This book traces the history of Colchester Royal Grammar School from the first mention of a town school (probable lineal antecedent to CRGS) in 1128 right up to the present day. It is the first comprehensive history of the school ever published and charts the fascinating story of the evolution of the school from its humble beginnings to the centre of academic excellence that it has become.

Available at Red Lion Books, 125 High St, Colchester CO1 1SZ.

Alternatively contact the author by email to purchase this book: trevor_hearn@hotmail.com

“Many schools may have done as well but none have done better” ~ Percy Shaw Jeffrey
Echoing the words of Percy Shaw Jeffrey, the headmaster of Colchester Royal Grammar School at the start of the First World War, this book tells the story of the global conflict through the lives of the former pupils and teachers who are commemorated on the school’s war memorial.  It retraces their early days in the classroom and on the playing field, and their actions during some of the major events and battles of the First World War, providing a fascinating and timely account of the experiences of a generation of Old Colcestrians whose legacy of service and courage is unmatched.  Additional essays examine the historical context and other remembrance events by the school community, including visits to the graves and memorials of the fallen.  This record ensures that their ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Domestic P&P is £5. To receive books in time for Christmas, orders via the website should be made by 9th November.

International orders should be made via Amazon.

The school gardens have a rich history, shaped by nature, events and people, and Trevor opens our eyes to the composition of the colourful backcloth to our journey through the school. We are fortunate indeed to be able to wander through the grounds, linger in the gardens and enjoy the sense of the seasons as we go through the school year. The gardens are not always consciously appreciated, however, and they can often be seen as the modest and overlooked sibling of the much more prominent and dominant school buildings. Horticulture should not be viewed as architecture’s poor relation, however, and Trevor has redressed the balance, reminding us of the creativity, care and patience involved in creating the school’s gardens.
Ken Jenkinson, Headmaster 2000-2015

This book brings together the life and death stories of the 73 former pupils and staff of CRGS who were killed fighting for their country in the Second World War. The title, ‘They Stand Beside Us’ is taken from a poem written by a pupil, JK Sansom, published in The Colcestrian during WW2, for although the last of these brave men died 75 years ago, they stand beside us still. Our very way of life today, our freedom, our prosperity, were paid for with their blood, with the blood of the even more numerous wounded and with the sacrifices of those who fought but were mercifully unscathed. If these brave men — from infantryman to admiral — had not put their lives directly on the line, we could not have overcome.

Domestic P&P is £5, although orders can be collected in person from Neil Brinded, Lexden, at no extra cost. To receive books in time for Christmas, orders via the website should be made by 9th November. Neil will get in touch via email with anyone wishing to collect in person.

George Young – Teacher, Performer, War Hero and Friend

Biography

Price includes delivery within the UK

I wrote this book because, like many others, I found George Young an inspiration. It seemed it would be valuable to share his story, using his own words, wherever possible. He was a man of many and varied talents. An exceptionally gifted teacher at Colchester Royal Grammar School – the book’s appendix consists of 36 individuals’ memories of his impact on them. They became his friends for as many as 60 years after leaving school and helped raise funds for a fine building as a memorial to him. Yet his influence and contribution extended far beyond the school. He had a distinguished career as an officer with the Green Howards during the Second World War and was awarded the Military Cross. Even after his retirement from teaching he continued to perform on the theatre and Music Hall stages until after his 90^th birthday, receiving a national award at the age of 91 as the oldest regular amateur performer in the country. His huge contribution to the theatrical life of Colchester as an actor and director with local drama groups included raising funds to assist with the establishment of the Mercury Theatre. Open any page in this book for a fascinating insight into George’s character and wisdom, his wit and his accomplishments. It feels right to have a remarkable life such as his recorded for posterity.

About the author: Alan Sharp attended CRGS and University College London. After National Service in the Royal Artillery, he worked in the electronics industry in production and personnel management for 13 years. Subsequently he joined the Coverdale Organisation where he was a senior consultant and then executive director. Later he worked as an independent consultant. For a number of years he visited Harvard twice a year to join the Director and staff of the Harvard Negotiation Project in running negotiation workshops. He is co-author of two books. Manager and Team Development (Heinemann, 1990) and Getting it Done (HarperBusiness, 1998). The latter has been published in a dozen languages, including German, Spanish, Portuguese and Chinese.