OS MEMORIES : THE 1930s AND 1940s
GROWING UP IN JOHNSONS
Johnsons , the second oldest boarding house in the school , will celebrate its centenary in 2027 . In January the house welcomed back one of its earliest residents , Mrs Pat Savage ( nee Groves ), who grew up there in the 1930s and 1940s .
Pat is the older daughter of inaugural housemaster Edward ( Ernie ) Groves , whose personality and dedication , over 36 years , created and shaped the unique house ethos of Johnsons which continues to this day : ‘ A strongly knit clan with a proper pride in themselves ,’ as it was described by VG Hopkins , house tutor 1946-48 .
Arriving at Sevenoaks in January 1923 , Ernie Groves , often referred to as ‘ EG ’, was to spend the next 42 years as an integral part of the school community . An Oxford graduate , he taught History , introduced rugby and sailing to the sporting curriculum , set up an ATC ( forerunner of the CCF ) and served as Senior Master .
In 1927 , the Headmaster , James Higgs-Walker , appointed Groves housemaster of the new boarding house , Johnsons . Groves moved in that September with 24 boys , his wife Marjorie ( Midge ), the matron , Mrs Kent , and Warrior the dog . In 1931 they welcomed their first daughter , Patricia ; three years later their
second , Maire Bridget ( Biddy ) arrived – born in the matron ’ s room . The first house tutor , John Parks , described it as ‘ a very “ family ” house ’, with a pram on the lawn and Warrior walking briskly about the place .
VG Hopkins recalled that during the Second World War , ‘ to run an ordinary household was difficult but to run , successfully , a boarding house was a miracle , and Mrs Groves , “ Sister ”, and at the head , EG , casually performed this daily . No Johnsonian expected less .’
After the war , Pat left Johnsons to train as a sculptor at Goldsmiths and then at the Royal College of Art . Her studies included life drawing , history of architecture , printmaking , the history of costume , painting , sculpture and anatomy . One of her works hangs in the Lady Chapel of St Peter and St Paul , Seal .
When Pat married Roger Savage in 1956 their wedding reception was held in the hall at Johnsons . Pat still lives in Sevenoaks and has attended many Old Johnsonians ’ reunions .
Back in Johnsons this year , Pat , accompanied by her son , William , recalled what life was like during her father ’ s time . We are delighted to share her memories here .
Sally Robbins , Archivist
128 OLD SENNOCKIANS