“Our Reader’s Opinion”

EDITOR: A couple years ago, I read an article in “Our Reader’s Opinion” dated November 15, 2011 by Herbert Young. In the article he was celebrating his Alma mater, St. Martin’s School. The article was delightful to read but, alas, to my chagrin, it omitted a very important person in the school’s genesis – Captain Charles H. Markham. You may well ask who…. Captain Charles H. Markham.

What later became St, Martin’s School was, prior thereto, the residence of Cap’t Markham and, in his will, it was bequeath to the Catholic Church, just down the block, of which he was a devoted member of the congregation.

Cap’t Markham was an Englishman trained as a barrister and, like many men of his era, served in the British forces during WW ll. If I recall correctly, he saw action in El Alamein. Cap’t Markham retired to St. Vincent and acquired the property which became the school.

Cap’t Markham was instrumental in creating a non- denominational cub and boy scout troop which he financed entirely, except for uniforms. Meeting once a week, one on one, Cap’t Markham taught the troop everything there was to know about scouting. By the time I left the troop, I could communicate entirely by flag, send and receive morse code. Not much call for that today, though. But, also, I knew and could tie at least a score of knots, from the elementary reef knot to the double sheet bend and beyond and, know and when to use them. Something he also taught me was to observe my surroundings. This characteristic remained with me to the point where, as a Captain myself in the British Army serving in Northern Ireland, I would monitor my surroundings carefully and thoroughly. This may well have saved my life when booby trap bombs lay around every corner, and houses were exploding as patrols walked past.

This article is not about me though, it is written in gratitude to a man who gave of himself to the youths of St. Vincent whether it was a trip to the cinema, or to the ice cream parlour. Cap’t Markham was a remarkable man, a kind man, a generous man, whose generosity laid the foundations to what was to become St. Martin’s School.

Many, many years ago, on my honey moon, my wife and I visited St. Vincent. I took the opportunity to visit the school because it was the site of a pivotal part of my life. I wanted to pay homage to the man who lived there. I tried to introduce myself to a staff member and state why I was there. Quite frankly, she couldn’t have cared less. To me, it was a meaningful opportunity for me to show my gratitude to Captain Charles H. Markham by visiting the site which helped to instil in me the values I have of kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness which, I cherish today.

In the article by Mr. Young, mention is made of Roy Neehall. Perhaps he is related to Paul Neehall who was also a member of the aforesaid troop. Also, the late Parnell Campbell, Keith Saunders and Bernard Marshall were all my fellow students, by several years ahead, at the Boys Grammar School. While sharing gratitude, may I also mention the late Dr. Kenneth John and Carlos Mulraine, my tutors in French and Latin, respectively at the BGS. My passion for Latin and Italy endures to this day.

Patrick Brooks