THE family of Jack Markham would like to thank the Oxford Mail and especially Kieran Davey for reproducing a lovely photograph of Jack with Ted Allen on your ‘Remember When’ section, on October 2.

This picture was first printed in the Oxford Mail 30 years ago when he was 70 years old. The occasion was Jack’s retirement after serving Brasenose College for 56 years upon leaving school at 14 years old.

Jack had a brief break from Brasenose as he served in WW2.

Jack took on many roles, finally ending his career as Buttery Manager. Brasenose was his life and he made many acquaintances during his time there and had so many anecdotes.

He often spoke warmly about Michael Palin and others (but not Jeffrey Archer – so he was a good judge of character) and being a keen cricketer regularly corresponded with (Sir) Colin Cowdrey from the early 1950s. He owned a W G Grace-signed cricket bat.

The reaction and look of surprise, followed by tears, by Jack’s daughter Veronica, when she saw her father’s picture again was priceless.

So do please keep these pictures coming as I know they are so important for relatives.

TONY GREENFIELD
Raymund Road, Old Marston