Farewell to Caspar Joseph

Published by Yacht Fiona Books ISBN 979-89853220-0-2 The 1928 Bentley shown on the cover of Wings over the Channel is a powerful presence in the novel. The driver is Squadron Leader Chadwick, whom we met as a junior officer in Wings over the Channel. It is distressing to read in the Epilogue that the Squadron Leader was posted Missing in Action after a bombing raid over Kiel in 1941. In the pre-war years, as an engineer with wide flying experience, he is involved in the development and testing of radar defences and his intellectual insight aids analysis of continuing technical problems. The author, Eric Forsyth, trained as a fighter pilot after the war and met many senior to himself who knew at first hand the operations and routine dangers he describes. Through action, and particularly through dialogue, he convincingly presents developments and challenges in a way intelligible to the layman and the reader is additionally aided by a very useful glossary. The setting is political, foreign interest and espionage are inevitable and Chadwick becomes uncomfortably aware of clandestine surveillance. The Bentley, which has played its part in his closest relationship, commands the climax of this intricate and always intriguing novel. Wings over the Channel is an absorbing and exciting story.

Charles Winder (Boys’ Division Staff, 1964-1999)

Reviews have been written over a number of years by a small group of people and we are glad that authors and publishers have continued to send books to us, written by Old Boltonians. It would be useful now to extend the number of reviewers. If any Old Boltonian or former member of staff would be happy to write an occasional review, please contact the Development Office, indicating your areas of interest. The Office will give you further details.

From 1990, he managed the Sixth Form Common Room, before becoming a Year Head of the Lower Sixth, and then Head of Sixth Form until 2017, a role in which many Old Boys will remember him. More recently he took on the role of Director of Partnerships, where his engagement with Old Boys increased still further. Caspar’s unprecedented commitment to School rugby over 30 years is a feat that is unlikely to be repeated. Caspar ran the First XV with style, with perhaps the highlight of his rugby career being his involvement in the tours to destinations such as South Africa (twice), Portugal, Italy and Ireland. These trips are recalled with great regularity whenever Old Boltonians and staff gather at any venue. At Caspar’s final end of season rugby presentation, no fewer than 14 former First XV captains attended at short notice, with many more sending their messages of appreciation. Although pretending to be a bluff old traditionalist, Caspar has always had a furtively cutting-edge approach to his teaching. His celebrated Medieval Fayre was at the very forefront of the craze for historical re-enactment. He was already filming his classes’ presentations long before we had iPads and iMovie. In election years he has masterminded the School General Election with absolute impartiality. Caspar is an absolute one-off, and we hope to share his company at many Old Boys’ events in the future.

“Six nil. Defeat in the semi-final of the Lancashire Cup, after the hitherto undefeated 1992-93 season for Bolton School 1st XV. At that moment the very worst feeling in rugby. But half an hour later, one of the very best. On the bus back to Bolton, after some wise and kind words from Caspar, we were singing, joking, celebrating our huge achievements that season. It’s moments like that when you learn what it’s all about. The camaraderie, the Corinthian Spirit, the pride, and the fire in your belly the next time you run out with your mates in the black and white hoops. Lessons in sport, but also lessons for life chaps, lessons for life. “How a slightly timid, mal-coordinated, clumsy boy like me left Bolton at 18 being able to hold my own on a rugby pitch is a minor miracle, and simply wouldn’t have happened without Caspar Joseph. That was gift that gave me another 20 years of great times and great friends in rugby. I can never thank him enough, and I am certain I am one of many. So much more than a teacher, Caspar was the first grown-up to treat us as equals. He inspired, encouraged, and gently guided us in our first steps into adulthood and the world beyond School … ‘History in the making fellas, history in the making’. “Thank you, Caspar. All the best for a well-deserved retirement!”