For a School with over 400 years of history, things are bound to change.  Change is constant after all.
When it comes to a School Motto however, in Latin, you don't expect it.

So when did DE MIEVLX EN MIEVLX PARTOUT become De Mieux en Mieux Pour Tout?

From Good, to Better Everywhere.

Often mentioned, but I have yet to see a full explanation.  Forder wrote his History of the Paston School and published it in 1934.  My Second Edition, 1975, has the Crest and 'Pour Tout'. The Latin/Franco origin might be described within, but I have not yet found it.

The Pastonian magazine is another great clue.  It changed in Summer 1948 there, to Pour Tout.  But why?

Could it be that a Latin Master changed in that year, as did the printing of the magazine, and it was 'corrected'.  It had been the 100th edition of the magazine in Easter 1947. The whole School was re-decorated/branded that year with 'gallons of white and green paint' and even the Pavilion on the School Playing fields had a new thatch.  John Bloomfield was School Captain that year - I should ask him what happened!  The Pastonian was termly in those days, and it changed to annual in 1951 (51-52) 'because of the rising cost of material and labour'.

So post 1948, the motto change stuck.  But still no explanation as to why it was changed.
If anyone has access to the Summer 1947, Winter 1947 or Easter 1948 editions, this might contain a reference to it.

Any thoughts?
 -John Dring

Footnote: The 1946 Pastonian, edition 99, mentions the new motto, in passing in the opening editorial page. Whilst the front cover remains the older.  So it must have been a variant already at that time.

As we know, there was no service or Remembrance Sunday parade this year, but 'we will remember them' and those from Paston that fell.
A wreath was laid this week on behalf of Old Pastonians, during the 3 glorious autumn days preceding Remembrance Sunday.
Thanks to Steve Baker for this and the attached pictures for all to see, wherever you are.

School Honour Boards are HERE

Ken Lown provided Recollection #2 here and kept in touch by letter with Old Pastonians.  RIP

​16 April 1923 - 2 August 2019
Dr Ken Lown, who passed away in August 2019, was born in Sheringham, the youngest child and only son of Hilda (nee Frankling) and Harry Lown.  Ken attended the Paston Grammar for his secondary education.
The outbreak of war in 1939 and the call up of many of Paston’s male teachers, disrupted Ken’s plans to continue at school.  His ambition was to study medicine.  Ken was too young to join up, so he made the decision to leave school and take work in a bank in Norwich.  As soon as he was able he joined the RNVR and saw service as an observer with the Fleet Air Arm (1941-1946).

On release from service, Ken was offered a place to study medicine at the London Hospital.  He qualified in 1953.  By then he was married to Monica, who hailed from Norwich, and with their family they moved to Westgate-on-Sea where Ken has secured a position to practice as a GP.  He was to stay in the Thanet area for the rest of his life, as a much loved and well respected member of the local community.  His hobbies and interests were legion, but usually had some connection with all things nautical, as one would expect of a lad from Sheringham.

When Ken was given to talking of his school days at “the Paston” it was always with great affection.  He could still give a good rendition of the old school song when he was well into his nineties.  He did mention that one of Paston’s more famous pupils was none other than Admiral, Lord Nelson – but hastened to add, with a twinkle in his eye, that he and the man who led the victory at Trafalgar did not attend the school at the same time.  There was also a story about catching the train to North Walsham, and the Paston boys stowing away the North Walsham High school girls in the luggage racks above the seats.  Post exam high jinks? A daily ritual?  We never quite got to the bottom of that one and he never did tell.

Ken passed away in Broadstairs during the afternoon of 2 August.  He is survived by his 3 children, 5 grandchildren and his great grandson, Ryan.
 
Supplied by Bridget Lown Evans (daughter) on behalf of all the Lown family

28th August 2018
Well loved French Teacher, Fisherman, Husband, Father...
From Kathryn...
"Sadly Robbie (as we knew him) died yesterday in the Norfolk and Norwich. It was peaceful with my mum and I with him. I would be grateful if you would let any old Pastonians know. There is a message on Facebook but obviously not everyone uses Social Media "

We will miss Marty. RIP
​
Update: Marty's funeral was Friday 21st September 2018 at Cromer Crematorium. A non- religious ceremony (his specific request) well marked with standing room only. Lovely tribute by son Peter and his angling fraternity. Coffin adourned with 'Gone Fishing' (to the pond printed on the casket).