown for him

to threaten and then carry out the threat of extra

orderlies for the smallest misdemeanour. However,

he also had a strong sense of justice. On one

infamous occasion four senior boys were caught

red-handed with alcoholic drinks on

an authorised

night out. Brian suggested that it was not totally

their fault, as the staff shouldn’t have let them

near temptation. So instead of the normal

punishment for this offence which was catching the

first train home, he suggested that they be given

the option of three days ‘confined to camp’ with

one hour a day lectures by him on the effects of

alcohol, complete with a test. The boys chose the

latter but probably in retrospect would have

preferred the former!

Outside of his time as BB camp Medical Officer,

Brian led an incredibly busy life as a Professor of

Medicine of

international repute, over 40 years as a

councillor on Wandsworth Council, as well as his

devotion to his family and church.

Brian was a man who once met would never be

forgotten, definitely not by those officers and boys

in the 70

who camped with him b

etween 1980 and

2005.

Chris Buss

Brian, being himself, meant that he

took the remit of Medical Officer in its

widest sense to include a long health

warning at the start of camp, starting

as an ‘ABC’ in 1980 and ending up as a

‘ABCDEF’ by 2005!

John Ward

….

if at first you don’t succeed try,

try again

When I attended my last drill parade, I had been

working in the Pathology Department of King’s

llege Hospital for two years. Working for the NHS

led me to think that I might study medicine. This

was an ambitious and rather fanciful idea for a boy

who left school with a few non-science O levels.

However, my employers encouraged me to attend

evening school and later to return to education full

time to obtain the necessary A levels. The great

plan soon fell apart. While I managed the Biology

and Chemistry, my un-

mathematical brain could not

cope with the rigours of Physics and I eventually

ended up studying for a London University General

Science degree. I was not greatly inspired by the

course but it did give me ample opportunities to

pursue the sports that had been fostered in the BB.

So ample in fact that I failed one of my end of year

exams and the LCC (as it was then), stopped my

grant.

I’m afraid I can’t recall being dreadfully upset by

all this and I drifted into a succession of casual jobs

that allowed me to become a peripatetic amateur

sportsman. If there was a club or team needing a

footballer, cricketer or badminton player at short

notice, I was available. This self-

indulgent lifestyle

continued until I met Sue (now my wife) and it

became apparent, that I had to find a ‘proper’ job.

I managed to get an interview for a junior post at

the London Science Museum and, with no great

expectations, was successful. (I later learned I only

obtained the interview because the museum was

intrigued at the prospect of employing a dustman,

my occupation at the time).

The Science Museum is a wonderful institution. It

swallowed me up, pointed out the error of my

ways, and provided the financial support for me to

finally obtain a degree (History – no maths) and a

post graduate professional qualification. I managed

to move a couple of rungs up the promotion ladder

but the prize for every museum worker is to become a

full blown curator in a great national museum. There

are a small number of posts, the competition is

intense, and the qualifications required are

frighteningly high. In the Science Museum you normally

needed at least an Oxbridge First, or to have achieved

something like supervising the construction of a

complex railway system in a middle-

eastern state. Very

rarely, you could be incredibly lucky and be in the right

place at the right time. I fell into the last category.

To be personally responsible for the welfare of a

collection of the nation’s treasures can be a daunting

prospect but it is also a privilege and absolutely

fascinating. You work with bright, often quirky,

colleagues, meet interesting people and learn a

tremendous amount about a relatively narrow range of

artefacts within a broad historical context. You also

learn that you will be very unpopular if you drop

things.

What Happened Next……….

What Happened Next………. What Happened Next……….

What Happened Next……….

Two OB’s tell us what they got up to after leaving the 70

REFLECTIONS

From Dustman to a Curator at the National

Science Museum…… the boy did good!

Page 4

I am often asked what exactly a curator does. In

the space the editor allows, I can only hide behind

the Museum Association’s guidelines – we collect,

conserve, inform, educate, entertain and inspire. I

can, however, offer a glimpse of the rich variety of

experiences that come with the best job in the

world (discount all other claims). I have chatted to

Denis Healey about photography, discussed

cosmology with the President of the Royal Society

(he was very kind), and sat in court listening to

John Mortimer defend a forger. I have been

escorted back to my hotel by a machine gun toting

Russian soldier whilst preparing an exhibition in

Prague and taken on a memorable drunken pub-

crawl in Scotland after completing an exhibition for

the Edinburgh Festival. What other job would pay

me to travel to museums and science centres

throughout the UK, Europe and America, or spend

thousands of your pounds bidding at Christie’s and

Sotheby’s?

When I retired, the museum kindly suggested I

become one of their Senior Research Fellows, a

grand semi-

official appointment, which allows them

to ask me to do odd jobs from time to time without

paying me. I also serve on the committee of the

former members club, which meets annually in the

Science Museum. Smaller groups of us meet more

regularly for wine and food in pubs in Kensington

and Gloucester Road to talk over old glories and

recall ancient disputes. My specialist subject in the

museum was 19

century photography and, until

the credit crunch came, I was writing for

encyclopædias, dictionaries and journals that

perhaps only a dozen people in the world read. So,

if you want to know the difference between a

calotype and a collotype, I’m your man. But please

don’t ask me about your new camera, I know

nothing about digital technology…

Page 5

REFLECTIONS

Roy Norris

Roy Norris Roy Norris

Roy Norris

….

on the Joys and Pitfalls of

Beekeeping

When I wrote to the editors about how Reflections

might look to the future they suggested that I write

an article about what I'm doing now. Of course I

looked to my pastimes and realised that, despite

my using many modern aids in their pursuit, they all

tended to look backwards.

But then there is beekeeping and if ever there is a

craft that demands a forward-looking optimism it is

beekeeping. I've been keeping bees (or trying to)

for just over 10 years. Nowadays many more

people are giving it a go! And why not? It is

absorbing, challenging to the physical condition and

to the little grey cells, relatively inexpensive and if

you work hard enough at it, it can pay for itself….

Not yet for me….. you understand!

There are loads of books about beekeeping and

getting a selection is a sure way to madness. Buy

one book and if you like it ….. follow it. If you

don't…. recycle it and g

et another. Don't keep

both….. if four beekeepers are asked one question

about beekeeping you will be given at least five

very different answers. And (unfortunately

perhaps) they will all be correct. So you have to

find an approach, or method, that you like and one

that works for you and that's about it!

But the bees don't read the books and will usually

do what they decide they will do unless, you are a

very cunning and clever beekeeper.

John Ward…… continued

REFLECTIONS

Page 6

To be a cunning and clever beekeeper you have

to keep bees for at least five years longer than

you have already kept bees. Yes; you can never

outsmart all the bees all the time. So you have

to keep alert. Where did I put mine, I know I

saw it recently. That would be just before the

latest swarm that I was sure I had anticipated

and prevented. Most of my bees are housed in a

custom-

built bee shelter. [See the pic alongside

‘to save 1000 words’].

As you can see, -- you have a shed with a

concrete floor, slatted sides, open front and a

solid back (to thwart frosts rolling down the hill

to the pond). This is the first year of use but so

far the signs are encouraging. Bees inside the

house are much better tempered when

compared to those left outside. On the other

hand, it may be that I am getting tired when I

reached the outside bees. The bees really

“appreciate” a clumsy beekeeper and show this

by rising -- as if one body -- from the hive and

indicating to the hapless beekeeper, in a gentle

spirit of warning, that one should be more

careful - if there is to be a next time.

Are there any other beekeepers in the readership?

If so, perhaps you would share your experiences of

beekeeping. There is no need to bother too much

about any downsides to beekeeping. Just tell of

the joys, great honey, making wax candles, balms

and polishes, of "making increase”, of Queen

rearing and swarm management.

Roy Norris continued…

Roy’s Custom

Built

Bee Shelter

Good News!

Good News!Good News!

Good News!

• Whilst we hear of many BB Companies closing, our own 70th London Company being no

exception, it is heartening to hear from Chris that the 37

London has recently been

reformed and is starting up again next spring. Who knows….!

• Chris Buss tells us reports that the Company 'silverware' and other valuables have been

stored securely so as to ensure their safekeeping. Also that some gym and other

equipment has been passed over to the 37th to assist them in their start-up.

•

Dave was surprised to learn that a new BB Company, 1st Polegate, was formed last

November, close to where he now lives. Which brings to mind the thought that there may

be something happening near you which would benefit from some extra support...

Page 7

Roy’s Custom

Built

Bee Shelter

Chris Nott

Chris Nott Chris Nott

Chris Nott

1914

19141914

1914-

-2010

20102010

2010

Chris Nott was born on Christmas Eve 1914 in

Tooting, London, and died on 5

March 2010 in City

Hospital, Birmingham. He lived a long and active

life until he was 95. He became frail in his later

years but was still driving a car at the age of 94.

Chris continued his life in Tooting, where he

became a Christian and attended Tooting Baptist

church with his parents. Sadly his father died at

sea when he was 9 years old. He was involved in

his local church and joined the 70th London Boy’s

Brigade as a boy and rose through the ranks,

becoming a Lieutenant. He enjoyed his time in the

involved in many of the activities, which took

part twice a week and was particularly interested in

gymnastics. He took part in the Queen’s Coronation

in the rain. He was presented with a statute fo

r his

twenty years service from 1938 to 1954. He went

into the RAF from 18

November 1940 to 3

December 1945, but rejoined the BB when he was

demobbed. He liked to go to BB camps but had to

stop when he had a family. He also went to BB

celebrations a

t the Royal Albert Hall, also attending

the Centenary of the BB London District at Central

Hall Westminster Sunday 25

September 1983.

He left school when he was 14 and trained as a

printer, working for Clarke’s in Moorgate. He

returned back there after the war with the

company that printed the London Stock Exchange

paper

He moved to Bexleyheath with his young family, but

he did not continue in the BB, but all of his three

sons were part of the BB with Andrew becoming an

officer and receiving the Queens badge.

Joyce and Chris moved to Birmingham when he was

70 years old to be nearer his son and daughter in

law (Andy and Sandy) and to make it easier for

Joyce by living in a bungalow. They both quickly

became involved in Brandhall Baptist Church, where

is son worshiped and they made many new friends.

Chris printed the weekly news letter and was part

of a men’s group where his gentle humour and fine

singing voice was much appreciated.

Chris leaves Joyce (93), three sons and a daughter,

6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren

Andy (son), Frances (daughter) and Joyce

A postscript... Shortly before publication, we

learned from Frances the sad news that Joyce,

Chris's wife, died recently after a short illness.

REFLECTIONS

Keith Holbrook remembe

Keith Holbrook remembeKeith Holbrook remembe

Keith Holbrook remembers Chris Nott……..

rs Chris Nott……..rs Chris Nott……..

rs Chris Nott……..

Chris Nott was one of a group of dedicated officers who from the late 1940's to the early 1960's were instrumental in

making the 70th one of the largest and respected companies in South London. In those days there seemed to be an

officer for every activity undertaken.

Chris was the quiet one of the group, always available but rarely prominent - someone who worked more

comfortably behind the scenes. A man of quiet disposition, he was nonetheless approachable and had a friendly

nature. You didn't have to be in his presence very long to realise that his Christian beliefs were central to his life.

Chris was also the first president of the Old Boys Association that was founded in 1948. This group was set up for

boys who had reached the age limit and wished to remain in fellowship.

For all officers, like Chris, we must surely give thanks. They have helped shape the lives of numerous boys and have

had a strong influence on the men we have become.

Page 8

From the Archives

From the ArchivesFrom the Archives

From the Archives

Left: The OB’s Football Team

‘Seveno’ c.1957/58

L to R: Alan Bilyard; Len Stacey;

Alan Smith; Dennis Heath;

Johnny Kensit; Owen Clark;

Edgar Scamell; Dave Huddy;

Doug Strachan; Dave Packman

Alan Goldsmith

Left: Combined Church

Parade with the 1

Farnham

Company Late 1940’s?

Front Row Drummers L to R:

Unknown; Owen Clark;

Bernard Shaw. Officer on the

left: Tom Goodson

Right: Buglers at Franciscan Rd. School c.1957

L to R: Unknown(?); Ralph Price; Dave Golder; Ron

Maxwell, Bernard Matcham; Dave Richardson; Alan

Bilyard; Brian Munro

REFLECTIONS

Page 9

REFLECTIONS

Around 40 OB’s and friends met at the Tooting Juncion Church Halls for the latest reunion gathering [now

taking place every 2 years].

There was ample time to chat. Time too, to try to recognise and recall the names of OB’s [increasingly

difficult for most of us!]. We were intrigued as ever, why some OB’s have inevitably changed much in

their appearance over the years, whilst others are instantly recognisable from their boyhood looks. It

must be something to do with clean living!

At a more formal moment of the ‘get-together’, Dave Richardson explained how the ‘OB’s Association’ is

currently organised [as set out on the front page].Proceedings finished off with the singing of the rousing

old BB Hymn ‘ Will Your Anchor Hold’ and scrumtious cakes provided by the Tooting Junction Baptist

Church ladies and a friend of Angela [Dave’s wife].

Pictures of the happy gathering below

OB’s and Friends’ Reunion 15

OB’s and Friends’ Reunion 15OB’s and Friends’ Reunion 15

OB’s and Friends’ Reunion 15

thth

May

May May

May

2010

20102010

2010

POST SCRIPT

POST SCRIPTPOST SCRIPT

POST SCRIPT

: We welcome all comments and suggestions on

Reflections

Please contact either Alan Rance:

alan.rance@tiscali.co.uk

01491 839164 or

Dave Richardson:

davri22@gmail.com:

01323 483066

From Left to Right

Alan Rance

Gordon Macpherson

Martin Dennis

John Ward

Dave Richardson

Chris Buss

Jim Ballard

Martin Richardson

Dylan Davis

Keith Holbrook

Alan Bilyard

OB’s meet to mark

OB’s meet to markOB’s meet to mark

OB’s meet to mark Chris Buss’s Retirement

Chris Buss’s Retirement Chris Buss’s Retirement

Chris Buss’s Retirement

After 26 years as Captain of the 70

London Company, Chris Buss decided, after much

deliberation, to ‘call it a day’. To mark his retirement, ten OB’s met with Chris at the Ship Inn,

Wandsworth to acknowledge his unstinting work and dedication to the cause over this long and

often very challenging period. Chris was presented with a desk top clock inscribed with a BB

crest. We hope that, whenever checking the time, Chris will be reminded of all the boys whose

lives he so much enhanced and the very warm affection they all have for him.

REFLECTIONS

Page 10

Dates

Dates Dates

Dates for your Diary

for your Diaryfor your Diary

for your Diary

OB’s who lunch……….

The next informal lunch ‘get-together’ of OB’s will take place on Monday 25th October at the

Victory Inn, Staplefield in Sussex from noon onwards. Contact Dave for more details.

Regarding the next ‘full blown’ OB’s Reunion in 2012, we are working on a date that does not

clash with the European Cup Finals and the Olympics… details to follow…