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Alex Francombe
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Alex Francombe
| House: |
Rhodes |
| Years: |
1964-1967 |
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I left the school in 1967 and came to UK where I continued my education. I then emigrated to S. Rhodesia, the Ian Smith
UDI regime, it cost me £26 to get out there. I wanted to work in the Game Parks. I never realised this ambition but had a
great time, came back to 'Blighty' then joined the Merchant Navy ...... we had one then! I signed on as a deck hand and
went all over the place, including a Mombasa visit ..... great time.
I then got married in 1975, came ashore and joined Hampshire Police in 1976, just as everyone else was leaving because
the pay was so dire. Ultimately it was a wise move. I wanted the job for the unpredictability, the chance to have a
positive effect etc. I never thought about pension and such-like, and here I am having had a great time for 30 years,
retired on a reasonable pension.
As for memories, I cannot remember the name but we had a marvellous organist, reputed to be the best in East Africa. His
playing used to ensure the chapel was filled early.
I remember a teacher called Hugh Cowie. I believe his father had something to do with setting up Tsavo or one of the major
reserves. He was a character who coached cricket and had a very effective way of maintaining attention in class ......
blackboard rubbers, etc.
I also remember having to "fag" for prefects, and being woken up at 2 a.m. for cold baths etc. by prefects, as well as
being caned for messing about.
My father had been at school with the teacher Peter Newling, and by coincidence we all met on a ship from UK when
Newling was joining the school. My brother Ian got a crush on Penny and courted her for a while. I cannot recall a nickname
for Newling.
I live in Hampshire, England.
(Registered - 5th Aug 2006)
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If anyone wishes to contact Alex, please e-mail webmaster@oldcambrians.com
to obtain his contact details
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