Thomas Wood was an Englishcomposer and author. Wood was born in Chorley, Lancashire and attended Barrow Grammar School, also in Lancashire, before studying at the University of Oxford and the Royal College of Music. In 1919 he was appointed Director of Music at Tonbridge School in Kent, returning to Oxford in 1924 to teach at Exeter College. During this period he composed several choral-orchestral works including Forty Singing Seamen, Master Mariners and The Ballad of Hampstead Heath. He went to Australia in 1930 and spent over two years travelling across the country. This prompted him to write his book Cobbers which the Australian Dictionary of Biography describes as "still the most perceptive and captivating characterization of Australia and its people ever written by a visitor". He continued to compose and wrote several other books, including an autobiography, True Thomas, before his death of a heart attack in 1950. Miss St Osyth Mahala Eustace-Smith of Wormingford married Thomas Wood in 1924 at Wormingford Church. Before her marriage, on 7 June 1918 "The London Gazette" reported St Osyth receiving an OBE for her work as "Hon Secretary, Essex Local War Pensions Committee". After their marriage the new Mrs St Osyth Wood moved into Parsonage Hall, Bures and became great benefactor to the local community. She died at Wasperton, Warwickshire aged 84 years. Wood wrote a rousing school song for Barrow Grammar School entitled 'Outward Bound'. Here are the lyrics, also written by Thomas Wood: OUTWARD BOUND A song for the Grammar School, Barrow-in-Furness Words and Music by Thomas Wood Autumn gold and winter weather Summer dew and bluebell spring Days afoot in Furness heather These I knew, These were mine These are part of me till I Perish CHORUS Westaway, the seas lie open Eastaway, the sun rides high Outward bound in morning glory Free and ready, here am I Friends to share in games and laughter Songs at dusk and books at noon Warnings that will tell hereafter These you gave- You, my school Knowing I shall prove myself Worthy CHORUS Harbour lights and clustered shipping Clouds above the wheeling gulls Flags aloft and ensigns dipping Year by year, Showed the way Shaped the course that I am now Making CHORUS Time will set the changes ringing Those to come must have their day Mine's at hand to claim me, bringing Work to do, Risks to face Worlds to conquer and the hour's Striking! CHORUS
