The Old Bordenian Association

The very sad news recently was to learn of the unexpected death of that stalwart of the Association, John Watson, on 7th June.  Particularly so as he had attended the Annual Dinner in May where, in typical fashion, with glass in hand he entered into the enjoyment of another splendid evening – with ready wit, a fund of stories and real pleasure he obtained from returning to the school. 

He was a committee member for many years until very recently.  He and Alec Stride resurrected the Sheppey Dinner in 1994 after a long absence.  The dinner had been very successful in the 1930′s but faded soon after the war.  The dinner has now become a part of the Association’s calendar and when Tony Crosse provided the entertainment, a must was his rendering of ‘Sweet Georgia Brown’ performed especially for John – with encores!

John attended the school from 1943 to 1950.  He joined the RAF for his National Service as a medic, caring for the injured personnel being evacuated by air from around the world back to the UK.  He qualified as a civil engineer and, after some time in local government, worked in London for the Chemical Industries Association becoming a leading authority on the movement of dangerous chemicals and the disposal of poisonous effluents.

A frequent traveller to all parts, he said he was recognised by Customs and Immigration staff at Heathrow interested to know his destination that day.  Being based in London, other Old Boys working in the city found themselves with John in dubious locations – but no prosecutions followed!

He later worked as Safety Officer for the chemical company AKZO, ran the newsagents at Sheerness Railway Station, was a security officer at Sheerness docks and studied for a psychology degree at Kent University.  In retirement, he was an active member of Probus in Sittingbourne, becoming Treasurer for a number of years and then President.

He was interested in music, particularly the big band sound of the 30′s and 40′s (Glenn Miller music featured at his funeral) and he was vice chairman of the Sheppey Organ Club for 12 years.  His thespian skills were legend on may organ club holidays.

His deep interest in education extended beyond Borden; he was a former chairman of Rose Street Primary School (Sheerness) Board of Governors and a governor of Danley Middle School for many years.  He was a local councillor for a Minster Ward, but often found himself in conflict with the party machine in that he felt his constituent’s interests were more important than political dogma.  Not surprisingly, he resigned and put more effort into his Masonic lodge activities.

He is survived by three daughters and four grandchildren.