Norman Jakes (1919-2002) 0219 Sower

Posted by Lord Wandsworth Admin on 28 Mar 2024

Modified by Lord Wandsworth Admin on 26 Apr 2024

Old boys

N. E. Jakes was one of the first boys of Sower. 

He kept in contact with L.W.C. regularly  and was keen to uphold the school motto of “Perseverance Conquers”.
He is mentioned a number of times in ‘The Sower Journal’ and is listed in 1935, as securing a commercial post with a firm of importers and exporters in London, after completing his studies. 
Click here to see the listing on page 39.

Scout
Jakes was part of the HandCroft Troop of Scouts at Lord Wandsworth.
Please click here to see this listing and others in the Handcraft Troop (page 30).

Debating society
Jakes is also mentioned in the Debating Society, as he opposed more freedom in school dress as: 'It is not clear whether boys would
resemble a fashion parade or a carnival if the many suggestions made were carried into effect'
See the debate here

The Old Sternains’ Association
In 1962, Jakes is listed in ‘The Old Sternains’ Association, he had written a letter with an update on his progress. The association were delighted to hear that he was in Melbourne Australia, running his own version of The Lord Wandsworth Foundation and had taken in his care, ten orphan children.
Click here to see this report (page 10 ‘The Sternain’ 1962)

Requiescat in Pace
In 2012 he is quoted in The Sternians’ journal, following a Founder’s bequest Centenary Celebration, on page 20 there is a ‘Requiescat in Pace’. 
It is an interesting article written by Jakes, in which he reports on finding Sydney James Stern Brother; Sir Edward Stern in a obituary column. He does indeed visit the grave, he finds the two brothers buried together side by side.
It is a touching article, in which he talks so fondly of the school and the great grounding it gave to him and others.
Please see the whole article here on page 20