The Committee
Chairman
Mr. John Welchman
johnwelchman@btinternet.com
John left the School in 1949 for biochemistry. Following his National Service (Sgt. RAMC) in 1956, he worked in Sales & Marketing for a
US multinational pharmaceutical company. After 10 years he joined a British Advertising Agency to head a new medical department, although
the Agency was ‘acquired’ by a US company a year later and he was fired after six months because of a conflict of accounts. John was then
invited to join a new venture specialising in ‘ethical’ and scientific advertising in 1967 and spent the next 25 years working for the company,
20 as a director the last 14 as MD.
He was also one of the ‘Old Boys’ who attended the Miss Eagle Dinner in 1961 and who, along with Gerald Ostler, Bertram Johnson,
Douglas Brazier and David Lucas (and encouraged by Ken Hacker), revived the Association. Served on the OVA Committee since its inception,
in 1961, first as PRO and as Chairman from 1964 (being elected while absent on a business trip to Sweden) Present pre-occupation - looking
for a successor!
Vice-Chairman
Mr. John Harmsworth
john.harmsworth@btinternet.com
John attended the school from 1967 to 1974 and went on to study Economics and Financial Control at Lancaster University. Whilst at school he was also a scout in the 4th St.Albans Scout Group and a keen swimmer. He trained as a Chartered Accountant in London, married Carla in Brussels in 1983 and moved to Luxembourg in 1986 where daughter Chloe was born. John moved back to St.Albans in 1989. He is Honorary Treasurer of the Jersey Farm Residents Association in St.Albans and organises the annual Jersey Farm Fireworks Party.
Secretary
Mr. David E. Wilson
david@bullensgreen4.fsnet.co.uk
David E. Wilson was at Verulam from 1944 to 1945.
Worked for Standard Bank of South Africa (H.O.London) and Imperial Chemicals Industries and finally
as an independent consultant on company organisation and systems!
Rugby, cricket and tennis whilst able but always singing has been a constant joy! My spouse and I
procreated a daughter and son who married and produced nine perfect grand children! Senility qualified
me to become secretary of the O.V.Association!
Treasurer
Mr. David Gudgeon
dvdgdgn@aol.com
Attended the school from 1950 to 1956 and joined the Midland bank in 1956 and retired in 1988. David is responsible for the accounts of the association, and therefore deals with monies for subscriptions, general out-goings and donations to the school.
Membership / Newsletter Editor
Mr. Alistair Gregory
alistair.gregory@ntlworld.com
Alistair enrolled at the school in 1938 and was in Park house. In his post-Verulam era Alistair performed his national service in the army, and went on to work for ICI for 37 years, whilst also finding time to marry his wife Dorothy Cox. He retired at 72, and now resides in Welwyn Garden City. Alistair is responsible for all matters relating to articles featured in the newsletter as well as all matters regarding members of the association.
Webmaster
Mr. Patrick Pearce
patrick@osteorc.com
Patrick, the youngest of the committee, left Verulam in 2000 and is a former Head Boy of the school. He is now a Registered Osteopath with the General Osteopathic Council UK, and practices predominantly in Hertfordshire. His duty concerns the day to day issues regarding the Old Verulamium Association website.
School Governor
Mr. Max Schroeder
valmax@valmax.plus.com
St. Albans born in 1944. Also attended Fleetville School and then " graduated " to the St. Albans Grammar School for Boys for the period 1955 - 1962. Straight into " The Smoke " for 33 years selling Domestic and Overseas Credit Insurance to small and major companies in and around the City of London. Committed member of the Old Boys Rugby Club and now in retirement - now that is a laugh - a Governor at the venerated Verulam School.
President
Mr. David C. Lucas
Started school in September 1939 from Fleetville school and left in 1944. Was in Colliss’ house (now called Hamilton). National Service (1946-1949) in Royal Engineers (L/Cpl) serving at GHQFARELF, Singapore. Played rugby for OVRFC for 20 years. Still a member. First chairman of the O.V. Association beginning in 1964. Member of Old Verulamian Masonic Lodge.