From: Revd. Robert Llewelyn - OS Principal
Date: Dec 2002
Subject : I send my love to you all.
80A King Street, Norwich NR1 1PG
Tel 01603-682600
Dear Old Sherwoodians,
Malcolm Johnson tells me that a number of you of my time have
asked for a message from me . I gladly comply but first let me
pay tribute to Malcolm (`Johnnie') for his devoted work to the
school and its old boys over more than 40 years . Apart from
him I think it would not have been possible to come together
as you have been able to . Thank you , Malcolm, from all of us.
It is now over 50 years since I took over as principal of
Sherwood College and 36 years since I left . I am 93 and most
of you are well on in middle age . I enjoy hearing from you by
letter or phone from many countries and just occasionally
there is the bonus of a visit . ( And this year two birthday
cakes! )
The last quarter century has brought me into close touch with
one of the greatest medieval Christian mystics , Mother Julian,
and though now retired I have for many years been chaplain at
her shrine here in Norwich where people make pilgrimage from
all over the world . Julian's enheartening message of an all
compassionate God who "loves us and enjoys us and wants us to
love him and enjoy him and firmly trust him" has gone out
widely today . Here is the ground of our hope and of that of
our divided and troubled world....
"Hatred never ceases by hatred, by love alone it is healed.
This is the ancient and and eternal law"
....Those undying words from the Buddhist scriptures were made
known to me recently . St.John-of-the-Cross has the same
thought : .....
"Where there is no love, pour love in and you will draw love out"
....so that has to be my message to you even though I know how
far I fall short. But we struggle on.Which takes me to another
treasured saying, this time from St.Augustine :
" So my dear friends , though oppressed with worries , sing
`alleluia' and keep on walking".
Julian would have loved them all. I cant say more of her here
but can send you a booklet I have written on her (no charge)
if you care to write.
I have written a number of books but for the most part they
are out of print . The most recent one ("Thirsting for God")
is, however , in print in England and has also been published
(in English) in India . I gave particulars below in case any
are interested.
I now have a three wheel electric scooter . I don't think I
could manage to walk the Naini Tal hills though if I were
there I would have a try for old times sake. But of course it
was George Thompson who was our great walker. What a strength
he was and many of you will remember him as choir master and
perhaps recall him as you hear the familiar hymns on the
media . Or do you remember him for the hilarious narrative
poem he made up after "Johnnie" and Luther shot that leopard
one evening in the presence of many of us near the school
entrance ?
" With Johnnie who was in the lead , nor man nor beast could
trifle,
For in his hand he held aloft his .30 Springfield
rifle "
George humorously liked to maintain that the very sight of
our two heroes caused the beast to die of a heart attack
before they ever put a bullet in him . But , though the
creature was undoubtedly ailing , who knows that he may not
have had enough life left to have enjoyed one of us for
supper.
Greatly loved was Derek Beaman who followed me as head . He
loved India and would have laid his bones there , but he
sadly died about ten years ago when on leave from Bishop's
school , Pune . With Ruth Compton of All Saints I was able to
attend his funeral . We have many to be grateful for in those
far away days. And today, nearly forty years on , Sherwood is
prospering as never before.
I ask your prayers in what must be my closing years and , too,
your forgiveness wherever I have failed you.I cannot remember
you all by name but assure you that you have remained deeply
in my affection and prayers . I send my love to you and your
families and all around you.
God bless you all. Sincerely and affectionately.
Robert Llewelyn.
BOOKS :
THIRSTING FOR GOD by Robert Llewelyn published in England by
Darton, Longman and Todd, and available through bookshops at
7.95Pounds. Also published (in English) under the same title
in India by St.Pauls, Bandra, Mumbai 400050. Price 45 Rupees.
( Both soft cover , 34 short chapters , about 100 pages).
