I have had a letter this morning from Norman Cockayne, which contained some more bad news to add to that which has been very obvious on the website over the past couple of months.

He told me that his wife Joan died on new years eve. She had retained her cheerfulness throughout some years of gradually failing health and she died peacefully after a very short stay in hospital. Many OWs will remember her as the bursar's wife from 1966 to 79. She made many friends through house Christmas parties, drama and music productions, cookery classes, which she ran for the 6th form, and several other activities. The Holly, where Joan and Norman lived at that time, was a popular port of call for those that wished for a change of scene, particularly on Sunday mornings and sometimes quite late at night for a quick break before facing the housemaster's wrath for a late return from Ipswich. I have written to Norman on behalf of WHOBA to express our regrets. Meanwhile Norman has extended his best wishes to the Association.

Thanks, Roger, for your message.

I am sure all of us who knew Joan will be very sad to hear of her death. I remember very well Joan's great makeup skills, having been personally on the receiving end before several plays. It was always fun to be made up by Joan as she never failed to have a smile and a bit of chat for whoever she was making up (helped ease the pre-stage nervousness!). I think we will all remember Joan as a happy, warm, and friendly person who helped make WH, especially plays and events, the fun and special place that it was.

Please feel free to send all memories and messages of condolence to either Roger Friend or myself (Tony) for inclusion here. Thank you.

Nick Collins (Berners 62-69) asked me to inform you that his brother Sean, who I believe was in Berners 67-74, died just before Christmas in New Zealand aged 42. He suffered a massive heart attack which caused his instant death.

There was a certain amount of controversy surrounding Sean's death, and the story made national headlines in New Zealand. A newspaper article can be seen at:

http://www.press.co.nz/52/98123129.htm

Please let me (Tony Boys) know if you have any trouble seeing this and I will send you a text version.

I was personally very sorry indeed to hear about Sean's death. I remember him well as Nick and I were in the same year in Berners and our younger brothers were also in the same year (and house) together. I also met Nick and Sean's family many times as we used to see a bit of each other in the holidays in London, and I also went out with the family sometimes when they visited WH. I believe Sean had lived in New Zealand for about 20 years, but I am not sure as I have had very little contact with either Nick or Sean since leaving WH. Neither do I have any means of direct contact with Sean's family in NZ, but it is possible that they will see this page, so if anyone has messages of condolence I will be happy to post them here.... Interesting reminiscences from Jon Gornall

The undertakers are Singleton & Hastings, 644 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich. Tel: 01473 272711.

Mrs Cromarty's address is 127 Henley Road, Ipswich.

Peter Sadler (c/o Tanja Cooper)

It said "CROMARTY Robert J.K. M.A. (Edin) M.A.(Oxon) - Peacefully at home on Saturday December 5, 1998, beloved husband of Esmee, dear father of Andrew and Jennifer, grandfather of Thomas and William and much loved brother of Betty. Funeral service at St Margaret's Church, Ipswich on Thursday, December 17, at 11.30a.m followed by private committal at Ipswich Crematorium. Family flowers only please but donations, if desired, payable to Ipswich Hospital N.H.S. Trust for the Department for the Care of the Elderly, may be sent to Farthing, Singleton & Hastings, 650, Woodbridge Road, Ipswich IP4 4PW."

Roger says:
Dick (Richard Woollett) told me that he had had a series of heart attacks in recent months. He had spent time in hospital, where he was visited by Dick and Charlotte, who reported that he was being as "valiant and humorous as ever." He was allowed home for his final few days where he passed away peacefully. I have asked Fred Moughton to send a donation on behalf of WHOBA. As some OWs may wish to send personal donations, I would be grateful if you could include the details of the EADT text, along with the information already on the website. I would also be grateful for memories of Bob that could be included in the next Janus. I have written to Esmee expressing our (WHOBAs) regret and have asked if she would like to include any personal memories. I have fond memories of Bob both as my Latin teacher in 1b and as assistant housemaster in Johnstons, while I was there.

Incidentally in one of the Times supplements this week giving the latest school league tables in the UK, there was a picture of Ipswich High school girls at work in the library.

That's interesting. Did anyone else see it? Was there any quotable script with it?