As far as I know uniquely, for almost one month earlier this year we had two OCs aged 100. Then sadly Peter Wightman-Mountain (East, 1928-31) died, on 23 March, at the age of almost 100 years and nine months. Shortly afterwards, on 16 May, Trevor Stephenson (1 North, 1929-31) died aged 100 years and two and a half months.
For Peter, born before the start of World War One, there was a Service of Thanksgiving on 15 April. The front of the Order of Service is reproduced here. Knowing his loyalty to Cranleigh his daughter chose a photo of Peter wearing his OC tie, with our crest and motto beneath, and arranged for his OC scarf to grace the top of his coffin alongside flowers in the School colours.
Trevor died in Peru, unable to realise his hopes of visiting family and friends in England to celebrate his 100th. He wrote recently: “My sight has got much worse and I find that I can no longer stand up for more than a few minutes and if I try to walk I start falling down. I have fallen 6 times last week and twice today. What a life!” Frustrating for a man who all through his 90s was as sprightly as some half his age.
So I think our oldest now, a proud 95, is Major Roy Hudson (1 North, 1934-37), who was born on 2 November 1919 and lives in Thailand. Hard on his heels is Derrick Carter-Clout (East, 1934-38), who is 95 on 13 August. Derrick is as active as ever. His dedication as an OC has ensured recent attendance at the OC Dinner, the Golden Oldies, the Over 70s and the Armed Forces Reunion, and there’s no doubt he will be with us on OC Day.
Mike Payne.