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advice was often sought by staff and parents as well the children. Always at her desk by 8am every morning whatever the weather or disruption on the railways; she would often work late to ensure that all the important tasks in the office had been completed. Whilst children were enjoying their school holiday, Jean would be still at work wrapping up the old term and preparing for the next. Another area where her skills were abundantly clear was in the beautiful flower arrangements she would produce in the chapel, the front reception or for Speech Day. In 1998 she retired from the front office but continued to serve the school for a number of years by staying on to organise travel arrange- ments for the boarders as well as running the administrative side of the OA Society. Out of school Jean was a very keen and accomplished baker not only for friends and family but she would also produce cakes and savouries for a small restaurant in East Dean. It was therefore fitting that her family chose to celebrate her life by arranging a gathering at a small café/restau- rant up in Newark-on-Trent on February 17th on what would have been her 91st birthday.
CHRISTOPHER NITSCH (1948)
I am very grateful to Rob Nitsch OA (1978) who got in touch and also provided further information about his father’s life: “It is with great sad- ness that I write to inform you of the passing of my father in December 2022. St Andrews was with him throughout his life, including through the close friendships he maintained with fellow
2nd XI Cricket – Chris middle row 2nd from right
OAs, Barry Eastick, George Rothman and Sir Alan Traill, all of whom had boys at St Andrews at the same time as myself. He started his Prep school days in 1943 and spent the next two years at Oakash, (the school’s loca- tion during the War). He was an accomplished gymnast and a member of both Junior and Senior Gym teams, captaining the latter in his final year. He then moved on to Sherborne School (Dorset), from where he undertook National service, joining the Army as a mechanical engineer. He never left, marrying Tricia in 1962 and completing this first career as a Brigadier. On retirement from the Army in 1989, Dad worked for Coop Insurance as an Auditor in the Guildford area before finally retiring to Wiltshire and then the Chilterns to happily pursue his many interests full time, and particularly horse racing, sport, gardening and his children (myself and sister Jo) and his grandchildren. I am hugely grateful that Dad and Mum chose to send me to St Andrews and it was a delight for both Dad and myself to attend an OA Day together, just before the Pandemic. Dad pre-deceased my mother unexpectedly at the end of 2022. Whilst his bonho- mie, support and positivity are sorely missed by the family, we reflect on a life well-lived that had a fantastic start at St Andrews.” Roger Lee Bere (1948) Roger joined St Andrews in 1944 and was a member of Sea Kings. He became an Apprentice in his final year before moving on to Dover Col- lege in 1948.
RICK MORRIS (1955) Rick started at St Andrews in the summer term of 1950. He was a keen sportsman and represented the school at 2nd team level in Soccer, Hockey and Cricket. Rick also loved his Rugby and played for the 1st XV as well as gaining his colours in his final season. Another sport in which he shone was boxing and in 1955 he won the Heavyweight Boxing cup. After Radley Col- lege he joined the RAF and
1954 2nd XI Soccer – Rick back row 2nd from left.
became a frontline pilot as well as a flying instructor. Having left the armed forces he went into Civil aviation, flying for the next 27 years as a captain for Britannia Airways. He always acknowledged and appreciated the part that his prep school had played in his education and would always send best wishes each year to us on St Andrew’s Day.
PETER DAVID JAMES (1972)
DAVID J B NICHOLLS (1946)
David arrived at St Andrews in the summer of 1939 and spent his first year in Eastbourne before being evacuated to Thurlestone and Oakash (1940 to 1945). He was in Lions and rose to become Head of set in his final year. He was a keen rugby player (play- ing for the 2nd XV) and also an accomplished boxer, winning the Heavyweight contest in his final year. After moving on to Uppingham he gained a place at
Peter joined St Andrews in 1966 as a member of Recurrers. In addition to being a member of the choir and a Librarian, he also played for the 2nd XI Football team. His main sport was however Cricket and in his final season he played for the 1st XI as well as being awarded his cap. In 1972 he moved on to Lancing College. (RICHARD) KEITH TODD (1957) Richard started at St Andrews in 1952 as a member of Bank- ers. He gained a place in the 2nd team for Soccer, Rugby and Hockey and won his shirt in Soccer. The Androvian report for the 1951 season mentioned that he was a formidable back and he and Beebee ‘developed into a first class pair whose kick- ing was a feature in match after match.’ He was also a strong cricketer and in his final season he played for the 1st XI and was awarded his cap. He moved on to Brad- field College in September 1957. 1st XI 1957 Keith Todd top left 2nd XI Soccer Peter James top right.
Christ’s College, Cambridge where he read Agriculture. After graduating he followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the tea industry and moved to Tanzania in 1950. Life was fun in Africa and became more so when one day a business contact, Ted Gibbard, invited him to lunch. It was at that meal that he met Ted’s daughter, Jill. It was not long before they got engaged and they married at All Saints Church, Limuru, in November 1956. They settled in Nairobi and David spent the next twelve years there as a tea broker before moving back to a similar role in London in 1968. David and Jill lived in Manningtree and that is where their three children, Jonathan, Emma and Henrietta (Tetta), grew up. David had a lifelong love of sailing and in Africa he sailed on Lake Naivasha in the Rift Valley. Once back in the UK he sailed on the River Stour in his Wayfarer. He also learnt to fly in Africa and continued to enjoy flying a Chipmunk and Cessna at a local Aerodrome in Essex. In retirement he enjoyed walking and painting and successfully completed the South Downs Way a few years ago. He was also heavily involved with his local church in Mistley, not only as Church Treasurer but also as one of the bell ringing team. In addition, it was David who organised a fund- raising initiative to replace the church bells. With thanks to David’s son, Jonathan, for providing much of the infor- mation about his father’s life.
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