The Bugle – Spring 2020 by Bolton School Development Office

THE

Old Boltoniansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association 1895 - 2020

BUGLE

Spring 2020

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

CONTENTS Stay in Touch 2 Stay Connected 2 Bolton School Merchandise 2 Welcome Messages Roy Battersby, President of the Old Boltonians’ Association 3 Philip Britton, Headmaster 3 The Mail Bag 4 OBA Ambassadors 5 The Boltonian 5 Continuing Support 6 School News Chairman of Governors Retires 7 A Christmas Carol 7 Platinum Award for Concert Band 8 125 Years of the Old Boltonians’ Association 8 Old Boy’s Legal Insights at Tillotson Lecture 8 A Lunchtime with Footballing Legends 8 Charity Trek 9 Assembly Marks 100 Years of Remembrance 9 RRG Group Sponsor Football Kit 9 Welcome to Hannah! 9 Old Boys’ Features Inspiring the Next Generation 10 Alumni Authors 12 Find Your Path 13 Bolton Alumni Network 13 Bolton School: Making a Difference 14 Ian Riley – New Chairman of the Governing Body 15 Mark’s Power Walk 16 Bolton School Teachers Flourish 17 Old Boys Make Terrific Teachers 18 Freemasonry 19 Old Boys on Film 19 Events Photo Wall 20 Medical Sciences Dinner 22 Outdoor Activities Offer for Old Boys 22 A Hundred Years Old 22 Old Boys’ News News of Old Boys 23 News of Former Staff 25 Mini Reunions 26 Sports OBAFC Report 27 Old Boltonians’ Golf Society Report 27 Destination of Leavers - 2019 28 Archives Ask the Archivist: The Old Boltonians’ Association Celebrates its 125th Anniversary 30 Looking Back 31 Martin’s Memories of School 32 Lives Remembered 34 In Memoriam 38 Old Boltonians’ Association Papers Notice of the 2020 AGM 39 Proxy Voting Form 39 Minutes of the 2019 AGM 39 Accounts for the Year Ended 31st December 2019 39

STAY IN TOUCH

Connect with Old Boys and Old Girls on the Bolton Alumni Network: www.boltonalumninetwork.com.

Development Office Bolton School ‘Like’ our Facebook page for event invitations, Chorley New Road School news and memories: search Bolton Bolton School - Old Boys and Old Girls (Official) BL1 4PA

Connect with fellow Alumni on LinkedIn: connect with Bolton School Alumni and join the Bolton School Group

Follow Alumni and School news via Twitter: @BoltonSchool/ @BoltonSchAlumni Watch short films posted on the School’s YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/user/ boltonschoolmedia

Read regular blogs from pupils and staff from across the campus: boltonschool.me/

Follow bolton_school_foundation and use #BSAlumni to share your memories and photos on Instagram

View photos of Alumni events on Flickr at www.flickr.com/photos/bsalumni/albums

Visit the ‘Former Pupils’ section of the School website at www.boltonschool.org to see event photos, read Alumni career profiles, find news of Old Boys, view an up-to-date events calendar, update your contact details and more.

T: 01204 434718 E: development@boltonschool.org

THE TEAM Laura Firth Head of Development Hannah Fox Development Assistant Frances Johnson Development Assistant Caspar Joseph Old Boys’ Liaison Officer Kathryn O’Brien Alumni and Development Assistant Laura Rooney Development Manager

Stay Connected We hope you enjoy being kept up-to-date with what is happening at School and within the Old Boy community as much as we value the opportunity to stay connected to you. If your contact details have changed, or if you have not yet let us know your communication preferences and wish to continue hearing from School, then please contact the Development Office as soon as possible, or complete the Former Pupil Registration form found in the ‘Former Pupils’ section of the School website, www.boltonschool.org.

Bolton School Merchandise School has an online merchandise store, selling a variety of items, from Old Boy cufflinks and ties to Bolton School pens, iPad cases and photo frames. All profits made from the sale of merchandise go directly to the School Bursary Fund, which helps make a Bolton School education open to all academically gifted pupils, irrespective of their families’ financial situation. Orders are usually delivered within five working days, and overseas delivery is available. To order your items, please visit www.boltonschoolmerchandise.org or call 08450 504015.

Newsletter Spring 2020

WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT I am honoured and delighted to be President for 2020, the year which marks the 125th Anniversary of The Old Boltonians’ Association. WE Brown, in his excellent History of Bolton School, records that HF Matthews, Headmaster from 1892 to 1906, called together several Old Boys to organise an Old Boltonians’ Dinner, and in March 1895 the first dinner was held. My mother attended Bolton School in the 1930s. She and my father valued the virtues of a good education and in 1953 I was awarded a scholarship enabling me to attend, as did my brother, Graham (1948-1955). My daughters Sarah (1980-1990) and Helen (1982-1992) also attended from Junior School to Sixth Form. During my time at School I developed my interests in music, choral singing and playing the clarinet, the Scouts (not very efficiently) and sport. I was in the Rugby First XV and the Athletics team, and was captain of the Tennis team. I always felt that the strength of School was the commitment of its staff, who inspired so many of us to make the most of our abilities. They taught us also to behave with fairness and kindness. In my case I was greatly thankful to John Hyde (PE) and to PAS Stevens (Music). That level of commitment is clearly still prevalent amongst the School’s current staff.

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER For much of last week I was alone in the Boys’ Division Senior School, knowing that around the North West more than 90 colleagues and 920 boys were running more or less the normal school day of lessons remotely, using our iPads, email and some bespoke apps. If there was ever a time to reap the rewards of being one of only a handful of Apple Distinguished Schools in the North West, this was it. Parents and boys have welcomed the structure and rhythm provided by this approach and all noticed when it was the weekend, which is important in what are otherwise long days at home. Colleagues and boys have both risen to the challenge. Key worker children

After Bolton School I studied Law at Durham University and was a solicitor in private practice for some 30 years. I served for ten years on the Law Society’s Council Membership Committee and was President of the Association of North West Law Societies in 1990-91. In 1999 I left private practice when I was appointed an Immigration Judge. The work was exacting but fascinating. When I first started, the civil war in Kosovo was in full flight and the news was full of pictures of people fleeing from Kosovo after being bombed by the Serbs. The majority of cases that came before me were asylum cases. A person claiming asylum must prove that he or she is a refugee. The legal definition of a refugee is someone who has a well-founded fear of persecution and is not able to avail himself of the protection of his country of origin. Often the outcome of a case would turn on the credibility of the evidence. A lot were demonstrably not credible claims but all asylum cases had to be taken very seriously because if a judge got it wrong the appellant would be at grave risk. Even in unmeritorious cases it is important for a judge to be fair, kind and compassionate and I very much believe that Bolton School taught me those qualities. I am looking forward to meeting up with Old Boys at the many Alumni functions during the year. Roy Battersby (1953-1961) Old Boltonians’ Association President, 2020

are all at Park Road, as the school was from time to time during both the wars. Many of you will know that I always seek a ‘first’ at Bolton School, always to be informed by an Old Boy that it has been done before. This week, I appointed the Captain and Vice-Captains of school by video link. Today, the end of term assembly was streamed on You Tube. Strange and unusual times, but times when an adaptable community with a strong sense of purpose can find a way through. We are all mindful of the wider Bolton School community, young and old, at this time, and I do hope that this magazine, albeit in electronic form for now, will provide some welcome distraction and prompt some conversation or reminiscence to bring colour to your day. Philip Britton, MBE

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

THE MAIL BAG A selection of emails and letters received since the last edition of The Bugle was published.

STAR LETTER Gym 50) sent in this photo John (Ollie) Hollinghurst (1944-19 that the purchase, lls reca and of the 1949 Gym Team Without Apparatus, in 1947, of Gymnastics, With and ing (a whole week’s for the princely sum of one shill his classmates, pocket money!) inspired him and n and Frank Yates, erso Rog including Geoff Bain, Nev es than the robotic, to practise more advanced mov by Captain Sayers formalised exercises conducted subsequent gym say, during PT lessons. Needless to skilful and vastly e mor at ewh competitions were som more entertaining!

streets to cross – with the girls acting as pickets, followed by cleaning up and refreshments. They all seemed to enjoy the experience. ‘I also remember being involved with the production of the Club’s magazine, Spotlight, which was mainly about the Club’s activities and the fundraising, and for which my friend, Frank Hindley (1945-1952), drew some illustrations. I’m not sure how long I was involved with the Club, but it was a good personal experience for me. ‘In retrospect I realise that I was, in fact, contributing to ‘Outreach’ and this inspired me later on in life when my wife and I were involved in the formation of a Girls’ Club in the church hall for the benefit of our early teenage daughter and many of the local teenagers. We had dances and social evenings and boys were invited, but otherwise it was for the girls alone. ‘Bolton School is right to be proud of its community service!’ Football David Seddon (1960-1971) spotted the photo of the 1967-68 First XI and was prompted to send in a photo of the following year’s (very successful) team, managed by Alan Mitchell. David says this was the best team he ever played in, aged 16 – if only he’d been able to appreciate that at the time! Happy days. And clean boots.

d ‘Dolly’ Doldon, Back, L-R: Bill Cumming, Raymon pe Coo Bill , man Hard ald Don ‘Ollie’ Hollinghurst, Front, L-R: Geoff Bain, E John Nev Rogerson

Community Action ‘Outreach’ is a familiar concept in Canada where Joe Eden (1944-1952) lives, but he had never been aware of being involved in it during his time at School. However, reading about the community service hours completed by current Bolton School pupils jogged his memory … ‘Almost 70 years ago I was invited to tea at the home of one of the Board of Governors. She explained that there was no leader at the Bolton Girls’ Recreation Club and they needed someone to help out – I agreed to help. ‘My memory of what I did to help at the Club is sketchy at best – I guess they put me to work wherever I was needed – but I do remember fundraising to purchase a Bush TV. I also recall the introduction, slowly, of boys into the Club, possibly for dancing or other social events. One of the things I remember clearly was to introduce to the Club a cross-town fun run for the boys – all left-hand turns, and no

Football First XI 1968-69, Back, L-R: Rob Haworth, Keith Dawson, ? Booth, Mike Birchall, Howard Fox, Michael Taylor Front, L-R: Phil Teece, Carlton ‘Bill’ Wright, Henry Smith, Martin Holt, David Seddon (David Willson, who was ever-present in the season, was unavailable for the team photo)

Cricket at Lilleshall Kevin Topping (Boys’ Division Staff, 1958-1972 and 1988-1996) sent in this picture, noting that in the good old days – the 1960s – School organised residential cricket courses in the Easter holidays at Lilleshall Hall (now the National Sports Centre) in Shropshire. Well-known cricketers, including Jack Ikin (England and Lancashire)

Newsletter Spring 2020

and Old Boy Jack Bond (1943-1949, Lancashire) came to coach alongside the Bolton School staff. In 1968 Old Boy Duncan Worsley (Class of 1959) provided the expertise.

Lilleshall 1968, featuring staff members Kevin Topping, Duncan Worsley, Ron Booth, John Hyde and David Jenner

The (Long) Plunge continued Ernie Marsh (1955-1962, Boys’ Division Staff 1973-1976) refers to the letters from Mike Tatman and Greg Sykes in the Spring and Autumn 2019 editions: ‘I have been reliably informed that Brian Gallagher (1933-1940, Boys’ Division Staff 1949-1983), soon after his appointment to the staff floated the full length of the pool

OBA Ambassadors The Old Boys’ Association (OBA) Committee has been harnessing the enthusiasm and contacts of younger Alumni for the Association’s 125th Anniversary this year by creating roles for a number of Ambassadors. Their remit is to raise the profile of the OBA within their peer group, and to play an integral role in shaping the OBA as a vibrant business networking community. Ralph Murphy (1992-2005), pictured right, is the latest Ambassador to be recruited. Ralph was a keen sportsman at School – he was in the 3rd XI football team and also enjoyed playing water polo, swimming and taking part in the odd cricket match, and he has many fond memories, including footy on Dobson Road playground, outdoor pursuits at Patterdale Hall and some brilliant School trips. He went on to study Medicine at Imperial College London and now works as a Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon.

The Boltonian The Boltonian remains the premium 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 £15 per annum for UK subscribers and £20 per annum for non-UK subscribers. All prices include postage and packaging. Single editions (including some earlier editions – subject to availability) are also available.

at a Speech Day, thus extending his earlier record achieved as a pupil. ‘Furthermore I remember seeing this feat equalled by Phil Marshall (1955-1962), first in life saving practice with JCB (John C Blakey, Boys’ Division Staff, 1944-1976) and then mentioned at Speech Day in 1962. Phil writes: ‘FRP gave me an honourable mention in assembly, but noted that later when representing the School in this event at Rossall School, I was roundly thrashed by a seven-foot giant who dived five feet further in a quarter of the time!’ ‘After its only appearance as an Olympic event in 1904, the plunge was criticised as an athletic event since ‘it favours mere mountains of flesh falling into the water’. FW Parrington (the world record holder) opined that his buoyancy and streamlining were enhanced by his barrel chest and I am sure that BMG would have agreed! Perhaps to demonstrate that no size fits all, Phil refers to himself modestly as ‘the skinny lad who could hold his breath forever!’ (time limits did not appear to be used at School). ‘Incidentally, a couple of people have suggested that the length of the pool was one chain = 22 yards (like a cricket pitch!).’

Ralph joins the growing team of Ambassadors, which also comprises: Chris Eatough (Class of 1993), Paul Greenhalgh (2001-2015), Stefan Horsman (1988-1995), Stephen Lintott (1982-1989), Irfan Ravat (1992-1999), Mike Shaw (19811988), Adam Syddall (1984-1998), Ross Taylor (1991-2004), Richard Washington (1986-1993) and Paul Wheatcroft (1988-1995). The OBA Committee would be delighted to hear from any other Old Boys who would be interested in learning more about this role. Please contact the OBA Secretary, Jon Twist, via the Development Office, for more details.

Any profits made from the sale of the magazine will go towards the running of the Old Boltonians’ Association. For details of how to subscribe, please contact the Development Office.

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

Continuing Support

For more than a century, Bolton School has been an engine of social mobility for successive generations of Boltonians, who have been inspired to realise their talents and use their success to benefit the communities in which they live. Lord Leverhulme’s founding principle for Bolton School – that it should offer bright and talented children an exceptional education, regardless of their background – remains at the heart of our ethos today. Until 1997, funding from the Direct Grant and Assisted Places schemes enabled us to ensure the School was accessible to pupils from all backgrounds. When this state funding ceased, we sourced income privately to build up a capital Bursary Fund which during the past 23 years has flourished, thanks to the generosity of our supporters who believe, as we do, in ensuring equality of opportunity for every child who would thrive here. The School remains exceptionally fortunate in the support of its benefactors and, during the 2018-19 academic year, £650,000 was raised for the Bursary Fund, just over £248,000 of which was donated by Old Boys and Old Girls. Last year, the School spent £2.75 million on bursarial provision, supporting 357 pupils - one in every five of the children in the two Senior Schools - including 42 Year 13 pupils who left the School last summer having completed their A Level examinations. Last autumn, 38 of those young people took up places at university, including 10 who went on to study subjects in the medical sciences and 23 who secured places at Russell Group universities. Of their time at School, one such pupil wrote: “The School gives all students the ability not just to thrive academically, but also to contribute to society. My greatest debt to the School isn’t my academic results, but rather the rounded person I have become through opportunities outside the classroom.”

Our bursary recipients take full advantage of every opportunity that a Bolton School education presents. In 2018-19, grants totalling almost £6,000 were awarded from the School’s four extra-curricular funds, set up specifically by donors to enable bursary recipients to make the most of their time at School. These grants enabled 34 bursary pupils to take part in 42 different trips and activities, ranging from the Boys’ Division’s trip to Russia to the Girls’ Division’s Creative Writing Retreat. Yet despite the incredible success of our bursary scheme, for every bursary place awarded, one other child, who has proven their potential in the entrance assessments and would flourish at our award-winning School, has to be turned away. We are determined that a Bolton School education should be available to every deserving child with ability and potential, whatever their family’s financial circumstances. Our goal is to grow our Bursary Fund still further, in order to re-establish the open access of the Direct Grant era – where one in three children received a funded place - in order that no child is denied the opportunity to realise their potential because of a lack of financial support. If you share this ambitious vision for our future, and would like to pledge your support to the Bolton School Bursary Fund, either by making a regular gift or by remembering the School in your will, then please contact Laura Firth, Head of Development, by emailing development@ boltonschool.org or calling 01204 434718.

Newsletter Spring 2020

SCHOOL NEWS Chairman of Governors Retires The School paid tribute to Michael Griffiths (1958-1965) at a black-tie dinner as he retired as Chairman of the Governing Body at Bolton School at the end of November. Over 130 guests gathered, including members of the Griffiths family, Governors, Former Governors, supporters of the School’s Bursary Fund, representatives of the Old Boltonians’ and Old Girls’ Associations and representatives from both the academic and support staff, to honour Michael’s service to the School. Speeches from Headmaster Philip Britton, Headmistress of Michael (centre), with incoming Chairman Ian Riley (fifth the Girls’ Division Sue Hincks, the incoming Chairman of from right) and current members of the Governing Body the Governing Body Ian Riley (1974-1981), Lisa Jacobs (née Griffiths, 1996-2003) and former Governor Ross Warburton (1969-1974) all praised Michael’s dedication to the School. During his time as Chairman, he oversaw the building of Hesketh House, the new Beech House and the extension to the Boys’ Junior School (Park Road), as well as the construction of the Riley Sixth Form Centre, the purchase of the outdoor learning centre Patterdale Hall in the Lake District and the installation of a new all-weather sports surface. However, it was noted that arguably his greatest contribution to the School was his foresight and tenacity in developing the School’s Bursary Fund – due to Michael’s passion for growing this fund, the School now operates one of the largest bursary schemes in the country, enabling one in five pupils to receive financial support for their education.

A Christmas Carol

Scrooge (Jude Ashcroft) is tormented by the ghost of Christmas Past (Tom Griffiths)

Pupils from Years 9 to 13 staged an enjoyable and professional adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in the Boys’ Division Great Hall, where the raised stage, central aisle and numerous doors were well utilised to create a truly intimate and immersive experience.

The talented cast was led by Jude Ashcroft (Year 12), who gave a commanding and energetic performance as Scrooge; he was supported by Tom Whitehead (Year 13) as Fezziwig and Finley Littlefair (Year 11) as Bob Cratchit. Anthony Johnson (Year 12) and Jayden Luhar (Year 9) gave suitably spooky and menacing performances as the ghosts of Jacob Marley and Christmas Yet To Come respectively.

Kiran Sastry (Year 9) gave a fabulous portrayal of Tiny Tim, while Tom Griffiths (Year 9) and Zayd Ascroft (Year 12) played the ghosts of Christmas Past and Present. Charlie Griffiths (Year 12) brought energy and hopefulness to the role of Fred, Scrooge’s nephew.

Jayden Luhar played the ghost of Christmas Yet To Come

The main cast was supported by an ensemble of pupils who helped to frame the action and drive the story onward. Backstage, Harvey Ryan (Year 11) and Nathan Hayes (Year 13) assisted with the impressive lighting and sound effects, creating an atmosphere that shifted from foreboding to hopeful and from festive to frightening. Thanks go to Elisa Fielding (Boys’ Division Staff) and the Octagon Theatre’s Imogen Woolrich, who provided choreography and direction respectively, and to Naomi Lord (1991-1998), Director of Drama and Creative Learning, who produced the show and allowed a cast of very talented pupils to shine. Sam Warburton (2011-2018)

Finley Littlefair as Bob Cratchit

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

Platinum Award for Concert Band The Joint Concert Band was invited to perform at the National The Music staff in both Divisions are delighted Concert with the Joint Concert Band’s achievement Band Festival (NCBF) heats held at Newman RC College in Oldham on 17th November. The young musicians and their conductor, Boys’ Division music teacher Miss Sherry, took this wonderful opportunity to play in front of experienced adjudicators and receive valuable feedback. The group played three pieces, impressing the judging panel with all, and afterwards was presented with a Platinum Award – the highest possible accolade – which comes with an automatic invitation to perform at the National Festival, which will be held at the Royal Northern College of Music later in the year.

Old Boy’s Legal Insights at Tillotson Lecture This year’s Tillotson Lecture was given by The Rt Hon Sir Ernest Ryder (1962-1976), Senior President (Chief Justice) of Tribunals in the UK, a Lord Justice of Appeal in England and Wales, a Privy Counsellor and the Chairman of the Administrative Justice Council.

A Lunchtime with Footballing Legends Manchester United football legend Ryan Giggs and former Rochdale, Tranmere, Bury and Carlisle player Joe Thompson, who Joe, Ryan and some starstruck boys! has twice fought off cancer, generously gave up their time to inspire Boys’ Division footballers and elite athletes and pupils from Gaskell Primary School. The two players were interviewed about their lives and careers by Sports Teacher Mr Hughes. Both talked about

125 Years of the Old Boltonians’ Association The Boys’ Division held a special assembly celebrating 125 years of the Old Boltonians’ Association (OBA).

Former Association Presidents and Committee members joined the Headmaster for the celebratory assembly Back, L-R: Phil Riding, Frank Millhouse, Harry Lane, Roger Gould, Roger Dobson, David Seddon, Michael Griffiths, Peter Acton, Peter Syddall Middle, L-R: Richard Morris, Philip Britton, David Shaw Front, L-R: David Lee, Jon Twist, Charles Winder, Tim Taylor, Mark Millhouse

Sixteen former Presidents of the OBA joined staff and pupils to learn how, in 1895, Headmaster Matthews conceived the idea of an Alumni club, with a group of 63 Old Boys gathering at the Commercial Hotel in Bolton for the inaugural dinner. Today the OBA has a world-wide membership of over 5,500 former pupils; the Association provides the link between Old Boys and School and offers social and sporting opportunities.

Sir Ernest spent the afternoon speaking with pupils and answering their questions before taking to the stage in the evening to speak about the changing face of justice. He began by posing the same question he was asked in his Cambridge interview: why do we not have a national legal service? and went on to answer it by giving a comprehensive overview of the past, present and future of the justice system. Following his address, Sir Ernest took a series of questions from the audience and offered advice to those aspiring to a career in the legal profession.

the importance of resilience, working hard – both at school and on the pitch – and having a back-up plan. Ryan recommended playing other sports to help learn Mr Hughes shows off his different skillsets and interviewing skills explained how taking care with his diet and practising yoga enhance his fitness. Following a moving film about Joe’s career and battle with cancer, he described how vital it is to have good support when things don’t go according to plan. The two former players answered a wide variety of questions from the audience of eager fans, before posing for photos with some very excited pupils! Joe and Ryan answer questions from the audience

Newsletter Spring 2020

Charity Trek Patterdale Hall Manager Tim Taylor and Residential Manager Sean Duffy endured bleak and blustery conditions to raise money for St Gemma’s Hospice, a charity based in Leeds providing specialist care for those with life-threatening and life-limiting illnesses. They were inspired to complete the challenging trek from Patterdale to Leeds by their ‘good mate and fellow adventurer’ Dave, who in recent years was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and was being looked Sean (left) and Tim were after by the Hospice. Dave undeterred by the bad visited Patterdale Hall weather for many years, bringing BTEC course students from Bude Haven School for expeditions. Undaunted by the conditions, Tim and Sean set out on Saturday 1st February, covering between 22 and 30 miles each day and taking ‘the long way round’ to avoid the tops and stay safe in gale force wind and driving rain. The trek took them through parts of the Lake District National Park, Howgill Hills and the Yorkshire Dales National Park. They carried all that they needed and along the way found accommodation for free. This ranged from the kindness of strangers to Old Boltonian Rick Chant in his Bistro in Grassington. Despite blisters and sore legs, freezing cold and soaking rain, the pair reached the end of their journey on Tuesday 4th February, having walked 104 miles in just four days – and having raised more than £4,500 for St Gemma’s. Very sadly, Dave passed away on 7th March, having shown amazing strength and courage right to the end.

RRG Group Sponsor Football Kit

Assembly Marks 100 Years of Remembrance One hundred years since the first Remembrance Sunday, pupils, staff and governors gathered in the Boys’ Division Great Hall to mark this, ‘the most solemn of days in the nation’s calendar’. Dr Holland paid tribute to those soldiers who fought in conflicts from World War I to the present day, with special mention of Captain Robert Cecil Hearn MC and Lance Corporal John Entwistle, both of whom taught in the Boys’ Division and lost their lives in the First World War. Three pupils then told the stories of three Old Boys who died after the 1918 Armistice had been signed: Cadet Sergeant Stanley Bolton, Captain Cyril Gerrard Haselden and Deck Hand Jack Russell Brown. The 57 former pupils who lost their lives in the Second World War and those who suffered in subsequent wars, including Korea, Malaya, Northern Ireland, the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan, were also remembered. 11th November is also Poland’s Independence Day and Dr Holland recounted how the Nazis systematically destroyed the Polish nation, decimating its culture, economy, literature, educational system and currency, and slaughtering 3.3 million Jews. Moving poems by AE Housman and Cecil Day Lewis reflecting on the senselessness of war were read out before the two-minute silence was observed and Sixth Form students laid poppy wreaths by the memorial window.

Welcome to Hannah! The Development Team is pleased to welcome its newest recruit, Hannah Fox, who has joined as Development Assistant.

The First Eleven, 2019-20

RRG Group Bolton are the new sponsors of Bolton School Boys’ Division’s football kit. They have sponsored six teams from U12s through to the First Eleven.

Hannah has previously worked in the IT, Reprographics and Estates Departments here at School, but has now made her permanent home in the Development Office where her knowledge and expertise will help to ensure that Old Boys and Old Girls are kept abreast of all that is happening in the world of Bolton School Alumni.

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

OLD BOYS’ FEATURES INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION Old Boys studying and working in a variety of professions continue to offer their assistance to the current generation of Bolton School boys, sharing professional expertise and offering guidance. The Development Office and the Careers Departments have been delighted to work together to welcome these Alumni back to School for the benefit of pupils throughout the Divisions.

Adam Interviews Aspiring Medics Adam Razak (1992-2002) kindly volunteered to interview would-be medical students as they prepared their university applications. After leaving School, Adam studied Medicine (MBChB (Hons)) at the University of Sheffield and subsequently completed specialist training as a neurosurgeon. He is currently employed as a Senior Fellow in Neuro-oncology at Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust, subspecialising within Neurosurgery in the surgery and management of tumours of the central nervous system, and is thus well-placed to put our Sixth Formers through their paces.

Andrew Inspires Computer Science Students Andrew Warburton (Class of 2014) returned to School to speak to the current crop of GCSE and A Level Computer Science students in the Boys’ Division about how he became a Software Engineer. Andrew graduated from Newcastle University with a BSc in Computer Science, specialising in Gaming. He went on to complete a Masters in AI at the University of Manchester. He Andrew and Computer Science continues to work in students this field, explaining that he looks upon every problem as being a puzzle to be solved – and the bigger the problem, the better! He advised the boys to choose something that they enjoy, since he has learnt that education never stops!

Cricketing Twins Return to School Cricketing twins Callum and Matthew Parkinson (Class of 2015) hosted an informal question and answer session for the School’s current crop of aspiring elite athletes. The pair talked candidly about their time at School and as professional cricketers playing for Leicestershire and Lancashire respectively. Both recalled the struggles of keeping on top of their studies while playing cricket at school, district and county level, but acknowledged the great support they received from Bolton School. Asked to recount their best cricketing moments at School, Callum cited a score of over 100 against Merchant Taylors’ School when he was in Year 11, while Matt explained how he had always enjoyed ‘playing up’ – from Year 8 onwards he regularly played in the School’s first team.

Matt and Callum inspired future players

The brothers retain their competitive spirit when playing against each other, but welcome each other’s success – indeed they were playing each other in the final game of the county season when Matt learnt that he had been selected for the England Test and T20 squads to tour New Zealand this winter.

Newsletter Spring 2020

Former Pupils Mentor Sixth Form Boys Y12 and Y13 pupils enjoyed an afternoon with Peter Acton (1964-1971) and David Seddon (1960-1971) who spoke to the boys about the transition from university to the world of work. The afternoon was part of the Old Boys’ Find Your Path mentoring scheme in which Alumni students can access help in developing their CVs and honing their interview techniques and receive general careers advice. Peter and David explained that employers are seeking to recruit people that they can train and Peter (top) and David share their develop and thus wisdom want to know what prospective employees can bring to their business and whether they will fit into their culture. The Sixth Formers were told to think about examples of their own leadership, reliability, communication and team-player skills, as well to be enthusiastic and to ask intelligent questions based on diligent pre-interview research of the hiring company. You can read more about the Find Your Path mentoring scheme on page 15.

An Education in Antibiotics As part of World Antibiotics Awareness Week back in November, which aimed to raise awareness of antibiotic resistance, Old Girl Thorrun Govind (Class Thorrun with some of the Park Road of 2010) gave pupils an instructive and engaging assembly to over 200 pupils in the Boys’ Junior School.

Water Polo Wisdom School was pleased to welcome back recent leaver and water polo player Matthew Schaffel (20122019) who took time out from his studies to help coach the Matthew gives the Year 7 players the lower school benefit of his experience goalkeepers. Matthew was goalkeeper for the School and was a member of the winning team on four occasions in the English Schools competitions. He continues to play for the University of Oxford.

Illustrator Inspires Luke James (2012-2019) is studying Illustration at Anglia Ruskin University. He took some time out to show his Year 1 work Luke shared some top tips with Sixth Form to current artists students in the Sixth Form Studio and helped the group to develop some illustrations to represent new words added to the Oxford English Dictionary this year.

She began by getting the boys to sing Happy Birthday to 11 year-old Deeyan – twice! She explained that this is how long it should take you to wash your hands properly. Thorrun, who completed her degree in Pharmacy at King’s College, London, reminded her audience to use tissues when sneezing, to consider going to a pharmacist instead of a doctor about minor illnesses and to return any unused medicines. She described the great work that antibiotics can do, but noted that they are not always needed, and steered the boys towards www.antibioticguardian.com to learn more about the importance of not over-using these important medicines. Thorrun, who is a qualified Pharmacist, is also a trainee lawyer, specialising in healthcare law.

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

Lessons on Modern Slavery Susan Banister (1982-1989) presented an informative and thought-provoking session on modern slavery to students in both Divisions. Susan is a modern slavery consultant with Hope for Justice, an organisation which exists in multiple locations across four continents and works to end modern slavery by preventing exploitation, rescuing victims, restoring lives and reforming society. The students learned about the Modern Slavery Act 2016, and about child slavery and human trafficking, including the difference between trafficking and smuggling, as well as signs and indicators of modern slavery. Susan described the key drivers of human trafficking and the barriers which prevent victims from disclosing their situation. She also related a number of real-world cases, and talked about Hope for Justice’s involvement in the largest anti-trafficking case in Europe.

Boys Enjoy Flying Visit from Helicopter Pilot

Susan gave an important lesson on modern slavery

ALUMNI AUTHORS Born in Bolton

by Geoff Ogden (Class of 1959) Published by Max Books, www.max-books.co.uk ISBN 978-0-9934872 This is a book for local cricketers and for all who love the game. It identifies everyone born in Bolton who became a county player and the list of more than thirty is witness to the strength and depth of local leagues. Some of the players belong to legend as well as history: Frank ‘Typhoon’ Tyson who demolished the Australians in 1956 when Bradman, by then retired, described him as ‘the fastest he had ever seen’; Dick Barlow, remembered much earlier in Francis Thompson’s famous line, ‘O my Hornby and my Barlow long ago’, was renowned for the tenacity of his defence and his gravestone records that he was ‘bowled at last’; Dick Pollard dismissed Bradman twice in the 1948 season; Roy Tattersall appears twice on the honours board at Lord’s for taking five or more wickets twice in a test match

Rob surrounded by lots of would-be helicopter pilots!

Year 3 pupils at Park Road enjoyed a particularly exciting ‘Fun Friday’ when they were visited by Lieutenant Commander (Royal Navy) Robert De Maine (1995-2002).

Rob is the Senior Pilot (SP) of 705 Naval Air Squadron, which is one of four Squadrons which operate from RAF Shawbury, with a fifth based at RAF Valley. He described to his enthusiastic audience how he is a qualified helicopter instructor, helping to train other pilots, before answering the boys’ searching questions about being a helicopter pilot in the Royal Navy. Unsurprisingly, almost everyone now has that as their preferred career choice!

innings; our own Jack Bond (1943-1949) was one of the Wisden Five Cricketers of the Year in 1971. This list of fascinating biographies, containing several more Old Boltonians with county and test match experience, brings the reader to the present day. It is carefully researched and appreciates the achievement of many who appeared only briefly at county level, but were prodigiously successful in the leagues, notable for individual performance and their readiness to support younger players. Jack Roberts, for example, recommended Haseeb Hameed (Class of 2015) for the county primary squad. He was one of many seniors and professionals ‘who put far more into the game than he ever took out of it’. Geoff Ogden emphasises the loyalty and selfless service which have sustained the unusually rich scene of cricket in the Bolton area. He includes two essays by David Kaye and Jack Williams, who trace the development of the local leagues. Setting and culture played an essential part. Many teams had their origin in local factories and churches, particularly the Methodists; players of Asian descent have now strengthened and diversified the tradition. Their success is illustrated by the recent selection of two more Bolton-born cricketers for the England team. Geoff, himself a successful league cricketer and member of the Lancashire committee, ends with a list of the thirteen players who would form his Born in Bolton squad. The book grew from a dispute over the strength of what Bolton could provide and whether it would outclass teams from other leagues. Read the list and decide for yourself. Charles Winder (Boys’ Division Staff, 1964-1999)

Newsletter Spring 2020

Find Your Path The Old Boltonians’ ‘Find your Path’ mentoring scheme has now been running successfully for three years, with almost 50 Old Boys engaging with the programme to seek advice from mentors as they move into the world of work. Mentees have generally been second or final year undergraduates seeking guidance in their choice of career as they make the transition from education to employment. Each has received tailored, confidential guidance from an Old Boltonian Thomas Chia personally chosen for them as a (Class of 2015), an Economics student ‘good fit’ from the dozen mentors at the University involved in the scheme. These of Warwick, with mentors regularly draw upon his mentor, David their own network of professional Seddon contacts to introduce their mentees to individuals who can give them the added insight they need into specific sectors, enabling them to understand fully the opportunities available to them. A key element of the support mentors have been able to offer has been advice on how to prepare successfully for job interviews. Strong exam results on their own are rarely enough to stand out in the current highly competitive jobs market, and facing a panel of experienced business people requires detailed preparation. The mentors’ lengthy experience of recruiting graduate positions in their own businesses makes them ideally placed to guide their mentees to make the outstanding first impression required to succeed.

As the ‘Find Your Path’, programme has evolved, one pleasant surprise has been to track the number of mentors still in touch with their first mentees from the start of the scheme in 2017. Three years on, they are now seeking Peter Acton and advice as they plan their next steps, David Seddon, debating whether to remain with pioneers of the their current organisation or seek a Old Boltonians’ move elsewhere, or even changing ‘Find Your Path’ their career altogether. Knowing that mentoring scheme the support of their mentor is never far away provides a sense of reassurance as the mentees contemplate how their professional lives might progress. Much has been learned from the past three years’ activity and the programme continues to evolve, but its focus on providing bespoke advice tailored to address each mentee’s concerns remains the same. Bridging the gap between academia and the world of work is getting tougher every day, and the effective support of a mentor can make a real difference to an Old Boy’s progress. The ‘Find Your Path’ scheme is open to all young Old Boltonians, both undergraduates looking to commence their careers and young professionals considering their next steps on the ladder. All can benefit from engaging with a group of mentors with a lifetime of experience across a wide range of industries and professional sectors, supported by a growing group of career specific specialists. If you would like to become involved with the ‘Find Your Path’ scheme, either as a mentor or a mentee, please contact the Development Office.

The Bolton Alumni Network The Bolton Alumni Network, the online platform exclusively for Old Boys, Old Girls and Former Staff of Bolton School, continues to grow with over 2,400 people now signed up and using the platform in many different ways. We are grateful to the 67% of members who have offered to support their fellow Old Boys and Old Girls with careers assistance, including: • Over 1,500 willing to answer industry-specific questions • Over 1,300 willing to introduce others to their connections • Over 1,100 offering to review CVs • Over 200 offering work experience or internships Join today to take advantage of this wealth of experience and goodwill, or to give back by offering your help to younger Alumni just starting out in their careers. Download the BAN App: iOS: Search for ‘Graduway Community’ in the App Store and download the app. Once installed, type ‘Bolton School’ as the name of your institution and select when it populates.

Android: Go to Play Store and search for ‘Bolton Alumni Network’ to download the app. Please note users of the previous version will need to delete the old app before downloading this version. If you are not yet a member of the Bolton Alumni Network, you can sign up at www.boltonalumninetwork.com with your LinkedIn, Facebook or Google account, or with an email address.

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

Bolton School: Making a Difference When Lord Leverhulme re-founded Bolton School on the current site, we can only marvel at his vision and the faith he must have had in the future. In an industrial mill town, he built a School for people with high aspirations; for children who would be inspired by the towering Great Halls, the magnificent oak doors and the cloistered quads (even if these would not be completed at the School’s inception); for girls who wanted the same opportunities as boys. Social mobility may not have been a term he would have used, but it represents a concept he would have understood. Without social mobility, talents remain undeveloped and prosperity suffers; individuals’ life satisfaction is diminished; social cohesion and democratic participation are reduced. Some 100 years later, it is widely recognised that education is a key driver of social mobility. However, As part of its partnership work, the national picture seems Bolton School hosts the annual Bolton Children’s Fiction Award bleak, both in terms of inter-generational mobility and mobility throughout the course of an individual’s life (intra-generational mobility). The elevator is described as ‘stuck’. In particular, there are ‘sticky ceilings’ and ‘sticky floors’; in other words, the privileged and the poor remain where they are, both in terms of money and education. Indeed, the tendency of wealth to remain in certain hands and to evade others’ has increased in most OECD countries since the late 1990s. At the same time, the relationship between wealth and educational attainment has intensified. A low degree of social mobility combined with income inequality is a potentially toxic mix. It is scarcely surprising, then, that all political parties have emphasised the importance of nurseries, schools and universities in giving life chances to those from the least economically privileged backgrounds and the most deprived areas. In April 2019 in the UK, the Social Mobility Commission published its sixth State of the Nation report, describing social mobility as having remained stagnant since 2014. Disadvantaged children start school years behind their peers in terms of attainment; there is a 14% point gap at 11 and this rises to a 22.5% point gap at 19. The Commission devoted much time and space to the role of independent schools in entrenching privilege. It described a ‘stark divide between many schools within the independent sector and those in the state sector’. The exclusivity of many independent schools was seen as presenting a number of risks to society in general. For example, the Commission cited the risk that ‘future leaders will be detached from the broader lived experience of the people their decisions may impact.’ It concluded that there is a ‘moral imperative’ for independent schools ‘to take meaningful and concrete steps to support education in their local, national and international communities.’ Both of us fully agree with the Commission’s conclusions and we know that many parents and Alumni feel the same

way. We would welcome a (literal) revolution in thinking, such as the return to Assisted Places or of a Direct Grant system which gave access to so many in the local community to what Bolton School had to offer. Given that such a move by government is unlikely, we act according to three key principles. The first is that independent day schools must be real and relevant to their local context. Therefore, we must be affordable as well as worth affording: our fees must be Pupils from local primary tightly controlled. At Bolton schools take part in the School, the Governors have annual football festival at ensured that fee increases Bolton School have been no more than 2% for the last four years. Over time this makes the choice of a fee-paying place more accessible to more people, and makes Bolton School more a part of the society in which we operate. The second principle is the importance of increased access and the availability of bursaries. It is a fundamental imperative that there is access to Bolton School for those families who will never be able to afford our fees, yet whose children would thrive here. One in five pupils receive financial support at Bolton School and 12% of pupils are on free places. The Governors’ aim is that one in three pupils will receive a Bursary by the end of the decade. This is a key factor in Bolton School being an engine of social mobility today, as it was in the past with Direct Grant pupils. We are strong believers in the multiplier effect. If we educate one boy or girl this will have a huge impact for good on his or her family, community and locality. Finally, there is partnership. Not everyone will afford a full fee place or be awarded a bursary, but a strong and thriving independent school can still have a significant impact on the educational journeys of young people in nearby schools. At Bolton School, our partnerships with other educational providers are purposeful, sustainable and focused on making us an important cog in the machinery of the local educational landscape for all. In the words of the Girls’ Division prayer, ‘much is expected of those to whom much is given’. We are Bolton School participates inheritors of a wonderful in the national SHINE legacy at Bolton School programme which aims and it is vital that we share to raise the educational our inheritance as widely aspirations of young children as possible for the good from local primary schools of the whole community. Alumni gifts, whether in time or money, play a vital role in opening up the School to as many children as possible, regardless of social background. Financial donations allow us to extend our Bursary scheme; those who give back by sharing their time and expertise allow us to extend our partnerships. We are hugely grateful to all those who contribute to the diverse and vibrant communities which we see in both Divisions. Together, we share Lord Leverhulme’s vision and faith in the future, believing that these buildings and the people in them can continue to inspire young people for generations to come. Philip Britton, Headmaster, and Sue Hincks, Headmistress

Newsletter Spring 2020

Ian Riley - New Chairman of the Governing Body In December 2019, Old Boy Ian Riley (Class of 1981) succeeded Michael Griffiths as Chairman of the Bolton School Governing Body, having served as a Governor since 2014. Here, we share his memories of his time in the Boys’ Division, and hear of his hopes and ambitions for the School. Ian and his older brother (Keith, 1971-1979) were the first generation of their family to attend Bolton School (both getting free places via the Direct Grant) and were keen participants in both the academic and sporting life of the School, notably playing together in both the Rugby First XV and Badminton First VI. The camaraderie of team sports provide the majority of Ian’s enduring memories of School – opening the batting with Keith in the House Cricket Final and putting on a century stand to emerge victorious, captaining the School cricket team to victory over the MCC for the first time in many years and captaining the School team to victory in the Greater Manchester Schools Badminton tournament, amongst others. Ian represented the County in both sports and in younger years played football, chess and swam in the School teams; he expresses his gratitude to all the staff members - David Shaw and Martin Wadsworth to name just two - who gave up their time and energies to support the multitude of extra-curricular and sporting activities that he enjoyed as a pupil. In the Sixth Form, Ian was elected as both a Monitor and Captain of Chorley House and completed an additional A Level in Further Mathematics (with the generous help of Terry Cairns) as well as studying all three sciences. After leaving School, he worked for a year in industry as part of what used to be known as a “thick sandwich” student apprenticeship, the main benefit of which was that he was paid a salary whilst at university – somewhat different from the situation most university students find themselves in nowadays! He then studied engineering at Clare College, Cambridge, in his final two years doing a MEng in Manufacturing. As with many UK engineers at the time, Ian went straight from Cambridge into the City, working in what is now known as Investment Banking. After five years, he realised that he wanted to have a more industrial bias and so took a year off to complete an MBA at Insead. Whilst there, he decided that the most interesting and rewarding use of both his industrial and financial experience would be to try and get into the relatively new field of Private Equity, in which he has remained for over 25 years. The final part of this journey was being part of the founding team of a new firm, Vitruvian Partners, in 2006. Ian and his wife Ginni celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary in 2018 and have two children: Emma, 26, who recently qualified as an ACA and has just started a career in investment management after studying Computer Sciences / Land Economy at Newnham College,

Cambridge; and Tim, 23, who completed an MEng at Somerville College, Oxford last summer and is now studying a one-year MSc at London Business School in Data Analytics & Management. His brother Keith married Janet (née Holden, 1974-1981), and their three children all attended the School. Of his decision to join the Governing Body, Ian writes: “I had reached the point in my life where I felt that I would like to give something back to the institutions which had had a major impact on my life – Bolton School and Clare College. This began with financial support (as well as the Riley Centre here at School, there is now the Riley Auditorium at Clare), but when I could see that I would soon be stopping working full-time, I wanted to extend this to becoming more actively involved. At Clare, this is by sitting on their Investment Committee (which proves useful as a point of reference for the School’s Investment Committee); at School, I was delighted to be appointed to the Governing Body in 2014 and to subsequently accept the invitation of the Governing Body to serve as its next Chairman, following Michael Griffiths’ retirement from that role at the end of last year.” In addition to his responsibilities as Chairman of the School’s Governing Body, Ian is also involved with the Bolton Lads and Girls’ Club (BLGC) and serves as a Board Member at the Sutton Trust. He writes: “I am a strong advocate of education as a key driver of social mobility. For some children, family and / or personal circumstances mean that they never even reach the ‘starting line’, with the group which has by far the worst educational outcomes being Looked-After Children (LACs). I am currently sponsoring a mentoring programme at BLGC which is designed to see if a stable, supportive extrafamily relationship can improve the educational outcomes of LACs. My hope is that the trial will support this and that it can then be rolled out in other similar settings. As well as being a Board Member, I am also providing funding to the Sutton Trust to promote apprenticeships, particularly at degree level, as I believe that many students would be better served by obtaining a degree-level qualification combined with work experience, no student loans and a guaranteed job rather than taking some of the less employment-relevant courses at lower-ranking universities.” Ian concludes: “To me, Bolton School was and remains an environment in which children are not limited by the opportunities available, but instead are able to pursue whatever their avenues of interest and thus develop in a more holistic way. Having grown up in the age of Grammar Schools and the Direct Grant, I believe that the exceptional opportunities available at Bolton School should be offered on the basis of potential ability. My ultimate goal is to emulate those US universities who offer completely needs-blind access and thus allow for the use of contextual admissions (rather than being based solely on performance in the entrance examination, as is currently the case). This goal may be some years away but I believe that it is worthwhile and, because of the strong financial foundations established by my predecessor, achievable.”

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

Mark’s Power Walk Heading rapidly towards the age of 60 isn’t a good place to be. Far too comfortable and lacking in real challenges, the urge to step out of the box becomes quite strong. Mark Power (1973-1980) was asked by his good friend, David Smart – owner of Greenhalghs Craft Bakery – if he fancied taking on something out of the ordinary to mark the passing of his 60th birthday year. The pair decided to set aside a couple of weeks and take on Alfred Wainwright’s Coast-to-Coast Walk: 192 miles of British countryside, through three national parks, starting at St Bees in Cumbria and finishing in Robin Hoods Bay in Yorkshire. Here, Mark describes their experience. The whole walk starts with a rather quaint ritual. Each walker goes down to the beach at St Bees, wets their feet in the Irish Sea and selects a small pebble that is then carried each David (left) and Mark waiting to be day of the walk. picked up at Clay Bank, having finished The pebble is then the day’s walking deposited into the North Sea as the walker wets their feet on the beach at the finish in Robin Hoods Bay. I took the liberty of taking two additional pebbles, one of which will be given to each of my grandchildren at some point. The weather was very kind to us. For most of the 15-day adventure, the sky was fairly blue and it was warm and sunny. Only three days and some odd hours proved rainy, but two of A highlight of the trip ... a sunny and those were whilst hearty breakfast on the patio outside the we were in the B&B in Glaisdale – the only sound to be heard was the baa-ing of distant sheep most difficult terrain – the Lake District. The worst day was, ironically for an Old Boy, the leg from Grasmere to Patterdale. Not only is it the most difficult in terms of the difficulty of walking, it rained all day, the cloud base was low and for the only time in the whole walk, we thought about going back to the day’s start point and changing the schedule – despite the possible repercussions of doing so. Fortunately, just as we headed up into the clouds and boulder fields approaching Grisedale Tarn, we hooked up with a couple who knew the area well and guided us towards the correct ‘youcan’t-go-wrong’ Enjoying the fuss at the end of the path to Patterdale. walk Unfortunately, the

going was slow and we arrived nearly three hours late ... and the only serious loss of the walk occurred on the drop into Patterdale (walking directly past Patterdale Hall) when a £5,000 camera/lens combo was fatally dropped during a slip on the wet path down from the tarn, resulting in a trip back to Bolton for a replacement for one of the management team and prompting the only thoughts of the trip about ringing Mountain Rescue, thankfully not executed. I could write at length about some of the sights we saw, but the most surprising thing about the whole adventure was the fact that during the entire walk we were only faced with the modern The pair arriving at the top of a 1,600ft climb (heading for the Honister Slate trappings of British Mine) having just had lunch at the life at two points; gloriously secluded Black Sail Youth crossing the M6 at Hostel Shap and crossing the A19 near to Ingleby Cross. At all other points it really seemed like walking through the 1940s. We had our packed lunches in some idyllic spots, saw some truly wild wildlife, met all kinds of ‘local’ characters, took in and photographed some stunning landscapes, chatted about all kinds of stuff and never fell out once. There’s no real ‘correct’ route and we ended up overwalking slightly, with a total distance of 208 miles under our belts by the end. Everyone we met (some several times) was happy to chat and swap tips (including an invaluable way of tying walking boot laces, which I’ve used ever since). Where we did go slightly wrong, we were twice given a lift back onto the route by a complete stranger; once by a retired cheese salesman from Chorley and once by a lovely, justabout-to-retire, selfie-happy locum GP and her husband from Shap, to whom we sent a bouquet of flowers by way of thanks. Lastly, all of this was done to support a couple of charities with significance to David and me; the Alzheimers Society and the Huntington’s Disease Association. We raised a combined total of over £10,000. So, on we go to our next adventure. We’ll be taking a week out of our schedules to walk the 100 miles of the South Downs Way later this year, all the way from Winchester to Eastbourne. Looking forward to it immensely.

Newsletter Spring 2020

Bolton School Teachers Flourish It is not just the pupils who thrive at Bolton School! A number of our highly respected teachers have used the experiences they have gained on Chorley New Road to gain promotion to headships around the country. Kevin Knibbs (Boys’ Division Staff, 1995-2007) – Headmaster, Hampton School After attending a state grammar school in Essex, I went up to Oxford in the early 1990s to read History and afterwards chose teaching over journalism, largely because I had enjoyed my own schooldays so much. Unusually among HMC Heads, I have served in just two schools: at Hampton since 2007 as Deputy Head and Headmaster (from 2013), and at Bolton School for 12 very happy years prior to that. My time in the Boys’ Division Common Room was undoubtedly formative and I benefited from some exceptional early mentors. Alan Wright was foremost among them and I regularly find myself thinking ‘what would AWW do?’ when faced with a challenging decision: he was and remains an inspiration. As a young History teacher, I could not have wished for more encouraging colleagues than Chris Eames, Roger Whitten, Howard Northam, Caspar Joseph and Susannah Burgess. Beyond the department, Chris Rigby was a major influence and became a close friend via our shared passion for Bolton School football; I also retain treasured memories of Boltski trips led by John Taylor (another important mentor), Dave Jones and Trevor Pledger. Participating in one of Alan Prince’s legendary Trek Camps across Central Europe during my first summer break was an especially memorable experience – it was great fun, although no

David Dunn (1969-1979; Boys’ Division Staff, 1983-1992) – Former Headmaster of Yarm I joined Park Road at the age of seven and went all the way through Senior School, studying three languages at A Level. At Nottingham University I read German with French, spending my third year in Stuttgart teaching English which confirmed my interest in teaching as a career. I therefore opted to remain at Nottingham after graduating to take my PGCE. I taught German and French in the Boys’ Division at Bolton School for seven years, during which time I was also Head of Fifth Year (Block Master). I was involved in tennis and drama, but my greatest love was outdoor pursuits. As a pupil, I greatly enjoyed trips to Cautley, then Robin Cottage, then Patterdale Hall, places I happily returned to as a leader. I took part in the legendary trek camps as a pupil, Old Boy and member of staff and accompanied many boys on the annual Saundersfoot camp. I left Bolton School to be Deputy Head of Stewart’s Melville in Edinburgh, part of an enormous foundation. The Principal there was in charge of three schools (girls’ school, boys’ and junior school) and thus the role of Deputy Head carried unusually large responsibilities, which were great training for headship. I became Yarm’s second ever Head in 1999 and led the school for 20 years, retiring last summer. Throughout my career many colleagues have provided

modern risk assessment could hope to cover such an expedition! The responsibilities given to me by Alan Wright and Mervyn Brooker proved excellent preparation for subsequent senior leadership roles, particularly time spent as Head of First Year and then Head of Lower School. I worked closely with Doug Wardle, Karsten Hiepko and Christine Edge, all of whom did much to influence my views on what works best in pastoral care. While Hampton is a more academically selective school than present-day Bolton, it reminds me greatly of the latter before the end of the government Assisted Places scheme. I vividly remember visiting with the Bolton First XI and sensing a very similar, grounded ex-grammar school ethos despite the geographical difference. I have certainly tried to emulate in South West London the best elements of the school that shaped my professional life: an enduring commitment to all-round education, warm rapport between pupils and staff, and a guiding principle that kind, supportive relationships lie at the heart of any successful community. I owe Bolton School an immense debt of gratitude, not least because it was where I met my wife, Francesca (Miss Taylor from the Chemistry department)! Teaching has been the most fulfilling, energising and joyful of careers – I hope that many Boltonians and Hamptonians choose a similar path. me with inspiration: Dick Freem, my first German teacher and ultimately my line manager, as a teacher and Head of Department, Harry Jackson, from whom I took over as Fifth Form Block Master as a pastoral leader and both Alan Wright and Patrick Tobin as Heads. Yarm was a particularly young school when I joined it, so it was especially exciting, challenging and, ultimately, rewarding to shape it in every way from the curricular and extra-curricular offerings to the pastoral support, staffing etc. Behind the scenes there were lots of management challenges to lead such a rapidly expanding school (now over 1,100 pupils), but the biggest challenge we faced was undoubtedly the facilities! Designing and gaining planning consent in a beautiful but sensitive location was a significant undertaking. Over my 20 years we spent £35 million on new facilities, with several buildings winning national design awards and the Princess Alexandra Auditorium establishing itself as one of the region’s leading entertainment venues. My time at Bolton School certainly helped me to be successful in my Headship. I gained inspiration in many ways, from observing, joining in with loads of activities, developing confidence and valuable skills. The opportunities offered by the School are wonderful and can be life-shaping. My advice to any youngsters would be to get stuck in and make the very most of what’s on offer; never be afraid to take risks and try out new things!

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

Old Boys Make Terrific Teachers Having benefited from being educated by some charismatic and inspirational teachers during their time at Bolton School, it is little wonder that many of our Old Boys find themselves pursuing careers in education. Here, we meet four Old Boys who explain what motivated them to join the teaching profession and how their experiences as pupils helped them to success at the front of the classroom. David Derbyshire (1970-1977)

As a pupil at Bolton School I learnt to try new things, to take opportunities and to keep searching for a place to shine. I found my place on the hockey pitch. I learnt just as much outside the classroom as I did in it. Trek Camp leader CH (Butch) Ingham was a great inspiration and his David with daughters Libby treks across Europe taught (left) and Ellie and wife Viv me grit, determination and how to get out of tricky situations – risk assessments weren’t relevant then! As much as I admire Medics, I did not want to be a doctor like my father. I wanted to be in a caring profession and teaching offered me a great combination of plenty of sport and intellectual stimulation. My route to headmastership was through a Politics degree, a PGCE at Loughborough University (Physical Education) and a Masters at The London School of Economics. My teaching career allowed me to live and work in fantastic schools in Somerset (Bruton) and Surrey (Cranleigh). I spent every day doing things that I loved: coaching hockey, teaching Politics, running a Sixth Form centre and eventually a full boarding house. My advice to anyone considering working

in education would be to throw yourself into it, don’t look too far ahead, just focus on being the best you can be in the role you are in. As you move up, take on extra responsibility and ask for leadership positions. The work will get harder, but the rewards will be greater. As Headmaster of Denstone College in Staffordshire I was responsible for 620 boys and girls (including 200 boarders) aged 11-18. Their academic success was vital, but their sporting, cultural and extracurricular achievements were crucial. It also had to be fun, or no one would want to go there. A school’s greatest pride should come from the accomplished, caring and interesting personalities who emerge. For me, gaining a headship brought lots more challenges, a new level of intensity and a whole new range of things to worry about. The finances for instance ... get that bit wrong and the school closes. What about: the teachers? the catering staff? the groundsmen? the boilers? the swimming pool? the fourth green on the golf course? (trampled on by an escaped herd of cows). ‘Headmaster, what’s our policy on mobile phones/drugs/helicopters landing on the rugby pitch/the kidnapping of a pupil?’ There were a lot of sleepless nights. But being a Head gave me the chance to make decisions and to make a difference to the lives of some of the most engaging young people I have ever met. It’s the best job in the world.

Marc Dickinson (1983-1993) and William Young (1979-1993) Marc and William met on the Chorley Coach on the first day of Prep 1, and continued as friends up to the Sixth Form, when they set off in the 1990s down very different paths to the same ultimate destination. William went to Bangor University to read English and Theology, followed by a teaching qualification; Marc studied Maths at Manchester MMU. It was after graduation that their paths really diverged though. William took a post at St Christopher’s CE High School, Accrington, and Marc set out to travel the world. Teaching posts in Borneo, Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur followed for Marc. After 20 years, now married with two boys, and wanting them to be brought up in Britain, he and his wife, Kerry, made the decision to return home. He came to teach maths at St Christopher’s in September 2017, where the Bolton School friends were reunited.

‘Bolton School was a great source of inspiration. Teachers who inspired us would be too many to mention, but now that we teach ourselves, we realise that a great strength of the School is its ability to recruit individuals with flair and passion. The knowledge of centuries of tradition Teaching has reunited School and independence friends William (left) and Marc and adventure means the school can allow these individuals to play to their strengths, and not be always chasing the latest educational fad. It has given us the confidence and selfbelief needed to be successful in this job.

‘Both of us come from families of teachers, so working in that field had a degree of inevitability. Nevertheless, it was an active choice on both our parts, and one that neither of us has ever regretted for a moment.

‘Teaching is an intense job which involves juggling many different responsibilities, skills and relationships, and the school day can be very draining. However, we both make sure that we have a good work-life balance, which is

Newsletter Spring 2020

essential if you are to be effective. We both enjoy being in the classroom, so we have not aspired to go any higher than middle-management roles such as Head of Year and Subject Leader. ‘Teaching is a wonderful vocation, offering opportunities beyond the curriculum to enrich young people’s lives and broaden their horizons. The work has inspired us, and enabled us to inspire others around the world … and

Aaron Winstanley (2008-2015) When I left Bolton School to study Design and Technology Secondary Education at Edge Hill University, I never thought that within three years I would be back at Bolton on the other side of the desk! However, during only my second teaching placement at university, I found myself making up some lost placement days back in the Boys’ Division Senior School in the Technology Department where I had learnt everything I knew about the subject up to that point. Having trained in secondary education, I was absolutely certain I wanted to make the move to primary school. During placement in various secondary schools, it was very hard to connect with pupils in a pastoral sense, an area of teaching in which I have always been keen to be involved. Returning to Bolton School, but to Park Road, was now the obvious choice; it provided me with the opportunity not only to move to primary education for all that it offers in terms of variety and pastoral responsibilities, but also to run Design and Technology as a full curriculum subject and, ultimately, to provide boys with skills I wish I had had prior to attending Senior School. I am currently a Year 5 Form Teacher and the Design

beyond! We have gained satisfaction over time from seeing our influence on others and recognising our own past influences, and being part of a great tradition. We would both encourage good people to become teachers. It requires energy and commitment, and there are times when ‘the system’ can be dispiriting, but the profession needs bright, imaginative individuals such as Bolton School produces.’

and Technology Lead at Park Road, also teaching other subjects such as Maths, Geography and Sport. Alongside my curriculum work, I am heavily involved with the use of iPads and creative technology and have recently gained Apple Distinguished Educator status. As a Sixth Form student at Bolton School I was interested in 3D printing and what was possible with the technology available. Since then I have been experimenting with ever-advancing technology so that I am now in a position to deliver the skills required to pupils at Park Road to enable them to pick up an iPad, sketch and instantly turn this into a 3D printed prototype or product. Recently, I have been combining this line of work to allow boys to swap between sketching and coding, but still with a manufacturing goal. Since starting teaching at Bolton, I have become both an ADE and a Sphero Ambassador and I believe these accreditations to be my biggest achievements within education so far: they enable me to access a larger community of educators and thus vastly improve the creative learning opportunities I provide for my pupils. Based upon my recent training and teaching experience, I would urge anybody wanting to get into teaching to experiment with and embrace new developments in their fields of interest – your enthusiasm for your subject can make a huge difference to your pupils.

Freemasonry

Old Boys on Film

The Old Boltonians’ Masonic Lodge, No 5814, meets regularly in the Senior Library at School throughout the year. In line with the charitable intentions of the society, each year the Lodge provides support to both Divisions of Bolton School, in the form of pupil Bursaries and Scholarships.

A number of nostalgic DVDs of old School camps, trek camps and George Higginson’s History of the School, plus some showing footage of Bolton School ski trips, are available to purchase. The full list of titles can be viewed in the ‘Former Pupils’ section of the School’s website. Each DVD costs £5.00, plus £1.50 postage and packaging, and may be ordered via the Development Office.

Whilst membership of the Lodge has been opened up to other Freemasons, the majority of its members are Old Boltonians, providing a unique way of keeping in touch with fellow Old Boys. Members range in age from their 20s to their 80s, providing friendship to fellow Masons of all generations. If you would like to hear more, please contact: David Poppitt – The Lodge Secretary E-mail: DPoppitt@aol.com

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

EVENTS PHOTO WALL Oxford Dinner

Graham Ashurst (Class of 1968), Meriel Lewis (Class of 1980), Mark Buckley and Edward Sandford (Class of 2016)

Saïd Business School - Friday 15th November 2019

, Laura Firth (Head of Sam Warburton (Class of 2018) fel (Class of 2019) Development) and Matthew Schaf

Robert Pearce, David Griffiths (Class of 2009), Erik Johnstone Shannon Miller (Class of 2011), and Amy Robinson

, Cyril Foster Class of 1977) (née Carless, 65), Victoria rn 19 ho of nt s He las Laura yshire (C 7) ), Brian Darb (Class of 197 r 69 19 ne of Kil s n las Sia (C and anne Foster Darbyshire, Di

Andrew Kaye (Class of 1978) and Philip Britton

Cerys Baines (Class of 2017) and Andrew Lee (Class of 2017)

David Robinson (Class of 2008), Amy Robinson, Duncan Leary, Lucy Nolan (Class of 2010), Carol Haslam (née Bonser, Class of 1966), Erik Johnstone, David Griffiths (Class of 2009), Thomas Harrison (Class of 2008), Shannon Miller (Class of 2011) and Robert Pearce

‘Where have the last 50 years gone! Time to catch up for the first time.’

Old Boltonians’ Association Annual Dinner

Cyril Foster

Bolton School – Friday 6th December 2019 Hinks (Class of 1993) Jon Twist (Class of 1992), Mark and Gary Fitzpatrick (Class of 1989)

Simon Pendlebury, Keith Riley, Steven Haworth, Ken Fulton, Simon Green, Jim Haslam and Mark Bradley (all Class of 1979)

Bob Higson (Class of 1970), David Sharples (Class of 1968), Harry Moore (Class of 1971) Gary Sykes (Class of 1970) and

Matt Doyle and Alex Fowler (both Class of 2012)

Parry (Class of 1975) Phil Riding (Class of 1978), Steve and Ian Thomasson (Class of 1973)

Newsletter Spring 2020

Cambridge Dinner Downing College – Friday 7th February 2020 ‘Another excellent evening catching up with former students and teachers and new friends.’ Stephen Parry (Class of 1967)

Stuart Brooks (Class of 1966) and Roy Battersby (Class of 1961)

Luke Cavanaugh (Class of 2018), Sohail Daniel (Class of 2015), Sarah Ibberson (Class of 2016) and Tom Paterson (Class of 2018) Giri Nandakumar (Class of 2016) and Than Dar (Class of 2015)

itton 18), Philip Br n (Class of 20 s of 2018) las Tom Paterso (C h ug na va and Luke Ca Than Dar (Class of 2015), Shyam Dhokia (Class of 2015), , , Luke Cavanugh (Class of 2018) 2015) of (Class nley Brow on Madis Ibberson (Class of 2016) Sohail Daniel (Class of 2015), Sarah and Tom Paterson (Class of 2018)

Charles Winder (Boys’ Division Staff, 1964-1999) and Mary Winder (Girls’ Division Staff, 1976-1986)

‘Thoroughly enjoyed my fifth Alumni dinner, excited for number six!’ Shyam Dhokia

Alumni London Dinner Lord’s Cricket Ground – Friday 6th March 2020

Adam Bradley Oliver Knowles (Class of 2009), Alexander Quayle (Class of 2009), Philip Britton, le (Class of 2010) (Class of 2009) and Oliver Quay

Liam Watkinson (Class of 2009, Boys’ Division Staff), Guy Haynes (Class of 1995) and Billy Phillips (Class of 2009)

Chris Pantelides (Class of 2016), Daniel Brookwell (Class of 2016), Michael Brookwell (Class of 2015), Chris Battarbee (Class of 2016), Anchit Chandran (Class of 2016) and Niall Woodward (Class of 2016)

Kanji Mikaash Halai (Class of 2017), Ajay i (Class of 2018) (Class of 2017), Balkrishna Ramj 2018) of and Ali Khalid (Class

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

Medical Sciences Dinner The inaugural Medical Sciences Dinner in September, attended by current and former pupils, proved a hugely popular evening. There was much social interaction over drinks before dinner as aspiring Medics quizzed Alumni on their chosen professions.

Ashish Chaudhry (1988-1999), Nick Morgan (Boys’ Division Staff) and David Fielding (1956-1963)

After dinner, guest speaker Professor Jill Clayton-Smith (19701977), Professor of Medical Genetics at the Manchester Centre for

Genomic Medicine, gave an inspirational speech about her time at Bolton School and her career to date. Jill studied Medicine at Manchester Medical School, Year 13 pupils Alexandra then trained in both adult Isherwood and Akira Jepson and paediatric medicine, before embarking on a career in medical genetics in 1987, and took up a Consultant Clinic Genetics post at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester in 1994. Professor Clayton-Smith, who has written over 250 peer reviewed publications, spoke of her love of research in the field of rare diseases, her active role in both undergraduate and postgraduate education and how she has recently taken up the role of Rare Disease Lead for the North West Genomics Laboratory.

Outdoor Activities Offer for Old Boys Old Boys and Old Girls and their families wishing to spend a few days in the glorious Lake District may be interested in the Patterdale Alumni Week, 3rd-7th August, at Patterdale Hall, the School’s outdoor pursuits centre near Penrith. The cost is £250 per person (10% discount for a group of four), including four nights full board accommodation (en-suite family dormitory or twin) and three full days of walks and activities, such as gorge walking, canoeing and climbing, all fuelled by some hearty food. For further details please contact the Hall at enquiries@patterdalehall.org.uk or by calling 017684 82233.

A Hundred Years Old The Old Boltonians AFC was founded in 1920 and its centenary will be celebrated in the coming season. The Football Reunion which was scheduled for Saturday 11th July and would have started our commemorative year, has now had to be postponed to later in the year, with a new date to be confirmed as soon as possible. When it does take place, we hope current and former Old Bolts and their families will return to School to play, watch, officiate, enjoy and generally reminisce about football through the ages. As well as matches featuring the current Old Bolts first eleven and teams gone by, there will be opportunities for those attending to play five-a-side, nineaside and eleven-a-side matches or just have a kick around! The OBAFC’s newest development, Boltonian Ladies, will also be playing. The event will conclude with pie, peas and a pint in the School Dining Hall. Tickets will cost £10 and will be available from the Development Office in due course. Several

former players, including Kev Taylor (1967-1974) and Richard Washington (1986-1993), have indicated they are putting together groups, teams or matches, and no doubt plans are coming together on social The LAL Cup Final, 2004-05 media … not like the old days when team postcards were sent out after Monday evening selection meetings! In the meantime, we also hope to produce a commemorative centennial publication – not a formal history, rather something to catch the essence of the Old Bolts – so if you have any memorabilia of your time at Bolts (shirts, programmes, cuttings etc), please get in touch. For further information and details of how to become involved, please contact Jon Twist at jontwist@totalise.co.uk or Martin Wadsworth at martinwadsworth@outlook.com.

Newsletter Spring 2020

OLD BOYS’ NEWS

If you would like to get in touch with any of the Old Boys featured – or any other Old Boltonian – please contact the Development Office.

Class of 1950-1959

Sir Ian McKellen (1951-1958) Congratulations to Sir Ian who has become the first actor to top The Stage’s list of the 100 most influential people working in the theatre and performing arts industry.

Class of 1960-1969

Michael Haworth (1955-1962) Michael has been involved in local amateur theatre in the Bolton area for over 40 years, now mainly in a directing capacity rather than acting. He will be directing Miller’s classic drama, All My Sons, at Farnworth Little Theatre in May this year. For the last 12-15 years Michael has also been involved with an organisation called Bolton Newstalk, which provides a weekly talking newspaper for the blind/partially sighted and disabled people in the Bolton area. He succeeded the late Michael Tatman (Boys’ Division Staff, 1958-1993) as the Chair of the organisation in 2017. Michael has also been involved in the local U3A, leading two or three groups, and serving on its local committee for the past three years. Alan Pearce (1953-1963)

Alan left School to go to the Britannia Royal Naval College and after a four-year course joined the Fleet in the Far East in September 1967. Since then he has served in all five oceans and on every continent except Antarctica – an omission he hopes to correct in the near future. He became a Russian Interpreter in 1980 and served in many interesting places after that, both at sea and on shore. He was much taxed by the Cold War, but survived and later headed the 1992 EU Humanitarian Food Aid Programme which took 150,000 tons of basic provisions by land and sea to the newly free Russia. He retired from the Royal Navy in 1996 and became bursar of an expanding organisation for the care and development of young adults with learning disabilities. Made redundant

on company takeover in 2012, he joined the Dorset Partnership for Older People Programme. But austerity meant funding withdrawal so he set up iOPS, a charity to continue the good work in a more local area. Still a contributing member of FRINTON, the Former Russian Interpreters of the Navy, he is now also secretary of the local volunteer transport scheme, chairman of the local bridge group and a staunch member of the local Spiritualist Church.

Class of 1970-1979

John Walsh (1963-1970) Back in November John was installed as an Honorary Lay Canon of Manchester Cathedral on the nomination and appointment by the Bishop of Manchester. John currently serves as Chairman of the Manchester Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches (DAC), in effect the Diocesan Planning Committee and is Churchwarden of Bolton Parish Church. Elected to Bolton Council in 1975, in May last year he was appointed Chairman of Bolton Planning Committee, and of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority Housing, Planning and Environment Scrutiny Committee. John was awarded an OBE by the Queen in 1994 for Public and Political Service and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Bolton in 2013 for services to Bolton. The Rt Hon Sir Ernest Ryder (1962-1976) Congratulations to Sir Ernest, who will take over the Mastership of Pembroke College, Oxford, with effect from June. On leaving School, Sir Ernest read Law and Politics at Peterhouse, Cambridge, was called to the bar in 1981 and became a QC in 1997. He was appointed a Justice of the High Court in 2004 and was both the Presiding Judge of the Northern Circuit and its Family Division Liaison Judge. He was the judge in charge of the modernisation of family justice that led to the creation of the Family Court. In 2013 he was appointed a Lord Justice of Appeal, and in 2015 was appointed Senior President of Tribunals for the UK. He currently leads a change transformation programme for the justice system and has written and

lectured widely on family law, the role of a modern judiciary, the leadership and governance of justice and cultural conflicts in justice. Neil Gregson (1970-1977) Congratulations to Neil who married Barbara Fitzpatrick on 6th October in the Arts Centre here at Bolton School. By happy coincidence, The happy couple

the official photographer for the occasion was also an Old Boy, Mike Williamson (Class of 1977), although he and Neil had never crossed paths until Neil and Barbara’s big day!

Neil’s wedding acquainted him with a fellow Old Boy!

Graham Pendlebury CBE (Class of 1977) Congratulations to Graham, who was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List in recognition of his public service – Graham worked for the Department for Transport for 35 years, latterly as Director for Local Transport. Ivor Timmis (1970-1977) Ivor has retired from Leeds Beckett University, though he remains associated as Emeritus Professor of English Language. He has just completed his latest book for Routledge, The discourse of desperation: letters by paupers, prisoners and rogues, c.1760-1834. Ian Hamer (Class of 1979) Ian took a sabbatical from work in September 2019 and joined 24 Americans and one Australian to cycle 3,500 miles from Santa Barbara California to Myrtle Beach South Carolina over 42 days, with four rest

Ian, front row, third from right, arriving at Myrtle Beach

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

days, averaging just under 100 miles a day. The highlights of this amazing cross-America trip were the Mojave Desert (100-degree heat), the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley (of Forrest Gump fame).

the hilly roads around Bolton. His undoubted highlight in 2019 was riding over several Cols in The Pyrenees, especially Col d’Aubisque and Col du Tourmalet. Peter at the top of Col du Tourmalet, Pyrenees June 2019

Ian, fifth from left, conquering Kilimanjaro

In January Ian spent a fortnight in Tanzania where the first week was spent climbing Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa (5,985m), and the second week was spent watching wildlife in the Serengeti, including the awe-inspiring migration of zebra and wildebeest on their way to the Masai Mara. The holiday was a family affair, with Ian, his wife Fiona, son Matthew and sister Lynn (Girls’ Division, 1974-1981), cousin Phil and Lynn’s husband, Clive, all successful in climbing Kilimanjaro.

Class of 1980-1989

Andrew Jowett OBE (1973-1980) Congratulations to Andrew, who was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year Honours List for services to education in Zambia. Andrew graduated from Pembroke College, Oxford, with an MA in Geography and began his career in international development with Save the Children UK. He then ran Harvest Help (now Self Help Africa), working on projects in Africa and Central America before co-founding Build It International in 2007. The charity is a development organisation that provides construction skills training to unemployed young people and, at the same time, builds urgently needed schools and clinics to bring essential services to some of Zambia’s most disadvantaged communities. Under his leadership, Build It has raised £11 million, trained over 1,000 young people and completed 47 community building projects to support around 300,000 people. Build It’s Centre for Excellence, a new training centre in Lusaka, is already in operation and, when completed in 2021, will be a hub for construction skills training, small business development and sustainable building techniques. Find out more at www.builditinternational.org. Peter Leather (1973-1980) Well done to Peter who came fifth in his category in the TLI Cycling National Championships Time Trials in September. Peter trains regularly on

Tony Walmsley (1975-1982) Tony, who has been a lead volunteer for the Bristol, Bath and North Somerset Network of Crohn’s & Colitis UK, has cycled the length of the country to raise awareness and funds for the charity. Having Tony at the start been diagnosed of his Land’s End with ulcerative to John o’ Groats colitis ten years charity cycle ride ago, Tony also set out to prove that life can continue as normal while living with the disease. In 2018, Tony received a national award from Crohn’s & Colitis UK for his work in supporting people affected by the disease. Cycling unsupported and on his own for most of the 911 miles from Land’s End to John o’ Groats, 55 year old Tony completed the epic cycle ride in just 12 days. Challenges included strong headwinds in the Highlands of Scotland, a broken spoke, loose front wheel bearings and some very busy A roads. Tony has been bowled over by the support he has received from both friends and complete strangers who have contributed to the cause resulting in over £2,600 having been raised. Anyone wishing to get in touch with Tony can do so by emailing tony. walmsley@pressline.co.uk. Michael Eva (1976-1983) In February last year Mick and his family moved from their home in Bolton to Devon to live their dream: they have purchased and run a small but busy café in Preston, Paignton. They can see the sea from their window and, now that the locals have got used to ‘a Northerner’ taking over their café, business is picking up nicely. If anyone fancies a brew, please visit The Four Seasons – a warm welcome is guaranteed! Andrew Moore (1976-1983) Last November Andrew and five

others flew to the Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok in Indonesia to take part in a charity swim round all three Gili Islands. Andrew swam 31km over three days, the longest swim being 13km in five hours 30 minutes. No sharks were spotted, but a sense of great satisfaction prevailed as the swim raised £1.5k for North Bristol Health Trust.

Class of 1990-1999

Carl Howard (1980-1990) Carl is happily married with two children and living in Harrogate. In his spare time he enjoys motorcycling, Carl in action in a cricket, painting First XV game – he and photography. still has his rugby He has worked in shirt (number 4), Financial Services Park Road cap and since 2001, having initially worked for Monitor’s tie! ICI. Carl is in touch with Justin Baxter, Dave Gorner, Alastair Hughes, Andrew Forshaw and Ben Mobley (all Class of 1990) and has fond, if somewhat dimmed, memories of his time at Bolton School. Nicholas Britton (1991-1998) Nick is Head of Intermediary Communications at the Association of Investment Advisors (AIC), providing training on investment companies and VCTs to financial advisers and wealth managers. He is married to Kate.

Class of 2000-2009

Charlie Boscoe (1995-2002) Broadcaster and writer Charlie has recently commentated for the IFSC (International Federation of Sport Climbing) on the 2020 Pan-American Championships in Los Angeles. He has also been helping to prepare climbing for its upcoming Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games, from where he will be reporting on behalf of UK Climbing. Chris Fairweather (1999-2009) This summer Chris will be making an attempt at a solo swim across the English Channel. Chris was part of Chris (right) and the School Channel his brother Jack swim relay team (Class of 2011) who that was unable to was his support start due to bad kayaker at the 18km weather in 2009 Windermere swim and says it has in September 2019

Newsletter Spring 2020

niggled him that they couldn’t get it done at the time. Now swimming on his own, the attempt is likely to take in excess of 12 hours depending on the weather and tides. He cannot touch the support boat at any time, wetsuits are not permitted and the water will be 16 degrees – he has laid down a challenge to anyone saying ‘it’s not that bad’ to lie in a bath of water at that temperature! Chris will be raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support (www. justgiving.com/fundraising/chrisfairweather) to assist those who need help at times of pain and heartache.

Class of 2010-2019

Krishnan Patel (Class of 2010) Krishnan was recently interviewed on BBC Radio Manchester about his organisation, Tales to Inspire, which was created out of the realisation Krishnan was interviewed by BBC that many people Radio Manchester in the world are presenter Becky fighting their own Want unique battles and that sharing their stories of courage and achievement can inspire others. Talestoinspire.com is a platform sharing stories of people from all around the world who have overcome their own individual hurdles; the aim is that these will make a positive difference to those reading them. Since launching the platform, the stories have been read in 60 countries around the world, with one particular stand out example: a suicidal young woman revealed that reading the true story of a homeless person had persuaded her to seek help. Krishnan has also organised a Tales to Inspire Live event, in which some of the individuals featured on the website shared their stories in person. To find out more, please visit talestoinspire.com and follow @talestoinspire. Kiran Mistry (2010-2012) Upon completing his Pharmacy degree at the University of Nottingham in 2016, Kiran took some time out to pursue his passion for bespoke car care. After training for a year, Kiran started car detailing privately in his local area. After establishing this was a desired service, he established his own car detailing business in February 2019 - Showroom

Detailing Ltd (www.sdetailing.co.uk) – specialising in cosmetic car care such as paint correction, paint and ceramic protection, minor scratch removal and wheels-off detailing, along with interior steam cleans, leather protection and deodorisation. With treatments ranging from two hours to three days, they are perfect for day-to-day, classic, luxury and show cars! With help through the OBA Find Your Path Mentoring Scheme, Kiran is in the development stages of his business and welcomes anybody interested in bespoke car care treatments for their vehicles to contact him or follow @sdetailing19 on Instagram or Facebook. Lewis Daly (2008-2015) Congratulations to Lewis who graduated from the University of Liverpool with a BSc (Hons) in Anatomy and Human Biology, achieving a 2:1. Lewis is now studying on the graduate/ professional entry Dentistry programme at King’s College London. Alastair Ahamed (Class of 2016) Congratulations to Alastair who has gained a First Class degree in Law (Jurisprudence) from the University of Oxford and won the university prize for Company Law, having secured the top mark in that paper. Alastair is now completing his LPC and will take up a training contract at Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP, London, later this year. Arron Davies (2010-2017) Arron, who helped Team GB to win Gold in the World U21 water skiing championships in July last year, recently visited School to donate one of his skis to the sporting memorabilia displayed in the Boys’ Dining Hall. He was also welcomed into the Boys’ Division’s Hall of Fame, which honours Old Boys who have represented their country . Arron is currently studying Industrial Technology at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

News of Former Staff

Ernie Marsh (1955-1962, Boys’ Division Staff, 1973-1976) Last September Ernie finally retired from Concord College after 29 years, completing a total of 53 years in teaching. He and his wife took the opportunity to downsize and move to Wantage in Oxfordshire to be nearer their daughter. Ernie continues with his activities of singing, philately and walking (although somewhat restricted

by age and fitness!). He and Jean have met various Old Boys during the year particularly when attending a biennial get-together. The couple are no longer as conveniently placed for folks heading south, but are now en route to Southampton with Oxford and London readily accessible – anyone who wishes to visit or stay will be more than welcome. Nigel Cropper (Boys’ Division Staff, 1976-2012) Nigel is enjoying life in Fort William, where he has made some good friends. He finished his sixth novel in 2019, which was also a busy year musically. He now plays in five orchestras in the Highlands, in Oban, Skye, Inverness, Dingwall and Grantown on Spey, sings in a choir in Fort William and regularly plays in a string quartet. During 2019 Nigel saw former colleagues Mel Shewan and his wife, who divide their time between Edinburgh and Easter Ross, and Charles Walker, who will be moving this year from Argyll to Fife. Nigel rarely visits Bolton these days except to see family. Former colleagues and pupils who are intending to visit the Highlands and would like to meet up are invited to contact him via Facebook – he is always glad to see familiar faces, if he is free (although he’s not sure how he ever found time to work!). Trevor Pledger (Boys’ Division Staff, 1986-2017) Congratulations to Trevor, who has been elected President of the British Water Polo League. This prestigious appointment is welldeserved, given his contribution to the Trevor’s sport over the years – involvement Trevor joined Bolton in water polo School hoping to has led to his ‘improve water polo’, appointment and with the School as President achieving the triple of of the British winning all national Water Polo League (photo age group water polo by Karl Kramer titles three years in a row, and with a string Photography, of international caps Bolton) for former pupils, he certainly achieved this! During his time here, the School produced over 40 youth/junior internationals and nine full internationals, including three girl youth/juniors and one senior woman. Trevor was also instrumental in developing the Outdoor Learning programme, the use of adventure learning centre Patterdale Hall, the ski trip and outdoor pursuits as part of the games curriculum.

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

Mini Reunions Lads meet up in Liverpool Prompted by the Development Office’s offer to contribute to University Drinks, Jos Winstanley (2012-2019), who is studying Politics and International Business L-R: Jack Phillips, Dominic Soi, Joe Brown, Tom McGivern, at the University of James Holland, Jos Winstanley and Liverpool, invited a Josh Bowers (all Class of 2019) group of School friends over to join him for a weekend of catching up. The boys were joined by Ana Kettle, Jaya Guhathakurta, Sophie Lang and Havana Lloyd (all Class of 2019).

Oxford Gathering A group of Old Boys and Old Girls who are currently studying at Oxford also took advantage of the Development Office’s generous University Drinks offer L-R: Katerina Gramm (Class of 2018), and arranged a getKirsty Fielding (Class of 2017), together in November. Andy Lee (Class of 2017), Rohit Bagewadi (Class of 2017), Matthew Schaffel (Class of 2019) and Akshay Pal (Class of 2018)

On a rather wet Saturday last September, we overcame flooded roads to gather together again at the Ridgmont House, Horwich. The weather was damp, but not so our spirits! It really was good to meet up again and to share an excellent, relaxed, three-course lunch and several hours of conversation and reminiscence. Back in 2015 at the Grand Reunion Day at School, many of us had met for the first time since leaving School. We came together then almost as strangers. Now when we meet we truly are old friends – and in every sense of the word! On this occasion there were thirteen of us, together with nine wives: Mike and Carol Clark, David and Genevieve Fielding, Peter Harding, Harry and Christine Lane, Richard and Judy Lowe, Robin and Ann Magee, Ernie and Jean Marsh, Alan and Aracelis Nimmey, John Shuttleworth, Robin and Caroline Simmons, Glenn Sutton, Keith Washington, John and Lynda Wright. We were also honoured to have two special guests, the venerable David Allen and his wife Margaret, thus there was some extra input and colour to our memories of School and Scouting.

It was indeed a wonderful day, and enjoyed by everyone. We all thank Robin and Ann Magee for organising the event, and for their most generous evening hospitality, and Robin Simmons for his excellent photos. We all now look forward to ‘Reunion 2021’ – God willing! John Wright (1953-1963) Hamish (left) and Malcolm met up Down Under

Dinner in Dubai During his time at Bolton School, one of Roger Smith’s (1972-1979) best friends in his year group was Roger and Bashir had Bashir Ahmed. Roger had not seen plenty to talk about! Bashir for over 35 years, as the latter has been working as a lawyer in Dubai for 31 years – he is now Managing Partner for Afridi and Angell. In November last year, Roger was on holiday in Dubai and he and Bashir agreed to meet for dinner for a ‘catch up’. The pair had a very enjoyable evening reflecting on their time at Bolton School.

Back, L-R: John Shuttleworth, Glenn

Sutton, Peter Harding, Richard Lowe, At the end of our Mike Clark, Keith Washington previous reunion Front, L-R: Robin Simmons, Ernie Marsh, in September 2017, Dave Fielding, Robin Magee, David Allen, we departed Bolton Alan Nimmey, John Wright, Harry Lane promising to regroup two years later – and we did!

After departing the Ridgmont, most of us met up again later at the Magee residence to enjoy the evening together, and with yet more food and wine!

Old Boys in Oz Hamish McGlashan (19421956) and Malcolm Stevens (1945-1957) enjoyed catching up with each other in the beautiful city of Perth. Here they are taking a break from the hot weather at Bocelli’s coffee bar in the city centre.

Class of 1963 Reunion, September 2019

Grumpies The ‘Grumpies’ walking group, comprising David Green (1960-1967), John Fallows (1959-1966), Geoff Higginson (1958-1967) and David Hodgson (Class of 1966), aims to assemble for a healthy ramble and lively L-R: David discussion every month – although in Green, John, practice, this amounts to about two Geoff and David Hodgson or three times a year as they all find it difficult to make spare time, despite at Lyme Park, Cheshire being retired! The four are now all back in the North West again, having moved around the UK (and further afield) in the intervening years, and enjoy reminiscing about School and the 19th Bolton Scouts.

Newsletter Spring 2020

SPORTS

Mid-Season Musings from the Touchline …

2020 is less than a month old as I compose this piece, which means the Old Boltonians AFC is now in the year of the centenary of its inauguration. Plans for a season of celebration are afoot – but what of the club at 99? It certainly feels like it is a living breathing entity – spluttering at times, yes, changing every year, yes, but on offer is a wide range of activities in and around Bolton and the North West centred on our home for the majority of our life up at Chapeltown. Funds have been spent in the close season on improving further the quality of the famously most impressive grass pitches in the LAL. Now with box goals on both in the shadow of the Lee Pavilion and St Anne’s Church, these continue to be a fine base – added to this, judicious use of local 3G and 4G pitches means all five teams are able to give it their best. Promotions for both the Veterans and the A team have been something of a not unexpected curse. Be it due to work, social or family pressures or slow-curing injuries, both squads are numerous, but are suffering from inconsistency, due to a huge number of player non-availabilities like so many amateur sports clubs. In these higher divisions, both languish in the lower reaches – leading to aims somewhat differing from the norm for the rest of the season, certainly including cup runs, and, for sure, they will battle on. The reserves have played some fine football without consistently making possession count – currently third, but, with two very strong teams ahead of them, their current

place, together with another good cup run, may be the realistic height of ambition. The first team has bounced back from last year’s relative disappointments; though, with a first league win not forthcoming until late October, early signs were not good. Training sessions have been excellent, with biggest ever numbers. With realistic coaching and targeted tactical work on offer, the team is transformed and now sits atop the premier division by four points and success is again on the cards. The recent demolition of Thornleigh saw that rarest of occurrences, namely a hat trick of hat tricks! Unique in those hundred years perhaps? In their second season, Boltonians Ladies are performing supremely well – maybe even exceeding expectations. Having worked through the close season on training and practice, plus useful recruitment, they enter the second half of their season with a magnificent 100% record. Outside the regular teams, we continue to take part in the Ramblers Easter Festival and the Generations Cup, so there is a full range of football outside the established five teams. Not content with that, plans for the Youth team are advancing, with the possibility of both Saturday and Sunday teams in 2020-21. As ever, development, camaraderie and football from the sublime to the ordinary – plus, hopefully, more silverware – are all there as we approach that 100th! Martin Wadsworth (Boys’ Division Staff, 1974-2006)

OLD BOLTONIANS’ GOLF SOCIETY REPORT: Spring 2020 With Storm Denis currently raging, golf seems far from all our minds. Golf courses are either flooded and closed or, at best, winter rules apply. But within six weeks or so the azaleas will be in full bloom and the dulcet tones of Peter Allis et al will grace our TVs … Our Golf Society still suffers from lack of numbers, but in a world where the work-life balance is a challenge for most, it is hardly surprising. Nonetheless we continue to enter a team in the Grafton Morrish Trophy Qualifying at Fixby Hall and a team of Millhouse, Johnson, Bennett, Worsley, Baxendale and Longworth will do their upmost to make the finals at Hunstanton in October. We have our usual programme of events throughout the year and I would encourage all Old Boltonians who wish to

keep in touch with friends and acquaintances to register their interest. The Matchplay Rosebowl will run through the course of the season, along with the Taylor Trophy and Gwynne Jones Goblets, details of which will follow. We also aim to hold an Old Bolts vs School match in September in order to introduce leavers to the Society and again I would urge those who are interested in playing in this fixture to let me know. Any Old Boltonian wishing to become involved in the golf section should make themselves known to me by emailing mark_millhouse@yahoo.com. Mark Millhouse (1989-1994) Golf Secretary

Destinations of Leavers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2019 Joseph Abram Arjun Agarwal Archie Aiken-Wood Dominic Aly Bilal Asghar Nathan Ashley Daniel Aspinall Jean-Paul Asumu Edward Backhouse Edward Bailey Jack Bakker Joseph Ball Samuel Barker Samuel Barnett Joshua Bowers James Bradley Sam Brennan Jude Brennan-Calland Joseph Brooks Joseph Brown Sam Bruton Habib Chanchwelia Matthew Cheung Chun Lung Chow Nicholas Clark Connor Davies Jack Diggle Lewis Dixon Cameron Duckett Michael Du Plessis Robert Edwards Rylan Fairhurst Zaakir Fazal Benjamin Forshaw Andrew Garcia-Cox Benjamin Gidman-Knowles Lee Glover Harry Goodwin Archie Green Hector Greenwood Dominic Hardy Usama Hassan Harvey Haworth Robert Heather Ronak Hemmady Dylan Heywood Nathan Hodkinson James Holland Ellis Howarth Joseph Hughes Dilawer Idrees Christopher Jacob

University of Edinburgh Imperial College London Lancaster University University of Bath Kingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s College London University of Warwick University of Central Lancashire Royal Northern College of Music Lancaster University University of York University of Liverpool Loughborough University University of Sheffield University of Liverpool University of Leeds Gap Year University of Exeter University of St Andrews University of Salford Newcastle University University of Leeds University of Leeds Employment University of Edinburgh University of York University of Nottingham University of Reading University of Brighton University of Bristol University of Dundee Gap Year University of Edinburgh University of Manchester Newcastle University University of Bath Newcastle University Lancaster University University of Leeds University of Warwick University of Leicester Lancaster University Gap Year Apprenticeship Newcastle University University of Sheffield University of Huddersfield Nottingham Trent University Northumbria University University of Liverpool University of Liverpool Royal Holloway, University of London University of East Anglia

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Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

ARCHIVES Ask the Archivist The Old Boltonians’ Association Celebrates its 125th Anniversary Those who attended the inaugural meeting of the Bolton Grammar School Old Boys on 16th January 1895 could never have imagined that their small beginnings would evolve into the vibrant Association now celebrating its 125th Anniversary, with members spread throughout the world and playing a pivotal role in the life of the School. Although it offered a scholastic education, the Bolton Grammar School was nothing like the School of today. The entire school numbered less than 40 and this meant the number of Old Boys was similarly limited. Annual Dinners David Baggley were held every year to 1902, with (Headmaster, 1966-1982), the attendance fluctuating around Roger Dobson (195760, and then, as now, the Toast 1966, OBA President ‘to the pious memory of William 1990-91) and Alan Wright Haighe of Wigan (1524) and Robert (Headmaster, 1983-2002) at the 1991 Dinner Lever (1641) and other Benefactors of the School’ was drunk in silence. The Association struggled to become established, possibly because of the limited numbers, and it faded after 1902. It was then revived in 1904 following the appointment of Mr Lipscomb as Headmaster in 1903, who was very keen to see a strong association of Old Boys in the School. The Grammar School had amalgamated with the High School for Boys in 1898 and the revived Association was renamed The Bolton Grammar School and High School Old Boys’ Association, with Mr Lipscomb as Chairman. The change of name to the present title of the Old Boltonians’ Association (OBA) took effect in January 1921. The Association was disbanded during the war years, but was once again revived after a meeting on 7th February 1920 when Mr Lipscomb, who continued as Chairman, argued for the aims of the Association to be broadened so as to include the encouragement of sport, whilst not forgetting the social activities. This must have resonated with the Old Boys because by the end of the year three sections had been formed: Football, Entertainments and a Literary and Debating Society. The football section, under the name of the Old Boltonians, became a member of the Lancashire Amateur League and

has enjoyed conspicuous success over the years. It would be impossible to do justice to 1948 Dinner in the Gym Old Boltonians’ numerous achievements within the bounds of this article and full details of their Honours may be found on their website. The superb facilities at their Chapeltown headquarters are a far cry from what the Club’s forebears experienced. The search for a permanent home was a pressing need from the Club’s formation in 1921 and they led a nomadic life, making use of various pitches around Bolton, until they finally moved to Chapeltown in 1952, later to buy the ground in 1970. The first golf tournament was held at Old Links Golf Club in 1927, with the trophy being donated by Dr HW Taylor. The inaugural winner was Frank Brown, with a net score of 75. In the early years the tournament was also held at Great Lever, Deane, and Bolton Golf Club at Lostock, with the latter now the regular venue. The Annual Dinner is always a highlight of the calendar and several Dinners have arguably been particularly significant. Old Boy Captain Arthur Rostron, who had captained RMS Carpathia when she went to the aid of the sinking Titanic, attended in 1913, and 1923 was the first time the Dinner was held in the Grammar School at Westbourne. The 1924 Dinner celebrated what was then considered to be the 400th Anniversary of the foundation of the School. However, thanks to the diligent research of Old Boy Malcolm Howe (1948-1956), we now know that the School’s origins date back to at least 1516, rather than 1524. The first time the new Great Hall hosted the Annual Dinner was in 1927. The first London Dinner was held at the Florence Restaurant, Piccadilly Circus, in 1936. No Dinners were held during the Second World War, so the 1948 Dinner, which was held in the gym (and the first for ten years), was a memorable occasion. Few Old Boys, if any, may remember the 1948 evening, but many will remember the Diamond Jubilee Dinner in 1955, held at the Pack Horse Hotel, when the President, Sir Walter W Tong, made a presentation to Mr FL Tillotson to mark his 50 years’ service as a Governor in the presence of 292 Old Boys.

Meet the Archivist Eric Fairweather If you have a question about the School’s history or would like to donate to the Archive any photographs or artefacts from your time at School, Eric would love to hear from you. E: development@boltonschool.org

Newsletter Spring 2020

e of 0) sent in this pictur Peter Wyatt (1973-198 twistle, Bir ve Da ing tur fea Sc6B1 taken in 1980, kson, Mangham, Graham Jac Dave Sellwood, Chris , att Wy te Pe , rian Ian Hick, John O’B , rk Hodson, Chris Edge Steve Partington, Ma veraux and De x Ma s, ore Mo b Ro Dave Keene, s absent ate Andrew Hare wa Andy Merrit – classm

Masters v Boys cricket match c 1949 – staff featured are WF Jary, A Cun ningham, M Bagot, R Booth, G Banks, C Green, L Roe

– how the trees on Bolton School, 1950 e grown in the hav ad Ro w Ne Chorley intervening years!

-1971) sent David Seddon (1960 9-70 196 the of oto in this ph m School badminton tea ler, Back, L-R: Martin Mil Chris Aldcroft don, Front, L-R: David Sed andler Ch ) by’ hub (‘C Andrew and Andy Duckworth

Carl Howard (1980-19 90) sent in this photo of the First XI from c 1988

Chemistry Lab pre-1945 with Mr WF ‘Bill’ Jary, Senior Scien ce Master 1928-19 57 ench 1998 Second Year Fr

Staff meeting

Don’t forget to take a look at the ‘Scenes from the Past’ page of the School website, which we regularly update with new Archive photos: www.boltonschool.org. You can also share your own archive photos on the Bolton Alumni Network: www.boltonalumninetwork.com.

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

Martin’s Memories of School Martin Wadsworth’s connection to the Boys’ Division stretches back almost 50 years, during which time he has been involved with a myriad of activities, both academic and extracurricular. Here, he shares memories from his almost half-century at School. I joined Bolton School as a callow, long-haired 21-yearold in September 1974 as an Assistant Master – as the phrase then was – teaching Economics; ability to offer Mathematics or Geography and an Economics Lesson, 1998, L-R: interest in games or Gary Brown, Dan Barrett, Scouting were also Nigel Perplus, Steven Clemmett, James Ducker, Mark Bradshaw, mentioned on the Darren Tickle advert. It turned out I would teach Economics for over 30 years, including time as Head of Department, dabbling in Maths and Geography and with regular offerings to the General Studies/Minority Time programmes in their many guises. As a single man, I certainly fulfilled the prescience of a colleague, probably my Head of Department for 20 some years, the iconic Robin Mathieson, who said ‘Watch out, you’ll end up married to the place’. Despite some rocky patches, that union has endured past its Ruby celebrations! Master i/c Cautley was my first post of responsibility (19781982) – Cautley (a former vicarage east of Sedbergh) being our first centre for Outdoor Pursuits, mostly used for form weekend trips, one Captains’ Dinner, Easter 1998 of many links to boys outside the narrow confines of a minority A Level subject. Having a passion for sports without any real skill or ability, after Cautley I nevertheless became Games Master, a Head of Department job responsible for all Games lessons and representative School teams, which I held from 1982 to 1991, remaining as Master i/c Cricket until 2002. This role meant that every boy in School was in my department for his whole career – be it football, cricket, rugby (expanded in my time), or reborn water polo. Against the background of independent day schools becoming more professional and serious about sport, the amateur non-specialists like me were disappearing. The advent of Business Studies at AS then A Level in the 1990s meant I could move from Games to an expanded Economics and Business Studies department, including as Head of Business Studies for a few years. During that time, I introduced a residential Lower Sixth course at Patterdale with the Understanding Industry organisation. Loving word play, I called it Get Out Of That – what can the

nascent Sixth Former get out of that ‘sort’ of course? – plus, in cold, dark November, a chance to ‘get out of that’ oppressing School building and its academic confines. Get Out Of That was Saundersfoot, 1983, L-R: a flagship in the 1990s Adrian Howarth, Christopher Neill, for such courses, Stuart Turner, Guy Poulsom bringing the real world of industry and business into the academic lives of independent school sixth forms, and the BEST courses still run by School today are the offspring of the scheme. Earlier generations’ hopefully fondest memories of me will be via two Goliaths of what was once called the Camps and Journeys programme. Firstly, the Saundersfoot trip, for boys at the end of their second Senior School year, with which I was involved from 1975-2017 and led for around ten of those years. That traditional School camping holiday in the Pembrokeshire The Nou Camp, Trek Camp in the countryside at the end 1990s, L-R: Andrew Goddard, of the School year was a joy for the most part, Niki Entwistle, Lee Thompson, Mark Delaney, Jonathan Wright despite the periods of wild Welsh weather that made for several soggy spells! The campfire was always a highlight, with monologues, sketches and songs by boys and staff – my favourite being the nominal story in which we worked every boy’s surname into a mad tale of derring do … names like Smith, Moore and Cutler were easy; Gallagher, Skeels-Caldwell and twins Yearsley less so!

Careful(?) climbing at Carew Castle – Saundersfoot camp, early 80s (health and safety would soon ban this sort of escapade!)

The second was, of course, the Trek Camp, where I acted as lieutenant to Alan Prince, who had taken over from the legendary Clifford Ingham. Treks made for new experiences of freedoms and responsibilities, culture

Newsletter Spring 2020

and camaraderie, architecture and – it can be said now surely – alcohol. This was largely before teenagers went off abroad adultless, and was the Bolton School version of undergraduate Ephesus, Turkey; Trek Camp in the vacation; the staff 1990s, L-R: Andy Hughlock, guided – but loosely! James Chadwick, Ian Walker With four or five stops per trek on a rota round Europe and surrounding countries, we saw plenty of local culture, immersed ourselves in local custom and ate and drank the local fare. It was a holiday, but with so many extras.

The amazing Alhambra Palace, Granada – a bit of culture during trek camp, late 90s

Over well-nigh three decades, I aided AMP in leading maybe a thousand boys for around three weeks of the summer holidays, camping in Europe, North Africa and Asia Minor. If pushed, this was perhaps where my part in providing Bolton School education was at its richest. Highlights are too many to list, but include visits to Prague – from communist capital on the first visit to stag do capital on our last, and Malia – from locals and trekkers on donkeys at first to quad bikes on the last, trek boxes, trips in trains, boats, planes, coaches, vans, vaporetti, taxis, police vehicles … and sights providing indelible memories: Evora’s Chapel of Bones, the view over the town from the Florentine campsite, arriving and leaving Venice by boat or ferry, Santorini’s volcanic black sand for a bed, Tangiers’ camels, Istanbul’s Blue Mosque, Auschwitz and every visible opening on the Tower of Pisa filled with a Boltonian singing and acting Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes! Inside the Hagia Sofia, Trek Camp in the 1990s, L-R: Stephen Vose, David Dunn (FS), Alan Prince (FS)

Yet despite these joys, as with many marriages, things

can go sour. In 2002, the increased number of A Level students and sets, changing exam demands, and a desire to Campfire’s burning – Saundersfoot camp, continue, at early/mid 80s 50, to do all these afore-mentioned extra-curricular activities, better suited to a much younger man, brought on the stress and depression which eventually saw me take early retirement from teaching in 2006. A new chapter opened, however, as School offered me a chance to become a Sergeant. Brian and Barry were retiring and Bob Saunders, a School coach driver, and I both knew School very well in our different ways; so it was that I left teaching on 31st August 2006 and became a Sergeant the following day! During this period, I was able to develop the role of Sports Host, meeting and greeting on Wednesdays and Saturdays and continuing as House Activities supremo. The Lyde Cup – the prize for the winning House – had been purely sport-based from its inception and fell into disrepute by the eighties. I led the introduction of House Days, when all curriculum lessons stopped and every boy could take part in up to four differing events, including competitions in creative subjects such as Art, Technology, Music, as well as in the full range of School sport. This innovation – which brings the whole School together as far as is possible – is one of my proudest contributions to Boys’ Division life, whilst the termly speeches in assembly announcing results and cup winners were a joy to write and present. Sergeanting changed as new regimes in Central Services emerged, and with the signs showing that Fun in Faliraki – trek camp, late 90s stress levels were again rising, I left after five fine years, with a whole generation of boys and parents knowing me as Serge, not Sir. I continued as House Co-ordinator and Sports Host until Summer 2015 although, with the feeling that the dear old place will never rid itself of me, I remain on the books to help on Senior Cricket match days. I am told all marriages have their ups and downs, and their highs and lows. As I trundle on to a possible Golden anniversary, I see Robin’s early assessment not so much a warning, as a promise of a life-long loving relationship fulfilled.

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

LIVES REMEMBERED Andy Coleman (1987-1997) Andy first came into my life at Park Road, when we were both eight years old. At that age, he was the boy that most of the rest of us aspired to be; popular, good at sports, and with a daring streak bordering on the reckless. As the years passed, Andy and I became good friends. There was the shared bus journey to School day after day, times when we were classmates, music, but most of all it is was a common love of sport which brought us together. He was a talented sportsman, and represented the School First XI at both football and cricket. On the football pitch he progressed from a tricky left winger to a clinical centre-forward, while at cricket he was an all-rounder, combining probing medium pace as a bowler with flamboyant stroke play as a batsman. Andy would often throw caution to the wind and get himself out a little too early, going for shot after shot. This was typical of his showman style. Always the entertainer, it was part of who he was, part of his appeal. For ten years I played alongside Andy, and occasionally against him, both at and outside School. We played together for Eagley football club, and my Bradshaw team were perennial runners-up to Andy’s Egerton at cricket. If you could choose someone to lose to, however, you would pick Andy, ever magnanimous in victory and gracious in defeat. He was a driving force in any dressing room, a complete team player, quick to make newcomers feel welcome, and always with words of encouragement for his teammates. We didn’t win every game, but I don’t think many other teams ever beat us for team spirit, and Andy was at the heart of that. He possessed the enviable ability of being able to transcend with ease the different circles of friends both within and beyond our year group, not to mention his popularity in the Girls’ Division! Andy was easy-going, generous, fun-loving and loyal, and would invariably take others at face value and with an open mind. Not surprisingly, he had many, many friends. Here’s how some of his School mates remember him:

‘Andy, there are simply too many good times to remember. We grew up together playing sport, getting into music and terrorising our parents! You were a talented sportsman, a loyal friend, and a kind, gentle soul. I’ll miss you always buddy. Live forever.’ Ste Hopkins ‘How do you sum up a 27-year friendship? Football, music, nights out, and a lot of laughs. Andy was funny, thoughtful and sensitive. I miss him.’ Paul Atherton ‘One of the best people I ever knew, you were always there in times of need. I wish you’d loved yourself as much as we all did, your star will always shine bright and your magic will never die my rock n roll star.’ Claire Beedham ‘Andy rounded off his sporting achievements by scoring the opening goal in the 1997 Independent Schools Cup Final. He was a talented musician, and hugely popular with other students.’ Marc Howard ‘He was such a good athlete. Intelligent, fun-loving, and great to be around.’ Alexander Banks ‘Andy’s stardust fuelled the juggernaut of rock n roll known as Bournville DC. Mostly laughing, usually like you couldn’t quite believe it! I only have good memories of you mate.’ Tom Taylor ‘A good laugh, with a good laugh! Plenty of fun days watching BWFC in London.’ Andy Yates ‘I remember Andy as a talented sportsman with a cheeky sense of humour. We had a shared interest in the bass guitar.’ John Myles ‘Lots of memories and great times with Andy; sports, pubs, pool, the bus journeys and the Spanish Trek Camp.’ Matthew Moore ‘An amazing bloke who made those around him feel magic! Miss you buddy.’ Jim Davies ‘We were always part of a great group of lads, playing sport, socialising and having fun. They were great times spent together, ones we’ll never forget. Miss ya pal! ‘Dave Prestage Andy was also well-liked among the School’s staff. He went on three consecutive Trek Camps, serving as trek

adjutant, and formed a special bond with staff leaders Alan Prince, Martin Wadsworth and Roger Whitten. Alan and Martin remember Andy with fondness, and still talk about his legendary Polish scrambled eggs! My enduring memories of Andy will be of the countless nights spent at his home, chatting about anything and everything, and listening to music into the early hours, mainly Oasis and Dire Straits. Past times lived intensely, and remembered as if from yesterday. Without a doubt Andy was the rock star of our year group. Apart from his Bournville DC legacy, there was his very laid-back approach to most things in life, and at times touches of nonchalance, all of which helped form his own distinctive charm. Back at School, he would often greet me with the words “Tell me something good”. Well, Andy, I hope you would have found something “good” in what has been shared here. Rest in peace my old friend, bon voyage, and thank you for the memories. Phil Redding (1987-1997) Geoffrey Cubbin (1954-1962) Geoff died peacefully at home on 5th July 2019, aged 76, after a long debilitating illness. After leaving School to read Modern and Medieval Languages at King’s College, Cambridge, he later went on to lecture in the German Department there until he retired. However, as a Lancastrian proud of his Westhoughton and Bolton heritage, he was glad to move back up north in the mid-1980s, first to Bury and eventually to Sweetloves Lane, Sharples, where he lived happily till near the end of his life with his wife, Lynne, and son, Joe. Geoff and l had known each other well at School, both of us ending up in Modern VIA, but after university our paths diverged until, through a strange twist of fate, we renewed our friendship over 30 years ago and remained very close ever since, enjoying many a lengthy walk and leisurely meal together.

Newsletter Spring 2020

Modern languages had given Geoff an abiding love of Germany and France, so when he moved back ‘home’ to Bolton he set about rejuvenating our town’s links with Le Mans and Paderborn by setting up the Bolton Town Twinning Association, greatly helped by the late Michael Tatman (Boys’ Division Staff, 1958-1993). But Geoff was so much more than just a superb linguist and academic; he was a mine of information on the national and local rail network, on Bolton League cricket and on Bolton Wanderers, for whose home fixture programmes he wrote a regular column for many years. Indeed, sport was a lifelong enthusiasm for Geoff, from being First XI goalkeeper for King’s, Cambridge, to surfing at Newquay later in life. He was the most down-to-earth and modest of men; few who met him would ever have dreamt that he was a world authority on the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle. Above all else, though, Geoff was a deeply committed family man: a devoted, loving husband, father and brother to Lynne, Joe, Irene, Marjory and John (1954-1965) respectively and a good and loyal friend to many. He is buried at Walmsley Unitarian Chapel, where he was treasurer and where Lynne has invested so much time and energy over the years. We miss him deeply. RIchard Blagg (1953-1962) Derek De Maine (Boys’ Division Staff, 1964-1998) Born in Bolton in 1932, Derek attended Church Road Primary School and showed artistic and musical talent from a very early age. Drawing on any available blank piece of paper, he was regularly in trouble at St Thomas’s Church, where he was a choirboy, for drawing inside the covers of the hymn books during the sermon. He learned to play the piano to an exceptional standard, although his lessons were curtailed when his teacher, who was German, was interned during WW2. He passed the 11+ exam to Bolton County Grammar School, then housed in the centre of Bolton and was delighted when the school was moved out to Bolton Old Links Golf Club for the duration of the war. Derek became a proficient golfer in his teens and was an Honorary Member of Old Links after being a member for 50 years. At 16, Derek saw an advert for a

scholarship at Bolton College of Art, so he took himself off School for a day without permission to sit the exam, as his father wanted him to leave School. Winning the scholarship, his father relented, for in addition to academic monetary award, there was a substantial maintenance grant. He completed his College course very rapidly, as it was only necessary to pass all the units, for which there were no time constraints. He then won another scholarship to study Fine Art at Manchester University. There, he was awarded a six-month travelling scholarship to study in Rome, Florence and Paris. Whilst in Paris, shortly before returning to England, he read in a French paper about the invasion of South Korea from the Communist North. This led him to write to the Air Ministry to offer his services as a pilot, as this was the time of National Service from which he was already deferred. He was accepted into the RAF and attended Cranwell for Officer Training, after which he was sent to Canada to learn to fly; not unusual at the time. Completing the flying course in Canada, he was seconded by NATO to fly with the USAAF in Korea, where he was involved in considerable action as a fighter pilot. Returning to the UK, he declined the offer of a permanent commission as he wanted to teach and he could fly at weekends with 613 City of Manchester Squadron, an Auxiliary Squadron. There was a short spell of action in Algeria during the conflict with France, but otherwise he happily spent weekends and summer school flying Vampires and Meteors. Teaching took him to a new department at Salford Grammar School, where he became Head of Art after a short time. Arriving at Bolton School, in January 1964, he set about expanding the role of the Art Department to include Typography and Pottery. The Department flourished and Derek became a valued member of staff, enabling boys to go to University to study Art and Architecture. Derek excelled in all aspects of his subject; there are great many who will fondly remember the huge paper-sculpture angel he made every year at Christmas to hang from the beams in Great Hall. It took hours of work each evening for a month before Christmas, as 20-foot-high paper angels don’t keep!

Each year it was different, but beautiful and awe-inspiring. Derek was a superb pianist and could often be heard by anyone late in School, as he played the piano in Great Hall when he came into School to switch off the kiln. He was a Chopin devotee and when asked why, replied, ‘Because it’s difficult.’ That summed Derek up. He was a quiet, unassuming man, despite his prodigious talents. He had great intellect and wideranging knowledge over a large number of disciplines, he was a splendid linguist and an amusing raconteur. Staff of his time vividly remember his annual speeches for the ‘Tailor and Cutter’ Award after the Staff Annual Bowling Match. Derek himself was an excellent bowler as well as golfer and initiated golf at School for the boys. In retirement, he sailed across the Atlantic with Old Boy Eric Forsyth (1943-1950), just the two of them. He was very active to the end and widely travelled to every continent, including Antarctica. Derek died quite unexpectedly from pneumonia in November 2019, leaving Hilary, his wife of 40 years and herself an ex-member of staff. He was a loving and devoted father to his children: Robert, also a pilot, and Elena, following in his footsteps as a teacher, and a proud grandfather of Arianna and Poppy. His passing was a great loss to his family, colleagues, and many friends. Hilary de Maine Philip Disley (1938-1945) Philip died on 5th December 2019 at the age of 92. Bolton born and bred, he attended Bolton School for seven years, and clearly enjoyed his time there. Immediately he left, he was called up for National Service, which he served in the RAF, being posted abroad to Egypt and Italy – this inspired in him a love of travel which he maintained throughout his life. Upon leaving the RAF, Philip took a temporary job as a draughtsman with what was then Dobson & Barlow. He stayed with them and their successors, eventually rising to the position of Chief Buyer, until he retired in the early 1990s. He was a keen Old Boltonian. He kept in touch with many of his old classmates, and was a regular attender at reunions and Old Boltonian lunches until quite recently. He left a widow, Marion, to whom he was married for 69 years, a son Stephen, who himself attended Bolton School (1962-1969), two granddaughters and

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

four great grand-children. Stephen Disley (1962-1969) Leonard Hackett (Class of 1959) Len was born in Edgeworth, Bolton, during the Second World War and was ‘cricket mad’ from a young age. His mother made teas at Edgeworth Cricket Club and his uncles were umpires and a groundsman. As a pupil at Bolton School he was coached by two Lancashire stalwarts, Wilf Place and Jack Ikin. A review in the December 1956 edition of The Boltonian on the Third and Fourth Forms’ camp in Saundersfoot that Summer reported that: ‘On Friday evening a selected team played cricket against a team from Saundersfoot … luckily we won, thanks to some inspired bowling by LD Hackett’. Len moved to the Fylde coast after his parents retired to Blackpool. He audited the accounts of businesses owned by the founders of South Shore Cricket Club, Alderman AE Stuart and Bernard Hope, and went on to bowl off-spin for the club in the Palace Shield Cricket Competition for 20 years until retiring to become an umpire. He became a highly respected and longstanding member of Lytham Cricket and Sports Club, acting as chairman, umpire and scorer, and was widely known and respected in cricketing circles across the North West. Almost a permanent fixture at the Church Road club throughout the cricket season, he was also a dedicated supporter, travelling far and wide across the North West watching and guiding generations of young players. Over the years, he umpired hundreds of games in the Liverpool and District Competition and the Palace Shield. He especially enjoyed umpiring the junior matches – ‘junior players were such a constant delight to umpire’ – and was umpiring at this level until 2017. Off the field, Len also played a vital role in the day-to-day running of the cricket section and represented Lytham CC at district and league level. He was chairman of the cricket section and, as a member of the executive committee, he performed many roles and duties, including treasurer and senior selection, as well as sharing his vast experience and knowledge with club coaches. Len was also a familiar face at all the club’s social gatherings including the fundraising balls, New Year celebrations, T20 events and presentation evenings.

His enduring service to the club was recognised in 2018 when he was honoured with a lifetime membership. Outside cricket Len rode a motorbike until his early forties and loved mountaineering and rock climbing. He never learnt to drive, as he said the tram and bus service from his home in Bispham to the Church Road club was so good. Len died on 31st January 2020 after a brief illness. He will be sadly missed by all, including his extended cricketing family at Lytham CC. Keith Alan Morris (1954-1964) Keith sadly passed away on 9th April 2019, aged 73. Born in Great Lever, Bolton, in December 1945, he was the youngest of three brothers, Raymond, Peter and Keith, who all attended Bolton School. Although not a great academic, Keith was a talented sportsman, his proudest moments coming when he was made Captain of both the Senior Tennis and First XI Eleven Football teams. He was also a popular School Monitor. On leaving School Keith attended Hamble College of Air Training in Hampshire, where he completed six months of commercial pilot training. Unfortunately, he was not cut out to be a pilot, but his interest in the world of aviation continued when he secured a job with BEA in Manchester. The airline sponsored Keith on a three-year course at Salford University where he gained an honours degree in Transport Administration and he went on to have a long a varied career with BEA (later to become British Airways). At the end of 1977 Keith’s job took him to Heathrow and he moved ‘down south’ to Maidenhead. He progressed through the ranks of the airline to become a Senior Manager, working in Marketing, Operations, Market Research and Human Resources along the way. He was responsible for the Equal Opportunities Millennium Project under the leadership of Colin Marshall, and finished his 35-year career with the airline at Waterside (the company’s head office, near Heathrow Airport). While at Salford University Keith met his wife-to-be, Bridget, and they married in 1973. Their son, Nick, was born in 1977 and their daughter, Katharine, in 1979. Katharine now lives in Sydney, Australia, with her husband and two daughters, and Nick and Bridget continue to live in

Maidenhead. Keith retired from the airline in September 2001 and enjoyed almost 18 years of retirement. A regular golfer, he also shared a passion with Bridget for landscapes and social history. They enjoyed travelling, and highlights included walking holidays in the US, New Zealand, Rwanda, Iceland and the battlefields of Europe. He collapsed and died suddenly and unexpectedly in April 2019. His funeral was well attended by family, friends and neighbours who came to pay their respects to a much-loved friend and gentleman. He is greatly missed by all who knew him. Peter Morris (1952-1963) Alan Geoffrey Mort (Class of 1954) Geoffrey was born in Atherton, now part of Greater Manchester, and grew up attending the local Church of England primary schools until, at the age of 11, he gained a place at Bolton School. In July 1952 he left School to join his father’s nut and bolt factory in Atherton and his education then leaned more to engineering than to his love of art and music. During his period of National Service (1958) his father collapsed and died, leaving the family responsible for running the firm. As the difficulties of the steel industry increased, their small firm struggled and eventually folded in 1969. As a teenager, Geoffrey had been given a euphonium by a relative and played in local bands. He joined the Salvation Army, Atherton Corps, and attended there for some years, finding not only music, but a firm commitment to the Christian faith. He studied ‘Singing’ and trained as a bass, having lessons with both Hindley Taylor and world-renowned soprano Isobel Baillie. After marrying in 1974, he joined his wife, Margaret, and her two sons at Tyldesley Independent Methodist Church. He was well-known for his ability to make the Christian faith accessible to young people. Geoffrey served as a Church Elder, Treasurer, Choir Master and as a leader of the Teenage Bible Class and Youth Club. He became the representative of the Leigh Circuit of

Newsletter Spring 2020

Independent Methodist Churches on the denominational committee and served as President of the Connexion of Independent Methodist Churches (2000-2001 and 2005-2007). He also represented the Connexion on the Baptist Union Council for three years. Gifted artistically, he loved producing portraits in oil pastels, creating models – including a fully-functional ventriloquist’s dummy – and producing leaflets and posters. Being an expert gardener, he created and maintained a wonderful landscaped garden at Upper George Street that brought glory to God and pleasure to the family, neighbours and visitors.

snooker and golf. He discovered that many of London’s best restaurants offered extremely good value at lunchtimes and this became a regular part of his weekly routine. A close friend remarked that Mike’s main fault was his choice of football teams, but he remained a staunch supporter of Queens Park Rangers and a distant, but despairing, observer of Bolton Wanderers. Along with a number of old friends from the School, he also visited Lords or the Oval each year on the occasion of the Lancashire fixture, and he was a regular attender at the Alumni London Dinner. David Lowe (1944-1954)

For 17 years he lectured in Business Studies at local colleges. Privately, with Margaret at the piano, he taught Voice to pupils of all ages. He was part of the Cantamus Choir in Bolton and right up to the day of his passing he encouraged others to sing and even to pursue a career in music.

John F Robson (1942-1951) John died in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, on 11th December 2019, having suffered from Parkinson’s Disease for many years. He unfortunately contracted shingles which brought on pneumonia and his death was peaceful and with great dignity.

Greatly missed, as he leaves his wife, his family in the UK and abroad, his local church and his many friends, he is present with the Lord – until He comes.

At School, he was a keen member of the Scout Troop and Senior Scouts, a frequent hill-walker and he sometimes hiked with Butch Ingham. He acted in School plays and served as Vice Captain of the School in 1950-51. After leaving, he was conscripted into the Lancashire Fusiliers and was posted to the Canal Zone of Egypt and later to Kenya during the Mau Mau problems.

Margaret Mort Michael Prag (1946-1954) Mike Prag, who died in October, was a highly-respected City economist whose views were widely sought by the financial press. He was also a frequent broadcaster on financial topics. During retirement he spent a number of years working voluntarily for the Prince’s Youth Business Trust. The middle one of three brothers who all attended Bolton School, Mike took an active part in School activities and was a Monitor in his final year. Always an enthusiastic footballer, he kept goal for the Second XI. After National Service in the army, he went up to Emmanuel College, Cambridge, to read French and Mike (far right) at a Surrey v German, Lancashire match at The Oval changing to with Alan Hardy, Norman Economics Binks, Clive Leyland and in his second David Lowe year. He then joined a major firm of stockbrokers eventually becoming the senior partner. A member of The Royal Automobile Club in London’s Pall Mall, he enjoyed

On demobilisation, he read Mechanical Sciences at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, before joining consulting engineers Sir Murdoch MacDonald & Partners, which later merged to become Mott MacDonald from where he retired as a Partner. His working career began on a hydro-electric site in Scotland, followed by a considerable time overseas, including in Pakistan, Baghdad and different parts of Africa, before moving into the Cambridge head office. John is survived by his second wife, Penny, and his four children, Cathy, Adam, Ben and Helen with his first wife, Margaret, who was a member of the Girls’ Division and who died in 2003. Sandy Hamilton (1943-1951) Harold Rothera (1939-1947) Harold Rothera died on 20th September 2019, aged 90, after a dignified struggle following a profound stroke in 2017. Harold served as an Education Officer in the RAF at Stoke Heath and Ternhill, Shropshire between

1951 and 1953, then gained his first teaching job in Knaresborough before moving to a post as Head of French at Caernarfon Grammar School. In 1958 his life’s career began when he became an assistant lecturer in Education at University College Swansea. He went on to serve the Education Department at the University for nearly 30 years, as lecturer, senior lecturer and finally acting Head of Department. His enthusiasm for the arts, acting, and drama cultivated at School gave rise to other University roles in later years; amongst others, he was instrumental in getting the Taliesin Theatre built at the University. Ex-students, colleagues and friends alike remember a man highly respected for his support, kindness, listening skills and sound judgement – all done with cheerfulness. Harold was born in Bolton on 17th March 1929, the only child of Harold (Sr) and Florence (‘Florrie’) Rothera, née Lloyd. His dad worked for Pollitt’s public works contractors from the age of 15 until his retirement; whilst Florence had worked as a ‘beamer’ in a cotton mill from the age of 12 until her marriage. Harold went to Tonge Moor Council School and gained a scholarship to Bolton School Boys’ Division. His parents were concerned that the Council would not pay the full £24 cost of the School fees, as even with an £8 bursary they could not afford the remaining £16. Thankfully, the Council provided a full scholarship. However, the family still struggled to pay for the uniform, books and ‘kit’, and Harold believed that both the Council and the School actually paid for this and not his parents. He wrote in a memoire that ‘In my own case it would be true to say that I owe the whole of my subsequent life, professional and family, to having been a pupil at the School’, hence his lifelong support for Bolton School. His academic promise was evidenced by acquiring his School Certificate at the age of 14, and passing his Higher School Certificate at 15! Meanwhile, he enjoyed the range of cultural pursuits the School offered – especially taking part in drama productions, and going on youth-hostel hiking-expeditions to Scotland. He went to Manchester University, taking a Double First in French and German, and American History, before doing a PGCE at Nottingham University. Harold met Marjorie (née Clegg) at

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2020

Bolton School at the very first ‘joint’ Boys’ Division and Girls’ Division activity – a dance class. Initially, boys and girls were ‘paired’ according to their height. However, Harold had different ideas and ensured he was subsequently partnered with Marjorie, ignoring the height protocol – at six foot, he was a good seven inches taller. The couple were married at St James’ Church, Breightmet, in 1952. A loving, enduring marriage followed for over 65 years – with three children the happy recipients of that love, stability and integrity. Harold’s lifelong hobby was his love of model aircraft. He built many precision glider and rubber-band-powered models from balsa wood; indeed, after his stroke, when he could no longer read or communicate verbally, he nonetheless enjoyed looking at scale plans in freeflight model aircraft magazines. His hobby was typical of his approach to everything he did: he did his research first, and then took care and precision in carrying through whatever he judged to be the best thing. Harold was a devoted, loving, husband, father and grandfather, unfailingly supportive of his family. He was a careful listener; a man who did not impose his views and values, but rather lived them out. He was cheerful, with a good sense of humour, considerate, calm, a gentleman of the highest integrity. Harold leaves behind Marjorie, three children – Stephen, Vivienne and Alison, four grandchildren and an adopted great grandson. He is missed by all who knew him. Stephen Rothera, Vivienne Lancey (née Rothera) and Alison Rothera David Scrivens (1953-1964) After leaving School David qualified as a structural engineer and worked for a time in industry. His real interest, however, was in music and he won a scholarship to the Royal Northern College of Music. After graduating from the Royal Northern he was accepted by Opera North based in Leeds. There he embarked on a promising career as a baritone. He had roles in various productions and was latterly appointed Chorus Manager. In 1980 David was involved in a car accident suffering multiple injuries which left him handicapped physically and with impaired memory problems. Sadly, this ended his career in opera. David took his misfortune in a

remarkably philosophical manner. For the most part he was able to live a relatively independent life, mainly due to the devoted attention of our sister and her husband, John. He remained cheerful and good company until his final rapid deterioration. He will be much missed by all his family and remembered with affection by all who knew him. John Scrivens (1941-1947) MJ Tatman (Boys’ Division Staff, 1958-1993) Michael Tatman completed National Service in the Royal Artillery and a degree in French and Russian at Selwyn College, Cambridge. At Bolton School he was able to concentrate largely on his Michael lead subject, becoming playing the Head of French in Headmaster in The Browning 1964, and taught some Russian in his early Version at years. His enthusiasm Bolton Little took him beyond the Theatre classroom. The French Exchange continued to develop under his leadership and he energetically encouraged pupils who wished to travel in France and to study languages at university. Locally, he was Chairman of the French Circle, hosting a variety of meetings on travel, history, literature and art, maintaining a healthy membership and helping members to develop their spoken skills. On one occasion he addressed a staff discussion group on Albert Camus, expressing informally the knowledge and perception which made him successful as a teacher. Ready to take part in extra-curricular activities, he took the part of Caliban in a School production of The Tempest. It

was a strong, compelling performance, particularly notable for the maturity which enabled him to act with School students without unbalancing the production. An outstanding member of the Bolton Little Theatre, with wide experience, he became Chairman and guided the group to continual success. One year the Bolton Little Theatre performed Michael’s own translation of Molière’s The Miser (in which he also played the lead role) – a testament to the extent of his theatrical expertise. He was also an invaluable part of the set construction team where his carpentry talents blossomed. He was a regular performer at other local amateur theatres in the area, notable at Farnworth Little Theatre, Whitefield Garrick Theatre and Summerseat Players at Ramsbottom. Wherever he performed, whether in comedy, high drama or pantomime, his work was always of a superbly meticulous standard. He enjoyed all activities which involved speech and in retirement became senior producer for the town’s Newstalk for the Blind service. Here, he played a further important part in technical management, having used related aptitudes in his offstage theatre work. Mike’s diverse skills and readiness to offer them and his thoughtful communicative manner won wide appreciation. The Bolton Parish Church, of which he was an active member, was crowded for his funeral and his three children, all Old Boltonians, celebrated his life with readings and recollections, which told what a loved and excellent father he was. Charles Winder (Boys’ Division Staff, 1964-1999) and Michael Haworth (1955-1962)

IN MEMORIAM

Brian Morris-Ashton (1956-1964) - Died 17th November 2019 Charles David Bowling (1953-1959) - Died July 2019 Paul Brookes (Class of 1991) - Died 13th August 2019 Arnold Cardwell (1944-1951) - Died 31st January 2020 Michael Clough (1972-1980) - Died 11th March 2020 Angus Diggle (1960-1973) - Died 19th December 2019 Alan Hesford (1955-1961) - Died 28th February 2020 Rev Robert Higham (1948-1954) - Died 30th January 2020 R Keith Hindle (1945-1956) - Died 21st November 2019 J Michael Holland (1943-1952) - Died October 2019 Dr George Derek Leather (1935-1948) - Died 4th January 2020 Harry Mitchell (1945-49) - Died 20th December 2019 (Philip) Neil Murray (Class of 1971) - Died 11th July 2019 Joseph Graham Pendlebury (1941-1948) - Died 17th August 2019 John F Robson (1942-1951) - Died 11th December 2019 D Justin Quillinan (1963-1969) - Died 2nd December 2018 George Anthony ‘Tony’ Rigby (Class of 1954) - Died 3rd March 2020 Jim (James) Silver (1965-1976) - Died January 2020

Newsletter Spring 2020

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2020 Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of the Old Boltonians’ Association will take place on Monday 14th September 2020 at 12 noon in the Arts Centre, Bolton School. AGM agenda • Apologies • Minutes of Annual General Meeting 2019 • Secretary’s Report • Treasurer’s Report and Accounts PROXY VOTING FORM I [insert name]............................................................................................................. of [address].................................................................................................................. a member of the Association appoint [insert name].............................................................................................. of [address].................................................................................................................. or failing him the President of the Association (or in his absence the chairman of the meeting) to be my proxy to vote on my behalf at the Annual General Meeting of the Association to be held on Monday 14th September 2020 or at any adjournment of that meeting I desire my proxy to vote on the resolutions to be submitted as follows: MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE OLD BOLTONIANS’ ASSOCIATION HELD ON 29th APRIL 2019 Minutes 2018 The Minutes of the AGM 2018 were accepted as a true record of that meeting. Secretary’s Report The Secretary thanked Lionel Price for his year as our President, and wished current President Tim Taylor well for the remainder of his year in office. Roger Dobson was thanked for almost 40 years’ service since Richard Poskitt co-opted him on to the Committee. OLD BOLTONIANS’ ASSOCIATION ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2019 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st DECEMBER 2019 2019 2018 £ £ £ £ Assets Freehold land at cost 6,844 6,844 Golf trophies at cost 26 26 Bank accounts 9,565 5,001 Investments at market value 17,589 16,278 Sundry debtors 1,971 86 Loan to Football Section 11,500 12,000 47,495 40,235 Liabilities Sundry creditors 5,292 82 42,203 40,153 Represented by: General Fund Balance brought forward 40,153 41,774 Surplus/(Deficit) for the Year 2,050 (1,621) 42,203 40,153 Prepared by: PA Riding, Hon Treasurer

• Sectional Reports (these will be taken as the reports printed in this edition of The Bugle) • Election of Officers and General Committee (save for the office of President, nominations close at the meeting) • Headmaster’s Report for the CHI Fund • Any other business Details of those members of the General Committee who are due to retire by rotation will be given at the meeting. Richard Morris is the Presidential nominee, and is proposed for election for a period of one year. Annual General Meeting (1) To elect Richard Morris as President of the Association for 2021

*FOR *AGAINST *Please delete whichever is not required

In the absence of instructions my proxy may vote or abstain from voting as he thinks fit on any matter which may properly come before the meeting Date .................................................................................................................................. Signed.............................................................................................................................. Please return this form to arrive no later than 11.30am on Monday 14th September 2020 to The Secretary, Old Boltonians’ Association, c/o Development Office, Bolton School, Chorley New Road, Bolton BL1 4PA with the envelope clearly marked ‘OBA AGM’. Treasurer’s Report The meeting received the Treasurer’s report and accepted the accounts as independently reviewed by Adam Syddall. Sectional Reports These were taken as the reports printed in the Spring Bugle. Election of Officers and General Committee Roger Dobson, Norman Fletcher, Roger Milne and David Teasdale did not wish to stand for re-election. Michael Griffiths was re-elected for a period of three years. Ross Taylor and Mark Millhouse were elected to the Committee for a period of three years. Judge Roy Battersby was elected as President for 2020.

OLD BOLTONIANS’ ASSOCIATION INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st DECEMBER 2019 2019 2018 £ £ Income Subscriptions and donations 8,023 8,225 Investment income 526 240 Increase/(decrease) in market value of investment 1,311 (1,686) 9,860 6,779 Expenditure Boltonian magazine 5,292 5,248 Insurance 1,750 1,616 Golf section 200 500 Dinner subsidies 120 382 Sundries 448 474 Investment authorisation fee - 180 7,810 8,400 Surplus of expenditure over income

2,050 (1,621)

Subject to independent review by: AJ Syddall, Hon Independent Examiner

THE

BUGLE Old Boltoniansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association Spring Newsletter 2020

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