That boy with Steven Donovan...

That's BRUCE Taylor, Jimmy, but no hard feelings at all -- it's great to hear from you just as it's wonderful to browse this fantastic site!

I was at the school between 1979-80, in Nelson, the premier house of the period... Many of us who departed that year went to Blundell's:

Simon Munro (followed by brother James), Neil Goodfellow (followed by brother Lee) and Duncan Eve -- all to School House. I went to Old House, followed by Jimmy and Ollie Chope in 1981, and preceded by Bruce Cam (a great sportsman). Other ex Courtiers at Blundell's: X Maund, X Venning, Richard 'Noodle' Watson (to Westlake, 1979; an accomplished drummer); Andy Maunder (Milestones?; another great sportsman); Jonathan Paul; Graham Caskie (now a renowned concert pianist) and many others. A look at the Old Blundellian Register would throw up the addresses of many Courtiers.

I was sent to Ravenswood on arrival in England from Chile. A curious but unforgettable introduction to English life. I remember it as if it were yesterday: getting fitted out for the school uniform at Harrod's; setting about a bumble bee nest with Townie and I think David Morrish; Townie knocking a crow of his perch with a home-made bow and arrow (didn't we all have them, lovingly crafted with our sheath knives, strung with some string or more likely rope, and hidden in the woods 'til Sunday?); mud-flicking and battles in the Senior woods; digging slugs out of the firing range; 'Shoestring' with Trevor Eve (yes, I get occasional royalties cheques as well); the 1979 school trip to Normandy, when the entire party succumbed to chicken pox; David Cunningham and Kim de Heller (Swiss) getting caned for something or other... An idyllic period in my life, however much it seemed like 'Lord of the Flies' at times!

I have photos from this trip, from the school speech day in 1979, the school photo for, I think, 1980, and those for the 1979 1st XV (the worst ever, I suspect) and the 1980 1st XI.

After Blundell's I went to Manchester University and then to Oxford to do a doctorate in history. I live in Los Angeles with my wife and children, where I research and write in naval history. However, my parents live in Rose Ash not far from South Molton, and within sight of Stoodleigh Beacon.

I'd love to hear from anyone who remembers me. I'd also like to get in touch with Commander Norman; can anyone help?

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Replying to:

His name is Paul Taylor and he was Chilean (nearly right! ). I followed him into Old House at nearby Blundells School. Excellent site - some amazing memories have popped up. Will have a trawl for some photos for you. Definitely have a school photo or two - it is important that a good (but gone) school is not forgotten. I remember your and Morrishes' name, but I think I was a year or two behind you. I was in Devon visiting my parents the other day and went up to Stoodleigh. main cricket pitch is immaculate (for use by Stoodleigh), but you cannot get to the school from it as it is fenced off. Damsons still grow next to the colts cricket pitch area and there is still the cork Oak in the opposite corner near the Longjump pit. The building does not appear to be visitable and looked a bit unwelcoming, so I did not knock, but it looks in reasonable condition.

I am still in occasional contact with Mrs Baldwin and Mr and Mrs Light, who were all ok when last we spoke. I also saw quite a lot of Major Gardener until he sadly died about 4-5 years ago.

Major Meeke I lost contact with in 1987...

Thanks for putting the work in. I'll try to get you some material