Staff in the Spotlight: Mr Bleasdale and Mrs Turner

I started teaching the guitar to a small number of boys, working as a Visiting Music Teacher in 1986. I began my employment as a classroom teacher in 2000 – 36 years in total.

I was a freelance musician in the early part of my career and teaching was an important part of my work. I taught the guitar at Westhoughton High School and St James’s High School in Farnworth.

I always liked the idea of teaching, but, as a young man, I much preferred earning my living from playing the guitar. However, I was highly impressed with Bolton School and its pupils. I was lucky enough to learn from two exceptional Directors of Music: Colin Edmundson (Boys’ Division Staff 1984-2006) and Stephen Martin (Boys’ Division Staff 1998-2014). Their enthusiasm for teaching music and for building a strong team of teachers inspired me to become a full-time music teacher and eventually to follow in their footsteps as Director of Music.

I was quite good at languages at school so if music hadn’t been my passion then I might have followed a linguistic path.

I enjoyed sharing my passion for music with the pupils and I was constantly amazed at how much talent there was in School. I also enjoyed the camaraderie of my colleagues, particularly those in the Music Department. I was lucky to work in a very strong team and I’m grateful to the staff and the many pupils who contributed so much to making music such a great success at Bolton School.

I have many happy memories – highlights include directing the Senior Guitar Group and the Joint Senior Orchestra; the European tours with the Senior Guitar Group and the Senior Concert Band; the Bridgewater Hall Gala Concerts; the Joint Musical Productions; Battle of the Bands; the Music Festival which later became The Young Musician of the Year; and the community music events with our pupils collaborating with local schools and organisations.

When I joined the School, the staff car park was on the corner of Dobson Road and I seem to remember always being able to find a space in there. These days there are numerous car parks to accommodate the large number of staff. I also remember being able to smoke in the Common Room! I don’t smoke now, but in those days pipes and cigarettes were often smoked by staff at break. Oh, and there was no such thing as emails!

That would have to be the Christmas Festival, an event which brings the whole School community together – staff, pupils, parents and Old Boys. I felt privileged to be a part of this and, although it took the same format every year, I always felt nervous before this special occasion. Mrs Fox would always train the readers so well and the orchestra and choir were made up of both experienced musicians and boys who were just starting out on their musical journey. Old Boys would come back to sing in the choir and play in the orchestra and the rehearsals during the day would set the atmosphere for later that evening.

I have been in touch with some pupils which has been a real pleasure. I’m always delighted to hear from former pupils and quite a few contacted me on my retirement, which was wonderful.

Well, the saying goes ‘musicians never retire’ and at the moment I’m enjoying doing some work at the RNCM junior and senior college; playing in a band; and working in a classical guitar duo. Of course, the main reason to be doing these activities is to make myself unavailable for DIY in the house! Having said that, a quieter life seems quite attractive and learning how to meditate is high up on my list of priorities. My wife is still working, but when she retires we would both love the opportunity to do some travelling.

Sixteen years!

I taught for 31 years at Pemberton Community High School where I was Head of Art and Head of Year. After that I lived in Llandinam for four years and taught at Llanidloes High School – it’s a beautiful part of the world and I became very fit dog walking in the hills!

No, I initially wanted to be a vet – until I realised that there are sad tasks to perform. I decided on being a teacher of Art (and French) when I was about 12.

I love the aura around Bolton School … the prestige and the atmosphere of grandeur. I have often pinched myself walking from my car through the Reception area, looking at the front entrance and the Headmaster’s Garden – what a beautiful environment to work in. I’ve enjoyed the camaraderie with different colleagues over the years, keeping in touch with some who have left. The Art Department has always been a happy place to be; the staff have real affection for each other, being there in the good times and the not so good. And, of course, the boys have played a huge part in the enjoyment stakes. I remember with fondness how Paul Greenhalgh (2001-2015) would call into A6 each morning and entertain me with his humorous anecdotes!

The Christmas Festivals feature largely in my favourite moments and traditions of the School. I love singing and I intend to maintain my involvement with the staff choir.

I’m hoping to have time to indulge in all of my multitudinous interests! Top of the list is spending quality time with my three dogs (my favourite breed is ‘Rescue’!) – I do a lot of walking, in Yorkshire in particular, and they will accompany me. I will be following the fortunes of Wigan Athletic, having held a season ticket since childhood. I love listening to music and hope to attend some live performances. I love singing and am a member of a choir in Wigan. And I’m passionate about cars! I will continue to enjoy eating out (and eating in), decorating, gardening and shopping at TK Maxx. I’m looking forward to spending time on the beautiful island of Mallorca. I also painfully indulge in a keep-fit session, as well as playing ‘walking football’ once a week. And, of course, I will be indulging in my passion for all things ‘Art’ – I’m involved in an urban sketching group and enjoy just being creative in general. If I find time to take up any more activities I would like to take up crown green bowling … as you do!