It is noted in a recent newsletter of the FWOE Association (No.58, September 2004) that one former Five Ways evacuee settled so well into Monmouth life that the locals eventually made him their Mayor. Association secretary Colin Spencer explained how Tony Barter (school years 1938-45) had played a supportive role in the 65th Anniversary Reunion:
' It was thanks to Tony (ex-mayor of Monmouth) that we had publicity about the September reunion in both the local paper and the museum and an eventual write-up in the Monmouth News. Tony and his wife were deighted to see so many old friends turn up. "We did enjoy the tour of Monmouth School and, of course, the tea party afterwards in the Headmaster's garden. How amazing that such a lot of old chums and wives were able to come to Monmouth. If I close my eyes, I can picture everyone, masters and wives, lady helpers, auxilliary staff and boys assembled in "serried ranks" at the rear of the school buildings in Ladywood Road. CHD clad in a heather mixture plus-four country suit with rucksack and old fashioned megaphone giving the order to move off, youngest boys leading, down Broad Street to Snow Hill Station. A fitting prelude to an exciting day."
Tony was also pleased when I sent him photocopies of the missing pages to his Gaudeamus as well as the words of the Founder's Prayer. "I am happy to have all the words to "October" and "Heroes" - both songs only partially in my memory". I think we may well be using you again as our Monmouth agent in 2009. There are quite a number who like the idea of a 70th reunion! '
Colin Spencer
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