The Bugle - Autumn 2017 by Bolton School Development Office

THE

Old Boltoniansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association 1895 - 2017

BUGLE

Autumn 2017

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2017

Stay in Touch

Bolton School Merchandise

Messages David Shaw, President of the Old Boltonians’ Association 3 Philip Britton, Headmaster

The Mail Bag

Continuing Support

Bolton School Wine

School News School wins QAVS award

Adam Hall wins Saatchi Gallery art prize 6 Mass for Peace

Tenacity celebrates ten years

Dr Turner wins award

Caspar Joseph appointed Old Boys’ Liaison Officer 7 Charity fun walk

Prizegiving

Battle of the Bands

Old Boys’ Features Keeping it in the Family Inspiring the Next Generation

9 10

Andrew’s African Adventure

The Bolton Alumni Network

Alumni Mentoring Scheme

Alumni Events Calendar

The Boltonian

Alumni Authors

Events Photo Wall

Trevor Pledger Retires

Recent Leavers’ Reunion

STAY IN TOUCH CONTACT US

Connect with Old Boys and Old Girls Bolton School Alumni Network: www.boltonalumninetwork.com. Download the app at the Apple and Google Play stores.

School news and memories: search Bolton School - Old Boys and Old Girls (Official)

T: 01204 434718 E: development@boltonschool.org

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

THE TEAM

Follow Alumni and School news via Twitter: @BoltonSchAlumni/ @BoltonSchool

Watch short films posted on our You Tube site: www.youtube.com/user/ boltonschoolmedia

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

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

Development Office Bolton School Chorley New Road Bolton ‘Like’ our Facebook page for event invitations, BL1 4PA

Laura Firth Head of Development Frances Johnson Development Assistant Caspar Joseph Old Boys’ Liaison Officer Kathryn O’Brien Alumni and Development Assistant Jenny Salerno Development Officer

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

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

BOLTON SCHOOL MERCHANDISE

School has an Online Merchandise Store, selling all of the items previously sold through the Development Office, and many more.

Old Bolts Triumph

OBAFC Report

A variety of items are available for purchase, from Old Boy cufflinks and ties to Bolton School pens, iPad cases and photo frames.

Old Boltonians’ Golf Society Report

Old Boys on Film

Forthcoming Events Sports

Old Boys’ News News of Old Boys

Mini Reunions

Freemasonry

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 family’s financial situation. Orders are usually delivered within five working days, and overseas delivery is available.

Archives

Ask the Archivist: Emma Saxelby

Looking Back

Old Boy Cufflinks

Lives Remembered

In Memoriam

To order your items, please visit: www.boltonschoolmerchandise.org or call 08450 504015

Bolton School Pens

Snugg iPad Case

Bolton School Photo Frame

Newsletter Autumn 2017

WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT As I write this, I am over half way through my year of Presidency, and I can report that the experience has been most pleasurable and has led to my reacquainting myself with many Old Boys whom I have known during my career. Much has remained the same as ever – dinners that I have attended on behalf of the School for instance – but there is still the pleasure of meeting people where there is a mixture of the familiar and the unexpected. I began in February with a dinner at Jesus College, Cambridge, which was particularly interesting as it was the first one I had been to there. The London Dinner, in March, was held at the Royal College of General Practitioners in Euston Square, very close to UCL where I spent my own student days in the early 60s. The Edinburgh Dinner in early May evoked some happy memories for me and it was good to meet several old friends, along with others making their first visit. The Cumbria Dinner at the Lindeth Howe Hotel has always been popular and the proprietor Stephen Broughton (1961-1969), himself an Old Boy, was as usual most hospitable. I am looking forward to the Bristol Dinner in late September and Oxford in late November. All our Alumni dinners are most enjoyable and I would urge Old Boys and Old Girls to attend one if they get the chance –

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER As one School year ends and another begins, the sense of both continuity and change in School life becomes apparent. The continuity is obvious – our enduring ethos and indeed much of how the School looks and feels are very familiar to Old Boys when they return to School to visit us, whilst change very often involves the characters of School life moving on. This Summer we said farewell to Trevor Pledger, who most recently has served with distinction as Old Boys’ Liaison Officer alongside many other responsibilities. It was wonderful to see so many Old Boys come along to his farewell Water Polo festival, with his first national winning team pitting themselves against current national champions. International players, Olympians and enthusiasts all took to the water to celebrate the impact Trevor has had in kindling their love of the sport, and his impressive living legacy was very clear in the Dining Hall that evening. Trevor will be succeeded in the role of Old Boys’ Liaison Officer by Caspar Joseph, who will be well known to many Old Boys, from the History classroom, the rugby pitch or as their Head of Sixth Form. Caspar retains his timetable teaching History in

you will be assured of a warm Bolton School welcome! Closer to home, the annual decade Reunion for Old Boys and Old Girls at School in May was very well attended, with many friendships being rekindled. I have been to the Reunions every year and the names on the list are always familiar to me: many are still recognisable as their former selves, but others require a prompt, especially if they are hiding behind a beard! Next year’s event takes place on Saturday 21st April, so if you left in one of the ‘8’ years it would be great to see you there. The other local event was a gathering at Media City in Salford Quays, where Old Boy Peter Knowles (1972-1979), Head of BBC Parliament, gave a very interesting talk (particularly in view of the then forthcoming General Election!). The evening also saw the launch of the Bolton School Alumni Network, further details of which are on page 14. My year will end with the Annual Dinner at School on Friday 8th December, to which I have invited as Guest Speaker Mr Kevin Knibbs, Headmaster of Hampton School, who began his career with us and will be fondly remembered, not least for his History teaching and for his coaching of football. Kevin and I would be delighted to see Old Boys who remember us and, in my case, in addition to those to whom I taught Physics, old fell walkers, badminton players and members of the one-time mighty Harwood House. Finally, I would like to pass my best wishes to all Old Boltonians and to encourage everyone to continue to support the School and the Association. David Shaw the style he has made his own and which has inspired so many during the years. The Summer term saw the launch of the Bolton Alumni Network, which has taken off in a most impressive way. I do hope you have signed up and are already finding it a secure and reliable way of catching up and tracking down old friends, as well as establishing contacts useful in your working lives. Another development, the mentoring of University and early career Old Boys , has gathered pace this summer and is a strong example of how the Old Boltonians’ Association can be used to put together Old Boys who wish to help with those who would like some help. Through these initiatives, through our events, through those visiting School to give of their time in careers talks and similar events, I believe the Association has made a terrific job of reinventing all of the benefits of the ‘Old School Tie’ connections in a way appropriate to the modern age. To maintain that progress you will hear shortly from the Development Office, who will be asking you to ‘actively consent’ to the School being in touch with you. This is a consequence of new legislation rather than a School initiative and I do hope you will respond positively. If you do, I look forward to keeping in touch. If not, please don’t think I’m ignoring you in future by not sending anything – it will be just that you did not positively say I could! Philip Britton

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2017

THE MAIL BAG A selection of emails and letters received since the last edition of The Bugle was published. Please send in your feedback to the Development Office by post or by email with the subject MAIL BAG – there is a Bolton School themed prize for the writer of the Star Letter in each issue!

STAR LETTER Old Boys reaching their milestone 90th birthday receive a card from the Development Office – Philip Disley (1938-1945) was pleased to hear from us and writes: I write to thank you for the Birthday Card you sent me this week. I was most surprised and pleased to receive it. On the back page of the card is some information and two things caused me to think back over my time at Bolton School. The first one was that the card was made from Lake District board and the first time I went there was to a School Scout camp led by ‘Pip’ Porter in my first year in 1939. The second was that the card was printed in Yorkshire, which reminded me of the ‘Butch’ Ingham hikes there in 1945, my last year in School (I think these renowned hikes were still being held in my son’s time at School in the Sixties). Happy Days! And thanks again for the card and for the memories it raised for me.

David Butcher (1952-1959) refers to Mike Ainscough’s letter Forty Years On in the Spring 2017 edition: Six hundred boys belting out the School Song or a favourite hymn was always a treat: Oh Jesu I have Promised and Dear Lord and Father of Mankind spring to mind. But the most exciting choral occasion was in the 1950s, when we recorded a School Song for a production of Jennings and Derbyshire to be featured in Children’s Hour on the radio. I believe that French Master JG Banks, a talented actor with Bolton Little Theatre who was also to appear on TV, had a role in the production and obtained the necessary approval for School to provide background sound effects. Music Master PAS Stevens had written the music for the fictitious Linbury Court School (which featured in Anthony Buckeridge’s stories) and I can still recall the tune. We only had to sing the first few lines before the music was faded and the lyrics opened: ‘Ave domus illustrissima, Sine fine floreas …’ Hail to all illustrious Bolton Schoolers, may you all also flourish forever! Malcolm Stevens also remembers recording the School song: Mike Ainsworth’s memory of recording the School song in 1956 does not chime with mine. I believe we recorded a ‘fake’ school song for a radio serial, with lyrics by Mr Ingham which went something like ‘Ave domus illustrissima’ (but then Latin was not a strong subject of mine) and a catchy tune by my father PAS Stevens. It was sung informally at School on a few occasions at the time. Perhaps the BBC’s sound archives could settle the matter! Chris Da Costa (1958-1965) was saddened to learn of the death of David Walton (former Boys’ Division Staff), reported in the Spring 2017 edition, and pays tribute to him as thus: I was lucky enough to be David’s sole A Level Russian student in 1964-65. As a recent graduate, he wasn’t much older than me, although much more mature, of course. There was an element of improvisation (he was also an ace jazz pianist, after all) in our academic schedule: discussions of Chekhov, Gogol, Pushkin and Lermontov set-books often took place during strolls around the School grounds. Later on, after the exam results, he took the trouble to send me a typically droll postcard from Vienna (I still have that postcard). It was his inspiration (not forgetting the grounding provided by Michael Tatman) that set me on course for a career in Russian. As for David’s piano prowess, I am surely not the only one of my contemporaries who remembers his supercharged version of Pinetop’s Boogie.

Newsletter Autumn 2017

CONTINUING SUPPORT ‘Giving Back’ remains one of the core tenets of the School’s ethos, and one which is taken seriously by both current and former pupils alike. Old Boys regularly support the next generation of Old Boltonians by returning to School to speak and offer advice, whilst the School’s recent receipt of the hugely prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises the sustained commitment to volunteering and community service made by members of the current School community. Many Old Boys also choose to ‘Give Back’ by offering their financial support to the Bursary Fund, in recognition of the opportunities their time at the School provided for them. The Bursary Fund was established over 20 years ago by the School’s Governing Body to ensure that the open access experienced during the Direct Grant and Assisted Places eras, from which thousands of Alumni benefited, was able to be enjoyed by subsequent generations of Old Boltonians. This foresight has allowed the School to build a Bursary Fund of £25 million, making the School’s bursary scheme one of the most generous in the country, with one in five pupils across both Senior Schools receiving financial support for their education. Yet despite this success, the School is unable to meet the demand for bursarial support from bright and talented children who would otherwise thrive here. The 100 Campaign for Bursaries was launched in 2015, during the School’s centenary year, to try to bridge this gap. Its ambitious, long-term aim is to double the size of the

Bursary Fund, in order to replicate the open access last enjoyed at Chorley New Road during the Direct Grant era. With the support of Old Boltonians of all ages, so far the 100 Campaign has raised £3.69m towards this stretching target. Leaving a legacy to the School is one of the most personal and significant ways in which Old Boys can help it to achieve its aim of securing genuine open access at the School. David Speirs (1954-1962) credits his time in the Boys’ Division with his later career success, and has chosen to remember the School in his will in acknowledgement of this debt, in order that future generations of Old Boltonians might be offered the same opportunities he himself enjoyed. If you would like to pledge your support to the 100 Campaign, whether that be by remembering the School in your will, or by making a regular donation to the Bursary Fund, then please contact Laura Firth in the Development Office, either by calling 01204 434718, or by emailing development@boltonschool.org. The extensive bursarial support that the School is able to provide for current pupils is due in large part to the sustained generosity of our Old Boys and Old Girls, who take seriously the School’s enduring ethos of ‘Giving Back’. Thank You, sincerely, to all those donors who have supported the Bursary Fund this year, and in the past: your gifts will ensure that the School continues to offer an outstanding education to the brightest and the best children in the North West.

THE BOLTON SCHOOL WINE COLLECTION The Bolton School Wine Collection, launched by The Girls’ Division Parents’ Association to mark the 100/500 anniversaries, is an exclusive wine selection carefully selected in partnership with T Wright Wine of Horwich. There are six wines in the collection, all priced at £9.95 per bottle: a Pinot Grigio, a Sauvignon Blanc, a Chardonnay, a Shiraz, a Merlot and a White Zinfandel. Wines are available by the case (six bottles) at a discounted price of £56.75 in any bottle combination you would like. Delivery is free (minimum order one case) throughout the Bolton area, and all profits will be donated to the 100 Campaign for Bursaries. For more information please email bsfwines2015@gmail.com or to place your order, please visit www.twrightwine.co.uk/13030

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2017

SCHOOL NEWS School wins Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Bolton School has won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) 2017. This unique UK national honour was created by The Queen in 2002 to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee, recognising excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community. It is the highest accolade given to local volunteer groups and is the equivalent of an MBE for an individual. A letter from the QAVS Service Team to the School said: “The work your group does for the community was very much admired by the independent Assessment Committee, chaired by Sir Martyn Lewis CBE, and I am delighted to inform you that your group has been selected as a recipient for The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service 2017. The award represents a tremendous achievement for your organisation.” Headmaster Philip Britton commented: “Our pupils serve local, national and international communities and, in doing so, establish a habit of volunteering for the benefit of themselves and others. Our thanks go out to all who have contributed to this prestigious award. We believe we are the first school in the country to be honoured in this way.”

Student’s Installation wins Saatchi Gallery Art Prize Congratulations to Adam Hall in Year 12, who has been announced as the Secondary School winner in The Saatchi Gallery Art Prize for Schools 2017! Adam’s piece, which is titled Bolton School: A Modern Tradition, was one of just twenty artworks by primary and secondary school pupils to be shortlisted from a pool of over 24,000 international entries from 66 different countries. It is based on his interpretation of Bolton School, in his words a ‘success of blending innovation with tradition’. His work displays the juxtaposition between the old and new. Adam travelled to London for the Awards Evening, and was joined at the event by Boys’ Division art teachers Mrs Ryder and Mrs Brewer, other members of staff, and several Old Boys with an interest in art, including John Craven (1975-1982) and his family, last year’s Prizegiving speaker Robin Partington (19641978) and Old Boys’ Association Ambassador Mike Shaw (1981-1988).

Mass for Peace at Bolton Parish Church In May, the Friends of Bolton School Choir, supported by the Park Road and Hesketh House Choirs, gave a special performance at Bolton Parish Church. The theme of the concert was peace and war with The Armed Man: A Mass for Peace by Karl Jenkins at the heart of the programme. This piece of music was commissioned by The Royal Armouries of Great Britain to commemorate the millennium. It looks back at a century of destruction and war, but also forward with hope and a commitment of peace for the new millennium, and remains an appropriate and universal theme today.

The Friends of Bolton School Choir performing at Bolton Parish Church

Parents and friends of the choirs gathered at the church to enjoy an evening of touching and thought-provoking music.

Newsletter Autumn 2017

Ten-year Celebration for Tenacity Tenacity of Bolton, the sailing boat built by boys and staff of Bolton School Boys’ Division, along with help from parents and volunteers from the local community, celebrated her tenth birthday in May. Construction of the 15m ketch, the brainchild of former Boys’ Division Head of Technology, Mike Whitmarsh, began in 1998, with teams of youngsters, guided by teachers, working on the vessel, often in their spare time. Professional craftsmen helped ensure the boat was seaworthy. Upon completion, the boat transferred to Glasson Dock, Lancaster, and set sail on her maiden voyage with twelve Year 8 pupils from Bolton School in the Spring of 2009. Tenacity, which was named in recognition of the hard work which went into building her, has since enabled boys and girls to develop team working and leaderships skills, whilst learning to sail and having an adventure of a lifetime. The boat, which is still in immaculate condition, is now under the guidance of the Tall Ships Youth Trust, and is still regularly utilised by girls and boys from Bolton School, including Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. A detailed account of the construction of Tenacity can be read on the School’s website.

Dr Turner wins prestigious RSC Award Boys’ Division teacher Dr Kristy Turner is the Royal Society of Chemistry Schools Education Award winner for 2017. Dr Turner is a teacher, academic and chemistry education researcher working primarily on improving the transition between school and university for chemistry students and currently combines teaching at Bolton School with lecturing at the University of Manchester. Dr Turner said she was incredibly honoured to receive this award, which is presented to a teacher or team who has demonstrated an exceptional ability to teach chemistry and inspire students at any pre-university level.

Caspar Joseph appointed Old Boys’ Liaison Officer Long-serving member of Boys’ Division staff Caspar Joseph has been appointed as Old Boys’ Liaison Officer, replacing Trevor Pledger, who retired at the end of the Summer Term. Caspar joined the Boys’ Division staff in 1986 as a teacher of History. For the past ten years he has been Head of Sixth Form, during which time he oversaw the lads’ move from their common room in the undercroft to the new shared Riley Sixth Form Centre in 2013. This role, coupled with his position as Coach of the First XV Rugby Team, has put him in close contact with hundreds of Old Boltonians, all of whom he would be delighted to see return to School.

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2017

Boys raise over £1,000 in Charity Fun Walk Donning a wide range of colourful fancy dress outfits, Sixth Form pupils took to the School playing fields on a sunny Spring afternoon to undertake their annual charity walk. The boys showed a considerable amount of flair in choosing their costumes – and spotted amongst the crowd were Scooby Doo, Sherlock Holmes, Bob the Builder, the Teletubbies and various drag artists! A final total of £1,011 was raised which will be split between the Alzheimer’s Society, Barnardo’s and Anthony Nolan, the UK’s blood cancer charity where

a number of Bolton School Sixth Form boys and girls have already signed up to be stem cell and bone marrow donors. It is the largest amount of money raised at this annual event and is testament to the boys’ good spirit and charitable inclinations.

Technology Entrepreneur gives Prizegiving Address Old Boy Rob Dobson (1973-1982) returned to School to present the awards at this year’s Prizegiving and to offer his thoughts and advice to current pupils. Since leaving Bolton School, Rob has had a prosperous career in technological entrepreneurship, beginning in the fledgling mobile phone industry. Addressing the Great Hall, Rob made reference to his day spent in the Boys’ Division, touring the School and meeting with pupils interested in technology. He then spoke about his career and how he hopes that technology will help to resolve the challenges that his generation has left behind. Finally, he encouraged all to learn about technology and embrace it. Rob presented the prizes to this year’s worthy winners, which included a new award, the Leverhulme Salver, for

Rob (centre) with the Headmaster and Michael Griffiths, Chairman of Governors

the boy who most embodies the academic success, self-reliant independent character, connection with the community and wide ranging interests that the School seeks to instil in its students. This piece of silverware, which was originally presented to the School as part of Lord Leverhulme’s legacy, was received by Year 13 pupil Adam Shine. Its inaugural presentation marks the 70th anniversary of the commissioning of the salver and the centenary of Sir William Hesketh Lever becoming Baron Leverhulme.

Winning Band bags Recording Session Record producer George Apsion, who is a member of the School’s Governing Body, judged Year 12 group Parallel Oreos to be this year’s winner of Battle of the Bands. Having worked with Roger Daltry, Plan B and Sundara Karma, George was well placed to judge the competition and he commended all the acts on performing to a very high standard. Handing over the award, he promised the victorious foursome a free one-day recording session in his London studio – a fantastic prize for the boys, who won the competition for the second time (their first win was in 2014).

L-R: Headmaster Philip Britton, Hassaan Hussain, George Morgan, Adam Critchlow, Jay Harland, George Apsion and Boys’ Division Head of Music Jeremy Bleasdale

Newsletter Autumn 2017

OLD BOYS’ FEATURES Keeping it in the Family

Chris with Richard (left) and Ross during their time in the Boys’ Division

In May 2017, father and son Chris (1965-1973) and Ross (1990-2004) Taylor hosted a party at Bolton Golf Club in honour of a double celebration, as Chris marked 40 years working in financial services (primarily as Managing Director of Taylor & Taylor Financial Services Ltd), and Ross celebrated his own introduction to the firm.

The Taylor family has strong links with Bolton School. Chris played for the Old Boltonians for many years, a tradition Ross continues to this day: although both are infamous for their lack of natural footballing ability, they compensate with their hard work on the pitch! Further, Richard Taylor (1988-2002), Chris’ elder son (who is a Chartered Financial Planner) attended the School, as did his wife Kate (née Millard, 1995-2002). The couple, who married in 2010, are now based in New York. After leaving School, Chris signed his sales associate contract with Hambro Life in January 1977. After working for Hambro, later Allied Dunbar, and then two other local firms, Chris established Taylor & Taylor in 1993. The firm has had three homes since then, relocating twice along Chorley New Road as the business has grown. Last year, Ross joined the business as a Director, finally putting the second ‘T’ into Taylor & Taylor. Chris is a staunch supporter of the Old Boltonians’ Association: a regular attendee at the Old Boys’ Lunches, he was the Association’s President from 2000-2001, acts as MC at the annual OBA Dinner each December, and from 2011-2017 was the joint organiser of the OBA’s Bursary Golf Day, alongside School friend (and best man) Chris Carley (1963-1973). Of his enduring ties to Bolton School, Chris writes: “There were many, many connections to Bolton School at the party, which only served to remind me how fortunate I was to have been able to attend the School. Deep friendships forged in the classroom or on the sports field are still as strong to this day - perhaps even stronger – and we all reminisce about our happy days at School and the fond memories we still share. With discipline comes confidence and respect for others and their opinions, and I am eternally grateful for all the encouragement I received whilst at School. This carried over into both my personal and professional lives and helped me embark on a successful career – hence the celebrations! As it did when I was a pupil, Bolton School continues to

strike the right balance between academic excellence, sporting achievement and the encouragement to pursue whatever interests you have with enthusiasm and an open mind. I’m also passionate about the Bursary Fund – equality of opportunity should be available to everyone, irrespective of their parents’ ability to pay, so I encourage people to contribute to the Fund however they can, to enable the School to keep up the good work for future generations.” After leaving School, Ross studied International Management at the University of Manchester. During his degree, Ross spent two summers as a Counsellor at Camp America, supporting homeless children Fellow Old Bolts Rob Firth (left, 1963-1974) from New York and Boston. This and Stephen Parry experience, coupled with Ross‘ (1963-1970) at the awareness of the privilege his party attendance at Bolton School bestowed on him, inspired him to apply for the TeachFirst programme after graduation. After six weeks of training, Ross was placed in an all-girls school in Harpurhey, North Manchester: a real baptism of fire. Two years later, he moved abroad to teach at an International School in Chris (third from the left), Kenya, before deciding to his wife Penny (centre) and leave the profession and Ross (third from the right) train to become a Chartered with the Taylor & Taylor team Accountant at Ernst & Young. at the party During his training, Ross and Chris decided that Ross would join T&T upon qualification so that the two could work together. Ross takes up the story: “Bolton School has given me so much, from a solid group of friends (some of whom go all the way back to my first year at Beech House), to an incredible network of old classmates (inter)nationally. I think Bolton School helps build one’s confidence to interact with people from all walks of life, as well as providing an excellent academic grounding for university and professional life. Despite having left the teaching profession, education is still something I care about and I am a school Governor at King’s Academy, in Toxteth, Liverpool. My continuing interest in education stems from my feelings of good fortune in having attended Bolton School, and experienced all that comes with that opportunity. I intend to keep supporting the Bursary Fund through the business as my Dad has done in recent years. Its aim, to help bright disadvantaged pupils access Bolton School, really resonates with me.”

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2017

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 Department have been delighted to work together to welcome these Alumni back to School for the benefit of pupils throughout the Divisions.

Pupils face Grandmaster in simultaneous Chess Match Chess Grandmaster Nigel Short (1976-1981) returned to School to meet the new crop of chess enthusiasts and to inspire the next generation of players. Nigel was already a chess prodigy when he left Bolton School, having tied for first place at the British Championship in 1979 and become the youngest International Master at the time in 1979-1980. He was

The pupils ponder their next moves as Nigel makes his way around the players

Old Boy’s Flying Visit Former pupil Jason Appleton (1983-1990), dropped in, literally, to Bolton School as he landed his Squirrel helicopter on the Levels! Pupils of all ages enjoyed sitting in the helicopter and Pupils were eager to join chatting with Jason, before Jason in his helicopter he gave an absorbing talk to Senior School students about his amazing 26-year career in the RAF. He has served in most conflict zones, including Sarajevo, Northern Ireland and Afghanistan, and is now Station Commander of RAF Shawbury where he is in charge of 6,000 personnel. Jason recalled how his schooling at Bolton School had set him off on this path with its focus on academic training and sports and fitness – and how a visit by an RAF schools’ liaison officer had originally inspired his choice of career.

awarded the title of Grandmaster at the age of 19, becoming the youngest in the world at the time. He remains one of the most successful players Britain has ever produced. His visit culminated in a simultaneous chess match against 23 Junior and Senior School pupils, ranging in age from 8 to 18. Ultimately the grandmaster’s wealth of experience proved too much for the next generation, and after two and a half hours of chess, the last two Bolton School players – Boys’ Division pupil Vibhav Sugumar and Girls’ Division pupil Sharon Daniel – were defeated. Nevertheless, the opportunity to play against a grandmaster is an experience that all pupils will be sure to remember for years to come.

Technology assists Careers talks Technology allowed entrepreneur Rob Dobson (1973-1982) and investment banker Adam Crook (1985-1992) to connect with Year 13 boys to give some useful careers advice. Rob ran his own company for 15 years and is now an ‘angel investor’, using a combination of his tech expertise and commercial experience to help new businesses get up and running. He advised the boys via a Skype call that hard work and a persuasive nature are essential to becoming a successful entrepreneur. After School, Adam joined the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst. He reached Captain by 2001, then, faced with either remaining in the military for life or starting a second career, he decided to complete an MBA and is now a Managing Director at Goldman Sachs. He used FaceTime to talk to the Year 13 students about various aspects of investment banking.

Chris and Chris join Careers Carousel

L-R: Malcolm Smith, Chris Jones, Nicola Grinstead, Jenny Fairwood and Chris Peacock

Old Boys Chris Jones (Class of 2001) and Chris Peacock (1988-2002) joined two Old Girls at the annual Junior Careers Carousel which gave Park Road and Hesketh House pupils an opportunity to learn about a variety of different jobs.

Chris Jones is Director of Sitcom Soldiers and he and his colleague Malcolm Smith spoke about the exciting field of

TV and video production. Their behind-the-scenes look at what is involved in making music videos and adverts really sparked the imaginations of the Year 6 boys and girls. Chris Peacock is an Account Manager at a public affairs company. As well as speaking about his current role, he also drew on his experience as a former Councillor and former Mayor of Westhoughton to talk about government and politics in a way accessible to Junior School pupils. Thanks to all four Alumni for contributing to an interesting and engaging afternoon for the Junior boys and girls.

Newsletter Autumn 2017

World of Work

Year 9 Careers Carousel

Guests from a wide range of careers, including a number of Old Boys, gave their time to speak to Sixth Form pupils about the wealth of future options available as part of the annual World of Work event.

As part of the Boys’ Division’s innovative SPACE programme (SPACE sessions take place every other Monday afternoon throughout the year and offer boys a diverse range of development opportunities outside the usual timetable), Year 9 boys spent an afternoon on a careers carousel listening to a range of industry professionals, three of them Old Boys, speak about their occupations.

The keynote speech was given by Charlie Ball (Class of 1988), Head of Higher Education Intelligence at Graduate Prospects, where he leads a research team studying the graduate labour market and the employment destinations of graduates and postgraduates. His talk addressed the question, ‘Is it worth going to University?’ and usefully included both positives and negatives to consider. Paul Johnson (1978-1985) is Executive Partner with Ward Hadaway, based in their Manchester office. His specialism is corporate law, and he gave an insightful look at the job of a commercial lawyer for pupils interested in the legal profession. Ben Lomas (1988-1994) is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment, and is a Client Director with Brown Shipley responsible for managing investment portfolios for high net worth clients. He spoke to pupils about the world of finance and private banking, particularly investment management and the difference between firms like Brown Shipley and high street banks.

Chris Norman (1989-1996) of CN Software spoke about software development and about his career in this field, in which he has worked for large companies, start-ups and as a consultant. Jack Forster (1998-2005) stressed to the boys the importance of having several strings to your bow. He told how he had joined Sale Sharks’ Academy whilst still at School and had enjoyed a career in rugby until injury forced premature retirement. He is now a farmer and butcher, working for Forster Organic Meats on his family farm. Alex Ruaux-Keyho (19992006), a Senior Paralegal at DWF LLP, spoke to the boys about careers in Law and how more and more firms are encouraging people to work their way through the ranks, gaining invaluable experience as they make their way towards becoming a full solicitor.

NHS Careers Day Old Boy Mobeen Qureshi (Class of 2009) joined twelve other speakers to talk to pupils in Years 10 to 13 about the wide spectrum of career options available within the NHS, including several that they may not have considered or been aware of before.

Mobeen had some useful advice for would-be medics

Mobeen studied Medicine at the University of Glasgow and has been working as a junior doctor for the last two years. He spoke about his experiences at university and as a junior doctor, and gave an honest account of the challenges and rewards of the profession, as well as some advice for those wishing to follow this career path.

The day’s keynote speech was delivered by Dr Mohammed Jiva on ‘The Evolution of a new National Health Service’ and raised some fascinating points for pupils to consider.

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2017

Andrew’s African Adventure Andrew Mitchell (1962-1967) describes one of Bolton School’s many lasting influences on his life: his teenage introduction to Africa and consequent love of distant travel. In the 1960s the Boys’ Division was linked with Dedza Secondary School for boys, Malawi, through the Schools African Linking Scheme, sponsored by the Headmasters’ (and now Headmistresses’) Conference. Volunteers from Sixth Form leavers spent two or three terms teaching at Dedza and pen-friendships were made between pupils with the hope, for political reasons never fulfilled, that Malawian boys would spend a year in Bolton’s Sixth Form. Letter from Richard Poskitt in Kampala – in the second paragraph he is sympathising with Andrew over the fact that his “tin hut” had been struck by lightning while he was having lunch

Letter from Richard Poskitt inviting Andrew to the United Kenya Club as his guest – in the handwritten PS he suggests he might climb Kilimanjaro with a fellow volunteer from Charterhouse.

I volunteered after hearing one of my predecessors, Tony Castledine (1956-1964), give an inspiring account of his tour of duty and I embarked in early January 1967. In the interim, George Tootell (1959-1966) had kept the link going. My outbound journey with South African Airways involved a refuelling touchdown in Angola and a light aircraft flight from Salisbury, Rhodesia (now Harare, Zimbabwe), to Blantyre because antiapartheid sanctions prevented the airline from overflying central Africa. Malawi, formerly Nyasaland and one of the poorest

African nations, had been independent for less than three years and was a one-party state under the presidency of the sometimes controversial Dr Hastings Kamuzu Banda. The school was well-appointed and headed by a Malawian, Justus Kanyuka, but staffed largely by British expatriates funded through the UK international development budget.

The ‘tin hut’ in 1967

My new home was a prefab, the tin hut, which had been the original school builder’s accommodation. The boys studied for the Oxford and Cambridge Schools Examination Board’s O Levels and were generally two or three years older than their English counterparts, although their exact ages were often uncertain. Most came from rural villages. A favourite prank played by the senior boys was to invite a member of the new intake to put out the dormitory lights and watch him try to blow them out. The majority were keen students but they were sometimes limited by an apparent conflict between their early cultural experiences and the concepts inherent in the school curriculum. Others, often those with an uncle in the political hierarchy, were less receptive to instruction.

Newsletter Autumn 2017

My time in Dedza was eventful. Dedza lies on the border with Mozambique where Frelimo was fighting a war of independence against the Portuguese. Nearby, Rhodesia had declared unilateral independence and, as previously mentioned, apartheid was in force in South Africa. This last fact, incidentally, seemed not to trouble most of my pupils in the slightest. South Africa was where they intended to find work. I was able to visit all three countries, as well as Zambia, in the Easter break, travelling with Jim Metcalfe, a Liverpudlian art teacher, in a one-litre mini with sump guard, an exhilarating but sometimes insecure experience. Closer to my new home there were political tensions within the school. These culminated in the boys rioting, on the pretext that the meals were insufficiently varied, with threats to murder Mr Kanyuka. He, fortunately, had received advance warning and had left the campus. Order was restored, and the rioters dispersed, by the Malawi Rifles, but not before I had seen grown staff members, some of them fairly hardened characters, crying at the sheer waste of potential. What the episode particularly taught me was how fragile the fabric of society can be.

Justus Kanyuka (back to camera) and staff members examine a project initiated by the Dedza boys and designed to be an introduction to Malawi for Bolton School boys

This temporary closure of the school brought forward my return home. I had been the last appointee as School Captain of the highly-respected Bolton School Headmaster, Richard Poskitt, before he retired and acted for a spell as head of the Kyambogo Teachers’ College in Kampala, Uganda. We had kept in touch by those blue airmail letters and, on my way back, his path and mine crossed in Nairobi where he kindly put me up in the United Kenya Club and drove me to see lions in the Ngong Hills. I was followed at Dedza by Steve Grundy who, from his

Andrew’s ‘tin hut’ in 2013

letters, had an equally absorbing time there, but the riot had soured matters. Kanyuka had been replaced, a government minister had visited and had unfairly blamed the staff for the riot. The boys were made to carry out manual labour on Saturday mornings as punishment, supervised by the teachers whose weekend visits to Lake Malawi and other recreations were therefore curtailed. With Dedza Secondary School apparently in decline, the link was dissolved despite there being ready volunteers in Bolton. I’ve visited Africa many times since but haven’t returned to Malawi. However, in February 2013 my daughter, Charlotte, and her husband, a trainee surgeon, had spent six months in Zambia and made a trip to Dedza. They found the school and my old prefabricated house, and were invited into the current Headmaster’s study where he was able to show them records of my time there. It is clear from the photographs Charlotte took that the school’s infrastructure has been allowed to decay, but she found it friendly and welcoming still. Those early experiences in Africa, made possible by Bolton School, moulded my view of life, politics and personal relationships. It also infected me, as it has so many others, with a desire to keep returning to the continent which has since given me, my wife and both our children enormous pleasure. Postscript: Some 15 years later I was walking through a hospital ward in Oxford when an unmistakable voice addressed me from behind: “Young man!” Could you please pass me my slippers? His health may have been failing but Richard Poskitt was still very much a gentleman.

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2017

The Bolton Alumni Network - the new online networking platform for Alumni and Former Staff of the School – was officially launched on 17th May 2017 at the Alumni Networking event held at MediaCity, at which Old Boy Peter Knowles (1972-1979), Controller of BBC Parliament, was the Keynote Speaker. The Bolton Alumni Network enables Alumni to reconnect with classmates and stay in touch with them more easily, to offer their support (via mentoring, job advertisements and internships) to younger Alumni, and to advertise independently arranged Alumni events. Since its launch, over 1,200 users have joined the site and have been busy catching up with fellow class leavers, advertising positions in their companies and sharing photographs from their time at School. Almost all of those who have joined have also offered to help fellow Alumni in some way, proving that the School’s ethos of

‘giving back’ to others remains with Old Boys and Old Girls long after they have left.

Alumni Mentoring Scheme

Peter’s guidance, Nick decided on a particular career path that would give him a valuable qualification but keep his longer–term options open. “I then had to jump through the many hurdles of getting on to the job search conveyor belt,” adds Nick. Peter then helped Nick to prepare a professional CV that sold him, rather than his achievements, and to prepare for interviews; having secured a place on the scheme he wanted, Nick is now well on the way to becoming a chartered accountant with Deloitte LLP.

In this same spirit of ‘Giving Back’, earlier this year Old Boltonians Peter Acton (1964-1971, OBA President 2010-2011) and former School Captain David Seddon (1960-1971) established a mentoring scheme for Alumni undergraduates, to assist them in making the transition from university to the workplace. Peter and David have recruited eight fellow Old Boltonians to act as mentors to undergraduates approaching the end of their degree courses, offering them support with choosing a career path, making graduate job applications and preparing for interviews. David, Peter and the other mentors all recognise that, for many undergraduates, finding the right tools to help make a decision about prospective career paths can be daunting, and that talking to a fellow Old Boltonian who can advise you how to make the most of your unique strengths can be hugely helpful. The idea for the scheme came from a conversation Peter had with former School Captain Nick Davies (2004-2011) at the 2011 Cambridge Dinner. This led to an informal mentoring relationship between the two, as Nick considered his career options post-graduation. In Nick’s experience, graduate careers advisors are often reluctant to get into the detail of any career choice. Nick’s aim for the mentoring process was to get a better understanding of what sort of career he wanted. “I also wanted to meet experienced professionals like Pete who could pass on their advice and guidance, as well as introduce me to their contacts and help me to start to build my own professional network”, he adds. With

If you haven’t yet joined the Bolton Alumni Network, you can sign up in less than two minutes by importing your LinkedIn or Facebook profile, or with an email address. To join, simply visit www.boltonalumninetwork.com, and follow the instructions on screen, or download the Bolton Alumni Network App in the Apple and Google Play stores. Please do encourage any other Old Boys and Old Girls with whom you’re in touch to follow suit.

Following an email advertising the scheme sent by the Headmaster in the Spring, a number of undergraduates have been matched with a mentor, and are already benefiting from the experience and counsel that their Old Boltonian colleagues are providing. Peter and David are both keen to make contact with further mentors and to hear from other undergraduates who wish to make use of the programme. Nick Davies (left) with mentor The scheme is Peter Acton completely free, with the Old Boltonians involved generously giving up their time for the benefit of their younger counterparts, so undergraduates who are unsure about their next step can have nothing to lose by taking part. More information about the mentoring scheme can be found on the Bolton Alumni Network, or by contacting the Development Office.

Newsletter Autumn 2017

ALUMNI EVENTS CALENDAR A number of Alumni events and reunions are planned for the coming months, both at School and around the country.

2017 Sunday 5th November

Girls’ Division Parents’ Association Firework Display

Girls’ Division Netball Courts/Dining Room, 5pm

Monday 20th November

Old Boys’ Lunch

Arts Centre, Bolton School, 12 noon

Friday 24th November

Oxford Dinner

St Anne’s College, 7pm

Wednesday 29th November Tillotson Lecture - Ralf Little

Great Hall, Bolton School, 7pm

Friday 8th December

Old Boys’ Association Dinner

Arts Centre, Bolton School, 6.45pm

Friday 2nd February

Cambridge Dinner

Gonville and Caius College, 7pm

Friday 2nd March

London Dinner

The Royal Society, 7pm

Saturday 21st April

Reunion for ‘8’ Class Leavers

Bolton School, 11am-4pm

Friday 4th May

Scottish Dinner

University of Edinburgh, 7pm

Monday 21st May

Old Boys’ Lunch and AGM

Arts Centre, Bolton School, 12 noon

Monday 11th June

Alumni Networking Event

Manchester Art Gallery

Saturday 16th June

Bolton School Ball

AJ Bell Stadium

Friday 29th June

Cumbria Dinner

Lindeth Howe Hotel, 7pm

2018

To reserve your place for any of our Alumni events, please call the Development Office on 01204 434718, or visit the Former Pupils section of the School website at www.boltonschool.org, where you can book online.

B20ol16tonian THE

THE BOLTONIAN

The School Magazine 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 £10 per annum for UK subscribers and £12.50 per annum for non-UK subscribers. All prices include postage and packaging. Single editions (including some earlier editions – subject to availability) are also available. 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 - 2017

ALUMNI AUTHORS Social Work in 42 Objects by Mark Doel (1962-1969) Publisher: Kirwin Maclean Associates, ISBN 978-1-903575-93-2 Everyone is familiar with the phrase, but unlike Law or Medicine, for example, Social Work cannot be represented by a single object, scales or a stethoscope. Instead Mark Doel, Professor Emeritus of Social Work at Sheffield Hallam University, invited practitioners and clients to submit images, as if to an exhibition, which represent their own varied experiences. Because participation was national and international there is an impressive range of choices and voices, grouped under headings or in different rooms of the museum where readers can wander or stay as they wish. The first object chosen is a token from the Foundling Hospital, established by Thomas Coram in 1739; amongst the last is a candle. Each speaks of separation and darkness and the possibility of rescue and light. Amongst the other objects and the many supplementary exhibits are a memory jar made by children, recalling what they have lost, a Chinese bowl, which reminds an immigrant of his origins, a book stand made and

given by a young client, beads – Ileke Ibile – worn by a Nigerian village leader, where there is a traditional system of support, an identity card, whose Palestinian owner is prevented from entering Israel to pursue his work, a crib made by a child in Belfast. These and all the other contributions speak of the experience, the variety of contact and the depth of knowledge shared by social workers. Whilst they speak individually they repeat common themes and principles: the need to give direction, to create security, to restore justice, to raise selfesteem. We are left in no doubt about the difficulties and sometimes the dangers of the work and in no doubt about the sense of achievement it can bring. Social Work in 42 Objects, clearly and attractively presented, enables the reader to understand more about an often underrated and misunderstood profession. To present a theme through a series of objects has become a popular device and Mark Doel, through his arrangement of the material and the help of many participants, gives it new impact. He leaves the reader to choose the last, the forty-second object. I would choose a cricket bat, recalling informal games we organised between Bolton School and the sons of recent immigrant citizens in the early 1970s. As profits from the book go to support street children in Delhi, the bat suggests a further connection with that cricket-crazy continent. Charles Winder (Boys’ Division Staff, 1964-1999) Mark’s book is available for £10 from enquiries@kirwinmaclean.com. Profits go to NGO TARA Homes for Children in Delhi to support work with street children

Confessions of a Briefless Barrister by Harry Mitchell QC (1945-1949) Publisher: Matador, ISBN: 978-1-78589-977-5 To continue his study of German, Harry Mitchell left Darwen Grammar School in the 1940s for Bolton School. The upshot was a scholarship in Modern Languages at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, to which he added the study of Law. These are details from a fascinating book which highlights episodes in his life rather than presenting a chronology. In fact, he has little to say about his formal education at any level, only referring with gratitude to three lessons in minority time music with Percy Stevens (Director of Music, 1944-1968), whose analysis of three works by Beethoven made a lasting impression. Graduating from Cambridge with National Service already behind him, the author chose not to take articles or enter a Chambers. He joined the Colonial Service and was stationed in Sierra Leone, an experience recorded in his earlier book, Remote Corners. Independence meant return to the UK and an administrative role at Fords of Dagenham, a giant organisation with aims, structure and conditions quite different from anything he had known. In 1960 he counted himself lucky to be appointed Company Secretary to Asbestos Cement Ltd of India. As in Sierra Leone his legal background was relevant. Industrial law and protectionist policies were complex in India and the author gives the reader a clear brief insight into the many particular difficulties of the economy. He dismisses the argument that the ‘notorious bureaucracy’ was wholly a legacy of the British Raj, giving examples of territories where independence was

welcomed and effectively enacted. A late chapter records argument with the BBC over British colonial history. The author’s very varied professional activities provide a platform for comment and enabled him to experience at first hand important events home and abroad. As Legal Manager for Hawker Siddeley Aviation he assisted the company’s opposition to the bill whose object was to nationalise the aircraft industry, resulting in the creation of British Aerospace, now BAE Systems. He attended the early stage of the parliamentary debate, but missed the dramatic scene next day when Michael Heseltine seized the mace. In another role, Company Secretary to the Wellcome Foundation, he did not miss the last public offering of shares on the trading floor of the London Stock Exchange before screens became the means of communication. Such commercial processes required detailed, intensive investigation and supervision. It is a strength of Confessions that the exposition is always clear and the substance remains absorbing to the reader. There are detailed references to Concorde, crisis at Rolls Royce, the Trident Aircraft Crash Inquiry of 1972 and a late period as an Immigration Judge when personal knowledge of India and Sierra Leone enabled him to understand the backgrounds of applicants from many countries. He never practised in court as a barrister, hence the title of the book, but Chairmanship of the Bar Association for Commerce, Finance and Industry enabled his appointment as Queen’s Counsel. Confessions is the record of a diverse career, enhanced by travel in Europe, Japan and particularly in India, where ancient and modern, wealth and poverty continue to exist in striking contrast. It is indeed fascinating to read the reflections of an Old Boltonian who has so much direct knowledge of the complicated world we have lived in. Charles Winder (Boys’ Division Staff, 1964-1999)

Newsletter Autumn 2017

I Belong to Jesus

by Richard Banks and Craig Oldham Unified Theory of Everything, ISBN: 9780957134249 If you assume from the title that this is a paean to Christianity, then it is likely this limited edition book is not for you. It is, however, a short evangelical offering to football, the title coming from the slogan on Kaka’s undershirt from AC Milan’s win over Liverpool in the 2007 European Cup final, and it should be up the street of any football aficionado. Richard Banks (Class of 2002) is the Bolton Wanderers supporting co-author of this delightful esoteric offering. Rick is, by profession, a graphic designer and art director specialising in fonts and branding. He runs Face37 and is a multi-award winner for his work. This calling clearly draws him to the display of the written word, especially when it combines with his other passion, football. A previous limited edition publication, Football Type, led to the donating of some £20k of the receipts via the Football Foundation to a local junior football club in Horwich. Richard and Craig Oldham, a Barnsley FC fan, have curated a tribute to the slogans on undershirts, whose short life added to the enjoyment and, to be fair, occasional annoyance of supporters, offering a connection between the humble fan and increasingly remote superstar player. FIFA’s apparently innocuous rule change effectively banned the practice in 2014 and so the disconnect grew. The original limited-edition publication, bound on its shorter spine, came in a sleeve with a tee shirt, and is effectively two essays/articles explaining the authors’ motivation and view

Productivity Knowhow by Dick Smythe

Publisher: Spiderwize, ISBN: 9781911113720 Dick Smythe (1950-1958) is extremely well placed to write such an erudite text. His early career was in the steel industry, with OR, planning and cost reduction becoming his speciality. Moving into consultancy, he homed in on productivity, being highly regarded for his “feet on the ground” approach to such as the UK record in this area. Such expertise displayed in a tome, showing, to this amateur interested reader, astonishing detail, mixing theory and practice, is particularly relevant as June saw even more woeful UK figures were being published. Smythe states in his foreword “productivity improvement is the biggest issue facing any manager at any level in any organisation in any sector – and the biggest issue facing any government issue, too”. Some may see this as a touch hyperbolic, but there is no doubt Smythe addresses a major problem for UK Ltd, at an increasingly difficult moment in time. One read Sir Howard Davies’ views in a recent Guardian article that “policymakers should act before the lack of productivity and real wage growth leads to political upheaval.” There is much proof that the UK position is bad and worsening – significantly under where pre-financial crisis trend would have us; 9% below OECD average in 2007, now 18% below. The ONS report confirms UK has particularly weak management. Davies suggests a lack of consensus as what to

on the phenomenon of the undershirt message, plus around a hundred photographic examples split into four broad themes, namely folklore, religion, politics and personal. Each comes with a factual and perceptive piece on each player’s display, being mostly contemporaneous pieces from journalists, but augmented as necessary by the authors. Specific images and comments that resonated for various reasons with me were ex-Wanderer Gary Cahill’s “Pray 4 Muamba” displayed after scoring his first Chelsea goal the day after Muamba’s collapse on the pitch at White Hart Lane; Wayne Rooney’s heartfelt but subsequently mocked “Once a Blue always a Blue” and Zlatan’s revelation on removing his shirt of 50 temporary tattoos. Given the Marmite nature of one’s attitude to the famed self-publicist Ibra, the fact that these were the names of 50 real starving people worldwide showing his support for UN World Food Programme is a surprising pleasure. Banks and Oldham suggest one of football’s many layers is the recollection of shared memories, especially goals, offering a connective euphoria for fans of the scorer’s team. The growth of live TV coverage has spawned the choreographed postgoal celebration. This may now generate some ennui from the traditional fan, but there is the suggestion that the undershirt display, whilst it clearly had to be planned, could be more poignant, more heartfelt. The publication is largely a homage to this phenomenon and its roughly 20-year life, with just a touch of criticism over the way in which its banning by FIFA was both hypocritical and isolating. As a lifelong lover of football, though, like so many, not an active supporter attending matches, this offering was a joy for me. Live school and Old Boltonians football has long been more my cup of tea than the sanitised remote commercialised professional game and I Belong to Jesus gave me a glimpse of one way the stars of this modern game could seem a little more human. This short publication on football should become a much soughtafter piece of footie memorabilia. Martin Wadsworth (Boys’ Division Staff, 1974-2006) do – Smythe’s book surely offers a user-friendly presentation of a persuasive set of options that could, maybe should, be followed. The structure of the book takes us over a score of chapters from basics to drivers and process, via a look at historical revolutions. Plans are weighed up and essential “cardinals” are then considered in detail. Using an analogy from one of his passions, sailing, where cardinal buoys are key for skippers navigating from A to B, avoiding dangers and plotting a safe course, his cardinals are the essence of generating the eponymous productivity knowhow. Targets and measures of improvement follow, and the whole detailed piece has eighteen appendices, as if to highlight what a deep and comprehensive offering this handbook is. The style of all chapters is, unusually, that of bullet points, meaning such a specific and vast offering is nevertheless accessible. One can easily agree with other commentators that this is an authoritative, impressive and instructive book for anyone involved in improving productivity in their line of business. A delightful quirky aspect of the writing is that, at the bottom of every page, there is a pertinent quote from an astonishing array of sources – on adjacent pages we “hear” from Ronald Reagan and Anne Frank, from G K Chesterton and David Brailsford! These could almost be worth their own booklet. Smythe reminds us that management guru Peter Drucker has suggested managers have always sought something which lets them do their job with “less effort in less time yet with greater impact”, and suggests his aim is to help managers and government ministers improve lives. This book can clearly help with that vital impactful improvement. Martin Wadsworth (Boys’ Division Staff, 1974-2006)

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2017

PHOTO WALL London Dinner

Since the Spring 2017 edition of T regional dinners in London, Scotla

The Royal College of GPs – Friday 3rd March 2017

yle 004-2011), Phil Bo Tom Cowling (2 2-2012), Co Kate Fowler (200 ily Varley d Em (2005-2012) an

Chris Grundy, Mark Tod d

‘Fabulous ambience a great company with o and Raj Apte (all Class

of 1992)

e Clinton (1990-1997) Chris Norman (1989-1996), Kati Boys’ Division Staff) and 1996 of ss (Cla and Rob Lees

Scotland Dinner Pollock Halls, The University of Edinburgh – Friday 5th May 2017

Paul Westerman (19

‘So good to see old friends and meet new ones.’ Matthew Entwistle (1979-1993)

Thomas Non and Stuart Br

Rob Blagg (Class of 1961), David Jenner (Class of 1960), John Markland (Class of 1966) and Robert Higham (Class of 1955)

Cumbria Dinner The Lindeth Howe Hotel, Windermere Friday 16th June 2017

f, 1957-1993) and David Allen (Boys’ Division Staf -1957) Margaret Allen (née Brookes, 1947

Robin Smith (Class of 1959) id Jenner (Class of 1960) Dav and

‘David Shaw has been t creating a superbly we atmosphere in the shad

Adam Birley (C

‘Always great to catch up and hear stories from the School that we would never have heard as a student.’ Alastair Ahamed (2012-2016)

Peter Boardman (1950 -1960), Peter Nightin gale (1953-1961), Ann Board man and Kath Grund y

Thomas Burton (1958 Matthews and

Newsletter Autumn 2017

The Bugle we have held Alumni events across the country, including and and Cumbria. Here is a selection of photos from these events.

Friends of Bolton School Dinner Arts Centre, Bolton School – Friday 30th June 2017

e (2004-2011), onnor Rogers y (2003-2012)

and the usual old friends.’

h Eason, on, Darag hilip Britt 999-2006) and P r e st a Headm eyho (1 61) r Ruaux-K Battersby (1953-19 Alexande Roy Jean Howarth (né e Lever, 1954-196 1963-1970), Tom 1), Sheila Fisher (née Platt, Patterson (Boys’ Div and David Shaw (Boys’ Division Sta ision Captain, 2017-2018) ff 1964-2002 an d President of the Old Boys’ Association)

973-1980)

‘‘7 ’ Class Reunion Bolton School, Saturday 13th May 2017

rt Worthington John Mason, Stua Class of 1987) ll (a urst and Edward Fairh

neley (Class of 2016) rooks (Class of 1966)

the perfect raconteur, elcoming and relaxing dow of Arthur’s Seat’

Peter Atkin, Nick Lefel and

David Crossley (all Class of 1977)

Class of 1999)

masters …

n, Beryl 8-1965), Marian Burto 1961) 53(19 s ew David Matth

Hardy, Alice Couriel, Rob Fenton, James s of 2007) Clas (all y Finla h Sara and n Fallo Charlotte

Taylor, Martin Roberts, Bob Ogilvie, Mike werk Andrew Palmer and Jonathan Berg (all Class of 1977)

lack, , Roger S glas Slack u vies a o D D , n lf a a c ylor, Norm r, Bill Dun Ta se h n 57) it o 19 e B f K n o , Ia son lass Roger Ma ny Galloway (all C To d an

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2017

EVENTS Trevor Pledger Retires Back in 1986, when Trevor Pledger first joined the Boys’ Division, he hoped to “improve water polo” – 31 years on, with the School having achieved the “triple triple” (winning all national age group water polo titles for the third year in a row), and with a string of international caps for former pupils, he can retire content in the knowledge that he achieved his aim! On Saturday 8th July, current and former water polo playing pupils gathered at the pool at BoltonOne to celebrate Trevor (centre) was given a great send-off the sport and, in particular, Mr Pledger. 42 Old Boys played a series of ‘friendly’ matches with teachers, well-wishers and family members spectating. Players included former Olympian Ed Scott, senior international players Andrew Crawford and Richard Lawlor, and junior international players, Chris Ray, Simon Baker, Dominic Speakman and Chris Graham – the latter pair flying in for the occasion from Dubai and Sweden respectively! A celebration in the Boys’ Division Dining Hall afterwards was attended by over 300 people, including senior internationals Aaron Winstanley and Lewis Daly, and junior international Ben Ray, who had all come direct from GB training earlier in the day, and the evening drew to a close with a standing ovation for Mr Pledger after a series of reflections and speeches.

Looking back on his time at Bolton School, Mr Pledger said: “I am privileged to have been part of the Bolton School water polo team at a time of great success. The achievements of the boys are a tribute to their talent, hard work and dedication, and to the quality of the coaches we have been able to bring to the School. It really has been a ‘special’ time as the water polo squads have produced not only international water polo players, but also boys who have gone on to play professionally in other sports (football, cricket and rugby league) and to win world titles – Daniel Sliwinski in swimming and Chris Eatough in world endurance mountain biking. The team and the future are in the very capable hands of Dr Mike Yates and GB Water Polo Coach of the Year Andy McGinty, and I wish them every success. I hope to continue to watch the progress of players in the national leagues as I move to a role of Delegate.” During Mr Pledger’s career, the School has produced over 40 youth/junior internationals and nine full internationals, Trevor thanks the huge crowd who including three attended to celebrate his retirement female youths/ juniors and one senior woman. Mr Pledger has also been instrumental in developing the Outdoor Learning programme, the use of adventure learning centre Patterdale Hall, outdoor pursuits as part of the games curriculum and the ski trips. We wish him all the best in his retirement.

Recent Leavers’ Reunion Members of the Class of 2016 shared with current Year 12 pupils their experiences of the first year of student life. The Headmaster with recent leavers

A large panel of ‘new’ Old Boys and Old Girls expanded on lessons they had learnt in the twelve months since leaving School, addressing a range of topics including accommodation, budgeting, the importance of diet, joining clubs and activities, choosing the right friends and the benefits of a gap year. Afterwards there was chance to chat and reminisce with friends and to catch up with former teachers.

Newsletter Autumn 2017

Old Boltonians’ Association Annual Dinner This year’s dinner will take place in the Arts Centre on Friday 8th December, 6.45pm for 7.30pm. Our speakers will be President of the Old Boys’ Association, Mr David Shaw (Boys’ Division Staff, 1964-2002), his chief guest, Mr Kevin Knibbs (Boys’ Division Staff, 1992-2007, and now Headmaster of Hampton School) and Headmaster Philip Britton. Tickets cost £35 (£25 for under 25s) and are available either via the Forthcoming Events page of the Former Pupils section of the School website or by calling the Development Office on 01204 434718.

University Drinks If you’re an ‘Old’ Boy currently studying at university, and would like to arrange a reunion for fellow Alumni studying near you, then the Development Office wants to hear from you!

We’ll sponsor any Alumni-initiated reunion at £10 per head, providing you send us a photograph afterwards. If that sounds like fun, and you’d like to arrange something near you during the next academic year, then please get in touch.

Tillotson Lecture This year’s Tillotson Lecture will be given by Old Boy Ralf Little (Class of 1999) at 7pm on Wednesday 29th November at School. Ralf is an actor and producer, best known for his TV

appearances in The Royle Family and Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. Admission to this event is free of charge, but it would be helpful in assessing seating requirements and refreshments if those wishing to attend would could advise the School office.

‘8’ Class Reunion On Saturday 21st April 2018 we will be holding a Reunion at Bolton School for 1948, 1958, 1968, 1978, 1988, 1998 and 2008 leavers, plus Former Staff.

Details of how to book will be circulated in due course – in the meantime, please get in touch with your classmates and make sure you all have this date in your diaries!

Bolton School Ball The Bolton School Ball, organised by the Joint Parents’ Associations, will be held at the AJ Bell Stadium on Saturday 16th June 2018. Tickets booked and paid for by 1st December 2017 are available at the ‘early bird’ rate of £65 per person. Thereafter tickets will be £75 per person or £700 for a table of ten. All tickets paid for by 1st December will be entered into a prize draw for £100 bar credit or wine pre-order credit. For further details and to purchase tickets please email BoltonSchoolBall@gmail.com.

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2017

SPORTS Old Bolts Triumph

In front of a good number of their supporters, including Headmaster Philip Britton and OBA President David Shaw, Old Boltonians AFC 1st XI claimed the Lancashire FA Bluefin Sports Insurance Amateur Cup for the second time in four seasons back in May. The side, who had claimed the LAL Premier Division runners-up spot just a few days earlier, beat a strong Southport & Ainsdale Amateurs side 3-0. The final was played on a lovely spring evening at The County Ground, Leyland, which is the headquarters of the Lancashire FA.

Nick Holt and Lucas Gaynor

LFA Cup Winners

Bolts’ work rate in the first 45 minutes was impressive, and a penalty through leading scorer Darren Dalton gave us the lead, before Matt McClellan scored to make it 2-0. Our opponents were rightly reduced to 10 men before half time after a late challenge. The second half saw Southport & Ainsdale dictate much of the play, but without ever threatening to reduce the deficit. Matt McClellan doubled his tally and gave the score line a convincing look towards the end of the game. Jon Twist (1982-1992 and Secretary of the Old Boltonians’ Association)

Old Bolts Trek On, Too Another season over and the OBAFC has managed to continue to offer a fine range of activities. Regular eleven-a-side football is provided with five teams playing regularly from August to May and many other popular one-offs go all year round. As well as the LFA Cup success, the firsts performed at the high level we’ve come to expect – in a year of transition with three or four regulars retiring or moving away, perhaps the delicious quality of some recent seasons was seen much less often. Nonetheless, Steve Eccleshare’s team were runners-up in the LAL Premier Division behind a fantastically strong Failsworth Dynamos team. The other three Saturday teams were less successful in positional terms, but with fewer players regularly available, the achievements of managers and the plethora of players are to be applauded. (Reserves 11/14 in Division 1; A Team 8/13 in Division 3; B Team 6/9 in Division 6). The Sunday Vets team enjoyed their season with a necessarily large squad and a good cup run to complement their solid league spot, 5/10 in their second tier. The two main fundraisers are also social highlights – October’s Black and White Ball and May’s Annual Dinner were enjoyed by players, supporters and sponsors alike and again helped to generate funds to keep the club financially afloat. Membership and match subs cover playing expenses, but costs such as ground and pitch maintenance, new kit, admin and entrance fees, need finance from other sources. We are again most grateful to various sponsors and have relaunched the Patrons scheme. Patronage is, in effect, a purely altruistic action, but if you would like to join or increase your present donation in memory of good footballing times past and present,

please contact treasurer Roger Milne or secretary Nick Holt. We again kept Christmas football going with the five-a-side competition. The Boot was well and truly not retained at the Ramblers Easter Festival, the Jersey Festival was enjoyed by an intrepid group of vets and we did regain the Generations Cup in the season’s last action. The Committee continues to work hard to keep the club alive and kicking (balls, not opponents, of course) under Richard Morris’ ever enthusiastic chairmanship; Craig Jolley has retired as secretary with the club’s effusive thanks and is succeeded by Nick Holt. The lifeblood of the club is the cadre of players, and the Committee is renewing its efforts to connect with the youngsters from the School Sixth Form, immediate leavers and the recently graduated, but, as ever, if any Old Boy wishes to join us in any way – be it as player, coach, patron or sponsor - he is extremely welcome to get in touch and help the club to thrive. If you would like to stay in touch with the club, please email Craig (who remains involved despite his retirement as secretary) at craig.jolley@sky.com, who will add you to the OBAFC’s database and ensure you’re kept up-to-date. Finally, on Saturday 21st October the Club will be holding its 12th annual Black and White Ball at Rivington Barn. This is a black tie event and includes a champagne reception, a four-course à la carte meal and two live bands. Attended by over 200 guests annually, it’s a great opportunity to let your hair down whilst raising vital funds for the Club and for charity. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.oldbolts.co.uk or contact Richard at richardvmorris@btinternet.com. Martin Wadsworth (Boys’ Division Staff, 1974-2006)

Newsletter Autumn 2017

Old Boltonians’ Golf Society Report: Autumn 2017 Compiling this newsletter in the Summer is a little like a mid-term report, with events for 2017 still to be played and the Matchplay Rosebowl about to reach the semi-final stages. I can, however, report on happenings thus far for the Golf Society during 2017. The first event of the season Mark Worsley receives the Taylor was the Gwynne Jones Trophy from Captain Jeff Bennett Goblets held at Bolton Golf Club in early April: the event is now a foursomes stableford and the winners, with 36 points, were Nick Moss and Ian Moss. I can also advise that our team of six qualified for the finals of the Grafton Morrish Tournament by winning through at Huddersfield Golf Club in May. The finals will be held at Hunstanton and Brancaster in early October – we wish them well.

Old Boys on Film A number of nostalgic DVDs are available of old School camps, trek camps, and George Higginson’s History of the School. Each DVD costs £5.00, plus postage and packaging – please contact the Development Office to place your order.

Roger Kirks’s Third and Fourth Form Camps (1963 to 1968)* 1. 1963 – Heswall (by Dr F Jones) and Howick (40 minutes) 2. 1964 – Heswall, Saundersfoot and Howick (1963) (77 minutes) 3. 1965 – Heswall, Howick, and Saundersfoot (1964) (98 minutes) 4. 1966 – Heswall and Instow (64 minutes) 5. 1967 – Heswall and Instow (112 minutes) 6. 1968 – Heswall and Instow (72 minutes) Alan Prince’s films of Trek Camp (1977 to 1991)* 1. Disc 1 – 1977-79 4. Disc 4 – 1987-89 2. Disc 2 – 1980-83 5. Disc 5 – 1990-91 3. Disc 3 – 1984-86 Mr George Higginson’s History of Bolton School 1. History of Bolton School 1945-1946 2. History of Bolton School 1951

The Taylor Trophy was played on a pleasant evening in early June when 22 players competed; the winner was Mark Worsley with a score of 38 points, with Andrew Fletcher as runner-up just one point behind. Following the Taylor Trophy, a short AGM was held and Jeffery Bennett was elected as Captain of the Society to succeed Roger Gould. We would like to thank Roger for his Captaincy and wish Jeff well for his term of office. The remaining event for the year is the Secretaries’ Salver which will be played on Sunday 15th October – entries are still open for this event so please email me if you wish to play: Norman.fletcher@icloud.com. We would be delighted to welcome any Old Bolts to play – as well as enhancing numbers, it would be good to reduce the age profile! Norman FIetcher (1961-1969), Golf Secretary

Roger Kirk’s Scout Camps 1. 1963 Monzie 10. 1975 Llanwrtyd 2. 1964 Dolgellau 11. 1976 Aberffrwd 3. 1967 Monzie 12. 1977 Eyemouth 4. 1968 Killarney 13. 1978 Ardchattan 5. 1969 Dolgellau 14. 1980 Aberffrwd 6. 1970 Duns 15. 1981 Eyemouth 7. 1972 Aberffrwd 16. 1982 Ardchattan 8. 1973 Eyemouth 17. 1983 Dolgellau 9. 1974 Ardchattan 18. 1987 Dolgellau

David Allen’s Scout Troop Film, 1958-1963 This DVD includes footage of the following Camps: • Long Camp, 1958: Coldridge, Devon • Easter Camp, 1959: Scafell and Borrowdale • Long Camp, 1959: Black Forest, Germany; Rotterdam • Long Camp, 1960: Denmark • Long Camp, 1961: Pyrenees, France; Spain • County Rally, 1959: Giant’s Seat, Radcliffe • National Queen’s Scout Parade, 1959: Windsor Castle • 19th. Bolton Group Fete, 1961: Woodlands HQ • Bolton District Campsite, 1961: Hulton Park • Saturday Meeting, 1961: Blue Lagoon, Belmont • Bolton District Sports, 1961: Leverhulme Park • Saturday Meeting, 1961: Woodlands HQ • Easter Camp, 1962: Ullswater

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2017

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 1940-1949

1977-1988: First team manager

Brian Heap (1940-1946) In May this year, Brian’s standard reference book on entry to universities, Heap 2018, achieved its 48th year of publication. The first edition in 1969 followed the earlier introduction of paper applications for university places with universities declining to publish the level of offers to be made. The first edition of the book, entitled Degree Course Offers, revealed for the first time the level of offers being made for each course.

1979-1999: Lancashire Amateur League side Manager

Class of 1960-1969 Peter Benson (1955-1962) Congratulations to Peter and Margery (née Hardman, 1950-1963) who celebrated their Golden Wedding on 1st July. Guests included many friends from Bolton School.

L-R: Kathleen Shayler (née Hardman, 1944-1957), Margery Benson, Katy Morley (née Holt, 1956-1963), Peter Benson, Mike Critchley (1952-1962), Sue Critchley (née Howard, 1956-1963), John Benson (1951-1960), Joan Benson (née Brookes, 1953-1960) and Edward Benson (1948-1956)

Harry Lane (1956-1964) At the AGM of the Lancashire FA on 12th June, Harry was presented with the FA’s Long Service Award for “Fifty years’ service to football”. The citation said: Harry Lane – Old Boltonians AFC Harry joined Old Boltonians in 1964 and was first team captain from 19651976.

1994 - Lancashire Amateur League President 1995-2005: Old Boltonians Chairman 2005-Present: Old Boltonians President – Harry is also a Life Member. David Aspinall (1962-1967) David has spent decades uncovering the prehistoric countryside of north Bolton – any readers who wish to find out may contact him on info@davidaspinall.co.uk Steve Blease (1960-1967) Fifty years after leaving Bolton School, Steve remains eternally grateful for the education it gave him, and feels it is now time to let fellow Old Boys know what he has been up to for the last half century. On leaving School he did a year’s Voluntary Service Overseas (in Cameroon) and took a degree in European Studies at the University of East Anglia before embarking on a career in international insurance that lasted more than three decades. Amazingly, given the nature of current employment patterns, this was with the same company – Norwich Union (now Aviva). After Aviva, Steve turned from being a poacher into a gamekeeper and worked for several years with the insurance industry regulator (The Financial Services Authority and, more recently, the Bank of England), leading teams responsible for supervising various sectors of the industry and acting latterly in a senior advisory capacity. What he had envisaged as a rather short-term retirement job actually lasted more than a decade into 2016.

Over the last 12-18 months Steve’s ‘career’ has taken an unexpected turn in that he has become increasingly active for the University of East Anglia – albeit not, as the students and staff who knew him at Bolton School will be entirely unsurprised to learn, in an academic capacity. He has been a student mentor for a number of years, but now also does consultancy work for the Business School and, since last August, has been an independent member of the University Board. He feels privileged, at his advanced age, to have this latter role and the challenges it contains. Membership of Norwich Union Group boards in different parts of the world was a challenge in his younger years, but no more so currently than higher education and the issues it has to confront. On a personal basis Steve is married with three children and three grandchildren and lives in Norwich. He played cricket for School and continued playing into his fifties until forced into retirement by injury. He is an enthusiastic ‘Barmy Army’ supporter and has attended the last five Cricket World Cup finals. He also enjoys walking (Land’s End to John O’Groats and Kilimanjaro). Steve is in touch with Mike Richardson (1960-1967) and Rick Clegg (19611968) and would love to hear from any other Old Bolts who remember him – he can be contacted at sjblease@btinternet.com.

Class of 1970-1979 John Coates (1963-1973) John is currently working as a GP in a private General Practice in Jersey. He is pleased to report that after 55 years(!) he finally completed the 214 ‘Wainwrights’ on Glaramara in the company of Old Boys Greg Morgan and Pete Burrows (both also Class of

Newsletter Autumn 2017

1973) and others.

John at the summit with his wife, Jacquie, and son, Andrew

Steve Town (1966-1974) Steve took up swimming and water polo in the old School pool (wooden goals!) and was a member of School teams. He played several sports achieving the dizzy heights of 3rd XI Football Captain. He went on to swim regularly and to play polo for Sheffield and then Loughborough Universities in BUCS. Progressing from playing, refereeing and club roles, Steve moved into coaching with Bradford who progressed into the highest Division, and took the ASA polo national coaching badge (UKCC level 4), achieving the highest marks. Steve then went on to coach Coventry Women’s Team, winning the national league title for several years consecutively, and, following success in European Competition, was appointed National GB Women’s Team Coach in the late 1970s. Sport also formed part of Steve’s professional career, working in local government for many years, achieving several awards and accolades and then becoming Regional Director for Sport England. More recently, as well as managing his own sports consultancy business, he has been a board member and trustee of British Wheelchair Basketball and the English Federation of Disability Sport. Building on an MSC and MBA in Sport Management from Loughborough, Steve lectures in Sport at Worcester University and is chair of the European Fairplay Movement Scientific Committee.

Class of 1980-1989 David Garton (1971-1981) After 35 years with ICI (now AstraZeneca) in a range of engineering and manufacturing roles, David seized the opportunity to take early retirement in December 2016. This acted as trigger for him and his wife Sheila to upscale their smallholding/sheep farming hobby and they moved to a 35-acre farm in the hills of the Peak District National Park just outside Macclesfield. David and Sheila keep mostly Herdwick sheep – the breed usually found in the Lake District – including a tup and three ewes bought from a farm pretty much across the road from Patterdale Hall. David is also kept busy by being a churchwarden and organist (thanks to Norman Harper and the School organ!) at his local church. He is very pleased to continue to have active links with School via being a member of the Scott Trust Management Committee and having involvement with the Scout Troop, in particular helping, along with Sheila, to staff the summer Long Camp. Jonathan Boardman (Class of 1982) Back in February The Venerable Jonathan Boardman, Archdeacon of Italy and Malta and Chaplain of All Saints, welcomed Pope Francis to his Anglican church in Rome. All Saints is the largest Anglican congregation in Italy and part of the Diocese in Europe. The visit made history as being the first time a pontiff has visited an Anglican church in the city. Tim Leigh (1978-1988) Tim has been elected to the Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts. He was elected on the basis of his work at Stage One, a company that provides construction and manufacturing services to the creative industries and is probably best known for its work on Olympic Ceremonies.

Class of 1990-1999 Chris Gee (1983-1990) Chris was appointed Head of Operations for Network Rail across North East England in April of this year. The role is responsible for over

750 employees, covering the northern section of the route from Leeds, to Sheffield, York, Hull, Newcastle and Middlesbrough. This is a large and high-profile business unit within Network Rail with an annual budget of circa £58million. William Young (1979-1993) William has found himself working alongside Marc Dickinson (19831993), who has recently returned to England, having taught abroad for nearly 20 years – they are both teaching at St Christopher’s CE High School in Accrington. The two, whose friendship goes back to the first day of Park Road, have enjoyed reminiscing about old times, such as one of their first journeys on the Chorley coach when they were physically removed from the back seat by Sixth Formers and unceremoniously dumped on the front! They have both been in teaching for the best part of two decades, and have been interested to realise how closely their educational philosophies align and also how much of a debt they owe to their own years at Bolton School. Matthew Syddall (1981-1995) Matthew is still living and working at The Oratory School (a boarding school near Reading) with his wife Spring and two children, Emmanuel (aged 5) and Ariel (aged 4). Matthew is in his seventh year at The Oratory and was promoted to the role of Deputy Head Academic in October 2016. Matthew and family still return to Nanjing, China, each summer to visit relatives as well as to ensure that Matthew’s Mandarin competence remains at a level appropriate for conversation with his in-laws, as well as with his own increasingly bilingually skilful children.

Class of 2000-2009 Steve Snape (1997-2004) Steve and his wife, Kat, are pleased to announce the arrival of their son, Luca Julian Snape, on 1st March 2017 in Berlin, Germany. Proud Dad Steve and baby Luca

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2017

Ralph Murphy (1992-2005) After qualifying as a doctor from Imperial College, London, Ralph is now a plastic surgery registrar and has been working in the north west deanery, based at the Christie. He is now taking time out of his training to further his academic interests in peripheral nerve neurobiology and will be studying for a PhD through the University of Manchester. Guy Hughes (1999-2006) A huge contingent of Old Boys and Old Girls helped Guy to celebrate his marriage to Meg Longworth (19932007) on Sunday 28th May 2017 at Colshaw Hall, Knutsford. Sam Longworth (Class of 2004), Sam Vincent (Class of 2006), Harry Hibbert (Class of 2006) and Richard Miller (Class of 2007) were Groomsmen. Sarah Bentham, Holly Underwood and Imogene Windsor (all Class of 2007) and Jodie Hughes (Class of 2016) were Bridesmaids. Guests included Jenny Hardwick (2007), Sophia Shaw (2006), Abigail Deer (2007), Natalie Molyneaux (2007), Grace Gordon (2007), Helen Moore (2010), Sam Carter (2004), Josh Carter (2007), Adam Shaw (2004), Ben Lenders (2007), Johnny Berry (2006), Chris Nutter (2006), Ric Greiss (2006), Jamie Harrison (2006), Danny Cox (2007), Nick Oliver (2007) and Jonny Bradbury (2006).

Law. He now works for Adidas in their North Europe Legal and Compliance team. He was recently listed in the GC Powerlist 2017 as a ‘Rising Star’ – the list is produced by the Legal500 (a directory/review system used across the globe for lawyers) and is, in theory, targeted at highlighting young in-house lawyers who are likely to become GCs (General Counsel – the highest in-house legal level within a company) in the coming years. Alex was pleased to be nominated in the first place, but also thrilled to get on the list as one of the youngest lawyers and to receive a nice pat on the back for some extensive work done in automating legal documents (which is fast becoming all the rage in the industry). Nick Holt (2001-2008)

During his orthopaedic training Mobeen worked with an orthopaedic consultant, Simon Smith (Class of 1980), at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley – the two were amazed to discover that they were both Old Boltonians and have since enjoyed reminiscing about playing football and rugby on the Levels! Simon had not maintained contact with Bolton School after leaving, but thanks to Mobeen he is now back in touch and enjoying reading The Bugle.

Class of 2010 onwards

To mark the ten-year anniversary of the tragic passing of Jonny Sharples and Danny Harrison, a group of their closest friends are to embark upon a 250-mile cycle ride to London, starting at the Sharples family home and ending at Jonny’s beloved West Ham United. With the support of Jonny’s parents, Dave and Cath, the group – which comprises Jay Murray, Nick Holt, Andrew Hodgson, Jonny Parkinson, Oliver Relph, Ben Murphy, Andy Pantelidies and Tom Waugh – will be raising money for When You Wish Upon A Star, a charity granting wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses.

Meg and Guy on their big day

If you wish to support the boys in this poignant tribute to their old friends and help a truly worthwhile cause, please visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/tenyearcycle

Alex Herrity (Class of 2008) After leaving School, Alex studied History and Politics then converted to

Mobeen Qureshi (Class of 2009) After leaving School in 2009, Mobeen went on to study medicine at the

University of Glasgow and did his foundation training up in the west of Scotland. He is now back in the North West working at Royal Preston Hospital as a Core Surgical Trainee, with aspirations to become an orthopaedic surgeon. He has also got married.

Jordan Harrison-Twist (2003-2010) Congratulations to Jordan who has graduated with an MA from the Royal College of Art in Critical Writing in Art & Design, after previously gaining a degree in Graphic Design from Central Saint Martins. Arash Rafie (2008-2010) These are exciting times for Arash, who has joined Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust as an F2 doctor in the emergency department. He is also working and training as a special constable for West Mercia Police. Arran Mullany (Class of 2014) After leaving Bolton in 2012, Arran went on to complete his High School Certificate (HSC) in Perth, Western Australia. He returned to the UK in 2014 to study at Aston University in Birmingham and has graduated with a First Class degree in Construction and Project Management (BSc). Arran is now aiming to enter the UK Construction industry. Isaac Scott (Class of 2014) Congratulations to Isaac who has been awarded a 2:1 in History with Eastern European Studies from UCL. He has now entered the world of work proper, with a job at a recruitment firm in the City.

Newsletter Autumn 2017

MINI REUNIONS Roger Kirk’s First Class

Old Boys active in the Lake District

An impressive number of Old Boys met up in March to celebrate Roger Kirk’s first class at Bolton School in 1958.

After years of spending too much money at the horse racing, and the exertions of adventure racing now a little too much for our creaky bones, we decided to take Rob Lees, Colin Walsh, Pete Aunins and Neil Yardley (all 1996 leavers) at their advantage of the annual get-together School’s centre at Patterdale to do a bit of mountain walking and some canoeing on Ullswater.

In attendance were: Top row: Danny Powell and Rod Lonsdale Middle row L-R: Bob Colderley, Richard Lowe, Bob Green, Dave Seddon, Peter Smith, Adam Ball, Keith Washington Front L-R: Tom Bamber, Roger Kirk, Martin Couchman Apologies were received from John Amatt, Mike Smethurst, Eric Northey, Ian Collier, Dave Alty, David Hargreaves and Stuart Mason. Richard Lowe (1952-1962)

Teachers together Georgina Irvine (1982-1989 and Girls’ Division Staff) sent in this photo of Julie Arthur (née Potter, 1965-1972) and David Jenner (1953-1960) – the three met while teaching at St Andrew’s International School in Nassau.

Rob spent seven years as an intelligence officer in the Army before returning to teach Russian at Bolton School, Neil has been involved in sports media since graduation and is still suffering with his affliction for Blackburn Rovers, Pete and Colin have set up their own recruitment company in Sheffield, where they work with national and international clients, primarily in the digital and technology sectors. Rob Lees (Class of 1996)

Julie and David enjoyed a catch-up

Cricket Crazy

David became Deputy Head of the school in 1982 and was then Headmaster from 1986 until 1992. He has since taught at Queen Elizabeth School, Kirkby Lonsdale, and continues to work there as a Maths Support Teacher. Julie still lives in the Bahamas, but now she is retired she is able to travel to visit family and friends and so they took the opportunity to catch up with each other in Kendal recently.

A small group of Old Boys (Class of 1954) get together occasionally at Lords or The Oval when Lancashire are involved. Here they are at the Surrey match in April.

Freemasonry

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.

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.

David Lowe (1944-1954) sent in this photo.

L-R: Alan Hardy, Norman Binks, Clive Leyland, David Lowe and Michael Prag

If you would like to hear more, please contact: David Poppitt – The Lodge Secretary E-mail: DPoppitt@aol.com Tel: 07785 728700

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2017

ARCHIVES Ask the Archivist WHO WAS EMMA SAXELBY? All members of Bolton School will be familiar with the Saxelby Gate, in the Headmaster’s Garden, but how many of those who walk past it, or meet beneath Emma Saxelby it, ever pause to wonder why it is there or about the person, whose name it bears? Madame Saxelby, as she was known, was born on 8th December 1883 in the town of Letterkenny in County Donegal, where her father, Dr Joseph Moffett, was the local Presbyterian Minister. She was one of five children and her deep Christian faith was nurtured during her early years living in the manse. She was a pupil at Strand House boarding school, Derry, where her eldest sister was a Junior Mistress, and it was to her French Mistress at Strand House that she owed her growing interest in the language. She took her degree at Queen’s College, Belfast, which was at the time a constituent college of the Royal University of Ireland, and obtained an Honours BA in Modern Literature. She then won the Vice-Chancellor’s Gold Medal for an English Essay open to Graduates of the University before embarking upon her MA Degree in Modern Literature (English, French and German), in which she was placed third in the examination. She was married in June 1915 and she and her husband, Mr CH Saxelby, who was a Mathematics Master at Rivington Grammar School, settled down in a small house in Ducie Avenue, Bolton. A year later she applied for the position of tutor to a small class for budding journalists on the staff of the Bolton Evening News, which was owned by Fred Tillotson and this led her to Bolton School. The shortage of masters in war time had

caused Mr Lipscomb, Headmaster, to take on women teachers, and Fred Tillotson, who was also a School Governor, recommended Emma to him. Thus she joined Bolton School in 1917 and remained there for a remarkable 29 years, until her death in 1947. In the words of WE Brown in The History of Bolton School, she “was probably the outstanding teacher in the long history of the School”. Initially she was Form Mistress for Shell B boys who had come in directly from primary school and, although she taught a variety of subjects, she concentrated on French and later German. In her later years, as Head of Modern Languages, much of her time was taken up with Sixth Form and Scholarship work and it was in her Sixth Form work that she made the greatest impact. Distinctions in French began to dominate the examination results as early as 1919 and in March 1923, the first Open Award in Modern Languages was obtained at Cambridge University by AT Oldham, who went to Emmanuel College, the first of many to go to that College. The successes of her boys probably peaked in 1941 when four boys won either a Scholarship or Exhibition to Cambridge and one to Oxford. Although she never visited Emmanuel College, it was very dear to her heart and shortly before she died, she and her husband founded the Saxelby Exhibition at Emmanuel that was open to boys of Bolton School. Speaking at Speech Day 1946, after her death, Mr Poskitt, Headmaster, said that she had “combined to a rare degree intellectual brilliance, vital personality, teaching skill and personal charm with high unwavering principles”. The Old Boys were extremely keen that there should be some permanent memorial to her and launched an appeal

The Saxelby Gate in its original position on Dobson Road

to this end. The donations received, together with a generous contribution from the School Trustees, funded the construction of an Entrance Gate in Dobson Road, known as the Saxelby Gate and designed by the School Architects, Bradshaw, Gass and Hope. This was considered an ideal site for the Gate as Madame Saxelby would take this route every morning when walking to School from her home in Ducie Avenue. It was dedicated by Doctor William Greer, Bishop of Manchester, in 1953, in the presence of the 2nd Viscount Leverhulme. Alterations to the School’s perimeter fencing around 2000 meant that the gate had to be demolished and this led it to being reconstructed in its present setting in the Headmaster’s Garden.

The Saxelby Gate now forms the entrance to the Headmaster’s garden

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 Autumn 2017

LOOKING BACK

Roger Bashforth (1954-1962) sent in this photo of the 1962 Monitor s. Back, L-R: R Young, ?, JT Holden, DL Speirs, E Rushton, K Aldred, J Gregson, PM Sutcliffe, DA Royle. Front, L-R: GR Ward, C Mullineu x, RL Bashforth, DM Glassman, FR Poskitt, R Brindle, RP Hall, RJM Howarth, ?

Mike McCarthy (1949-1956) sent in this photo of him winning the 110 yards final in 1956. Mike’s best friends at School were Warren Leach and Sir Harry Kroto. His granddaughters Holly and Hannah also attended Bolton School (Class of 2010 and Class of 2012 respectively) and his grandson, Ben, is a current pupil.

Roger Bell (1941-1949) sent in this photo featuring Mr JC Blakey, Senior Maths Master (back row, fourth from left), after his 100th ascent of Scafell Pike in 1976. Also featured are David Shaw (back row, third from right), Charles Winder (front row, third from left) and Roger himself (bottom row, far right)

Nick Lefel (1968-1977) sent in this photo of his class setting off for Cautley in 1971. Nick has identified most of the boys featured, along with teachers Mr Nightingale and Mr Lomax. Andrew Cuerden, Andrew Kay, Thomas Mason, Dave Savage, John Sherrington, Malcom Allison, Chris Lowe, John Yates, Chris Thomason, Dave Marron, Mark Byers, Pete Speak, Andy Cuthbertson, Mike Taylor, Andy Palmer, Dave Townsend. Front row seated: Nick Lefel, Bob Ogilvie, Michael Ainsworth, Mike Parkinson, Richard Raistrick

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 - 2017

LIVES REMEMBERED Alan Brookes (1952-1962) Alan was born on 24th September 1944 and died on 25th March 2017. A cremation service was held at Basingstoke, attended by his family: wife Rose and sons Jamie and Sam, sister Margaret, brother David, cousin Peter and their families, and also a large number of friends and work colleagues, including Robin Magee, Mick Taylor, Tony Castledine, Bill Dick, Ernie Marsh, and Ted Wood. He played a full part in School life, being in the swimming team, the stage crew, a monitor and also a troop leader in the Scouts. On leaving School, Alan went to Birmingham University to study civil engineering, where he became President of the university’s Civil Engineering Society and met his wife Rose. They were married in July 1967 and Alan joined Scott Wilson, with whom he spent almost all his professional life, initially living in the Lake District while working on the M6 south of Shap, whilst Rose taught at Penrith Grammar School. After a spell in the Midlands and after the birth of two boys, the family spent three years in Kenya, then they moved back to the UK and settled in Winchester. From here Alan supervised teams of engineers on various road projects, mainly in French-speaking Africa. His career developed into large-scale European PFI infrastructure projects, where he became an acknowledged expert in their contractual arrangements. He continued this work after retirement, through his private consulting business. Throughout his career Alan managed to keep a good balance between his professional and family life. He assisted with a Scout troop, was very involved with a high school in Winchester,

initially with the Parents’ Association, but latterly as Chairman of Governors. He was President of an organisation known as REDR, an international group of individual engineers, supported by their employers, who provided emergency disaster relief requiring their particular skills. His family was by far the most important part of his life, with his great love for Rose at its core. He took enormous pride in the achievements and activities of his two sons, Jamie in PR in the financial world, and Sam in the dramatic and music worlds. He also loved spending time with his grandchildren, picking them up from school, and playing games with them at their house. He and Rose enjoyed many visits to the theatre and concerts with Sam and Mitch in London. Alan and Rose were lifelong readers of The Guardian, formerly known as The Manchester Guardian, which extolled the virtues of those balanced Northern Liberal views that were part of his DNA. He had a very clear moral compass which guided him through life. He was a wonderful ‘chatterer’ with whom you could discuss anything and get a sound opinion and help with a difficult situation. He was also a wise mentor, particularly of younger people who actively sought his help, advice and wise counsel. It is a testament to the man that so many people were at his funeral. They came from the USA, Australia, Portugal and from various parts of Britain. He was an outstanding personality and will be sorely missed by us all, but particularly Rose, Jamie, Erin and family, Sam and Mitch, sister Margaret and myself, but also his wider family of cousins, nephews and nieces, on whom he has had a profound influence. David Brookes (1950-1961)

George Brian Buckley ((1940-1947) George entered Shell A1 in September 1940 from St Bede’s Church School, Morris Green. He was tall for his age and quickly made his mark on the football field. He later played in the 1st XI and was selected to play for Northern Schools against Southern Schools. He was Captain of Wigan House and a School Monitor. After gaining a degree in Geography from Birmingham University, he went on to obtain a teaching certificate at the same institution. He was called into the Army in September 1951 and served in the Royal Artillery at Troon where he was able to indulge in his life-long commitment to golf. He was also a fine cricketer and played mostly for TBL in the Bolton Association. While George was serving at Troon he was applying for teaching posts, but found it impossible to attend for interviews, so when he was demobilised he obtained a post with Barclays Bank. He was a loss to education; however, Barclays saw his potential and nurtured it. This entailed many moves, with his wife, Mary and their son and daughter, as he was a peripatetic district inspector. His final move was to Torquay, where his son was a consultant at the local hospital. George’s last months were difficult because of his declining health. I choose to remember the days when he was a healthy young man. He loved golf and I would hockey my way up the fairway (or the rough) in his wake. His wife, Mary, and his family were a constant support in his last months. Derek Eccles (1940-1947) Arthur Derbyshire (1939-1945) Arthur (Dad) was born on 15th December 1928 in Bradford and the family moved to Bolton when he was ten in 1939.

Newsletter Autumn 2017

He met his great friend John Greenhalgh at St Peters Sunday School and then again at Church Road Primary School in Mrs Crompton’s class. John and Dad won scholarships to Bolton School where they remained great friends. Dad was very proud that he got eight credits in his school certificate.

School for five years.

Instead of going to university after School he joined the family business, two small draper’s/haberdasher’s shops.

He touched everyone’s hearts through every aspect of his life, not just his family and friends, but all his employees and customers at the shop and everyone at St Peter’s Church where John Greenhalgh gave an amazing tribute to him at his funeral: he would have been so touched.

He spent two years at RAF Kinloss where he trained as a wireless fitter and missed death by a few yards when a Lancaster bomber crashed right outside the office he was in, killing all seven of the crew. His love of planes was ignited during his time there, in particular his interest in Spitfires, which remained with him throughout his life. Dad met and married Mum in 1958. When they returned from honeymoon in Spain they bought a shop on Halliwell Road. He described this as the most important thing he did in his business life.

Dad retired at the age of 60 but still loved to watch and participate in sport, especially tennis, and enjoyed many golfing holidays with friends. He was a devoted husband to Mum, an amazing father to Linda, Helen and me, and a fantastic father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather. He was also a loving brother. He was truly a devoted family man and so proud of all his family.

He had a wonderful time at Bolton School and spoke throughout his life of the fantastic memories he held of his time there. He continued to enjoy the Old Boltonian lunches right up until the time he passed away in February. His wish was for his two grandsons to follow in his footsteps and also go to Bolton School. He was very proud indeed to show them round his School on the open day last year and the boys are keen to try when the time comes. Dad was such a wonderful, kind and generous man with a fantastic sense of humour and love of life. He is so sadly missed by us all. Lisa Wright (Daughter)

They renamed the shop Derbyshires and shortly after became an official school uniform supplier. Trade increased every year and by the 1970s Derbyshires supplied over 30 schools and became renowned all over Bolton and the surrounding areas. During this busy period in his life Dad was asked to be President of the Chamber of Trade in Bolton three times. He also became a Magistrate for 15 years at Bolton Magistrates Court and was a governor at Crompton Fold

John Joseph Dickinson (Class of 1949) My husband, John Dickinson, was born in Bolton and attended Bolton School from 1943 until 1949. He left School at the age of 16 to start work as a Junior in the Treasurer’s Department of Bolton Town Hall. After a two-year break for National Service in the RAF, he returned to Bolton Town Hall and resumed his studies for the Local Government Accountancy Exams. We were married in Deane Church, Bolton, in 1956. John then began to progress in his career as a local government accountant, which involved several moves around

the country as he was promoted to increasingly senior positions in the Treasurer’s Departments of York County Borough Council, Bury County Borough Council, Anglesey County Council and Scarborough Borough Council. In 1968, we moved to the seaside town of Weymouth in Dorset, where John was appointed Deputy Borough Treasurer of Weymouth & Portland Borough Council. He was promoted to Borough Treasurer when his previous boss retired and remained in this post until his retirement. Whilst John was developing his career, we were also building our family, and our frequent moves meant that all our children were born in different towns: our eldest daughter in York, middle daughter in Bury and son in Bridlington, Yorkshire. Later we gained two grandaughters and two great-grandaughters, and in keeping with family tradition they were born in Johannesburg, Cirencester and Bordeaux. Although he left Bolton at a fairly early age, John never forgot his days at Bolton School. He kept in touch for many decades with his old School friend, Rob Howard, and whenever they got together they reminisced about their fellow pupils, teachers, and the day-to-day life at a boys’ grammar school during the latter part of the Second World War. John’s children were also treated to anecdotes of his School days, often surprised by the contrast between 1940s and 1970s educational attitudes. And no family visit back to Bolton was complete without an account of John and friends cycling to Bamfurlong Railway Station to collect the numbers of the famous trains that passed through this station in those days. John was also a lifelong supporter of Bolton Wanderers Football Club, and he never missed checking their match score and position in the league - always hoping to see the Wanderers on Match of the Day! John’s own sporting prowess, however, was mostly expressed on the tennis court. Wherever we were living, John always joined a Tennis Club, playing for the team and taking an active role in

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2017

the organisation of the Club. Many of our family holiday destinations were determined by the availability of tennis facilities, and even on our honeymoon we happened to be in London during Wimbledon fortnight! John also played table tennis and, in later life, indoor bowls. Over the years, and particularly after he retired, John was an active member of many voluntary organisations in Weymouth and his background in accountancy meant that he was frequently elected as Treasurer. John bore declining health with characteristic stoicism and good humour, and died peacefully in Bournemouth hospital on 28th May 2017. The tributes given at his funeral and in the many letters and cards sent to the family described a considerate, intelligent and witty man; a devoted and loving husband; a generous, supportive and proud father and grandfather; a loyal and steadfast friend; a competitive and fair-minded sportsman; a well-liked and respected colleague and a dedicated and honourable public servant. He was a credit to the School.

enthusiasm and gratitude about those formative years: the staff who had taught him, Ingham camps, incidents worthy and not so worthy, and much else besides. His contemporaries in History VIB 1956-57 included George Farnworth, Roger Gould and Sir Ian McKellen. The repertoire of detailed knowledge that Donald was able to retain, together with his sharp mind, no doubt served him well in his chosen profession. This, however, did not begin and end with the intricacies of the law. His interests were spread over many areas of life – sports (almost the full range), current affairs, politics, travel, the world of entertainment – and he would contribute to a conversation on any of them at length. Donald’s main hobby was running, and he was a member of Bolton United Harriers. A keen supporter of Bolton Wanderers and delighted by their promotion back to the Championship, he was a season ticket holder at the Macron Stadium almost to the end. Donald was a regular attender at the Bolton Methodist Mission for Sunday morning worship.

Betty Dickinson Donald Ian Hardy (1947-1957) I have enjoyed a long friendship with Donald Hardy. Four and a half years his junior, I recalled him from School days, but only got to know him when we met by chance at Heaton Village Tennis Club in 1968. We began to socialise regularly and, in due course, Donald dealt with the conveyancing involved in the purchase of my first house. He was my best man when Beryl and I got married in 1975 and became godfather to our first-born, elder daughter Helen. Over the course of almost forty years, he always maintained contact with her, cards and gifts arriving without fail on her birthday and at Christmas. Donald would have reached 79 years of age a fortnight after his death. As a solicitor, he worked at Hulton Bailey & Co in Wood Street and in later years for Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council. His decade as a pupil at Bolton School remained firm in his memory, and he never ceased to speak with

A life member of the Old Boltonians, Donald was elected President for the year 1995. For much longer, the Association enjoyed the benefits of his expertise and wise counsel as a committee member and Honorary Solicitor. Without doubt, we owe him gratitude in huge amounts. I have lived in Lytham since 1975. Donald and I met up twice a year at The Sirloin close to Hoghton Tower, this being an approximate halfway house suitable for evening get-togethers. I would also see him each December at the Association’s annual dinner. Latterly, Donald’s ability to walk deteriorated to such an extent that he made progress only slowly and with the aid of a stick. Little did I realise that, assisting him back to his car following the dinner on 9th December last year, I would not see him again. I shall miss him greatly. David Matthews (1953-1961)

Bill Harrison (Former Boys’ Division staff) Bill died, with family and friends around him, on 23rd February 2017, aged 85. Bill, who taught languages, including English, German, Latin and French, retired as a senior teacher some 20 years ago after a spell at Leigh Grammar School between 1962 and 1965. Though he worked mainly in the junior school, where he made varied, interesting use of his imaginative and academic resources, he also taught in the senior school for a number of years. At advanced Sixth Form level his work was commended by Her Majesty’s Inspector. GCE results were excellent and he combined modesty of manner with the most decisive discipline. When he first came to Bolton he produced with Junior boys the medieval morality play Everyman. The then new Headmaster, who came from a school with a rich dramatic tradition, described it as the best production he had ever seen. For his last production before he retired Bill directed the same play again. It was an outstanding success and it is fitting that the main character, Everyman, is welcomed in heaven for his good deeds. Fitting as well because we can all, friends and family, appreciate Bill’s own many good deeds. A young Ralf Little was in the cast. Charles Winder, retired Head of English and a friend of Bill’s, recalls: “I knew Bill for more than fifty years, socially and working with him at Bolton School. He was a modest and hugely talented man. He read widely, was always able to communicate his enthusiasm at different levels and his classes benefited greatly. Long after retirement he enjoyed discussing academic and other matters and it was always a pleasure to visit him”. Bill was a multi-faceted, complex and thoughtful man and, until recently, very active. Tennis played a big

Newsletter Autumn 2017

part in his life and he played it to a high standard – becoming county champion of Norfolk and representing the RAF at tennis during his national service days. He played tennis with Davis Cup players of the time, and even Bjorn Borg’s coach Lennart Berglin. A qualified coach, Bill took Bolton School’s boys’ tennis team to the national schools’ championships at Queens Club and Wimbledon – winning at least once. He was a member of tennis clubs in St Helens and Wigan and won numerous singles and doubles tournaments in the area. Wimbledon was not the same this year without Bill’s insightful analysis. Bill, or ‘Uncle Billy’ as he was affectionately known by family and friends alike, loved language and its proper use. I am sure there are many of you who will remember being gently corrected by him at some time. Alun Owen, a former teaching colleague, remembers what a wonderful friend and colleague he was. Bill helped him find his feet when he started a new teaching post at Leigh Grammar School. “Bill stood out at Leigh with his impeccable manners and diction, uncompromising standards and refined interests – but even more so because of his decency and genuine concern for others. He was a ‘proper English gentleman.” There are several outstanding testimonials about Bill that we have discovered from former headmasters. They refer to his politeness, culture, gentleness and modesty. In an unlikely scenario, he was asked to head up boxing at one of his first teaching appointments straight from doing his National Service. He was praised for the great job he did and proudly recounted his success quite recently. Bill had an enjoyable and, some might describe as idyllic, childhood in

St Helens with his brother and sister, Harry and Betty. He excelled at school and went on to study law in Liverpool and then trained as a teacher in London. An RHS member, he was a passionate and highly knowledgeable gardener. Bill had a large, immaculate garden that was well known in the area. He loved to show people around it, especially his new rose gardens. In recent years, Bill hosted church summer barbecues in the garden – raising money for charity at the same time. Bill was the organising force behind several recitals and concerts at his house and local church. He commissioned top musicians gratis and was highly persuasive in achieving his goals. We were sad to hear that one of these musicians, Bolton School Old Boy and former Staff member Richard Eastham, had recently passed away. Bill volunteered for and raised significant funds for Wigan Hospice. He loved the piano and had a baby grand on which he enjoyed playing his wide range of classical music.

gaining the DTM&H in London. After 10 years in West Africa Denis returned to the UK, taking a post in the School Medical Service in Portsmouth, where he eventually became District Community Physician. Following retirement he continued in his role as Medical Referee to Portchester Crematorium until his late 80s. Denis became a vegetarian in his early teens and was an ardent campaigner against the tobacco industry. A committed socialist, he travelled widely and yearned for international harmony. Denis died at home on 27th September 2016 in the company of a daughter and two grand-daughters who, with help from a team of carers and the rest of his family, supported him through the dementia that took the shine off his last few years. His wife, Margaret, a midwife, died in 1999. He leaves two daughters, three sons, ten grandchildren and three great-grandsons.

So many people – friends, family and former teaching colleagues – have said how Bill made such a difference to their lives and that they will miss him greatly.

David Hilton (Son)

Peter Osborne (Nephew)

Around 2004, Brian, who had been my Patrol Leader (Fox Patrol), retired, with Yvonne, to Downton in Wiltshire and we met up again after 60 years.

Denis Dewhurst Hilton (1934-1942) Denis won scholarships to Bolton School and to Manchester University that enabled him to study medicine despite his relatively disadvantaged background as the son of an artist (who painted the portrait reproduced here) and a seamstress. After National Service as a doctor with the RAF in the Far East and hospital jobs in Manchester, he worked for the Colonial Medical Service in Northern Nigeria. He soon recognised the power of Public Health to improve lives and moved into leprosy control,

Brian Livesey (1939-1947) Late: Major General, RAMC, CB, QHS, FRCS

Brian had a most distinguished medical career in the Army and, accompanied by Yvonne, served throughout Europe. During his time in the Army his love of – and gift for – teaching helped many to professional success. The value placed on Brian’s personal as well as professional qualities led to his being chosen for a major role in establishing the National Guard Hospital in Saudi Arabia. His skills, insight and patience succeeded in keeping a multi-national in tune with its royal hosts!

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2017

As if this were not enough, the NHS grabbed Brian after Saudi for the Isle of Wight District Health Authority, finishing as Chairman of the Isle of Wight National Health Trust when it formed in 1993. Brian leaves behind Yvonne and their sons, Andrew and Jonathan, and their families; he is much missed. Julian Loring (1937-1946) Ronald Pickvance (1941-1949) Bolton-born, throughout his life Ronald retained a great love for his native town, and a keen interest in the ups and downs of Bolton Wanderers and of Lancashire cricket and cricketers. At interviews he was even known to ask fellow cricket followers about the individual scores in famous matches at Old Trafford. On leaving Bolton School, Ronald studied history at Christ’s College, Cambridge and art history at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London. He became one of the leading authorities on French art of the second half of the nineteenth century. It was in Cambridge that he met, and in 1953 married, his future wife, Gina (Georgina) Pickersgill, who was working as an au pair for the famous scholar, FR Leavis. She was for him ‘an angel dropped for heaven’ and became his great supporter, researcher and editor in his research, until her devastating death in 1997. Ronald worked as Regional Officer for the Arts Council in the North West from 1957 to 1965 when he was appointed to a lectureship in art history at the University of Glasgow. The following year he became a lecturer at Nottingham University, where he remained for 11 years, including among his duties the organisation of exhibitions at that university’s gallery. Ronald returned to Glasgow as Richmond Professor of Fine Art, where courageously he publicly opposed the university’s plans to sell 11 of its paintings by James McNeill Whistler, a project

fortunately abandoned after the subsequent outcry. In 1984 he resigned his position to concentrate on research, exhibition organisation and publications. Ronald’s first important publications were devoted to Sickert, whose art remained a great interest for him for the rest of his life. Ground-breaking articles on Degas swiftly followed. In 1979 Ronald was responsible for a memorable exhibition devoted to one year of that great artist’s life at the National Gallery of Scotland, a show that typified his intense concentration on individual works of art. Earlier he had organised exhibitions on Gauguin and the Pont Aven Group for the Tate Gallery in 1966 and on Sisley for Nottingham University in 1971. Three years later Ronald organised an enlightening show on the English influences on Van Gogh through his study of illustrations in contemporary journals. He returned to this artist for two highly acclaimed exhibitions at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Van Gogh in Arles in 1984 and Van Gogh in Saint Rémy and Auvers in 1986. Van Gogh remained fascinating for him. He contributed to several other exhibitions devoted to the Dutchman in the 1990s and his last contribution to art history was an endorsement, not universally accepted, of the French artist’s authorship of a large group of drawings discovered in Arles. Ronald also organised a series of major exhibitions for the Fondation Gianadda in Martigny, Degas (1993), Manet (1996), Gauguin (1998), and Van Gogh (2000). As a lecturer he was theatrical and spell-binding, sometimes challenging his audience to make up their own minds about particular interpretations. A lover of classical music and jazz, and of good food and wine, Ronald was an entertaining and at times teasing conversationalist right up to his last days. Martin Hopkinson, friend and colleague of the late Professor Ronald Pickvance

George Tootell (1959-1966) I first met George when the “alphabetism” which ruled the School put me next to him in 3A1 when the Shells joined the Upper Twos. I stayed friends with him until his daughter informed me that he had died unexpectedly.

Patrick Taylor, Alan Tetlow and George in Granada with Butch, 1964 George was a very good footballer playing for the School at all levels. His trademark was to cut in from the wing, run across the goal, swivel and shoot, often successfully. Having been in “Butch” Ingham’s Latin set we became “Butch” boys and together went on camps in the UK and abroad, learning the skills that only those who were privileged to experience them would know about. I can remember many times which would take up another column, but particularly, at fifteen, chatting up two Greek girls on the boat between the Aegean islands. Although he lived in Chorley, he was part of a set, as we grew up, in Bolton who socialised and was well known for his quiff and the comb in his back pocket. We parted in 1965 when George, having got grades to go to Nottingham University, took what is now known as a “gap” year. He went to a school in Malawi and we corresponded; to the best of my knowledge we have at least exchanged Christmas cards ever since. While at University we put our Butch experience to the test and took a car camping to Europe, together with Dave MacRae. George visited us in Barnoldswick and from then on we kept in touch.

Newsletter Autumn 2017

He followed a successful career in civil engineering, in which he was still involved recently. Others will be able to say more of his ex-School life. My memories are of the School days. George was one of those you meet on the way at the changing points in life when you realise that you are not as bright as you thought you were. He was good at everything. We took O Level Art on lunchtime sessions with Mr Young – he could draw, too! After trying on several occasions on my rare visits to Bolton (mostly to follow the Wanderers) to meet up, I was determined to meet at the Grand Reunion. I contacted George and we arranged to meet. I also had kept in touch with PJ “Pidge” Taylor and, as a result, we all met. George and I bellowed out Jerusalem and Forty Years On, which it was exactly. The back row of 3A1 was together and the years rolled off. So much so that we never signed the book. Sadly I never saw George again. It had been a great day, when we met many old friends. George suffered a heart attack on 30th April and died. He was diabetic latterly. For one day, though, Taylor PJ, Tetlow and Tootell were back and in splendid form. Whatever happens next, thank you George.

being a Sixth Former towards the end of the war and doing fire watching duty on the School roof with the student teachers from the Girls’ Division. After leaving School, John was accepted at Queens University in Belfast to study English. However, given the opportunity to defer college and join the army, he was conscripted into the Royal Engineers in 1945. During his years in the Royal Engineers he specialised in bomb disposal and was posted to Palestine and Kenya. On leaving the army in 1948, John used his engineering skills working for Trinidad Lake Asphalt Company and whilst working at an airfield an RAF pilot offered to take him up - and his love of flying began! John joined the RAF in July 1954, training as a fighter pilot. He was trained to fly the new Hunter jets and was posted to 43 Squadron based in Leuchars, Scotland, as well as to Nicosia in Cyprus. Among many stories from this time he told of occasionally flying with the Blue Diamonds, a fighter jet aerobatic team, and doing the stunt flying for a film called High Flight starring Ray Milland and Leslie Phillips in 1957. Later, in the last few years of his RAF career, he was a flying instructor for the Cambridge University Air Squadron. John left the RAF in 1962, retaining the rank of Flight Lieutenant.

In 1966 he was approached by Bolton Technical College and asked to lecture in the Mechanical Engineering department. He lectured full-time until retirement and continued leading some evening classes until he was 72 years old. John met his wife, Barbara Partington, at a party in 1963; he swept her off her feet and they were married on 1st September 1965. They had a long and happy marriage, raising two children, Sarah-Jane and Adam, both of whom attended Bolton School. He was also a much-loved Grandpa to his six grandchildren. In his retirement, John never lost his passion for learning and his willingness to try new things. He would throw himself into new technology, attend lectures at the local branch of the Royal Aeronautical Society (even giving lectures himself). He also attended meetings of the Advanced Motorists Group and enjoyed walking holidays with friends. John had been battling Alzheimer’s over the past three or four years, but he passed away peacefully in his sleep on 14th May 2017, just before his 90th birthday. He was a great man, with a strong sense of family, who lived a long and interesting life. He will be so greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Sarah-Jane Sanderson (née Topping, 1978-1985)

Alan Tetlow (1957-1966) John Topping (1937-1944) John Partington Topping was born in Bolton on 25th May 1927 along with his twin sister, Patricia. They were the eldest children of Hilda and Kenneth Topping, followed by two younger sisters, the late Pamela and then Christine. Along with the rest of the family John attended Bolton School. He enjoyed his School days and told stories of

IN MEMORIAM Brian Allanson (1938-1945) – Died 1st September 2017 Roy Burgess (1942-1949) – Died 26th October 2016 Norman Keith Fletcher (1948-1954) – Died 26th July 2017 Jonathan Lawson (Class of 1976) – Died 23rd August 2017 James Lever (1939-1950) – Died 29th July 2017 Frank Morrison (former Boys’ Division Staff) – Died 7th August 2017 John Sloan (1935-1942) – Died 26th July 2017 Derrick Stocker (1945-1952) – Died 23rd February 2017 Barry Taziker (former Governor of Bolton School) – Died 1st June 2017 Victor Tonge (1955-1962) – Died 20th August 2017 Alan Woods (1938-1949) – Died March 2015

THE

BUGLE Old Boltoniansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association Autumn Newsletter 2017

Designed and printed by Haslam Printers Limited Wingates Ind. Park, Westhoughton, Lancashire BL5 3XH T. 01257 263777 E. sales@haslamprinters.co.uk