Arthur Nutt died on the 26th December. He was another Old Boy who, for one reason or another, avoided joining the Association, although he was well known amongst the Old Boys on the sports field where he was a past master at stirring things up and adding spice to any situation. Arthur was a leading light in the Grosvenor Club and will be remembered with much affection. Laurie Allen, a stalwart member of the Grosvenor and a long-time friend of Arthur’s has sent in the following tribute. Please remember Arthur and his large family in your prayers.
‘Those of you who were at John Fisher during the years leading up to the war who can remember Arthur Nutt will be saddened to learn that he died at his home in Goudhurst on 26th December 2005 . Despite his being very seriously ill and enduring considerable pain during the 2 or 3 years prior to his death he was able to put a brave face on things thanks to the loving care which his wife Mary and their large family were able to provide. He was 82.
I met Arthur in the Croydon YMCA around the time that the war broke out and from that meeting a binding friendship developed which lasted until his death.
His “military” career began with his enrolment in the Wallington Local Defence Volunteers (LDV), where, I believe he was armed with a broomstick, or some such object. In 1942 be became a signaller in the Royal Navy and he had many stories to tell of his experiences in mine sweepers and other small craft. He also had his share of shore duties among which he was a member of the port party in Anzio and, a few months later, in Naples , in both places of which we were fortunate to meet up again for the first time in over two years.
Soon after his discharge from the Navy, we had an enjoyable holiday at his aunt’s home in Carriganima, Co. Cork and it was during this holiday that I believe his whole outlook on life was to be changed. We visited a tourist attraction called Blarney Castle where there is a stone which claims magical powers in the form of “the gift of the gab” to anyone who kisses it. It certainly did for him, as it gave him confidence which enabled him to expand his social circle.
He became a very enthusiastic member of the Grosvenor Sports Club in Wallington which had been formed just after the war where he played cricket, football and tennis and was a regular supporter of the dances, whist drives and rambling activities which were available; he also became interested in golf.
In 1954, Arthur married Mary McRory, who he had met through the Grosvenor Sports Club and the St Elphege’s Church which they both attended and enjoyed a long and very happy marriage during the course of which they produced six very fine children (3 of each) who, in turn, have married and presented them with 11 grandchildren.
As regards his career, having tried several types of employment without much enthusiasm, he was taken on by the Mobil Oil Company where they gift which he had received from kissing the Blarney Stone soon became apparent which enabled him to be recognised as a potential valuable asset to the company, given the proper training and, in due course, earned him progression in the company’s external work force.
Prior to his retirement, Arthur’s assignment was as Mobils’ South East Area representative liaising with the construction firms engaged in the Channel Tunnel project, giving them advice on the oils and other products which Mobil could provide for the types of machinery and equipment which were being used. I’m sure that he made good use of his persuasive powers to secure their custom.
In retirement, both he and Mary were fully occupied looking after their beautifully sited house and garden in Goudhurst. However, they still found time to travel a lot and also the lavish entertaining for which they were renowned.
I’m sure that he was more than satisfied with all the good fortunes that had come his way. We all miss him.’