Old Girls' Newsletter - Spring 2016 by Bolton School Development Office

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BOLTON SCHOOL OLD GIRLSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER Issue Number 25 Spring 2016

1915-2015: CENTENARY YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Spring 2016

CONTENTS STAY IN TOUCH BOLTON SCHOOL MERCHANDISE WELCOME FROM THE HEADMISTRESS WELCOME FROM THE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION CONTINUING SUPPORT ALUMNI EVENTS CALENDAR CORRECTIONS THE BOLTON SCHOOL WINE COLLECTION SCHOOL NEWS Royal Visit Well-Good Maths Challenge Raises Funds 21st Century School Dinners Multicultural Ceremony of Carols Heralds Christmas Fabulous Send-Off for Mrs Brierley Fun at Patterdale Hall EVENTS Alumni Regional Events Old Girls’ Lunches Centenary Ball Bursary Golf Day 2016 Upcoming Events Highlights OLD GIRLS’ FEATURES Inspiring the Next Generation Old Girls Go Global The Best of Both Worlds: A Portrait of Bolton School Flo’s in Fashion Story of a Gown Staff in the Spotlight Bolton School, 1915-2015 Centenary Celebrations NEWS OF OLD GIRLS Old Girls’ News Hatches and Matches Mini Reunions Destination of Leavers FROM THE ARCHIVES Ask the Archivist Memories of School Looking Back LIVES REMEMBERED IN MEMORIAM

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STAY IN TOUCH ‘Like’ our Facebook page for event invites, School news and memories: search Bolton School – Old Boys and Old Girls (Official) Connect with fellow Old Girls on LinkedIn: connect with Bolton School Alumni and join the Bolton School Group

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

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

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

Follow bolton_school_foundation and use #BSAlumni to share your memories and photos Visit the Old Girls and Old Boys section of the School website at www.boltonschool.org for event photos, Alumni career profiles, news of Old Girls, an up-to-date events calendar and more. Update your contact details at www.boltonschool.org/alumni-register CONTACT US Development Office, Bolton School, Chorley New Road, Bolton BL1 4PA T: 01204 434718 E: development@boltonschool.org THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM Julia Bates Head of Development Laura Firth Development Manager Becky Grigg Development Manager (Maternity Cover) Carol Haslam Old Girls’ Liaison Officer Frances Johnson Development Assistant Kathryn O’Brien Alumni and Development Assistant Archana Patel Alumni Officer Jenny Salerno Development Officer

Bolton School photo frame

Bolton School Merchandise School now has an Online Merchandise Store, selling all of the items previously sold through the Development Office, and many more. A variety of items are available for purchase, from Old Girl pin badges to Bolton School pens, iPad cases and photo frames. Also available is The Genesis of Education in Bolton, a complete history of the origins and foundations of Bolton School, written by Old Boy Malcolm Howe (1948-1956). 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.

Genesis book

Bolton School bag

Bolton School Snugg iPad case

Orders are usually delivered within five working days, and overseas delivery is available. To order your items, please visit www.boltonschoolmerchandise.org or call 08450 504015

Bolton School pens

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WELCOME FROM THE HEADMISTRESS Welcome to the Spring 2016 edition of the Old Girls' Newsletter! It is truly a fascinating read - the more I become embedded in the Bolton School community, the more I cherish every contribution! I am particularly indebted to Archana Patel for putting together this edition, whilst Laura Firth is on maternity leave. It is wonderful to see the pictures from our different Centenary events. I have very much appreciated seeing so many Old Girls on these occasions. On Thursday, 12th May, we are having a 'Staff Party' in the evening to celebrate the Centenary and I hope that former members of staff will be able to attend as many of your colleagues who are still 'in harness' would love to see you! Please email my PA, Hannah Caulfield, on hcaulfield@boltonschool.org.uk if you would like an invitation. As usual, the Alumni dinners have been interesting events. Last term, we visited Bristol, Oxford and Durham. Unfortunately, I could not attend the

Cambridge Dinner this term, as the Girls' Division was being inspected that week - I'll let you know how we got on when the report is published. Still to come are events in London, Edinburgh and Cumbria so I hope that there is something near you should you wish to join us. I was particularly moved by the tribute to Kathryn Ramsahoye (née Holly) at the back of this edition. Two of her classmates, Karen Chadwick and Belinda Whitehouse (née Jones) gave me a lovely wooden star at the Reunion which they suggested that we award to the 'Brightest Star' in the English Department in memory of their friend who was such an inspiration to others. I told the girls all about Kathryn in an Assembly and we now award the trophy every month; it is much appreciated by the girls.

Sue Hincks Headmistress

WELCOME FROM THE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION It is Spring already! It has been a busy few months since the last Newsletter and it’s been a real pleasure meeting so many of you again in a variety of settings. In November, Old Girls were invited to take part in the Girls’ Division Armistice Service which was very moving and sombre, as is fitting for the occasion; however it was followed by our Autumn Old Girls’ Lunch where our spirits were lifted by some fabulous singing from pupils who then also gave us a good rendition of the School Song. As usual, the Christmas Carol Service was well attended by many Old Girls of all ages. Our dedicated meeting room was busy and we enjoyed festive treats and drinks along with a good deal of lively conversation and happy reminiscences. Have you considered coming to a regional Dinner lately? A very warm and friendly welcome is guaranteed. Already we have visited Bristol, Oxford and Cambridge where we have enjoyed good food and wine alongside lively conversations in some beautiful surroundings. It has been especially nice to meet so many of our young Alumni at recent dinners, when we have heard of their varied experiences as they embark on new phases of life, either at university or in the world of work.

As I write, the London Dinner, to be held at the House of Lords, is imminent. The Scottish and Cumbria Dinners are yet to come and, as a finale to our 100/500 celebrations, there is to be a Centenary Ball at the Macron Stadium in June. I hope that you will be able to attend with friends and family to celebrate all that is so special about our wonderful school. I am also very much looking forward to attending the Evensong Service to be held at Bolton Parish Church on Thursday April 14th, which will be a great opportunity to celebrate our school foundation within the wider community. If you regularly attend Association events, I look forward to seeing you again very soon. If you have not been in contact with School recently, I extend a very warm welcome and encourage you to get in touch - we would love to meet you. With very best wishes.

Laura Henthorn (née Carless, 1970-1977) Chairman – Bolton School Old Girls’ Association

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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Spring 2016

CONTINUING SUPPORT The 100 Campaign for Bursaries On 1st April 1915, Lord Leverhulme formally created the Bolton School Foundation at our magnificent Chorley New Road site. Since this extraordinary act of generosity, the School has striven to uphold Lord Leverhulme’s founding ethos of an excellent education, open to all, irrespective of financial means. To celebrate the School’s centenary, in 2015 we launched the 100 Campaign for Bursaries to go back to our roots and make open access a genuine reality. The campaign aims to provide a step change in our Bursary Fund so that no child has to miss out on a Bolton School education because their family cannot afford it. In the 2014-15 academic year, the School raised £1.52 million for the 100 Campaign, around half of which was donated by Old Girls and Old Boys. These gifts were made in a number of different ways: • Almost £110,000 was given by 442 donors, who made regular gifts ranging from £5 to £50 a month, enough for ten pupils to enter Year 7 on full bursaries this year; • Just over £145,000 was received in share gifts, enough to fund full bursary places for 13 Sixth Form pupils this year;

• We received £213,000 posthumously, 84% of which came from Former Staff members who chose to remember the School in their wills, enough to fund almost 20 Senior School pupils’ fees in full this year. This generosity has enabled the School to spend £2.5m on bursary provision during the 2014-15 academic year, supporting 335 pupils – one in every five members of the two Senior Schools. Thank you, sincerely, to all those who have supported the 100 Campaign so far. A Bolton School bursary can change the trajectory of a child’s life forever. Yet for every bursary place awarded, another child who has proven their ability in the entrance assessments is denied a place at the School. The 100 Campaign’s long-term aim is to tackle this problem by raising enough funds to provide genuine open access, growing the Bursary Fund to a level where financial support can be offered to one in every three pupils. If you feel this is a worthwhile ambition, please consider supporting the School and giving to the 100 Campaign in whatever way you can. If you would like to support the 100 Campaign for Bursaries, please contact the Development Office on 01204 434718, or by emailing development@boltonschool.org.

The Power of a Bursary Place “I was only able to attend Bolton School as I was lucky enough to be offered a part-bursary. My mum and dad owned a small shop and invested their savings in my education in order to give me the opportunity of a good future. And it did; Bolton School has given me confidence for life and the inspiration to go on and teach English. There's rarely a day goes by that I don't remind the students I teach how lucky they are to grow up in an educational environment similar to that of Bolton School.” Belinda Whitehouse (1981-1988)

Donating from Outside the UK If you live abroad and would like to support the School you are able to do so tax efficiently. If you live in Europe and would like to make a tax-efficient donation to the School please contact your local TGE partner listed on the TGE website, www.transnationalgiving.eu. If you live in the US and would like to make a tax deductible donation to School, you can do so by forwarding your donation to the British Schools and Universities Foundation Inc. (BSUF). The BSUF aims to strengthen AngloAmerican relations and helps to make grants to educational, scientific and literary institutions in the British Commonwealth without charging fees or commissions of any kind. To make a donation please download a donor transmittal form from www.bsuf.org and forward to the BSUF, along with a cheque made payable to them. Please also advise the Development Office of your gift. We are delighted to keep in touch with so many Alumni across the globe. Thank you to all of our world-wide donors – it is heart-warming to have your support from afar and we are so grateful for your generosity.

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ALUMNI EVENTS CALENDAR 2016 Saturday 23rd April

Reunion for '66, '76, ' 86, '96 and 2006 Leavers

Bolton School, 11.30am-4.30pm

Friday 6th May

Scottish Dinner

University of Edinburgh, 7pm

Thursday 2nd June

30s, 40s and 50s Reunion

Bolton School

Wednesday 8th June

Old Girls’ Lunch and AGM

Riley Centre, 12 noon

Friday 17th June

Cumbria Dinner

Lindeth Howe Hotel, 7pm

Saturday 25th June

Bolton School Centenary Ball

Macron Stadium, 7pm

To reserve your ticket for any of our Alumni events, please call the Development Office on 01204 434718, email development@boltonschool.org or visit the ‘Old Boys and Old Girls’ Section of the School website (www.boltonschool.org), where you can book online.

School Events Wednesday 16th – Saturday 19th March

Joint School Production – Dr Faustus

Arts Centre, 7pm

Thursday 14th April

Choral Evensong of Thanksgiving

Bolton Parish Church, 6pm

Tuesday 3rd May

May Serenade and Creative Exhibition

Girls’ Division Great Hall

Please contact the Girls’ Division directly on 01204 840201 should you wish to attend any of the School events listed.

Lunchtime Concert Series Free lunchtime concerts will be held from 1.20pm-2.05pm in the Arts Centre on Thursday 14th April, Thursday 21st April, Thursday 28th April and Thursday 5th May. Artists will be confirmed nearer the time and all are welcome. Please contact the School on 01204 840201 nearer the time for details of who is performing.

Corrections In the Autumn 2015 edition we referred to Debbi Morgan-Jones as Morgan – we apologise for using the incorrect forename.

The Bolton School Wine Collection To mark the 100/500 anniversaries, the Girls’ Division Parents’ Association has launched The Bolton School Wine Collection, an exclusive wine selection carefully selected in partnership with T Wright Wine of Horwich.

For more information please email bsfwines2015@gmail.com or, to place your order, please visit www.twrightwine.co.uk/13030

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 (6 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.

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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Spring 2016

SCHOOL NEWS Royal Visit School was delighted to welcome HRH Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, on a rainy November morning. The eagerly anticipated arrival of His Royal Highness by helicopter on to the lacrosse pitch was thwarted by the dismal Bolton weather, but his entrance by car a little later than expected was nonetheless given a warm welcome by hundreds of pupils waving Union Jack flags. During his visit, Prince Edward learned about the School’s Duke of Edinburgh and volunteering work. He also unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit one hundred years after the Bolton School Foundation formally came into existence.

Well-Good Maths Challenge Raises Funds Mr Grant Heppleston and Mr Jon Hitchin, Maths teachers in the Girls’ Division, have set up a website which allows pupils to provide people in developing countries with safe water by answering maths questions. Students in the Girls’ Division are being encouraged to practise their times tables and work with negative numbers on well-good.org to raise money for water charities.

Mr Hitchin and Mr Heppleston with Year 8 pupils who have been using the Well-Good website

Well-Good is sponsored by several local businesses, each of which donates money depending on how many questions are answered – each correct answer collects points, with 100 points providing one person with clean water for one day.

The project is looking to expand further – anyone interested in sponsoring or helping to publicise the website should contact info@well-good.org.

21st Century School Dinners During the Summer holidays the Girls’ Division Dining Room underwent a stunning makeover. When the girls returned in September they were delighted to see that the previously long, dark, narrow dining area had been transformed into a light, bright, modern space. The catering staff also have a brand new kitchen in which to prepare the food. Pupils and staff are thrilled with the new ‘school dinner’ experience!

Dining room before

...and after

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Multicultural Ceremony of Carols Heralds Christmas With ten languages included in the programme, this year’s Ceremony of Carols was a truly multicultural experience. Current pupils, staff, parents and Old Girls enjoyed both traditional carols and modern elements, with singing in Latin, Nigerian, Spanish, French, German and Arabic, not forgetting the traditional rendition of Three Kings from Persian Lands Afar. Readings about the birth of Christ in English, French, German, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian and Welsh were interspersed throughout the ceremony. Among the guests chatting over drinks afterwards were more than 80 Old Girls who had attended the Ceremony of Carols; they were delighted to be

The traditional Christmas Angels graced the Girls’ Division Great Hall for the annual Ceremony of Carols

able to catch up and share their memories of the event from when they were pupils themselves.

Fabulous Send-off for Mrs Brierley Ruth Brierley (sixth from left) is joined by her mother and colleagues as she bids Farewell to Hesketh House

Mrs Ruth Brierley was given a wonderful send-off as she retired after six years as Head of Hesketh House, Bolton School’s Junior Girls’ School. In an emotional leaving assembly Miss Sue Hincks, Headmistress of the Girls’ Division, paid tribute to ‘an utterly devoted and much-loved Headmistress of Hesketh House’ and Ruth was presented with a vast range of doggie accessories for the cockapoo puppy which she received as a leaving gift from the pupils, parents and staff. In her retirement Mrs Brierley looks forward to travelling, gardening, walking, visiting friends, art galleries, the theatre and learning new skills – and, of course, to spending time with her new puppy, which, naturally, is named ‘Hesketh’!

Ruth Brierley, centre, with Sue Hincks and Helen Holt, Deputy Head of Hesketh House

Fun at Patterdale Hall Bring your friends and family for a lovely day out in the Lake District! The School’s adventure learning centre, Patterdale Hall, is holding an open day on Sunday 19th June 2016, 10am till 3pm. As well as tours of the building and grounds, there will be a range of displays, taster activities (canoe, kayak, low ropes challenges, archery, orienteering… please bring spare clothes, towel and shoes for water activities if you want to get involved!), fun competitions and, of course, refreshments! Any funds raised will be split between the local Mountain Rescue team and the Friends of Patterdale Hall, the group

working to renovate the centre’s accommodation, improve the facilities and restore the gardens to their former glory.

Please let us know if you will be attending so that we can cater accordingly: T: 017684 82233 or E: enquiries@patterdalehall.org.uk.

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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Spring 2016

EVENTS ALUMNI REGIONAL EVENTS Cambridge Dinner Downing College – Friday 5th February 2016

Virginia Skoyles (née Welch, 19701977), Laura Henthorn (née Carless, 1970-1977) and Prue Harrison (née Williams, 1970-1977)

catch “Such a wonderful evening and great to staff. and es orari emp cont up on news of all our Will be back!” 7) Virginia Skoyles (née Welch, 1970-197

Emily Bodger (2007-2014), Sid Neelson (2007-2013), Adam Murray (Class of 2014), Isabella Sabini (2006-2013) and Hannah Cooper (Class of 2013)

I have “This was my first Alumni Oxford Dinner. ly love and food t grea t; had a lovely nigh company. See you all at the next one!” Leda Hadjigeorgiou (2007-2014)

Oxford Dinner

an “This is my first Oxford Dinner since I was it and time ly love a had I’ve ! undergraduate ’!” Girls ‘Old g youn the all to ng was great talki Georgina Irvine (1982-1989)

Balliol College – Friday 6th November 2015

Amanda Valentine (1973-1983), Ursula Newton (née Farrell, 1976-1983) and Georgina Irvine (1982-1989)

Georgina Irvine (1982-1989), Charlotte Wardle (Class of 2013), Emily Bodger (2007-2014) and Holly Holt (2007-2014)

Julia Bates (Head of Development), Annabel Ault (2000-2014), Elizabeth Alderson (2006-2013) and Olivia Hadjinicolaou (2006-2013)

Catherine Kneafsey (Class of 1979), Eileen Palayiwa (1964-1971), Peter Knowles (1972-1979) and Gwithian Doswell (1972-1979)

University Drinks – Durham

Bristol Dinner

Friday 13th November 2015

The Grand by Thistle – Friday 16th October 2015

Marion Blackburn (née Lomax, 1960-1967) and Christine Lewis (née Lumb, 1946-1949) Sue Hincks (Headmistress), Jess Melling (2008-2015), Katie Devine (2005-2015), Mollie Hunter (2009-2014) and Helen Bradford-Keegan (Girls’ Division Staff)

Patricia Priestley (née Oxley, 1945-1953) and Sue Hincks (Headmistress)

“How lovely to be here again with such friendly company and lively conversation” 7) Laura Henthorn (née Carless, 1970-197

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OLD GIRLS’ LUNCHES Old Girls and Pupils Reflect during Service of Remembrance The Girls’ Division commemoration of Armistice Day was a solemn occasion, as current pupils and teachers were joined by Old Girls of the School during the 70th anniversary of the end of the second World War. Headmistress Sue Hincks welcomed veteran Kenneth Cole, who took part in Operation Doomsday before being posted in India and the far east. Kenneth lost his two best friends in the conflict, and Miss Hincks asked the girls to join him in remembering them in particular, among all those who have given their lives. Following the Remembrance Service, Old Girls enjoyed a lunch in the Arts Centre.

Centenary Ball

Bursary Golf Day 2016

Old Girls are warmly invited to join fellow Alumni, Parents, Staff past and present and other Friends of the School in toasting the end of the anniversary celebrations in style at the Centenary Ball, to be held on Saturday 25th June 2016 at the Premier Suite at the Macron Stadium in Bolton.

The annual Bursary Golf Day is being held on Thursday 22nd September 2016 at Bolton Golf Club, and is open to all Old Girls who would like to enter a team of four.

Tickets are now on sale, priced at £55 or £500 for a table of ten. Contact the Development Office to book your place, or book online at www.boltonschool100500.org. A number of corporate sponsorship opportunities are also available; please contact the Development Office for more information.

Last year, the event raised over £4,000 for the School Bursary Fund. It is hoped that the 2016 event will raise even more funds for this worthy cause – and that the sunshine enjoyed in the past two years will be repeated! The Golf Day is always an enjoyable day out, with lunch beforehand and a carvery dinner served at the 19th Hole after the golf itself. If you would like to enter a team, please contact the Development Office.

UPCOMING EVENTS HIGHLIGHTS Don’t Forget! The next Old Girls’ lunch, which will be preceded by the AGM, will be held on Wednesday 8th June 2016, 12 noon in the Riley Centre To book your place at any of our Alumni events, please contact the Development Office, or book online on the ‘Forthcoming Events’ page of the ‘Old Girls and Old Boys’ section of the School website.

SAVE THE DATE Our next Scottish Dinner will be held at the University of Edinburgh on Friday 6th May and the next Cumbria Dinner will be held at the Lindeth Howe Hotel on Friday 17th June. Do come and join us.

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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Spring 2016

OLD GIRLS’ FEATURES Inspiring The Next Generation During the Autumn Term, Old Girls working in a number of fields offered their assistance to the current generation of Bolton School girls, sharing their expertise and offering advice. 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.

BEST Day The annual Business Enterprise and Skills Training (BEST) Day took place in September, giving Year 12 girls an opportunity to enhance their soft skills by taking part in a series of workshops and working in small groups to complete business tasks. Robyn Lowe (Class of 2010) led one of the day’s workshops, during which she gave pupils an insight into creating their own personal brand. After obtaining a 2:1 in English at the University of Cambridge, Robyn is now a Management Trainee at Imperial College, London, and is currently completing a six-month placement, split between the Communications team and the Education Office. Robyn told us: “During my time at School, I enjoyed so many opportunities to learn skills which I could take into a professional environment. Having benefited from the support which was offered to me and my friends as pupils, I’m keen to pass on anything I’ve learned since leaving and I think days like the BEST Day are vital to build the girls’ confidence and business skills and to help

Dentistry Lecture

Yusra with Technology pupils following her talk

In October, Yusra Razzaq (1998-2005) returned to School to talk to Girls’ Division pupils in Year 9 and above about how her Design Technology studies helped her to become a Dentist. After leaving School, Yusra studied Biology at

Robyn talks to pupils in her session

prepare them for whatever comes next. I was impressed by all of the groups for their maturity, creativity and enthusiasm - it’s always a pleasure to come back.” Manchester Metropolitan University, achieving a 2:1. After deciding that she wished to pursue a career in Dentistry, she took a Gap Year to gain experience as a dental nurse, as a result of which she secured a place at Plymouth University’s Dental School. She is now fully qualified and working at a practice in Middleton. Yusra described to the pupils how her studies in both Design Technology and Textiles at A Level, have borne significant fruit throughout her higher education and into her career. She explained how the knowledge and skills used to design and make a table are the same as those needed to make a dental crown or construct a dental bridge, or, as she phrased it, ‘civil engineering in the mouth’! Of her visit, she told us: “I loved being back at School as I hadn't been back since I left in 2005. The girls were very enthusiastic and I was nervous for them really; making career choices so early on. A lot has changed in the school, but the girls and staff are still lovely”.

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Astrophysics Lecture In December, Dr Sarah Hutton (1997-2004), Ogden Science Officer at University College, London, spent a day in School speaking with physicists from both Divisions. After leaving School, Sarah studied for a PhD in Astrophysics at the University of Durham, after which she became a teacher via the INSPIRE course at Imperial College. Before taking up her post at UCL, Sarah taught at an all-girls’ school in St Albans, during which time she forged strong links with the Ogden Trust partnership, inspiring many girls to progress to A Level Physics and beyond. During her visit, Sarah gave presentations to two Girls' Division Year 9 classes, reflecting on her career path to date in the field of Astrophysics, before addressing A Level Physics students from both Astrophysicist Sarah Divisions. Sarah commented: “I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to Bolton School, I have been back several times since I completed my first degree and each time has been great. The passion and curiosity evident in both Divisions and across the years was fantastic to see. I hope that the students were able to reflect on what a career in a STEM subject could mean for them and if I gave any of them the confidence to turn that thought into reality then I am delighted.”

Careers Convention In October, the School’s bi-annual Careers and Higher Education Convention took place, one of the largest of its kind in the North West. At the event, almost 1,000 GCSE and A level students from across the region were able to meet with 60 employers and 30 HE institutions who had stands at the event, and attend seminars on a diverse range of topics relating both to university and employment. Old Girl Abbey Sweeney (Class of 2012) was an exhibitor at the Convention, representing ANS, the company she joined as a Business Enterprise Apprentice immediately after leaving School. Abbey is now a Project Manager in ANS’ Professional Services team, managing multimillion pound IT contracts for clients in the public and private sectors. Abbey enjoyed talking to Convention attendees about the ANS Academy, and told us: “It was refreshing to see how many students were actually interested in apprenticeships. I think with the current rise in university fees, teenagers are perhaps thinking twice about going to university and the risk of graduating without a guaranteed job, but with substantial debts. At the ANS Academy, as well as leaving with a qualification, there is a guaranteed job at the end of the apprenticeship, as well as the opportunity to pursue further study.” Old Girl Lorna Cruice (née Jackson, 1970-1977), Chartered Landscape Architect at Appletons in

Students visit stands at the Convention

Bolton, also advised pupils at the event. After leaving School, Lorna completed a degree in Landscape Architecture and then a post graduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture, both at Leeds Beckett University, with a year’s work placement in between at Merseyside County Council. Two years later, Lorna completed her professional exams to become a Chartered Landscape Architect; she has since studied arboriculture and ecology on an incremental basis, and is a member of the Arboricultural Association. Lorna told us: “Bolton School gave me the confidence to pursue my chosen career. I never had any doubts that I couldn’t achieve what I wanted to do, and my education in geography still underpins some of the work I do. I really enjoyed meeting pupils at the Convention: it’s always good to speak with young people, and discuss their interests and aspirations, as it’s their generation who can make a difference to our environment with new ideas and commitment.”

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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Spring 2016

Old Girls Go Global Kath Howarth (née Sixsmith, 1957-1963) I live in Philadelphia, USA. I have lived in the United States since 1990 when I came here to study for a PhD in Physical Education/Teacher Education. I taught in a College in Cortland, NY, for 15 years before retiring here to Philadelphia with my partner. I am now a US citizen. Of course there is so much history in Philadelphia which is a very interesting, diverse and walkable city. I live just a few blocks from the Italian Market, but every cuisine is represented here – even an English café selling potted eels and pies! Philadelphia has one of the best orchestras in the world as well as wonderful museums. I continue my interest in art by attending classes at a nearby centre and volunteer at our small local park where we organise summer concerts and events for children. I miss friends and the English countryside, but America has something for everyone from deserts to lush, green forests.

The Old Girls’ Association has over 4,500 members living and working not just in the UK, but across the globe. Here we catch up with two members who have moved to America to find out what motivated them to move abroad, what they enjoy about their lives there… and what they still miss about the UK! If you live abroad and would like to contribute to a future ‘Old Girls Go Global’ feature, please email: development@boltonschool.org

Rhiannon Ruff (née Williams, 1993-2002) In July 2010, I officially moved to Canton, Ohio in the United States to live with my husband, a professor at Kent State University. We met in Australia while I was a graduate student and he a postdoc; it was to our mutual dismay we were both English! Academia took him to Ohio, then I made the move when he obtained a position with green card sponsorship. Canton has become my home. Our local community has been incredibly welcoming and supportive, especially when our twins arrived in 2014 and when we became US citizens this year. The scenery, particularly the lakes and abundance of trees, is beautiful and surprising to UK visitors. The autumn is spectacular. Also, the US really does have a thriving entrepreneurial spirit – I can't imagine co-founding a company anywhere else. The one downside: although the food is great, I miss Eccles cakes and black pudding, not to mention ‘real’ chicken tikka masala!

The Best of Both Worlds: A Portrait of Bolton School To mark the 100th Anniversary of the Foundation of the School, a commemorative publication, titled The Best of Both Worlds, has been published. The Best of Both Worlds tells for the first time the interwoven story of two Schools which share a common vision and heritage, and a single remarkable site. Beautifully illustrated, with both newly commissioned and archive photography, the book charts the evolution of the Bolton School Foundation since its endowment by Lord Leverhulme in 1915 and shows how it remains true to his founding ethos of opportunity for all – regardless of means, background or gender. Featuring personal accounts by teachers and Alumni of both Divisions, the book explores daily life at the School, its grounding in the local community, and adventures at Cautley, Patterdale and beyond. The Best of Both Worlds is priced at £45, and you can purchase a copy either online at the School Merchandise store, at www.boltonschoolmerchandise.org, or in School, from the Development Office.

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Flo’s in Fashion After leaving School in 2009, Flo went on to complete a BA Honours Degree in Fashion Design at the University of Westminster. Her graduate collection, comprising voluminous, brightly patterned dresses featured in Avenir Magazine, LOVE Magazine and Vogue Italia. Flo now designs bags and accessories for British multinational fashion retailer Topshop. Here she tells us about her time at Bolton School and the path she has taken to reach her current position. I have always focused on my creative side, so Art and Textiles were my favourite subjects. It was extremely helpful that these lessons were taught by my favourite teachers - Miss Fazackerley, Mrs Fisher and Miss Stafford - they influenced me greatly and introduced me to artists and designers, some of whom remain my favourites to this day! They gave me a huge amount of encouragement and confidence, both with my work and my ability. After leaving Bolton, I moved to London where I studied at Central Saint Martins for an Art and Design Foundation Degree, before applying to the University of Westminster BA Fashion Design Degree as I was blown away by their course and the opportunity to work for a whole year in industry. Moving to London was the best decision I made! During one of my first internships, working for Katie Hillier, I discovered my love of accessories design and, after completing my degree, I was fortunate enough to have a choice about where I wanted to start my career. I chose Alfred Dunhill, although this didn’t seem like the obvious choice as they are a Menswear brand and I had just completed a Womenswear design degree. However, some of my best decisions have not been the most obvious - I couldn’t pass up on an amazing opportunity to learn about leather and luxury construction from some of the best in the business! After a wonderful year there, it was time for me to return to the world of women’s accessories. Initially, I freelanced at Cath Kidston as Junior Designer, before securing my current role as Assistant Designer Bags, Accessories and Hosiery at Topshop. I cover a lot of areas within Topshop and work independently across many departments - prioritising

the workload here is a daily challenge that I am still getting to grips with! I have also had to learn not to take things personally. The design world is so subjective; someone will always love it, whilst another won’t quite feel the same way! My parents gave me the freedom to be able to take the path that I did and they were a great influence on my hard work ethic. I have also been fortunate enough to have been taught by some extremely influential and fascinating people and their encouragement has always made it that bit easier to take the next step. Of course, Bolton School also provided me with a sound, all-round education, giving me the confidence to believe in what I wanted to do and to push myself to do it. One of my biggest career highlights to date was catching a glimpse of my graduate collection on the catwalk at the Westminster Fashion Show, but my greatest achievement has to be my graduate collection being photographed for LOVE Magazine. Having such influential people such as Katie Grand, Lulu Kennedy and Solve Sundsbo focus their attention on my collection was amazing, and to have Gigi Hadid wearing it was pretty cool too!

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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Spring 2016

Story of a Gown

Each year, three Girls’ Division Prefects are linked with the Development Office, to assist them with their work with the Old Girls. One of this year’s Alumni Prefects, Laura Hainey, was helping in the Old Girls’ Room at Open Day in October, and upon chatting with an Old Girl, Neelam Patel, who was visiting School with her daughter, discovered that she was one of Laura’s predecessors in wearing her Prefect’s Gown. We caught up with Neelam and two other Old Girls, who all have their Gown in common. Neelam Patel (née Surti, 1982-1989) “My husband, daughter and I saw a number of Prefects around School at Open Day, all of whom looked very smart in their gowns and white carnations. In the Old Girls’ Room, we met Laura and my husband asked her if Prefects still sewed their name labels into their Laura with Neelam gowns. Laura promptly took her gown off to show us that this was still the case, and to my utter shock and amazement I noticed that it was the same gown that I had worn nearly 30 years ago! I was completely overcome with emotion as it brought back so many wonderful memories of my time at Bolton School. “Laura then let me wear the gown once again, and as I put it on I felt transported back to outside Mrs Spurr's office, lining up with the other Prefects and waiting to go into assembly. My favourite moment whilst wearing the gown was walking into assembly and hearing the ‘swish’ of all the girls standing: it was a magical start to each day. “I am now a Consultant Anaesthetist at Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Hospitals, and I enjoyed my time at School so much that all three of my children, two boys and one girl, are now Bolton School pupils. My daughter joined Hesketh House in January 2016 and I can only hope that one day she may be fortunate enough to be able to wear this gown, too. I was so impressed by Laura’s confidence, grace and friendliness: I could not have wished for ‘my’ gown to be worn by a nicer person.”

Cherry Siddall (1988-1995) After handing in her gown, Cherry studied for a degree in Computer Science at the University of Portsmouth which was sponsored by IBM, working for Class of 1995: John Haslam, them throughout her Rachel Taylor, Lucinda Leeming, degree and then for Cherry Siddall, Alexandra Harrison, seven years Emma McGregor, Delme Roberts, afterwards. She now Michelle Alston (née Cain), teaches Digital Gavin Smith and Oliver Shaw. Design at the International School of Amsterdam, having made the transition into teaching over 13 years ago, and has taught in the UK, Singapore and Norway. She is currently working on a Masters in Digital Technology and Communication in Education at the University of Manchester. Cherry’s favourite memories of her gown are linked with a notable moment in the School’s history: “I was a Prefect the year Mrs Spurr left, and being involved in all of the activities for that was really fun, although, having looked up to the Prefects during my time at School, just walking into the hall with the gown on for the first time was really special”. She advises current Year 13 pupils to make career choices based on what they enjoy doing, adding: “if you don't like what you are doing, stop and do something new”. Hannah Bradley (1999-2006) Hannah studied at the University of Leeds after leaving School, and then went on to do the Graduate Diploma in Law and Legal Practice Course at Hannah (l) with Helen Hartley The College of Law (1999-2006) at the Grand Reunion, in Manchester. She September 2015 now works as a Solicitor for Brabners LLP, based in Manchester, and specialises in Commercial Dispute Resolution. Hannah’s favourite memory of wearing her gown is of the Prefects' Panto: “I had the honour of playing one of my favourite teachers, Mrs Patterson. I hope that it was apparent that my portrayal of her was founded on nothing but admiration for her steely determination to teach Spanish but only when the entire class was dressed appropriately.” Hannah is in regular contact with many friends from School, and revisited her days as a Prefect at the Grand Reunion at School in September. Co-incidentally, she works alongside fellow Old Girl Anne-Marie Coles (1990-2004), with whom she has become good friends.

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Staff in the Spotlight Our latest staff members to come under the spotlight are teacher of Biology, Miss Beresford and Music teacher, Mr Morrison. Alumni Prefects Laura Hainey, Stephanie Higgins and Elise Skeels-Caldwell caught up with them to find out why they entered the teaching profession and to ask about their time at School.

Miss Beresford

The staff have also changed a lot in this time, Miss Corkill was the Head of Biology before Mrs Furey and she helped me a lot at the start of my career. I also think there is much more pressure on students to do well in their exams now.

When did you decide you wanted to be a teacher? It was when I was studying Microbiology at University. Biology was always my favourite subject at school.

Which experiences do you think you will remember in years to come? The trip to Peru with Operation Wallacea last summer will stick in my mind; I don’t expect I will go to the rainforest again and it was Laura, Miss Beresford an amazing experience. I remember taking part in a joint and Stephanie production of Twelfth Night with staff from the Boys’ Division, and How long have you the staff review when Mrs Spurr left. I have fond memories of the taught at Bolton School? Biology field trips to Grange over Sands, Malham and Blencathra, I joined the school in September 1987 so that’s just over 28 years. with the salt marsh at Grange being a particular favourite of mine. girls were always losing their wellies and falling in the mud! One of What attracted you to Bolton School originally? my early memories is when C1 (which is now an ICT suite) was a When I started here I had just completed my teacher training and, Biology lab, with a tank in the corner full of cockroaches. Some of admittedly, I didn’t know a lot about the School then. I am from this them managed to find their way into the back of C2 which was an area so I was just happy to get a job near my family! English book store! In the end we preserved many of them so they could be used in lessons. I also remember an international food How have you seen the school change over the years? festival organised by Mrs Hutchings where Mrs McCann and I We use ICT a lot more than we used to; many resources that were represented the USA and made Boston beans and chowder. When on paper are now online, such as mark schemes and activities. There the Year 13 used to have their Leavers’ Ball in the Great Hall, I have been a lot of changes to the buildings, including the building remember serving behind the bar. It is very difficult to remember of the Riley Centre, Hesketh House, dining room modifications and everything over such a long time. more staff work areas. The general school rules have also changed when I first started here the girls were not allowed to carry bags What is the best thing about teaching at this school? around School, just their books and pencil case! There is a lot of encouragement and support to develop skills and ideas, as well as many opportunities go on interesting trips. I have The school used to have a house in the Lake District called Cautley been on the WW1 Battlefields trip, Operation Wallacea trip to the which was a bit like Patterdale Hall, although the teachers had to do rainforest in Peru, as well as skiing in USA and France and visiting the food shopping and cooking, which included getting up early to the Rhineland. I have supportive and friendly colleagues, especially put on the big oven for a cooked breakfast! I remember taking a my fellow scientists, and I enjoy working with bright and wellYear 7 trip one year when there was no running water on the day motivated students. we set off and we had to take bottled water up with us.

Mr Morrison

How long have you worked at Bolton School and what made you want to work here? I have worked at Bolton School for 16 years and was given the opportunity when Mr Davenport was Head of Music. It was initially for just two mornings a week, but now I work three.

How has the department changed and/or expanded during your time at Bolton School? It has changed quite a lot, but I would say the biggest change is computers and phones. I'm a little bit of a hopeless case with computers! I have also worked with several different Heads of Department and Headteachers, so I have seen a high turnover of staff over the years. How have the music facilities changed over the years? We have more room than we used to have and several new pianos. We've also got an electric organ now, which we didn't have when I first appeared. It had just been lying in the music rooms upstairs not being used. It's really useful as I have a Year Seven organist and now

we can use the organ all the time. We no longer have to worry about not being able to use the organ when exams are taking place in the Great Hall. What is your typical day like? On a typical day I get into School very early to avoid traffic and start at five to eight, finishing at lunchtime. Quite often, when it’s early and there’s nobody around, I'll practise the organ. If I don't practise the organ, I'll practise the piano or do admin, and about once a week I'll check the computer! What has been your favourite musical event at Bolton School? My highlight would be playing at the Bridgewater Hall. I've also been to Vienna with the School choir and Mr McKenzie. That was fantastic! Another highlight was playing for Miss Panton's final assembly. The piece she wanted me to play was eight minutes long and I played it to the whole school on her last day. She sat next to me while I played, which was nerve wracking! Is there anything else you'd like to add? I've done classroom teaching in the past but the thing about playing an instrument is that it takes mind, body and soul. It's not just about reading and listening. I can really enthuse about playing instruments, that's the big difference.

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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Spring 2016

1915

Bolton School, 1915-2015 1st April 1915

1919

William Hesketh Lever joins together the Girls’ High School and the Grammar School to create the Bolton School Foundation, on Chorley New Road. The New Lever Trust is set up and a new joint Governing Body, with separate committees for each Division, is created

Miss Meade is appointed as Headmistress of Girls’ Division

The Girl pu lacrosse th

1918 Lord Leverhulme becomes Mayor of Bolton

1949 Philip Lever inherits his father’s titles, becoming the Third Viscount Leverhulme

1944 1947 Girls’ Division pupils perform The Winter’s Tale

1956 The Whole School Orchestra and Choir with PA Stevens, Boys’ Division Music Master

of the “Direct Grant Sch

The 1944 Education Act cr direct grant grammar school which took between one qua half of their pupils from the s and the rest from fee-payin

Grammar schools were in teach an academic curricu most intellectually able 25 the school population as sele eleven plus examina

The Bolton School Found granted recognition as a D School in November

1965 The North wings of the main buildings are completed

1958 Pupils perform the first ever joint School production, Shakespeare’s Macbeth

1954 Miss Higginson becomes Headmistress of Girls’ Division

1990 Philip Bryce Lever, Third Viscount Leverhulme, retires as School’s Chairman of Governors

1994 Miss Panton is appointed Headmistress of the Girls’ Division

1993

1990

The Arts Centre is completed Princess Diana visits School to open it officially

One in every four pupils receives financial support via the Assisted Places Scheme

1998 Bolton School Nursery opens

2009 The new Beech House opens for our infants

1999 The Hon. Lady Jane Heber-Percy, great-granddaughter of the First Lord Leverhulme, joins the Governing Body

2004 Girls’ Netball Team win the National Championships

2005

2008

Mrs Richards becomes Headmistress of Girls’ Division

Girls’ Division p Rachel Flander becomes the yo person ever to across the Atlan 17, before return continue her A

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In 2015, we celebrated the centenary of Lord Leverhulme’s foundation of the School as we know it today. To commemorate this auspicious anniversary, a timeline has been produced, detailing the last 100 years of the School’s history; a special Girls’ Division edition is reprinted below.

de is d as tress of ision

1921

1928

Fee support is oﬀered to pupils

The Girls’ Division Great Hall is completed, the Boys’ Division Great Hall is under construction

School fees increase to £18 p.a. after the Great War - to keep it affordable, £11 p.a. of fee support is offered to pupils (an early form of the Direct Grant funded by the Bolton Education Committee and Board of Education) B

1920

May 7th 1925

The Girls’ Division pupils form a lacrosse team for the first time

1928 “So much of what he did, and was, will still live on, and none can tell the far-reaching effects of all he has done.” WG Lipscombe, former Headmaster

Viscountess Leverhulme opens the Girls’ Division buildings officially

1944 1938

rect Grant School”

Miss Varley is appointed Headmistress of the Girls’ Division, pictured here with the Second Viscount Leverhulme, Chairman of Governors

ation Act created 179 mar schools in England, een one quarter and one s from the state system, m fee-paying parents. ools were intended to mic curriculum to the ally able 25 per cent of ation as selected by the us examination. hool Foundation was ition as a Direct Grant November 1945.

1972 The Girls’ Division is given the organ from Bridge Street Methodist Chapel

1966 School is given Cautley, the country house in Sedburgh, Cumbria, which was used to give pupils access to outdoor pursuits

s man

1986 Construction of the Sports Hall

1974

1970

Girls’ Division Sixth Form Common Room Opens

One in every three pupils receives financial support for fees via the Direct Grant Scheme

1980

1979

Girls’ Division Lacrosse Team are North West champions

Mrs Spurr is appointed as Headmistress of Girls’ Division

1976 Comprehensive vs Independence: Bolton School becomes an independent school

1975-76

1984 The Leverhulme Pavilion is constructed

School launches a fundraising campaign to find fee support for new pupils

2013

08 s’ Division pupil, hel Flanders (left) omes the youngest p son ever to row a oss the Atlantic, aged 1 efore returning to c tinue her A Levels

2010

2011

Hesketh House, the new Junior Girls’ School, opens

Miss Hincks is appointed Headmistress of the Girls’ Division

School buys Patterdale Hall, an outdoor pursuits c

The Riley Centre opens, thanks to the generosity of our benefactors, housing our Sixth Formers and main School reception

2014 School buys Patterdale Hall, an outdoor pursuits centre in the Lake District, after leasing it for 20 years

2015 School celebrates the Centenary of The Bolton School Foundation, marking the occasion by launching the 100 Campaign for Bursaries to re-establish genuine open-access on Chorley New Road.

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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Spring 2016

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS Uniformed Services Dinner Friday 13th March 2015

Jane Wintermeyer (née May, 1973-1980), Catherine Wintermeyer, Gill Richards (Former Headmistress, 2005-2011) and Carol Haslam (née Bonser, 1959-1966)

Student Alice Delaney, Thomas Chia (2004-2015), Michael Evans (1988-1995), Student Victoria Jolley, Tom Howarth (2008-2015) and Student Charlotte Fielding

Sue Hincks (Headmistress), Maurice Howarth, Jean Howarth (née Lever, 1954-1961) and Eric Forsyth (1943-1950)

Centenary Dinner Friday 17th April 2015

Former Headteachers: Jane Panton (1994-2005), Margaret Spurr (1979-1994), Alan Wright (1983-2002) and Gill Richards (2005-2011)

Rebecca Seddon (née Good, 1967-1974) and David Seddon (1960-1971)

Roger Diggle (Class of 1983), Karen Diggle (Class of 1976), Louise Relph (Class of 1976) and Mark Relph

Tina Ninan (1993-2000) and Sheena Ninan (1989-1999)

Jess Melling (2008-2015), Philip Britton (Headmaster), Mike Griffiths (1958-1965), Sue Hincks (Headmistress) and Paul Greenhalgh (2001-2015)

The Honourable Lady Jane Heber-Percy and Sir Algernon Heber-Percy

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Sarah Threadgold and Guest Speaker, Major General Stuart R Skeates CBE

Alice Ramsbottom (2013-2015) Planting the poppies

Sports Reunion and Dinner Saturday 4th July 2015

1998 Leavers: Rebecca Pukiello-Slack, Laura Hitchen, baby Lois Cole, Laura Cole (née Brierley) and Chloe Granger (née Maher)

Judge William Morris, Baroness Patricia Morris OBE DL (née Whittaker, Class of 1971) and Professor George Holmes DL (Vice Chancellor and Chief Executive, University of Bolton)

Jenny Scott (1998-2005), Jane Booth (1991-2005), Kay Donegan (1998-2005) and Carol Hartopp (1994-2005)

Netball Players

Old Girls in action Pauline Oldershaw (Former Staff Girls’ Division, 1984-2003) and Tony Oldershaw

Lisa Jacobs (née Griffiths, 1996-2003), Gareth Jacobs, Mike Griffiths (1958-1965) and Karen Griffiths

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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Spring 2016

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS Grand Reunion Saturday 26th September 2015

Sue Harding (1964-1977), Janice Drake (1970-1977), Mrs Anne Pugsley, Mrs Kathleen Zimak (née Smith) (both Former Girls’ Division staff) and Margaret Hind (Class of 1977)

Back row: Janet Latham (née Baxendale), Fiona Jones (née Clough), Susan Bunting and Hannah Lea (all 1971-1978) Front row: Mrs Anne Pugsley, Mrs Ann Tankard (1972-2006), Mrs Kathleen Zimak (née Smith, 1954-1961) and Catherine Bankes (née Chadwick, 1953-1961)

1986 and 1987 leavers

Former Staff: Lillian Croston (1970-1973), Sheila Cox (1971-1974) and Marian Corkill (1970-2003)

1996-1997 leavers

Janice Drake (1970-1977), Margaret Winfield (Former Staff) and Margaret Hind (Class of 1977)

The oldest attendees at the Reunion: Joyce Crowther (née Rothwell) and Alexander Jan Doel (née Francis, Gordon, both 1962-1969) and Mark Doel class of 1939 (1962-1969)

Anita Hughes (née Percival, 1957-1964), Susan Wilson (née Yates, 1957-1964), Sue Seely (née Band, 1954-1964) and Angie Davies (née Smith, 1950-1964)

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1964 Leavers: Angie Davies (née Smith), Anita Hughes (née Percival) and Heather Vinter (née Armstrong)

1974 Leavers: Sue Kelcey (née Howarth), Val Marshall (née Oddie), Tricia Tickle (née Callaghan), Janice Dunckley (née McNaughton), Sue Taylor (née Ashworth) and Sue Brooks (née Earnshaw)

1972 Leavers: Doreen Iddon (née Haslam); Margaret Davies (née Pilling); Christine Sutcliffe (née Nightingale); Pamela Roper (née Thomasson); Libby Gawith (née Hough) and Lynne Jones (née Daly)

1974 Leavers: Sue Brooks (née Earnshaw), Janice Dunckley (née McNaughton), Val Marshall (née Oddie), Liz Beamish (née Livesey), Tricia Tickle (née Callaghan), Sue Kelcey (née Howarth) Sue Taylor (née Ashworth)

Gill Richards (Former Headmistress, 2005-2011) with 2010 Leavers

1958 Leavers

Anne Grattidge (née Turner, 1956-1966), Mary Rickard (née Ratcliffe, 1956-1966) and Kate Boulter (née Wood, 1952-1966)

1966 Leavers with former teacher Mary Moon (third from left front row)

1961 Leavers: Joan Anderson (née Greenhalgh), Mavis Nwokobia (née Shufflebotham), Janet Wainwright (née Yates), Elspeth Mullineux (née Agnew), Jean Howarth (née Lever), Kathleen Zimak (née Smith) and Janet Hock

Margot Senior (1963-1971), Margaret Winfield (Former Staff), Aileen Valentine (née Warren, 1963-1970), Janet Hutson (née Wright, 1963-1970), Elizabeth Hayward (née Rigby, 1963-1970) and Sheila Fisher (née Platt, 1963-1970)

1977 Leavers: Gill Davidson (née Adams), Cathy Baker (née Walker), Jackie Bateson (née Sloane), Susan Harding, Janice Drake, Debbie Stephen (née Hunt), Liz Wainwright (née Unwin), Barbara Duffy (née Sanderson) and Suzanne D'Arcy (née Kohorn)

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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Spring 2016

NEWS OF OLD GIRLS OLD GIRLS’ NEWS Class of 1950-1959 Avril Lim (née Crabtree, 1945-1952) Several years after leaving School, having had no contact (despite both studying in Oxford), Avril met Old Girl Ursula Oxburgh (née Brown, 1945-1952) by chance at the American Consulate in Liverpool in 1958. Both were applying for a visa, but with different destinations in America - Ursula was travelling to Princeton to marry her fiancé, a scientist, also from Oxford, who was later elevated to become Lord Oxburgh. Avril was travelling to Indiana where she spent a year in the Riley Children’s Hospital of Indiana University, as an occupational therapist working with children. The following year she was invited to open an Occupational Therapy department for children with cerebral palsy in Purdue University. Several years later in 1963, she met and married her husband, a Chinese biochemist Dr Franklin Lim. Avril and Franklin were blessed with four children (from 1964 through 1970) and Avril has been busy, and involved in many outside causes, always, maintaining her Anglican Church duties, especially with children. Franklin passed away on 3rd April 2015. Through all these years Avril has kept in touch and exchanged visits with friends from both Bolton School and her Oxford years. Pauline Ogden (née Jackson, 1951-1958) After leaving School, Pauline took up the role of Secretary to the Directors at Warburton’s the Bakers where she spent nine very happy years. She left to have her first child in 1967 (followed by two others in 1969 and 1971), with Old Boy Geoff Ogden (1950-1959) whom she married in 1963. Pauline then went to college to study chiropody, before working in the National Health Service for 22 years. Pauline is a keen gardener and busy grandmother and is in regular contact with many of her peers.

Class of 1960-1969 Kathleen Ward (née Waddington, 1953-1960) Congratulations to Kathleen whose garden design was chosen as Garden of the Month in the magazine Cornwall Life last August. Kathleen would be very happy to hear from any Old Girls who would like to visit her garden, via the Development Office. Margaret Wood (Class of 1961) Margaret would like to ask all Old Girls who were in the Lower Sixth form in 1954, how many chose to have a

German pen friend and, of those who did, how many are still in contact with their pen friend today? Although Margaret was learning French at the time, as there were insufficient girls wanting German pen friends and as she loved to write letters, she jumped at the opportunity to have a pen friend in Germany. 61 years and many holidays later, Margaret is still corresponding with her pen friend and they have shared some very good times together.

Class of 1970-1979 Sheila Fisher (née Platt, 1963-1970) We recently heard from Sheila who told us: ‘It has been a pleasure and a privilege to be a member of the Governing Body for the past 30 years. During that time we have seen so much care and success in the development of all aspects of School life. This year we took time out together to celebrate how fortunate we are to have attended this wonderful School at the reunion and what a joy it was to see so many friends and former teachers. Some are very much in touch especially Aileen Warren (née Valentine, 1963-1970) and Elizabeth Hayward (née Rigby, 1963-170) who I first met on my first day in what was then known as the Third form. Others had never returned to School since we all left in 1970. Life has been good and interesting for many of us ‘to whom so much has been given’ and it was a delight to catch up. Seeing former teachers made us feel that schooldays only ended yesterday and reminds us how lucky we were. One highlight of current School life is the commitment of pupils and staff to community links and volunteering, so a further pleasure was attending the Royal visit by HRH The Earl of Wessex in November. The expeditions and activities undertaken by the boys and girls were most impressive as were their presentations. This is an aspect of School life in which I am excited to be able to play a greater part as, from the coming year, I shall be chairing the Scott Bolton Trust as Governor Representative. I look forward to this with much anticipation. All of this reminds me that the chance to do ‘D of E’ was something I never had the chance to attempt coming to walking, and more recently trekking, at a later stage in life. To achieve some ‘respectability’ and to feel able to look our young people in the eye I have decided to do my planned trek to the forbidden kingdom of Mustang in northern Nepal as my challenge for the D of E Diamond

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Award. The purpose of this award is to raise funds for the D of E so that children from vulnerable or disadvantaged backgrounds can be supported to undertake the kind of endeavour that we are now encouraged to do as part of School life. If anyone would like to support the D of E by sponsoring one grey-haired but enthusiastic trekker more details can be found on justgiving.com/sheila-mustang-nepal2016.

Holly Morton (2004-2011) Congratulations to Holly who graduated from the University of Chester in June 2015 with an 2:1 (Hons) degree in English Literature. Before graduating, Holly secured the position of Campaign Executive at Prospects, a graduate careers service at the University of Manchester. Shakti Patel (2004-2011)

Class of 1980-1989 Debbi Morgan-Jones (1983-1988) Debbi has recently graduated from the University of Portsmouth with a First Class Honours degree in BSc Social Work. Congratulations!

Class of 1990-1999 Sally-Anne Huang (née Blakemore, 1982-1990) In Summer 2015, Sally-Anne moved from Headship at Kent College, Pembury to Head of James Allen's Girls' School in Dulwich, London, a large selective girls' day school which holds joint events with Dulwich College for boys and has a great tradition in bursaries. Sally-Anne is very pleased to be there as the school is more like Bolton School than anywhere else she has worked before.

Class of 2000-2009 Deanne Cunningham (1994-2001) Having worked in TV for the past seven years, Deanne has recently started her most exciting job yet - as co-producer of the new series of Cold Feet for ITV. Filming started in February with all the old cast, with potential for shooting at some familiar Bolton locations. Deanne told us, ‘It’s been 12 years since the original series aired, so it should be a bit of a blast from the past for those of us who watched and loved it back when we were at School.’ After several years of moving around the country to work on different drama productions, from Kent all the way to Edinburgh, Deanne is enjoying being back at work in the North West. Suzanne Lewis (1998-2005) Suzanne has recently been appointed to her dream-role with the British Red Cross, working as a Senior People and Learning Manager across Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside. She has delivered careers talks to Year 8 and Sixth Form pupils in recent years and always enjoys relating how her experience at School shaped her future.

Class of 2010 onwards Sarah Mercer (Class of 2011) Sarah graduated from Manchester Metropolitan University in July 2015 with a 2:1 BA (Hons) degreee in Primary Education with QTS. Congratulations!

Shakti recently entered a photographic competition run by STA Travel, the final stage of which required entrants to submit their best travel photos which were then judged on how many ‘likes’ they received on Facebook. Shakti’s photo taken at the Whitsunday Islands, Australia – sadly did not win her the top prize of a trip across Australia, but she deservedly reached the final three. Well done! Jennifer Whitehead (Class of 2011) Jennifer graduated from Newcastle University in July last year with a BSc (Hons) degree in Biomedical Sciences. Congratulations! Helen Potts (2005-2012) and Hannah Cooper (Class of 2013) On 10th December 2015, Helen and Hannah played on opposing teams in the 29th Women’s Varsity Rugby Match – Helen playing for the University of Oxford and Hannah for the University of Cambridge. Excitingly, this was the first year ever that the Women’s Blues match was played at Twickenham (previously it had only been the Men’s Blues and U21s teams) and it was even filmed by the BBC and available to view via the red button and on iPlayer. Congratulations to Hannah who was on the winning Cambridge side who triumphed 52-0. Commiserations, of course, to Helen! Georgina Roden (Class of 2013) Georgina Roden, who is studying at Tilburg University in the Netherlands, has recently competed in her first Dressage International for Great Britain Under 21s. Many congratulations to her! Chloe Wynne (2007-2013) Well done to Chloe who has been selected to present at the prestigious British Conference of Undergraduate Research in Manchester in March 2016 for her recent university project on Sexism and Formula 1. The annual conference is the largest of its kind in the UK and promotes undergraduate research in all disciplines. Chloe’s research focuses upon the different gendered experiences faced by women competing and working

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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Spring 2016 within Formula 1. Chloe has also written an article which explores the absence of women in prominent positions within sport which appeared in Autosport magazine. Leda Hadjigeorgiou (2007-2014) Leda took a gap year prior to going to Oxford University in September 2015. Following some time spent excavating at Hadrian's Wall and three weeks digging at the ancient site of Portus in Rome as part of the University of Southampton’s ongoing excavation, she spent a month at Street Kids’ Community Village, a charity dedicated to helping street children in South India rebuild their lives - and supported by the Girls’ Division. Working at SKCV had a profound impact on Leda and she told us, ‘One of the things I was most struck by was how very important donations are to the trust. I cannot emphasise enough, therefore, how important the work

done by Bolton School girls is for this charity. What may seem to be just another bake sale could make a marked difference to the lives of these disadvantaged children in India.’ Jessica Ryan (2000-2014) After studying Acting and Musical Theatre at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts last year, Jessica recently attained her first professional acting part playing the title role of Cinderella in Story Magic Theatre's Christmas pantomime. The production toured schools from November to December 2015, followed by several performances at Hebden Bridge Little Theatre.

HATCHES AND MATCHES Congratulations to the following Old Girls on their recent weddings, engagements and new arrivals! Angela Pearson (née Smith, 1994-2001) Angela married Old Boy Jonathan Pearson (19911999) in March last year. The couple got together six years ago – ten years after they met at Bolton School. Good things come to those who wait! Several Old Boys and Old Girls helped Angela and Jonathan celebrate their big day – from left to right: Geoffrey Cleworth (1963-1970, stepfather of the bride), Phil Ashton (1992-1999), John Johnson

(1992-1999, Best Man), Jonathan Pearson (Groom), Angela, Rachel Tomlins (1994-2001, Chief Bridesmaid), Robin Beck (1992-1999, guitarist as Angela walked down the aisle), Stephanie Tyers (née Pearson, 1996-2003). Phil Parkinson (1992-1999) and Becky Parkinson (née Hayes, Class of 1999) were also present but are missing from the photo. Angela and Jonathan had a fantastic day and are now expecting their first child.

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Emily Harrison (née Freem, 1991-2005) and Helen Rayner (née Freem, 1990-2004) are pleased to announce the births of Edward and Arthur. Edward John Harrison was born on 26th August 2015, closely followed by Arthur

Henry Rayner on 1st October. Helen and Emily can confirm that the similarities are only coincidental, even if that is hard to believe after the births of their two daughters, Anna and Clara, only eight weeks apart in 2013!

Emily Whittle (2004-2011) Emily got engaged in February 2015 to Old Boy Will Pearson (Class of 2011). Emily currently works as a Speech and Language Therapist on a stroke ward and Will works as a Graduate Manager in Cheshire West and Chester Council.

Ruth Syddall (née Morley, 1993-2003) Ruth wed Old Boy Adam Sydall (1984-1998) last year.

Please contact the Development Office to share your happy news! 25

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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Spring 2016

MINI REUNIONS Old Girls Reunite after 42 Years It all started when I saw a snippet in an Old Girls’ Magazine around 2012 that Heather Morris (née Denton) was looking for Susan Davies. I don't think Heather will mind me mentioning that my most vivid memory of her at School was that she was sometimes late due to cows in the field - I gathered at the time that this prevented her getting to the bus stop, but it certainly stayed in my mind!

In the meantime, not being able to resist a challenge, I tried to find Susan Davies as she hadn’t responded to the article in the magazine. Due to being a bit of a hoarder, I still had a list of people who had attended a School reunion in 1998 and was delighted to find Susan’s name on it with her address and phone number. With bated breath I eagerly phoned the number, only to find it engaged for a long period of time. After this initial disappointment I eventually got through to a man who had no knowledge of Susan but just before he put the phone down I asked if he lived at the address on the list and, as he said no, I thought it likely Susan might still live there but had changed her phone number. So I duly sent off a postcard to that address and again, was completely surprised to have a reply a very few days later. Then it got even better as Susan and her husband came to meet us in Yorkshire. We had a great day catching up, followed by a meal in the local pub - so if there is a moral in this tale it is “never throw anything away”! Judith Turner (Class of 1973)

(l-r) Susan, Susan and Heather

I was intrigued to find out what had become of her and, through Heather's website, was surprised to find that she was living and working in California. I managed to make email contact, which carried on intermittently for a while. Last Summer, Heather visited the UK with her daughter. We met up and had a good time catching up on our lives.

I was very grateful that Judith was so considerate, and indeed tenacious, in her efforts to put Heather and me back in touch after 40 years as I had drawn a blank in trying to trace her. The last I had heard, courtesy of “News of Old Girls” in the Old Girls’ Magazine many years before, was that she had moved to America and had twins. Talking together evoked forgotten memories of times shared, and it was fascinating to compare how we had gone our separate ways. It was a lovely day. Susan Loscombe (née Davies, Class of 1973)

1964 Leavers It has been an interesting six months for the 1964 leavers email contact list. The September School reunion saw 14 of us attending, an exceptionally good showing. However, large groups or revisiting Bolton School are not everyone’s idea of a good time, so a small group of Frances Blundell (née Astle), Gillian Driver, Pat McMullen (née Lane), Janet Ward (née Mitchell), Helen Megoran (née Rigg) and Heather Plant (née Scowcroft) met for lunch in Bolton. The now annual Northern Gathering took place in Manchester in late November with Frances Blundell (née Astle), Gillian Driver, Janet Ward (née Mitchell), Elizabeth Mullenger, Anita Hughes (née Percival), Pauline Rose, Margaret Buckley (née Satterthwaite), Moira Greenhalgh (née Stevens), Marjorie Robinson (née West) and Pat Gallagher (née Varey). The next Southern Gathering is planned for lunch on 11th March 2016, with some attendees going on to the Joint London Dinner at the House of Lords later in the day. There are now 36 leavers on our email contact list with several joining in the last year through personal contact and through the Old Girls’ Association Newsletter. New members are Susan Seely (Band), Jennifer Marshall (Boardman), Margaret Jackson (Drury) from Australia, Janet Pearson (Shepherd), Angela Davies (Smith) and Gillian Billo (Stredder) from the USA. We should love to hear from the other 60 or so. Moira Greenhalgh (Stevens) E: moira@m-greenhalgh.co.uk, T: 01524 761269

L to R: Marjorie Robinson (née West), Helen Megoran (née Rigg), Anita Hughes (née Percival), Elizabeth Mullenger, Moira Greenhalgh (née Stevens), Pauline Rose, Frances Blundell (née Astle), Margaret Buckley (née Satterthwaite), Janet Ward (née Mitchell) and Pat Gallagher (née Varey)

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DESTINATION OF LEAVERS Polly Adams Sawdah Adia Sennia Ahmed Catherine Ashworth Tina Aster Annabel Ault (2014 leaver) Farah Awda Holly Bakker Ananya Baksi Hannah Barnes Antonia Bate (2014 leaver) Emma Beard Emily Bibby Abi Bridge Jessica Broome Alex Brown Madison Brownley Olivia Burke Millie Camm (2014 leaver) Samreen Chohan Melissa Clarke Zoe Cockerill (2014 leaver) Esther Compsty Laura Crompton Elizabeth Cummings Laura Daly Olivia Daly Than Dar Sadyaha Davda (2014 leaver) Isobel Davies Katie Devine Ellen Dick Elizabeth Dillon Abbey Donnelly Suzanne Etchells Isobel Faulkner Rachel Fines Rhiannon Fox-Rothwell Alliya Ghanchi Kate Gilding Mwiza Gondwe Eleanor Gorick Isabella Gregori Harriet Gribbin Anchal Gupta Leda Hadjigeorgiou (2014 leaver) Natasha Hall Taylor Heywood Carishma Hirani Millie Holding Lydia Hounat Polly Hughes Tara Hurley Katie Hurt

University of York, Psychology in Education University of Manchester, Pharmacy Gap Year Goldsmiths, University of London (2016), Anthropology and Sociology Plymouth University, Dental Surgery Hertford College, University of Oxford, Geography University of Central Lancashire, Biomedical Sciences Harper Adams University, Bioveterinary Science Newcastle University, Biomedical Sciences Gap Year University of Manchester, Accounting University College London, Geography De Montfort University, Biomedical Sciences University of York, Psychology University of York, Environmental Geography University of Birmingham, Modern Languages University of Birmingham, Chemical Engineering Sheffield Hallam University, Primary Education with QTS University of Manchester, Mathematics with Modern Languages Keele University, Pharmacy Royal Holloway, University of London, English and History University of York, Psychology Gap Year University of Leeds, Geography University of Aberdeen, Biology King's College London, Nutrition and Dietetics Gap Year St Catharine's College, University of Cambridge, Medicine University of Manchester, Chemistry Loughborough University, Mathematics Josephine Butler College, Durham University, General Engineering Oxford Brookes University, Business and Management Bangor University, English Literature with Creative Writing University of Lincoln, Architecture Liverpool Hope University, Primary Teaching with Mathematics University of Sheffield, Medicine Newcastle University (2016), Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies University of St Andrews, Earth Sciences University of Leicester, Medicine Cardiff University, English Teeside University, Biological Sciences Manchester Metropolitan University, Public Relations and Marketing Gap Year University of East Anglia, English Literature Gap Year Oriel College, University of Oxford, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History Downing College, University of Cambridge, Classics Brunel University, Product Design Engineering University of Central Lancashire, Operating Department Practice University of Liverpool, Medicine Falmouth University, English Literature with Creative Writing University of York, Business and Management Nottingham Trent University (2016), Psychology Corpus Christi College, University of Oxford, Physics

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Old Girlsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association Newsletter Spring 2016 Nisaa Hussain Saira Hussain Natasha Jones Nichole Kay Farhana Koli Alicia Langley Olivia Lobo Robyn Lomas Grace MacLennan Kalina Marsh Juliet Marshall Chloe Mason Beth McCaul Francesca McDonald Ellie McGivern Amy McVeigh Charlotte McWilliams Jess Melling Georgia Milne Khamillah Mohammed Helen Morris India Morris Raeesa Mulla Katie Nightingale Imogen Ormston Nikki Padmakumar Ammaarah Patel Munira Patel Zoe Pillar Katie Potts Lisa Quinn Aisha Qureshi Alice Ramsbottom Sarah Richards Olivia Russell Hajra Saleem Swathi Saravanan Radhika Sharma Gabby Sikorski Laura Simmonds Megan Smethurst Emily Storer Daisy Tankard Emily Tasker Ailish Taylor Raeesah Taylor Amber Tobin Claudia Turner Sana Valli (2014 leaver) Daisy Varley (2014 leaver) Rachael Ward Kendal Watkinson Jake Watts Izzie Whitehead Victoria Whitehead Kay Cein Wong Florence Wu

University of Birmingham, International Law and Globalisation University of Salford, Accounting and Finance University of Birmingham, Psychology Gap Year Gap Year University of Sheffield, Psychology University of St Andrews, Medicine Liverpool John Moores University (2016), Applied Psychology Newcastle University, Economics and Business Management University of Edinburgh, Medicine Liverpool John Moores University, Wildlife Conservation University of York, Psychology De Montfort University, Law University of Liverpool, Ancient History University of Bath, International Management and Modern Languages University of St Andrews, Psychology University of Glasgow, Theatre Studies University College, Durham University, Modern European Languages with History Gap Year Imperial College London, Physics Lancaster University, Psychology University of Manchester, Materials Science and Engineering Gap Year University of Leeds, Medicine University of Bath, Psychology University of Leeds, Medicine University of Manchester, Economics and Philosophy Newcastle University, Chemical Engineering University of Chichester, Musical Theatre and Arts Development Newcastle University, Biology Gap Year University of Manchester (2016), Psychology Gap Year Corpus College, University of Cambridge, Classics Gap Year Gap Year University of Sheffield, English Literature Newcastle University, Mechanical Engineering Sheffield Hallam University, Business and Enterprise Management University of Salford, Nursing Manchester Metropolitan University, Foundation Diploma in Art and Design University of Leeds, History and Philosophy University of Liverpool, Medicine University of Nottingham (2016), Modern Languages SOAS, University of London, Korean University of Manchester, Politics and Modern History Gap Year University of Chester, Events Management University of Manchester, Dentistry Newcastle University, Dentistry University of Manchester, English Language and Screen Studies Queen Mary University of London, Law Liverpool Hope University, Psychology Newcastle University, Zoology Gap Year University of Lincoln, Pharmacy Imperial College London, Materials Science and Engineering

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FROM THE ARCHIVES Ask the Archivist What is the background to the School Song and its composer Thomas Pitfield? The School Song dates back to 1957 when the Parents’ Association, as part of its contribution to the School’s 80th birthday celebrations, commissioned Mr Thomas Pitfield to orchestrate a paraphrase by Phineas Fletcher of Psalm 127. This was adopted as the official School Song and was performed by the combined School Orchestra and School Choir at a special concert on 10th June 1957. The School was delighted and honoured that Thomas Pitfield agreed to attend the concert and conduct the choir and orchestra himself. The original manuscripts Born in Bolton on 5th April 1903, Thomas Pitfield was a self-taught composer and was producing simple pieces of chamber music from the age of 16. He spent seven years, which he described as ‘serfdom’ working for Hick Hargreaves designing fly wheels and other pieces of industrial equipment and used his savings to fund a year at the Royal Manchester College of Music (RMCM). He founded a string quartet and won a scholarship to the Bolton School of Art in 1930, which provided a three-year course of training as a teacher of art and cabinet work. He married his wife, Alice, at Bank Street Chapel, Bolton, in 1936 and they returned to the chapel to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary on Boxing Day 1996.

Meet the Archivist Eric Fairweather If you have a question 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

In 1945 he joined the teaching staff at RMCM and received commissions from several famous musicians, including his oboe sonata for Leon Goossens and other oboe works for Evelyn Rothwell (Lady Barbirolli). Among his students were several composer-pianists such as John Ogdon, John McCabe, Ronald Stevenson and Christian Blackshaw. He died at Bowden, Cheshire, in 1999 and a tribute to his life took place at Bank Street Chapel on 15th January 2000 in the form of a Memorial Concert, consisting of readings of his poetry, interspersed with some of his musical pieces. A choir from the Girls’ Division sang the School Song and readings were made by Sheila Coates and Irene Hornby, both Old Girls of the School. His obituary in The Independent said that Thomas Pitfield would be remembered as a composer of unemphatic, beautifully crafted music. The Girls’ Division will, of course, remember him as the composer of the School Song.

MEMORIES OF SCHOOL Long ago in 1955 when I was 14, Bolton School was a very different place! An invitation to the prestigious Scout Dance came as a pleasant shock. Older girls from School were unsupportive to say the least: ‘What’s a kid like you doing going to the Scout Dance?’. I was not put off, however, and arranged to meet Peter on the 41 bus to Bolton.

Boys’ Division. I was intimidated by the appearance of the other girls – they had sophisticated dresses, lots of make-up, high heels and large busts! I looked down and realised my feet were housed in my trusty wellingtons and that my party slippers were in a brown paper bag on the kitchen table at home! I panicked and fled the scene, catching the next bus home to Worsley!

I wore my one and only ‘party frock’ and, with difficulty, substituted my white ankle socks for nylons held up by a very uncomfortable suspender belt.

I couldn’t be persuaded to return to School as all the usual confidence had been knocked out of me but I certainly had to write a letter of apology to Peter! I wonder where he is now?

The night was wet and windy but we arrived safely at School where Peter ushered me in to a form room in the

Pauline Ogden (née Jackson, 1951-1958)

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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Spring 2016

LOOKING BACK A selection of photographs from across the decades Don’t forget to take a look at our ‘Scenes from the Past’ webpage on the School website, which we regularly update with new Archive photos: www.boltonschool.org

l, 1983 Division Drama Festiva Scenes from the Girls’

Gymnastics A Division, 1931-1932

Miss Pilsbury’s Girls’ Div ision Drama Production Arms and The Man, 195 5

9 Girls’ Division Staff, 197

Thank you to Avril Lim (née Crabtree, 1945-1 952) for sending in this photo of her class, taken in June r, 1930 1950. To see more of Avril’s Girls' Division Swiss Tou photos, including nam es, see the ‘Scenes from the Past’ webpage at www.bolto nschool.org.

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LIVES REMEMBERED Kathryn Ramsahoye (née Holly, 1981-1988) Kathryn was born on 30th January 1970, the first child of Dr Hector Holly and Mrs Kathleen Holly, his practice nurse. Kathryn was eventually the eldest of six, including sister Louise and brothers Paul, Christopher, Michael and Steven. Kathryn attended Hollymount Roman Catholic Primary School where her father became a governor and where she eventually sent her own three children. She was a bright girl – she joined Bolton School in 1981 and was appointed Deputy Head Girl in the Sixth Form. Her sister Louise and brother Michael also studied at Bolton School. Kathryn went on to read Law at the University of Nottingham graduating in 1991. She made lifelong friends at Hollymount, at Bolton School and at Nottingham. She completed her articles at the City of London law firm S J Berwin & Co, and there met and worked with her future husband, Jai Ramsahoye. On qualification as a solicitor, Kathryn rejected the corporate life and moved to Lockharts, a specialist medical law practice in London, where she co-authored volume 33 of the prestigious Halsbury’s Laws of England on the National Health Service, but continued her law practice in contentious matters, acting for doctors in regulatory, disciplinary and partnership matters and for interested parties in complex judicial review proceedings.

IN MEMORIAM

Kathryn returned to the North West in 1997 and married Jai on 9th August 1997 at Salford Roman Catholic Cathedral. On her return to the North West

Kathryn took a Masters in Law at the University of Cardiff. She then prosecuted for HM Customs & Excise before giving up work to look after children. She was blessed with triplet boys, Max, Louis and Connor, born on 30th June 2002. The death of Kathryn’s mother from breast cancer in 2007 left Kathryn as matriarch of the Holly family. Kathryn was a public governor of the Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust from 2008 to 2012 and sat on Mental Health Tribunals. Kathryn was diagnosed herself with a rare tracheal cancer in 2011 and soon became an expert in the treatment of cancers affecting the airways. She was treated by some of the top specialists in the relevant fields at UCL Hospital in London, as well as hospitals in Manchester. Kathryn was then diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 and was tenacious in ensuring that she received what treatment was available. In the last 18 months of her life Kathryn underwent over a dozen procedures to clear her airways. She was never bitter and battled to the end, full of hope, dying after three further procedures and a month in hospital in Manchester and London at University College London Hospital on 8th July 2015. Her funeral, in respect of which Kathryn typically left specific instructions, was attended by over 300 people, friends, family and work colleagues spanning the entirety of her all too short life. Kathryn entered the church to a tango, left to a pop song and was buried in a bright purple wicker coffin. She is survived by her father, her husband and three children, her sister and four brothers and a dozen nieces and nephews. Kathryn was a truly remarkable and brave woman, a devoted wife and mother, and is sorely missed. Jai Ramsahoye Two of Kathryn’s classmates, Karen Chadwick and Belinda Whitehouse (née Jones), have established a monthly ‘Star’ Prize for Sixth Form English students in the Girls’ Division, in memory of Kathryn, one of the ‘Bright Stars’ of the Class of 1988.

Dorothy Casement (née Howard, 1937-1943) Died 1st December 2015 (Hilda Mary) Mollie Clarke (née Dunsbee, 1936-1941) Died 23rd August 2015 Janet Dixon (née Schofield, 1950-1956) Died 23rd June 2015 Elizabeth Hiscock (née Warburton, Class of 1947) Died November 2015 Karen Merritt (1974-1981) Died 9th January 2016 Poornima Sivalingam (1990-2000) Died 6th December 2015 Marjorie Taylor (née Wood, 1936-1943) Died November 2015

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The Grand Reunion - September 2015

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