We were delighted to be sent this after-dinner toast by William Askew (b.1930 - ); given by him at the Old Ruymians' Club Annual Reunion Dinner at the Houses of Parliament in 1973 in front of several dignatories, including Sir Edward Heath:
"Mr. Chairman, Mr. Heath, Mr. Hordon, Mr. Harcourt Samuel, Mr. Hubbard, Headmaster, School and House Captains, fellow Ruymians,
Our presence here tonight owes much to the tireless efforts of Bryan Larkin. I think you will all appreciate his efficiency as a Secretary when I tell you that he only invited me to speak this evening after receiving my cheque for the dinner.
It is with deep gratitude that I stand before you, honoured to have been given the privilege of proposing this toast.
Your attendance here tonight highlights something I discovered early in my time at Chatham House. This school has a remarkable ability to inspire loyalty and affection from everyone who passes through its gates—boys, old boys, governors, and staff alike.
I still recall my first days here as a new boy from the north of England, just a third-former, suddenly immersed in a whirlwind of experiences and personal relationships. Slowly but surely, I began to absorb the school’s rich traditions and its distinct character.
A famous historical work once said, “History is what you remember.” In much the same way, school life is shaped by our memories—those memories that we selectively hold onto, and that naturally gloss over the more challenging moments.
I’d like to share with you my first encounter with a teacher for whom I came to have the highest regard—someone who would soon be responsible for guiding hundreds of boys at the school.
Now, I’m not sure if the same practices apply in the school dining hall today, but in my time, third formers were sometimes tasked with waiting on the head table, eagerly anticipating the chance for a second helping.
One day, after the school dinners had finished, the then Headmaster, the Reverend Brackenbury—a name that could strike fear into any third-former—walked into the dining hall for lunch. He was accompanied by the school governors and another distinguished gentleman.
Two of us, including myself, were assigned to carry a tray the length of the hall. On the tray, each plate held two slices of roast beef, two roast potatoes, and a piece of Yorkshire pudding, all generously covered in gravy.
I remember standing beside the Headmaster, awkwardly holding the tray, when a moment of sheer clumsiness occurred. I’ll never be convinced that there isn’t a benevolent force watching over us, because what happened next is a bit of a blur. Somehow, two roast potatoes ended up at the Headmaster’s feet, and a slice of roast beef ended up on his thigh.
Without missing a beat, the Headmaster turned to me and said, “I think you’ve done enough, boy. Serve the other gentleman.”
That "other gentleman," as you might have guessed, was W.P. Pearce. Over the years, I would come to rely on his wisdom and guidance in countless ways, and I am forever grateful.
I also regret that Joe Leech isn’t here with us tonight. I must have been his greatest challenge as a chemistry student, but I can still recall many lines from the school plays he produced. He must have remembered some of the rather peculiar verses the hockey team sang on the bus to and from matches, as well!
At that time, the school was at full capacity, and space was always at a premium. I’ll never forget Pierce Pester’s physics lessons, held in that small, top-floor room. His vocabulary was as carefully chosen as his expressions were memorable—a fine introduction to adult life.
We all have such memories, whether fond or otherwise, of our time at school. And, as we reflect on those memories tonight, I believe that many of us here are traditionalists in the truest sense: we hold fast to the values that Chatham House has long stood for. Those values—loyalty, integrity, and sincerity—are as vital today as ever. In a world where too much attention is paid to material pursuits, it is more important than ever to emphasize these qualities.
Gentlemen, please stand and join me in a toast: to the school, and coupled with it, the name of the Headmaster, Mr. Potten."