Philip Rees , Q 1968-70 , Reminiscences Memories of Pilgrims ’ when the Quiristers arrived
I read Tom Burden ’ s article ( Q News 2015 – 2016 ) about the 50 th anniversary of the Quiristers ’ arrival at Pilgrims ’ School with some interest .
I attended Pilgrims ’ from 1965 to 1970 , initially as a Commoner , and I clearly remember the arrival of the Quiristers in their distinctive blue caps and jerseys . I also remember that early attempts at integration were challenging for us boys , despite the best efforts of people such as the then Headmaster , Rodney Blake , and those who were more closely involved with the Quiristers including John & Clare Walters , Dennis & Anne Blake and Dick & Islay Kitson .
In those early days , in many ways the Quiristers were quite marginalised and were anything but fully integrated into Pilgrims ’ – the decision to retain the different uniform and to keep them in Q School as a single cohesive unit contributed majorly to much friction between Quiristers and the rest of the school . Things were changing for the better , though , by the time I left .
I saw life from both sides of the fence , because in 1968 an unexpected Quirister vacancy cropped up because of an unusually early-breaking voice . I did a voice trial in front of the legendary Chris Cowan in the Summer , and that autumn term found myself returning in a blue uniform and sleeping in Q School . I then found that many of my ‘ chums ’ decided to ostracise me and made it clear that they felt I had defected to the enemy – it had an unexpectedly profound impact on my life at Pilgrims ’. And some of the more senior Quiristers seemed to think that I was some form of 5 th column operative out to disrupt their lives .
Was it worth it ? – Musically , absolutely – I loved the music and I was able to go on to Winchester College courtesy of my music and a very generous bursary award . And , of course , there were marvellous bonuses such as Mr Mitchener ’ s scout troop and getting to know wonderful people such as the great HJH Weekes and Dennis & Anita Lee . But my relationship with my commoner peers never recovered .
The Walters and then the Blakes were brilliant Housemasters / House parents and I recall all of them as well as the amazing Dick Kitson being hugely supportive to me when I struggled with the change .
I missed terribly life at the main school and the involvement in the Cathedral and even odd things like the Dean ’ s Garden . But on balance , I have some wonderful memories of Q School – late night cocoa , the air raid shelter in the garden , the Walters funny old dog , walking in Water Meadows on Sunday afternoons … and lots more . So would I want to change it if I could ? Absolutely not !
Philip Rees , ( Q , 1968 – 70 ) ( A , 1970-75 )
28