Matti Gibb

[johnelk]

Originally Posted by Merlot

Thank you so much. Charles was a lovely man. In his retirement, he became very interested in crop circles and other possible planetary civilisations. We shared care of dear Matti as her health deteriorated and took responsibility for her welfare when she went into the nursing home. When Charles retired from the Bourne School, he developed a smallholding and a caravan park at Inlands House, Southbourne. He had a great time with his animals. His death was a shock and a loss.
His youngest daughter, Gill, whom I taught, used to visit Matti, but I have lost touch with her and Adrian over the years.
Thank you for passing the news on to the BRGS Society. I would like anybody from there reading this to get in touch with Janice Wells at Ramsbottom & Co Solicitors 023 9246 5931 for details.

I joined BRGS (my first job) in January 1964 as a new German master, and instantly felt at home under Matti's benevolent wing. It was of course a marvellous school, with an intelligent and good-humoured staff, so ably led by Charles Besly. Matti herself was a fine linguist; she loved languages, loved speaking foreign languages, loved teaching foreign languages, and loved the children she taught. She always showed me support and kindness during those wonderful BRGS years, and I counted myself a friend of hers during that time. She was a generous hostess, and I recall many a happy party with other members of staff in her little Felpham cottage - sadly now demolished. On summer weekends, she liked to work and sunbathe in her small garden - always pretending to be a tad miffed if she thought that my sun-tan was better than hers. It was truly sad to see a good mind like hers gradually ebb away, and I am sad that I only managed to visit her once at Loudon House after she retired. I will always cherish fond memories of her, and would wish to attend her funeral if I can.
(John Elkington, Malvern)

[clarissa]

I'll look out for you after all these years, John. I think you taught me some German and guitar.

See if you can work out who 'Clarissa' is?

Those were fabulous years under the guidance of Charles and his Senior Staff. The 'youngsters' like yourself at the time were the lifeblood of a vibrant school.
DJG was amazed that I went on to get a Masters in chemistry despite his efforts!
I'll see if I can send you a PM.

[Merlot]

Originally Posted by johnelk

I joined BRGS (my first job) in January 1964 as a new German master, and instantly felt at home under Matti's benevolent wing. It was of course a marvellous school, with an intelligent and good-humoured staff, so ably led by Charles Besly. Matti herself was a fine linguist; she loved languages, loved speaking foreign languages, loved teaching foreign languages, and loved the children she taught. She always showed me support and kindness during those wonderful BRGS years, and I counted myself a friend of hers during that time. She was a generous hostess, and I recall many a happy party with other members of staff in her little Felpham cottage - sadly now demolished. On summer weekends, she liked to work and sunbathe in her small garden - always pretending to be a tad miffed if she thought that my sun-tan was better than hers. It was truly sad to see a good mind like hers gradually ebb away, and I am sad that I only managed to visit her once at Loudon House after she retired. I will always cherish fond memories of her, and would wish to attend her funeral if I can.
(John Elkington, Malvern)

Thanks for such kind words about my dear friend Matti. I will be posting final details about the funeral and the wake next week and if you make it, I shall be glad to meet you.
Merlot

[clarissa]

Merlot

I think there may be a good few from BRGS attending.

I've promised to keep them informed.

[Merlot]

Originally Posted by clarissa

Merlot

I think there may be a good few from BRGS attending.

I've promised to keep them informed.

Iwould be glad of an idea of numbers as I have to knowf or the wake, though they could let the solicitor's know.
Thanks so much.
Merlot

[clarissa]

I'll pass that on .......

[Merlot]

Matti's Funeral
Chichester Crematorium at 11.30am, Tuesday 17 October.
The advice is to get there at 11.15 - 11.20am. There is a waiting room and toilet. The Rev Margaret Evans-Hughes will be officiating and is coming to see me on Friday re. details.
No flowers, please, but donations to the Alzheimers Society to Gradys Funeral Directors, 23 Mengham Road, Hayling Island in her memory.
All attending who knew Matti are welcome afterwards at the Langstone Hotel, but I need to know numbers by Sunday at the latest.

[Merlot]

Originally Posted by johnelk

I joined BRGS (my first job) in January 1964 as a new German master, and instantly felt at home under Matti's benevolent wing. It was of course a marvellous school, with an intelligent and good-humoured staff, so ably led by Charles Besly. Matti herself was a fine linguist; she loved languages, loved speaking foreign languages, loved teaching foreign languages, and loved the children she taught. She always showed me support and kindness during those wonderful BRGS years, and I counted myself a friend of hers during that time. She was a generous hostess, and I recall many a happy party with other members of staff in her little Felpham cottage - sadly now demolished. On summer weekends, she liked to work and sunbathe in her small garden - always pretending to be a tad miffed if she thought that my sun-tan was better than hers. It was truly sad to see a good mind like hers gradually ebb away, and I am sad that I only managed to visit her once at Loudon House after she retired. I will always cherish fond memories of her, and would wish to attend her funeral if I can.
(John Elkington, Malvern)

Can you make it, John?

[clarissa]

I emailed John too.

He expects to make it ........

"Unless infirmity intervenes ........."
John

[besly]

Hi
I was searching the internet and came across these threads relating to my grandfather Charles Besly. Sadly he passed away in 2007 after a short battle with cancer. My father is Paul Besly and I am happy to forward on anyones contact details to him or Adrian Besly if people wish to get in contact with them.
I would be interested to hear any old stories of him as a Head Master, if anyone would be willing to share.

I met Mattie a few times when I visited her with my father a long time ago. She seemed a great lady.

Take care