In the current situation with the Ukraine so much in the news, Barry Jackson, long time friend and contributor to the blog asked me to pass on this message from him:
One of our Old Boys desperately needs a wee bit of help from our generous comrades.
John Joyce who studied at Cray Valley from 1967 to 1972 has been living and working in Mariupol, Ukraine for 15 years. On the 1st September 2012 he married Tanya and they settled down looking forward to a long peaceful happy marriage in a flat they purchased in Mariupol. I have kept in touch, maybe not so often as I should have over the years, mostly via ‘Skype’.
John and Tanya’s flat was completely destroyed during the recent shelling, whilst they and other residents spent fearful days and nights in the basements below their block.
They, after almost 3 weeks escaped with just the clothes they could wear or carry. John and Tanya, having lost all their possessions and wealth, are desperately seeking a way back to ‘Blighty’ (John’s words).
His daughters have set up a Crowed Funding page in the hope of fulfilling this dream.
If anyone can support this cause, even in the smallest way, please be kind enough to visit – the Crowd Funding Page and search JohnandTanyaJoyce which also includes information from his family. .
One final aside, the week before the bombing John recalled an incident involving the legend that was English Teacher Mr.H.J.H.Wedlook – John related, when in his 5th year Mr. Wedlock had marched a 1st year student to the room where John was experiencing another lesson – asked John to stand up ; then pointing to him told the first-year pupil ,”if you don’t pull your finger out, you’ll end up like him!”
I’m sure only a week after our conversation John didn’t want or dream of ending up in the situation, that he and Tanya find themselves.
Thank you so very, very much Barry Jackson
The Colin Cadle memorial CVTHS Blog 
Cannot find the crowd funding account! Please provide a link!
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Ken will be processing the link for all later but here it is for your benefit – https://www.justgiving.com . Click Search – Click the Second Search Box (BLUE) – type in johnandtanyajoyce (lower case no spaces) Click on Photo 9Donation s and method will appear to right hand side. Many thanks Barry, look after yourself and those you love.
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Best wishes to you and yours Barry. It’s great if the blog can contribute to helping John and his wife. May he return to the UK very soon.
Warmest regards,,
Ken
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Thank you so much for your act of kindness, take care of yourself , those you love and those who love you , regards Barry Jackson
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A link for the crowdfunding page is currently being sourced and will then be posted as soon as possible.
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I too searched for the link – please post
Thank you
Roger
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This is in hand and will be posted as soon as possible
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Roger here is the link https://www.justgiving.com Click search then click blue search box – type in johnandtanyajoyce (lower case no spaces) enter – Click on photo, donations and method are on the right. Hope you’re keeping well and have forgiven yourself for elbowing me in the stomach at a line-out, a either a house or old boys versus school? game. Look after yourself and all those you love and care for, this is a splendid thing you’re trying to do, take Barry
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Please remove this email address from your mailing list. I regret to inform you that Bernard Gardiner died on 15th February 2021. He suffered a heart attack while in hospital with pneumonia. Pauline Gardiner
Sent from my Galaxy
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Please accept our sincere condolences and sorrow for your loss.
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John was an old classmate. I would most certainly like to help.
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Thank you for your response John. Please watch this space for a Crowdfunding link update as soon as I have it from Barry who we have to thank for flagging up John’s plight.
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Sorry for all the problems with the Croudfunding page that folk are experiencing.
It can be found found this way :
Go to – https://www.justgiving.com
Click first Search Button
Then Click Blue Search Button
Type in : johnandtanyajoyce
(NOTE lower case & no spaces)
Finally : Click Photograph
Donate option appears to right.
We hope this works for you, but let us know if you have any problems.
Thanking in advance, the great CVTHS community – from Ken & Barry
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WHAT A MAGNIFICENT EFFORT!! In the last few old boys have contributed over £1000 (nearly 13%) of the total monies raised. Can I asked (I only beg to the wife) one more thing of you all. As you are aware, many will think the website is defunct, more importantly the majority of old boys have never unfortunately engaged with the site or blog. If you know an old boy who may be evenly remotely interested in John’s situation please gently nudge them in the direction of the ‘Blog’ Many thanks, stay safe and take care of those you love and love you. Best wishes Barry and Brenda
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Thank you Barry for your commitment to help John and his wife in their predicament returning to the UK from Ukraine. Your feedback is truly impressive. I really think that Mr. Kingsland, Mayo et all would be truly proud of their ‘old boys’!
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LATEST FROM JOHN – He sent this message yesterday but in updating my Skype I now have 2 accounts one which I can see and John can’t and vice versa. So, I missed it. He’s now sent me a screen shot of the message. First, he and Tanya are safe and just waiting to sort travel arrangements. But, despite the trauma are well. They are amazed and surprised at the response from everybody associated with the efforts of the lads at CVTHS. He said at a time when his belief in fellow members of Mankind had sadly sunk to an all time low point, the response has lifted him and Tanya to great heights, He just can’t find the words to thank one and all. Take care everybody, you are no doubt making a difference to John and Tanya’s welfare and hopes. Thank you Barry and Brenda
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That’s good to know isn’t it?… and I have no doubt that they will be back in the good old UK before they know it. I wonder if Tanya has been here before? It would be nice to imagine that John & Tanya will return to the place that had become their home, but it seems to be a rather distant hope at present. First things first though and they will just be glad to be safe.
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Good morning gentlemen, I hope all is well with you and those you love. I’m sorry that it’s almost a month since i updated you about John’s situation. You will of course understand that the news I receive is based on the the sketchy, intermittent news his family, in particularly his daughters manage to put together. I spoke to John’s brother Michael during Tuesday evening, He informed me John and Tanya are on the move, and he will hopefully have good news by this weekend. I will update you as soon as I have clear positive information. Once more many, many thanks for all the splendid support, Live long stay forever young. Love Barry, Brenda and all the Joyce family.
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Thank you Barry for keeping the blog updated on John and Tanya’s progress. It all seems to take so long doesn’t it? Let’s all hope that the wheels of administration keep turning to bring them back soon to the UK safe and sound. The Ukraine news story seems to now have embedded itself within world news and no longer commands ‘most important story’ status in the media. I personally keep more up to date by watching ‘Forces News’ on tv and online, where more in-depth analysis is to be found. Best wishes then Barry to you and all your family. We know you are doing all you can!
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First, thanks for your kind comments and TV viewing option suggestions. NOW IMPORTANTLY. John’s daughter Carly spoke to me a very short while ago. John and Tanya have ‘escaped’ and after a 52 hour sleepless journey are now, away from Russian clutches in Warsaw. Obviously they are ‘shattered’ The plan going forward is to reach Berlin – the family have organised a rest up at a hotel. Then, make for Brussels where Carly will pick them up after a long drive from Ashford in Kent. I’m sure they will appreciate what’s being done on their behalf, I hope fund raising continues to enable them to replace even a small amount of what’s been lost. FINALLY – any work I’ve been able to do has only been possible because of the work you’ve done in respect of the ‘blog’ – give yourself TWO Platinum Awards!!. Enjoy the weekend, love to you all, regards Barry and Brenda.
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John, Tanya and Bernard are now safely ‘home’ in Kent, More to follow. Take care everyone, and words can not describe your kindness in the help you’ve all given to this cause. Thanks Barry
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That is fantastic news! John and Tanya must be so relieved to be safe in the UK now. Wishing them good fortune and luck for their future here together until one day they are able to return to Ukraine. May it be sooner than currently looks likely. Terrific work by you and their daughter Barry.
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Hello,
On behalf of my wife (Tatyana) and I I wish to thank everyone who donated to the “just giving” page. We have been overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity! We left Ukraine with virtually nothing, after spending nearly a month in the basement of our block. Our flat was hit and completely destroyed on 12th March, we then spent another 2 months in Russia, not a place my wife or I particularly wanted to be, but we needed to get all the relevant documents for our dog (this was more difficult than getting Tatyana’s visa!). We then travelled up through Russia, into Latvia, then onto Lithuania. Poland, Germany and finally Belgium (all by minibus). Where my daughter came to take us back to the UK. Currently we are staying with my daughter and are in the process of trying to get social housing from Ashford local authority. The money everyone has donated is being used trying to get our lives back on track, so we can enjoy our retirement. I would particularly like to thank Barry Jackson, a life long family friend who has publicized our plight. Ken Lloyd – who spent hours bringing the defunct ‘blog’ back to life, so enabling some contacts to be located. Andy Barnard (ex CVTHS) donated and more importantly supplied Barry with a contact email list of many old boys, particularly those joining between 1959 and 1961. John Doughty and Derek Hudson two of my old classmates. And many, many more (too numerous to list). I really can not find the words to thank everyone. John and Tatyana Joyce
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Welcome back John & Tanya! I would have said welcome home, but of course this country can only give sanctuary until the day, hopefully soon, you are both able to safely return to Ukraine.
What a story though, an unbelievably arduous trip with no guarantees until you both were able to set foot back in this country.
I hope that you are quickly able to source good accommodation in Ashford and would say that I live not too far from there in Herne Bay in fact. If you find yourself in a position to meet up at all I would love to do so.
Knowing also that the blog has been able to help in some small way is very gratifying and I know that everyone involved will be delighted to know of your safe arrival.
The determination shown by you, Tanya, your daughter and other family and friends is just amazing.
Warmest regards,
Ken
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John
Sorry to hear of your plight I only go on the CVTHS site once in a blue moon so I have only just read of your experience. It is good know of the response that you received and that you are settled. Best wishes
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Once again Ken, thanks for all your help, regards, best wishes to you and your family for a healthy, happy and peaceful future. Regards Barry and Brenda
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In such a good cause Barry it was really nothing on my part. A great outcome for John and Tanya though… with your exceptional help all the way through! 👏👏👏
Cheers and best wishes,
Ken & Nina
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Dear All,,
I’ve just spoken to John this morning. With the help of Ashford Borough Council they have found accommodation in Charing, and are slowly but importantly safely piecing their lives both emotionally and physically back together. Once again they expressed their sincere thanks for all the help given by CVTHS lads and their families. If you any one of you require John’s contact details please email me at (bandbajackson@outlook.com). Stay well, stay safe, stay call Barry
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Hi im not sure if this will reach anyone but I have the sad duty to report that Jed Bailey passed away on Wednesday13th July the funeral is next Friday 29/07 at Falconwood 1.15 if anyone needs more details please email me Jon Webber
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Oh I am so sorry to hear that John, sincerest condolences to his family and friends of course. If I remember correctly, I was in the same class as Jed and I think you as well John. Do you remember? Thank you though on behalf of the Colin Cadle blog for passing on the sad news.
Ken
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Jed was in the same 1959 intake as me. I remember he and Phil Gray were our star Art students. Jed went to the famous or infamous (depends on your view) Hornsey College (School) of Art. He did reflect on the 1968 ‘sit in’ to me at a reunion. I’m still not sure if in his opinion it affected his career.
Jed performed in a musical adaptation of Great Expectations at school which included a raucous vocal tribute to ‘Estella’
I believe he represented the school at a ‘Public Speaking’ event held at Westminster Hall. He had won the right to a place by winning a competition at school, held in front of an audience of teachers and pupils. The most memorable part of the ‘talk’ was a surprise reveal of Sophia Loren wearing a black Basque. Obviously, like most boys of a certain age I can’t recall a single other detail of the speech! Thanks for the fun.
Condolences to all his family and friends Barry and Brenda Jackson
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Jon has kindly forwarded me details of Jed’s ‘funeral’ The service is at ELTHAM CREMATORIUM, NORTH CHAPEL, CROWN WOODS WAY, ELTHAM, SE9.2AZ at 13.15 FRIDAY 29th July (i.e. this Friday)
A Celebration of his life will take place after the ceremony at BICKLEY PARK CRICKET CLUB, BICKLEY PARK ROAD, BROMLEY. BR1.2AS
Please note Floral tributes are for family only. Donations to be shared between the Lymphoedema Support Network (Jed was a Trustee) and St, Christopher’s Hospice who care for Jed.
I will ‘post’ details of these organisations for those wishing to donate directly this afternoon. Thank you, take care Barry
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Details of organisations as promised LYMPHOEDEMA SUPPORT NETWORK, St. Luke’s Church Crypt, Sydney Street, London SW3.6NH
THE FUNDRAISING DEPT. ST. CHRISTOPHER’S HOSPICE, 51-59 LAWRIE PARK ROAD, LONDON, SE26.6DZ
If sending donations please if applicable, enclose a signed Gift Aid form regards Barry
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