 Norman Porter (K 50-57), has written and compiled this wonderful new book to coincide with celebrations surrounding the 60th anniversary of the gift of Brandeston Hall to the College by the Society of Old Framlinghamians. Chris Keeble (S 53-59), who so beautifully designs the Yearbook and our Newsletter, is the new book's designer, and the sumptuous result is a great credit to his skills. The book's initial release, at a price of £15.00, was at Brandeston Hall's speech day on the 3rd July, and again at the College's speech day on 4th July. The book is now available from Amazon (Click the link to go directly to the right web-page. Click on Read More for further information). If you don't have, and don't want an Amazon account, you can purchase the book by emailing, and making payment arrangements with, Norman Porter.
If you were at BH at any time over the last 60 years, then a copy of this book is a must - apart from anything else, there's a very strong chance you're mentioned in it, or present in one of its many photographs. Failing that, there will certainly be stories about old friends and the many staff who shaped your later years.
To quote from the dust-cover: "For over 450 years the village of Brandeston has had at its heart a grand Tudor Hall. Through its imposing gates there have passed the carriages of the Lords of the Manor, the military vehicles of war-time requisition, and the assorted vehicles that have taken young children to and from school. Country gentlemen, maids and footmen, generals, private soldiers, teachers, students these are the men, women and children who have brought the Hall to life and who have witnessed the changes of the years." "This volume attempts not only to show how the role of the Hall and its relationship to the village has changed over the centuries, but also how education has evolved in the course of the 60 years that it has been a school. The range of illustrations serves to stimulate the historical imagination, and, for many, to ease gently open the channels of nostalgia and childhood memories. Conversely, this history of what has passed may also serve to remind generations-to-come of their rich historical legacy."
About the author:
Norman Porter joined Brandeston Hall as an 11+ Direct Grant student in the early 1950s. Brandeston, Framlingham College and St Andrews University implanted the seeds that were to grow into a life-time teaching career, one which embraced primarily modern foreign languages and sports coaching. That career took him to Loretto School, Dulwich College, and Wellington College before it tapered gently away into a part-time, semi-retirement post at Woodbridge School on his return to Suffolk in 1997.
In this book he brings together the varied perspectives of pupil, teacher, parent, sports coach, College Governor and Secretary of the Old Framlinghamians. He is well qualified to recognise qualities which make schools special. He also writes as one who has had a lifelong love of the county of Suffolk, together with a burgeoning interest in the history of the county. He has undertaken to write this book as a mark of affectionate gratitude to the school which started him off on his path through life.
The Book's Listing on Amazon.co.uk:
Having clicked the link to Amazon, you'll find that they report that the book is "Temporarily Out of Stock". However, below this, you'll find a link stating: "2 new from £15.00". Click on this link and you'll find two separate listings: the first from Amazon - still temporarily out of stock; and a second from seller AL-BERT (aka Albert Publications). This is the SOF's publishing enterprise. Click on "Add to Basket" or "Buy with 1-Click", whichever is appropriate to your Amazon account.
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