1646 – Issue 2

When were you at Reading Blue Coat? I attended Reading Blue Coat from 1930-1934 and I was 16 when I left the School What were your particular interests whilst at school? I really enjoyed science subjects and literature and have continued to have a tremendous love of books. I can’t say I was a big fan of sports! When you left school what profession did you go into? After school I joined the family business of photographers- C.E and Son. I am the son! I studied photography, processing and developing the prints at a college in Blackpool just before the war in 1939. How did Reading Blue Coat prepare you for your career and adult life in general? Blue Coat gave me a wonderful grounding for becoming self-disciplined and motivated to achieve anything I desired to do. I believe that I was taught to have good manners and that helped me greatly throughout my life. My love of reading enabled me to continue to learn beyond my time at school. I haven’t fully got to grips with IT, but have figured out how to use my Kindle and that gets a lot of use! Can you tell us a bit more about your time as a Royal Air Force photographer and what that involved? During the war I was in the RAF as a reconnaissance photographer. I enjoyed this immensely and was stationed in North Africa. My most favourite tale from my time there is when I encountered a tarantula in my workshop whilst I was developing photos. I threw some film cans and it eventually ran away! You spent all of your schooling at Bath Road. Can you tell us what is was like there? Perhaps the building and grounds? I remember the uniform very well (the traditional Blue Coat) and I remember feeling very proud to wear it. I very much enjoyed my School days but can’t say I enjoyed every School lunch! I always disliked redcurrants and once, when I would not eat them, I had to sit and eat an entire bowl until they were all gone. I did manage it in the end! It was a very different time and the School was much smaller then and obviously Bath Road was very different to Holme Park, but the main School ethos was much the same as it has always been. You did a lot of photography for the School after it moved to Holme Park. What was different to this site compared to Bath Road? Holme Park was much bigger than Bath Road and there were a lot more in the way of grounds. School House was far more grand and beautiful as were the grounds. I used to love photographing them and my wife would often join me so we could wander around together. How do you think the School has changed since you were there? It seems that everything is a lot more relaxed and the pupils have a lot more freedom. There have been lots of buildings that have cropped up over the years but the biggest change is that girls now attend the School as well. I had no idea about this until recently but I think its great news. What is your favourite photograph that you have taken, or one that you are particularly proud of? I am most proud of the photo I took of the Spinnaker Tower at Portsmouth just after it was built. I am also very fond of the photo I took of the model traction engine I built as this combined my two hobbies. We think you are our oldest Old Blue. Congratulations! Are you going to celebrate this very special occasion? Will you have a cake big enough for 100 candles? I have to say, I don’t feel 100 but I will be applying for my telegram from The Queen. I will have a small party at home with my family and I’m sure there will be some cake. Blue Coat gave me a wonderful grounding for becoming self- disciplined and motivated to achieve anything I desired to do. Doug turned 100 just before the first National lockdown and managed to celebrate with some close friends and family as well as all his carers. He was also able to celebrate VE Day and managed a circuit of his Close to a round of applause from his neighbours. Congratulations and many happy returns to Doug! 17