Dipping further into the Archives
What follows is a further series of extracts from early editions of the School magazine, "The Harveian". These are cullings from the '60s.
The first is from the edition for Spring 1961 and shows that at times, at least, the school was touched by greatness. I doubt whether any other teacher at the school accumulated so many honours, degrees and exalted positions...
OBITUARY
"It is with great regret that we record the recent death of Arthur E. Dean, C.B.E., M.A., M.Litt., formerly Professor of Education, University College, Exeter, H.M. Inspector of Schools and Warden, Goldsmith's College, University of London. Although few boys, if any, will even recognise his name, the Harvey Grammar School owes a good deal, directly and indirectly, to Mr. Dean, who was on the Staff here over 50 years ago and who, in the words of a distinguished Old Harveian of that generation, "re-charged our batteries and led the fight for the new School" which we now occupy.
In his comparatively brief stay here, 1905-1909, he founded "The Harveian" and guided its destinies during its first few years, formed the Dramatic Society and directed its early productions at the Town Hall, and was responsible for much careful research into the ancient history of the School.
It is fitting that in the Magazine which he founded we should pause to pay tribute to the fine qualities of scholarship and leadership which he unstintingly devoted to the service of the School."
The second extract is from the Summer of 1960. It heralds the start of the series of brilliant cricket teams that the school produced throughout the '60s.
1st XI CRICKET NOTES
"The beginning of this season found us with five of last year's regular team still available, namely Aspin, Fortey, Bowler, Stringer and Stephens. On paper the batting strength of the side looked promising, with Uden, Whiting and Brundle coming in to support Bowler and Stringer. After the first few games, however, it looked as though this promise might not be fulfilled (in our first two matches we were dismissed for 53 and 59). The bowling, on the other hand, with the exception of the game against Sibton Park, never looked mastered, the highest score against us being 110.
Bowler and Brundle started the season as the School's openers, but never looked really confident. When, however, Stephens moved up to No. 2 and Brundle went in at No. 6 there was an immediate improvement, all three batsmen producing useful scores. Fortey at No. 3 had a fine season, adapting his style of play according to the requirements of the side with remarkable ease and success. Stringer, after a shining debut last year, never really regained his confidence after an unlucky start, and once again Ibw proved his main stumbling block. His fielding, particularly at gully and forward short leg, was always superb. Uden, after a doubtful start to the season played well, showing considerable ability either to get quick runs or to keep his end up. Broadfield proved himself a competent 'keeper, and during Cricket Week made several good scores. Fortey and Cooke, the opening bowlers, also improved during the season and could always be relied on to get quick wickets. Stephens and Aspin, as the team's spinners, usually found a good length and were supported by good fielding.
In conclusion, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Frank Fortey for his able support and boundless energy as Vice-Captain. I would like also, on behalf of the team, to thank all the people who help to make these matches so enjoyable. Messrs. Philpott, Roome and Edwards for their advice at net practices; Mrs. King and her kitchen staff for the wonderful teas they continue to provide, and Mr. Newington for preparing wickets which are still by far the best we play on and the envy of all the local clubs.
Our thanks are also due to A. G. Coggin, our efficient Sports Secretary, P. Blunt, our Scorer, and all the masters who have given up their Saturday afternoons to umpire for us. To all these people we are deeply in debt and are very grateful for their services."
P. M. Aspin.
The last is about the most tragic occurrence in my time at the school. I thought long and hard about drawing attention to it again after so many years, but it is, perhaps, the closest the school community has come to experiencing the kinds of shock and sadness felt by the whole country over the recent London explosions.
A group of Harvey Sixth Formers were returning from a Careers Convention in Canterbury when they were involved in an accident at Hawkinge. Two pupils were killed.
SCHOOL NOTES in the Autumn 1967 edition, written by Dick Elston.
"A school is a close-knit community; its joy and sorrows, its hopes and disappointments, its successes and failures are shared by its members with an intensity which is not commonly experienced elsewhere. It is happily true that real disaster rarely overtakes a school, and here, for many years, we have had no cause to feel such deep sadness as that which has clouded this term.
The tragedy of the 10th of February, however, was of such magnitude, its impact so sudden, that the first reaction was invariably bewilderment and disbelief.
When it became clear that Roger Morgan and William Pearn had died, and that Michael Bromley, David Elliott and Peter Lord were all gravely injured, the scale and significance of this tragic accident began to be apparent.
It is impossible adequately to express to the parents the depth of the sympathy which goes out to them from the School, and it was moving to receive so many messages of condolence from individuals and organisations outside.
The feelings not only of the School but of the town as a whole were reflected in the large congregation which attended the Memorial Service at the Parish Church.
The loss of two young lives so full of promise for the future and of present performance is tragic beyond ordinary understanding, and we must hope that those who survived will be with us, restored to health, sooner than at one time seemed possible."R.A.E.
