The Victorian 1983 - Part 3

Today's post comes from a 1983 edition of "The Victorian", a magazine published by Victoria College

The Victorian 1983

Association of Old Victorians: O.V.S Here, There and Everywhere
Complied by “Dixie” Landick

The Reverend Stephen P. E. Mourant (1965-1973) Having obtained his Bachelor of "Theology Degree at the University of Nottingham. Stephen was ordained into the Church of England at Southwell Minster on 3rd July. He is now serving his first curacy in a group of six country parishes and is resident at the Vicarage. Granby, Nottingham. If any O.V.s are in the area and "wish to drop in for a cuppa and a chat, they would be most welcome".

The Gurdon Brothers (Charles, Hugo and Alexander) were at V.C.J. between 1967 and 1976. Charles has sent news in telegraphic terms' He himself gained a B A. (Hons.) in economics and geography at the School of African and Oriental Studies. London University. and subsequently an M Sc. Distinction) in geography of Africa and the Middle East. Now working as a consultant with Meapec Ltd., which provides political and economic consultancy for governments, multi-lateral organisations (U.N.. World Bank. F.A.O., etc.). Hugo gained a B.A. (Hons.) in English and history at Bristol University and has been working as a journalist with the Jersey Evening Post. Is now moving to Fleet Street. Alexander has a B.A. in film. photography and television. Central London Polytechnic, and is at present a cameraman with London Weekend Television.

Jolyon J. S. Baker (1971-1975). Having secured a place at Mount View Drama School, London, has now completed two years there and is about to commence his final year. Recently he took the leading role in "Marat-Sade" by Peter Weiss Jolvon ‘went professional' for the first time this summer, performing in Gilbert and Sullivan's "H.M.S. Pinafore" at the Queen Elizabeth Hall. Festiva! Theatre, gaining his Equity card at the same time.

Neil B. Wade (1970-1973) and Philip B. Wade ( 1971 -1979). Neil is now an assistant manager at the Bank of America, based in London. He is a keen rugby squash player. Philip, after working for two years and with Barclaytrust Bank, is now taking a management course with Marks & Spencers at Baker Street in London Philip's hobbies include tennis and chess.

Neil Dormand. I have been sent a highly technical BBC TV publication with an article entitled 'How current affairs come up tingling fresh'. I can only quote the briefest extracts here which are self explanatory: "What exactly is the Lime Grove Topical Production Centre, which recently came into operation at a cost of £3 million. The simple answer is that it is a specialist centre for the programmes and the home of the production offices and studios for the BBC's three daily television current affairs programmes. Nationwide. Newsnight and Breakfast Time Neil Dormand is the manager of Vision Facilities for the Topical Centre and his unit is some 60 strong. Neil is the first man in the BBC to have the use of portable single cameras (P.S.C.) for mainstream broadcasting under his control He has been lecturing on their potential and talking about electronic news gathering for the past couple of years at the BBC's engineering training school at Woodsnorton, but now all has been put into practice. Neil has eight P.S.C. crews to man the Centre's units on a 24-hour basis and a radio links van which sends the signal from location into the studios . ."

Anthony A. Pitcher ( 1972-1979). At present studying to he a chartered accountant, articled to John Warry at Price Waterhouse (Jersey) Anthony obtained an Honours degree at Warwick University in accountancy and financial analysis. Was married on 1 1th June this year to Miss Julie Elizabeth Manning. daughter of Mr. John Manning of Taunton. The honeymoon was spent in Norway.

Timothy J. C. Carter (1974-1951). Tim writes: "I'm currently in the third year of a four year B.A. (Hons.) course in modern languages (French and Spanish) at Bristol Polytechnic. This year is being spent abroad to gain practical experience of the languages involved. Here in France I'm spending five months doing translation work in a hospital/research centre in Nancy In February. I'm going down to Spain to spend five months at Madrid University ... I've still got no idea of what I'm going to do after I've finished my course. There's always teaching, I suppose!"

Congratulations to Wing Commander Vernon W. Cavey ( 1940-1946) who has returned to Jersey and been appointed as the States Industrial Relations Officer and to it. Col. `Mick' R. Lanyon (1951-1962) who is also returning to take up the important post of Commandant at Jersey Airport.

To conclude these notes which. I hope, have included some items of interest for everybody. I must mention a letter received from Alan Salsac. It does not contain news of this O.V. but rather a fervent heart-cry for more support for the O.V.A. Alan deplores "the apathy of O.V.'s' and is sad that appeals for news are necessary Above all. however. he deplores the lack of support for the O.V.A. clubroom in Broad Street. Alan points out that the clubroom is open front 9 p. m. to 1 a.m. daily and that the clubroom committee members are working hard to redecorate the premises and to improve its image and atmosphere. Alan continues: "Let us not fool ourselves - things will not correct themselves. We cannot expect to have a vastly improved clubroom and a highly active Association without the full support of the membership. I cannot help but feel that the Association is dying a slow death due to a totally unacceptable attitude of apathy and indifference . " Alan strongly urges all members to support all OVA. activities and concludes as forceful letter with the following .: ''My deepest apologies to those few active members whom we have to thank for having any Association left at all".

Well Alan, the appeal for news has had encouraging results. as you may see from the forgoing pages. pages. I hope your urgent appeal may draw an equally gratifying response and a queue at the clubroom bar!