Is 101 year old Lionel our most senior Old Boy?

Having been contacted by Mrs Alison Davis shortly before the end of term Director of he HABS Foundation, Roger Llewellyn, was made aware that her father, possibly the oldest living Old Boy Lionel Marks (OH 1932) was in fact residing only a few miles away from the School in Bushey Heath.  It was therefore a pleasure for Roger to be able to visit 101 year old Lionel recently and learn more about his time at the School in Westbere Road.

Lionel joined the Prep in 1924 and was one of three  brothers (out of five) who attended Haberdashers, from their home in Cricklewood. This being the case, Lionel was able easily to walk to School without having to use buses or the ‘Bedpan’ trainline which ran past the School. At School, Lionel’s two sporting passions were Boxing and Swimming, excelling as a Lightweight in the former and winning trophies for the latter. In the Easter 1925 edition of Skylark it was recorded that `in the Four Stone (Boxing) class, L. Marks by sheer determination beat a more scientific opponent in Van de Volk’. Lionel’s memories of his teachers were that many had served in the Great War with distinction and that they were universally very capable, and strict but fair.  This had to be the case as classes were often as large as thirty. Corporal punishment for misbehaviour or as Lionel put it ‘saying the wrong things’ was common, but this was accepted by the boys without question. Lionel believed his favourite subject was Mathematics, but it was difficult to plump for one over another. He remembers few of his contemporaries, but does recall Ken Blessley (whose son Colin is now President of the OHA) very well.

Lionel left Habs at 16 and went into the family tailoring business with his brothers, before seeing action in the Second World War with the RAF in places as far as Kuwait, India and Egypt. Back in Civvy Street, Lionel returned to the tailoring business, bringing up five daughters (no sons!) before finally retiring at 80. He now has ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, the majority of whom live close by. He is still keen on sport and takes great delight in watching his beloved boxing, rugby and football – coming, as he does from a family of Arsenal supporters.

Before leaving, Roger was able to give Lionel his own house tie, that of Russells the house that both he and his brothers Charles and Harry shared. Lionel sends his best wishes to the School and all its Old Boys and current pupils.  But is he our most senior Old Boy? Do please get in touch with the Foundation if you know otherwise!