THE GOLDONIAN
2nd COY. 1st "C" BATTALION.
 HERTFORDSHIRE REGIMENT.
Nineteenth ANNIVERSARY SUPPER

On Friday, 4th December, 1964, this anniversary supper was held at 7 p.m. in the dining hall. Sixty-five all ranks and fifteen guests were present. The guests of honour were our Headmaster, Mr. R. F. Wheatley, B.SC., with Mrs Wheatley; Mr. and Mrs. Embleton; Captain R. Ainslie, second-in-command of the Battalion; Captain P. Procter, Adjutant; Colour-Sergeant Edwards and Sergeant Englefield, who represented their respective detachments. Our other friends Mr. and Mrs. Halfhyde and Jeanette, Mr. Newton, Mrs. Whittaker (wife of Lieut. Whittaker) and Mr. D. AlIen were also present.  As the guests came into supper a fanfare of welcome was blown to the roll of drums by Sgt. Linnell and L/Cpls. Merrifield and Olbison.

An excellent supper of soup, chicken pie, peas and chips, followed by trifle, coffee, fruits and sweets was enjoyed by all.

After supper the Headmaster spoke and welcomed our guests, making special mention of the work of Captain Culver (Skipper) and said how glad he was to know that the Cadets would be able to carry on under the command of Lieut. Whittaker when Captain Culver retired from the A.C.F. at the end of March. Mr. Wheatley went on to say that although Captain Culver was well over the retiring age for Cadet officers, he would still be giving his service to the School for a few more years.

Following the Headmaster, Captain Culver said that although he was retiring he would always be willing to lend a hand if required, and wished Lieut. Whittaker every success, and reported that Mr. D. Allen, who had been appointed as P.E. teacher to the School would also be joining the Company. Captain Culver then went on to give details of the Company's achievements since its formation in 1945, stating that 1,098 boys had passed' through, many of whom had later made the Army their career.

Of the Corps of Drums, Captain Culver said. their services were always welcomed throughout the County, and through the Corps the Company had established many good friends. In conclusion Captain Culver said that the keynote of success as a Cadet was esprit de corps and loyalty to the Headmaster, the School, and the Company. Captain Culver said he likened himself to a bottle of ink spilled on to blotting paper, some parts getting more ink than others the boys being the blotting paper.

A bouquet of flowers was then presented to each of the lady guests, after which Mrs. Wheatley presented the following awards:

Proficiency Shield to Numbers 5 and 6 sections, who tied for first place; Cup for the Best Bugler of the year: L/.Cpl. Merrifield; Perry Cup for the most helpful Cadet of the year: Sgt. Linnell; Longest Serving Cadet: Drum-Major Fletcher; Newest Cadet: Cadet Talbot.

Mrs. Embleton then made the following appointments: A.L/Cpls. Merrifield, Hoyle and Coppin to L/Cpl. Section Commanders; Service Chevrons to Drum-Major Fletcher, and 23 Cadets.

In appreciation for his services Captain Culver received a pipe, tobacco, and a writing set from all ranks of the Company, and as he left the hall everyone joined in the singing of 'For he's a jolly good fellow'

A. P. CULVER, Captain, O.I.C

From Company notes The Goldonian Spring 1965

The great work which 'Skipper' Culver has put in with the Cadets during the past 19 years is well known to staff and boys, but it is quite impossible to measure to any degree what this labour of love has entailed, even Mr. Culver would find it impossible to tabulate the hours and effort, successes and frustrations. So what can one say about this man who has become a legend?

Perhaps actions can speak louder than words, and in this sense I am sure Mr. Culver has his reward when he reads letters from his old boys who are now in the services or doing a good job in civilian life, in fact being good citizens. I am sure we all hope that the next few years, while still in our company in his main role as housemaster, Mr. Culver will find happiness and contentment, and that the extra hours he will be able to call his own will not become a burden.

N. T. P