Fwd:

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Brian Screaton 
Date: Sat, 12 Sept 2026 at 15:52
Subject:Mike Ratcliff (1958-64) RIP

Mike Ratcliff

It is with great sadness that I report the death of Mike Ratcliff (1958-64). Mike was the 'official' photographer at many of the Reunions, and assisted Andy Marlow in the production of the book about the City Boys school in 2012. On a personal level, Mike was a good friend of mine, and without his help I don't think I could have ever produced the three local history books that I have written. Nothing was too much trouble for Mike. I shall miss him greatly. As soon as I have details of the funeral arrangements I will circulate them.

Brian Screaton

Fwd: The bells, the bells.....

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Brian Screaton 
Date: Wed, 9 Sept 2026 at 13:08
Subject: The bells, the bells.....

Bill's Bells

The following is a link to the publication on Bellboard of the bellringing that took place after Bill's funeral - https://bb.ringingworld.co.uk/view.php?id=2006591 The same ringers will also be ringing a quarter peal in his memory this Sunday at 3.00pm, which will also be published. As I'm sure you all know , a quarter peal it is a set of 1260 unique changes, non-stop with no mistakes and takes 40 to 45 minutes to complete.

Brian

Fwd: Bill's Funeral

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Brian Screaton 
Date: Wed, 9 Sept 2026 at 10:43
Subject: Bill's Funeral

Hello All,

This time yesterday I was attending Bill Mann's funeral at St Denys Church in Evington, where Bill worshipped and was the Tower Captain for the bellringers. It was an excellent and well thought out service, conducted by the Reverend Canon Dr Stephen Foster, who began the proceedings with a story about Bill's final hours. Stephen said he had been called out to administer the last rites to Bill, who then of course promptly recovered, but not for very long, sadly.

There was a congregation of about fifty to sixty, with a good representation of Old Wyvernians, some of whom had travelled considerable distances to be there, which shows how popular and memorable Bill was as a teacher. Mick Wilkins, Bill's second cousin and godson, gave two tributes, firstly about Bill's life and personal reflections, and secondly about Bill's time as a magistrate. Old Wyvernian and former teacher Alan Rudge contributed the story of Bill's teaching career. Appropriately, after the service, the church bells were rung for Bill. The wake was in the parish centre, which is attached to the church, and housed a very generous spread of food and drinks. The Order of Service can soon be seen on our website (www.wyvernians.org.uk) or on our Facebook page, and includes some endearing photos of Bill.

Whilst writing I'm pleased to report that the numbers for the Old Wyves Lunch on 14th October are now up to 27 which is great, but there's still room for  a few more! Just let me know if you would like to come.

Kind regards,

Brian

Fwd: Some News

From: Brian Screaton 
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 2026 at 11:34
Subject: Some News
To: 

Hello All,

A few varied news items that I thought I would pass on. Firstly, if any of you are looking for the panoramic school photos there are some for sale on eBay at present, for years 1958, 1961, 1963 and 1968. Put 'City of Leicester Boys School photographs' in the eBay search box.

Secondly, the response to the next Old Wyves Lunch has been a bit disappointing. Currently only 12 people have booked, and I think we really need 25-30 to make it worthwhile for AgeUK to put on a special hot meal for us. If you've been thinking about coming, please book your place asap. Thanks.

Lastly, the 'ntlworld' saga continues. As you may recall, it seems that my emails (not all, but most) sent to those with virginmedia, ntlworld and blueyonder addresses are being blocked for no apparent reason. Currently I have 48 'Delivery Status Notifications' of which 33 state that my emails have been blocked and the others say that there is a temporary problem with my emails, going back nearly a week. Our Tech guru Frank Smith and myself have not been able to find a fix. Any thoughts would be welcome.

Now, a stop press item!

"Hi, we are organising a reunion in 2027 for Linden Junior School, Evington, 1973 leavers. We know a number of boys went on to City Boys on Downing Drive. If anyone would be interested in attending, please could they contact:-

Nick Slack nickslack7@btinternet.com;         Helen Appleton happleton62@hotmail.com or

 Lisa Driver (nee Vanderweele) lisadriver72@gmail.com. 

This would apply to those leaving City Boys in 1978 after O levels, or 1980 after A levels"

Hope all is well with you,

Best wishes,

    Brian

Fwd: Bill's Funeral

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Brian Screaton 
Date: Fri, 21 Aug 2026, 10:06
Subject: Bill's Funeral

Here are the arrangements for Bill's funeral:

FUNERAL

WILLIAM MERTON MANN JP

9th April 1938  -  5th August 2026

 St Denys Church, Evington, LE5 6FA

Tuesday 8th September at 10.30am. 

All are welcome.

Fwd: Clarence House visit

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Brian Screaton 
Date: Wed, 19 Aug 2026 at 10:48
Subject: Clarence House visit

Hello All,

Here are the details of the Family History Society's event at Clarence House (the old school on Humberstone Gate) on 14th September at 2pm. All are welcome but you need to book a place, as below. I understand that the limit of 20 people is flexible.

I am still awaiting details regarding Bill Mann's funeral, which I will pass on as soon as I have them.

I've not managed to resolve the apparent issue with .ntlworld and .blueyonder email addresses. I think my emails to those addresses are being rejected as spam. However If you have an account with those two and you do actually get this email, I'd be very glad if you would let me know.

Best wishes,

Brian

Monday 14 September

2pm
Hosted by the Leicestershire and Rutland Family History Society (LRFHS), an opportunity to visit Clarence House and
hear about its history which dates back to 1878. Designed by Edward Burgess, the building has been home to two different
schools and a further education college before being bought by its current owners Age UK.The building’s Great Hall houses 

two war memorials, commemorating former pupils of the Newarke School (WW1) and the City Boys’ School (WW2).

There will be a small exhibition including information about some of the servicemen commemorated onthe two war memorials.

In addition, there will be an opportunity to visit the LRFHS’s new research centre. 

Unfortunately the cafe won't be open due to staff cutbacks.

The tour will last approx 90 minutes. Max 20 people. To book please email publicity@lrfhs.org.uk or tel 0770 8883147.

TRIBUTES TO BILL MANN

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Den Duggan 
Date: Wed, 12 Aug 2026 at 11:06
Subject: Please Circulate To Wyvernians

TRIBUTES TO BILL MANN

At the time of writing I have received eight responses to the announcement that Bill Mann passed away recently.

He must have taught hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of pupils, so there will be an endless supply of memories worth recording.

If you can contribute something, no matter how long or short, please send it to me at djduggan2023@outlook.com

Thanks in advance,

Dennis  1959-64