The Old Arnoldian

Transcription

The Old Arnoldian

The Old Arnoldian
2009 / 2010
January 2011
No. 63
The Old Arnoldians Association
We aim to:
Support the Aims, Ethos and Objectives of the School.
Provide a forum for Old Arnoldians to stay in touch.
Encourage help, support and communications between Old Arnoldians.
Raise money for Scholarships.
Support the Arnold School Foundation.
What we do:
Provide a number of School Scholarships.
Organise Sporting and Social Functions.
Provide money for certain School items.
Promote the School through our outside interests.
Publish a magazine and maintain our own website for
the benefit of Old Arnoldians around the World.
Why we do it:
Because we love the School and the things it stands for.
We are grateful for how it has influenced our lives.
Contact: Arnold School, 488 Lytham Road, Blackpool, FY4 1JG
www.arnoldiansonline.com
Front Cover: Victoria Smith BVMS MRCVS (1994-2001) Veterinary Surgeon, www.Pikemoorvets.co.uk
www.arnoldschool.com
Officials and Committee of the
Old Arnoldians Association
2010/2011
President
Mrs Julie Jagger
Chairman
Anthony Hoskisson
Honorary Secretary
Mrs Tricia Holland
Social Secretary
Mrs Amanda Hoskisson
Honorary Treasurer
Mrs Caroline Gallagher
Honorary Auditor and Accountant
Stephen Crilley
Honorary Solicitor
John R Taylor LLB
Executive Committee
J Armfield, F Roberts, C Streule, P Owen, Mrs A
Hoskisson, D Cowburn, M Butterworth,
H Henshaw, Mrs D Whitehead, P Bentley,
W Gillen, M Brennand, Ms F Kinder, C White,
E Mahon, C Woodruff
Old Arnoldians Association
London Committee
Chairman
Phil Alexander
Secretary
Nicola Cain
Bill Gillen, George Hogg, Ross Cloney, Alistair
Sims, Ollie Almond, Paul Butterworth,
Rob Wilcock
Governing Council 2010/2011
Chairman of Governors
J M Wooding OBE, BSc, CEng, FRAeS
Vice Chairman
J C Armfield OBE CBE
D Aird LLB, A E P Baines BA, BArch, RIBA
M S Brennand OA, M C Brook BA, FCA, ATH,
Mrs S Carr OBE, Mrs G M Connolly BSc, MA,
W T Gillen MA, P D Maguire ACA, J R Taylor LLB
P M Owen ACIB, Mrs R B Pigott OBE, LL,
Clerk to the Governors
Cdr P J McCarthy MHCIMA, MILT, MinstAM, RN
Trustees of the United Church
Schools Trust
Chairman
The Rt Rev & Rt Hon the Lord Carey of Clifton
ALCD BD MTh PhD
Deputy Chairman
Sir M Graydon GCB CBE ADC FRAeS RAF
Chief Executive
Sir E W Harper CBE MA
Deputy Chief Executive
Ms C Rendle-Short MBA MEd Admin BMus
Mr P Anscombe FCIMMCMI,
Mr David Barnes FCA, Mr Jonathan Bloomer,
Mr S Brandon QC BA LLM Fill,
The Very Rev Philip Buckler MA,
Professor Michael Clark BA PhD MIEEM,
Mrs Angela Crowe, Mr D d'Arcy Hughes,
Sir A Greener, Mrs L Keat, Mr P Massey,
Mr K Anthony Moffatt, Mr P Smith MA,
Rev Canon Stephen Taylor MA,
Dr R Townsend MA DPhil
Mr J Wooding QBE BSc CEng FRAeS,
Past Editors of the ‘Old Arnoldian’
Alan Grime, Roger Almond, Ronald Thursz,
Michael Buckley, Edward Jones and Mike
Butterworth
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EDITORIAL
o tell the truth, putting together a publication such as
this is not that difficult - at least when you compare the
task with school essay writing in the fifties. I had a green
pen fitted with a nib which was dipped into an inkwell
embedded in the desk. I’m sorry, these pens were
impossible to write with. I still have the original pen and,
as retired people often find the time to indulge themselves
in totally unproductive activities, I tried to use this pen
recently. After one paragraph the work still looked as if a
spider had climbed out of the ink bottle and wandered
aimlessly across the page.
T
Needless to say essay writing (or compositions as we used
to call them) has never been my fondest memory of my
school days. It was a bit like trying to get a dinner jacket
on to a gorilla. Any mistakes and the whole piece had to
be rewritten!
I was, therefore, much amused, while reading some of Bob Jackson’s (1952
-1960) old exercise books. While quite obviously Bob was a very able writer,
the teacher’s comment about his use of a “ball-point pen” took me back
fifty odd years.
The two major changes to my enjoyment of English came with the
fountain pen and the keyboard. Both of these devices set me free and
the subject became no longer a penance but a pleasure. It does appear
that, despite what you may read, now the constraints of spelling and
grammar have become so much easier to deal with, children have so
much more pleasure in using the power of words.
The beauty of the word processor is that you can work anywhere; you can endlessly alter and
reformat work and you can send it around the world without leaving the dining room table.
Much of the content of the last edition was written by me.
Out of choice, however, I would much prefer a larger
content by other OAs. If you feel you have something you
think will add colour or information to the presentation
please do not hesitate to send it to me at School or at
charliewood@hotmail.co.uk.
I hope you will have noticed that I have tried to reduce the
more formal sections of the magazine and increase the
information about Old Arnoldians. I have also tried to
increase the historical content with articles and
photographs aimed at prompting a response from you all.
You received a copy of the Old Arnoldian because your
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name and details has been recorded
on the School’s mailing list. If you
have not registered it may be that
you did not receive a copy by post.
You can find an electronic version
on the Old Arnoldians website
(www.arnoldiansonline.com) or if
you write to me I will see that you
are placed on the mailing list or I
will send you one over the net. I
would encourage you to register
with the Old Arnoldians. It is easy
and it doesn’t cost anything.
Finally I continue to enjoy the
Bob’s Essay
contacts with all the Old
Arnoldians – the very best part of the job. To be quite honest, my
greatest hope is that one of you out there will win £87 million on the Euro lottery and in your new
found wealth become philanthropic, donating a few million to the Old Arnoldians so they may
continue and improve their work. Until that time we will content ourselves with the other objectives
of the association and enjoying doing so.
Very best wishes Charlie.
Bob Jackson, far left,
with other OAs
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A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
have enjoyed being the President of the Old Arnoldians
Association since last March. During the year I have visited other
schools and been to various functions in my role and have been
honoured to do so representing the association.
I
The Annual Dinner, this year, was held at Fylde Rugby Club,
Lytham. There was a great turn out, including a table of University
Students all of whom, I hope, enjoyed the evening. This was the
second year of holding the event in September as December was
becoming increasingly difficult for OAs to attend. I do hope that
these new arrangements will become as acceptable for everyone
as December was.
One of the other functions that takes place annually for
committee members, partners and invited guests happens in May
and this, albeit a small arrangement, is always a good night with
good food and company. It would be lovely to see some younger
OAs, living on the Fylde Coast, attending our meetings and see if they want to be involved with the
continued success of the association. I have been on the executive committee for well over 10
years now and have seen changes to the association and the School through these years. It’s great
to be able to come up with new ideas and see how we can help projects within the School. Another
way to get involved is by registering on the Old Arnoldian’s web site – www.arnoldiansonline.com.
In October of this year the London Committee held their Annual dinner at the Churchill War Rooms.
I have to say this was a great night and very interesting being able to view all the places that were
a secret to most of us for a long time. The School holds a lot of good memories for myself and I love
going back to watch the productions which are always very good. I am certainly looking forward
to “Calamity Jane” at the end of this term. I’m sure the drama / music department will pull all the
stops out as usual. There are plenty of events throughout the School year and the next one which
should go down in everyone’s diary is the annual sporting weekend on Sunday 3rd April from
10.00am until noon.
This is a great opportunity for OAs to
come along to support the teams , enjoy
a bit of lunch and take time to look
around the school to catch up on the
changes that have taken place since the
last visit.
Finally I would like to express my thanks
to Amanda Hoskisson for all her expertise
in arranging the social events during the
year and to the committee who have
supported me. To my President Elect Mr
Peter Bentley, have a great year and I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Mrs Julie Jagger
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NEWS FROM THE COMMON ROOM
hen I started work at Arnold some of the established members of the senior common room
were affectionately known as the “Heavy weights”. Nothing to do with their physical
constitution, this was a reflection of the enormous experience and influence these people had and
we young teachers held them in the greatest esteem. Much of the School’s success during the
fifties and sixties could be laid at the door of these people. I’m not sure if the present day heavy
weights are held in the same regard as they once were but this year sees the retirement of some true
greats of the staffroom.
W
Rod Bedford, Andrew Bell, Kendall Lee, John Ashcroft and John Storey all retire this year. These are
people who are very much part of my own life. We have worked together in School; I’ve seen them
get married and have families and I have taught their children.
endall is a man of enormous energy and he has the ability to
take an idea and see it through to the very end. The chief
executive of Sony once said “anybody can have a good idea –
making it work is the real skill”. Without doubt this is Kendall’s
greatest quality – like The Terminator this man does not stop.
K
The outdoor centre at Glenridding; the village of Buigiri and its
School for the Blind in Tanzania; the highly regarded and
successful Geography Department and any number of field trips
and outdoor activities have all worked because of Kendall’s energy,
enthusiasm and love of children.
You may not know that as well as driving all the above activities
Kendall was, for many years, Head of the Senior Common Room. This is an unpaid position
important in representing the views and opinions of the teaching staff to the Head and Governors.
We staff have been honoured to have been represented by such a strong individual. There are
numerous employees of Arnold School that will be, forever, grateful for Kendall’s advice and
support.
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When Kendall was awarded the MBE John Ashcroft said it was one of the most deserved honours
that had ever been presented and I have never known such universal joy within the rank of the
Arnold School staff. To say the School will miss Kendall will be the most massive understatement.
From this day forward, even though the School will continue its success, it will be, understandably,
different.
We all wish Kendall a long, happy and rewarding retirement. I can’t image, however, that it will be
relaxing and unproductive – he still has energy in abundance. I will say in conclusion “Kendall, in
retirement - don’t work too hard”.
hen I first met my good friend John Ashcroft he
struck me as a real quick witted “live wire”. Although
John has been involved in countless School activities he
will, understandably, be best remembered as Lieutenant
Colonel Ashcroft, Head of the largest Combined Cadet
Force in the country.
W
The much loved Joe Holt told me once that the only job
he ever coveted was Head of the CCF – held at that time
by the great Eddie Jones - such was the regard of the
position. During my time in the cadet force the British
military establishments anywhere knew the reputation
of Arnold School and the people it has produced. During John’s tenure the force continued to
progress even though the regard by the military for the CCF is not quite what it was. Moreover
John’s work for the military has not just confined itself to the CCF. He has used his stature as a senior
army officer to benefit the local community. The British Limbless Ex-Servicemen’s Association has
welcomed him many times and John has only too willingly added colour to their functions.
John, the one in the picture with the glasses, will be able to indulge
himself in his favourite pastime and we hope, as one of the most
knowledgeable people on the history and culture of Arnold School,
he continues to support the School and the Old Arnoldians
Association.
lthough I had few problems with Mathematics at school, that
cannot be said for many scholars. It is one of those subjects
where an inspirational teacher can transform the mundane into a
pleasure of understanding. Andrew Bell must fall in to that capable
class of teachers. Not only is he the most able of mathematicians
but he understands the difficulties that some children have and he
has the techniques in place to help them.
A
However Andrew’s start at Arnold was something less than
auspicious as he arrived for his interview in a car, the doors
decorated with large cartoons of Micky Mouse and Donald Duck!
Andrew retires after teaching at Arnold for 37 years. The common room will have to manage
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without this amusing and enormously capable Maths teacher. The Old Arnoldians send their very
best wishes to Andrew and his family.
s John Storey retired after serving 28 years at the
Junior School there were too many people who
wanted to say thank you to him for the occasion to go
unmarked and so, at the request of a great many parents,
a BBQ was arranged where we could say farewell to this
highly respected teacher.
A
In a busy quadrangle alive with children, former pupils
and parents, the much loved Deputy Head of the Junior
School received a gift and the best wishes of all those
present. The organiser, Mrs Kirstie Brennand, spoke of the many trips and other events Mr Storey had
organised for the benefit of generations of children and of his enthusiasm for sport. In response Mr
Storey gave credit to the delightful children it had been his privilege to teach and their supportive
families. His modesty was characteristic of a man whose ultimate aim has always been to ensure that
children enjoy their school days and get the very best start in life.
first met Rod Bedford, with the late Dave Morley, at
training camp in Leicestershire – that was 33 years
ago. While being a teacher of Business Studies, his
greatest gift to Arnold School has been the time
spent coaching and organising the Rugby.
I
I come from a time when the English Senior game
was almost a laughing stock. The newspapers would
report that “This English Team was the greatest there
has been for twenty years” only to be soundly
destroyed by our brothers in Wales (particularly Wales
– how I hated JPR Williams) Scotland, Ireland and
France. However, things these days are a little different and that is due in no small measure to the
strength of the game in English Independent schools and men like Rod Bedford. Despite retiring
from Arnold School after 37 years' service, Rod Bedford will retain his involvement with schoolboy
rugby across Lancashire.
As Master responsible for Rugby at Arnold, Mr Bedford was not only involved with the day to day
administration of school rugby but was also a committee member of the Lancashire Schools' RFU.
At their recent AGM, it was announced that “Rod Bedford had completed many years of outstanding
service to Lancashire Schools. In recognition of his services he was awarded Honorary Life
Membership of Lancashire Rugby Football Union’s School Section”. This is a wonderful accolade to
mark what we hope will be a long and very happy retirement. Many congratulations from everyone
at the School.
By Royal Appointment
olleagues at the Lancashire Schools Hockey Association have ensured that Miss Gill Raby's
contribution to girls' hockey in Lancashire and the North of England was recognised.
C
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In mid July, Miss Raby joined a number of privileged guests as she
took up the invitation to attend the Queen’s Garden Party at
Buckingham Palace.
Having joined Arnold in 1976 with the first cohort of girls, Miss Raby
has been a significant figure in ensuring that girls at the School, and
beyond, have had the opportunity to participate in hockey at the
highest level.
This was a wonderful achievement for Miss Raby, and she went to
the Palace with the School’s best wishes for a most memorable
occasion.
Mr McKeown & Mr Evans complete 100 mile challenge
ongratulations go to Mr Evans and Mr McKeown who completed their epic endurance challenge
when they finished the Lakeland 100 Mile Challenge in July. 123 people started the event on
Friday 23rd July and our dynamic duo battled day and night to complete the 103 mile course in
38hrs 27mins. This placed them in 57th place out of the 69 people who managed to finish under
the 40 hour course time limit. Arnold is extremely proud of them.
C
They were the first male team home, having
run as a pair, so this was an unexpected first
place prize for them. "Our thanks go to
everyone who has shown an interest over
the last 10 months from those who wished
us well; donated to the charity; watched our
progress online and especially to those who
came to watch over the weekend of the
event! The support certainly helped in
keeping us going," said Mr Evans. Mr
McKeown added, "It's safe to say that it was,
and probably will be, the hardest and most
gruelling thing that we have ever done.
After 94 miles we thought we had lost too
much time and believed we would finish
over the 40 hour limit. The fundraising has
gone extremely well with over £3,500 raised
for the Wooden Spoon. Our sincere thanks
go to all those people who have donated.”
Out of interest, the elite male winner
completed the entire 103 mile course in
24hrs 10mins and he ran the whole course,
which isn't bad when you consider that
there was nearly 7000m of climbing and
7000m of descending. Sadly, he was still 2
hours outside of the record!
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LETTER FROM THE HEADMASTER
o be writing the Headmaster’s introduction
to the latest edition of the ‘Old Arnoldian
Magazine’ is a real honour. I have been at the
school for six years now and I am truly excited
to be leading what is undoubtedly the best
school on the Fylde.
T
One of my first jobs in post has been to write
the Headmaster’s Annual Report. It is only
when you look at the academic year as a whole
that you realise just how busy the School
community has been and appreciate the
wonderful range of opportunities that are
available to pupils here. The News in Brief
section of the magazine gives you a wonderful
‘whistle stop tour’ of the school year and leaves
you almost exhausted when you finish reading
it! I am, of course, very proud of everything
that has been accomplished.
We are quite rightly proud of our academic
ethos and results. What goes on in the
classroom is of primary importance to
everyone at Arnold and we are continually striving to improve the quality of teaching and learning.
This means being at the forefront of modern educational thinking. The introduction of the
interactive whiteboards into every classroom two years ago was just a small part of this journey
and I am very excited by the recent arrival of the new interactive handsets for pupils. These
wonderful devices allow teachers to monitor pupil understanding instantaneously. This will
undoubtedly help support other more traditional methods of pupil tracking and will provide instant
feedback that can guide teaching. Ultimately, this will make the classroom a more challenging and
enjoyable place to be, and can only help improve the grades that our pupils attain in public
examinations.
However, at a time when universities and employers are looking for much more than just academic
prowess, it is important to recognise and appreciate the breadth of the School’s extra-curricular
offering. I am particularly proud of the unique opportunities that we make available to pupils for
the development of leadership and team working, as well as entrepreneurial flair. We take for
granted the plethora of sport, music and drama that is available to pupils every week but we must
not forget the vast range of other activities on offer. For example, over 70 pupils have achieved
Duke of Edinburgh Awards this year; all pupils in Years 8 to 10 have attended either a specialist
Technology or Enterprise Day. The CCF, Young Enterprise, the BTEC in Public Services, the Millennium
Volunteers programme and debating are just a few other examples of activities that are stretching
our pupils and helping them develop their team working and leadership skills and, with all the
opportunities for enterprise going on at the moment, we might just have the next Peter Jones or
Deborah Meaden in our midst. Dragons beware!
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The school is indebted to Barry Hughes who left
as Headmaster at the start of July to take on the
Headship at Holy Trinity School in Toronto,
Canada. He departed after seven years of
distinguished service in which he led the school
through many significant changes. His tireless
leadership enabled the school to grasp the
opportunity of joining the United Church
Schools Trust and I know he was rightly
tremendously proud of the developments that
took place during his tenure. We wish him and
Pat every success as they take on a fresh
challenge in a new country.
All that goes on both inside and outside the
classroom would not be possible without the
hard work of the staff in the Common Room. I
am very grateful to my colleagues for their
efforts over the last twelve months but it would
be remiss of me not to recognise the
Mr B. M. Hughes BSc., MRSC, NPQH
contribution and accomplishments of five
Headmaster Arnold School
colleagues who retired this year. After clocking
2003 - 2010
up over 170 years of dedicated and committed
service between them, John Ashcroft, Rod
Bedford, Andrew Bell, Kendall Lee and John Storey have left us. Our thanks and best wishes go to
all these colleagues who have contributed to Arnold’s success over many years.
I do hope that you find the magazine to be an interesting read. We now look forward to the next
12 months as we strive to develop pupils who are articulate, courteous, compassionate young
people of integrity; able and willing to contribute to, and lead, our future society.
Mr J E Keefe
Headmaster
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PUBLIC EXAMINATION RESULTS 2010
GCSE
Of the 97 students that sat GCSE examinations this year:
10% of pupils are celebrating 7 A*s or more
Nearly one in five pupils achieved 9 or more A*/A
Three pupils achieved a clean sweep of A*s
12 got A or A* grades in all subjects
25 got at least 8 A or A* grades
33 got at least 7 A or A* grades
99% achieved at least five passes at grades A* to C
In addition:
A number of Year 11 pupils sat AS mathematics a year early and between them achieved
8 A grades and 2 B grades.
14 Year 10 students took their GCSE mathematics examination a year early and all
achieved A* grades.
Outstanding Performances came from:
Alexander Card (10A*)
Nanthesh Kiruparan (9A*)
Alexander Connolly (9A*)
Jennifer Carpenter (8A*, 1A)
William Fairhead (7A*, 2A)
Michael Yaxley (7A*, 2A)
Alasdair Humphries (9A*, 1A, 1B)
Jennifer Peck (9A*)
Alexandra Booth (8A*, 1A, 1C)
Grace Card (7A*, 1A)
John Kenyon (7A*, 1A, 1B)
Advanced Level
Of the 90 students who took A2s in 2010:
4 recorded three or more A* grades
17 gained three or more A grade passes
Nearly 40% of all grades were at either A* or A
University Destinations (as at 31st August):
65 obtained their first choice or second choice university place
13 obtained a place through the Clearing system
23 will join Russell Group universities
6 will study at Durham University
9 intend to apply next year
1 has entered employment
2 started non-degree courses
Abigail Lucas, Gonville and Caius, Cambridge, to read Medicine
Full details of university destinations are available on the school website.
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THE YEAR IN BRIEF - Autumn Term
During the summer holiday the Junior School developed new facilities in Art, DT and Science.
These subjects now have specialist teaching areas with new resources.
The redevelopment of some of the oldest parts of the Senior
School was completed in the early days of the new school year.
Structural changes and improvements provided us with a refurbished
and modernised Sixth Form common room, dining room, relaxed
seating area and a new Year 11 common room.
26 Lower Sixth students, (the largest number ever), set off to
the Alps for their Gold Award expedition. After initial
acclimatisation work they completed a four day expedition.
At A level virtually 75% of all passes were at either A or B; this fine year group
performed very well indeed to produce an improvement of almost 10% on the previous year.
Thirteen youngsters won places to read medicine and dentistry and one in every three students
achieved three or more A grades - three times the national average.
Heads of school were announced: In the Senior School: Head
Boy Dominic Mistry, assisted by Deputy Head Boy Josh Beaumont
and Head Girl, Claire Harbourne, assisted by Deputy Head Girl
Abigail Lucas. In the Junior School Head Boy, Edward Farrer and
Head Girl Mili Kenworthy.
Pupils, parents and teachers celebrated some of our best ever
results at GCSE. Almost 53% of GCSE passes were either A or A*
and close on 25% of all grades were A*! In total, 15 pupils got A
or A* grades in all subjects.
At the start of term there was a bewildering array of indoor and outdoor extra-curricular
activities laid before all pupils at the Activities Fayre. Children could choose anything from ICT to
fencing.
A large group of former pupils, all of whom left in 1989, returned for lunch and tours of their old
school. They remembered cold showers and draughty classrooms; a pool table in the Sixth Form
centre was an unthinkable luxury. The school to which they returned had moved on in so many
ways and they were particularly impressed by the drama studio, art and design centre, ICT suites
and sports hall.
Boys and girls at the Junior School were treated to a judo demonstration by a representative of
Judo Education. The children learned the basics of how to hold and escape from a hold, and many
opted to join an after school club.
At a Barnardo’s Assembly in the Junior School, local representative Mrs Nancy Hart was
presented with a cheque for £1,177.79.
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Year 1 children visited Eureka, the National Children’s museum in Halifax. They were particularly
interested in the ‘Me and My Body’ gallery where they learnt amazing things about what makes us
special.
A number of keen golfers competed in the 6th Arnold Charity Golf
Day in aid of Feet First, a charity founded by former pupil and
consultant orthopaedic surgeon Steve Mannion.
The Family Day at Glenridding in the Lake District enjoyed
sunny weather. Arranged by The Parents’ & Friends’ Association,
the trip offered families the opportunity to experience the
excellent facilities that are on offer at the school’s outdoor centre
Almond Lodge.
At the Open Evening parents and children
visiting school were treated to a wide range of
activities by staff and pupils, and left with a
lasting impression of a school which puts
happiness first. No one went hungry, for
either information or food. Whether they ate in the German Cafe,
sampled Mock Turtle Jelly with Alice in Wonderland, or had a good old
bacon butty cooked on a camping stove by the Duke of Edinburgh
Expedition group, appetites were satisfied and the goody bag of information, and conversations with
pupils and teachers, provided answers to all questions.
The Reception class visited Old Holly Farm near Garstang where
children saw lots of baby animals including calves, chicks and pigs.
Year 6 children became Victorians for the day when they visited
Cuerden Valley Estate in Preston. Dressed appropriately, the boys and
girls sampled some of the different jobs that would have been
available to young people on a large country estate in the 19th
century – scullery maid, kitchen gardener, charcoal burner and
junior gamekeeper.
Arnold Rugby Club hosted the Tauranga Boys' College touring team from New Zealand.
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Children from 22 local junior schools enjoyed a day of brain teasing
maths problems at school. In addition to five rounds of varied maths
problems the children tucked in to lunch in the dining hall and competed
for the honour of winning Arnold Teddy Bears.
Modern linguists enjoyed Molière’s ‘The Miser’ at Manchester’s
Royal Exchange Theatre.
Pupils Gemma & Chloe McConville (Years 7 and 10 respectively) were
highly successful at The Fleetwood Music & Arts Festival, winning trophies galore in a range of
speech and drama categories.
Junior School girls had a successful Hockey tour playing matches against Stockport Grammar
School and Cheadle Hulme School.
In a full day of varied activities, the whole of Year 8 took part in a technology competition which
had them building boats, planes and bridges and navigating a mine field.
Working in small groups, every pupil took turns to be the team leader,
presenter, tester and quality controller in technology exercises
designed and presented by staff from BAE Systems.
Junior School children were treated to a visit from the Kinetic Theatre
Company who performed a show called ‘The Hospital Force’. The
presentation was aimed at teaching the children about forces in science, as
well as giving them many opportunities to laugh and have fun.
The Peers' Dining Room of the House of Lords was the superb setting for this year's Old
Arnoldian London Dinner. Organised by the London Committee of the former pupils association
and hosted by Lord Laird of Artigarvan, this annual event attracted almost a hundred former pupils,
staff and friends of the school.
The Junior School celebrated Harvest Festival with a special
assembly conducted by Reverend O'Brien from Holy
Trinity Church. A very large amount of food and toiletries
went to the local Boathouse charity.
In ‘Daisy Pulls it Off’ plucky heroine Daisy Meredith,
played splendidly by Lydia Bourhill, exchanged her
elementary school for life in a traditional girls' boarding
school.
A group of enthusiastic time-travelling Sixth Form
physicists attended a fascinating lecture; one in a series arranged by the Institute of Physics at
Lancaster University. They debated the mystery of time, the scientific objections to travelling
through time, and the extent to which established physics supports the possibility of time travel.
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Year 3 pupils enjoyed a day out to the Museum of Science in Manchester where they were
encouraged to use lots of interactive exhibits and extend their understanding of science and
technology.
Head of History Mr Davey and U6th students, Alice Ann Eastham and Ben Dagger, visited
Auschwitz as part of a group visit organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust.
10 pupils from the RAF section of the CCF flew over Blackpool
and could easily see their school and other Blackpool landmarks
when they had an opportunity to fly with the Royal Air Force at
RAF Woodvale, Southport.
Talented Middle School musicians gave their services in a
good cause by playing in aid of our Village Aid charity. These
super young people performed a varied and accessible
programme which charmed their audience, who were
encouraged to make a donation to this worthy cause.
An enthusiastic and excited collection of witches, monsters and assorted creatures came out to play
at our Infant Halloween party.
At the Lower School Teatime Concert many pupils were playing before an audience for the first
time. They gave wonderful performances and showed great promise for the future.
Cold temperatures could not dampen their enthusiasm as our CCF contingent marched up the
sea front to join the crowds at the Blackpool Cenotaph and show their respect for the fallen of two
world wars and other conflicts. Comprising Air Force, Navy and Army cadets, these volunteers
continued the school's long and proud tradition of support for this annual expression of gratitude
and provided the single largest presence at the town's Service of Remembrance.
Year 6 children listened very quietly to the memories of our
friends at the BLESMA home for limbless old soldiers when they
paid a visit to school. They recalled their personal memories of
fighting in the Second World War and boys and girls enjoyed
what turned out to be a very emotional and thought provoking
hour.
The Swing and Soul Bands both played at Blackpool Tower
Ballroom to an audience of over a thousand guests in aid of charity.
The President of Blackpool South Rotary Club, Dr Martyn Lucking,
wrote “The construction of the programme and the professional
manner in which the performances were played were truly magnificent.”
Both the Senior and Junior Schools opened their doors to show off our unrivalled facilities and
provide our own families, as well as those looking round the school for the first time, with an insight
into what makes Arnold so special.
15
With staff on hand from prestigious major companies such as BNFL and BAE Systems, and
representatives of several local businesses present, pupils from Years 9 - 13 and their parents were
able to take advantage of plenty of good advice at the annual Careers Convention.
The Parents’ and Friends’ Association gave children and adults of all ages a chance to enjoy a
ceramic painting afternoon. There were some fantastic designs and some very serious painting was
undertaken.
Local author, Dianne Wilkinson, visited school to tell
Year 3 children about her books, “The Skitlets.“
During the Parents’ and Friends’ Christmas Fayre the
Junior School choir sang carols and the Senior School Band
and singers entertained with some excellent popular music.
In addition to stalls and games there was a Santa's Grotto
and a portable ice rink was laid down in the playground for
the more balanced amongst us.
At Cheadle Hulme School, Manchester, two U6 French students, Abigail
Lucas and Ameya Verma, competed well against teams from other independent schools from the
region in the Northern Schools' MFL Debating Competition.
Junior School musicians entertained at the Ladies Luncheon Club
Christmas Dinner.
Led by team captain Chris Barrett; Olivia Hughes, Stephanie Lees
and Lizzie Salmon (Year 13) presented their advice on how to
stimulate economic recovery to Bank of England executives at the
regional heats of the Target 2.0 competition. Our team was praised
for their understanding of economic theory, the wide variety of
source material, comprehensive coverage of issues, clear conclusions and
good answers to probing questions.
Former teacher Mrs Parkinson came to visit and talk to
the children about old toys as part of Year 1’s History topic
“Toys - Now and Then”. Magic Grandma, as she quickly came
to be known, brought some very old toys and books and led
the pupils in playing traditional games.
The musical ‘Grease’ was staged to full houses and great
applause. This high-energy, high-decibel production
showcased our youngsters' acting, dancing and singing
talents to the full.
19 Lower Sixth students braved challenging weather conditions on the ridges of the Howgill
Fells near Sedburgh as part of their Gold Duke of Edinburgh award preparations.
16
40 Germanists headed off to Cologne for the famous Christmas markets. An overnight stay in a
youth hostel in the former German capital city of Bonn was followed by a traditional German
breakfast and a day shopping and sightseeing in Cologne.
At the Junior School Carol Concert the choir led the assembled parents and children in carols,
poems and readings, interspersed with instrumental pieces from the Year 4 and Year 5 recorder
groups, the woodwind ensemble, the brass group, violinists and soloists.
Junior School Choristers entertained the residents of the Princess Alexandra Home for the Blind
with their beautiful singing and playing. They later performed for the Arnold Ladies Luncheon Club
at their Christmas luncheon.
The Senior School choir entertained in the beautiful setting of
Holy Trinity Church at Hoghton, near Preston, which was an
enjoyable evening rounded off with mulled wine and mince pies.
Over 150 students enjoyed the Sixth Form Ball at the Blackpool
Pleasure Beach's Horseshoe Bar.
The Parents' and Friends'
Christmas Party was held at the
Imperial Hotel in Blackpool where
170 guests enjoyed an evening of dancing and seasonal fun.
Candidates assessed by the English Speaking Board
examiner who came in to hear the talks, readings and poems of
some of our Year 9 students received a good number of merit
or merit plus awards, with two girls - Jessica Omassoli and
Emily Owen - receiving distinctions.
The Senior School choir brought the term to a fitting conclusion with a service of lessons and carols
on the final morning of term.
17
THE YEAR IN BRIEF - Spring Term
During the Christmas break the Girls' Choir visited the
historic city of Krakow in Poland where they sang in a variety
of locations.
After an uncharacteristically snowy Christmas break
pupils returned to school to find the start of term
threatened. In spite of all their prayers, the school closed
for just two days in the first week!
Deputy Head Girl, Abigail Lucas, who hopes to study
medicine at university, was notified by the Department of Life Sciences at the Open
University that her outstanding performance in the examination placed her in the top twenty
students taking the Diabetes Care module.
Snorri the Viking came into school to tell Year 4 about his life. With the aid of
many Viking tools, weapons and clothes he was able to give children a real taste
of Viking life.
In a new aspect of the curriculum, pupils from Year 2 to
Year 6 participated in Food Technology lessons. The children
used a variety of recipes to produce such mouth-watering treats
as flapjacks, cookies, muffins and cakes.
Tom Yaxley (Year 12) became one of only two winners of this year's
Pilkington Arkwright Scholarships; a scheme which encourages
students to consider a career in engineering or related subjects.
CCF cadets Sophie Oliver,
Chris Barratt and Aled Williams
received the BTEC First Diploma, a vocational qualification
that emphasises life skills and is suited to intelligent
students with a practical/physical outlook on life.
Dr Guy Sutton, Honorary Special Lecturer in Neuroscience
at the University of Nottingham Medical School, joined us for
our first ever Brain Day! During the day a group of 20 A level
biology students participated in a range of activities and
tutorials that helped them to understand basic
neuroanatomy and the functioning of a human brain.
Our young scientists from Year 4 and Year 5 visited the Catalyst Science Discovery
Centre in Widnes.
The latest Teatime concert, this time featuring our Lower School musicians, was the perfect way
to start the half term holiday. Wonderful playing and singing in a Recital Room packed with family
and friends left everyone in high spirits as we left to start our break.
18
A Level Drama and Theatre Studies students went to see 'In a Thousand Pieces' by The Paper
Birds at The Carriageworks in Leeds.
16 cadets took part in an overnight exercise organised by the soldiers of 40 Cadet Training Team
at Warcop Army Camp in Cumbria. The exercise was part of a week long course for senior ACF and
CCF cadets from the north-west.
A visit from the Dental Nurse provided Reception children
with lots of advice about looking after their teeth and the
importance of eating fruit and drinking milk and water.
World Book Day is the biggest annual celebration of books
and reading in the UK and Ireland. The Holdgate Library was the
venue for 'Murder Investigation' week, featuring books about
forensic science, crime scenes and fictional murder mysteries. In
the Junior School and Kindergarten, pupils and staff all came to
school dressed as characters from literature. The outfits were
truly amazing and prompted much discussion about the
characters and the books from which they originated.
Infants visited Cobble Hey Farm at Claughton on Brock where, in addition to feeding baby lambs,
handling chicks and collecting eggs from the hen coop, they made scrambled eggs and fresh bread.
‘Purple Pinkie’ week is organised by Rotary International to highlight the work being undertaken
to eradicate Polio. Arnold pupils became engaged when Blackpool Sunrise Club took breakfast at
school and joined in a school assembly. Pupils added to the coffers by raising over £250 having
their 'pinkies' painted purple mirroring the way in which children in
India prove that they have received the vaccine.
25 schools were represented at Arnold in the
regional round of the UK Intermediate Maths Team
Challenge.
Ben Ruddlesdin’s (Year 13) AS English Language
coursework submission was one of the feature articles on
‘Writing for a Magazine’ in the February 2010 edition of
Emag (The English and Media Centre’s Advanced Level
English magazine), which has a national circulation.
Former 1st XV captain and Fylde 1st team skipper, Sam
Beaumont, was included in the Barbarians squad.
Brothers, Marcus and Daniel Quarmby (Years 12 and 10), and sisters Amelia and Molly Betmead
(Years 7 and 8), represented Lancashire at cross country.
19
PCSO John and PCSO Anna came to visit the Reception children as part of their special theme
on 'People Who Help Us.' They talked about Stranger Danger and keeping safe on the roads.
Despite Arctic weather and snow drifts, 35 intrepid Geography students enjoyed the annual
Year 11 Geography trip to New York City.
Year 3 pupils enjoyed an interesting visit to the Roman Museum at Ribchester
where they excitedly tried on armour and helmets and imagined
what it would be like to be a Roman soldier.
The Arnold community was delighted that Vice-Chairman
of Governors, Jimmy Armfield, was awarded the CBE in the New
Years honours. The former England and Seasiders' captain was
presented with his award by Her Majesty The Queen at
Buckingham Palace.
As part of the Year 9 Architecture topic pupils attended a presentation on
sustainable buildings given by a representative from
Envirolink Northwest, a company that aids the
development and growth of the energy and
environmental technologies.
The fifth annual Evening of Swing was the liveliest
evening of the Spring term.
At the British Biology Olympiad, in the company
of 2000 of Britain’s top A level biologists, Abigail
Lucas (Year 13) was awarded a Silver medal, Robert
Brocklehurst (Year 12) was awarded a Bronze medal
and Avanti Pandit (Year 13) was highly
commended.
Directed by two Sixth Form students, Claire Harbourne
and Lizzie Salmon, two plays, Medea and
Thesmophoriasuzae were superbly entertaining.
U10 footballers were winners of the AJIS 7-a-side
Football Tournament.
Reception children spent a morning at the Coast
Guard station in Fleetwood where they were
instructed on how to be safe on the beach and in the
water.
We were delighted to learn that former Head Boy Jack Pailing, who left Arnold in 2005 for Oxford
University, was one of only six finalists in this year's Times Law Awards essay competition.
20
The U13B Netball team become Fylde and Wyre Champions and the U13A Netball team become
Fylde and Wyre runners up.
In the Financial Times Top 1,000 Schools in England,
Arnold came in at 282, confirming our excellent
performance of last summer and placing Arnold well
ahead of all other local schools, both maintained and
independent.
The Junior School Open Week got off to a wonderful start
when 150 grandparents visited for the afternoon and
attended lessons with their grandchildren.
Arnold Rugby Club had a good season: 1st XV U18
Lancashire Plate finalists - U16A Lancashire Cup semi-finalist
- U14A and U15A reached the semi-finals of their respective Plate competitions.
Blackpool’s premiere school and premiership football club joined forces when Blackpool FC’s
Community Trust team became regular visitors to the Junior School, providing Mr Storey with
coaching assistance. The Junior School also hosted the Armfield Cup; a football tournament for
local schools.
Dr Charles Moseley, former school governor, this year awarded his Sixth
Form Essay Prize to Alice-Ann Eastham (U6).
The Easter Fair in the Junior School provided countless activities for
the children; puppet making, face painting, egg bowling, egg
decorating and ceramic painting. A cracking good time was had by all!
Andrew Lloyd Webber's search for Dorothy included our Head Girl,
Claire Harbourne (Year 13), who made it to the wild card stage.
Forty eight teams from schools and colleges in Blackpool and
across the Wyre & Fylde took part in the Rotary Technology
Tournament. Both Arnold teams won their
sections and were awarded prizes.
Junior School children performed ‘The Seven Sided Dice’ for their friends and
parents.
Following a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award expedition, independent
instructors commented that the groups were amongst the best they had seen
at Bronze level.
The Arnold hockey season was one to be very proud of: 1st XI
Regional Champions, Lancashire Champions and North of
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England Finalists - 2nd XI Lancashire Champions - U15 Lancashire Champions - U14 Regional
Champions, Lancashire Champions, North of England Finalists, and U14 National Champions - U13,
Regional Champions, Lancashire Champions, North of England Finalists and National Finalists - U12
Lancashire Champions and Jean Torrance Tournament winners.
We were all very proud of Nikki Phillips, one of our security staff,
who recently completed 500 hours as a Community
Volunteer for Lancashire Constabulary and was honoured for
this achievement at Police Headquarters.
At the ‘Stars in Their Eyes’ event pupils raised a
considerable amount of money for Village Aid.
The whole Arnold community was
saddened to learn of the death of former
pupil, Ben Trend. Ben, 30, who was a
personal fitness trainer, died in a tragic
accident in South Africa whilst on holiday with his wife.
The School CCF contingent supported the St George's Day celebrations in
Lytham St Annes and took part in the parade behind the Band of the King's Division
from Lytham Green to the main square.
The U14 Arnold hockey team
was crowned English Schools’ Champions.
Over 30 boys and girls from the Junior School enjoyed a
week of skiing in Les Deux Alpes in France.
The Classics Department's bi-annual trip to Italy
focussed on Rome and Sorrento.
Over the Easter holiday a group of cadets travelled to
Snowdonia for several days of Adventure Training whilst being accommodated at Capel
Curig Training Camp.
22
THE YEAR IN BRIEF - Summer Term
U6 geologists studying volcanic activity in Spain were
amongst the many thousands of Britons stranded abroad due
to volcanic ash drifting from Iceland. Work was swiftly emailed
to them and lessons continued!
The area finals of the Young Enterprise Competition
were held at Fylde Rugby Club and our Year 12
entrepreneurs, Sew Comfy, were awarded prizes for the
best trade stand and the best use of ICT as well as being
declared overall winners. Later in the year all 25 students
passed the Young Enterprise award with 13 receiving
credits and 9 receiving distinctions for their external examination.
The Prefects’ Dinner provided a formal opportunity to say thank you to our senior team.
At the Lancashire heat of the Royal Society of Chemistry's Schools' Analyst competition, Arnold
was one of 20 schools and colleges from Lancashire and Cumbria to take part and our team was
placed second overall.
Arnold's mock election provided a clear victory for the Conservative
candidate.
Samuel Matthews (Year 6) made it to the national final of the Junior
Memory Championships at London Zoo.
At Manchester Museum a group of very keen Year 9 pupils learnt more
about the use of DNA in forensic science.
Junior pupils from Year 3 to Year 6 stayed at Glaramara outdoor centre, in
the lovely Borrowdale Valley. They were able to enjoy Lakeland at its best by taking part in a host of
challenging activities.
Bishop Nicholas Reade of Blackburn led the congregation
at the annual Founder’s Day Service.
Arnold pupils, staff and parents were once again involved
in the annual Blackpool 10K Fun Run.
Former pupil Hamish Hamilton, who left Arnold in 1984, is
now an internationally known film director who has worked
with major acts such as U2, Madonna, Robbie Williams and
Usher. During his recent visit to school he talked to the Sixth
Form about his fascinating career.
The Kindergarten Twos and Tweenies had a fun filled day at Blackpool Tower exploring the
aquarium and Jungle Jim's before enjoying a performance at the Tower Circus.
23
Members of the Blackpool and Fylde Light Opera Society came into school to share some of the
song and dance routines from their production of 'Beauty and the Beast'. Children from Years 2 to
6 were taught how to sing clearly, use expression and work together in a dance.
10 of our Year 6 singers travelled to Rishworth School in West Yorkshire to spend a day singing
with other children accompanying their singing with sign
language.
The Nautical College at Fleetwood provided a range of
exciting activities for our Year 5 children when they visited.
Eric Che (Year 7) was one of four Arnold Senior School
pupils who qualified for the Lancaster Megafinal of the UK
National Chess Challenge and he went on to the next
round, the Gigafinal at Manchester.
At the annual Headmaster's Debate the proposition: ‘This
House believes that too many people are going to university’, was surprisingly upheld.
The Parents’ and Friends’ entertained guests at a very enjoyable Spanish Evening.
Andrew Walkden and Alex Evans (Year 10) both played for the Lancashire U15 hockey team in
the North West Counties tournament.
Megan Eccles (Year 7) was placed 8th in the U12 Girls'
Sabre event at the British Youth Championships.
Pupils from Years 5 and 6 visited the senior school to
sample science lessons.
At Dunham Massey, near Manchester, Year 2 stepped back
in time to experience life in a great Victorian household.
Lord Carey
of Clifton, Chairman of the
United Church Schools Trust and former Archbishop of
Canterbury, was our guest at the Sixth Form Celebration
Evening.
The School’s commitment to entrepreneurship and
business was demonstrated in Enterprise Week.
All pupils in Years 7 & 8 took this year's Junior
Mathematical Challenge, a one hour multiple choice paper
that was done by over 240,000 students throughout the country. As a result we received 53
certificates: 9 Gold, 18 Silver and 26 Bronze.
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Kindergarten and Junior School pupils created a colourful and
imaginative spectacle when they dressed up in fancy dress for the annual
Fun Run. They raised more than £600.
Year 3 children enjoyed an interesting trip to Martin Mere in
Burscough. The programme for the day was called ‘Acres of Art’ and
proved to be an excellent cross-curricular link between science and art.
More than 50 pupils, staff and parents
took part in the Longest Day Walk and Run to
raise funds for Village Aid. This started at
Lytham Windmill at 5.00am ending 10km later at the Carousel Hotel, on
Blackpool Promenade.
A display of birds of prey on the school playing field was a fascinating
experience for our Junior children.
14 RN cadets spent a weekend at HMS Eaglet in Liverpool for
two days of boat work, leadership tasks, weapon
training and rock climbing.
During an absorbing day at the Junior School the
'Creepy Crawly Man' brought many ‘friends’ for the
children to handle and talked enthusiastically of his love of
snails, cockroaches and snakes.
Following the success of 'Sew Comfy', our winning
entry in this year's Fylde Area Young Enterprise
competition, we recently received
news of further achievement. All 25 students involved in the Young
Enterprise programme were also entered for the OCR Level 2 Certificate in
Enterprise. Not only did all 25 students pass the award but 13 received
credits and 9 received distinctions for their external examination.
Our Teddy Bears’ picnic in the Kindergarten saw a garden full of teddy
bears, an afternoon of games and a picnic of sandwiches, jelly and
chocolate cake.
Brothers Alasdair and Rory Humphries (Year 11 and Year 8) were
selected for the Lancashire Team for the UK Topper National Schools
Regatta and the Topper World Championships in Lake Garda.
At the final of the English Schools Track and Field Cup, against 9
other teams from the North West region, our junior and intermediate
girls’ athletics teams finished as clear winners.
25
The junior girls’ rounders team won the AJIS
(Association of Junior Independent Schools) Rounders'
Tournament.
The CCF Field Day was an opportunity for the cadets to
put into practice the training they have received on a
weekly basis throughout the year and to try new activities.
Built by Starchaser, Britain’s only commercial
rocket company, the Skybolt rocket spent a day on
its transporter on the playground pointing skyward.
Visited by Junior and Senior pupils it was the focus
for workshops on the theory of rocket propulsion.
Mr Storey was our special guest at the Infants
Sports Day.
At the Summer Music Concert, a huge cast of pupils
from across the school treated an appreciative audience
to an astonishingly diverse range of music.
The Ladies Luncheon Club provided Year 6 children with two guinea pigs called Mario and Luigi!
19 acts made it through the gruelling audition
process and performed at the final of ‘Arnold’s Got
Talent’ in the Junior School.
The Swing Band started their annual concert in the
park a little earlier than usual this year to avoid a clash
with a crucial World Cup football match. The sun shone
and at least the Swing Band’s fans left the park happy!
Four Year 9 cadets recently travelled to St. Bees
School to represent Arnold CCF in the annual Bega
Banga Military Skills Competition.
Air Marshal Ian Macfadyen was the Guest of Honour
at the Celebration Evening for pupils in the Lower and
Middle School.
Junior children were treated to a display of great
musical skill when James Stretton, an extremely
accomplished brass player, staged an exciting
performance on a huge range of brass instruments.
26
Four of our A Level art students whose art work was entered into an international art
competition run by IFAC (The International Foundation of Arts and Cultures) achieved first, second,
fifth and sixth places.
Miss Gill Raby's contribution to girls' hockey in Lancashire and the North of England was
recognised by colleagues at the Lancashire Schools Hockey Association when she joined a number
of privileged guests at the Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.
Mr Rod Bedford completed many years of outstanding
service to Lancashire Schools RFU. In recognition of his
commitment he was awarded Honorary Life Membership of
Lancashire RFU’s School Section.
Michael-John Phipps (Year 12) attended the Royal Review
and Garden Party at Buckingham Palace, an honour bestowed
in recognition of his work with the cadets at 177 Squadron Air
Training Corps, based at Blackpool Airport.
32 CCF cadets and five members of staff enjoyed
a fine week of varied activities at Warcop Army
Camp in Cumbria.
The Lancashire Army Cadet Force Girls’ team,
coached by our Bursar Mr Pat McCarthy,
competed at the ACF National Girls’ Hockey
Championships. The team, which featured a
number of Arnold pupils, was undefeated and
did not concede a single goal throughout the
Championships to triumph as clear winners.
By the end of the cricket season 120 pupils
had been involved in almost 70 matches, ten
teams had played cricket - from the U12B to the 1st XI - and five had enjoyed
winning seasons. The U15A and U14B teams both won their respective cup competitions.
27
THE EASTER CHORAL CONCERT
ith the economy in turmoil, perhaps it was
appropriate that this year’s choral concert
was Missa in Augustiis or ‘Mass for troubled
times'. For a couple of hours though, those lucky
enough to have tickets were able to forget their
worries and appreciate the splendour of this
solemn choral piece. Performed by superb
soloists, a choir of parents, friends, staff and
pupils and a thrilling orchestra, the Memorial
Hall was filled with the wonderful sounds of
Haydn’s work.
W
However, the Mass was a treat for the second
half of the concert, which was opened with a
rousing chorus of Zadok the Priest by Handel
and followed by Mozart’s Clarinet Concerto.
Playing for a good half an hour and without
recourse to the sheet music , Alex Card of Year 11
played the clarinet solo with great aplomb. A
complex and demanding piece, the concerto is
considered one of the best for the instrument
and Alex certainly did it full justice. The
prolonged and warm applause
from all sections of
the packed
hall was fully deserved for such a bravura
performance.
The choral work that followed had layers of
emotion ranging from deep, gloomy despair to
glorious exultation and with the addition of the
orchestra's wonderful accompaniment the full
texture was brought out. The choir's excellent
efforts were enhanced by the beautiful singing
of the soloists, who included Lauren Au of Year
12 singing the mezzo-soprano role. Lauren more
than held her own with the professional singers
- truly a remarkable achievement.
In his closing address, the Headmaster referred
to the concert’s being a 'family affair', and this
was true both literally and metaphorically as
both Lauren and Alex had parents singing or
playing in the orchestra. Once again the 'Arnold
family' - parents and grandparents, current and
former staff, friends and students - came
together to make another memorable evening
of serious and demanding music and all who
watched or took part were privileged to be
involved.
GREASE
et again Arnold School burst into song and dance as the much-awaited cheerleader cavalcade
and bobby-sox blockbuster that is 'Grease' sashayed its way into the Memorial Hall. The austere
auditorium with its stern sentinels of headmagisterial portraits was thrust, kicking-and-screaming,
into the era of hoola-hoops, juke boxes, drive-ins and fin-tailed cars. The early number 'Summer
Loving' introduced us to the two tribes of the class of 59: the girly 'pink ladies' straw-sucking sirens
of the refectory, dreaming of a pop-star to sweep them off their feet, and the T-Bird crew, leatherjacketed greasers with rather more earthy ambitions. The two gangs were supported by a dazzlingly
fleet-footed array of hand-jiving high-school kids who, expertly choreographed by Ms Kathy Preston,
fill the stage with colour, sound and movement. At Rydell High, 'Grease' is always the time, the place
and the motion.
Y
COMBINED CADET FORCE
Over the Easter holiday a group of cadets stayed at CapelCurig Training Camp, Snowdonia, for
several days of Adventure Training. The cadets varied in age from Year 9 to Year 13, and many were
trying the activities for the first time. Under the expert instruction of 40 Cadet Training Team they
thoroughly enjoyed kayaking, rock-climbing and walking.
All the cadets were presented with medallions in recognition of the fact that they climbed to the
top of Snowdon, the highest point in England and Wales. With cloudless skies and a considerable
amount of snow on the high ground they enjoyed glorious views of North Wales which were very
reminiscent of the Alps. The instructors were extremely impressed with the way the cadets
approached all the activities; their willingness to learn and test their abilities.
Sub Lt Downey, Sub Lt Lunn and fourteen RN cadets spent a weekend at HMS Eaglet in Liverpool
over a half term holiday. They joined cadets from two other schools for two days of boat work,
leadership tasks, weapon training and rock climbing. Naval cadets expect to get wet and so they
enjoyed themselves immensely in spite of the poor weather.
We were delighted to be invited to support the annual St George's Day celebrations in Lytham St
Annes and the contingent proudly took part in the parade from Lytham Green to the main square
behind the Band of the King's Division. Over 50 cadets and staff formed the largest uniformed
presence and were warmly congratulated by Major-General Sir Evelyn Webb-Carter, Chief Executive
of the Army Benevolent Fund. Organised by Arnold parent, Mr David Haythornthwaite, the St
George's Day Festival is intended to give the community an opportunity to celebrate our heritage
and at the same time raise money for charity. We wish him every success in this extremely
worthwhile venture.
30
Four Year 9 cadets travelled to St. Bees School to represent Arnold CCF in the annual Bega Banga
Military Skills Competition. After a night under canvas and a full English breakfast, the cadets moved
round a series of stands designed to test their skills. These included command tasks, signals skills,
map reading, observation skills, first aid and shooting. The cadets worked extremely hard in the
blistering heat and proved themselves to be a very competitive team. On the Sunday morning the
competition was rounded off with a tug of war contest; again our cadets put up a very spirited
performance.
Field Day took place on Friday 25th June. This was an opportunity for the cadets to put into practice
the training they have received on a weekly basis throughout the year and to try new activities.
The Royal Navy Section spent the day sailing at Southport Marina, the Army Section used the
shooting ranges and training area at Altcar and the Royal Air Force Section went to RAF Woodvale.
The RAF's Assistant Chief of Staff Health, Air Commodore The Honourable Richard Broadbridge QHS
RAF, conducted the contingent's Biennial Inspection on this day and we very extremely grateful to
this very busy senior officer for taking the time to do this.
In the first week of the summer break a section of the CCF army contingent arrived at Warcop for
their annual manoeuvres. The camp, situated in Cumbria, is dedicated to cadet training, providing
expert support and facilities and first class opportunities for military activities. Thirty two cadets
and five members of staff enjoyed a fine week of varied and exciting activities. The cadets worked
through a busy schedule of first aid, shooting on both the live ranges and the Dismounted Close
Combat Trainer, archery, waterman-ship, adventurous training and competitions designed to
develop their leadership skills and teamwork. One of the highlights was the Warcop Wanderer
exercise which involved the whole contingent training and performing section attacks. The cadets
gained a great deal of knowledge and developed their skills over a week of intense activity.
31
In addition to these special CCF events and the regular weekly activities, over forty senior cadets
completed the BTEC First Diploma in Public Services course this year with the support of 2nd Lt
Mayhew. The training provided by the Combined Cadet Force covers 77% of what is needed to
achieve the equivalent of 4 GCSE's at A*-C level. During the course cadets learn professional CV
preparation, interviewing techniques, communication, first aid and much more besides.
Major A J Treharne
Contingent Comander
THE JUNIOR SCHOOL HEADMASTER’S REPORT
Get Your Thinking Hats On - A positive move to a more creative curriculum
ncouraging and developing creativity is a crucial element of
our educational provision at Arnold Junior School and has
always been at the heart of what we do. Our highly successful
music programme, led by Mrs Fielder, remains the flagship of
creativity but this year, in order to provide a greater range of
creative opportunities, we have enhanced our curriculum in
three key areas, thus providing a perfect balance with our
academic and sporting activities.
E
Art is perhaps the subject most synonymous with creativity
and we were delighted to designate a room to that subject at
the start of the academic year. It is vital that children have a
proper working space with all the necessary resources at their disposal, including an interactive
whiteboard, in order to teach art and enable children to express themselves. It is now a great
pleasure to walk into a light filled room, and see children focused on their art work, with music
playing in the background, surrounded by impressive pieces of art on the walls and ceiling; it really
is inspirational. The success of the art room, in such a short space of time, is down to the combined
efforts of Mrs Cole (Art Subject Manager) and Mrs Hine, our Key Stage 2 Teaching Assistant, who has
a very strong and impressive art background herself.
32
We have also created a Design Technology room and introduced DT to the curriculum to allow
every pupil to use their hands to create all manner of exciting things. The children are using a range
of tools and methods to design and make musical instruments, moving cars, motorised fairground
rides and more. But perhaps the most impressive, and certainly the best smelling, element of the
new DT curriculum is the reintroduction of cookery sessions. The delicious aroma of freshly baked
brownies, pizzas and cheese strings has been wafting down the Junior School corridors on a weekly
basis, and it has been delightful to see the children making things from scratch, with the assistance
of a team of dedicated mums. Mr Coyne has transformed this element of the curriculum and, in
tandem with art, has helped provide invaluable opportunities for our children.
Not satisfied with the more traditional creative aspects
of education, we have also introduced ‘creative thinking’
lessons. I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching the junior
children and have witnessed at first hand how valuable
creative thinking techniques can be. Mind Mapping, De
Bono’s ‘ Thinking Hats’ and non verbal reasoning are now
on the menu; each helping children to process the
infinite amount of information they store in their rapidly
growing brains. In our ‘www.’ world and ‘Google’ society,
children have an incredible amount of information at
their fingertips and it is therefore important that we help
them make sense of it and learn how to use it effectively
and creatively. Year 6 children, as part of a more focused
activity, were entered into the National Junior Memory
Championships for the first time. This involved weeks of
learning and applying memory developing techniques
and culminated in a series of short tests. The tests were sent off for marking and we were delighted
to find out that Samuel Matthews (6K) had made it to the final 40 out of
thousands of entrants from across the country. The final took place
recently at London Zoo and, although Samuel did not win the
overall prize, he certainly made us all very proud.
As that great scientific thinker Einstein said: ‘Creativity is
contagious. Pass it on.’
PS Hopkinson
Head of the Junior School
33
SPORTS FIXTURES
nfortunately some of the traditional events between the Old Arnoldians and School did not
take place. Lytham Hockey Club had not taken into account our annual girls hockey fixture
when arranging a major event in their hockey calendar. Many of our “old girls” still play for clubs and
so I was disappointed that a team could not be raised. I would hope that next year the fixture will
take place as normal.
U
More difficult to understand were the most enjoyable Cricket and Golf functions. I arrived at School
to enjoy an afternoon’s cricket only to be told that an “Old Boys” team could not be put together.
Rather surprisingly this fixture is normally much over subscribed and enjoyed by all who take part.
The sporting functions are driven, understandably, by the younger OAs and these days they are
spread, very thinly, over the whole globe. People, therefore, often find it difficult to organise and
attend these functions. However it is my intension to advertise, well in advance, these sporting
fixtures and try to put them at a time more convenient for OAs to attend and play.
Rugby
The traditional Boxing Day game and the OAs vs School
game took place as usual and were very well attended
particularly the fixture at Fylde which, once again, attracted
one of the highest gates of their season.
The annual match between the School 1st XV and the Old
Arnoldians proved to be another fierce and entertaining
encounter. After losing last year, the OAs were out for
revenge and, with a squad featuring a fine mix of talent and
ages, it was clear they meant business.
The OAs made a superb start to score the only try of the
match in the first three minutes. Some good approach play
34
saw Julian Richardson released out
wide. He evaded two tackles until Chris
Withers brought him down just short of
the line but some impressive support
by Wilf Whittle resulted in a try and a 50 lead for the OAs. The OAs had a very
youthful side out in the first half with
recent leavers Liam Hill, Tim Maguire,
Jonathan Wells, Tom Horam, Julian
Richardson and John Ashcroft all taking
part.
However, this early set back did not
deter the 1st XV and they responded in
fine fashion. The forwards, despite
being far lighter than their opponents,
started to compete on an even footing in the contact areas and this gave the half-backs, Chris
Withers and Ben Perkins, a chance to find some intelligent field positions. A penalty by Perkins
reduced the deficit to 5-3 and a further penalty, after good approach play by Freddie Priestley, put
the 1st XV 6-5 ahead.
Freddie was enjoying the 'Priestley Battle' against his older brother, Edward, and Harry McNulty
was supporting him extremely well in both attack and defence. However, it was Chris Withers who
was lighting up the afternoon with some darting breaks around the base of the rucks. One such
break had the OAs back pedalling and another penalty gave the 1st XV a 9-5 lead at the break.
The OAs started the second half in a similar fashion to the way they began the match and only
ferocious defence by Dewi Morgan, George Worthington and Ben Nowell kept them out. The OAs
continued to press with Jonny Wild at the heart of many of their attacks, but the tackling by the 1st
XV seemed to get better and better as the match progressed. Joe Blanthorn, Tom Armfield, Kevin
Wan and Mark Roper seemed to be everywhere and they simply refused to take a backward step
despite the constant surges by the OAs.
Nick Costello was working well with Joe Cornthwaite and Mr Evans as the Tracey brothers half-back
pairing started playing a more territorial/kicking type match, but Ben Perkins matched them kick
for kick to put Ed Mahon and John Embelton under pressure deep in their own 22.
With minutes remaining, a fourth Perkins penalty put the 1st XV 12-5 ahead. Some tactical
substitutions then saw the OAs completely change their tactics with driving maul after driving maul
edging them closer to the 1st XV try line with Jasper and Tim Barrett to the fore. The OAs must
wonder how the match could have panned out had they used this tactic earlier after the School was
reprieved only by some last-ditch tackling and a knock on.
The 1st XV held out for a famous 12-5 victory and both sets of players should be congratulated for
the manner in which they played the game and for the entertainment given to a very healthy crowd.
35
ANNUAL DINNERS 2009 & 2010
ortunately, because of the change of dates for the dinner, I have two dinners on which to report:
September 2009 and 2010.
F
There has been some debate about the venue of the annual dinner. Some OAs prefer the dinner
in School and an equal number prefer Fylde Rugby Club or other venues that specialise in such
events. Whereas I love going back to School I do feel that the Hall is not the best place for our
annual get together. We have had some splendid functions at School, particularly when held in
the dining room. The catering staff could not have been more helpful and obliging and the meals
have been excellent but the environment at the Rugby Club I find much more conducive for a
friendly and relaxing evening. I would value your opinions on this matter. You can send a letter to
School or e-mail me charliewood9@hotmail.co.uk.
This was one of my favourite pictures of the
evening in September 2009: Mark (“Woody”)
Wardell with our President Mike Butterworth. It
was my wish to use this on the front cover of the
magazine – Arnoldians young and not so young
enjoying an evening together. However the
quality of the picture was not quite good enough
to be enlarged.
Here are some more of my favourites from 2009:
36
….and from 2010
Old Arnoldians London Committee
The Old Arnoldians Association London Committee is the London branch of the Old Arnoldians
Association, and held its inaugural meeting in 1955 in the Bull and Anchor on High Holborn. The
purpose of the Old Arnoldians Association London Committee is to encourage Old Arnoldians living
in London and the South East to maintain contact with the School and to enable networking and
social engagement between Old Arnoldians and their peers. With this in mind, the London
Committee arranges a number of events each year, both formal and informal, which all Old
Arnoldians are welcome to attend.
The Old Arnoldians London Dinner 2009
The Peers' Dining Room of the House of Lords was the superb setting for
the 2009 Old Arnoldian London Dinner. Organised by the London
Committee of the former pupils association and hosted by Lord Laird of
Artigarvan, this annual event attracted almost a hundred former pupils,
staff and friends of the school. Guests were treated to a guided tour of the
Houses of Parliament before enjoying a drinks reception and a three
course meal with wine and coffee in
splendid and historic surroundings.
The meal was followed by speeches, the highlight of which was
George Hogg's reminiscences of Arnold life over a career that
spanned more than thirty five years at the school. Particular thanks
and congratulations must go to former Headmaster, Bill Gillen, and
the London Committee for their very hard work in staging such a
superb event.
37
ARTICLES
History of the CCF
oe Holt (1963 -1975) once told
me that from starting at Arnold
School the only job he ever
coveted was that of Officer
Commanding the Cadet Force,
such was the esteem for the corps.
To this day the reputation of the
Arnold School Combined Cadet
Force is extremely well regarded in
military circles and continues to
provide youngster with exciting
and adventurous experiences that
allow them a “taste” of military life.
J
Middle left Melody Jones Linda Conchie
Front Linda Eastham, Fiona Cochrane
On 12 May 1859, the Secretary of
State for War sent out a circular to
public schools and universities
inviting them to form units of the Volunteer Corps. The first school cadet corps was established at
Rossall School in February 1860, initially as an army contingent only. Felsted already had an armed
drill contingent, at the time, under the command of Sgt. Major Rogers RM. Its claim on these
grounds to be the oldest school corps was upheld by Field Marshal Earl Roberts in a letter to the
Headmaster of 1904. Other corps were very quickly formed in 1860 at four further schools: Eton,
Harrow, Hurstpierpoint and Rugby; in the absence of further evidence it seems fair to say that all six
schools should be equally credited with seniority, with a given date of 1860. In 1908, the units were
re-titled the Officer Training Corps (OTC). Today, unit contingents exist in UK independent schools,
many grammar schools and a handful of comprehensive schools.
The School contingent dates back to 1896 and currently consists of 450 cadets (the largest in the
country) from the three services, The Royal Navy, The Army and The Royal Air Force. 'The function
of the CCF is to provide a disciplined
We think: Christina Partington, Linda Conchie, Kurt Moxley (senior cadet), Angus Maden, Nick
organisation in a school, so that pupils may
McCardle, Nigel Lingins, Eric Knudson, Jimmy Chapman, can you help with the others?
develop the powers of leadership, by
means of training, to promote the qualities
of responsibility, self-reliance, endurance
and perseverance. The self-confidence and
self-discipline required in service life are
equally vital in the civil life of the nation
today.' (Combined Cadet Force Manual,
MOD 1994).
To achieve this aim the MOD provides
finance, transport, camps, highly qualified
training teams from the regular services
and support for adventure training and
38
courses. The opportunities are endless and, one thing is certain, they will have the chance to try new
activities and have lots of fun doing so.
Boarding Schools
he roots of the British education system lie with the
traditional, independent, boarding school. Many of the
traditions and attitudes are still alive and well in many
school both state and private. The house system for
example harks back to the days when boarders were
allocated their accommodation and over the years pupils
identified and pledged their allegiance to their house; and
very strong were the ties to their house and the friendships
they made there.
T
The Boarders’ Christmas party 1992
Nobody was more saddened than me when boarding at
Arnold School came to an end. After almost ninety years
the complexion of the School changed. When boarding was going strong there was always
somebody in School during term time and if you were a player short, on Saturday, it was always
possible to drag someone, less than enthusiastic, out of bed.
Being sent to an unfamiliar place, away from a comfortable home could be a traumatic experience
for a youngster but, by the time the boarders were eighteen they were enormously independent,
confident and, because of the enforced learning environment, well qualified. Moreover many of the
qualities necessary for living an independent life were very well established in the boarders.
Keeping clean and tidy; eating well and getting a good night’s sleep often take some time to get
established when eighteen years olds go off to university.
Over the years the School has had many young people who have lived in the school and benefited
from the experience. I would like to hear from any of the people who have boarded at Arnold and
listen to their experiences. They are a particular and special group of Old Arnoldians and I have,
sadly, lost touch with many. If you were a “boarder” please drop me a line either to School or to
charliewood9@hotmail.co.uk.
Bill Howarth
ver the years Arnold School has attracted some quite exceptional sports teachers. Australian
born Bill Howarth, who was incidentally Fred Liston’s cousin, joined the staff in 1937 as a teacher
of Geography. His love of sport soon began to influence the boys in School and it might be argued
that this was the beginnings of Arnold’s formidable reputation for all things sporty.
O
Bill had completed his degree at St. Catherine’s College, Cambridge. His favourite sport was rugby
but while playing for his university he found himself in direct competition with the famous Welsh
stand-off-half, Cliff Jones. Undeterred by this, Bill won a soccer “blue” in 1935 and 1936 and later
went on to be selected for an England rugby trial. After military service Bill returned to School and
became Head of Geography, Master in Charge of Rugby and Officer Commanding the Cadet Force
for which he was awarded the MBE.
39
Bill’s love of sport, however, was not universal. He regarded
hockey and the like as “stick sports” and “scratchy ball”. He
would, whenever possible, pass on the responsibility to
younger members of the common room. One memorable
“exchange of compliments” involved him and Peter Manson.
On being asked to take the hockey players Peter, in the true
diplomatic style for which Yorkshire men are famous, informed
Bill what he could do with the hockey sticks.
Bill did play for Fylde but he also did much to raise the profile
of the club and maintain the fabric of the grounds and club
house. The concrete stand there was planned and physically
built by Bill - a legacy of Bill’s love of sport.
The other memory that Bill’s former pupils have of him was his
bent index finger. When pointing at a pupil, no one in a radius of about twelve feet was sure who
he had singled out. However Bill was a past master at getting the pupils through exams. With his
triangle on the board to represent the UK: his outstanding ability to spot question and his extra
Easter tuition meant that nobody ever failed, not even “Dizzy” (whoever that was?).
Glenridding – Almond Lodge
n 1979 the mining offices of a company near
Ullswater came up for tender. Headmaster
Richard Rhodes and Kendall Lee immediately
recognised the potential of these unused
buildings as an outdoor pursuits centre for
young people. The buildings were close to the
popular village of Glenridding and adjacent to
the main route to Helvellyn. A tender was
formulated and found to be the winning bid.
I
Money was invested in a plain but comfortable
refurbishment and the centre renamed in
honour of Roger Almond; a much loved and respected former pupil and Chairman of the School’s
Governors.
Arnold School Outdoor Pursuits Centre at Almond Lodge is situated just over a mile west of
Glenridding, Ullswater and affords excellent access to the peaks of the Helvellyn range as well as the
water sports of the Lake. The accommodation enables twenty-eight to be housed in comfort.
Dormitories can easily be divided allowing separation between males and females. Downstairs, the
Centre has a kitchen with all modern requirements, a dining room for up to twenty people at a time
and male and female toilet and shower facilities.
The Centre commands breathtaking views eastwards towards Ullswater and has the benefit of oil
fired central heating. It is ideally suited for use by schools and other groups who wish to plan and
40
conduct their own courses. Its location and appointment lends itself to outdoor pursuits, sailing, fell
walking, mountaineering and field courses in Geography, Biology, History and other academic
subjects. It has been used extensively for Cadet Force training, athletics training, and as a base for
fishing and other activities.
Blackpool in the prem!
ll the residents on the Fylde coast are delighted and no doubt a little surprised to see Blackpool
Football Club playing in the top division. The success of the club can only mean good news for
an area so dependent on people coming to visit. It is, moreover, a great honour for the Old
Arnoldians to see one of their number enjoying the new found fame of the club for which he once
played.
A
Jimmy Armfield, long standing supporter of the Old
Arnoldians, was justly rewarded for all the work he has done
over the years for football, Blackpool and its football club. All
the readers of this publication will join with me in wishing
the club continued success and prosperity.
The club's home ground has been Bloomfield Road – down
Lytham Road from School - since 1901, and their main
nicknames are the Seasiders, the 'Pool and the Tangerines,
the latter in reference to the colour of their home
Phil Nuttall (1976 -1983) with tickets for the play
kit, which is often mistaken for orange. Their
off in May and with his son at Wembley
motto is Progress, as featured on the club crest.
Blackpool's most notable achievement is
winning the 1953 FA Cup Final, the so-called
"Matthews Final", in which they beat Bolton
Wanderers 4–3, overturning a 1–3 deficit in the
closing stages of the game. During that post-war
period, Blackpool made three Wembley
appearances in six years and came close to
winning the League Championship on several
occasions. They also supplied the national teams
with many players, notably for England in 1953
when four Blackpool men lined up at Wembley.
The club has been managed since May 2009 by
Ian Holloway, who guided them to the Premier
League in his first season in charge. At the end
of the 2009–10 season, Holloway's winpercentage in League matches as Blackpool
manager was 41.3%, which places him sixth out
of the club's twenty-five full-time managers.
41
HAPPY EVENTS
Last year we informed you of the wedding of
Christian Day (1994 – 2001) and Kirsty Seddon
(1994 – 2001). This year we can report the birth
of their first child, Emily.
Not to be out done Jonathan Day (1985 – 1992)
– Christian’s older brother - was married to Julie
on 13th August in Ireland.
FELICIDADES to Andrew Bottomley (1982 -1996) who
continues to work on Anglo/Spanish relations with the
birth of his second child, Andrew. He was born in Puerto
Real / Cadiz on 16th November and weighed in at
3.5kilos – 7lbs 10ozs.
Congratulations
also go to Justin
Hall (1983 -1992)
and his wife Zoe
on the birth of their daughter, Isobel.
Our very best wishes go to the Thornton family – grandad
Mike, grandma Mavis, Uncle James (1999 -2005), and of
course dad Ben (1997 -2003) and mum Cornelia on the birth
of Penelope Juliet Thornton.
42
SOME RECENT IMPROVEMENTS AT SCHOOL
The redevelopment of the ‘Old Gym’ and the adjacent queing area for the dining hall.
Note the names chalked on the floor joists - Borrowers or Boarders?
43
THE ARNOLD SCHOOL FUND
hen Arnold became a part of the United Church Schools Trust, the Arnold School Development
Fund was wound up and its remaining balance transferred to UCST. Many Old Arnoldians
were worried that this would make our school totally dependent on its new owners and deprive us
of the opportunity to support 'good causes' at Arnold directly.
W
UCST understood this concern and emphasised that it was normal practice that any money given,
bequeathed or raised for the specific benefit of one of its schools was strictly ring-fenced for that
purpose. In accordance with their promise, an Arnold School Fund was established in 2009, and the
balance transferred from the Development Fund. The Arnold School Fund is managed by UCST
but its use is overseen by a Committee of Old Arnoldians, working in close partnership with the
Arnold School Foundation. Sir Martin Holdgate is the current Chairman of the Fund Committee
and the other members are Duncan Cowburn, Cdr Chris Connolly RN, and Sally Siddle. The
Headmaster and Bursar (who acts as Secretary to the Fund Committee) are ex-officio members of
the Committee.
All income generated by the Fund is credited to it, as are all bequests and gifts made to UCST 'for
the sole use of Arnold School'. The investment of the Fund is decided by the Committee in
consultation with UCST. The Fund Committee meets annually (with additional meetings if
necessary) and is empowered, with the agreement of the Headmaster and the UCST Director of
Finance, to make payments for 'such charitable purposes connected with the School as the
Committee shall from time to time determine'. In 2010 it approved a contribution of £10,000
towards the pedestrian crossing on Lytham Road. Every year the Chairman of the Fund will report
to the Arnold School Forum on the state of the Fund and the projects it has assisted.
The photograph shows the Chairman of Governors, Mr Jerry Wooding OBE, presenting a cheque for
£10,000 to Cllr Ian Fowler, Deputy Leader Blackpool Borough Council and Waterloo Ward
44
Conservative Councillor, at the opening of the Pedestrian Crossing on 17 June 2010. Also in
attendance (from left to right) were Mr Barry Hughes (Headmaster), Mrs Gillian Connolly (Chairman
of the Arnold Foundation), Mr Peter Hopkinson (Arnold Junior School Head), Mr Peter Fish (Traffic
Patrol Officer), Mr Tony Lee (Waterloo Ward Conservative Councillor) and Cdr Chris Connolly (Arnold
School Fund).
The Fund Committee is not concerned with fund-raising activities carried out through the Parents’
and Friends’ Association and the Ladies' Luncheon Club, both of which give invaluable support to
many projects around the School. Similarly, fund raising for the support of sports tours is managed
as a separate activity. Bequests made for a specific purpose will, of course, continue to be used as
the testator specifies. But the Fund exists to build up a reserve that may be used for developments
at School over and above those supported by UCST as part of the normal refurbishment and
extension of Arnold's facilities. The members of the Fund Committee hope that the knowledge
that donations and bequests made for the general benefit of Arnold will be handled in this way
will reassure Old Arnoldians and other supporters of the School. The Fund gives all of us who have
benefited from Arnold a way of showing our appreciation and helping the School's future.
Whatever the form of your gift, you can be safe in the knowledge that your legacy will have a major
impact on future generations of Arnold pupils. For more information please contact the School
Bursar (Cdr Pat McCarthy) on 01253 336263 or at Pat.McCarthy@church-schools.com.
Sir Martin Holdgate
Chairman, Arnold School Fund
45
Down Memory Lane
1954
The World's first nuclear power station opens in Obninsk, near Moscow.
Roger Bannister becomes the first person to run the mile in under four minutes.
Hydrogen bomb test conducted on Bikini Atoll.
Fourteen years of food rationing end in Britain.
The first successful kidney transplant takes place.
The first mass vaccination of children against polio.
Elvis Presley heard on the ‘wireless’ for the first time.
The first in the Godzilla series of films is released in Japan.
Bill Haley and his Comets record "Rock Around the Clock" .
The first part of The Lord of the Rings is published in the UK.
Dwight Eisenhower warns against US intervention in Vietnam.
School Athletics
L-R Dave Estcourt, Graham Sutton, Bob Jackson,
Freddy Liston, Butch Gibson, Dave Birchill,
Malcolm Sykes, Ted Andrew
History and Geography Group
School Cricket
School Swimming
Christmas 1954
At Coultybraggan
LtoR Bob Jackson, John Redhead,
Graham Sutton, ‘Froggy’
46
Down Memory Lane
1965
Dave Miller and Rashmi Biswas
Chillin’
CCF 1986
47
Down Memory Lane
Jonathan Cropper and Anthony Hutt
Katie Frith, unknown, Julianna Chard
Animal Club at the Creepy Crawly Roadshow
The Superior Sax
Music at Lytham Hall, Centenary Year
A trip to London in the early 90s
Sixth Form 1984
48
Down Memory Lane
Senior Boarders 1990
Senior Boarders in the 80s
Boarders 1994
49
CORRESPONDENCE
Dear Charlie,
Thanks for the e-mail and yes I did
indeed receive my recent copy of the
Old Arnoldian. The photo you asked
about dates from about 1965 when
the five of us were some of the first to
take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's
Award which Clive Darley had started
up.
It was taken at Rydal Hall near
Windermere on our silver award
expedition. From left to right as you
look at the photo are Mike Shelton,
me, Dave Lomax, Ted Littlechild and Adrian Hodd, all of whom subsequently went on to get their
gold awards. I've no objection at all to you using the picture. I have no idea if the others would
mind, though when I recently met up with Mike and Dave, they commented on the fact that we
looked like a boy band!
I live in Doncaster where I am retired having been a primary teacher here for longer than I can
remember. I have visited the school a couple of times in the last five years when Adrian Wallace
was Foundation Secretary and met Pete Bentley whom we all remember from both his maths input
and, more importantly, introducing us all to basketball. We were able to look at some archive
material while we were there and were surprised to find how little photographic evidence there
was from the 60s. We certainly had various team photos taken which must exist somewhere. The
Gazette archives maybe? The one I posted is all I have apart from a couple of the whole school
pictures which take up a whole wall. It would be nice to see some others. I don't know if there's
anything else I can help with, particularly as my memory is as sparse as my photo collection, but feel
free to contact me at any time.
Having rechecked, I find I also have a photo of five of us on the day we were awarded our D of E gold
award, and I also have a copy (via another school chum, Pete Cartmell) of a photo of the Armistice
Day Parade of 1966. If these are any good to you, let me know.
All the best, Paul Allison
Dear Charlie,
Yes I was at Arnold from Sept 1945 to July 1949 when I left from Form VB after School cert. I trained
for two years on HMS Conway and then from 1951 to about 1955 I was a cadet (Navigation) with
Thos & Jno Brocklebanks, trading from the UK to Calcutta. I left the sea after failing the 2nd mates
eyesight test and joined the RAF and trained as an Air Wireless fitter.
I then went to RAF Locking where I taught apprentices for several years during which time I married
Mollie. We then had our overseas posting to Gibraltar then back to Locking and more teaching
50
Apprentices, after which I transferred to Ground Wireless
and went to RAF Oakington where I installed a new system
in the Control Tower. I also watched HRH Prince Charles land
after his first solo flight and had the honour to show him
round the Control Tower.
My next posting was to RAF Gan in the Maldives (Lucky me!)
where I was in Communications System Control, keeping
open radio between UK, Singapore and Australia.
On my return to RAF Locking I taught Apprentices Radio
Techniques and then took a voluntary retirement and
joined Rank Organisation ending up as Field General
manager here in Cornwall until I retired after the company
reorganised in 1994.
Since then I have spent several years as a Volunteer Hospital
driver, ferrying patients to various hospitals around the
South of England. I had to give this up in 2000 when diagnosed with colon cancer but, after a
successful operation, have been all clear since. I now just enjoy living in Cornwall with Mollie, my
two daughters and five grandchildren.
Best wishes , Tony Butler (1945 – 1949)
Dear Charlie,
The one thing for sure about e-mails, particularly for the person answering them, is that they are
addressed to you in an instant over friendly fashion, by someone you have never heard of before.
So to put that right, my name is Brian Graham (1942-1949) and the last time I was in contact was
with Adrian Wallace regarding the Old Arnoldians and Arnoldiansonline. It is always a great trip
"Down Memory Lane " when the current issue of The Old Arnoldian drops through the letter box.
Charlie, please thank the people involved in producing the magazine, it is a vast improvement in
content, picture quality, colour, size, and for the older-older section who remember the earlier
format, and it is certainly at times a trip down memory lane. I remember most of the faces as though
it was yesterday, sadly I have forgotten a few of their names.
I look forward to reading Sir Martin's book - "Arnold", in my last year at School I was a House Prefect
with him, and I owe his father much more than I can ever put into words. The reasons for this e-mail,
about which I am a little hesitant, are twofold, but both are connected, and both are about
photographs. One in the current issue and one in the issue of November 2006, but I am not sure if
you want this sort of information.
In the current issue page 27 - "First XI Hockey Team 1948/49"; I think these dates refer to a different
team. The team shown in the picture played one or two years earlier than the dates under the
photograph suggest. Most of those in the photograph were at least two years ahead of me in
51
School. The names of some I remember are Fisher, Iverson, Hardisty, and of course the one on the
right front, John Graham Ince, known to most of us as Charlie! Before I left he came back to school
in his RAF uniform complete with wings, and remember I left in July of 1949.
I was also one of the members of the 1948 1st Hockey, as you can see in the November issue 2006
on page 34. In that photo, I notice the name of the Master is missing, and I think he was Mr. Lewis
and next to him is myself. Also on this page is the picture of the 1948 Rugby 1st XV where there are
a couple of question marks in the seated row. The missing name, I think, is Pete Roberts, and again
the row seated on the grass the person between Nowell - Withers and P. Cowburn is me.
The one thing that has surprised me, looking back at various sporting team photographs over the
years of my time at Arnold, was how few boarders were in the teams. I would have thought there
would have been more. It was wartime and rationing was very tough, travelling with the team to
away fixtures had its compensations food wise. The one that stands out most in the inter school
games in the food department was Kirkham Grammar School. Being a farming area you could
always rely on great sandwiches and mighty cakes. It was also a good day out at some of the
Services Teams we played in the area. The visit to the NAFFI in the camps was not to be missed, and
of course it did get you out of school. So with survival in mind I played on every team I could.
If you feel that the information mentioned above is not worth changing, or you find it is incorrect,
then by all means dump it into the trash. Sorry if I have bent your ear a little too much , once again
thanks to everyone who is involved in The Old Arnoldian.
Kind regards, Brian Graham
Dear Brian
Thank you so much for taking the time to write. I am very fond of Arnold School and I spent many
very happy years there. You will understand, therefore, how keen I am to do something for the
place and the many wonderful people I have met over the years.
I was a boarding housemaster for some years (in a girls’ house) and I was very sorry that boarding
ended at the School. My own experience was the boarders being involved in all the School activities
and the beauty of having them living on the premises was you could always get one if you were
short.
I was very taken with your letter and the information it contained. If you don't mind I would like to
put an abridged version in the next edition of the magazine with a picture of yourself (at school - I
will find one). If you have a more up to date snap and any other things you may think will interest
me and the readers please send them on.
Very best wishes, Charlie Woodruff
52
Hi Mr. Woodruff, (I just can't bring myself to call you Charlie!),
Thanks for the email and the Old Arnoldian. It was nice to
bump into you at Fairhaven Lake the other week! I'd just
been saying how I never see anyone I know anymore!!
The OA looks great, I read bits of it, and spotted a few
familiar faces...Rachel Carter in one of the drama pictures,
Mr. Oliver "supporting" a (female) army cadet and a few
people in years above me on the Black & White Minstrels
show pictures (How un PC is that now! Ha ha!)
I've been good thanks. I’ve a really varied career in
musicals, both tours and West End. If you want details,
it's all there at www.novaskipp.com. I am currently
rehearsing for my first opera, 'Carmen' at Holland Park
Theatre this summer, which is very enjoyable so far, and
a good chance to use my A level French again! I am also
having fun being a mum to little Melody and generally
juggling the career and mummy thing! Hubby, Garry
(who I was actually at infant school with!!!), works in R&D
for Mars (chocolate, not planet!), so at least one of us has
a proper job!
The school seems to be thriving anyway, even though many of my teachers have now retired. Did
Mr. Shenton go? He must have by now. I know Mr. Tomlinson did, he came to see me in 'Acorn
Antiques', the musical, in Preston and dropped a note in afterwards a couple of years ago.
P.S. I could definitely help you with the tap dancing ambition, but don't rely on me for banjo playing
or yorkshire pudding advice! Hope all is well with you, and thanks again for getting in touch.
All the best, Nova
Dear Charlie,
The Old Arnoldian (no 62 February 2010) managed to locate me again this year, and having read
about so many familiar names I thought it was about time for a personal update. I am not a
complete luddite and have a profile, of sorts, on the Arnoldiansonline inter web thingy but at my
age now there is something irreplacably reassuring about hard copy. A bit like my old mate and
once near neighbour Mark Moppet I have not, I am afraid, been very good at staying in touch with
former classmates.
David Bleasdale and I share the occasional text and Warren Hessey the even more occasional phone
call. I have probably seen more of Peter Thompson that anyone else. Although he was the year
below me, we knew each other from Hockey and, after a few years of not seeing each other, I, quite
literally, bumped into him in a pub in Salisbury. Since then we have got ourselves into way too
53
much trouble way too many times, although age now dictates our nights out are a lot less X
certificate than they once were. Tommo is married with two boys and lives and works in New York
City.
Like many, I am sure, I was saddened to hear of the deaths of Jack Conchie and Chas Ellis. One of
my earliest memories of Arnold is Robert Stansfield turning an improbable shade of grey in
Geography and Charles barking at the other boys to drag across the bin lest the floor of Room P got
a splattering. I got to know him better during my year as Senior Cadet in the CCF and he shared a
story of his military career that I have always remembered. Many years after the War he had cause
whilst, I think, on TA business to meet a very senior Regular Officer. During the pleasantries the guy
claimed he had served at the same time in the same place which troubled Charles as he did not
remember the gentleman at all. After some minutes he resolved to challenge the man, but, happily,
before he burst through the office door to denounce him as an impostor, he remembered a "skinny,
pimply Subaltern" who had coincided with Charles for only a few weeks. He said that subsequently
and oftentimes he reflected on the incident and wondered why it was that he was a Schoolmaster
and not a General Officer.
I have been fairly busy personally. Having divorced in 2005, I was very lucky to be married again in
2008 to Luan Linden, a gorgeous Brummie Toxicologist (without the accent). We tied the knot in
Rome and rather embarrassingly produced a honeymoon baby, Zelah Marie who was born on April
12th 2009. I have worked for the same US based medical device company, Medtronic, since 1997
and am currently their Government and Industry Affairs Manager for the UK & Ireland. I spent some
time in 2008 living and working in Washington DC and most of my time now is in London, Dublin
or Brussels. Home these days I regard as West Cornwall - we have a lovely cottage in Newlyn
Harbour, although we spend a lot of time at Luan's old family house in North Birmingham and,
during the week, I can usually be found in some Hilton hotel or another.
Keep up the great work on the magazine and keep the "Old" - it’s better than the alternative.
Richard Devereaux Phillips - Newlyn, Cornwall March 2010
Arnold School 1976-83
Dear Charlie
Thank you for your kind words! I can't believe
how lucky I was to get the opportunity to go to
Arnold - I look back on those years with a big
smile on my face. I hope my children enjoy their
senior school years as much as I did mine.
I am currently working as Project Engineer for
Johnson Matthey Fuel Cells at their factory in
Swindon. Chris and I are expecting our second
child in August so I'll be on maternity leave for a
54
Karen - far left front row
little while, but will be going back. I currently work four days a week which is perfect for me - means
I get time at home with Ben, but also get out and tax the old brain cells every now and again!!
Hope you're enjoying your retirement, Must be great to still have contact with school and all that
entails. I'm sure it keeps you out of mischief!
Much love Karen Jones (Dooley)
Dear Karen
The "Jones" threw me but as soon has you said "Dooley" my mind went back - very happy days and
I remember them with great fondness. Chris is a very lucky man and I see you have a lovely family
- are you continuing to work?
I retired about three years ago but I still do a bit when school are stuck for a teacher. I've been
enjoying being editor of the ‘Old Arnoldian’ as it keeps me in touch with all the great people I've
got to know while working at Arnold.
Dear Charlie
Thanks for the note via Friends reunited, it was interesting to hear of the Old Arnoldian magazine
- I wasn’t aware of it. If you would like to publish a snap in the magazine please do so - I would be
interested to know which picture that you are referring to as I think I put three on the site.
Cheerio for now, James Wheeldon
Dear Jim
I’ll send you an e-copy of the Old Arnoldian. You can find this and back issues on the OA website www.arnoldiansonline.com.
55
Dear Charlie,
My name is Nick Smith, I was at Arnold from 1966-74. I have just received the OA No.62. The ‘Down
Memory Lane’ photos got my attention. I am a little puzzled as there is no text attached to some of
these photos. Do you need info or something else?
I am in photo page 29, right side, second down. I am back row 2nd from right. It was a tour photo
of the rugby tour to Paris in 1972. I still have the tour tie, and if you need, I can tell you all about
characters on photo. I also have memories of photo page 29, bottom right, and swimming team
1967. After leaving Arnold in 1974 I qualified in Medicine at Liverpool in 1979, gained FRCS in 1984
and am now a Clinical Oncologist (Cancer Specialist) in North Wales. I live on the Wirral. Please get
back to me if I can be of more help.
NicK Smith (1966 -1974)
Dear Nick
Thank you so much for taking the time to write – it’s always good to hear from an OA. I have
hundreds of photographs relating to Arnold School, most containing no details what so ever. I
include them to stimulate a response so thanks for the info.
Dear Charlie
I thought school may like to know that Jo, who
featured on the front cover of “The Old Arnoldian” a
couple of years ago, has just skippered a boat called
Plastiki across the Pacific from San Francisco to
Sydney. The boat is a 60 ft catamaran made out of
12,000 recycled plastic bottles. The idea of the
project is to raise awareness of the Pacific garbage
patch.
More information can be found on the Plastiki web
site.
Kind regards, Sue Royle
56
Dear Charlie
Hilary (Smith 1992 -1997)- looking very much like Mum in the picture - graduated from Cambridge
in 2000, spent a year travelling and working abroad then a year in London before doing a PGCE at
Kings College London. She spent 7 yrs at Merchant Taylors School Northwood where she taught
biology before becoming Head of Psychology. She moved to King Edward VI, Southampton, as
Assistant Head, in 2010.
Following completion of his degree and then a PhD in
Cambridge, Deneal (Smith 1985 -1993) spent 7 years teaching
maths and physics at Winchester College where he became an
assistant house master. He then moved to Magdalen College
School, Oxford to take up the post of Head of 6th form but after
a year was promoted to Director of Studies. He is married with 2
children! How time flies.
Retirement is great although I
am working with my husband
Mike on several of his medical
education projects and I am kept
busy. We travel a lot, taking work
with us so we work in the sun.
Lovely not to have to get up and
go out first thing in the morning,
though!
Best wishes, Christine Davis
57
NEWS OF OAs
Claire Harbourne
lthough only just an OA, Claire Harbourne’s recent
Andrew Lloyd Webber television audition for the part
of Dorothy in “Somewhere over the Rainbow” was
supported by thousands of Old Arnoldians.
A
Disappointed that she was just pipped at the post the Old
Arnoldians were all, justifiably, proud of her performance
and the success of her singing career. A classically trained
singer, Claire has been singing from a young age and first
started lessons at age 11 passing both LCM Musical
Theatre Grade 8 and ABRSM Singing Grade 7 with
distinction. Claire attended the Eton Choral Course and
sings with the Halle Youth Choir. She especially enjoys
musical theatre, as well as pop and jazz. Claire has also
attended the "Limelight" musical theatre summer school
for the past four years.
Claire, now officially an OA studying in London, has
finished her A2 levels in Latin, English Literature and
History, but her dream is to appear in a West End show,
and to be as famous as artists such as Judy Garland or
Beyoncé.
Claire wished her “Dorothy” to be young, energetic, edgy
yet open and honest bringing a certain realism to the
role, and now thinks she is on a similar adventure to
Dorothy, "going from the bubble or safe, quiet village
home-life to a bigger wider world, finding out who she is
and what she is capable of achieving, meeting lots of
interesting people along the way".
The Times Law Awards
e were delighted to learn that former Head Boy Jack Pailing (1996 -2005) (back row second
left), who left Arnold in 2005 for Oxford University, was one of only six finalists in this year's
Times Law Awards essay competition. Jack's essay was chosen from nearly 300 entries by a panel
consisting of Jack Straw; Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, the President of the Supreme Court; Lord
Grabiner; James Harding, Editor of The Times, and David Cavender, QC.
W
Jack, who studied History at university, is currently a student at UCL. He was presented with his
£1000 prize by Jack Straw, the Justice Secretary, at a gala dinner at Lincoln's Inn hosted by Lord
Grabiner, QC and attended by some 300 lawyers and judges. In his speech Mr Straw said that the
essays were "thought-provoking, persuasive and well-argued", giving "detailed consideration to a
58
question that took up vast tracts of
parliamentary time, generated a whole
academic sub-industry and attracted a
great deal of media and public
attention".
Well done and congratulations to Jack.
We shall watch his future with interest.
Hello from Prema Vasam
lways the kind of girl that was going to make a difference in the world, Jodie Cox left us last
year to spend a year in India before going to university. She got in touch recently to ask for
some help with some teaching she is doing and I was happy to send off some resources to help her.
Here is Jodie's reply.
A
"Thank you for all your help. The work sheets that were sent helped the kids at Parikrma a lot, and
they all really enjoyed doing them! Well, my adventures in India are definitely memorable ones. My
time in Tamil Nadu, Chennai was spent at an orphanage called Prema Vasam, which is a home for
the mentally and physically less fortunate children. Whilst there I was living on site, volunteering,
feeding and carrying for the mentally and physically disabled children.
When the able children returned from school I would play with them and help them with their
studies. The majority of the children at Prema Vasam attend an English Medium school and very few
of the children go to Tamil Medium. However, I spent a lot of my time working with the Tamil
Medium students to help improve their English. I even taught them some carols around Christmas
time, which was a massive undertaking.
Whilst I was living in Bangalore in Karnataka I was working at a school called Parikrma, teaching
disabled children. Whilst I was there I had one-to-one tutorials with children who suffered from
specific learning difficulties. The school itself does not have a learning support department so it is
the volunteers' aim to give extra attention
to those who are falling behind. Although
my time there was short, it was very
rewarding and has even made me think
about changing my course at university.
Thank you again, you really did help!"
We are all so proud of Jodie and all the
other Arnoldians who do such great things
with their lives.
59
Helen Lam and Lauren Davis
rofessor Graham Hooley, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Aston
University, passed on information about the exploits of two of our
former pupils. Helen Lam and Lauren Davies, who both left Arnold in
2005, successfully completed their honours degrees last summer.
Helen now holds the degree of Bachelor of Science in Applied and
Human Biology and Lauren holds the degree of Bachelor of Science in
Biology & Mathematics with Professional Training. The degrees were
conferred at graduation ceremonies at Birmingham Town Hall. We are
immensely proud of our students' achievements and send our sincere
congratulations to Helen and Lauren.
P
A CBE for Jimmy
ootball great Jimmy Armfield has received a few medals in his time,
but few as grand as this. The former England and Seasiders' captain
was presented with the prestigious Commander of the Order of the
British Empire (CBE) honour by Her Majesty The Queen at Buckingham
Palace. The modest 74-year-old, who has fought a successful battle
against cancer, said: "I'm very grateful for the award – and just grateful
to be here!"
F
In 2000 Jimmy received the OBE for services to football. The CBE
recognises his varied work in the community. Glenn Bowley, chairman
of Blackpool Supporters' Association, said: "It's fantastic and
thoroughly deserved. Jimmy has become known because of his
football career with Blackpool and England, but he's given so much
back to the community”.
"This award recognises all the community work he does and all the organisations he's involved in
– Age Concern, Lancashire Partnership Against Crime, the hospice and hospitals. So many times
you see him presenting someone with a prize or opening a new
scheme. It's wonderful. Jimmy won 43 caps for England between
1959 and 1966, and captained the country on 15 occasions. After
hanging up his boots, Jimmy took on managerial positions before
deciding to work in the media and taking on the role of match
summariser for BBC Radio 5 Live. Blackpool Supporters' Association
is hoping to raise £100,000 to create a life-size statue of Jimmy. They
have already hit the £10,000 mark and are planning fundraising
events throughout the year. The Seasiders' new South Stand, which
will be opened on March 20, is named in his honour”.
Mr Bowley added: "Blackpool gave him his chance and he has
rewarded the town with his endless amounts of good work. The
statue will be a fitting tribute to a great man”.
60
International rugby news
ngland Students, featuring former Head Boy Greg Nicholls
(1995-2002), were within two minutes of victory over a Portugal
side standing 21st in the official world rankings, until a try and
conversion gave the home side a 21-18 win at the Estádio
Universitário in Lisbon.
E
The Students' toughest fixture of recent years saw the squad play
adventurous rugby throughout and they led 18-6 with 15 minutes
remaining. But Portugal, whose players have been in a training camp in preparation for Rugby World
Cup qualifiers against Russia and Georgia over the next two weekends, hit back with a penalty and
two tries. The side will now play matches against Irish Colleges and France Universities.
Hamish comes home
ormer pupil Hamish Hamilton (1977-1984), pictured in the centre with two other well known
OAs, recently made a whistle-stop visit to his old school to talk to the Sixth Form students. Now
based in London after spending several months abroad filming the world's most famous rock stars,
Hamish flew into the UK from Los Angeles where he is currently directing the MTV
Music Awards. Having previously worked with Robbie Williams, U2 and
Madonna, Hamish was responsible for coverage of this year's Oscars
ceremony in Los Angeles and also directed The Who at Superbowl 2010.
F
61
In his talk he described how his life had changed since leaving Arnold and the way in which his
career has developed. Still a Blackpool boy at heart, he offered invaluable advice to those hoping
for a career in film and the media.
John Nicholson (1973-1984)
rnoldian John Nicholson was always up for a challenge when he was at school. Judging by this
article by Steve Simpson in the Blackpool Gazette, things haven't changed!
A
John never shirked a challenge during his career at Fylde Rugby Union club as a big-hearted back
row forward, chalking up well in excess of 100 appearances. Now he is in the midst of an altogether
bigger test - he is playing an integral part in the preparations for the 2012 Olympic Games in
London. He is project manager for what will eventually become the hugely impressive Aquatics
Centre in the Olympic Park, which will stage the swimming, diving and water polo events at the
Games, as well as the swimming discipline of the Modern Pentathlon.
John is also overseeing the building of the even larger media centre, which will house the thousands
of journalists who will gather from all over the world to cover the milestone event. A qualified
chartered surveyor, he is understandably getting excited at the aquatic project gradually taking
shape with each successive day in the Stratford area of East London.
"I saw the site before the work started - it was contaminated and derelict and to see it being
transformed gradually before your eyes is awesome. To get some idea of the size and scale, the
Aquatics Centre will have seats for 17,500 spectators - which is not far off twice what Blackpool
football ground holds!" said John, who works for the Olympic Delivery Authority and who has used
his expertise in the past on major sporting projects at Bolton Wanderers' Reebok Stadium and
Chelsea's Stamford Bridge ground.
The Aquatics Centre
62
The Aquatics Centre covers
20,000 square metres, while the
media centre will be even bigger
at over 160,000 square metres!
The Aquatics Centre will provide
a visually spectacular ‘gateway' to
the Olympic Park, and will
include a 50m competition pool,
a 25m diving pool, and a 50m
warm-up training pool. There will
be an additional venue for the
water polo. Back in 2007 at the
Olympic Park, the ground was
cleared for construction, with
buildings on the site demolished,
and cleaning work done on the
soil. The construction is due to
finish in 2011, in time for test
events prior to the Games. After the Olympics and Paralympics are completed, the centre will be
transformed so that the local community as well as elite swimmers can use it. All the temporary
seats will be removed, leaving room for 2,500 spectators for when the venue is used for major
competitions. The futuristic venue has been designed by renowned architect Zaha Hadid and is
being built by construction company Balfour Beatty.
The beginnings of the Olympic Stadium can already be spotted on the London skyline. Power is
now running through two new tunnels dug beneath the site. As well as work being well underway
on the Aquatics Centre, construction of the Olympic Village has also started. There have been clear
signs of the regeneration of the area with the removal of the overhead electricity pylons which
dominated the site. John said it was ‘fantastic' working on a project that will see Britain's Olympic
dream become a reality. He said: "It is a complex and challenging project, and to be able to see it
right through to its completion is exciting, and it's full steam ahead." And John joked: "When the
work is completed, I am determined to be the first person to jump in the water off the high-diving
board, though I'm afraid it will be more like Peter Kay top-bombing than Tom Daley!" John still has
plenty of friends from his days at Fylde RUFC between 1986 and 1996. He scored 30 tries in 128
appearances, but it's his second game in Fylde colours that sticks in his memory. He said: "The
game was against Sale in the old Northern Merit - we won and I scored. I was only 19 and the lads
still have a go at me for patting Wade Dooley on the backside and telling him to get stuck in! I don't
know how I lived to tell the tale on that one!”
David J. Thompson (1947-1949)
avis California resident, ex Sangronian and former Arnold School
pupil, David J. Thompson, President of the Twin Pines
Cooperative Foundation was inducted into the Cooperative Hall of
Fame in Washington, DC on May 9, 2010. The Hall of Fame, the
cooperative community’s highest honour, recognises those who
have made “heroic” contributions to cooperative enterprise.
D
David J. Thompson’s family moved to Blackpool in the mid 1800s. His
great grandparents were landlords of the Railway Inn on Bonny
Street and his grandparents were landlords of the Raikes Hotel. His
parents managed pubs around the UK and then returned to work for
the Blackpool Cooperative Society. David and his brother Philip are presently developing a
documentary on the role of Blackpool in the Second World War.
David went to the US in 1962 and soon became involved in the civil rights, anti-war and cooperative
movements. David served as a board member of Co-opportunity in Santa Monica, the Davis Food
Co-operative and REI (the nation’s largest consumer cooperative). David was co-chair of California’s
efforts to win passage of the legislation establishing the National Cooperative Bank.
In the mid 1980s, David headed up International Relations for the National Cooperative Business
Association (NCBA). In this role he initiated laws and regulations for cooperatives behind the Iron
Curtain (Russia, Poland, Hungary, Latvia & the Ukraine). This work was highlighted by having dinner
in the Kremlin with President Gorbachev and a hundred other US leaders who were working to
63
open up the state economy. In South Africa, David helped create laws
that allowed blacks to form their own cooperatives and in China he
helped form the first non-state insurance company for farmers. David
has worked with co-op organisations in over 20 nations as well as
working on credit unions for the United Nations. At a celebration in
Rochdale of the 100th anniversary of the International Cooperative
Alliance, the Queen said to the Mayor of Rochdale, “If he has come
thousands of miles to meet me then I shall walk a few yards to meet
him.” The Queen asked David about the status of US cooperatives.
David is one of the most prolific writers about cooperatives in the US. He has written and
contributed to a number of books about cooperatives. His almost 300 articles have been published
in six languages. His “Weavers of Dreams” is the “go to” book on the founding of the cooperative
movement. David owns the largest private library of cooperative books in the world.
Over the past 15 years David and his business partner Luke Watkins at Neighborhood Partners, LLC
has developed many different types of housing cooperatives; student, senior, limited equity, mobile
home parks and mutual housing.
William T. Gillen
am delighted to inform all OAs that Bill Gillen has been invited
to join the Local Governing Body of Arnold School Governors.
Bill was Headmaster of the School from 1993 until 2003 but has
continued to support the School since his retirement.
I
He is a man of enormous energy and commitment and his great
depth of knowledge of independent schools and education can
only ensure the continued success of the School he once
headed. We send our congratulations to Bill and look forward to
seeing him in the Blackpool area.
Hannah Wells (2003-2007)
Cambridge undergraduate, Hannah has now completed the third year of her MEng course (Part
IIA of the Manufacturing Engineering Tripos) and, having been awarded a Class IIi, she will
commence the final year of her course in October.
A
Hannah has also been an active member of Cambridge University Air Squadron for the past three
years. The photograph is of Hannah at RAF Wyton, Cambridgeshire, a training base for RAF pilots,
and the airfield where Cambridge University Air Squadron is based. The picture was taken shortly
after Hannah had completed her first solo flight in the Grob Tutor last summer. She also plays rugby
64
for both her college (St John's) and the university! Well done to this talented former pupil and we
are delighted to hear of her successes.
Ashley Dribben (2001-2008)
etcalf’s staff have been working extra hard over the last few months, and the team includes
their newest member of the team, Ashley Dribben OA. Ashley has continually improved since
starting back in October 2008 and was presented with a bottle of champagne for achieving
“Salesman of the Month”.
M
Managing Director, Hamze Ballout, said: “Ashley started with us around a year ago after completing
his A Levels at Arnold School. I took Ashley onboard full time after a three week trial when I saw his
potential to improve and where he impressed me with his eagerness to learn. He has been working
very hard as a sales negotiator and achieved record sales in a tough market.
Ashley has recently been rewarded for his success by
being promoted to sales manager. “It is great for me to
have somebody who has such a passion for the business
and I believe that Ashley will continually improve and
keep surprising us with his desire to be the best!”
Ashley is also studying for his NAEA (National
Association of Estate Agents) exams which he will be
taking in a few months to develop his knowledge and
understanding of the legal aspects involved in selling
property.
Ashley said: “After starting from scratch a year ago I feel
like I have come a long way. I enjoy working at Metcalf’s
and it is great to be part of such a strong team and to
work alongside such genuinely nice people. It wouldn’t
happen without the support of the clients and Metcalf
staff. I want to continue to improve and I think Metcalf’s is the right place to do this! The advantage
of being a family run firm is that we are often praised for our care and understanding of the client’s
needs, which inspires us to stay one step ahead of everyone else.”
65
OBITUARIES
Michael Thornely (1919-2009) ‘A MOST CULTURED FORCE IN BRITISH EDUCATION’
Gervase Michael Cobham Thornely, school
teacher, Headmaster Sedbergh School (19541975): born Hampstead, London, 21st October,
1918; Married Jennifer Scott 1954 (two sons,
two daughters); died Killington, Cumbria, 13th
October, 2009. Reprinted by kind permission of
the Independent.
ichael Thornely, who has died just short
of his 91st birthday, was an inspirational
schoolmaster, serving Sedbergh School for 35
years, 21 of them as one of its most
distinguished Headmasters. On the national
stage, a most perceptive practitioner,
throughout his long and distinguished career,
the breadth of his intellect and the warmth of
his personality, made him an inspirational
guide for many generations of aspiring
students.
M
Born in Hampstead, the eldest son of a
pioneering aviator in the Royal Flying Corps,
Michael Thornely was educated at Rugby
School. From there, his prodigious gifts,
musical as well as academic, won him an Organ Scholarship at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. While first
reading Classics and then Modern Languages, in tandem with fellow undergraduate, singer, Ian
Wallace, they spent much time revelling amid the delights of the university’s theatrical scene.
Regularly performing together under the guidance of the legendary duo, George Dadie Rylands and
Donald Beves, both men formed an enduring friendship. Poignantly, Ian Wallace died just a day
before Thornely. (Obituary October 15th, 2009)
When in 1940, Wallace went off to America on a pre-war tour, Thornely, unfit for military service,
travelled north to begin his long association with Sedbergh School. Initially appointed an Assistant
Master, teaching French and a Tutor in School House, he also made his mark directing many
innovative Shakespearean productions. Gradually emerging as the protégé of the then Headmaster,
J. H. Bruce Lockhart, on his retirement in 1954, Thornely seamlessly succeeded him.
Then a boys boarding school, founded in 1525, Sedbergh School is situated on the edge of the Lake
District, proudly nestling amid the Cumbrian fells. It is this rugged, somewhat remote rural
ambience that, over the centuries, has often proved as character building for staff and pupils as the
curriculum in the classrooms. However, once there, Thornely never wished to be anywhere else.
To no one’s surprise, as a Headmaster, he proved to be a man of high principles and unshakeable
integrity. With a genuine love of learning, he cared for his charges in a naturally inclusive way,
presiding over the school like a generally indulgent paterfamilias. Initially as Headmaster, he also
looked after sixty boys in School House, tirelessly supported as always by his wife and family in
66
what proved to be a richly stimulating environment. Happily, amid a natural gravitas lay a most
important and highly developed sense of the ridiculous.
Throughout his years at the helm, the school enjoyed a period of great growth, both in student
numbers and improved facilities. New Science and Maths blocks were built as was a splendid new
Design Centre. Boarding houses were considerably updated, the Library and swimming pool both
refurbished, while the purchase of Guldrey Lodge as a new Music School, much to his delight,
allowed considerable expansion of the school’s cultural output.
In addition to his very clear personal sense of direction for the school and its pupils, he also had high
expectations for his staff, many of whom, under his guidance, went on to distinguished headships.
As the swinging sixties and beyond unceasingly replaced the more sombre 1950s, against often
unremitting pressures and demands for change, he remained steadfast in his resolve to maintain
the school’s highly distinctive ethos. That he succeeded is clear not only in the strong affection
shown to him personally by generations of former pupils, but also their very generous response to
the financial appeal he masterminded in the closing years of his headship. Having successfully coordinated the celebrations for the school’s 450th anniversary in 1975, he then quietly stepped aside.
Content to remain in the locality, he now had more time to indulge his many interests, notably
lapidary and fly fishing. A prominent member of the local amateur dramatic society, for twenty
years he served as Organist of the Parish Church. He also kept a benevolent eye on many of his
former charges, happily organising meeting and reunions in his role as Secretary of the Old
Sedberghians.
Further afield, a highly respected elder statesman of both Headmasters’ Conference and the Council
of the National Youth Orchestra, he also served as Secretary of the Francis C. Scott Charitable Trust.
As a Governor of Arnold School, Blackpool, his experience and expertise proved particularly crucial
both in acquiring a Lakeland outdoor pursuits centre at Glenridding but, more importantly, helping
plot the school on a successful course to full independence following the then government’s
sudden withdrawal of the Direct Grant. Here, as elsewhere, the keystone of his life and work was
the warmth of his abiding friendliness-surely a most worthy epitaph.
Kenneth Shenton
Ben Trend (1987-1998)
ributes were paid to a former Fylde rugby star who died in a tragic
accident in South Africa. Ben Trend, a 30 year-old personal fitness
trainer who grew up in Marton and attended Arnold School, died while
on holiday with his wife Ve. His death, described as ‘secondary
drowning’ by the Foreign Office, is being investigated.
T
It is believed Mr Trend – who was staying in a beach bungalow in
Durban – had been for a swim and died later on the beach. Ian
Sharples, from Bispham, a family friend and member of Fylde Rugby
Union club, said: "It is absolutely tragic and I can't believe I'm having to
talk about Ben in this way.”
67
“I know his parents, Sue and Peter, and have known him since he was born. If you met Ben just
once, you would remember him for the rest of your life. He was a lovely, lovely man who had time
for everyone. He was very well known and loved in the area. When I used to captain the team and
Ben was playing, I would always feel secure as Ben gave his all, and there would be a lot of
camaraderie. His generosity can be seen by the prolific charity work he did."
Ben's fundraising efforts include an epic run covering more than 300 miles of desert, to support
autistic youngster Lucien Coulon and his parents' dream of providing specialist one-to-one
education for youngsters, with their Wishing Well foundation. Pierre Coulon, owner of the former
Paris Casino in South Shore, and his wife Regina, who run the foundation, are devastated by Mr
Trend's death.
Mrs Coulon said: "Just last week we discovered Ben had raised more than £2,100 for us by running
up Mont Blanc. He spent his life giving to others, and it doesn't seem fair he should go in this way.
But he has left behind a legacy of love and care."
Helen Steel
Granvile Newton Parker
Granville Newton Parker, schoolmaster: born 1st August 1930;
married 1958 Jean Hawley (died 2006), one son; died 30th April
2010.
nyone associated with Arnold School will be saddened by
the news of the death of Granville Parker. A distinguished
Old Arnoldian and long-standing member of staff, the breadth
of his intellect and the warmth of his personality made him an
inspirational guide for many generations of aspiring students.
A
Though always a proud Yorshireman, Granville Parker spent
the vast majority of his life here on the Fylde Coast. Initially
living in central Blackpool on Charnley Road, he was educated
at St. John’s Church of England Primary School, before joining
Arnold School, aged 11, in September, 1941. On his first
morning, much to his surprise, the whole school was sent on
a walk around South Shore. He later found out the reason, the timetable had not yet been
completed.
In those days, all pupils wore caps, the youngest, short trousers, and everyone attended compulsory
lessons on Saturday morning. Because of the war, gas masks were carried at all times. Flourishing
under the watchful eye of Headmaster Frank Holdgate his academic progress through both School
Certificate and Higher School Certificate proved remarkably smooth. In addition to his prowess in
the class room, as a talented sportsman he played rugby for the 1st XV, cricket for the 1st XI, and was
a Corporal in the Cadet Corps.
68
Leaving Arnold for Manchester University in 1949, there he took a degree in Latin and Greek with
some English. Having then spent a rather unprofitable time working in an estate agency, he
subsequently acquired a Diploma in Education at Liverpool University. Toying with the idea of
joining the Civil Service, he sat the examination for Customs and Excise, gaining the highest mark
in the country in the Latin exam. Instead, however, a change of direction brought him back to
Arnold School in September, 1955, to begin his career as an Assistant Schoolmaster.
In his early years, he taught English, Latin and French and, as the French and Latin gradually
subsided, apart from a one year incursion into History, he remained a member of the English
Department. A most cerebral performer in the classroom, amid the confines of the Common Room
he also proved a consummate bridge player and a most determined solver of crossword puzzles.
For eighteen years, in charge of school cricket, in tandem with fellow enthusiasts, Fred Liston and
Ken Riding, he helped form the backbone of the Staff Sunday XI. Later, as an enthusiastic member
of Old Links Golf Club, he enjoyed equal sporting success, not only overseeing the game’s
acceptance as an integral aspect of school sport, but also helping launch a series of Sol Golf
Scholarships.
Having for many years been a Housemaster of Liston’s House, in 1972 Headmaster Oliver Wigmore
invited him to succeed Peter Bentley as Head of Middle School. Coinciding with the advent of coeducation in 1975, here, in typical style, always mercifully free of jargon, he set out to create an
atmosphere within the school in which every student had the opportunity to do his or her best
and gain maximum success. Treating everyone, pupils and staff, with courtesy and ease, in turn,
one could not help but notice the lasting affection and deep respect felt for him.
Following 36 years as a devoted schoolmaster, Granville Parker retired in 1991. Continuing to remain
closely in touch with school, his enduring enthusiasm for cycling meant that he remained a familiar
figure in the locality. A man of great charm, his passing further diminishes that outstanding group
of teachers who, more than fifty years ago, helped guide the school from the large house that it
originally was, to the extensive establishment it is today.
Kenneth Shenton
69
SOCIAL & SPORTING EVENTS 2011
All events are held at School unless stated otherwise.
Sunday 3rd April, 11.00am
Annual General Meeting
followed by Sporting Fixtures
Amanda Hoskisson
Saturday 10th September
Annual Reunion Dinner
7.30-8.00pm
Amanda Hoskisson
Monday 26th December, 2.00pm
Annual Rugby Match
E Mahon
Arnold Informal Reunion, Celebration and Sporting Weekend
Sunday 3rd April
Hockey v School (12.00pm)
Rugby v School (12.00pm)
Netball v School (12.00pm)
followed by Buffet Lunch (1.00pm)
Gillian Raby
Ed Mahon
Andrea Miranda
Summer Sports
tba
tba
tba
tba
tba
Cricket v School (2.00pm)
Ladies Cricket & Tennis
Golf Summer Trophy
School Charity Golf Day
Golf v School
Ed Mahon
Ian Morton
Phil Jones
Robbie Jones
Phil Jones
full details of all these events can be found at www.arnoldschool.com or www.atrnoldiansonline
Sports and Social Contact Details
SOCIAL Amanda Hoskisson 01253 336258
Amanda.Hoskisson@church-schools.com
ed.mahon@sky.com
CRICKET (men) Ed Mahon 07855 303422
CRICKET (ladies) Ian Morton 01253 346391
Ian.Morton@church-schools.com
TENNIS Andrea de Miranda 01253 346391
Andrea.Demiranda@church-schools.com
NETBALL Andrea de Miranda 01253 346391
Andrea.Demiranda@church-schools.com
GOLF Phil Jones 07786 621072
phil@nurseryworldonline.co.uk
RUGBY Ed Mahon 07855 303422
ed.mahon@sky.com
SCHOOL GOLF Robbie Jones 01253 346391
Robert.Jones@church-schools.com
LONDON COMMITTEE SECRETARY Nikki Cain 07929 182 288
nix_cain@hotmail.com
Arnold School, Lytham Road, Blackpool, Lancashire FY4 1JG
t 01253 346391 e admissions@arnoldschool.com
w www.arnoldschool.com
UCST/ULT Registered Office: 23-25 Chapel Street, Titchmarsh, NN14 3DA
www.ucst.org.uk Registered in England No. 2780748
Registered Charity No. 1016538

The Old Arnoldian

Transcription

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