Newsletter Autumn 2011

Transcription

THE
Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2011
BUGLE
CONTENTS
Event Calendar
2
Messages
Peter Acton, President of the
Old Boltonians’ Association
3
Philip Britton, Headmaster
3
The Mail Bag
4
School News
Organ Refurbishment
6
Marcus Tillotson Lecture 2011
- Sir Philip Craven
7
Articles
The Iron Man - Ian Hamer
Indian Jazz - Arun Ghosh 8
10
Book Reviews
Bolton Boys in Focus 1875-2010
by David Shaw and Charles Winder
12
Strangers at Vivians
by Patricia K Caldwell
13
The Wall of the Trolls
by Tony Howard
13
Upcoming Events
14
Archive Section
How It All Began - David Shaw
15
Far Easdale Camp - Chris Jones
16
Glee Club - David Allen
17
Photo Wall
18
Old Boys News
22
ALUMNI EVENTS
CALENDAR
2011
Cambridge Dinner
Clare College, Cambridge
Sat 26 Nov
OBA Annual Dinner
Arts Centre, Bolton School
Fri 9 Dec
Christmas Concert
Great Hall, Boys’ Division
Wed 14 Dec
Joint Recent Leavers Reunion Arts Centre, Bolton School
Wed 11 Jan
Old Boys’ Lunch
Mon 6 Feb
Joint London Dinner
The East India Club Fri 2 Mar
Joint Midlands Dinner
The National Space Centre, Leicester Fri 30 March
OBA Lunch & AGM
Mon 7 May
Joint Scottish Dinner
University of Edinburgh
Fri 11 May
Reunion Class of 62, 72, 82
Sat 19 May
Joint Cumbria Dinner
Lindeth Howe Hotel
Fri 15 Jun
Joint Bolton Dinner
Fri 29 Jun
Summer Concert Great Hall, Boys’ Division
Thu 5 Jul
2012
To book on any event please call the Development Office on 01204 434 718
For event invites, reminders and updates ‘Like’ our Facebook page by searching
‘Bolton School - Old Boys and Old Girls (Official)’ within Facebook or enter
www.facebook.com/bsalumni in your web address bar.
See the School website for event photos and event calendar:
http://www.boltonschool.org/alumni-events
If you move house or change your contact details, please complete the online form to
update your details: http://www.boltonschool.org/alumni-register
Sports
Football Fantasy or Failure?
Old Boltonians’ Golf Society Report
American Football
Reunion of 1st XV Rugby 1970 & 71
27
28
30
32
Obituaries
33
Yellow pull-out section
Boltonian Order Form
DVD Order Form
Merchandise Order Form
OBA Annual Dinner Order Form
i
ii
iii
iv
CONTACT US
THE TEAM
Development Office
Bolton School
Chorley New Road
Bolton
BL1 4PA
Julia Bates
T: 01204 434 718
E: development@boltonschool.org.uk
Head of External Relations
Stuart Chell
Development Manager
David Mohyuddin
Secretary of the Old Boltonians’ Association
Kathryn O’Brien
Events and Mailings Administrator
Trevor Pledger
Director of Partnerships
Jenny Salerno
Development Officer
2
A MESSAGE
FROM THE
PRESIDENT
As my presidential year comes to an
end, I reflect on the sport and outdoor
activities which have taken up much of
my agenda over the last few months.
In July the school played against the
MCC team and the 20 over match had
an exciting finish, with all four results
still possible at the beginning of the last
over. The boys went for the win and lost!
Bolton School Boys are nothing if not
competitive!
In August, it was a personal pleasure to
be able to welcome Tenacity of Bolton to
St Katherine’s Dock in London during its
inaugural round Britain trip. The rain did
not dampen the spirits of the Old Boys
who joined the boat for its run down to
Plymouth. Having seen the ketch grow
in front of my eyes on occasional visits
to the school it was great to see it in real
life. Read more about the adventures on
board in Old Boy David Green’s account
on page 23.
In September 17 teams competed in the
President’s Golf Day at Bolton Golf Club.
Being a novice I was only expecting to
have a fun day out. And so it proved.
The Bolton School Boys won with a very
creditable score. More importantly we
raised over £2300 for the Bursary Funds.
So thanks to all who participated in a
successful event.
In October the highlight for me was
the Tillotson Lecture. It was an inspiring
evening listening to Sir Philip Craven,
Old Boy and Head of the Paralympic
Movement in the UK, who found that
wheelchair basketball helped to rebuild
and give his life a new purpose after a rock
climbing accident as a schoolboy in 1966.
Lord Coe acknowledged that schools play
a vital role in encouraging participation
in sport which can help build self esteem
and confidence. The new School Captain
admitted he was ‘no sportsman’ but
displayed his talents in a completely
different way in his tribute to the speakers.
And finally, I am off to meet up with the
Lancashire Cricket team after their trip
to Buckingham Palace to receive the
County Championship Gold Cup from
Prince Philip. I should like to wish Geoff
Ogden, Old Boy and Chairman of the
Cricket Committee at Old Trafford for
several years, who retires this year, a
happy retirement! He has worked tirelessly
developing links with grass roots cricket,
at schools, clubs and developed the LCCC
academy. I look forward to meeting more
Old Boys at the Oxford and Cambridge
Dinners, before my final event, the Old
Boltonians’ Annual Dinner in December hope to see you there!
Peter Acton
A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER
As I write it is already the last day of the half term, with the six
weeks since the summer having been the usual mix of activities
in the busy life of Bolton School.
As the summer term ended we had the MCC cricket match, at first
threatened by rain and then taking place in late afternoon sunshine,
with a good attendance from Old Boys’. Within weeks the school
record for an opening bat had been broken by Henry Thompson,
the vice captain of school. As this term began Giles Makinson, one of
the new leavers, was selected for the MCC schools representational
match at Lords where he played well and ended on the winning
side. Earlier in the year I had enjoyed attending the final of the
Hospitals Cup at the Reebok Stadium as the Old Bolts Football
team contested the game and some Old Boys’ had accompanied
the Under 13 team to the ISFA cup final at Burton Albion. I had also
enjoyed the Friday evening Old Boys’ against the school water polo
game, so well attended by such a group of first rate athletes. Both in
school and beyond, sport at Bolton School thrives. It was therefore
a real privilege to start the Olympic Year with the Tillotson Lecture
taking the form of a panel discussion, with a panel made up of two
prospective Olympic athletes (one Old Boy Danny Sliwinski), Lord
Coe and Old Boy Sir Philip Craven, President of the International
Paralympic Association.
I attended the Saundersfoot camp this summer for a weekend and
saw how much staff and boys enjoyed the experience together. The
camp is in its 63rd year and at the recent Bristol dinner I was pleased
to meet an Old Boy who had attended that very first camp. The
leadership role of the senior boys, the enthusiasm of the young boys
and the commitment of the staff remains as it ever was. This summer
boys and staff went on an expedition to Indonesia called Operation
Wallacea, which included some scientific
research work as well as learning to live in a
different culture and with different standards
of comfort. Many boys developed their skills
in the use of a hammock.
Both sport, camps and journeys are examples
of the enduring purpose and ethos of the
school, although each have adapted to their
times. This sense of continuity and change is
captured in the book Bolton Boys in Focus,
recently produced for the school by Charles
Winder and David Shaw and launched at our September Old Boys’
Lunch. 200 copies have already sold and there are details of how to
obtain a copy in this magazine. It is an excellent pictorial record of the
time the school has spent on the Chorley New Road site.
The academic life of the school also thrives – as examples the History
Department magazine has won a national award, our Ogden Physics
teaching fellow has attracted national interest and the small but
steady and able stream of Modern Linguists head off to first rate
universities. This summer the Good Schools Guide named us the best
Boys Independent School for the Extended Project Qualification in
sixth form.
I do hope to see you at an event, either at one of the regional dinners
or here at school. Should you be at school for an event you will be
glad to hear that the catering department has recently been named
Independent School Caterer of the Year 2011, so you can be sure of
good food as well as fun and fellowship.
Philip Britton
3
THE MAIL BAG
A selection of feedback
received following the
Spring edition of The Bugle.
STAR LETTER
Dear Editor
- and that the weather
I hope you had a good Easter
as it was here.
in Bolton was as nice and sunny
rise. As a result of
Today I had a most pleasant surp
an Old Bolt called
reading my article in The Bugle,
e-mail and it
by
me
Nick Lefel got in touch with
less than 5 miles
n,
tow
t
nex
turns out he lives in our
from the village where I live.
many without meeting
After living for 37 years in Ger
re in the country, my
whe
any
g
livin
a single Old Bolt
who lives around the
first contact is with someone
corner. Quite amazing.
by six weeks at
We actually missed each other
he came to the School
School. I left in July 1970 and
r.
in September of that yea
ning to meet up in
Needless to say, we’re now plan
ion of a rather
reun
s’
the near future. An Old Boy
of a foreign field”
er
corn
far
e
special nature in “som
that is Schleswig-Holstein.
expected from
It’s the kind of feedback I never
t.
grea
it’s
and
le,
writing that artic
Best wishes,
Andrew Craston (1963-1970)
awarded a pair of
In each issue the Star Letter is
d in your feedback
sen
Old Boltonian cufflinks. Please
t or email with the
pos
by
ce
to the Development Offi
have a chance to win
subject head - MAILBAG - and
them yourself!
ly we cannot print
Want to read more? Unfortunate
the Old Boys’ and
to
on
Log
everything you send in.
site for more
web
ool
Sch
the
of
Old Girls’ section
letters and comments.
4
Dear Editor
In the recent Bugle my eye was attracted to the “for those
with long memories” feature, with an entry under 50 years
ago about the Archaeological Society’s visit to the Roman
frontier in Germany in 1961. I led this study tour, staying
at Jugendherbergen (Youth Hostels) from Koblenz to
Frankfurt, including Saalburg reconstructed Roman fort in
the Taunus mountains, mentioned in the excerpt.
This was somewhat a pioneering venture, as it was a
trip by a society drawn from pupils in both Divisions:
(quite unusual at a time when there was only limited
collaboration between the two schools on the
Foundation), and as a member of the Boys’ Division staff
I had to reassure Miss Higginson that her young ladies
would be suitably chaperoned during the journey!
After leaving Bolton School I spent the next 25 years
teaching Roman Archaeology to adult students in
Manchester University, with several re-visits to the
Saalburg fort!
Colin L M Harding (Ex-staff 1957-64)
The missing boy in the Wigan House Gymnastics photograph that was
published in the last issue was a hot topic at the following Old Boys’ lunch.
It was decided that he was a chap called Davenport but we received two
notes shortly afterwards from other Old Boys who beg to differ!
The Editor,
The Editor
I recently received a copy of The Bugle in its new form.
It is much easier to read and the photos are a big
improvement.
The unknown gymnast in the photograph in the last
issue of The Bugle is of A (Sandy) Hamilton – also seen
here at the right end of the back row in this photograph.
However what caught my attention was the photo of
Wigan House Gymnastics taken in 1947. I was the unnamed youngest member of that team and became
captain of the team in 1950. P. T. Crowley (1943-50).
Roy E Needham, Form VA2 1947
My family moved to Australia in 1950. I now live near
Warwick, SE Queensland, where contrary to popular
belief it does get cold. Frosts in winter are common
but the days are usually pleasant at 15-24C.
I also noted that H. McGlashan (1942-56) organised a
“reunion dinner” in Perth, Western Australia. If anyone
on the East coast is interested in getting together I
would be happy to try and organise a reunion and can
be contacted by email at palcrowley@yahoo.com.au or
by phone on 07 4661 9992.
Regards
Peter Crowley (1943-1950)
Back Row - L To R: Rigby, Robertson, Hampson, Jewell,
Bristow, Hamilton. Third Row - L to R: Jackson D, Hartley,
Chadwick, Pearson, Smethurst, Hunt. Second Row – L to
R: McGibbon, Holt, Robinson, Doldon, Ashworth, Forsyth,
Halliwell. Front Row - L to R: Needham, Windsor, Jackson
M, Pover, Pearson, Stone, Grime. Form Master: G W Blair.
To the Editor
Although I am not an Old Boy, my Father was. He died in 1994. However I thought you
might be interested in the enclosed photograph, which was taken on the occasion of
my Father, George N Booth, competing in the high jump in 1924 at the School’s Sports
Day. His jump was a record height of 5’ 3 1/2‘’ using the “scissors” method – only way
then, the Western Roll and Fosbury Flop were not invented! – and I believe that this
record held for many years.
Father was a member of the “Booth Steelworks” family and was a director for 30
odd years. During the war, he was an ARP warden and became involved after the
war in Bolton’s Civil Defence before it was disbanded. He was Chairman of the Bolton
Conservatives in the 50s and 60s and Captain at Bolton Golf Club in 1956. He was
also a car enthusiast, firstly with Rileys – I still own the pre-war Riley he bought in 1946
– and later he loved Jaguars.
When he retired, he and my mother went to live in Malta and eventually returned to
England in 1992 to live near us in Rivington.
Yours sincerely, Tim Booth
5
SCHOOL NEWS
ORGAN REFURBISHMENT
The school organ was installed in
the Great Hall at the opening, in
1929 and has been refurbished fully
just once since, in 1970. Those who
were on the science and maths side
will deduce that 2011 should see
another refurbishment due.
The organ is used regularly and
twice a week it plays before and
after assembly, as well as being
used for a number of lessons in
the week. It is important that this
piece of our culture continues to
thrive and I know a great number of
Old Boys have started their organ
playing career on the instrument in
the Great Hall.
The refurbishment will cost
£30,000. We hope there are some
grants available and some can be
afforded from the routine capital
expenditure of the school. However
we will also need to raise funds
for the refurbishment. If anyone
is interested in that project, or in
giving a donation for this specific
aim, do please contact Stuart Chell
in the development office and he
will discuss things with you. The
music department at school will
also engage in some fundraising
activity and we hope, after a short
but effective burst of gathering the
necessary finances to complete this
work in the summer of 2012.
Old Boy Simon Marsden (1974-1981)
came to visit the School in May for his
year group reunion. During the day
he was delighted to be able to play
the school organ in The Great Hall
once again!
He reflected, ‘When I played this fine
instrument again, the first time in over
30 years, I realised that it too had
grown old. Some (but by no means
all) of those wrong notes weren’t
down to me! Still magnificent but no
longer in its prime, at least we can
rebuild it. When the work is done it
will be better than ever - no amount of
‘work’ can restore me to how I was in
1981 - probably just as well!’
Mark Williams (1989-96) Director of Music & Fellow at Jesus College Cambridge, shares
his fond memories of the School organ: ‘Perhaps it isn’t every boy that walks into the
Great Hall for the first time and is immediately drawn towards the large pipe organ, but
that was my experience at the age of 10, as I arrived for the music scholarship auditions.
To a little boy, the thought of filling that hall with sound was incredibly exciting. I couldn’t
have imagined that just over a decade later, I would find myself filling St Paul’s Cathedral
with the sound of its mighty organ and that I would devote my career to organ and choral
music. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity afforded to me by the provision of
a fine pipe organ in Bolton School, the daily discipline of playing for assemblies and the
excellent teaching I received as an organ pupil of Michael Pain. When I think of Bolton
School I am sure I am not the only Old Boltonian to picture the Great Hall in my mind’s
eye. The focus of that magnificent room is the pipe organ, and I am delighted that the
School is restoring the instrument to make it fit for many more years of service.’
6
Newsletter Spring 2011
MARCUS TILLOTSON
LECTURE 2011
Old Boy Sir Philip Craven (1961-1969), President of the International
Paralympic Committee and Member of the International Olympic
Committee, returned to School to deliver the annual Tillotson Lecture
and he brought his close friend Lord Coe with him. Both were keen to
spread the message about the once in a lifetime opportunity that the
Games represent for the UK and convinced a large North West audience
that the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games will bring a much needed
lift to the whole country. They also reflected on their own childhoods
and emphasised how school sport is critically important in producing
future athletes.
Prior to going on stage, Sir Philip said, “It’s brilliant to be back at my old
school, where I developed in so many ways as a young man. I am dead
excited about spreading the good news message that the Olympic and
Paralympic Games will bring. The whole country is going to get a lift and
we are no longer talking years but days away.”
“Beyond 2012: the Olympic
Legacy in the North West”
This year a special platform was built at
right angles to the main stage and no
one in the large audience was too far
from the discussion panel. A screen on
the main stage showing images of the
panel members as they spoke made
matters even more immediate for the
audience. Sir Philip Craven spoke first,
expressing disappointment that he had
missed yet another chance to be on the
Great Hall stage but his disappointment
made no difference to his address,
which was humorous, informative and
engaging. He spoke of his own progress
as a paralympic athlete and of the
development of his enjoyment of sport
at school. His dedication, will to succeed
and resourcefulness were apparent
and created a mood encouraging to
anyone with any kind of aspiration in the
audience. Lord Coe, Chairman of LOCOG,
spoke of his own formation as an athlete
and seemed astonishingly cool in the
face of enormous current responsibilities
as London prepares for 2012. Laying
particular emphasis on the sequence of
two competitions, the Olympics and the
Paralympics, he showed how the two are
close to becoming one and how carefully
dovetailed the twin arrangements are.
An important aim is the inclusion of large
numbers of young people, not only as
participants but in support roles and as
spectators. The games will leave their
legacy throughout the country.
“It’s brilliant to be back at my old school, where I
developed in so many ways as a young man. I am dead
excited about spreading the good news message that
the Olympic and Paralympic Games will bring.”
The panel, which included another
Old Boy, youth gold medallist and
European junior breaststroke champion,
Daniel Sliwinski (2001-2008), and
European shot-putter, Sophie Hancock,
then answered questions from the
audience. These ranged widely through
performance and organisational
issues and were fully dealt with. The
presentation of a ‘Get Set’ award for the
School’s involvement in the London 2012
Education Programme followed. It was
an impressive, colourful, joyous evening,
in which School, Association and the
Bolton Community were enthusiastically
represented. The Bolton Director of
Development and Regeneration, Keith
Davies, drew attention to Bolton’s role
in preparation for the Games and the
School Captain, Nicholas Fairclough, paid
humorous tribute to the speakers and
their theme. The Headmaster brought the
formal part of the evening to a close and
discussion continued with refreshments in
the dining hall.
Sir Philip Craven
Charles Winder
7
THE IRON M
Since it began in 1978, as a challenge between a group of Navy Seals, the Ironman
has grown into one of the most recognised endurance events in the world.
Thirty years later in our beautiful North West
countryside, the Ironman UK event took place in Bolton
for the 3rd consecutive year. The race is one of the
28 events throughout the world that qualify athletes
for the Ford Ironman World Championship held every
October in Kona, Hawaii.
I was very nervous as we got into Pennington Flash and
the washing machine effect of 1,200 swimmers was
incredible. I came out in 1 hr 7 min, three minutes ahead
of schedule. The bike went well too finishing in 6 hr 57
min, nearly 45 minutes faster than predicted.
Congratulations go to our own Old Boy, Ian Hamer
(1972-1979), who competed amongst the professional
and local athletes and crossed the line in just under 12
gruelling hours. Here he recalls his training and race day
experience.
Three years ago I decided to have a go at running the
London Marathon after a 19 year gap; it was going to
be two days after my 50th birthday. Three years to get
from plodding back to a decent level of fitness. Then in
January of this year it looked like the Ironman event was
going to be held in Bolton at the end of July for the last
time. Without a holiday planned, I had no excuses this
year and after all I was regaining my fitness. I entered.
At that time I had only ever cycled 25 miles in one go.
Easter Monday the realisation of the task came home as
I decided to cycle home from holiday near Penrith, 99
back-breaking miles. The ironman is 112 miles preceded
by a 2 and a quarter mile swim (which I knew I could
do) and followed by a marathon. The next 16 weeks
nearly resulted in the end of my 26 year marriage as
my wife and kids were deserted at weekends to achieve
the level of fitness needed to finish. I am so grateful to
them for putting up with that.
On the day itself I knew I could do the swim and bike, I
didn’t know if I would finish the run. My target time was
13 hours, my strategy was to stay comfortable in the
swim and bike keeping my heart rate at about 70% of
maximum, the run I would go with how I felt. To keep
my energy levels up and stay hydrated I fuelled the race
by eating five torq bars (which look like a squashed
malt loaf and each has the same calories as the fullsized version), a couple of bananas, rehydration powder
(containing potassium and magnesium) and, on top of
that, drank lots of water and Gatorade supplied at drink
stations.
8
I donned my Horwich vest for the 26 mile run. The
support was incredible. Even though from 10 to 18 miles
I felt sick and my legs refused to obey my brain I could
hear people I knew calling my name and others simply
recognising the vest as local. Then the last six miles
flew. I got a second wind and knew I was going to do it
and I was going to break 12 hours. It was so emotional
coming into town for the last time I didn’t know if I was
going to shout with delight or cry, in the end I clapped
the crowd to thank them for helping me and everyone
there and punched the air as I crossed the line.
My marathon time was 3 hr 46 min and the total time
11 hr 54 min 44 sec including transitions. My position
was 374th and I was 21st in my age group. Would I do it
again? Immediately after I said no - the demons inside
think otherwise!
Next year’s event takes place once again in Bolton on
Sunday, July 22, 2012 - are any of you brave enough
to take Ian’s lead and compete next year?
MAN
Jim Dawson
Ian tells us that when he was a
young boy at school, teacher
Jim Dawson was his inspiration.
Jim was a much respected
Maths Teacher, a very strong
disciplinarian who got excellent
results and outside of the
classroom he was a cyclist, runner
and fell walker with prodigious
stamina. Ian told us, “From day
one at school he encouraged
my running and this support
continued even after I left, as
we often met at Horwich Baths
where we both trained”.
Boys Rock Iron Man
Bolton School student rock band “Why Not?” helped to
provide entertainment and motivation for the participants
and spectators, as the race passed by the School. Year
10 pupils Sam Critchlow - lead guitar, Joe Keegan - lead
singer, Giorgio Arnetoli - bass, Oliver Hill - drums and Shyam
Dhokia - keyboards, played four 40 minute sets of classic
rock tracks including You Really Got Me by The Kinks, Sweet
Home Alabama by Lynyrd Skynyrd and Mustang Sally by
The Commitments, along with some of their own songs.
The day was a great experience for the boys, who got an
excellent reception from the crowds and we are sure their
music drove the competitors on!
9
INDIAN JAZZ
Old Boy Arun Ghosh
(Class of 1995)
is a British-Asian
clarinettist, composer
and music educator.
He released his debut
album Northern Namaste
on Camoci Records in
2008 to critical acclaim.
Photo by William Ellis.
He is now an Associate Artist at The Albany Theatre, London and also an
Artist-in-Residence for the Southbank’s Alchemy Festival.
As the countdown to the Olympic Games begin, Arun has been selected
as one of the BT Celebrity Storytellers for London 2012 Olympics and
Paralympics alongside fellow musicians Arthur Jeffes, Simon Le Bon, Nick
Rhodes and Andy Sheppard. The role involves documenting the story
of the London Games using a variety of media such as blogging, social
networking, and through visual and performance arts. He is also leading
Global Sounds, a series of workshops with
young instrumentalists in London, which will
ultimately result in a performance on the Asia
stage at the opening ceremony.
Arun’s highly anticipated second album, Primal
Odyssey, was released on 24th October 2011.
Inspirations and influences for the album range
from Greek mythology, Bengali baul music, Don
Cherry, Charles Mingus, Ornette Coleman, the
late Pete Postlewaite and The Bible.
Primal Odyssey
The interview (opposite) reveals Arun’s Bolton School memories and
his passion for music. For up-to-date information about his activities,
please visit his website http://www.arunghosh.co.uk.
Constantly experimenting with live formats and
arrangements has been key to Arun Ghosh’s
growing reputation for creating music that is
“...at once no-nonsense, thrilling and beautiful...
uproarious and irresistible”.
The Telegraph
10
“Conceived in Calcutta, bred in Bolton, matured in Manchester,
Arun Ghosh has taken the clarinet into brand new territory.”
Jazzwise Magazine
10 minutes with
…Arun Ghosh
Did you enjoy your time at School?
I enjoyed my time at school especially
music and languages, and I remember
teachers, friends and the overall
atmosphere with fondness. I really
loved performing at concerts, solo
and with the choir and orchestra.
I also worked on School theatre
productions. I composed and arranged
the music for Romeo and Juliet, A
Christmas Carol and The Snow Queen.
A major side to my work is as a
theatre composer, so those were very
significant and formative times for me.
Did you have a favourite teacher or
subject? I really liked English Literature
and German, but my favourite subject,
unsurprisingly, was music. My favourite
teacher was Miss Garner (later Mrs
Butchart) who was my music teacher
for a few years. She was always
supportive and encouraging of me,
my playing and my composition, and
she also gave me good advice about
music and life in general.
Which instruments do you play? I
started playing the recorder when I
was about 7, and really loved it. I later
started playing the piano and violin
but, once I started playing the clarinet
when I was 12, I knew that that was the
instrument for me. I also play a bit of
guitar and a bit of bass.
How much did/do you practise? It
has gone in phases through my life.
There have been times when I have
practised routinely and religiously
for hours each day. At other times,
simply listening and being have felt
like the right approach to developing.
I practised a lot from 14-18, and also in
my early 20s. Nowadays, I don’t get to
practise as much, or as often as I’d like.
Sonny Rollins once said, “I practice all
the time, to be there when the spirit
comes”. Easier said than done!
What genre of music does your music
fall into? My main style as a performer
could be described as Indian-Jazz. But
when I am composing (for theatre or
dance, for example), I use whatever
sound or style is right for what I am
trying to express, from a minimal piano
work to full-on electronic dubstep
madness!
How has your musical style evolved?
It has grown with me, and has been
shaped by new people around me,
the different paths I’ve taken and the
different styles of music that have
come into my life. So along the way,
classical, jazz, indie, grunge, hiphop, jungle, Indian folk, minimalism,
afrobeat, dubstep have all shaped my
sound, my performance, and the way I
perceive music.
What has been your most memorable
performance to date? When I played
at the Royal Festival Hall at the London
Jazz Festival 2007, it was the start of
something special. It had taken a long
time to get there but a lot of things
started to happen for me and my
music after that.
What type of music do you enjoy
listening to the most? It depends,
because I love a huge variety of music.
At the moment I’m listening to a lot of
punk!
Have you got any advice for aspiring
young musicians? When asked that
question at a music careers seminar,
my clarinet teacher said “Don’t do
it”!!! I suppose he meant that unless
there is nothing else you want to do
in life than be a musician, then do
something else! Being a musician is a
vocation, and takes over your whole
life. If that is what you want, then
pursue it.
Is it difficult to earn a living in the
music industry? Some find it easier
than others.
How do you ensure that you have
constant work? Doing, and being able
to do a range of work helps. I perform
with my own and others’ bands,
compose for theatre and dance, play
at functions, write film scores and run
workshops for young people.
Who or what inspires your music?
Any music with soul, passion and
intensity can inspire me. For me, this
can be early blues, reggae, Debussy,
Nirvana, Bismillah Khan, Miles Davis,
the Beatles, Toumani Diabate, Nas,
Burial and so on.
Have you met any of your idols?
I recently met Ravi Shankar, the
Godfather of Indian music. He had
listened to my album, really liked it and
asked to meet me. We had lunch and
chatted about music, the Beatles, John
Coltrane and mangoes! He’s 90 now,
and great company.
Do you work abroad?
Travelling is one of the best things
about being a musician. In the last
year, I have performed in India, France,
Kuwait, Dubai, Germany, Austria and
Morocco.
What have you been doing today?
At the moment, I’m mixing my second
album, “Primal Odyssey”. We’d better
get a move on, as we’re releasing and
touring it at the end of October!
Everybody thinks it is a glamorous
job - is it? Yes, it is extremely
glamorous!!
What are the best and worst parts of
the job? I like it all, the long hours, the
travelling, the lack of routine, the job
insecurity...because I love to perform
and compose so much. I do not see
my family enough, unfortunately; my
band members have become my close
friends, though.
What is happening next for you?
I’m releasing ‘Primal Odyssey’, my
second album (my first was ‘Northern
Namaste’ in 2008). I’ll be touring
nationally in October and November,
and then I’m composing a score for
the Unicorn Theatre’s Christmas show,
‘The Snow Queen’.
Arun is performing at Rich Mix,
London on Wednesday 30 November
at 6pm. Admission is free.
11
BOLTON BOYS
IN FOCUS 1875A Pictorial History of Bolton School Boys’ Division is launched
Former staff members, David Shaw and Charles
Winder, officially launched their new photographic
book at an Old Boys’ lunch held in School. The book,
Bolton Boys in Focus, is a collection of photos from
1875-2010 and shows the startling range of activities
and events that the boys have been involved in over
the years.
The two authors both started teaching on the same day at
Bolton School in September 1964 and both of them remained
at the School until retirement, Charles in 1999 and David in
2002. After retirement each of them undertook a spell as
Old Boltonians’ Liaison Officer and it was during this period
that they became particularly aware of the wealth of archive
photographic material in the School.
Charles said of the book: “We hope the book will bring a great
deal of enjoyment to people and will provide an extension
of their knowledge of the School and its history. This is a
very special school with a quite unique history; the book will
provide Old Boys with strong recollections of the time when
they were here.”
Headmaster Mr Philip Britton said: “Looking at this book it is
obvious that there has always been a clear sense of purpose
about the School, whatever the era, and boys have always
been stretched by the range of challenging activities that is
put in front of them.”
12
Strangers at Vivians by Patricia K Caldwell
Bolton School Boys’ Division is being shut down and its buildings
converted into the residential section of a girls’ boarding school.
When journalist Peter Turner (1946-51) was asked if this shocking
story was true, he answered decisively, “Well, sort of…..”
-2010
David Shaw was a Physics teacher
who was successively Housemaster of
Harwood House, Third Year Block Master,
Staff Administrator and, for his last 17
years, Deputy Headmaster. Charles
Winder was an English teacher, Head of
English and finally Director of Studies for
the Arts. The two of them played for many
years in the same staff cricket team and
occasionally shared fell walking trips. In
retirement they remain good friends.
The point is that Peter’s teacher wife Pat (1944-49), the sister of
Bryan Caldwell (1942-47), who is now retired and living in Cape
Town, has produced half a dozen girls’ school stories which are
currently being published by Girls Gone By of Bath. Her fictitious
school, St. Vivians, is located on the coast of Cumbria but she uses
the whole of Bolton School as its backdrop. The introductions to
her first two books, Prefects at Vivians and Head Girl at Vivians, contain stacks of personal
information and Bolton School history.
But are men interested? Yes, this type of fiction, which major publishers thought they had
killed off in the 1950s, is still a scholarly subject with male enthusiasts, including those in
Britain and America. One leading expert is Jim Mackenzie, whose encyclopaedic book,
Another Country, identifies 155 children’s titles, including school stories, which have settings in
the Lake District and Cumbria. Jim has promised to add an introductory article to Pat’s third
volume, Strangers at Vivians.
Husband Peter, after time at the Bolton Evening News, ran the Press relations for the city of
Manchester for 20 years, which encompassed the Olympic and Commonwealth Games bids.
Now he is demoted to acting as sub-editor to his wife’s literary output.
End of story. Unless, of course, the Girls’ Division decides that it fancies territorial expansion…..
Peter Turner
The Wall of the Trolls byTony Howard
“The untold story of the British first ascent of Europe’s tallest rock
face is not just a great piece of mountaineering literature; it’s a
great and important piece of British history that we can all be
proud of” Vertebrate Publishing January 2011
In January this year a new book was published to great acclaim
in the UK, telling the 45-year-old story of the first ever climb
of Norway’s 5,000 foot high “Troll Wall” - the highest vertical
precipice in Europe. The book reveals the boldness and drive of
three young climbers as they bravely and successfully tackled the
‘Vertical Mile’.
Old Boy John Amatt (1956 – 1964) was one of the climbers. Throughout his school career
he was a member of the 19th Bolton Scout Troop and ended up as Troop Leader during his
final years. His passion was the outdoors, particularly mountaineering and he rose to fame
immediately on leaving school when, with three school colleagues (two of whom were also
school scouts), a mountaineering trip to Norway was arranged (with the financial help of the
Scott Trust). Here, they climbed six previously unclimbed peaks in the Storsteinsfjell Massif
north of Narvik, quite an achievement for people so young.
Just a year later in 1965 he was one of the three-man climbing team that ascended the
Trolltind Wall also in Norway. The achievement was later described by the iconic Joe Brown
as “... one of the greatest ever achievements by British rock climbers.”
Anyone interested in
purchasing a copy should
refer to the merchandise
form in the yellow
middle section or call the
Development Office on
01204 434718.
His companion on the climb, Tony Howard, wrote the 50,000 word manuscript immediately
after the climb, but it was only recently dusted off and published by Vertebrate Publishing of
Sheffield.
John later emigrated from England to Canada and was a climber, organiser and business
manager of the successful Canadian ascent of Everest in the early 1980’s. After a period
of teaching, John embarked on (and still continues) a career of lecturing, becoming world
famous and has been in great demand, internationally. He has returned to England to give
TWO outstanding Tillotson Lectures, the only person so to do.
The book, The Troll Wall is a compelling and compulsive read and I can thoroughly
recommend it. I understand there is a copy in the School Library.
Roger Kirk
More details can be found on their blog at
www.v-publishing.co.uk/blog/2011-01-26---the-wall-of-the-trolls.html
13
UPCOMING EVENTS
REUNION NOTICES
WINTER
Did you leave School
10, 20, 30, 40 or
50 years ago?
The upcoming
reunions are:
CLASS OF 1962, 1972
and 1982
Saturday 19 May 2012
CLASS OF 1992
and 2002
(Arrangements to be confirmed)
Call round your friends and
spread the word to both boys
and girls in your year group.
Invites will be posted out
approximately 6 weeks before
each event but please keep the
date free in advance.
Please send in any anecdotes,
photographs and stories from
your time at School and they
will added to the displays on the
day. If you would like a particular
teacher to be present, let the
Development Office know to
ensure they are invited along.
WARMER
THE
IONIANS
DANCE
BAND
The Ionians Dance Band have recently regrouped, nearly 60 years after leaving
School, and are poised to make another
appearance in a supper dance at The
Arts Centre on April 20th next year.
A 12-piece big band, comprising all but three of the original players is scheduled
to play for dancing from 8pm till late. In addition a jazz quartet offshoot of the band will also feature along with other
old boy musicians and vocalists.
The Ionians’ first public appearance was
as a quartet in the early 1950s. The
originals were Mike Hill (violin), John
Worthington (trumpet), Derek Smith (drums) and Ken Mather (piano). The
venue was the Christ Church, Heaton, parish hall at a welcoming dance for the
new vicar, the Rev. Jim Beasley. By a coincidence his son-in-law, Peter Syddall, is
president-elect for the coming year, and the band members are looking forward
to contributing to his social activities just as they did for the late Canon Beasley all
those years ago.
As we go to press the line-up is expected to feature Saxophones: Mike Hill, Ken
Brooks, Peter Smith, Keith Wall. Trumpets: Michael Cannon, John Worthington,
Peter Gilbert, Peter Harrison. Trombone: Keith Barnes. Rhythm: Derek Smith –
Drums, Ken Mather – Piano. They have over the past four years met for practice of
a reconstituted library of arrangements that used to get the feet tapping all those
years ago, among them favourites by Glen Miller, Duke Ellington, Ted Heath and
other great bands of the era.
Please contact the Development Office to book tickets. It is hoped also to
organise a tombola stall at the event for the Bursary Fund and offers of prizes
will be welcomed.
SAVE THE DATE
Cambridge, London and the Midlands
The next regional dinners taking place are Cambridge (Saturday
26th November, Clare College) London (Friday 2nd March, East
India Club) and Leicester (Friday 30th March, The National Space
Centre) - come along, hear the Heads speak and enjoy a tasty
meal alongside fellow Old Boys and Old Girls.
14
The Old Boltonian Annual Dinner
is on Friday 9 December – come
and enjoy the traditional festive
winter menu in the Arts Centre.
Ken Mather
The next Old
Boy School
Lunch is on
Monday 6th
February
FREEMASONS, interested? Why not
come and meet some members informally to hear about
Freemasonary. Old Boys’ are eligible to join the worldwide
club, enjoy the fellowship and extend friendships.
The Old Boltonians’ Masonic Lodge meets in School on
Friday evenings, once each month in September, October,
November, February and March. We also hold a ‘Banquet’
Meeting on a Saturday afternoon and an external evening
meeting in January.
ROGER KIRK’S
80th BIRTHDAY PARTY
The School Scout Group is hosting a lunch at Brookside
Scout HQ on 29th January 2012 to celebrate Roger
Kirk’s 80th Birthday. Further details are available from
John Greenhalgh at Bolton School.
Email: jgreenhalgh@boltonschool.org.uk Tel: 01204 840201
OLD BOYS DOWN UNDER
For further details contact:
Raymond Duckworth - 01204 841 949
142 Church Road, Bolton BL1 6HJ
David Poppit - The Lodge Secretary
07785 728 700 Email: DPoppit@aol.com
ARCHIVE
Several Old Boys are interested in organising a get
together in Australia. Any Old Boys in Australia can
contact the Development Office for more information.
Also, if you know of an Old Boy that has relocated to
Australia, please let us know.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN… Bolton Grammar School Old Boys Association 1895
This photograph was taken in the first few
months of the existence of the Association
and the original may be found in the front
of the signing-in book for the Annual Dinner
which has been in use since that year.
The gathering was at the grand house of
T Wilkinson JP and gives a glimpse of the
great and good of Bolton in late Victorian
times. What makes the photograph even
more interesting is that all the men on it are
named. Those who know Bolton well should
recognise, amongst the names, those from
some of the town’s well-known businesses.
Others may well identify ancestors. The
oldest man on the picture is William Bewick
who was born in 1815 and entered Bolton
Grammar School in 1823.
The names are as follows, reading from left to right:
Front row: J Bradbury, G Crowther, W Watkins, J Winstanley, WJ Redford, S Mather,
T Morris, W Bewick, T Wilkinson, J Pollitt, TW Redford, W Rideout.
Second Row: J Kirkham, T Parkinson (a master at the school from 1862-1883),
AC Bruce (Master), A Pilling, S Ryder, JR Crompton, T Cooper, RH Burton, G Gorton,
G Proudlove, E Roberts, DF Green, F Blackburn, JW Horrocks, F Wild, MJ Lomax,
F Walmsley, AW Roscoe, FW Horrocks, T Waites, J Heaton, JF Swindlehurst,
HJ Whittaker, FH Matthews (Headmaster).
Third Row: JE Mangnall, GA Wood, RP Arden, S Birtwistle.
Fourth Row: T Wingfield, G Unsworth, C Crowther, A Ryder, JW Miller, E Grant,
J Scowcroft, F Holt, A Wild, JT Lyne, SH Horrocks, C Crane, CH Hopwood, WB Morris,
W Marsden.
Present at the first Old Boys’ Dinner but not on this photograph were: P Kevan,
EM Garstang, R Orrell, Rev. DS Hodgson (former Headmaster), Canon Barclay,
Alderman Nicholson, Dr GA Patrick and Dr JH Wright.
David Shaw
15
FAR EASDALE CAMP
Chris Jones (1954-62)
FAR EASDALE CAMP, JUNE 22 1955
BOLTON EVENING NEWS PHOTO
Left: Bernard Harrison, Head of Park
Road School
Back Row: (standing) Horrocks,
unknown, unknown, Alan Leaver,
Mike Parry, Roger Bashforth? Steve
Cheetham, unknown.
Middle Row: (kneeling) Hidden, Tuer?
Smythe?, King? Tweedy, Hayes, Chris
Jones (me), unknown, unknown,
Callendar? unknown, Guy Marsh,
Hargreaves, David Harrison, unknown,
unknown, hidden, Walsh, Bithell.
Front Row: (sitting) Unknown,
unknown, Fletcher, Falconer, unknown,
unknown, unknown, Hall, George
Ward, Chris Molyneux.
The photo above was taken on my first of many school
camps and treks - I was in Lower ll. Bernard Harrison
led the charge on this one - his son David is in the
photo. Alan Mitchell was there, but I can’t remember
who else was on the “management” side.
and several weekends youth hostelling in the Lakes
with George Sawtell. One from Ambleside to
Patterdale and back over Helvellyn and another to the
Coniston/Esthwaite/Tarn Hows/Hawkshead area. I still
feel as though I know the Lakes quite well!
The weather was dreadful and we were flooded out.
So we moved into Grasmere village hall the second
week, when of course it cleared up. Hikes included
one over the top from Langdale, via Sergeant Mann,
and back to the camp via Easedale Tarn, one to
Saddleback, as it was called then - Blencathra now
- another over Silver Howe to Rydalwater and one
over Cat Bells to Derwentwater. Somewhere in my
basement I would have some more photos of this and
other camps, but I don’t know where to put my hands
on them. I got my first Brownie 127 just before the
camp and have never thrown out a photo since!
In 1988, when my kids were teenagers, we walked up
Easedale from Grasmere and located the campsite.
We also visited the Howick/Lindisfarne area (still one
of my favourite places in England) and Saundersfoot/
Tenby (ditto, but Wales) on the same trip. I was
disappointed to find that the wreck which used to be
on the beach beneath Dunstanborough Castle near
Craster (which we were told in 1957 was a German
submarine - very exciting for small boys!) had finally
disappeared!
The following years’ camps included Grasmere again
in 1956 (but we started in the village hall this time!),
Howick (57), Saundersfoot (58), Brussels (for Expo
’58) and Waterloo - where I found to my amazement
that my French actually “worked” - Austria and
Czechoslovakia with Clifford “Butch” Ingham (1960)
16
As for me, we have lived in Victoria BC on Vancouver
Island for some 25 years, after 20 years in Vancouver.
I have pretty well retired from my management
consulting business, but teach business courses
to MBAs and MAs at Royal Roads University and
write regularly for two Canadian specialty business
magazines. I also do the Telegraph crossword every
day - it is published in our National Post.
GLEE CLUB
Photographs supplied by Cyril Manley
This superb photo was provided by David Allen
(ex-staff 1957-93) and is circa 1958. Can anyone
identify the person second to the left?
Old Boltonians Association Dance 1953
Left to right: Cyril Manley, Reginald Schofield, Tony Wood
From Left to right – Liddle (physics) ??? David Allen, Colin
Harding, Trevor Lane
ADDENDUM
On page 11 in the Spring Issue 2011 the wrong
photograph of panelling at Smithills Hall was
printed alongside Malcolm Howe’s article. The
correct photograph is shown here and we
apologise to Malcolm Howe for this error.
Clifford “Butch” Ingham
OBAFC at Turton Grounds c.1953
Cecily Radcliffe and her husband John Barton are
commemorated in the carved panel at their home,
Smithills Hall.
Back: AJ Bewick, (?), Joe Cotton, Cyril Manley,
Jerry Chambers, Jo Ridyard, (?) Bill Llewellein
Front: (?), Smith, Jack Hampson, Alan Mitchell,
Jack Thomasson, John Kohorn
17
PHOTO WALL
Since the Spring Newsletter we have welcomed many of you back to School or enjoyed your company further
afield at one of our regional dinners. We’ve hosted four regional dinners (including the first ever Joint Bolton
Dinner), two reunions at School for those that left 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 years ago, the Bursary Golf Day and
two Old Boy School Lunches. See if you can spot yourself or any contemporaries in the photo wall!
Can’t see yourself? Log on to: www.boltonschool.org/about-us/old-girls-and-old-boys/events/reunion-photos/
to see all the event photos.
Reunion Class of 1991 and 2001 - September
18
The School Magazine
THE BolTonian 2011
THE BOLTONIAN
Boltonian
2011
THE
The Boltonian remains our premier magazine for the Boys’ Division.
As an Old Boy it is possible to become a subscriber to The Boltonian
and have a copy mailed directly to you each year.
The magazine costs £10 per annum for UK subscribers and £12.50 per annum
for non-UK subscribers. All prices include postage and packaging. Single
editions (including some earlier editions – subject to availability) are available
by sending a cheque for the relevant amount to the Development Office,
Bolton School, Chorley New Road, Bolton BL1 4PA.
Bolton School
Chorley New Road Bolton BL1 4PA
t: 01204 840201 f: 01204 495498
www.boltonschool.org
Any profits made from the sale of the magazine will go towards the running of
the Old Boltonians’ Association.
Designed and printed by Haslam Printers Ltd. www.haslamprinters.co.uk
Cover artwork by Farhan Chhabu 8b
To subscribe to The Boltonian and receive a copy each year, please complete the below form and return it
to the Development Office.
Name: .......................................................................................................................................... Years at School: ...........................................
Address: .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................... Postcode: .........................................................
Telephone No: ........................................................................................ Email: ..................................................................................................
I would like to pay by standing order the sum of: £10 per annum
£12.50 per annum
Immediately and then annually on April 1st, the same amount until further notice until I instruct my
bank otherwise.
To: (Name and Address of bank) ..................................................................................................................................................................
.......................................................................................................................................................... Postcode: .........................................................
Sort code: .................... /.................... /....................
Account No: ........................................................................................
For the account of the Old Boltonians’ Association
Please pay: Sort code: 16-00-06
Account No: 15857467
Royal Bank of Scotland plc. 46/48 Deansgate, Bolton
Signature: .................................................................................................................................... Date: ...................................................................
i
DVD
ORDER
FORM
A number of excellent DVDs are available of old school camps, trek camps,
and George Higginson’s history of the School.
These can be ordered by completing the attached form and returning it along with a cheque made payable
to Bolton School to: Development Office, Bolton School, Chorley New Road, BOLTON BL1 4PA.
Or by calling: (01204) 434 718. Each DVD costs £5.00 and please add £1.50 (or £2.50 if overseas) for
postage and packaging to the total cost of your order.
Third and Fourth Form Camps (1963 to 1968)
1. 1963 – Heswall (by Dr. F. Jones) and Howick
2. 1964 – Heswall, Saundersfoot and Howick (1963)
3. 1965 – Heswall, Howick, and Saundersfoot (1964)
4. 1966 – Heswall and Instow
Alan Prince’s films of Trek Camps (1977 to 1991)
1. Disc 1 – 1977-79
4. Disc 4 – 1987-89
5. Disc 5 – 1990-91
2. Disc 2 – 1980-83
3. Disc 3 – 1984-86
Roger Kirk’s Scout Camps
1. 1963 Monzie, 1964 Dolgellau
2. 1967 Monzie, 1968 Killarney
3. 1969 Dolgellau, 1970 Duns
4. 1972 Aberffrwd, 1973 Eyemouth
5. 1974 Ardchattan, 1975 Llanwrtyd
6. 1975 Llanwrtyd, 1976 Aberffrwd
7. 1977 Eyemouth, 1978 Ardchattan
8. 1980 Aberffrwd, 1981 Eyemouth
9. 1982 Ardchattan, 1983 Dolgellau
10. 1987 Dolgellau
Mr George Higginson’s History of Bolton School
1. History of Bolton School 1945-6
2. History of Bolton School 1951
**There is a list of boys featured on each DVD; please contact the Development Office if you are unsure which
DVD is most appropriate**
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ORDER FORM
Name ........................................................................................................................ Tel. No. ......................................................................................
Address .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................
..................................................................................................................................................................... Postcode ...................................................
DVDs Required .............................................................................................................................................................................................................
ii
OLD BOYS’ MERCHANDISE
ORDER FORM
Old Boltonians’
Association
Polyester Silk
Bow Ties
Only £10.00
Old Boy Ties
Old Boltonians’
Association
Polyester Silk Ties
Only £12.50
Bolton School Pens
Two Senator pens – one ballpoint and
one rollerball – in presentation box
Old Boy
Pin Badges
Old Boltonians’
Association
enamelled
pin badge
Only £2.00
Only £17.00
bolton boys in focus
1875 - 2010
A pictorial history of Bolton School Boys’
Division
David Shaw and Charles Winder
casionally
Bolton School
Navy Blue
Frosted Glass Mug
Only £4.00
Gold plated cufflinks
with Boys’ Division
shield in enamel
Only £12.00
activities of the
, drama, sports
ies, particularly
ve shared. The
tonians, published
e in a school can
he enthusiastic
joined the staff
on the same day in
em remained at the
n 1999 and David
them did a spell
r and it was during
cularly aware of
at when both
fruition.
Old Boy Bow Ties
Old Boy Cufflinks
Division from the
igh School, was rerther photographs
rs
Bolton School Mug
Bolton Boys in Focus
BOLTON
BOYS
IN FOCUS
1875-2010
A pictorial history of Bolton School Boys’ Division
Only £10.00
To order any of the above items please send a cheque payable to
Bolton School to the Development Office, Bolton School,
Chorley New Road, BOLTON BL1 4PA.
Please add £1.50 for postage and packaging (£2.50 for overseas)
to the total cost of your order.
A pictorial history of Bolton School Boys’
Division
Alternatively you can pay by debit/credit card by calling (01204) 434 718.
iii
OLD BOLTONIANS’ ASSOCIATION
ANNUAL DINNER Friday 9 December 2011
Bolton School Arts Centre 6.45pm for 7.30pm
Dress: Dinner Jacket or Lounge Suit
Price: £28.50 (£18.50 under 25s)
Speakers/Guests
President: Peter Acton (1964-71)
Headmaster: Philip Britton
Incoming President: Peter Syddall (1960-66)
Guest Speaker: Professor Nigel Slater (1964-72),
Head of Chemical Engineering at Cambridge
University and Fellow of Fitzwilliam College.
Please either complete the booking form below or
call the Development Office on 01204 434 718 to
book and pay over the telephone.
PLEASE BOOK BY FRIDAY 2nd DECEMBER - no
further bookings will be accepted after this date.
MENU
Starter
Roasted Red Pepper & Vine Tomato Soup
with Continental Breads
~
Main
Chicken Breast served in a Creamy Leek &
Wild Mushroom Sauce with New Boiled Potatoes
& Roasted Potatoes and a selection of
Seasonal Vegetables
Vegetarian
Mushroom Stroganoff
served with a Timbale of Wild Rice
~
Dessert
Home Baked Cinnamon Apple Pie
with Fresh Whipped Cream
~
Regional Cheese Board & Mince Pies
~
Coffee and Mints
Title: ........... Forename: .............................................. Initials: ........... Surname (IN BLOCK LETTERS): ................................................................................
Address: ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
....................................................................................................................................................................................................... Postcode: ........................................
Telephone: .............................................................. E-mail: ...................................................................................... Years at School: ............... to ...............
Number of tickets required: ............................................ TOTAL COST: £ ………………………...
Please indicate how many vegetarian options (or other dietary requirements) are required: .........................................................................
If you purchase extra tickets, please list the names and years at School of those concerned.
Please remember that the Arts Centre tables seat ten people.
Additional tickets:Name: .................................................................................................................................. Years at School: ............... to ................
Name: ................................................................................................................................... Years at School: ............... to ...............
Name: ................................................................................................................................... Years at School: ............... to ...............
Seating Requirements: Please identify if you would like to be seated near any other guests.
......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
We will try to accommodate all seating requests within the limitations of the table plan.
Payment: I enclose cheque for £ ......................... and a stamped addressed envelope. Cheques made payable toBolton School
Please return booking form and cheques to: The Development Office, Bolton School, Bolton BL1 4PA
iv
Reunion Class of 1961, 71 and 81 - May
19
Birmingham Dinner - May
Cumbria Dinner - June
Bolton Dinner - July
20
Scottish Dinner
Bristol Dinner
21
OLD BOYS’ NEWS
Chris Austin (1989-1996) married
Joanna Stodolna on 29th October
2011.
Markand Bhatt (Class of 2001)
has completed MBBS, BSc at UCL.
Having completed a foundation year
training he is currently engaged
in a research associate position in
gastroenterology with a special
interest in hepatology. He works
jointly with University College London
Hospital and the Royal Free Hospital.
Mark Bradley (1972-79) Prior to
leaving school in 1979, Mark applied
for and accepted a position in Greater
Manchester Police. After a fantastic
career spanning five decades (31
years service), he has now retired.
He reports, “To work in the Police
was always a great honour for me
and apart from a dodgy start when
I struggled to come to terms with
an organisation that was a million
miles away from anything I had
experienced growing up, I have loved
every minute of it. To get the most
out of the Police you have to really
get stuck in and try out the different
parts of the organisation. I was
fortunate to work in uniform policing,
community, CID, tactical aid and
defensive searching, drugs squad,
proactive crime units and I ended
my career as a Detective Inspector
responsible for the management of
Police informants in the Bolton and
Wigan areas”. He retired in April this
year but after a couple of months
off was itching to do something
completely different and has now
started his own business called
‘The Coffee Carriage Ltd’. He has
purchased an Italian three wheeled
van which is specially converted
to make specialised coffees and
hot chocolate drinks at food fairs
and events. Mark hopes to expand
22
into corporate work, weddings and
parties and hopes to employ some
young people as the business grows.
For more information he can be
contacted on 07935 436938 and
www.thecoffeecarriage.co.uk
Nick Collins (1961-71) relocated to
Dubai last September to take the
position of chief operating officer
(COO) of Clarkson Dubai. He met up
with Keith Nuttall (of the same year at
School) who has lived in Sharjah for
the last eight years and they plan to
meet again shortly.
John Critchley (Class of 59) At the
ripe old age of 68 I’m still very hard
at work running Croft Computer
Systems, a software development
company that specialises in software
for amateur sports organisations golf clubs in particular. I’m sorry I
couldn’t attend the planned reunion
at the Bolton Dinner but do clearly
remember fellow Culcheth School
Busees Anthony Goldstone and Tom
Zadik and hope to get along to an
event soon.
Ashley Farrell (2000-2007) On
leaving school Ashley went on to
complete a BA in Theology at Durham
University. There he completed a
number of challenge events during
summer vacations. In 2011 he
climbed Kilimanjaro with Childreach
International where he was working as
a Student Fundraising Manager.
Ashley is currently working part-time
for the charity while he completes
an MA in International Studies and
Diplomacy at the School of Oriental
and African Studies, University
of London. He is running in the
Barcelona Marathon in March 2012
and is looking for more fundraisers to
join him in the challenge of a lifetime.
He says, “It doesn’t matter whether
you’re a seasoned professional or
find it difficult running to the shops!
Anyone can run a marathon with
enough preparation, and Childreach
International will guide you every step
of the way providing loads of running
tips, training advice and a member of
staff who will be flying out with the
team!
The three day trip includes a full
day to explore Barcelona. For more
information and to sign up visit
http://www.childreach.org.uk/
challenge-events/barcelonamarathon or contact:
Ashley.Farrell@childreach.org.uk
Philip W Gaskell (A.K.A. Artie)
(1963-70) performed a protest song
with Unison general secretary Dave
Prentis and other union members and
was featured in a news article in his
local paper; The Grantham Journal.
David Green (1960-67) We are
a group of friends and old-boys
who are collectively known as ‘The
Grumpies’ (a name given to us by our
wives) who regularly go out together
for a day’s walking or even, if allowed,
a weekend!
Having seen the article in The Bugle
about Tenacity of Bolton some of us
were enthused enough to venture on
a new expedition. So prepared, as all
good scouts are, with sea-sick tablets
and suntan cream, a splinter group
of The Grumpies: David Green, Tom
Ward (1966-72) and David Hodgson
(1959-1967) took up the invitation/
challenge of joining the London to
Plymouth leg of Tenacity of Bolton’s
voyage around the UK. We were
fortunate to have decent wind and
weather for much of the trip although
not always in the correct direction!
We sailors are never satisfied! It
did however give us plenty of
opportunities to master the skills of
tacking, gybing and trying different
sail configurations. We also sampled
the joys of night sailing and taking our
turns (watches) of 2 hours on 4 hours
off under the occasionally watchful
eye of one of the two Ians.
Strong winds sadly meant we had to
end our particular journey at Torquay,
after a forced but enjoyable layday at
Portland, the olympic sailing venue
for 2012.
The three of us were impressed
by the boat and it is a credit to
everyone involved with design,
building and fitting out. We felt
“cosy” would be the operative
word when fully crewed! We were
treated both patiently and with great
professionalism by the two Ians
(Captain Ian and Crew Ian) on our
voyage. They seemed to appreciate
the odd cooked breakfast whilst
underway from the two Davids,
who just about mastered the art
of preparing meals whilst riding a
roller coaster! We even managed to
recall the tying of bowlines and clove
hitches from our scouting days in the
19th.
If an opportunity arises for anyone to
take advantage of a trip aboard this
splendid craft, take it!
N.B. “The Grumpies” includes John
Fallows, Geoff Higginson and Peter
Wyld who also meet for a little light
exercise and an opportunity to put
the world to rights! They are now
preparing for further exploits in the
coming months.
Jonathan (Joe) Halstead (1973-83)
Debra (nee Wild, Girls’ Div 1976-83)
and I celebrated our Silver Wedding
Anniversary on 13th September
having met on the 536 bus to school
back in 1979. Our eldest son Thomas
is starting is final year studying law
at Nottingham, and our younger son
Edward is starting his final year of a
B-Tech in Theatre Studies at Solihull
College. I can be found on facebook if
anyone wishes to get in touch.
Jamie Laundon (1991-98) I left
Bolton School in 1998. After seven
years together, this Spring I married
my wife Gemma in Las Vegas. We
continue to live in Woking, Surrey
where I work for RCS, a software
company in the radio and music
television industry.
Michael Haworth (1955-62) In
my retirement (approaching 3rd
anniversary soon) I have taken up
Crown Green Bowling and have just
finished my first competitive season
in one of the Bolton leagues - and
have even managed to win a couple
of games against the seasoned pros
who have been playing it since the
year dot!
On the family front, our son and his
wife produced a son in May this year
(our 3rd grandchild), ensuring the
Haworth family name continues for
another generation.
Brian Heap (1940-45) The 42nd
annual edition of his university
reference book Degree Course Offers,
now titled HEAP 2012, was published
in June following on the publication
of the 12th edition of his second
book ‘Choosing Your Degree Course’.
Both are published by Trotman’s.
HEAP 2013 is due to be published
in May 2012. In addition Heap has
offered a consultancy service for
several years with the Royal family
of Bahrain among his clients and has
lectured in schools throughout the
UK and abroad.
Fred Heys (1946-1954) I now visit
the Sunshine Coast in Queensland,
Australia fairly often as our two
daughters and five grandchildren
23
now live there. I wonder if there are
any Old Bolts who live in that area
as there is a large expat contingent.
I have met a few people from Bolton
while over there and as it is such a
nice part of the world I suspect there
may be some Old Boys lurking in the
bush or out surfing. Please contact
the Development Office if you are
interested in a Bolton School get
together down under.
Clive Hunter (1955-63) I am now
back in Hong Kong and involved
in bringing to the market a new
educational concept designed to
improve the essay writing skills of
students in the 9-15 age range.
The concept was first thought up
by a 13 year old pupil and more
information is available at:
www.creativemagicmmc.co.uk. What
else? I had my first hole in one at
Deepwater Bay Golf Club in July
after 37 years of trying. I was given a
beautifully presented certificate.
including New York, Las Vegas, San
Francisco, Yosemite, Napa Valley, Big
Sur to name a few places.
I would like to make contact with
an old friend called Paul Michael
Greenhalgh who attended Bolton
School from 1983 until 1991.
Richard Johnson (1990-1997) I’m
still working as a patent attorney in
Bristol, where I have been a partner
at the firm Mewburn Ellis LLP since
2008. Outside work I’m still active on
the musical front, as a church organist
and accompanist to the City of Bristol
Choir. In 2010 I married Jane, and we
have just celebrated the birth of our
son Matthew.
Jonathan Jordan (1982-89) My
wife and I are currently setting up
a holiday cottage business, here
at our home in North Cumbria just
on the line of Hadrians Wall. We
are converting a former barn into
six luxury holiday cottages, due to
open in Spring 2012. We would be
delighted to welcome Old Boltonians.
For more details see www.
bleatarnpark.co.uk
John Markland (1956-66) writes,
on holiday in Devon and Dorset in
September I was walking the Jurassic
Coast near Beer and stopped at a
bench when a couple walking in the
opposite direction also stopped. They
turned out to be John and Barbara
Newton. In conversation over the
next 15 minutes we discovered that
Barbara and I had a Bolton School
connection. She had been a member
of the Headmaster’s secretarial team
in the 1950s.
Anybody from the school passing
through HK can contact me if they
wish to sample local hospitality.
Email: Crlhunter@gmail.com
HK mobile 90169963
Chris Januszewski (1983–1997)
I moved from London to California
this May, sponsored to work for
a software company in Palo Alto,
Silicon Valley. The company is called
DYMO Endicia and I spend my spare
time exploring this fabulous country
24
My wife and I were kindly invited for
a drink at their home in Sidmouth the
following evening when it transpired
that Barbara, and her colleague Pat
Dickenson, had almost certainly been
responsible for taking the entrance
examination papers by taxi to the
independent examiner in Manchester
in 1959, including mine. We exchanged
anecdotes – mainly about F R Poskitt.
Neville Matthew (1947-52) is keen to
arrange a reunion for the 1952 leavers
group in 2012 – if anyone would
be interested please contact the
Development Office.
Anthony Page (1987-1994) After
five years in Guernsey I am back on
the Isle of Man and have taken up a
director’s role with a recently created
trust and corporate service provider,
Knox House Trust Limited. I’ve two
small children (two year old son and
a six year old daughter) who take up
most of my spare time, although I still
try to get to Anfield whenever I can
and those who remember me from
school will be amazed to know I still
play football! I keep in regular touch
with Rob O’Kane who is also now my
brother-in-law and we try to have an
annual get together with Greg Taylor
and Stewart Williams. Any Old Bolts
on the island or visiting please feel
free to look me up.
David Parr (1951-1959) David had
a career in teaching starting locally
in Tottington and culminating in
three headships over the 24 years
from 1977 to 2000. These were in
secondary comprehensive schools in
the London area the last, 1983-2000
in Warlingham, Surrey. Throughout
his time since leaving the sixth form
he has been a local preacher in the
Methodist Church and clocked up
50 years service in April 2009. He
was a JP in Croydon from 1983 until
2000. From 2000 until February of
this year he worked part-time as an
educational consultant first in Surrey
and then nationally being an adviser
to architects and building contractors
in the “Building Schools for the
Future” government programme. This
programme was abandoned after the
last election and in April he virtually
retired after taking a 108 day world
cruise with his wife of 43 years, Beryl,
from Southampton and travelling
west. He is a keen golfer after a
lifetime in sport carrying on with the
cricket and table-tennis he played at
school. His cricket ended ten years
ago but he is still seen playing in the
Worthing and District Table Tennis
League and represents the Seniors at
Hill Barn Golf Club with his handicap
of 15. He lives in Worthing where his
house is on the sea front and the
picture shows him as he is today
sitting on the roof balcony which
overlooks the promenade and the sea.
The photo is of the view on my
drive to work in the morning. Spot
the roaring sea, the golden sands,
and the camels in the foreground.
This was taken during the monsoon
season, which explains the fog and
the lack of sunshine!
Because of the lack of decent schools
in the area, my family is at last
returning to the UK, where they will
settle in Bristol, for no better reason
than that it is sunnier than Bolton.
If anyone who has lost contact with
me is interested in regaining it, I’d be
delighted to catch up!
Iain Rawlinson (1973-86) I recently
moved from Bahrain to Salalah, in
Oman, where I have taken over as
the Chief Liner Commercial Manager
for the Port of Salalah. Salalah is the
capital of the region, and is the home
town of the Sultan of Oman, although
the capital is Muscat. It’s a fascinating
area, with aeons of history, mountains,
jungles, deserts, beaches, fishing and
diving. What the area has in natural
beauty and variety, it makes up for in
lack of development or things to do.
A few years ago, the installation of
an escalator was a reason for people
to travel from miles around just for
the delight of riding on it. But with
commercial responsibility for one of
the largest ports in the region, and a
job that therefore takes me all round
the world on a regular basis, my new
role is challenging and fun.
Abhishek Sharma (1991-93) I left
Bolton School in 1993 and went
to medical school. I have recently
completed all my postgraduate
training and taken up post
as a Consultant Physician &
Gastroenterologist at Lancashire
Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, based
at the Royal Preston Hospital (from
March 2011).
Nick Smith (1990-1997) My son Jude
was born on 26 April 2010.
Bernard Stevenson (1968-75) I left
School in 1975 and I was ordained as
a priest in the Church of England in
1983. I joined The Salvation Army in
2007 and this summer I became the
Corps Officer at Penzance.
Matthew Syddall (1981-1995)
Matthew moved to the Oratory
School in Reading to become their
Head of Classics in January, 2011
and has since September also taken
up an additional post as Head of
Sixth Form; both Matthew and his
wife Spring are enjoying the new
experience of boarding school life.
Matthew is still finding time to play
cricket for the MCC and in May, 2011
was selected on the MCC tour to
Corfu where MCC played against the
Greece national side in helping them
prepare for their ICC Division 2 T20
tour to Belgium; Matthew notched
a half century in the first match
of the tour, whilst MCC also spent
time coaching large numbers of
enthusiastic Corfuiot children.
Richard Taylor (1995–2002) My wife
and I have just moved to Dubai (my
wife is also an ex-Bolton Schooler,
Kate Millard) and we are keen to meet
people out here, so if any fellow Old
Bolts are interested in forming an
informal group and getting together
once in a while for drinks and maybe
dinner, please get in touch.
rtaylor@acuma.ae +971 50 929 0179
David Toze (1964-71) has made his
career in international education.
After many years as school head in
Bogota and Vienna, he has, for the
last ten years, been Superintendent
of the International School Manila.
This year he was recognised by the
Association for the Advancement of
International Education (AAIE) – the
parent body of elite international
schools – as their Superintendent of
the Year. He is the first person from
the UK to receive this Award.
25
Simon C Turner (1987-1994) In
2011 Simon left legal practice and
now works within the Camellia
plc group, administering and
developing the Camellia Foundation
and co-ordinating corporate social
responsibility initiatives generally. He
lives in London with his wife Erika
and their son Oliver, who was born in
August 2010.
Andrew Watson (1971-81) As well as
being a Consultant in Obstetrics and
Gynaecology at Tameside Foundation
Trust. I am the Head of the School of
Obstetrics and Gynaecology of the
Northwestern Postgraduate Medical
Deanery. I am responsible for the
training in the speciality in an area
that runs from Furness to Stockport.
There are 150 trainees.
I am currently developing Project
SODA an urbanism initiative which
uses Warrington as a test-bed. The
project aims to stimulate social
improvement by acting as an
agent between local stakeholders.
This involves identifying valuable
parties in an area - in this case arts
communities, key employers, heritage
organisations and property owners and orchestrating a dialogue which
allows them to collaborate in the
pursuit of a common goal. Social
improvement leads to economic
growth and the development of
vibrant communities and is therefore
in the best interest of everyone.
I shall become a Fellow of the
Royal College of Obstetricians and
Gynaecologists on 23.9.11
John Wood (1998-2003) After
attending Bolton School I went on
to study architecture at Manchester
University. Graduating in 2008 I took
a position in Warrington with Ellis
Williams Architects. In 2010 I opted
to undertake my RIBA Part II degree
part time - a qualification ordinarily
involving a 2 year full time course.
Working and studying in parallel
has afforded me the opportunity to
bring my academic ideas into my
professional work and vice versa.
26
The first step in this process has
been the organisation of a series of
talks entitled Post Industrial. The four
talks are being delivered by creative
professionals, each prolific in their
field. Their focus is on discussing
their own work in the context of the
industrial place which provides its
creative stimulus. Fashion marketing
expert Fiona Armstrong-Gibbs
opened the series with a talk on
her development work in Liverpool.
Record Photographer Michael Collins
followed with the presentation of
his photographs of Birmingham,
London and New York. And former
Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam discussed
how the Manchester music scene has
informed the life of the city. Finally,
architect Irena Bauman will be with us
on Tuesday 29 November to discuss
her contribution to regeneration in
Leeds.
Moving forward I hope to maintain a
dialogue with the stakeholders who
have supported this series as well
as establishing new relationships.
In particular I would like to call
on the expertise of property and
development professionals to further
develop the long term strategy.
Ultimately I hope that through the
project, we can provide a precedent
for a more human approach to
regeneration. One which focuses
not on physical rebuilding but on
reinforcing and developing the
existing strengths of a place to
maximum social benefit.
If you would like to hear Irena speak
on Tuesday 29 November or you are
interested in finding out more about
ProjectSODA please contact: mail.
projectsoda@gmail.com. You can also
find more information on the blog at
projectsoda.blogspot.com
SPORTS
FOOTBALL
FANTASY OR
FAILURE?
Enthusiasm and expectancy were running high at the
start of the 2010-11 season. As reported in the Spring,
all four teams looked forward
to improving on the previous
year’s efforts and, as it turned
out, three succeeded.
Once again the 1st XI started
off like a train – one from our
speedy rosy eyed youth –
but finished like a train – one
from the overcrowded failing
present. They lost one in the
first fifteen, suffered from
winter wobbles, ended up
successfully playing for 3rd
place, reached the LFA semifinal for the first time in a generation and the loss to
Bury GSOB in the LAL Cup quarters seemingly ended
our cup aspirations. However, the season was to reach
a wholly unexpected crescendo when the club entered
the Bolton Hospital Cup. Eventually, the 1st XI’s 39th
competitive game was played at the Reebok Stadium
against North West Counties Premier side Atherton LR.
Having defeated Tempest Utd, Turton and Atherton
Collieries, raising record amounts of money for charity
along the way, the lads turned out in front of over 400
spectators and did the club proud. Despite the defeat,
it was a fitting end to the season for the club as a
whole, and all can be proud of their efforts, none more
so than Simon Shields, who stepped down after the
game but continues as an assistant to Julian Stevens.
Simon found time to manage the LAL Representative
side (which during the season included seven Old
Bolts). His Clubman of the Year award was richly
deserved for a determined spell as 1st XI manager.
The 2nd XI also improved on
their league position from
the previous season, and
whilst realistically knowing
that the league was always
going to be ever so slightly
beyond them, it was a
pleasure for most of the
season to look at the league
tables with Old Bolts top of
Division 2. Disappointingly
and surprisingly losing in
the semis of the LAL Cup
to Accrington Amateurs, a
cup final would have been just reward for Rob’s side who
battled away all season to finish fourth.
Whilst “nearly but not quite” was the story of our
top two teams’ seasons, the A Team swept all before
them and captured the double. Having failed to get
promotion from Division 5 last year and lost in the B
Team cup final, it was remarkable that they dusted
themselves off and won the Division 4 title and the
A Team cup. Particular mention must be made of the
club’s top scorer John Abbott, who notched 40 goals
including a few for the 1st XI towards the end of the
season. Let’s hope others push for higher teams this
season whilst some may not - it was fantastic to see
one such, Mark Worsley, collecting the player of the
season award, giving inspiration to one or two others
who might have got the nails ready in the garage.
27
FOOTBALL FANTASY OR FAILURE? continued
The club “realignment” during the close season saw the A & B team squads
swapping positions. Whilst this aggrieved a number, with just three league
wins to their name, the eventual squad of over 50 players sadly slipped
down another division - lack of continuity was a debilitating factor, so let’s
hope a stable squad of committed players succeed in Division 6.
The Annual Dinner was disappointing only in numbers of bums on seats.
Possibly without exception, everyone enjoyed themselves and it can have
been no coincidence that the ratio of fewer Bolts to more bar staff and
waitresses meant that the food was served hot and the beers came without
a wait. It was a pleasure to welcome the usual LAL dignitaries, and especially
pleasing to see the Headmaster, teachers and footballers (who also attended
the Hospital Cup Final) from school and the OBA President. We all raised
a glass and applauded the life of our past Chairman Bill Stevenson who
sadly passed away at the end of last year. There were, throughout the year,
the usual calendar of sporty and social events such as the Chairman’s Ball,
Ramblers (again we were unsuccessful in winning the Boot), Christmas 5
a side tournament, Christmas Club Night, the Thomasson Trophy, Golf Day
and LAL Annual Dinner, interspersed with impromptu nights out. Twelve
months later than intended, the Vets side jetted off to sunny Jersey for the
Vets Football Festival. A semi-final defeat to the deserved winners didn’t
dampen spirits and it was a pleasure to count 20 out and 20 back in after
a perfect weekend. The team photo shows approaching 400 years of Old
Bolts footballing expertise experience!
We renewed without hitch our Charter Standard with the LFA and
doubtless remain a jewel in the crown of the league; we continue to patch
up the existing pavilion, and successfully completed work on the new
car parking area behind the goals which will make us more popular with
local residents. The pitches do seem to get better and better, and we’re all
grateful to Dave for that.
However, looking forward, the BIG news for the club will doubtless be the
NEW pavilion which we hope will be built by the end of the year. Having
received planning permission, the Pavilion Sub-committee, led by Dave Lee,
hope to receive good news from the Football Foundation before long to
augment monies raised from sponsors, donations and the loan from the
OBA – so we hope 2011-12 will be doubly fulfilling with lots more fantastic
days and far fewer failures!
If you want to know more about the club, please visit
www.oldbolts.co.uk or, for playing side, email Jon Twist on
jontwist@totalise.co.uk or, for helping the pavilion development,
email Phil Riding on par@barlow-andrews.co.uk.
MIXED
FOURSOME’S
EVENT
We are hoping to introduce a
mixed foursome’s event next
year. The rules are simple, one
of the partners must be an Old
Boy or Girl, so, where both
are ex Bolton School, they can
split up and invite another
couple to play with them.
Rosebowl
There were 20 entries for the
match play Rosebowl which got
underway in April. The semi-finals
were between Roy Baxendale and
Chris Carley, and Dave Jenner,
(who surprised himself and his
fan club by getting past the first
round for the first time ever!) and
the evergreen Norman Fletcher,
who like a good Malt Whisky
seems to get better with age. An
exciting final was in prospect with
Baxendale taking on the holder,
Fletcher, who then retained the
trophy for the second year in
succession.
The Taylor Trophy took place at
Bolton Golf Club in July, with 27
taking part. Scoring was higher
than usual and F Hodgkiss was
slightly surprised when he finished
one over, but was good enough
to win by a stroke from James
Brabbin. Last year’s winner Clive
Pyatt took best gross.
Grafton Moorish Qualifier
I am delighted to report our
success in qualifying at Fixby for
the finals of The Public Schools
prestigious trophy at Hunstanton.
D Johnson and P Grundy struggled
in the early holes but recovered
and contributed to the overall
result. Nick Baxter and Richard
Powter also struggled with only 8
points in 7 holes. However, spurred
on by the knowledge that Mark
Millhouse and Norman Fletcher
were playing well, they recovered
28
OLD BOLTONIANS GOLF
SOCIETY REPORT September 2011
magnificently with five birdies on the back nine and a
very creditable 31 points. Normally this would take the
individuals prize but with the Birkenhead lead pairings
producing 36 points this was not meant to be.
RESULTS
Meanwhile Millhouse, who had played little golf thus far
in the season, quickly found his old touch and Fletcher,
solid as ever, continued to play excellently and they
too came in with 31 points. We were some ten points
behind Birkenhead (90 points) in second place and
are therefore unseeded. Overall this was a first class
performance on a testy course. Any Old Boy, handicap
of five or less, who is willing to be considered in future
years should contact the development office for details.
Taylor Trophy
Winner
F Hodgkiss 82-11-71
J Brabbin
81-9-72
Second
Best Gross C Pyatt
81
LOBAGS
We entered a team in this event (Lancashire Old Boys
Association of Golf Societies) at Saddleworth and with
good performances from Mike McNeil and Roger Gould
(who were second in their individual categories) the
team finished in second place to Merchant Taylors.
Rosebowl
Winner N Fletcher
Runner up R Baxendale
Semi-finalists C Carley D Jenner
Gwynne Jones Foursomes
Winners
M Millhouse F Millhouse 73-6-67
R Gould
88-19-69
Runners up M McNeil
A Craven
82
Best Gross B Craven Gwynne Jones Goblets
It was with much anticipation that members looked
forward to Turton following the high temperatures of
the preceding week. True to form we arrived amidst
grey skies and heavy showers. There were only two net
scores under par, M McNeil and R Gould, in second place
behind the winners for a record fourth time, M Millhouse
and F Millhouse with a gross score of 73, net 67. Along
with the Dawbers, Baxendales, Millhouses there was
another father and son team of Brian and Tony Craven
who collected best gross on their first appearance.
A brief AGM then took place and the Captain presented
the trophies and prizes. He introduced his successor,
Andrew Fletcher, who made a short response before
retiring to the bar for the usual hospitalities.
team playing off handicaps ranging from 7, 12 and 18 that
won the event with a magnificent 87 points just ahead of
Phil Riding’s team. Our president, Peter Acton, presented
the prizes and there was an excellent short response by
one of the boys, thanking everyone for their support of
the school.
Bursary Golf Day
My thanks are due to all who have supported the event
I was very pleased when Chris Carley and Chris Taylor
in the past, to Chris(s) for their work and to Kathryn
agreed to take on the responsibility for organising this
and Jenny and the marvellous team in the Development
year’s event on behalf of the President and Old Boys’
Office for all their support again this year.
Association. Once again the event was superbly hosted
A brandGolf
new Club
event,with
the first
everenjoying
Joint Bolton
Dinner, is to be held in the Arts Centre in July for all Old Boys and Old Girls. Although
at Bolton
teams
an afternoon’s
have held joint regional dinners all over the country for several years, we have not held a Bolton-based Dinner at School for
OBA Annual Dinner
golfwe
and
a carvery and prizes in the evening. To date the
both Old Girls and Old Boys before now.
We have had two tables at the Annual Dinner in the past
event has raised £20,000 as well as raising the profile of
yearsthe
comprised
oftoGolfers
andSchool,
Cricketers.
Anyone
theIfSchool
and
the
Association.
you live nearby, or perhaps you have moved further afield but would relish
opportunity
revisit the
make sure
you wishing
to join
this
year should
advise
byopportunity
Decemberto1st.
reserve your place! We know many of you are based in Manchester, Cheshire
and
Lancashire
and this
is anme
ideal
enjoy a
Thenight
weather
was kind, the standard of golf high and
out on your doorstep with school friends, with whom you share so many happy memories.
Frank Millhouse
pleasingly two teams from the Boys’ and Girls’ Divisions
Tel: once
01204
592280
turned
out in
support.
Indeed
it was
thebefore,
Boys’ Division
If you’ve
never
been to
an Alumni
event
please make this your first, we would love to see you back in School
again!
29
Did you play any sports at School? Yes, I played Football
and trained with the Thirds at Bolton School and played a
little bit of Rugby and played Cricket during the summer
months - I remember the training with Mr Brace and Mr
Knibbs well and even trained with Ralf Little when he
came back to visit the School after leaving. My stand out
memories revolve around the house competitions (I think I
was in Chorley house and played in Green) and competing
in Rugby and Football. I remember once playing football
in third year and chipping the keeper from the edge of
the box. Definitely the best goal I have ever scored and I
remember Adam Wolstenholme’s
Dad liked it as well!
Are you from a sporty family? Yes,
I guess I am. My Dad played for
the Bolton Town Team and Bolton
Wanderers Academy as a Goalkeeper
and then moved into Power lifting,
and my Brother is a pretty successful
Amateur Boxer and is undefeated
in his eight fights. My Mother also
represented Bolton and Lancashire at
Badminton and only gave it up when
pregnant with me.
Were you a fan of American
Football before you started playing?
I wasn’t actually - like 99% of the country at that time I hadn’t
really heard about American Football and didn’t have an
appreciation for the skill and tactics involved. It may look
simple when watching it on TV, but it is one of the most
complicated and technical sports that I have ever played.
What is American Football - can you briefly outline the
aim of the game and skills involved? American Football
is derived from Rugby. In the late 19th Century the game
changed from its origins in Rugby into a game that involved
passing the ball forward, and utilising other members of
the team to block the opposition, allowing greater running
room. These days it is a huge sport played across all of
America and Europe. The aim of the game simply is to
advance the ball into the End Zone (In Goal Area) more
30
times than your opponent. For each Touchdown (Try)
you get 6 points and a further 1 point for converting the
Touchdown. You can also kick at goal in a similar way
to Rugby for 3 points (known as a field goal) but these
are contested and kicked under pressure from the other
team. You get 4 attempts to move the ball 10 yards, and
if successful you then get another 4 attempts to move
another 10 yards until you either score or fail to move 10
yards and kick the ball back to the other team.
Is there a huge fan base? In the USA the fan base is huge.
University games can get around 80,000 fans watching at
the stadium and most of the games are
nationally televised. In the UK the fan base
is growing and we (Doncaster) regularly
play in front of 200-300 fans. The NFL
games at Wembley have sold out each
year for the last four years and are helping
to increase the popularity of the sport.
How did you get into it? I got into it
completely by chance. After leaving
Bolton School, I went to the University
of Hull and lived in halls with two people
who already played the Sport. They
convinced me to give it a try and I haven’t
looked back since. The cheerleaders also
convinced me to join!
Which team(s) do you currently play for? I play for the
Doncaster Mustangs in the National Division One and was
also selected for the GB Lions Squad in 2009 and the UK
Griffins Touring Squad in 2010. The difference between the
two squads is that the GB Lions are the competitive squad
that play in the Euro Championships, whilst the Griffins are
a touring squad that play friendly games abroad. It’s a great
honour to be involved with both Squads. I think nothing
drives a passion to succeed more than being given a chance
to represent your country, no matter what discipline it is in.
What position do you play? I play on both Offense and
Defense. My main position is on the Offense, where I play as
a Left Tackle. Put simply my job is to block and prevent the
Jamie Worrall (1997-2004) left Bolton School
Sixth Form in 2004 and started to play American
Football at University. In 2008 he was given a
contract to play professionally in Rome for a year
and then returned to the UK in favour of a career
move. He is currently preparing to travel to Mexico
in January to play the Mexican National Team and
has taken time out to tell us a little more about the
relatively unfamiliar game and how he went from
complete novice to representing his country.
opposition from tackling my Quarterback or Runningback. It
is one of the highest paid positions in professional American
Football and a lot of importance and responsibility is placed
on the Left Tackle which I enjoy. On Defense I play as a
Defensive Tackle, and in that position my job is to tackle the
Quarterback and Runningback.
Did you quickly become a good player? It took me a
while to pick up the rules and techniques required to play
the Sport, but I attended a Training Camp after my first
full year of playing which was being run and funded by
the now defunct NFL Europa League. This helped me to
develop my game to a level which has led to me gaining
International Honours and the chance to play the sport
professionally.
When did you realise you were good enough to play
professionally? It was at the end of my four years at Hull
University. I had just played my last game and was keen
to continue playing in some capacity, when I learned that
a Coach from an Italian team had been trying to get in
contact with me. It turned out that the Coach in question
was Roberto Palladino, a coach for Rome Gladiators, and
he offered me a contract over the phone which included
all travelling expenses, an apartment in the centre of Rome
near the Colosseum and a weekly wage. It was an amazing
experience not only living in Rome for a season, but also
the fact that I was being paid to play a sport that I loved.
How often do you have to train and what does your
training involve? Due to the level of competition we have
to face week in week out, we train twice a week as a team
and are expected to be training alone in the gym daily
around a training schedule supplied each day. A usual day
for me starts at around 6am in the gym before I start my
day job. As the game isn’t played professionally in the UK
at the moment, I have to combine playing with a career.
I work as a Sales & Account Manager from 8.30am until
5.30pm, so it can be challenging to fit in the required
training but so far I have managed. I would love to still be
playing professionally abroad but thought it sensible to
focus on a career rather than looking for a new contract
every couple of years.
How do you prepare for a match? My preparation usually
involves very loud music and
a lot of shouting. Due to the
intensity of the sport, I do
anything I can to fire myself
up. I’m definitely one of the
loudest in the dressing room
and usually get to choose
which music is played due to
being a Captain.
Tell me about your most
memorable match to date.
It was definitely leading my
team out in the National
Challenge Trophy Final in
Leeds against the Cardiff
Cobras. Unfortunately we lost
a close game, but the honour
of being selected as a Captain and leading the team out
carrying the team’s flag was a proud moment for me and
something that I will never forget.
Which players inspire you? My inspiration in the world of
American Football is definitely Michael Oher. He was the
subject of the recent film “The Blindside” which starred
Sandra Bullock and his story is truly unique. He had a
turbulent childhood and moved from foster home to
foster home before a Christian family took pity on him and
adopted him. He enrolled in the local High School and had a
natural ability for the sport, working hard to better himself.
Now he is playing for the Baltimore Ravens earning multi
million dollars a year. It shows that if you are prepared to
work hard and to chase something that you want enough
you can achieve your goals.
How can someone get into American Football if they
are interested? The best way is to look at
www.getintoamericanfootball.com and to go to a training
session with your local team. There are teams spread
out nationally, and in the local area the best teams are
the Lancashire Wolverines (based in Blackburn) and the
Manchester Titans (who play in Burnage).
31
REUNION OF 1ST XV
RUGBY 1970 & ’71
on Saturday 21st May 2011
VENUE
Retreat Restaurant, Chorley
New Road – a sliced punt
kick across the road from the
old Woodlands 1st XV rugby
pitch.
PRESENT
Andrew Cheetham, Keith
Donald, Robert Higson, Henry
Jones, Alaisdhair MacPhie,
David Murphy, Raymond
Prendecki, Nigel Slater, Peter
Walker with special guests
Alan Griffiths, 1st XV Master
1971 and, post-meal, David
Seddon.
APOLOGIES
Robert Council, David
Cunningham, Angus Grey,
John Randall and Howard
Wood.
PASSED
Prior to dinner, a toast was
made to team mates who
have passed – Chris Ashton,
Geoffrey Ashton, Chris Hale
and John Liptrot.
32
This was the first reunion in 40 years yet, almost instantly, the individuals
seamlessly bonded – jokes and anecdotes swapped and personal news
exchanged.
One anecdote which was initially met with scepticism was corroborated
by David Shaw earlier in the day. Arriving for a home game, the early birds
were confronted by the sight of a green Austin A35 Shooting Brake parked
squarely on the centre spot. From the tracks all over the pitch, the vehicle
had done several circuits. The owner – the Park Road Sergeant – had gone
to ground. However, he had left the car unlocked and the keys in the ignition.
On trying to start the car, we discovered it had run out of petrol. There was
nothing for it but to push and lift the vehicle up the hill to the driveway.
An excellent meal and a most convivial evening were enjoyed by all and the
consensus of opinion was that a similar event should be organised once we
track down the lost members of the team.
Special thanks to Raymond Prendecki who brought along action photos of
the 1970 game against Chethams. Unfortunately, the photos only featured
the forwards rather than the more photogenic backs.
Sincere thanks to Jenny and Kathryn at the Development Office for their
invaluable help in contacting everyone and also to David Shaw for providing
Alan Griffiths’ contact details. I should be grateful if anyone who knows the
whereabouts of the following individuals would forward their contact details
to the Development Office: Simon Brindle, Martin Benyon, Tim Duckworth,
David Harrington and David Sheppard.
The words of a favourite post-match team song came to mind: “Those were
the days, my friend…..”
Peter Walker
OBITUARIES
RA Allan (1958-66) left school to take
up his scholarship at Balliol College,
Oxford, where his academic career
was distinguished. He entered the Civil
Service where he ultimately held a
number of very senior positions and
travelled widely. After retirement he
was able to follow up a lifelong interest
in railways, recently completing an
M.A. His mother, Mary has returned to
us a railway society minute book of
the ’sixties which is now in the school
archive. To her, to his wife, Kate and
their children, we record our deep
sympathy on the loss of so resourceful,
so humane and so modest a man.
Charles Winder
Tom Glaister Tom, Dad, Pom Pom.
A truly gentle man, a loving, loyal
husband, father, grandfather and friend
and an example to us all on how to live
an unselfish life to the full.
Born on the 11th day of the 11th month in
1925 into a world between wars he was
to bring to life, hope, happiness and love.
He had a huge affection for Lancashire,
his birthplace, where his spirit and joy
for life shone amongst the dark satanic
mills and warmed the bleak North West
drizzle.
After boarding at Charnley Hall School
in Grange-over-Sands (the Riviera of
the North), he followed on to Repton
School where he excelled at swimming
and all sports and developed into the
strong, kind, generous, fair, courageous
man we later came to know.
That was a pretty quick potted history
of this wonderful man’s early life
but where his life really took off was
meeting the beautiful, vibrant, witty,
and dynamic Ruth Kevill.
Europe descended into chaos and
war as Dad approached his time to
leave school. He lied about his age and
enrolled in the army joining as a regular
soldier then gaining a Commission
in the Coldstream Guards. He saw
action in both France and Holland
but never spoke about his time there.
We have learnt from others that he
was courageous and brave, verging
on foolhardy on many occasions and
earned the respect and high opinion of
his colleagues, many of whom he kept
in contact with throughout his life.
Marriage followed a period of intense
wooing when Dad would drive day after
day to visit his bride-to-be at Shaw Hill
outside Chorley in his 1949 Riley Racer
sports car.
After what must have been a terrifying
introduction to his twenties, he returned
to Bolton to his loving parents, brother
and three sisters who lived at Manor
House and joined the family company
Constantine & Company Paper Mill and
studied in Manchester to become a
Master Bleacher and Dyer. He always
said he chose the wrong ‘b’ as banking
and brewing were at this time more
financially rewarding than bleaching.
However when mills in Lancashire and
Yorkshire were closing to the left and
to the right he opened his own: The
Red Bridge Book Cloth Company, that
he was to steer to great heights and
success despite huge obstacles over
the next 25 years or so. Red Bridge
Book Cloth Company was awarded The
Queen’s Award for Exports a number
of times. On visits to the mill we will
not forget how warmly his employees
talked about Dad. Strangely I remember
one of the secretaries having a picture
of him on her desk!
He was immersed in helping others in
Bolton and took a very active role in
the Bolton Recreation Club that gave a
place for children to meet and socialise
in a poor area of the town. He served
as a Governor of Bolton School. He
would cross the country to attend
the meetings for the Coldstreamer’s
Association. He loved to help others.
Their first home, Lakelands, over a
ten-year period became filled with five
boys: Anthony, John, Stephen, Edmund
and Ricky. Mum & Dad gave us an idyllic
childhood between Lancashire and
Cumbria. The White Lady, Petronella,
clinker wooden rowing boats, Lake
Windermere, climbing Coniston Old
Man, sheep dog trials, the fells, the Pike
and the Chinese Gardens at Horwich,
go-karts & motorbikes all resonate very
happy memories for the five of us. At
times it seemed as if we were on set
of the Famous 5, Treasure Island or
Swallows & Amazons. We repaid them
by setting at least two houses on fire,
sinking numerous boats, knocking a
hole through the boat house with a
speedboat and shooting Ricky through
the leg with an airgun. We fought, we
laughed and we cried.
I thank God for Ampleforth! Somehow,
or rather by making huge sacrifices,
they sent us all up to the North York
moors, but they were never far away.
They, as a couple, constantly loved and
cared for us. Dad was our compass, the
Director. He had a huge affection for
us – holidays were spent in the Isle of
Man, North Wales, Cornwall, the Lake
District and Sardinia. Again we blew
things up, knocked over bird baths, let
cattle onto golf courses and tried the
patience of the locals. Dad spent his
holidays mending things that we broke.
He smiled, he encouraged, he loved and
carried on directing the party, screw
driver and glue in hand.
He took us all up to the Hurst &
Chunal moor that he so loved. He
loved wildlife, birds, dogs, sticks and
people connected to the countryside.
Animals instinctively were drawn to
33
him and he showed great affection to
all living things. He taught us to love
the earth, to nurture and care for one’s
surroundings and the people involved
with its upkeep.
Whether shooting, fishing, sailing or
walking his constant was “Is everyone
else alright/can I help to make things
better?” Lancashire, Cumbria; the
houses Lakelands, Hillside, Taylor’s
Farm, Croft Head, Knot House were
places that all were welcome to at any
time.
In the latter years, Mum and Dad
moved south to Bentworth and the
Red House. Again they created a loving
home and were so kindly welcomed
into this beautiful village. From here
he continued to give sage advice and
help; to be fair, honest, constant and
loyal. For the past few years he battled
with leukaemia but he only let on to
us last year. He never wanted to put
people out or to be a burden on others.
He wanted more than anything to be
around to care for his beloved Ruth.
Mum said last week “Darling Pom Pom
was such a big man but he never made
me feel small”. This was an enduring
marriage and partnership spanning over
57 years.
The way that Dad dealt with his illness
and his final days epitomised his
strength, courage, determination and
character. He loved, he laughed, he lived
to the full and was an example to us all.
He will be missed but leaves the legacy
of a beautiful and adoring wife, us boys,
14 happy, gorgeous grandchildren and
many friends who have fond memories
of this wise, loving, caring and gentle
man. He left the world a better place.
Edmund Glaister
Harry Gibson (1946-54) has died at
the age of 76. He was a Lancashire
Scholarship boy, captain of the Cross
Country team and went on to read
Modern Languages at St John’s College,
Oxford.
For 25 years, Harry enjoyed a very
successful career in teaching, starting
at Latymer Upper School in London,
where he taught French and German,
before moving on to spend five years
at Manchester Grammar school. He was
Head of Modern Languages at Marple
Hall Grammar School for another five
years and then became Deputy Head
at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar
34
School. Harry was at BRGS for 15 years,
helping, with others, to develop the
school’s high reputation. In his final year,
he became Acting Head.
Harry leaves behind his much-loved
wife Barbara, who showed enormous
strength caring for him, as he endured
the latter stages of prostate cancer.
They had four sons Harry, Bobby, Peter
and William, two of whom attended
Bolton School, and nine grandchildren.
Harry derived great joy and comfort
from the support of his family during
his difficult illness.
Harry Gibson (Junior)
Fred Greenhalgh (1928-1932) was
born in 1916 in Little Lever near
Bolton, and at the age of 12 won a
scholarship to Bolton School. After
he finished his secondary education
he was apprenticed to a pharmacist
for about nine months before he saw
an advertisement in the paper for
the position of trainee engineer with
the local council. He applied, was
successful, and worked during the day
and studied in the evenings to qualify
as a civil and structural engineer. So
began his passion for engineering.
During World War II, Fred supervised
the construction of air raid shelters
and then worked with the Air Ministry
on the construction of the first runway
for the new Heathrow Airport. At the
end of the War he returned to work
with local government in Surrey. In 1947
he saw an advertisement placed by
Brisbane City Council whose intention
was to recruit civil engineers, and the
following year Fred and his young
family set sail for Australia.
Fred worked for Brisbane City Council
from 1948 until his retirement in
1981 on his 65th birthday. In 1953 he
was appointed Engineer in Charge
of Sewerage Design for the City of
Brisbane. At that time, most of Brisbane
was yet to have sewerage, so there
was the huge task of overseeing the
design of a system of new pumping
stations, new sewage treatment plants,
the development of infrastructure
for the sewering of Brisbane and
the infrastructure necessary for the
continuation of sewering undeveloped
areas of the city. In 1963, Brisbane’s
water supply design was also added
to Fred’s responsibilities when he was
appointed Engineer for Design, Water
Supply and Sewerage. The last major
piece of infrastructure design Fred was
responsible for was Luggage Point
Wastewater Treatment Plant, which was
a huge project. There are a number of
reservoirs around the city, whose design
came out of his office.
In the 1974 Brisbane floods, Fred and
his senior staff were responsible for the
management of Somerset Dam – albeit
without computers. Fred followed the
news coverage of the Brisbane floods
very closely this year. The predictions of
the flood level in 2011 were one meter
out – the water didn’t rise as high as
predicted, and he was proud to point
out that his team was only three inches
out in their prediction of the height of
the Brisbane River in 1974!
After Fred’s retirement he did some
consulting work but really stepped up
his golfing activities. He had been a
member of the Brisbane Golf Club since
1970, and served on their committee
for a while, being involved in projects
to improve the course, including the
design of a new lake. Into his early 90’s
he took responsibility for looking after
his wife Norah when she became frail.
He was still driving at 93, and played
golf until 89. He still had a consuming
interest in engineering topics and avidly
read his Institution of Engineers Journal;
he did the crossword with Norah each
day and took an active interest in sport,
politics and current affairs.
He died peacefully in hospital in
Brisbane on 12th April 2011 at 95 years
of age and leaves his wife Norah, their
daughter Diana, her husband Keith and
grandsons Tim and Robin.
Peter Berry (1961-1972)
D.W.R. Higginson (1938-46) Derek died
on the 15th August 2011 at the age of
83 having been ill for several months.
He is sorely missed by his family, many
friends and colleagues.
Derek was at the school during the war
years entering the Junior School from
Beech House in 1938 and leaving from
Maths 6B in 1946. During this time we
made wooden toys in the handicraft
classes for sale at Christmas time.
This was under the supervision of Mr
Crispin who was a keen collector of
clocks and watches which may have
influenced Derek in his future career. His
father, who also had a background in
engineering, was our art master during
that time (?Higginson Staff 193?-194?)
After National Service he trained as a
Horologist at the National College of
Horology in London completing a three
year Diploma in 1952. His first post was
as a Development Engineer on clock
movements with Timex in Dundee
followed by a return to London in
1954 to join the English Clock Systems
branch of Smiths Industries developing
industrial instruments. In 1958 he
joined a company set up by the former
first head of the National College of
Horology to develop semi-automatic
machines for the manufacture of
semiconductors, aircraft crash records
and other instruments. This included
helping to set up a plant in Switzerland
for the manufacture of semiconductors.
(The very devices which would lead to
electronic timers almost superseding
mechanical clocks and watches!)
Derek then boldly branched out by
setting up his own company “Toolex”
specialising in the manufacture and
supply precision reamers and other
cutting tools, initially from his home in
Herford, before moving to a factory in
Sherborne. The family moved house
to the same area and Derek also
continued with Horological work in
his home workshop well equipped
with precision machine tools and an
ornamental turning lathe with which
he made numerous clocks, watches,
barometers and other devices. Only
those who work with their hands and
brain will fully appreciate the time and
effort required to produce such fine
devices. Derek was a Fellow of the
British Horological Institute.
Derek married a lass from Lancashire,
whilst in London and has two
daughters, both married with their own
families.
He was a man of many parts and in
spite of family an other commitments
he found time to play the violin and
golf and was a keen supporter of the
Old Boy’s dinners mainly in London
but also in Edinburgh (where one
daughter lives) and Bristol. He attended
the London dinner in March 2011 after
recovering from an operation. He was
in good form and we had hoped that
he would be with us for many more
years. Sadly it was not to be.
Geoffrey Picken (1938-1946)
David Rogers (1961-68) “Rogo” joined
the school in 1961 in Shell A 2 having
moved into the area after a primary
education in Southport. There David
proved himself to be academically
blessed and he entered the Alpha
Stream of the school the following year,
moving on seamlessly through into
the History sixth form studies. Sixth
form studies led to the achievement
of excellent ‘A’ level results and, in
turn, to his being accepted by Leeds
University where he began to enjoy his
undergraduate life in 1968.
Tragically, just prior to Christmas 1968
David suffered an entirely undiagnosed
and unexpected brain haemorrhage
which led to his remaining in hospitals at
Chapel Allerton, Leeds, and Pinderfields,
Wakefield for the next two and a half
years. Sadly the long term impact
was paraplegia which left David in a
wheelchair for the remainder of his life.
Despite this apparent handicap
David enjoyed a full and very active
life. Having convalesced sufficiently,
he enrolled at BIT to complete his
degree studies and went on to enjoy
a rewarding career in work largely
involved with the voluntary and/or
charitable sectors in support of projects
primarily targeted at disadvantaged
groups, notably the disabled. In fact,
his whole working life was focused on
promotion and education of disability
rights and opportunities throughout the
spectrum of life.
David retired from this career in the
mid 1990’s when the daily trek into
Manchester in his fragile three-wheel
transport became altogether too
traumatic! Nevertheless he remained
very active, being a well known social
member and quiz master at Heaton
Cricket Club, a very talented artist
(whose self designed and bespoke
Christmas cards will be much missed in
future years), and a fanatical follower of
the fortunes of Wigan Rugby League
Club (a fanaticism David only relaxed
briefly in favour of Rugby Union when
he was an active and popular member
of the school 1st and 2nd XV’s, leading
to the award of his half colours).
to re-visit the School and to be
surrounded by friends, ex-classmates
and old team-mates.
David passed away on 15 April at the
sadly early age of 61 after a short
illness created by the type of infection
that was an occupational hazard of
his condition; a condition he bore with
great resilience, dignity and no little
humour to the end. He is survived by
his mother Joan and sister Chris.
Peter Labbett (1962 – 68)
Barry Lomax (1961 – 68)
Anthony Taylor (1961 – 68)
Derrick Shaw (1935-43, Staff 196189) former Head of Geography and
former School Captain, died at the
age of 86, following a long battle
with cancer. At school Derrick played
football and cricket for the first elevens.
He trained as a pilot but was not
involved in action. At the end of the
war he entered St Catherine’s College,
Cambridge where he read Geography.
Subsequently he was in business, lived
in Canada and returned to England to
teach in Gloucestershire before taking
the position, Head of Geography, at his
old school. We were fortunate to have
him because he led a very successful
department and his creative energy
served the school in many ways.
He took field trips to North Africa;
an accomplished singer and actor,
he appeared in Gilbert and Sullivan
operas; his interest in drama led to
memorable productions of opera and
of Shakespeare; he used the space in
the Great Hall in, what was for us, an
entirely new way. After retirement form
Bolton he taught English at Westholme
School in Blackburn and continued to
pursue his interest in drama. His gifts
were at the disposal of everyone and
we are sorry to record the close of such
a vibrant life. Our sympathy goes to
Ruth, his widow and to his daughters.
Charles Winder
Most of all, however, David loved to
maintain his full social life with a wide
range of friends, and to keep up with
news of Old Boltonion contemporaries.
Indeed, one of David’s happiest times
in the last few years appeared to be the
2008 reunion of ’58, ’68 ad ’78 leavers,
at which he revelled in the opportunity
35
THE
BUGLE
Old Boltonians’ Association
Autumn Newsletter 2011
Designed and printed by Haslam Printers Limited
Standish Street, Chorley, Lancashire PR7 3AJ
T. 01257 263777 E. sales@haslamprinters.co.uk

Newsletter Autumn 2011

Transcription

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