Obituary: David Aldridge

Carol Goodliffe writes to inform us that her uncle, David Aldridge, passed away in December. David was a past pupil of Bournemouth School and an Old Bournemouthian. She writes:

When I last saw my Uncle a week before he died he said he was a life long member of what we understood to be the Old Bournemouthians. I can’t find any more information other than him receiving communications in the 1950’s. He was anxious that we understood this membership as he wanted you to be informed of his death.

David was born and brought up in Bournemouth. When he was in the army he worked with radar. He recalled to his friends rides on packed trains when he served in India.

Following in his father’s footsteps, he trained to be an Architect. After settling in London, he became a noted member of the Westminster Chapel where he met many of his long standing friends. One special friend was Gwen Whitmore who always had a special place in his heart.

He had a passion for transport especially paddle steamers and would travel to various parts of the country to ride on the Kingswear Castle, Balmoral and Waverley. He also gave the impression that he could at one time tell you which trains to catch to travel almost anywhere from anywhere.

He enjoyed walking and when he was more able could often be seen around Tunbridge Wells. He was not particularly interested in Television but when you visited him he almost always had Radio 3 or sometimes Radio 4 on in his room.

His nephews and nieces recall his visits when they were small children. Happily joining in their rough and tumble games which often led to pulling of his moustache. When one of them recalled his antics the response was that ‘it sounds as if he made a good climbing frame and trampoline’! A great nephew remembers ‘a real gent who he went with collecting teasels’.

Those who knew him well can recall the glint in his eye and the half smile rather like a cheeky school boy. The unhurried getting ready that resulted in the mad dash to get him to the station in time to catch his train home. His thriftiness – he once told his sister, in a letter during the miners’ strikes and power cuts, that you can make candles from the wax coating on Edam cheese and string! Nothing that could have a possible alternative use was thrown away.

Although he was very humble he gave in many ways. Most of us didn’t realise that when he lived in London he often helped to give soup to the homeless on Christmas day. Although many of us found him frustrating sometimes he was also dearly loved and a dear friend to many more.

Bournemouth School to admit girls

The Bournemouth Daily Echo reports that for the first time, Bournemouth School is admitting girls as pupils in the sixth form. Previously, BSG students had been able to study in the sixth form, but this arrangement was ended recently due to timetable clashes. The new girls will be full members of Bournemouth School. In a couple of years we will no longer be exclusively Old Boys. The full story is here.

Obituary: David Hilliam

David Hilliam arrived at Bournemouth School in the 1960’s as a teacher of English. He progressed through Head of Department to become Deputy Headmaster for many years, until his retirement.

Outside of school he and his wife were the mainstays of the campaign to save the Winter Gardens. He was also a prolific author. In this respect his subjects were varied, but included several books of a historical nature, the origins of the names of many stations on the London Underground, along with books of local history and the derivation of English words.

In 2001 he was the editor of the excellent Centenary Book for Bournemouth School, copies of which are still available and more recently he produced Tig’s Boys, edited letters between Headmaster Dr Fenwick and Old Boys of the school sent from the trenches during World War I. At the time of his death he was working on a book concerning Bournemouth School and World War I, intended to be released to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Great War.

David died on April 30th 2012 while attending a church meeting in Salisbury. His wife, Mary, had died in February 2011.

Our sincere condolences go to his family, particularly daughters Sandra and Alison and son Paul.

Old Boys’ Golf Matches 2012

There are two planned golf days which are open to all golfers of all age ranges – beginners or experienced players.

  • Thursday 24 May 2012 Old Tauntonians and Old Bournemouthians Golf Day at Dibden Golf course (between Southampton and Fawley)
    This annual event is a Stableford with full handicap allowance and is a friendly meet- up with the two schools but in addition to the individual competition for the Pomeroys Trophy for the overall winner there is also a separate trophy for the Old Bournemouthian Seniors (over 60’s) competition. This golf event is not just for seniors but open to all ex Bournemouth School folks. Traditionally we have a sit down meal after play and there are normally about 30 players. The green fee is £20 and the meal £14. Buggies can be hired but let us know soon if you require one as there are a limited number available.
  • Friday 21 September 2012 OB’s Pre Dinner Golf
    Our usual get together on the day of our annual dinner which is open to all level of players from regulars, occasional players to once a year ‘hackers’ !! Venue not yet fixed but please let me have your details so I can advise you as soon as venue/cost decided upon.

If you would like to enter, please contact Alan Carver, the Old Boys’ Golf Secretary soon. Please let him have your email and home addresses as well as your phone number and your years period at the School. You can reach Alan on 01202 487011 or 07881 815184 or by email. Alan is trying build the golfing section of the OB’s so if you are a golfer please drop Alan an email.