Hastings College of Art and Design

Even though Jon had completed his Foundation at Ravensbourne college he decided to move to Hastings and attend Hastings college of Art. He didn't enrol so to speak but attended many of the sessions. Eventually he soon got to know inspirational lecturers Tony Colley, Rod Harman and student Kate Adamsat the Archery Road site

Ben Nevis Summit

Jon on the Inverness to Fort William stroll and Conquering Ben Nevis in trainers along with Ian, Graeme, Ross, Nick, Ninel and Adrienne

Ravensbourne College of Art

Jon enrolled in the Art Foundation course at nearby Ravensbourne College. A huge contrast to the constricting atmosphere of St Olaves, Jon enjoyed the freedom to experiment with new processes that he hadn't had access to whilst completing his Art A level. Jon made many new friends who included girlfriend Alex Buglass, Ian Ashby, Tim Reid, Graham Uden, Bill Webb, Sue Watts and Emma Mitson. Jon ran the Christian Union at first and at this time Emma and Sue nicknamed Jon 'Holy Shoes'.

Line up

The Cole boys, from left to right: Brian, Phil, Jon, Simon, Tim and Marley in the garden of 25 Orchard Road. Bromley

Pennine Way

Jon, Phil and two other friends, Tim Bower and Martin Crisp, embark on the Pennine Way, a trek along the rugged backbone of England. The walk offered 268 miles of the finest upland walking in England from the Peak district to Kirk Yetholm, just over the Scottish border. It also featured blisters, hunger, cold and a helicopter rescue of one of the number to nearby Bristol accident and Emergency

5

A school Photo of Jonathan Cole and older brother Philip

From about four years old, Johnnie one of my grandsons has shown great artistic potential. Now he is a talented artist but some of his first efforts required very tactful comments from the viewer. I shall never forget my favourite, a frightening creature executed in mauve and orange crayons. He informed me proudly that it was a lion.

'But it hasn't got a tail'  I pointed out.

Whereupon Johnnie, with the superior scorn of a four-year-old addressing an adult half wit said scathingly.

'Of course it hasn't got a tail. But it's got a cough'

I suppose I should have known!

This excerpt was written by Jon's grandad, Reg Yearley, fondly known as 'Poppa'

Birth

Born; Jonathan David Westlake Cole, second son to Linda and Brian Cole in Fareham, Hants