Old Eastbournian
Norman Denniss Paine (Pennell 1936–41) died on 28 March 2017, aged 94. Norman emigrated to Australia where he had a career described as a ‘wool grower’. He was also involved with the reaf- forestation of degraded farmland. His wife, Carol predeceased him and he is survived by his children Keith and Ann. At the College, he was awarded his rugby stag in 1940 and a year later won his running strings. Norman’s brother John Paine also came to the College (Pennell 1937–40).
Rowan Michael Planterose (Ascham 1962– 67; Powell 1967–72) died on 27 October 2024, aged 70. We are grateful to Rowan’s wife, Julia, for the following tribute: Rowan was born in 1954 in Ewell, Surrey. His father worked for Shell International as a marketing manager and his mother was a school teacher. Soon after the birth of his brother Bernard (Powell 1969–74), the family moved to Lewes, Sussex. Rowan went to Ascham then trans-
Anthony John Dale Peck (School 1946– 51) died on 23 September 2024, aged 91. John went to Birmingham University to study biochemistry which was fol- lowed by his national service in the Royal Engineers where he served in Germany. He then returned to Burton Latimer in Northamptonshire to help run the family soft drinks business. As managing direc- tor of ‘She Products’, manufacturing and distributing soft drinks, John steered the
ferred to Eastbourne College where he joined the chapel choir, and avoided, as much as he was able, any sporting activities. The school had a compulsory Combined Cadet Force and he joined the RAF section, and got his gliding licence when he was 16. His A levels were good enough to get him a place at Bristol to read Law, but just before he started he was offered a place at Downing College, Cambridge. Rowan went to Downing in October 1973 and remained until the summer of 1977, acquiring a BA in Law (1st class honours) and a post-graduate LLB. He joined the Downing chapel choir and was approached by the army section of the Officer Training Corps; his preference for machinery over physical activity led him to join the Royal Armoured Corps where he learned how to drive tanks. He acquired a commission in the 3rd Royal Tank Regiment in 1977 as a reserve officer and remained with the regiment for a further 10 years, travelling mostly to West Germany and Cyprus. On leaving Cambridge, Rowan took the Bar exams and was called to the Bar by the Middle Temple. He joined a set of chambers which specialised in construction law and he embarked on an international career, being particularly known for his expertise in construction and engineering disputes. He had an amazing ability to read extensive and complex briefing papers the night before a hearing or court appear - ance and instantly understand the case; he would appear the next day and lead the parties to an appropriate outcome. In 2002 things changed in the world of construction law when a new system of adjudication was introduced in order to settle disputes quickly. Rowan’s work as a barrister diminished significantly and he joined a solicitors’ firm, Davies Arnold Cooper, where he subsequently became managing partner. He was the co-author of a leading textbook on the 1996 Arbitration Act and its subsequent updates. In 2019 Rowan retired from DAC Beachcroft (following a merger) and joined the barrister’s chambers 3 Paper Buildings. As well as doing numerous cases as an international arbitrator or adjudicator, he wanted to give something back to his profession and ran courses in arbitration in UAE and South Africa. He was also an examiner for degree courses in the UK on construction law and dispute resolution. He was a member of the Society of Construction Arbitrators where he played an active role. Following a few years as secretary, he held a three-year post as president from 2020. He was also a trustee of a charity, Harambee Schools Kenya, which raises money in the UK to carry out improvements to schooling and school infrastructure in rural Kenya. This involved some very insightful trips to visit the schools to see first-hand some of the challenges they were facing. Outside of work, Rowan was a devoted husband to Julia, and proud father to Abigail (Arnold & School 2014–18). He loved all things train, tram or bus related and was a volunteer at the Bluebell Railway. He started to suffer from seizures in the summer of 2023, and in March 2024 he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. Among the many tributes from a wide circle of colleagues and good friends, he has been described as an exceptional barrister, and a kind gentle man full of warmth energy and fun. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Michael Hamilton Pope (Gonville 1939–44) died on 5 June 2021, aged 95. He read Law at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, and qualified as a solicitor in 1953 working in the Brighton, Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill areas. At the College he won his rugby stag in 1942 and the following year became captain of the 1st XV. The 1944 Eastbournian described
company strategy with his hands-on engineering and biochemistry background. John retired in 1991 to enjoy life with his loving wife, Janet. The couple proudly received their card from the King and Queen in September 2024 in celebration of their 65th wedding anniversary. John read newspapers everyday throughout his life – a habit which he started at school. A favourite publication of his would be the Old East- bournian magazine and he would occasionally contribute with nuggets of experience in articles. Joining School House in 1946 meant that John spent the first year in the Wargrave building as the School House building was still occupied by the Navy at that time. He quickly became involved with the College choir and the Choral Society. Singing became a hobby and passion that he carried forward throughout his life. He also started playing the French horn which he continued to enjoy until his very later years. John’s son Peter Peck (School 1980–85) told us: ‘He would often recount stories from his time at the College. His memory never failed him and he would be able to describe the experiences and the char- acters in great detail. My father’s detailed descriptions of his time at the College were fascinating. He made it all sound like an exciting adventure which subsequently encouraged me to follow in his foot-
steps and to also join School House. As a result, we could share such vivid stories as ringing the school bell, running over the Downs and occa- sionally, some dormitory humour! ‘My father also loved his gymnas- tics and would delight in explaining how to make a human pyramid to his grandchildren and his great grand- children. His time and experiences at Eastbourne College were truly carried forward throughout his life.’ In 2007, John recalled how he had come by an organ stop from the Collage Chapel. On a visit to the Chapel in 1950, John and others found a skip containing the remains of the original chapel organ (a new one had recently been installed): ‘The stops were of course the most desirable. There were several
John Peck: How to make a human pyramid
bars of felt mounted lead, a little of which I fashioned on laces to make weights for my bd [battle dress] trousers. I probably still have them now with my still complete army uniforms, boots, webbing, gas mark etc…’ He was also a member of the Gramophone Society. The 1951 Eastbournian reported: ‘The Society has been going, in its present form, for just over a year, and, thanks to the past work of J N Busbridge and A J D Peck, is now firmly established as a part of the school’s life.’
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