OBITUARIES
DAVID BRANCHER 1929-2021
David , or Twig Brancher to fellow Old Sennockians , was in Fenton House during the 1940s and notably took several Gilbert and Sullivan acting and singing leading parts et al under Mr IC Cole ’ s direction – I was his bridesmaid in Trial by Jury – by then a contralto on the verge of voice-break . David retired fairly early from the British Army to start a second successful career as a university lecturer , latterly at Bristol . After my own Army service , my wife Sonia and I became residents of historic Abergavenny where , by excellent coincidence , David and Pip Brancher also lived , and where David played a leading role in local government affairs . He passed away aged 92 and will be profoundly missed by so many firm and admiring friends , God bless him .
Brigadier John Skinner ( OS 1952 )
PETER SHARP 1939-2021
Peter was born Peter Edmund Jefferson and adopted by May and Percy Sharp , from his extended family , at around the age of nine .
He was a boarder in Johnsons , and although he didn ’ t say much about his academic success , he loved sport , especially cross country running . After leaving school he did National Service with the RAF , which he loved . He went into banking and worked for Barclays , NCR and Facit Addo , after which he set up his own company selling computers and computer supplies .
Peter did not enjoy good health and when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer ’ s in 2003 he decided to retire in order to enjoy a few years of quality retirement . Alas , this was not to be as his health had deteriorated and he was very poorly . We bought him a golden retriever puppy whom he adored and who brought him so much pleasure . Peter died peacefully at home last year with his family at his side . He received outstanding care from our local surgery and Hospice in the Weald .
Ann Sharp
WALTER CHENEY 1940-2021
Walter was born in Sevenoaks and a pupil at the school from 1953 to 1958 . He then attended the London School of Printing , gaining the Diploma in Printing Administration . He joined the family firm of Cheney & Sons of Banbury ( at the time the oldest family firm in the country , dating back to 1767 ) and was there for 28 years , where he became a Director and , eventually , Company Secretary . Following this he was employed for ten years as Secretary to the Trustees of the Oxford Diocese .
Music and fellwalking were Walter ’ s great loves . He won the School Music Prize and from the age of ten played the cello for 35 years , becoming a member of the Banbury Symphony Orchestra . He was also a keen member of the Banbury Choral Society and their Secretary for over 20 years . In retirement he moved with his wife to the Yorkshire Dales where he could indulge his love of fellwalking . A new hobby was calligraphy , which linked happily with his background in printing .
Walter fulfilled several roles in the local church as choir member , PCC Secretary and Steward . He also served the local hospital as a Chaplaincy volunteer for 17 years , where his ministry as a quiet , gentle , courteous man was much appreciated .
Katharine Cheney
146 ALUMNI REVIEW