Warwick School’s oldest living alumnus visits school
On 27 March 2008, Warwick School’s oldest living Old Warwickian, Leslie Harold Brown, visited the school for the first time in 80 years.
Leslie, who is now 97, was at school from 1922 to 1928. He remembers walking three miles to and from school every day for five years. He and his brother Norman were awarded scholarships - one of the questions he remembers answering in his entrance exam was ‘How do you make a steam pudding’.
Leslie began at Warwick School in October 1922 but clearly remembers being turned away from school for the first two weeks until his mother was able to afford the correct school uniform.
Leslie has fond memories of his school life, the masters who taught him and many of his old classmates. His Head Master was Howard Pyne, who he felt was a very proud man, highly respected and revered, but perhaps a little feared. During his visit he recalled a number of his teachers and has fond memories of music and singing (still remembering the school song), cross country running and learning to swim in the outdoor swimming pool.
While many aspects of the school have changed over the years, Leslie recognised the school Chapel, Pyne Room and old dining room, relatively unchanged in 80 years. He was particularly delighted to see his record in the School Admissions Register.
Leslie’s visit to Warwick School was organised by his daughter Frances and School Archivist Gervald Frykman. Gervald Frykman said, “We were very honoured to welcome Mr Brown back to Warwick School after all these years and are glad that his visit brought back many pleasant memories. We were delighted to hear his anecdotes and gather stories about his days at Warwick School and look forward to recording and sharing them with fellow Old Warwickians and others who have an interest in the school”.
