Marcus Gibson Remembers

We had a very good science teacher, with a white moustache, whose name escapes me who was a former Gloucester Regiment officer in Korea, and in addition to 'Commander Holgate', we had a brilliant History and Geography teacher named Youle, I believe, a tall man with a voice that could be hear on Barton beach. He inspired me to become interested in those two subjects, and eventually to become a writer and journalist.

I remember headmaster Onslow well, but perhaps with mixed feelings. On Youle's last day at school on Speech Day he was about to get up and deliver a farewell message but Mr Onslow stood up and declared the event was over - much to the astonishment of all present. Youle sat there stunned, with notes still in his hands. 

I do remember trips to cinemas in Bournemouth, making dams in streams in the New Forest as well as the excellent riding school, and often hilarious hockey and rugby matches against Hordle. We also had a perfectionist choirmaster who was terribly shortsighted but who had tremendous hearing capabilities. His room was far along the corridor from my top floor dormitory but no matter how quietly we whispered - he would hear us - and roar his warnings!

Of the old boys mentioned, I was acquainted only with one named Elvery, son of a teacher perhaps, who was one or two years younger. He was an observant and perceptive person, I remember.

Marcus Gibson