Letter from Raymond Heron CBE [1935–1942]
Raymond Heron CBE, attended Heath in the 1930s before studying Physics at Queens College, Oxford. He retired in 1984 from the Ministry of Defence as Deputy Director of Propellants, Explosives and Rocket Motor Establishment.
Raymond writes from his home in Aylesbury, Bucks:
It was the year in the thirties when George Nepia and Charlie Smith joined the Halifax RL club. The school staff still lined up behind the Head Master at morning assembly and you could judge by each facial expression the likely mood of the Masters. Mr A.D. Phoenix was clearly not to be trifled with that day. We started with chemistry and a boy called Spencer was missing. Mr Phoenix wanted to know why!
Well he was at scouts last night taking his explorer’s badge,someone volunteered. At that moment Spencer appeared in the doorway and stood there white faced and still. He and Phoenix stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity. The silence was eventually broken with Spencer saying,Doctor Livingstone, I presume.We were all too scared to laugh!
Raymond thanks the HOBA Committee for sending him the newsletter annually and sends best wishes to all Heath Old Boys home and abroad.