6 February, 1952. The mid-morning break between classes. I met Mike McMinnies (he was then McMinnies 1) in the lower corridor of the classroom block. Mike, who lived close to school and had dashed home during the break, was in a hurry and out of breath. “The King has died”, he said, “I must tell Shove (the Headmaster - Mr Russell-Scott)”, and sped on. A few minutes later the bell rang, everyone assembled at Big School and the announcement was made.