We were all sorry to receive the sad and very untimely news of the loss of Jane Clarke in June of this year; along with the thoughts sent by her family of how much she will be missed by them  and her many friends

Jane was among the first group of ‘non ex Markhouse pupils’ to join the Drama Club after the school closed in 1966; having been coaxed and encouraged into membership by Mr Malyon – which he saw, no doubt, as one of his first ‘duties’ and opportunities after being redeployed to the nearby Beaconsfield School where Jane was a pupil.

Many current MDC members will remember Sid and, in particular, Cleve, Keith and John O all have cherished memories of closely sharing their school days and friendship with him; also of many particular events – such as when they all joined John Jones Art Club and ended up creating the epic mural of the battle of The Alamo!

As a group of friends their particular interests were very much in the direction of lighting, sound, music and, of course, the eventual development of CEL – Cathode Elysium Lights. This duly became a very successful and well known venture that originated from their makeshift headquarters, lab and test site at Markhouse! The latter more accurately known as the school’s former upstairs Stock Room – opposite the Costume Room!

Sid Worth 1951 – 2002

John Jones will be remembered as a great teacher, somebody who really loved the children and wanted all of them to be successful. Many children from not so calm and tranquil backgrounds would have found peace and constructive relaxation in his lessons. Many children who might not have had the opportunity elsewhere found personal success because of his support.

This page in memory of John contains both the MDC Tribute and that of his close Markhouse teaching colleague and friend Derek Steward

John Jones 1919 – 2021

Many of the ‘football mad’ pupils at Markhouse will recall Eric’s prowess in the regular 5 A Side matches in the school playground, whilst others will no doubt remember his singing ability and a sense of fun that was so evident when he joined them in the cast of several productions – as evidenced in his authorship and starring role in the ‘staff led’ 1964 production of ‘Life is like that’.

More about Eric, his interests and post Markhouse life is given by his son David in the main part of this tribute

Eric Griffiths 1932 – 2020

Mick had been one of the original members of the original ‘Stage Craft Group’ that, around 1955/6, had met once a week after the normal school day. Along with his peers Mick Everett, Iris Moorshack, Brenda Chapman, Keith Elliot and Maggie Cox, he was one of those who played such a key part in encouraging many other pupils to get involved and contribute to what was fast becoming a permanent and popular feature in the life of the school.

Mick emigrated to Australia and his daughter Vanessa has provided us with some information about his post Markhouse life ‘Down Under’.

Mick Rumsey 1943 – 2014

As many members from that time will recall, Martin was primarily a ‘back stage’ person and rarely appeared as a member of a cast; although his artistic flair was, of course, often very visible to our audiences! In this respect he designed the substantial series of sets for ‘The Town That Would Have a Pageant’, ‘Old King Cole’ and ‘Captain Blood’. He also stage managed the latter pantomime. Martin’s main front of stage appearances included ‘It’s a Record’ and ‘Man Alive’; along with the Markovian Film’s ‘Daylight Robbery’ – the car crime thriller that is included in the Website

Martin Kenny 1948  – 2020

Along with being a great ‘supporter’ and occasional ‘artiste’ with the Drama Club, playing in ‘Big Bands’ and his love of all things ‘jazz’ was an important part of Phil’s life – where he complemented his main interest in the trombone with that of playing the saxophone, guitar and harmonica. He amassed a vast collection of vinyl recordings of the musicians that he admired – including that of the one and only ‘Spike Jones’ whose zany humour was something that always managed to get him rolling over with laughter.

Phil’s kind and thoughtful friendship will be missed by the many MDC members who knew him during the years that he and Norma were involved..

Phil was a quiet, kind and good friend – his sense of humour was, of course, a bonus! 

Phil Pepperell 1936 – 2020

Sue joined the MDC via Beaconsfield School, along with many other pupils that Mr Malyon had recruited from his ‘new’ teaching post – and so played a vital part in maintaining a vibrant and ongoing membership. This is how she met Ray and, in due course, they very much ‘fitted’ in with Mr Malyon’s notable comment in the letter he wrote for the 2007 Re-Union; where he said that ‘he wasn’t sure whether he was running a Drama Club or a ‘Marriage Bureau’.

Beyond her MDC interests, many Drama Club members will have seen plenty of evidence over the past few years of Sue’s charitable fund raising efforts and, of course, of continuing her and Ray’s passion for travel – and very much involving all of her family in this!

Sue will be greatly missed, not only by her close family and local friends, but also by the many former MDC members who valued their friendship with her.

Sue Parker 1952 – 2020

Thanks to a George Gascoigne Facebook Group posting by one of their former pupils, we are now able to provide some information about Bill Pinches; the Sports Master at Markhouse around 1959/61

Those who were at the school at this time will recall him as an enthusiastic and supportive teacher who not only introduced a wider range of sports activities to the curriculum but also, in particular, used his gymnastic skills and experience to get the best out of a good number of pupils who often found many other aspects of school life occaisionally ’difficult’

Chris had been a regular member of the backstage scene crew in a good number of school based productions and thereby not only served the same ‘apprenticeship’ as many members had done, but also maintained his family’s traditional ‘thespian’ involvement at Markhouse alongside his older sisters Judith and Susan  – and, indeed, their parents, who were also actively supported the club after the closure of the school.

Chris and his family also followed Judith & Susan ‘westwards’ where he became a member of the Cirencester Athletics Club – with his dedication to this sport being described as ‘immense’ and, indeed, not without some success – both within his club and, in ‘later’ years, gaining a deserved place in the Over 60 Great Britain Team. It is clear from their tribute to Chris on their website that he was well liked and respected; also that his presence would not only be greatly missed by his family, but also by his many friends within both the club and the local community.

Chris Riches 1952 – 2019

Gerald was one of the very earliest members of the Drama Club and, as many will also know, was one of the three Aylott brothers who made such a substantial contribution to its life, productions, fun and friendships over the years in which they were involved

Along with his twin brother Gordon, they must have been seen, in hindsight, by Mr Malyon as something of a ‘godsend’ from the moment they walked through the school gates in 1956 – having probably been identified as very likely candidates for all those forthcoming productions that would require, or benefit from, ‘lookalikes’ within a cast group – and, of course, if any ‘actual twins’ might be required!

Gerald Aylott 1944 – 2019

Mick was there when it all started – one of the founding members of what was then ‘just’ an ‘After School Drama Group’ who doubtless had no idea whatsoever that what they helped to start would go on for a further 20 plus years!

Mick was involved both ‘on stage’ and ‘behind the scenes’ and gradually found that his niche was to be in the creative and performing arts. After leaving the Drama Club he set off onto what was to be his long term career by gaining a place at The Central School of Art – duly encouraged and supported by both Cyril and John Jones

Mick Everett 1942 – 2018

John was a long serving member of the Drama Club and will be well remembered for the cheerful and friendly disposition which touched all of those who were fortunate to have known him.

John also had a great sense of fun and used this to great effect in maintaining this as a pre-condition within the life of the Drama Club – often being able to use a turn of good humour to great effect when a few things were not going quite as planned. In other words – when either scenery was collapsing (as it often did) or lines clearly hadn’t been learnt – by the Dress Rehearsal!!

John Cade 1946 – 2016

It was inevitable that Ray would join the ranks of the Drama Club as, by the time he was old enough to do so, his family connections were well established – with his older brothers, Gerald and Gordon, already being regular and active members – and similarly following them into the Sea Cadet Unit that they all attended at Marsh Street Youth Centre

Ray became a long serving and loyal member of the Drama Club and his lasting commitment to that period of his life was well in evidence in more recent years. Along with Sue, this was through his regular attendance of the re-unions and also through his enthusiastic involvement in the Cyril Malyon Memorial Fund where, in particular, he initiated and oversaw the first of the Performing Arts Projects for Young People.

Ray Aylott 1950 – 2016

Dick was probably the longest serving member of the Drama Club and others may even have a view that, in both spirit and commitment, he never really left? Perhaps this was because most members would have found him there when they joined, there when they left – and still ‘there’ and highly involved when the more recent series of Re-Unions began!

Along with his quiet, friendly and unassuming manner, Dick will be remembered for his musical talents and his role ‘at the piano’ when song, dance and music was required – although it remains a mystery how he ever retained such calm and mannered traits when encountering the ‘suspect’ vocal ability amongst the rest of the membership. This particular memory of him does, of course, remain as a tribute to his patience!

Richard Dunn (Dickie) 1946 – 2014