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Doreen Rothesay Small joined a Shorthand evening class at the Polytechnic in 1933 and initially only became a member so that she could use the Women's Institute lounge at Little Titchfield Street before her class started. She initially joined the Rambling Club and within 3 years was its Social Secretary and Council Representative. She also served on the committees for the Summer Fete, New Year's Fete and Christmas Dinner Fund. In 1937 she became a founder member of the Women's section of the Poly Parliament, as well a member of the Committee. The second world war gave her further opportunities for service in connection with the Comfort's Fund, in assisting the Harriers at the Marathon and Kinnaird Meeting and by becoming Secretary of the Ladies O.M.A. (a position she held for five years). She also married Harold Small in 1940. In 1947 she became Secretary for the Women's Council and in 1953 she was made a Companion of the Women's Institute. In later years she was Secretary of the Polytechnic Christian Fellowship.
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[1859]-25 Mar 1942
Len Harris, as he was known, joined the Institute in Long Acre days and came to the Poly with Robert Mitchell and many others when Mr. Quintin Hogg transferred the Institute to Regent Street. At this time, Len Harris became Mr. Hogg's Private Secretary, and remained so until on the departure of Sydney Axford the office of Secretary and Clerk to the Governors fell vacant and Mr. Hogg sacrificed his own personal comfort for the benefit of the Institute, and Len was appointed to that position. He devoted all his energies, heart and soul, to the interests of the Poly, took part in its games, and distinguished himself at Football, Rowing, and in the Gymnasium. This continued until the time for superannuation arrived in 1929. In the July number of the Magazine for that year is a
report of Len Harris's achievements, and in the December number an account of the Presentation made to him.
Vice President of the OMA (Old Members Association)
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25 Sep 1870-2 Apr 1943
Involved with the OMA and Rambling Club. Sponsored river trips for members of the OMA in the late 1930s-early 1940s.Governor of the Polytechnic as a representative of the LCC, 1934 and regularly attended Family Gatherings and Founder's Day celebrations.
Elected as Labour MP for Hackney South in 1928, 1931 and 1934. Chairman of the London County Council 1943-1944, died in office.
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fl.1927-1929
Walter Hunt was the 1927 ABA Lightweight Champion, on behalf of Holloway ABC and the 1929 ABC Lightweight Champion on behalf of the Polytechnic ABC
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17 Jun 1892-30 Mar 1952
Served as captain in the Royal Engineers during WW1. Was awarded the Military Cross with two bars.Won the ABA Championship in 1920 and 1921.
Gold Medal at the 1920 Antwerp Olympic Games - Heavyweight.
Studied at Cambridge.
Joined the Polytechnic Boxing Club after the War.
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1877-1966
Bert Long joined the Polytechnic Harriers in 1905 and was a senior Vice President of the Club. His running career spanned more than 20 years as he was still taking out cross-country "packs" up to the late 1920s. He won the Club 10 miles Championship in 1906 and on five later occasions, the last being in 1922, 16 years at championship level, a unique record. In 1909 he was 3rd in the AAA 10 miles track Championship and 3 years earlier he had been 4th in the National Cross Country Championships. At the close of his active career he became Cross Country Hon. Secretary and continued in this office until the outbreak of war. He then took over as Hon General Secretary and kept the Club alive throughout the war. In all these years he served on the Southern Counties AAA and on the General Committee of the AAA, eventually being made a Life Vice President of the AAA.
His influence on many generation of young Poly Harriers was wholly admirable and unforgettable, as the writer, among so many recalls with gratitude. He became a grade 1 Timekeeper and acted in that capacity at the Wembley Olympics of 1948 and at the Commonwealth Games at Cardiff. Both he and Mrs Long, who pre-deceased him by a few months, gave the Poly and the Harriers in particular, a lifetime of service for which they will always be remembered and honoured.
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fl.1908-1952
In November 1952 the Polytechnic Magazine reported the Retirement of Mr Birkinger at the end of the 1951-1952 session, as follows:
Mr. Birkinger joined the staff of the School of Engineering forty years ago, and for the last seven years has been Chief Instructor in the Engineering Workshop. Besides his duties in this post he has been responsible for the maintenance of the heating plant in the main building. He joined the Polytechnic at a time when the School of Engineering included an Aeronautics Department and he took a great interest in one of the early gliding dubs, though of recent years he has transferred his attention to television.
One of Mr. Birkinger's last duties was to supervise the re-equipment of the workshop with new machines. This work, mainly done during the previous summer, was finished during last session, and the Polytechnic now has one of the most modernly equipped workshops to be found in any college in the country. The old arrangement of overhead shafting has been completely dispensed with as the new machines have individual drives.
The hope was expressed that Mr. and Mrs. Birkinger would enjoy a long and happy retirement. Mr. Frampton becomes Chief Instructor in Mr. Birkinger's place.
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Phil Haig was a former pupil at the Polytechnic Secondary School and was evacuated to Somerset during the Second World War.
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