Tony Carter, former Head Boy, tells us more about his memories of Latymer and his life afterwards. He has lived in Canada for many years but still avidly follows virtually what is happening at the school. 

When were you at Latymer and which House were you in?
I was there from 1951 to 1958 and in Latymer House. 

What are your fondest memories of your time at Latymer?
My first is a very moving one. When King George VI died, the headmaster assembled the whole school to announce the sad event. The school was never so quiet.
 I find it amazing what trivia stays in your mind for over 60 years. Every Guy Fawkes Day, Mr Blackwell (I think) filled the Chemistry Lab with smoke and bright colours to demonstrate how fireworks are made.

What were your favourite extra-curricular activities here?
My favourite was probably the Debating Society, followed by playing cricket.

When you were at school, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I am not sure I had any career plans at the time. I certainly don't remember anything. In fact, looking back over 60 years, I am not sure I ever knew what I wanted to be, but most of the choices I made worked out well. For example, moving to Canada in 1985 (where I still live) was a big decision but it was a good move. My career followed a logical progression from senior management to project management to lecturing, and the multi-cultural nature of Canada provides such an enlightening view of the people around us.

What did you do after you left Latymer?
I went to university but left after two years. I wanted to get away from German and Philosophy and do something more meaningful and practical.
Thinking back, this outcome was somewhat determined from the time in the Third Year, when I simply took Latin because I didn't want to take Woodwork.
Just in passing, not taking Woodwork may have been a blessing in disguise! I never was a handyman, and it is too late now. 

What was your first job after university?
A good decision, at last. In the 1960s many companies offered a Management Training Program. I explored several and chose Littlewoods, the retail company, over Cadbury's. So off I went to Liverpool, and the heart of Beatlemania. I had found my home and spent more than half my career in Retail. 

Tell us about one of the highlights of your career.
That is an easy one. I spent the last ten years of my career teaching Project Management and Leadership to International Graduate students. With students from 81 countries, I learned so much and absorbed so many new cultures. That was undoubtedly the best part of my career, and I am very fortunate to enjoy a friendship with many of my former students. 

What makes Latymer special to you?
I was the first member of my family to go to grammar school, so my first feeling was one of immense pride. The history of Latymer gave it a very special presence, and to be a part of that history was very important. I was very proud to have ended my time there as Head Boy. 

How do you like to spend your free time?
I have two very different passions. The first is that I care deeply about the Climate Crisis we have created and do a lot of voluntary work.
My other love is jazz music, which I have enjoyed since I was at school, and I have just had a book published*. I didn't realize at the time that the 1950s were the Golden Era of Jazz. 

What piece of advice would you give to this year's leavers?
You are entering the Big Wide World at a very difficult time, very different to the time I started my career. I saw it very much as a time of safety and stability.
Your career is going to be of great importance and before long, your family will be so very important, but I urge you to take a social conscience with you. Be it be diversity, racism, the environment, the needs of developing countries, be aware of the world around you and try to make it a better place. 

Do you have a favourite photo from your schooldays?
This photo was taken in 1957, depicting the Arts stream which was one half of the sixth form at the time, with the Science stream being the other. It was likely taken when I was in upper sixth and I am third from the right in the back row.

*A Lifetime of Jazz, published in 2024. Available for purchase here 

If you knew Tony at Latymer and would like to reach out, you can email him at tonycarter16@outlook.com