The Old Askean Association
I send you the sad news that Pauline Martin has died. For many years she ran the catering at the Broad Walk sports ground. Her late husband, George, was involved for thirty-five years in running the Old Askean Rugby Club.
Pauline’s funeral is on Tuesday, 6 June at 1.15pm at Vinters Crematorium, Maidstone, ME14 5LG, and afterwards at Bearsted Golf Club ME14 4PQ.
Please inform Kim Martin if you would like to attend: kimianmartin1956@gmail.com.
Kemnal Park Crematorium was filled to overflowing for the Mike’s funeral. The chapel was packed with his family, work colleagues and friends from all walks of life. There were plenty of Old Askean ties to be seen with a scattering of OA blazers. Many of us could not get into the main chapel and so filled the entrance lobby.
After the service we retired to the Bull at Chislehurst where the tributes to Mike continued. It was a splendid occasion and just a shame that Mike was not there to enjoy it. It is hoped to post an obituary to Mike on this site.
This was a splendid event. The AGM was chaired, with his usual efficiency and aplomb, by our president Andy Jordan-Smith. The meeting was concluded by his successor, our incoming president Gary Bunce.
At the end of the meeting Dennis Johnson was presented with two engraved whiskey glasses as a gift from the Association to thank him for his many years of faithful service on the committee. Roger Pawley, who was unable to attend the meeting was presented his glasses the previous day by Roger Goodman. Both of these Askean stalwarts have retired from the committee.
After the meeting some 30+ Old Askeans and guests had an excellent dinner which was organised by our Social Secretary, Roger Goodman.
You will be pleased to learn that the Old Askean Annual Lunch was a great success. Although there were fewer people than usual dining, just under forty, it was a very convivial occasion. Sadly President Garry Bunce was unwell and so Senior Vice President Peter Ayling hosted the meeting.
We were pleased to be able to welcome Christopher Hardie, Master of the Haberdashers Company as our guest of honour. he spoke warmly of the School and of the Old Askean Association is his speech.
After the meal some of the members and wives stayed for a few hours drinking and reminiscing in one of the bars.
Menu
Cream of Leek & Potato Soup with Chive Créme Fraiche
Roast Breast of Chicken, Mushroom, Asparagus & Tarragon Veloute sauce with French Beans & New Potatoes
Vanilla & Raspberry Crème Brûlée served with a Lemon Sable
Vegetarian option available
Tea, Coffee & Petit Fours
The numbers at the last gathering the City Diners were somewhat reduced, there just being a “Magnificent Seven”! Sadly we were too busy talking, drinking and eating to take any photos. I can assure you that it was a splendid occasion and this Old Askean thoroughly enjoyed himself. The soporific effects of beer and wine almost caused me to miss my train station on the way home, but I awoke in time – just!
Do come along and join us next time as there is plenty of money in the wine fund!!! Barry Mellish
The funeral service is at Randall’s Park Crematorium, on Wednesday 31st August 2022 at 10:15 am. The family ask attendees to arrive by 10:00. there is ample parking on site. A live stream of the service will also be available, details to follow.”
If you intend to be at the funeral it would be appreciated if you could let Toni know, to help re numbers. tonic1641@hotmail.co.uk
*Donations via brian-burgess.muchloved.com
Streaming details:
Name Brian Burgess
LocationRandalls Park Crematorium,
Leatherhead -Wednesday 31/08/2022 10:15
Use the PIN number below to access your webcast
Webcast Login PIN 817-4258
Taken from the Old Askean Magazine in his presidential year of 2017:
Mike was born in South East London in 1943 and joined Aske’s in 1954. He tells me his mother was interviewed by Ned Goddard whilst he was interviewed by Charlie Prince; his dad was working as a lorry driver for a Waste Paper Company so really couldn’t afford to take time off. Mike says that Ned was quite a daunting gure for his mum but she was certainly not afraid of him. Ned said that his Maths was quite good but his English left room for improvement. He didn’t seem to realise that a different kind of English was spoken in the Old Kent Road area says Mike!
He captained the 3rd Eleven School cricket team and left Aske’s in 1962 with three A Levels and several O Levels. His first job after leaving Aske’s was with Distillers Company for a year and he then studied at the Borough Polytechnic for four years taking a “Sandwich” course in Chemical Technology specialising in Polymer Technology. Following that he worked for Gillette Industries for 3 years and then another 3 years for Van Leers, a Dutch packaging Company who produced steel and plastic drums for the oil industry.
By this time his father had started his own business in the waste paper recycling industry and, since Mike had always wanted to run his own business, he joined his father in the family business in the mid-seventies that later expanded into condential data destruction. The family business currently operates from two sites in the Blackwall Tunnel area and, having passed on the family business to his son, he is soon to retire.
He tells me he will always be grateful for the education he received at Aske’s which was only possible by having brilliant and supportive parents.
He currently lives in Petts Wood and has a son, two daughters and grandchildren and, because it is impossible to go through life without suffering some disadvantages, his wife and himself are, like our ex-President, Charlton season ticket-holders.
Askean Rugby Club End of Season Dinner
When – Friday31 March 2023 Doors Open 7pm, Sit Down 8pm
Where – Rectory Field,
What – Two Course Meal, Complementary “Champagne” Bar, Presentation of Awards, Plus Excellent Speeches
Cost – All at approx £25 a head.
Contact- Steve Homewood or Ian Lunn
An evening of 70’s & 80’s music, dancing, free photo booth, reminiscing and maybea few drinks! Open to all leavers & partners, but especially the ’73, 83 & 93 leavers who are celebrating their 50th, 40th and 30th anniversaries of leaving Aske’s.
Dear all,
If you are a member of the Old Askean Association you should have received the latest edition of the OAA Magazine within which is my request for your contributions.
It had been produced just before the sad news broke of the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth so you will notice it was lacking any reference to her, but I was hoping you could help me fill the pages of the next edition with any personal stories, photographs etc of any experiences you may have had with this remarkable lady.
As a general guide for this, or any contribution, ideal article length would be between 180 (half page) and 720 (two pages) word count. This is a guide and not a rule so if you have something which is a little more lengthy to submit please feel free.
Many thanks in advance,
Gary Bunce, (Editor of the the Old Askean)