RIP Fr Graystone born 5 March 1921
In the years leading up to the First World War, James William Graystone, a trainee teacher from Hull began courting a young woman called Kate Hodgson and the couple converted to Catholicism.
On the outbreak of war in 1914, James joined the 10th Battalion of the East Yorkshire Regiment. Like many couples, James and Kate married hastily before the war started, with a wedding in St Charles’ Church in Hull.
Soon after, the couple started a family. They had the deep faith often seen in converts and were keen to have sons and for them to become priests. They went on to have eight children – five boys and three girls, seven of whom would survive childhood – starting with Mary in 1916. James served throughout the war, after which he began teaching mathematics in Hull.
In 1920, Joan was born but she did not survive childhood. However, on 5 March 1921, James and Kate had the son they craved. He was a healthy baby boy who would grow up to be a highly-respected teacher and headmaster. Philip Graystone, future headmaster of St Mary’s Sidcup, had arrived.
Fr Graystone? To me he was just Uncle Phil
Pauline Graystone (Kompfner), pictured in 1999 with her daughter and husband and, far left, Fr Philip Graystone and the parish priest of the Catholic Church of the Holy Ghost in Crowthorne, Berkshire
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.
A great, great man – the Foundation Stone of so many lives, both young and old.