Birthdays

Mr Jack Anderson, newspaper columnist, 71; Sir Leslie Boreham, former High Court judge, 75; Professor Sir Robert Boyd, physicist, 71; Dr David Clark MP, 54; Sir John Cullen, chairman, Health and Safety Commission, 67; Mr Simon Dyer, director-general, Automobile Association, 54; Mr John Evans MP, 63; Miss Sidonie Goossens, harpist, 94; Mr Bernard Hepton, actor, 68; Dr Robin Holloway, composer and Lecturer in Music, Cambridge University, 50; Sir Robert Jennings, QC, international judge, 80; Miss Rosamund John, actress, 80; Mr David Cornwell (John Le Carre), novelist, 62; Mr Graham Lock, former chief executive, Amalgamated Metal, 62; Mr Bill Morris, trade-union leader, 55; Miss Mavis Nicholson, radio and television interviewer, 63; Admiral of the Fleet Sir Michael Pollock, 77; Sir Allan Ramsay, former Ambassador to Sudan, 56; Air Chief Marshal Sir Anthony Skingsley, Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Allied Forces Central Europe, 60; Air Chief Marshal Sir Neville Stack, 74; Sir Harold Walker, former Ambassador to Iraq, 61; Major Sir Patrick Wall, former MP, 77; Mr Peter Whiston, architect, 81.

New Hall School

The celebrations of the 350th Year of Foundation of New Hall School, Chelmsford, were concluded on Friday 8 October, when a service of thanksgiving took place in Chelmsford Cathedral in the presence of the Anglican Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Rev John Waine, and the Roman Catholic Bishop of Brentwood, the Right Rev Thomas McMahon. Sister Mary Gabriel, the Prioress, gave the Address. The New Hall Liturgical Choir conducted by Andrew Fardell led the singing, and readings and prayers were said by representatives of the school and local communities. The Mayor and Mayoress of Chelmsford and the High Sheriff of Essex were among guests who returned to New Hall for lunch after the service.

Following the celebrations, New Hall announces the re-opening of a Preparatory School in September 1994. The Preparatory School will take both boys and girls from the ages of 5 to 11. Entry will, initially, be at all ages. The pupils will be in a separate building set apart from the Senior School, although older pupils will have access to specialist facilities including science laboratories, drama studios, and art rooms, and to some specialist staff. There will be provision for older girls to board in a separate Junior House. Further details from the Registrar, 0245 467588.

Lectures

Victoria & Albert Museum: Olive Duncan, 'Chinese Art', 2.30pm.