photo credits: Martin de Little: photo-editing Frank Haslam: captions valid at time of event.
In some cases there are evident defects in the images: we are fortunate to have any at all as many were damaged or destroyed in the commercial processing. If you were there and have photos of people we have not included, or a shot you'd like to see added, please contact therfieldalumni@leatherheadweb.org.uk
The event was at Reigate Priory Community Junior School where Gilly Cox is Head (her husband is Dave Cox, ex-Therfield).
|
Reigate Priory Community Junior School is "unique
amongst junior schools in that we are housed in a Grade I listed
building that is 800 years old and we have our own museum that is
open to the public. |
Chris has been running music
classes there for a long time. The place is full of history. The party was
in a very special room, fireplace by Holbein. It was a warm and happy
occasion. All present were very pleased to see Chris looking so very
well and so much better than he has been.
They came from far and wide including one from Exeter and one from Scotland.
| Steve Hill followed a speech by Dave Cox. Steve's excellent
tribute revealed that Steve's recorder had only ever been used
by his own music teacher to beat him. Steve asked his mother
if he could have a plastic one, reasoning that it would hurt
less. The album presented by Steve was compiled by Barbara Sharkey, who spent many enjoyable hours compiling this collection of memories for Chris. It is full of tributes from friends and colleagues far and wide - over 150 people, including messages from former pupils on the website. The many pictures recall musical productions and shows over Chris's 25+ years at Therfield and include other memorable contributions made by Chris and his music students in school and the community. |
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 (left): Terry Reddin, (above) during his speech, before he presented a cheque to Chris |
 Thank-you speech with typical expansive gestures; fireplace by Holbein. |
 Chris in reflective mood, alluding to a long and difficult year, much indebted to his wife, family and friends for their unstinting support. |
 One of two readings .. this one from the Hitch Hiker's Guide to the Galaxy. Broadly along the lines of the "Babel fish placed in one's ear allows one to understand any language anywhere ..." |
 Chris leading the singalong "... classic pose, always deeply involved in his music ..." see Chris's letter below for a link to the piece |
Sing-along to Chris's parody of G&S Modern Major General,
very funny & much enjoyed.
back: Dave Cox, Steve Hill, Terry Reddin: standing, Tim Boniface,
who provided appropriate background
music to the occasion; creator of the Stompers and a professional
musician in his gap year before Music at Exeter.
front: Sue Smith, ex Sociology: Lesley Price (Atherton) & Martin Dyer,
both ex Geography.
Sing-along
back: ?, Beth Harris, ex Assistant Librarian, ?, Ann Keulemanns &
Marjorie White (Admin),
David Curnow, Barbara Sharkey, John Hickey, Bob Geary
front: Sue Pratt with her parents.
talking about ties?
Hugh Humble, ex Head of Year and Head of Geography, now retired.
Chris with David Goldhawk, formerly Head of Humanities?
left some time ago and in private school sector: lady ?
Chris, friend, David Curnow
Steve Hill, Richard & Diana Everington.
Colin 'Tommy' Tomlinson ex
Special Needs, dedicated fan of Brentwood football club:
Eric Grant, ex Head of Religious Studies, now retired.
Chris Reddin, wife of Terry.
Formerly Dep Head at St Bedes and
now retired and to train for the Anglican priesthood:
Jenny Berge formerly HoY Therfield, now Assistant Head at Oakwood
School, Horley:
James Wood, began his teaching career in the Music Dept at Therfield,
Head of Music at St Bedes, Winner of Classic FM Music Teacher of
the Year: friend.
Nic Wood, née Perrett, with son Daniel; ex Modern Languages,
met James Wood whilst at Therfield: Lucy English.
Stompers'
Concert for Chris Pratt
Chris writes:
There are the important days in one's life.
Being born, of course, but one hardly has any control over that (!):
degree day: getting married: birth of children etc.
There are, of course the unpleasant ones as well.
In fact - there are, like true friends, comparatively few of either.
The retirement party that was arranged at Reigate Priory School on 25th
November was, for Sue and me, one of those few momentous occasions.
We cannot find words to thank those who organised it. It was
wonderful to see so many faces - many of whom had travelled long distances
to be present.
Such care and thought went into the catering, the speech making, the
overall "ethos"- and subsequently to the preparation of this "web page".
My presentation album, meticulously collated by Barbara Sharkey, is a work
of art and I intend to brave the gates of Therfield in the New Year to
show it to anyone who might be interested. The astonishingly
generous cheque has been used for the purchase of a new Yamaha electronic
keyboard and a complete hardbound edition of the organ works of J.S. Bach,
which should keep me going for a "week or so".
I understand that my song - a paraphrase of W.S. Gilbert's brilliant words
to A Modern Major General has caused some
interest.
Here it is. All names and faces have been changed to protect the
innocent!!! (see below)
My overwhelming regret is that I haven't had the opportunity to
"square" my departure with but a small handful of Therfield's pupils.
To all you other guys, "I miss you dreadfully! Good luck for the
future! Wave when you see a Dial-a-Ride bus!".
My best wishes to you all.
My E-mail address is christopher.pratt2ATbtinternet.com
(replace the AT with @ when sending)
Chris Pratt
[For the song please click A Fond Farewell]