Andrew Graham-Brown
North A 1957-62
I first met Andrew at The Leys in September 1957. He was in ‘A’ House and I was in East House. He was from Surrey and I was from Yorkshire.
During our first Autumn term all the new boys were selected for their various sports skills and ability. Andrew and I soon became friends on the rugby and hockey fields, as well as cricket. We started in the Mini Colts teams but were soon elevated to Minor Colts and then Colts teams in 1959. Our coaches were Neil White, John Horn, ‘Nobby’ Clark, Dicky Bennett, Mr Hazell, Mr Pattinson, Mr Gardiner and many others.
On Wednesdays, it was Army CCF (for Andrew), Sea Scouts or Land Scouts. Academically, Andrew particularly enjoyed History.
In 1961, The Leys did not lose a rugby match against any other school including Cardiff High School and Monmouth School, when we went on tour. Without Andrew at fly half and the other brilliant players, we would not have managed to become invicti. Andrew was also an excellent 1st XI batsman and fielder in the cricket team. In addition, he was a fine hockey player in the 1st XI, usually playing in the forwards.
We kept in regular contact since leaving The Leys, and I managed to stay at his house in St Merryn, near Padstow on many occasions. His family originally came from Albury Heath near Guildford and they also had a cottage in Trevone. Andrew also joined our small group of OLs for most of our annual reunions throughout the last 62 years!
Andrew was always very welcoming and was usually found in the early morning sitting outside his house in St Merryn on a bench, smoking a cigarette having had his early morning coffee at Trevose Golf Club. He very much enjoyed his golf days there, making many friends.
Andrew died peacefully at home in Cornwall, aged 81 on 14 March 2026. He leaves behind his four children, Lucy, Alexander, Sally, and Nicholas as well as three grandchildren.
We both had great times at The Leys and enjoyed a friendship spanning almost 70 years. What more could one ask for?
“In Fide Fiducia” – in faith, trust.
Words by Andrew Hunter, East 1957-61
Photograph supplied by Alex Brown