G R I F F E N 2 0 2 3 | 3 6 Stephen Woodley (1957) Stephen has retired after 22 years as the main alumni editor for King’s Canterbury, and he and his team were handsomely lunched out by their Chairman at the Old Bailey. Initial skills were learned when student editor at Abingdon, and great help has been provided across these 22 years by fellow OA (and cricketer) Peter Henderson (1965). It is now approaching 100 years since Stephen’s father, Chris Woodley (1924), was Victor Ludorum on Sports Day (a much smaller school in those days, of course) in 1924, an event that is recorded in the Abingdon School Archives. James Milne (1960) For James 2022 was a mixed year. His wife Fiona was diagnosed with dementia. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in July, but despite their ailments, mostly old age related, they remain relatively active. James’s book I joined to - FLY NAVY - What Happened Next opens with James Cobban telling him he would not pass his A Levels and should leave School and find a job. He was of course right – James then spent 51 years in the service of the Crown, 32 years in the Fleet Air Arm and 19 years as a MoD Civil Servant. This prepared him for life as a Board Member (11 years and counting) and Chair (5 years) of Argyll Community Housing Association in Scotland. James Milne, far left, seated. Tony Paxton (1968) Tony and his wife Helena visited Abingdon on 29 September 2022 to see the bench they gifted to the School in memory of Tony’s father and mother. They are pictured sitting on the bench, situated overlooking the Waste Court rugby pitch. Tony joined the RAF on a cadetship from Abingdon, flying Gnats, Hunters, Lightnings and Tornados. His father gave many years of service to Abingdon as Mayor and served as governor at Abingdon School. Tony and Helena live in Frodsham, Cheshire, and he still likes to get up in the air in light aircraft when possible. Members’ News We always enjoy hearing what OAs are up to and without the input from our members, the Griffen would not be possible. So please share your news, for inclusion in the next Griffen, by emailing oldabingdonian@ abingdon.org.uk
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