Pauline Kompfner (nee Graystone) Fr Graystone’s niece, recalls her Uncle Phil

I read Matt Eastley’s book, ‘We Did Our Homework On the Bus’ with pleasure – in particular the pages describing Fr Phil Graystone’s tenure as head master.  Rev Graystone was my uncle – the eldest son of a family of seven children with my father being one of his younger brothers (and one of only two who did not become priests).

It always amazed me how they all turned out to be brilliant mathematicians – and of course Phil was no exception.

I was so proud to hear how well thought of Fr Graystone was.  Of course, I saw a very different side to him – the kind uncle who kept an eye on me when I was just 11 and sent to boarding school in 1967 – the Marist Convent in Sunninghill. And I loved the perks I received when he arrived for a day or two and was allowed to have dinner with him.  As he was head of the Marist order at that time, I felt very important to have an uncle like that!!

It is fascinating to hear that he could be quite severe. I remember him as being quite mischievous – and he would tell me terrible jokes and treat me to a London musical – possibly Jesus Christ Superstar?.

On one of his visits, I have a strong memory of watching him while he battled to put together the school timetable/lesson plan for the new academic year.  Of course, no PCs then – so all done manually on a long roll of paper. What perseverance !

Talking to Matt has added some real colour to my uncle – and I am grateful for that.