Next Old Wyves Lunch

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From: Brian Screaton 
Date: Sat, 24 Oct 2026, 16:14
Subject: Next Old Wyves Lunch

Hello All,

Just to be sure that everyone is aware, I am writing to say that we have booked the next Lunch for Wednesday 24th March 2027, so that you have plenty of notice of the date. There's no need to book your place yet, unless you really want to. I intend to start taking names in the New Year. The Lunch held this month went really well, and John Hames and I are looking forward to another convivial event in 2027.

Best wishes,

Brian

Old Wyves Lunch

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From: Brian Screaton 
Date: Mon, 19 Oct 2026 at 15:56
Subject: Old Wyves Lunch: 

Another Great Old Wyves Lunch!

Old Boys from near and far returned to Clarence House for the Wyvernians Lunch last Wednesday (14/10), and all had a most enjoyable time. The buzz of conversation and laughter was amazing, and I think many old friendships were revived and new contacts made. The lunch served by Sharon and her staff was excellent with very generous portions – I shouldn’t think anyone went home hungry – certainly I didn’t need to eat again until the following day! The room was immaculately set out, with white tablecloths, and the food was served to us, rather than us queueing at the counter, which worked well. Well done, AgeUK!

The Leicestershire and Rutland Family History Society, who are now based at Clarence House, also did us proud by kindly re-showing their fascinating exhibition about Clarence House, and their research on the names on the Memorial Boards in the Great Hall. Apparently one of their members alone has researched about thirty of the names. If you need help in tracing your family tree the Society has excellent resources. Their Research Centre at Clarence House is on the second floor (there is a lift) and they are open from 10.30am and 3.00pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Their website is https://lrfhs.org.uk

Stop Press news is that we have booked the date for the next Lunch at Clarence House, which is Wednesday 24^th March 2027, so make a note and add it to your diary! John and I look forward to seeing everyone then.

Brian

Fwd: Panoramic photo 1961

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From: Brian Screaton

A 1961 panoramic photograph of the City Boys school pupils is for sale on eBay for £9.73 plus postage, if anyone is looking for one. Just put 'City of Leicester Boys School panoramic photograph 1961' in the eBay search box and it should come up.

Mike Ratcliff

From: Brian Screaton 

Mike Ratcliff RIP

The funeral of Mike Ratcliff was held at Great Glen crematorium yesterday (30th September).The Wyvernians were represented by Andy Marlow and myself, both of whom had been the fortunate recipients of Mike's friendship and his generous expert help in producing books and other printed matter in recent years. I had the honour of paying a tribute to Mike, in which I included Andy's tribute which is on our Facebook page. Should you wish to make a donation to Loros in memory of Mike, the link is michaelratcliff.muchloved.com

Brian Screaton

 

Fwd: Letter from Bill Mann

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From: Brian Screaton 
Date: Fri, 18 Sept 2026 at 11:32
Subject: Letter from Bill Mann

I came across a letter from Bill and thought that I should share it. 

A Letter from Bill Mann

Whilst sorting through some old papers relating to the rescue of the War Memorial Boards, and the raising of funds to pay for their renovation in 2007, I was surprised to come across a letter from Bill, dated 12th February of that year. I wondered why I had kept it, but when I got to the third paragraph, I knew exactly. Remarkably Bill recalls when he first met me 'after break on a Friday at Elbow Lane for Physics', forty-seven years previously. I have no memory of this, and it's incredible that Bill should remember me, a very quiet and shy pupil, after all those years.

I have made a scan of the letter, but in case it is difficult to read, it goes as follows:

Dear Brian,

Herewith a small contribution to the War Memorials Appeal. I hope the appeal goes well. I find it very sad that the two boards were removed from the walls of the entrance Hall at COLS (Downing Drive) and were then 'dumped' in the boiler room. The young lady responsible for their recovery has kept me informed as she likes a drink and a 'fag' in the Dove at lunchtime when I am having a meal - without alcohol!

I hope the Wyvernians' plans will not be affected in the longer term by the news in the Mercury last week that Age Concern may be forced to leave Clarence House as the City Council have raised their rent to almost £100,000 per year!

Does it seem 47 years since we first met after break on a Friday at Elbow Lane for Physics. When one views the tape of old School Films many memories flood back particularly DJS blowing into a manometer.

With every good wish and with appreciation of your contribution to the Wyvernians.

Regards,

Bill Mann 

Family History Society Event

Here are some of photos taken at the Family History event at Clarence House 

                                                    on 14/9/26:-

The representatives of the Old Wyvernians at the event, pictured in front of the Memorial Boards, were L-R  

Tony Baxter, Brian Screaton, Dave Zanker and David Sharp.

The Family History Society put on a superb exhibition about Clarence House 

and the names on the Memorial Boards.

Brian keeping the Wyvernians flag flying!

Entertaining the audience were:-

Tony Donovan (Executive Director of AgeUK Leics and Rutland) seated on the left, blue shirt,

Brian Screaton (Old Wyves), centre, standing, 

and Sue Lester (Family History Society) on the right, standing, and telling the audience about an article that Brian had written about the rescue of the Memorial Boards.

   

Fwd: Latest News

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From: Brian Screaton 
Date: Tue, 15 Sept 2026 at 21:20
Subject: Latest News
To: 

Hello All,

Quite a few things to report this time. Here they are in no particular order:

- The Quarter Peal of bells at St Denys Church in Evington, on Sunday last, in memory of Bill Mann went well. More details can be found here -  https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=2008562. I hope Bill was listening.

- In case you haven't looked at the website or our Facebook page, it is my sad duty to report that Mike Ratcliff (1958-64) has passed away. His funeral will be at Great Glen Crematorium, 9 London Rd, Great Glen, Leicester LE8 9DJ on Wednesday 30th September at 1.30pm and afterwards at The Yews, 29 London Rd, Great Glen, Leicester LE8 9FL. All are welcome.

- The Family History Society's event at Clarence House on Monday last attracted a very good crowd - if fact it was oversubscribed. The Society has done a fantastic job of researching the family histories of many of the soldiers listed on both the City Boys War Memorial plaques, and put on a very interesting and professional display. The school was represented at the event by myself, Dave Zanker, David Sharp and Tony Baxter. For those who weren't there some photos of the event can be found on our website here:-

https://cbs-latest-news.blogspot.com/.../fwd-family...

Also I am trying to arrange for the display to be on show in the cafe when we have our Lunch on October 14th, which of course is another good reason to come to the Lunch - I'm pleased to say that the numbers have risen to 28, but there are still a few spaces. Just let me know. 

- Lastly, Dave Lawrence needs a lift to get to and from the Lunch. Dave lives in Market Harborough. If you live that way it would be great if you could help him. I hope someone will volunteer.

Best wishes,

Brian