LIVES WELL LIVED
THE STANDARD OF TEACHING WAS SO HIGH THAT IT COULD PRODUCE RESULTS EVEN FROM THE LEAST PROMISING MATERIAL .
‘ One was encouraged to spread one ’ s activities as widely as possible , but of course most people specialised in a limited number of them .
‘ In education , I followed the classical “ ladder ” although I was well aware that I could not hope to reach the top , but I did make some very good friends among the real intellectuals . I was very keen on music , and took lessons on the piano and organ , but got most pleasure out of singing in the Glee Club , and in Chapel Choir , which was of a very high standard .
‘ In sport , I enjoyed both cricket and football , but without achieving much distinction , and put most of my effort into rowing and running , being spare man for School IV when it rowed at Marlow Regatta , and coming second in senior steeplechase over a 7-mile course . I also played quite a lot of fives and squash , and even tried my hand at Racquets [ sic ].
‘ As for friendships , they are too numerous to mention , but one of them had such an unexpected and amazing sequel , that I must refer to it . There was a system whereby , in your second year , you could be allotted one of the new boys as your “ protégé ” and were responsible for introducing him to all the school activities and rules , and even to a vocabulary known as “ notions ”.
‘ I was allotted a new boy from a Scottish prep school , but he didn ’ t turn up at the beginning of term , having caught an infectious disease . This was awkward for me , as he had to face his Prefect ’ s “ exam ” alone , instead of being just one of a group . However , my protégé didn ’ t let me down , and we became great friends .
‘ In return for my services , I was surprised and pleased to be invited through to his family in Edinburgh during the next holidays , and at a concert which they took me to I sat next to his beautiful sister , whom I subsequently married ’ ( my grandmother Evelyn ).
Teddy ’ s brother-in-law was Logan MacLure ( F , 1921-27 ), whose son Peter ( F , 1953-58 ) followed . It so happens that I continue in the tradition with my own OW brother-in-law , Ian Wootton ( H , 1972-77 ).
Another plaque in Old Cloister signifies a strong influence in my own early life , namely my Housedon Colin Badcock ( Coll , 1939-43 ) one of the brilliant Classics dons of his era . As Housedon ( F , 1962-76 ) he managed us in Chawker ’ s on a long liberal leash , but could be firm when necessary ; he was charming and witty , generating a strong house spirit .
There is a great sense of belonging to a community with reminders of past generations on honours boards ; and my family is well-represented up to House . It is one visible sign of continuity and of the importance of the House system . However , I believe this sense of belonging is superseded by other unique attributes which define a Wykehamist education : Div for exploring and questioning , the traditional and quirky language of Notions , the game of Winchester Football , and the history and beauty of the buildings and surroundings .
Self-fulfilment was gained also from the CCF — under the charismatic leadership of Robin Somerset ( Co Ro , 1969-92 , d . 2022 ) and from Winchester College V1s and Soccer X1 ; and finally from life-long friends made , amongst whom Notions continue to enhance conversation and perplex outsiders !
A friendship theme is continued for fifth generation Alec Younger ( F , 2012-17 ), son of my cousin Rupert ( F , 1979-84 ): ‘ My five years at Winchester shaped who I am today . The most valuable lesson
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