Bolton School OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER Issue Number 29 Autumn 2018
Shared memories and continued support
Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Summer 2018
CONTENTS STAY IN TOUCH STAY CONNECTED BOLTON SCHOOL MERCHANDISE WELCOME FROM THE HEADMISTRESS WELCOME FROM THE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION CONTINUING SUPPORT ALUMNI EVENTS CALENDAR SCHOOL NEWS ‘Unfold Your Wings …’ Presentation Evening with guest speaker Jill Duff Leavers create Movie Magic Labs named after Famous Female Scientists Celebration of Duke of Edinburgh Achievements Victoria Hall Concert Boltonians Ladies Brilliant Ball raises Bursary Funds Drama and Magic in The Tempest Community Action Celebration Evening Friends Choir raises Funds EVENTS Dinners and Reunions Forthcoming Events OLD GIRLS’ FEATURES Old Girls Give Back The Bolton Alumni Network Old Girls Go Global Alumni Authors Inspiring the Next Generation Old Girls in the Law Story of a Gown Staff in the Spotlight From Learning to Living The Evolution of the Scott Bolton Trust NEWS OF OLD GIRLS Old Girls’ News Matches and Hatches Mini Reunions BOLTON SCHOOL WINE COLLECTION FROM THE ARCHIVES Ask the Archivist: What made Miss Higginson a great Headmistress? Remembering the Second Viscount Leverhulme Historical Research Society Looking Back LIVES REMEMBERED IN MEMORIAM
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Connect with Old Girls and Old Boys on the Bolton Alumni Network: www.boltonalumninetwork.com. Download the app at the Apple and Google Play stores.
‘Like’ our Facebook page for event invitations, 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 Follow School and Alumni news via Twitter: @BoltonSchool / @BoltonSchAlumni Watch short films posted on the School’s YouTube channel:www.youtube.com/user/ boltonschoolmedia Read regular blogs from pupils and staff from across the campus: boltonschool.me/
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Visit the Former Pupils 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, to update your contact details and more.
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CONTACT US Development Office, Bolton School Chorley New Road, Bolton BL1 4PA T: 01204 434718 E: development@boltonschool.org
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Follow bolton_school_foundation and use #BSAlumni to share your memories and photos View photos of Alumni events at www.flickr.com/photos/bsalumni/albums
THE DEVELOPMENT TEAM Laura Firth Head of Development Carol Haslam Old Girls’ Liaison Officer Frances Johnson Development Assistant Kathryn O’Brien Alumni and Development Assistant Laura Rooney Development Manager Jenny Salerno Development Officer
Stay Connected
Bolton School Merchandise
We hope you enjoy being kept up-to-date with what is happening at School and within the Old Girl community as much as we value the opportunity to stay connected with you.
School has an online merchandise store, selling all of the items previously sold through the Development Office, and many more.
Following the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into effect in May 2018, the Development Office has updated its Privacy Statement. This full statement is available to view on the ‘Former Pupils’ page at www.boltonschool.org If you would like to change your communication preferences at any time, you can do so using the online Pupil Registration Form, again on the ‘Former Pupils’ page at www.boltonschool.org. Please contact the Development Office if you would like to review your current communication preferences, or if you would like to opt in or out of a specific type of communication.
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STAY IN TOUCH
A variety of items are available for purchase, from Old Girl pin badges to Bolton School pens, iPad cases and photo frames. All profits made from the sale of merchandise go directly to the School Bursary Fund, which helps make a Bolton School education open to all academically gifted pupils, irrespective of their family’s financial situation. Orders are usually delivered within five working days, and overseas delivery is available. To order your items, please visit www.boltonschoolmerchandise.org or call 08450 504015
WELCOME FROM THE HEADMISTRESS We begin 2018/19 on a high, thanks to a very talented group of girls in last year’s Year 13 and Year 11 who achieved stellar A Level and GCSE results, despite all the changes to the curriculum over the past two years. I am hugely appreciative of the girls’ efforts, as well as that of their teachers who have worked tirelessly to understand and apply new specifications introduced somewhat ‘on the hoof’ and in rapid succession. Our Presentation Evening in the first week of term was illuminated by a stunning speech from the Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff (Class of 1990) and I enjoyed more wise words from another Old Girl and former Presentation Evening speaker, Joyce Tyldesley (Class of 1978), who returned to School recently to deliver one of our evening enrichment lectures about studies in Egyptology and her most recent book, Nefertiti’s Face: The Creation of an Icon. Our lectures are open to all members of the School, past and present, and it would be lovely to see you there. The programme for the year can be found on the website and includes Jo Fairley, Founder of ‘Green and Blacks’ on 12th November, barrister Sophie Cartwright on 5th March, and poet Liz Berry on 2nd May. The articles in this edition of the Old Girls’ Newsletter pay tribute to the huge contribution which Alumnae make to society, whether it is in the pages on ‘Old Girls Give Back’, ‘Old Girls in the Law’ or in the obituaries at the end. Reading the two surveys carried out in 1960 and 1976, about which I have written more on pages 20 and 21, I marvelled at the involvement of the correspondents in so many occupations of national
importance. Teaching remains a life-enhancing career choice and Bolton School is now at the heart of two new School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) initiatives which bring together state and independent schools. This year we have welcomed three modern linguists as part of the National Modern Foreign Language SCITT and a Physicist and Mathematician as part of the National Maths and Physics SCITT. If you have thought about teaching as an option and you have a degree or very strong A Levels in a subject which would enable you to take part in either SCITT, do get in touch with me to find out more about how you might train at Bolton School. Many Old Girls and current members of the School also serve in a number of different uniformed service organisations, whether that be in military service, the Police, or in Guiding and Scouting. I very much hope that all such organisations will be represented at our Dinner on 23rd November to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I and to round off the events begun in March 2014. We shall also be holding our annual commemoration of Armistice Day on 9th November and Old Girls are very welcome to attend this assembly, followed by the Old Girls’ lunch in the Arts Centre afterwards. As it is a Friday, it may be that Old Girls from a wider geographical spread are able to come on this occasion. However you keep in touch, it is always lovely to see or hear from you. I wish you all the best.
Sue Hincks Headmistress
WELCOME FROM THE OLD GIRLS’ ASSOCIATION Autumn is upon us, trees are fruit-laden, hedgerows bejewelled with berries and hips, leaves are turning golden. Things change, yet remain the same, as recently evidenced at Presentation Evening: as is our tradition, we celebrated the efforts of girls who received prizes and certificates for a variety of accomplishments and examination successes this summer. We wished them well as they move on. “They are ready to fly”, guest speaker the Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff told us; “they are at ‘a mountain top moment’ where they can take stock and pride in how far they have come and also look forward to the future – where they should stretch their wings and take up that big vision!” So true. Speaking of big visions, we were ambitious and aiming high, when, in 2015, we launched the 100 Campaign for Bolton School Bursaries. Thanks to the amazing generosity of Alumni of all ages, this August we
achieved the Campaign’s ambitious £5 million target. School is a special place, and its ethos helps girls from all backgrounds realise their talents and aspirations. We are now aiming even higher, and intend to grow our Bursary Fund still further in order to eventually ensure one in three pupils at the School can receive a funded place, replicating the diversity enjoyed during the Direct Grant era. We hope that all Old Girls will enjoy returning to see us and attend the various Alumni and School events, both old and new, held throughout the year. A warm welcome awaits, whether you return to School regularly or have been out of touch, and I look forward to catching up with you this coming year.
Laura Henthorn (née Carless, 1970-1977) Chairman – Bolton School Old Girls’ Association
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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Autumn 2018
CONTINUING SUPPORT In 1915 Lord Leverhulme created the Bolton School Foundation, with the avowed aim of providing an excellent education for every child of ability, irrespective of financial means. In April 2015, in honour of the School’s centenary, the School launched the 100 Campaign for Bolton School Bursaries, a call to arms to the School community to honour Lord Leverhulme’s founding ethos and build a firm foundation for the next 100 years in the School’s history. The response of the School community has been astonishing. Thank You, sincerely, to all those donors who have supported the Bursary Fund in the last four years: together we have raised a phenomenal £5 million, decisively reaching the 100 Campaign’s target. 2018 marks the 21st anniversary of the School’s Bursary Fund, established following the abolition of the government-backed Assisted Places scheme in 1997. Since then, we have spent over £27 million on bursary funding, enabling over 1,800 children to attend the School who would otherwise have been denied the opportunity to do so. At present, one in every five of our Senior School pupils receives means-tested bursary support, and we are now very close to providing financial support to one in four pupils at the School, replicating the access levels last enjoyed in 1997 as the
government’s financial support ceased. We are only able to provide this high level of assistance as a result of the donations we receive from Old Girls, Old Boys and other supporters of the School, whose generosity has had a transformational impact on our pupils. Despite this, the fund is still not large enough to offer support to all those who require it, and for every bursary place awarded, one other child, who has proved their potential in the entrance assessments and would flourish here, has to be turned away. Our vision for the future is to be the school that any talented child in Bolton can come to, regardless of their parents’ ability to pay the fees. Your generosity in the past four years has been transformational, and has moved us one step closer towards realising our goal of providing genuine open access at the School, of the type last seen during the Direct Grant era. With the continued support of our Old Girls and Old Boys, we know that this ambitious target will, one day, become a reality. If you would like to pledge your support to the Bursary Fund, either by making a regular gift, or by remembering the School in your will, then please contact Laura Firth, Head of Development, by emailing development@boltonschool.org or by calling 01204 434718.
Alumni Events Calendar 2018 Sunday 4th November Friday 9th November Friday 16th November Friday 23rd November Monday 17th December
Girls’ Division Parents’ Association Fireworks Display Armistice Memorial Service and Old Girls’ Lunch Alumni Oxford Dinner Uniformed Services Dinner Ceremony of Carols
Girls’ Division Netball Courts/Dining Room, 4pm Girls Division Great Hall, 10am Arts Centre, 12 noon St Hugh’s College, 7pm Arts Centre, 7pm Girls Division Great Hall, 7.30pm
Girls’ Division Parents’ Association Burns Night Supper Alumni Cambridge Dinner Old Girls’ Lunch Alumni London Dinner ‘9’ Class Reunion
Arts Centre, 7pm
2019 Friday 25th January Friday 1st February Friday 8th February Friday 1st March Saturday 27th April
Christ’s College, 7pm Arts Centre, 12 noon Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, 7pm Bolton School, 11am-4pm
To reserve your ticket for any of our Alumni events, please visit the ‘Former Pupils’ section of the School website (www.boltonschool.org) where you can book online, call the Development Office on 01204 434718 or email development@boltonschool.org. If you wish to attend the Ceremony of Carols, which is a School event, please contact the Development Office in the first instance.
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SCHOOL NEWS ‘Unfold Your Wings’ and Set the World on Fire The guest speaker at this year’s Sixth Form Presentation Evening was Old Girl the Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff (née Worsley, 1980-1990), the recently consecrated Bishop of Lancaster. Jill recalled her own days in the Girls’ Division and noted that the encouragement she had been given to believe she could achieve anything she wanted had ‘set her up for life’. Paraphrasing the Nigerian feminist, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, the Bishop of Lancaster advised the girls not to fold themselves up because they feel the need to be liked, but to unfold their wings to the fullest extent, inspiring them to take pride in how far they have come and also look forward to the future.
The Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff with Headmistress Sue Hincks and, L-R, Sara Patel, Zahra Al Falouji, Khadijah Ali (Head Girl), Alice Sandford, Kathryn Austin and Zara Walsh
Leavers create Movie Magic This year’s departing Year 13 girls adopted a ‘Movies’ theme as they bid a fond farewell to Bolton School. There was great excitement among the Sixth Formers, who dressed up as their favourite film characters, parading the corridors in an impressive display of imaginative costumes. The sun shone as Ghostbusters, Harry Potter and a host of Disney characters enjoyed a fun-filled day, taking part in the traditional end-of-term rounders match before reminiscing over a special leavers’ lunch in the Arts Centre.
Labs named after Famous Female Scientists The Girls’ Division science laboratories are to be named after famous female scientists after pupils were invited to nominate women who have made a contribution to science. Head of Science Dr Anne Fielder said, “Some of these women have been little recognised for their work and contributions to science, due to the fact that they were female. We would like to honour them for their scientific contributions, and ensure that their names live on.” The labs will be named as follows: The Mary Anning Laboratory after the English fossil hunter and pioneering palaeontologist.
winning physicist and chemist who discovered radioactivity and the elements polonium and radium.
The Nettie Stevens Laboratory after the American geneticist who discovered the sex chromosome.
The Caroline Herschel Laboratory after the German astronomer who discovered eight comets in her lifetime, and was the first woman to be named an Honorary Member of the Royal Astronomical Society.
The Rosalind Franklin Laboratory after the British woman whose X-ray diffraction images of DNA made a huge contribution to the discovery of its structure. The Eva Wittgenstein Laboratory after the researcher who investigated and explained the skin-colouring effects of dihydroxyacetone (DHA), paving the way for the creation of fake tans. The Jocelyn Bell Laboratory after Dame Susan Jocelyn Bell Burnell, an astrophysicist from Northern Ireland who discovered radio pulsars in 1967. The Marie Curie Laboratory after the Nobel Prize
The Hertha Ayrton Laboratory after the pioneering physicist, engineer and promoter of women’s rights. She developed the Ayrton fan which was used in the First World War to disperse poisonous gasses from trenches. The Florence Bascom Laboratory after the American geologist who was one of the first women to earn a master’s degree in geology. A plaque bearing the name will be hung outside each of the laboratories.
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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Autumn 2018
Celebration of Duke of Edinburgh Achievements Headmistress Sue Hincks and Miss Rebecca Wadey, Girls’ Division Silver and Gold Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator, Charlie with some of the award presented the winners girls with their awards at this year’s Joint Duke of Edinburgh Awards Ceremony. The guest speaker was Old Boy Charlie Boscoe (1995-2002). Charlie completed his Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards, and after leaving School his passion for outdoor pursuits continued. He is now a broadcaster and writer, presenting coverage of World Cup rock climbing events and writing mountain guidebooks. After Charlie’s address – in which he urged the boys and girls who had gathered to receive their Awards to ‘Go out there, have an adventure and take action’ – Miss Hincks thanked him for his wise words and encouraged pupils in both Divisions to move on to the next stage of the Award. She also expressed her gratitude to Miss Wadey for her involvement in and commitment to the Awards scheme.
Boltonians Ladies Formed in 1920, Old Boltonians AFC continues to be run by dedicated volunteers to provide football for the Bolton School family and their friends. With their centenary celebrations fast approaching, the club is delighted to welcome a new team into the fold. Through an association with Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, the club has launched Boltonians Ladies, an open-age ladies’ side that will play each Sunday at 2pm in the Greater Manchester County Women’s League, with home games being played on OBAFC’s pitches at Chapeltown. The Club has received a Grow the Game grant from the FA, and is looking to continue a relationship with BWCT which gives it confidence as the new side beds in. They continue to run three male open-age sides in the Lancashire Amateur League, a Veterans team playing in the BSF Over 35s league and a Legends team that plays infrequent friendly and touring games. This also means that the Club’s Annual Dinner will now become a mixed affair, and further opens up the Club to everyone who wishes to play, volunteer and spectate simply for the love of the game. Visit www.oldbolts.co.uk to learn more about the Club.
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Victoria Hall Concert A wonderful Spring Concert at Bolton’s Victoria Hall showcased a wide range of talented musicianship, with superb performances from the Joint Senior Concert Band, the Senior Orchestra, the Chamber Choir and numerous ensembles. There was also a stunning saxophone solo from Abigail Naylor, this year’s winner of the Girls’ Division Carter Cup for an Outstanding Musician.
Abigail Naylor performs Caprice
Children from five local primary schools then joined Bolton School to perform A Bolton Suite, written by the School Organist, Michael The Senior Flute Quartet give a Pain, and The Saga bewitching performance of Jour of Fred, a tribute to d’Été à la Montagne Fred Dibnah written by Mrs Andrea Price, Director of Music in the Girls’ Division. The spectacular evening ended with performers and audience members joining together for a rousing version of Jerusalem and a retiring collection for Barnardo’s.
Brilliant Ball raises Bursary Funds The Bolton School Ball, held at the A J Bell Stadium in Salford, was a roaring success! Staff, parents, Old Girls and Old Boys and friends of the Michael Griffiths, Chairman of School enjoyed Governors, with Helen Critchlow, Boys’ Division Parent Governor, the spectacular and Nissa Smyth, Chairman of the 1920s GatsbyGirls’ Division PA themed event which raised a grand total of £19,000. The money will go towards the Bursary Fund and to projects run by the two Parents’ Associations, who organised the event. Headmistress Sue Hincks reflected: ‘The 2018 Bolton School Ball was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended. We are hugely grateful to all those who have supported the event, without whose generosity the fundraising success would not have been possible.’
Drama and Magic in The Tempest
Lizzie Crowther and Jay Harland as Miranda and Ferdinand presented a heartfelt account of the play’s virtuous love story, while Mohammad Master captivated as Prospero. The drama was intensified by Mohammed Master excellent musicianship and and Lizzie Crowther clever and effective sound effects, all provided by pupils, and the accomplished movements of dancers in the Ariel Troupe added an extra supernatural element to the performance.
This year’s joint production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest brought ‘such stuff / As dreams are made on’ for audiences on all four nights of its run. The Arts Centre was transformed into Prospero’s magical island as pupils from both Divisions played out the complex tragicomedy.
Lizzie gave a stunning performance as Miranda
The cast and crew received glowing and well-deserved congratulations from all who saw the production.
Community Action Celebration Evening A joint Community Action Celebration Evening recognised the School’s commitment to the community. The top 40 girls and the top 40 boys in Year 12 – in terms of numbers of hours given to Community Service – received certificates marking their achievements from guest speaker Mr Barry Dixon, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester. Mrs Sophie Entwistle, Head of Community Action, compèred the evening and commended the Year 12 students’ dedication to volunteering, which encompassed an astounding range of activities.
Guest speaker Barry Dixon and Mrs Entwistle with the award winners
Friends Choir raises Funds An evening concert in the Arts Centre hosted by the Friends of Bolton School Choir raised a total of £500 for Speakeasy, a Bury-based charity specialising in helping people with aphasia.
The Choir, led by Choirmaster Andrea Price, Girls’ Division Director of Music, was joined by talented pupils and Alumni and performed hits from musicals such as The Lion King, My Fair Lady, Carousel and The Sound of Music. Old Girl Gill Pearl (née Robinson, 1967-1977), Chief Executive of Speakeasy and a member of the FOBS Choir, thanked everyone for their support and donations.
L-R: Amanda Valentine (1973-1983 and Governor), Tess Felton (Girls’ Division Staff), Gill Pearl, Andrea Price, Helen Critchlow (Governor) and Carol Haslam (née Bonser, 1959-1966, and Old Girls’ Liaison Officer)
Old Girls are welcome to join the Choir (no auditions necessary) – for further information please contact helen.critchlow@evergreen-life.co.uk.
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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Autumn 2018
EVENTS Scottish Dinner
Cumbria Dinner
Pollock Halls, The University of Edinburgh Friday 4th May 2018
The Lindeth Howe Hotel, Windermere Friday 29th June 2018
Ruth Glover (1972-1979), Laura Henthorn (née Carless, 1970-1977) and Carol Haslam (née Bonser, 1959-1966)
Olivia Davidson (2006-2013), Katherine Etchells (2006-2013), Rebecca Whyte (1990-2004) and Molly Dick (2003-2017)
Carol Haslam (née Bonser, The Lindeth Howe Hotel 1959-1966), Stephen Broughton provided a warm Lakeland (1961-1967), Diane Ruell welcome and Jean Howarth (née Lever, 1954-1961)
‘8’ Class Reunion School was buzzing as dozens of Old Girls and Old Boys returned to Chorley New Road for a trip down memory lane. There was lots of happy reminiscing as old friends were reacquainted over drinks and a traditional school dinner before enjoying a nostalgic wander around School.
It was a family affair for Joyce Tyldesley (1964-1978) and daughter Pippa Snape (1998-2008)
There was a fantastic turnout from the Class of 1998
Sarah Pearl, Beth Nightingale and Felicity Eccles (Class of 2008)
The Reunion welcomed a number of couples who met at Bolton School:
Margaret (née Jenkins) and Andrew Rushton (both Class of 1968)
Stephen (Class of 1969) and Jennifer Gorski Valerie (née Crowther, 1956-1965) (née Smith, Class of 1968) and Peter Allred (1958-1968)
Alumni Drinks in Manchester Yusra Razzaq (1998-2005), Ross Taylor (1991-2004) and James O’Reilly (1989-1996) organised an informal get-together of Old Girls and Old Boys in central Manchester’s Rain Bar. After a very pleasant evening drinking and chatting in the summer sunshine, all agreed that the event should be repeated – watch this space for further details!
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Rock and Roll Reflections Old Girls and Old Boys with an interest in all things creative gathered at the Alumni Networking Event at Manchester Art Gallery in June. The evening ‘gallery takeover’ celebrated the creative arts at Bolton School and included drama, dance and music Iman gave a powerful performances from current performance and former pupils. Old Girl Iman Orths (2002-2016) wowed the audience with her fantastic vocals, while Old Boys James Barker and Adam
Ekubia (both Class of 2014) entertained with their original rapping. Guests then listened to BBC Radio broadcaster Mark Radcliffe (1966-1976) and fellow Old Boy Tony Wadsworth CBE (1967L-R: Mark, Tony and Adam 1974), former Chairman presented a fascinating view of careers in the music industry and CEO of EMI and Parlophone, speak ‘in conversation’ about their careers in the music industry, ably compèred by Adam Woolley (2006-2013). Mark and Tony’s ‘conversation’ can be viewed in four parts on Bolton School TV.
Recent Leavers’ Reunion Alumni from the Class of 2017 returned to School to chat to current Year 12 students about how to make the most of a ‘gap’ year, what to expect from university and offered their ‘top tips’ for surviving the first year after A Levels. Afterwards the Old Boys and Old Girls enjoyed catching up with one another over drinks and canapés in the brilliant sunshine outside the Arts Centre.
FORTHCOMING EVENTS ‘9’ Class Reunion On Saturday 27th April 2019 we will be holding a Reunion at Bolton School for 1949, 1959, 1969, 1979, 1989, 1999 and 2009 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!
University Drinks If you are an ‘Old’ Girl 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 will sponsor any Alumniinitiated reunion at £10 per head, providing you send us a photograph afterwards. If that sounds like fun, and you would like to arrange something near you during the next academic year, then please get in touch.
Uniformed Services Dinner Following the success of the event held in March 2014 to mark the 100th anniversary of the first Old Boy to be killed in battle in World War One, a second Uniformed Services Dinner will be held at School on Friday 23rd November 2018. The event is open to all Old Girls and Old Boys who serve in the uniformed services, or have done so previously, and to all those who wish to share in the School’s commemorations of the centenary of the first Armistice, at the end of the Great War. To reserve your ticket, please contact the Development Office.
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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Autumn 2018
OLD GIRLS’ FEATURES Old Girls Give Back In the Autumn 2017 edition of the Old Girls’ Newsletter we shared the wonderful news that Gwyn Morgan had been awarded an OBE in the Queen’s birthday honours in recognition of her services to the rehabilitation of prisoners – she founded the charity Prisoners’ Penfriends. Gwyn’s commitment to charitable work inspired us to invite her and other Old Girls to share their experiences of both working in and volunteering in the charity sector.
Gwyn Morgan (Class of 1971)
I attended Bolton School when Margaret Higginson was Headmistress. Every morning, a begowned ‘Hig’ presided over prayers and, over and again, she gave us the message: ‘You are lucky to be here; society is being kind to you; it’s up to you to give something back.’ Further messages such as: ‘Work hard, be ambitious and isn’t Shakespeare brilliant?’ propelled me to Oxford, where I gained a degree in Law. I practised as a barrister and, having become a mother, developed a business as a legal editor. I started writing to a prisoner through a penpal scheme run by the Prison Reform Trust (PRT). My correspondent, Kevin, was a murderer, whose upbringing had been a total mess. We had nothing in common, but found something to write about: weather, football, even the death of our mothers (I organised my mother’s funeral, while he attended his event in handcuffs). A couple of years after Kevin and I started writing, the PRT decided to close the scheme. This seemed a shame and so, in 2003, Prisoners’ Penfriends, a brand new charity, was born. Then I had to persuade the Home Office to let us go ahead. The civil servants there made it difficult:
Kate Fawell-Comley (1996-2010) My day job as a solicitor keeps me fairly busy – but, as most of my friends know, I have a significant other passion in my life ... Starting university in London in 2010, I wanted to find a way to connect with the local community and to have a hobby other than writing law essays ... so I qualified as a Brownie Leader. It was a steep learning curve – at just 18 I was running a unit of seven to ten year old girls which, without me, would have closed. I had to recruit new leaders, run the administration, plan activities and communicate with parents. Eight years later, I haven’t looked back! I am qualified to take girls away from home – frequently taking around 30 girls from central London into the country for camping
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pilot programmes were demanded and there were some hostile meetings when I had to draw on my experience in the courts. Permission to operate was given in a grudging fashion, with a number of restrictions. Crucially, we were not allowed to recruit correspondents in any prison without the agreement of the governor of each individual establishment. It proved impossible to negotiate via letter, phone call or email. And so I travelled round the country to persuade in person. In the early days, it was not easy; on my first visit to Dartmoor, the Security Governor would not cross the prison yard to meet me. But I kept going. Now the restrictions have been lifted and Her Majesty’s Prisons and Probation Service recommends the scheme across the prison estate. We have exchanged over 30,000 letters with well over 1,000 prisoners, have employed a Manager, and work from an office in central London. Warwick University studied our scheme and quoted one of the prisoners: ‘My parents disowned me so it meant a lot to find someone who has taken time out – it makes you think that not all people judge you … for a few minutes of writing a letter we can feel like a normal human being again.’ I wish that Hig was here to see it. and new activities – challenging but exhilarating! Girlguiding UK is an incredible charity – the UK’s largest for girls and women. It’s a great movement for change beyond what many remember of being a Brownie growing up – I am a trained Peer Educator, running sessions for young women on mental health and wellbeing, and in 2015 I travelled to Rwanda to train their Girl Guides organisation on leadership, safeguarding, women’s rights, PR and finance. I’m now involved in its governance work – sitting on the group that manages monitoring and evaluation of quality across our thousands of units nationally. I’ve also recently been involved in developing the new national offer for 18-30 year old members. Whilst my friends watch on and wonder how I ever get any sleep, I wouldn’t have it any other way – I love being able to use and develop my skills outside of work whilst making a positive impact on girls and young women all over the country.
Olivia Davidson (2006-2013) After leaving Bolton School to study Business and Management at the University of Glasgow, I now work in promoting social entrepreneurship as a Programme Improvement Manager for Enactus UK. Enactus is a global studentled organisation working in 36 countries, using entrepreneurship to tackle pressing global issues. We work with universities across the UK to enable students to set up social projects and enterprises in their local communities and abroad. Projects include opening a social supermarket to help combat food poverty in Nottingham by selling on non-perishable food which would otherwise go to landfill, and in Manchester working with refugee parents to build up their English skills and gain qualifications, so they can engage in dayto-day activities and support their children with their homework. Internationally we have worked to remove the stigma of menstrual hygiene through our own innovative solution of a reusable sanitary pad, making it more affordable and accessible for communities in Ghana, Kenya and India to name a few.
Lydia Brian (1997-2001) I have always had an interest in entrepreneurship, particularly since I took part in Young Enterprise when I was in Year 10 at School. Last year I had the opportunity to head out to Jinja in Uganda, along with 23 other employees of my firm, Citi, and Balloon Ventures to work with local entrepreneurs in developing their businesses and pitching for investment. Our work really turned the notion of ‘volunteering in Africa’ upside down – the aim was to make an impact on these businesses that would outlast our stay in Uganda, and, far from bringing all the answers, we had to challenge our assumptions about what works in business and learn much from the entrepreneurs about the local market. I worked with two entrepreneurs over five weeks; the first runs a Community Centre which teaches vocational skills to local people in the area and provides support for getting them into employment, and the second runs a software development company which builds tailored software to help businesses switch to keeping computer-based records instead of paperbased records – two businesses which were unique to the local market. We worked together testing new ideas and developing those which had a positive impact on the business. We then put together a forward-looking
My passion for local and international development stems from my time at Bolton School, when I provided maths support to younger pupils and volunteered at the WRVS café at Salford Royal as part of my Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. I was also encouraged to take part in the National Citizenship Service programme which gave me the opportunity to speak in Parliament about youth opportunities, become a young volunteer on subsequent programmes and become a young mentor at Bolton Lads and Girls Club. I was nominated as the Community Action Prefect in the Sixth Form, which enabled me to become involved in the local community and make a difference. On leaving School, I knew I wanted to continue getting involved in the local community, so I became involved in Enactus Glasgow and during my three years there became the Corporate Relations Executive and President of the society, consequently leading to the job I do now. My time at Bolton School gave me a wealth of opportunities, both in and out of academia, and I know that I want my future to involve creating opportunities for more people who may not have them as easily available as I did to help them to achieve their full potential. Find out more about Enactus UK at www.enactusuk.org.
strategy for the business, and a plan for investment. The entrepreneurs were successful in receiving all of the investment they pitched for; the Community Centre now runs additional courses teaching new subjects such as Art and Design, and the software development company has increased sales with new equipment which enables them to demonstrate the software on-site with prospect clients.
Lydia helped to make a difference in Uganda
Working with entrepreneurs of small businesses has shown me that challenging and testing your assumptions about what works is critical to ensuring the business progresses in the right direction, and that having an ‘impact’ is not a one-off event; making a difference needs time.
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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Autumn 2018
Gill Pearl (née Robinson, 1967-1977) As a schoolgirl I would not have predicted a career within the voluntary sector. Starting as an enthusiastic speech and language therapist in 1980, I saw an NHS life stretching before me. However, an advert for a speech therapist to join a national aphasia charity developing and supporting selfGill’s Speakeasy help groups across the North charity delivers West suggested an opportunity support and to deliver therapeutic gains for therapeutic activity people with communication to people with challenges after stroke or aphasia and their other brain damage – but in a families different way. My work within the voluntary sector has provided many diverse opportunities. In addition to working directly to improve the lives of people with aphasia and their carers, I have had involvement in conference management and delivery, research, political campaigning, training on a wide variety of topics for many different audiences, linking with businesses, shaping and delivering national campaigns, shaping services, supporting user involvement and
Aysha Harwood (2002-2011) I began volunteering in Year 6, helping younger pupils with their reading in the Junior School Library at lunchtime. Halloween dress up at Evelina In the Sixth Form I volunteered with young children in the Bolton School Nursery. Through opportunities like these, and regular encouragement to participate in Open Mornings and outreach events, Bolton School supported me to develop a love of volunteering and enthusiasm to give back to those in a less fortunate position than myself. For the past three years, I have volunteered for Radio Lollipop at Evelina London Children’s Hospital. Radio Lollipop provides care, comfort, play and entertainment for sick children in hospital through interactive radio shows and bedside play. As a Bedside Play Volunteer, I spend two hours every Thursday evening playing games and doing craft activities with children and teenagers of all ages. We also blow bubbles and give cuddles to tiny babies! We also raise money to maintain our radio equipment and purchase new craft supplies and toys. In the last year we have run a pub quiz, charity walk, charity runs,
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consultations. As a published researcher and project designer I have travelled the world and have learned much from others across the globe. I have attended events at the House of Commons, the House of Lords and Buckingham Palace, and have appeared on TV and radio. Since 2002 I have managed a specialist aphasia charity in the North West (Speakeasy); we have won many awards, we are pioneering and internationally renowned as a centre of excellence and I love every day. However, life within the voluntary sector is not without challenges: you need a passion to drive you as the pay and conditions certainly won’t. It is not a role you can easily put to one side and you will work many hours as a volunteer yourself, and you need to cope with the public misconception that the voluntary sector is for amateurs. I find the fundraising a challenge, but as an eternal optimist (albeit backed up with sound business planning) I trust that somehow we will find the money to carry on. I feel honoured and privileged to do what I do: the rewards are immense and every day is full of variety and opportunities to make a difference. 24 years ago I was brave enough to step out of my comfort zone and set out on an adventure working in the voluntary sector: it was one of the best decisions of my life.
Christmas card sales and two gruelling tube collections in the snow. As well as Evelina and Great Ormond Street hospitals in London, Radio Lollipop is in several hospitals across the UK, including Manchester, Bristol, Glasgow and Newcastle, and further afield in South Africa, America, Canada and The Alice Rose Australia. Anyone who is Memorial Fun Run interested in volunteering or donating can visit RadioLollipop.org. Sparked by the ongoing plight of refugees across the globe, I recently started volunteering at ‘Akwaaba’, a Sunday social club for migrants and refugees in London, in collaboration with Hackney Migrant Centre. I work with a team to run craft activities, workshops, games and cooking activities for children and we also provide them with a free and healthy lunch. This means their parents are able to engage in the other support services offered by Akwaaba, which include legal advice, access to computers, support with formfilling, a bicycle repair and donation workshop, English lessons and a storytelling workshop where individuals can share their often challenging personal stories and experiences in a safe environment. The charity is always looking for new volunteers – visit Akwaaba.org for more details. A number of similar organisations are running across London and the UK; helprefugees.org is a good starting point to find opportunities.
The Bolton Alumni Network Back in May, we celebrated the Bolton Alumni Network’s first birthday. Since its launch, the Network has grown into a thriving online community with almost 2,000 members.
Old Girls have enjoyed sharing photographs of their School days – Judith Hibbert (1969-1979) posted this photograph from 1979
Old Girls and Old Boys of all ages, as well as former members of staff, have been using the Network to reconnect with old friends, make business connections and to find a mentor or mentee. If you are not already a member, why not join them to:
• Advance Ask for careers advice, find a job or request work experience with Alumni working in top companies. Filter the directory based on industry or location to find a personal mentor. • Give Back Introduce, employ and offer to act as a mentor to young Alumni at university or just starting out in their careers. All Old Girls and Old Boys come with an in-built Chorley New Road reference!
• Reconnect Find old School friends by filtering the directory of Alumni based on year group. Reminisce, share memories and photographs and keep up-to-date with news and events.
We have been delighted with the overwhelmingly positive response to the Bolton Alumni Network so far and we would love to hear how you have been using the platform. Please get in touch if you have found a job, work experience, a new employee or an old friend, or if you have successfully collaborated with another Old Girl or Old Boy on a business venture or organised a minireunion using the platform.
• Expand Grow your professional network, find opportunities and develop partnerships with fellow Alumni. It’s free to advertise positions at your company on our jobs board.
If you are not yet a member of the Bolton Alumni Network, you can join by signing up at www.boltonalumninetwork.com with your LinkedIn or Facebook profile, or with an email address.
Old Girls Go Global 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 of them who have relocated Australia to find out what motivated them to move abroad, what they enjoy about their lives there … and what they still miss about the UK!
Caroline Jones (née Johnson, 1987-2001) I live in Cottesloe which is a suburb of Perth in Western Australia. I moved here in January 2009, so I have lived here for almost 10 years. My husband and I were both keen to try living abroad and the renowned excellent quality of life on offer and ease of obtaining jobs in our respective fields (at the time) drew us to Australia. We chose Perth in particular due to its laidback nature and coastal location. Being on the west also makes it a little easier to travel to and from the UK to visit friends and family (Perth now has a direct flight to London!) Caroline and Imogen make the most of Perth’s wonderful weather
Although it is on the other side of the world many aspects of Australia are very similar to the UK and we felt at home very quickly. There are also a huge number of English people living here!
The weather in Perth is definitely a highlight; long hot summers and very mild winters. The lifestyle here is wonderful. The beach is at the bottom of our road and we spend a lot of time there with our children Vincent (three) and Imogen (one). I miss my family and friends in the UK the most, although I’m lucky that my family do come out and visit quite often (winter breaks!). I miss cold Christmases as although Christmas in the sun is wonderful it just doesn’t feel quite right and it’s hard to get into the festive spirit. I miss the ease of travel to Europe and definitely M&S food!
Corina Abuarchid (née Mather, Class of 2001) Exactly one year ago I emigrated to Perth, Western Australia – a move that had been planned for a few years. Although I was somewhat content with our life in South Wales, my husband was becoming extremely disillusioned and exasperated working as a GP Partner in a busy city practice. Since arriving, Perth has not disappointed and a lot has happened in the short time we have been here. We have a beautiful home, positioned perfectly between the beach and Perth city centre, and three months ago we opened up our own Medical Centre, of which I am Corina (right), with husband the Practice Manager. Tarek, daughter Safiya and For us, the lifestyle is second to none and it has provided the quality of son Zuhair, celebrating life for our two children that we were so desperately seeking. Perth is one their first Christmas ‘Down of the sunniest cities in the world and such glorious weather means there Under’ is so much more to do, see and enjoy outdoors. Aside from the weather, I find the fauna of Australia to be completely different to that of the UK. The beauty and diversity of the wildlife we have seen so far is beyond words, from rose-breasted galahs that frequent our garden to the incredibly cute quokkas that inhabit the nearby Rottnest Island. We do miss our family and friends back in the UK terribly, but fortunately with the internet and social media they never seem too far away.
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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Autumn 2018
Alumni Authors On Carrick Shore by Sandra Kolot (Girls’ Division Staff, 1985-2008) writing as Alex J Wright Published by The Choir Press Can be purchased on Amazon or Amazon Kindle or from publishers at Choir Press, 132 Bristol Road, Gloucester GL1 5SR The time, two months in 1781; the place, the town of Ayr and its surrounding coast; the looming presence, Ailsa Craig dominating the horizon. Tom Boyd returns in disgrace from Paris to his family home and disgruntled father, who finds him a job in the offices of a local wine importer. When Tom and his fellow office worker, Mungo, begin to investigate a case of smuggling within the firm, life becomes dangerous. Then there is an unexplained murder for which Tom becomes chief suspect and time is running out for him to prove his innocence as the prospect of the gallows looms. I won’t spoil any of this excellent Whadidit (this must be the Scots version of a Whodunnit), but instead round up a few of the treats in store for the reader. Characters are drawn with sympathy and humour, enhanced by the wonderful use of Scots dialect to give a sense of place and period. We meet the eccentrically dressed maiden aunts McFadzean, the sharp-witted Jeanie and
The Chatelaine of Montaillou by Susan E Kaberry (née Cox, Class of 1964) Publisher: FeedaRead.com ISBN: 9781785108945 Set in Languedoc in fourteenth century France, this is the true story of Beatrice de Lagleize. Married at 16 to Bérenger de Rocquefort, she became the Chatelaine of Montaillou, a place which, at that time, was in the grip of a feverish revival of the ancient Cathar heresy, complete with the belief in two Gods, one good and one evil, and the unique sacrament of consolamentum. However, the story as told by Kaberry, actually begins twenty-five years later, on 26th July 1320, when we meet Beatrice as she is being escorted to Pamiers for interrogation both as a witch and a heretic. Her Inquisitor is the notoriously ruthless Bishop, Jacques Fourniers, whose mission Sue is delighted to is to eradicate the last vestiges of heresy that stubbornly remain in the area despite have had her first novel a century of persecution. published Beatrice is only too aware that there are compromising factors in her past which will undoubtedly be rooted out by Fourniers, not the least a series of questionable relationships including one with Barthélemy, a Catholic priest. Initially, however, the key incriminating factor seems to be the fact that her own father, Philippe
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most entertainingly, Tom’s long line of ancestors whose pictures adorn the main staircase. In a touching parting scene between Tom and his father, Sir Malcolm Boyd reveals the secret of their uncanny resemblance to each other; they are all of the one sitter – himself, drawn by an indigent fellow student who needed to gather a hasty portfolio of work. In a brilliant set piece of inventive story-telling, Wright has Sir Malcolm recall details of the process. Here’s a snippet. Tom asks if he was also the model for the female characters: ‘Even Lady Mary, lady-in-waiting to Queen Mary?’ ‘Aye, that was the worst. Thon wig had fleas.’ There are some excellent strong female characters, notably Alison Fleming, the seamstress, whose moral sense and courage are instrumental in bringing to light the true character of James Cunningham (the dour elder of the Kirk, who enjoys the ritual public humiliation of “fallen” women) and the wonderfully enigmatic Frenchwoman, Isabelle Cunningham, whose motives remain a mystery to the end. There is also the tragic figure of Paisley Annie, Mungo’s mother, a sad drunken presence reminding us of the grim lives of the poor at the time. When Alison accompanies her to her hovel in the poor district near the town’s tanneries, Wright evokes the period stench and filth with visceral energy. In fact the depiction of place is so precise that Ayr and the surrounding coast become characters in their own right. This is not only a superbly plotted crime novel but a vivid portrait of time and place. And the even better news is that there is a sequel planned. Theresa Sowerby (Girls’ Division Staff, 1988-2013)
de Planisolles, had been forced to wear ‘yellow crosses’, the badge of shame of a heretic and inevitably, therefore, of his family, too. By the end of the first interrogation Beatrice is already being damned by association with her father and required to return for full questioning under oath. She readily agrees but subsequently attempts to flee on the very day that she should be back in court – only to be re-arrested for contempt, imprisoned in foul, insanitary and inhumane conditions and under the constant threat of torture. The dilemma then arises of whether to save herself by betraying others. And it is clearly the same dilemma that many before her had been required to face. The ensuing narrative consists of a clever interweaving of chapters: those which skilfully recreate Beatrice’s life story for us ‘through her own eyes’, alternating, turn and turnabout, with each of the seven subsequent cross-examinations. Grounded in the official records of Fournier’s interrogation which were locked away in the Vatican for almost seven centuries, these court chapters bear ample witness to the author’s meticulous research. From the start Kaberry maintains great narrative pace with Beatrice as the key medium through whom we glimpse not only the lives of the wealthy few such as herself, but also the daily lives of ordinary people – their fears, their lusts, their reasons for clinging to heretical beliefs, their motivations for betraying others. And it is mainly women’s lives—their limited choices, their daily burdens, their families’ expectations of them – that are recreated for us. All in all, this is a story which shines a light on a period of history with which few will be truly familiar. It is also a thoroughly engrossing read. Veronica Millington (Girls’ Division Staff, 1988-2006)
Inspiring the Next Generation Junior Careers Carousel Old Girl Nicola Rigby (Class of 2000) was joined by Old Boy Andy Walton (Class of 1987) and representatives from UKFast to run a number of short careers workshops for Year 6 pupils. Town planner Nicola explained that she is not a builder or architect, but decides where buildings should be placed and what buildings are needed. Junior Girls learn about town planning She engaged with Nicola the pupils in designing a housing development – with some very creative results! Andy, a recently-retired police officer, gave the low-down on a career in law enforcement, with a virtual car chase grabbing the attention of Year 6!
Careers Revealed to Year 8
Amanda (left) and Rachel inspired the Year 8 girls
Pupils in Year 8 learned about a variety of different career options from visiting professionals who included two Old Girls from the Class of 1983: Rachel Crompton (née Allen) and Amanda Valentine.
Amanda spoke about her career in Accountancy, framing her talk as a series of ‘life choices’ which have impacted her direction. Rachel talked about Civil Engineering, explaining how she first became interested in this line of work and the specific route needed to access this career. The Year 8 girls also heard about Digital Technology from Rachel Woods, Elizabeth Newman gave a talk on her career in Theatre and Sarah Chicken spoke about Surveying.
Invaluable Interview Skills There was an excellent response to the request for volunteers to assist in the annual Interview Skills evenings for Year 12 pupils. Old Girls Neelam Patel (née Surti, 1982-1989), Karen Chadwick (1981-1988) and Jess Ryan (20002014) were among the large number of parents and Alumni from a variety of professions who gave
A Lesson in Conflict Resolution Sixth Form girls enjoyed an instructive PSHEE session on dealing with difficult situations and resolving disputes with Hannah Bradley (19992006), a Dispute Resolution Solicitor. Hannah spoke to the students about various methods for resolving disputes and stressed the importance of working rationally rather than emotionally. She explained the need to ask questions in order to understand rather than antagonise one’s opponent and to think creatively when looking for a solution.
their time to conduct mock interviews for the Sixth Formers in preparation for forthcoming university and job applications. Where possible, the girls’ and boys’ intended career paths were matched with the volunteers’ backgrounds and experience. Afterwards, the pupils received feedback to enable them to hone their interview techniques and improve their CVs.
The girls were then divided into groups representing opposing sides of a fictional dispute which they endeavoured to resolve. Others were given the role of mediators who had to help all parties reach an agreement, Hannah encouraged the girls to and some girls were look for a mutually satisfactory given supplementary outcome confidential information which they could disclose if they felt it helped their case. A lively and informative debate ensued!
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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Autumn 2018
Old Girls in the Law Over the years a number of Old Girls have pursued legal careers. Here we meet four of them who have followed a variety of paths in the Law as they explain what motivated them in their career choice and how a Bolton School background has helped them to achieve success in their field.
Jennie Summers (née Hassall, 1994-2004) – Childcare Lawyer After leaving Bolton School to pursue a degree in clothing design, my career in law certainly wasn’t planned. A transfer onto the LLB (Hons) Law course started my path to where I am today: three years at University, then the Legal Practice Course, then the stresses of obtaining a training contract, followed by the two years ‘on the job’ experience essential to qualify as a solicitor. My training began in a multi-service law firm in Lancashire. I was somewhat disappointed with my first seat in the family law department, having studied commercial law. I wasn’t looking forward to divorces, arguing parents and money … how wrong I was; I loved it and I have never looked back!
I thrive upon arguing in court on behalf of the parents I support through the process of care proceedings, and fighting for their children to return to their care. This is coupled with challenging work with clients completely broken from abuse, alcohol and drug use, and child neglect, including emotional, physical and sexual abuse. There is certainly a very sad and upsetting side to my work, but as childcare lawyers, we have to stay strong, support clients, fathom arguments and represent clients in the court room to the best of our ability. I also love my colleagues, knowing that we all have a link to the same job, providing support and assistance, and often much-needed caffeine for each other, but arguing against each other tooth and nail in the courtroom.
After four years in Lancashire, I moved to the big city of Manchester. The iconic Civil Justice Centre was likened to the Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter and the experience was initially overwhelming, but I realised the people are in the same boat as me: working day in, day out, often in complex multi-day
Although I have chosen a very different path to the one I planned upon leaving School, what Bolton School did give me was a good academic grounding, as well as the belief that I could be what I wanted to be, and not to be afraid to try something new.
Raisa Saley (née Umarji, 1997-2004) – Family Barrister Whilst most of my friends at Bolton School were clear they wanted to be doctors and dentists by the time they were taking their GCSEs, I still had no idea what career path I wanted to follow. I enjoyed studying languages and so decided to study Spanish, French and History at A Level, not knowing where these subjects would take me.
Family Law set, which I completed in 2010. I have been practising as a barrister at New Court Chambers ever since.
It was during a discussion with the Careers Advisor at Bolton School that the idea of a career in law was first planted in my head. Why not? I thought to myself. After all, I’d been a huge fan of the Ally McBeal courtroom scenes! I spent a lot of time researching law degrees and universities and eventually gained the grades to take up a place at King’s College London. I was encouraged by my father to pursue a career as a barrister and I completed the Bar Vocational Course in 2008. Shortly after this, I was offered a pupillage at New Court Chambers, a specialist
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hearings, focussing on the welfare of children.
My current practice is mainly focused on public law children work. These cases arise when a local authority issues care proceedings in respect of a child they are worried about. That child may have been abused in their parents’ care and the local authority will either seek to remove the child from their parents and place them in foster care or work with the family to bring about positive change. I represent local authorities, parents and children in care proceedings. There is a lot of advocacy involved in my job, both in the courtroom when making submissions or crossexamining a witness, but also behind the scenes when I am negotiating with the other side. I am very appreciative of the education I received at Bolton School because I believe it has been a key factor in helping me to pursue my career as a barrister: I was always encouraged to work hard, be confident and never to give up. These are qualities that I continue to foster in all aspects of my life.
Hannah Smith (2003-2010) – Legal Assistant While I was at School I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do career-wise, but by the time I came to apply for university, I knew that I wanted to study Classics at St Andrews (well, I wanted to study at St Andrews and Classics was a convenient option). The idea of studying law had been mentioned briefly, but, being a Scottish university, St Andrews didn’t offer a law degree: so Classics it was. By the time I graduated four years later, I still didn’t have a clue – or a job. Completely by chance, I got a teaching post in Hong Kong on a ten-month contract, so the question of a ‘career’ was kicked back into the long grass for a while. I loved my time in Hong Kong, but School had taught me how important it was to have a fulfilling career. I decided to apply for the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL), the law conversion course, on something of a whim (it seems I’m not a natural planner!), and, after spending a month in Mongolia, I moved back to the North West to start university again. The GDL is intense, but School had prepared
me for studying, and the months flew by. Then the LPC, the solicitor specific course, passed in much the same way. However, one thing I was not prepared for was the almost constant job rejection. I applied for a number training contracts each year, but although I was invited to several interviews, I was unsuccessful. I realised that the supportive atmosphere of Bolton School Girls’ Division, with its unique combination of pushing you to succeed and being there to pick you up when you don’t, disguised the fact that I had never really faced rejection or failure before. But School also taught resilience, and after one of the worst weeks, with three job rejections and the death of the cat, I secured three interviews and was offered two jobs. I have been a paralegal at my current firm for nearly a year (think Meghan Markle, but much less chance of marrying a prince!) and the ethos there is really quite similar to School; in fact, there are a couple of Alumni in the office. It’s a national firm, but offers all the support and encouragement I was so lucky to have throughout my education. And after so many interviews, I start my training contract in September 2019 in Manchester.
Louise Relph (née Collins, Class of 1976) – District Judge In 2008, after 28 years as a Solicitor, I accepted an Appointment from the Queen to become a District Judge. I was appointed firstly to Salford County Court and, following its closure in 2011, I transferred to Manchester to the rather grand Palais De Justice – the Civil Justice Centre. I was appointed as a Deputy District Judge aged 34 and had to wait for my 35th birthday to actually sit and 40 before even being eligible for a full-time post that has long since changed.
work and try endlessly, it seems, to assist parents to resolve issues concerning their children themselves before surrendering decisions to the court. Domestic violence is a common feature alongside drug and alcohol misuse. Divorce and financial remedy matters by contrast offer light relief, deciding who gets what!
It used to be said that that an appointment to the Bench was the equivalent of part-time retirement; not so – life is, quite simply, hectic. With the amount of family work increasing by 30% year on year for the last few years coupled with an ambitious modernisation programme, moving towards fully digitalised working (no more quill and ink for me), it is challenging just keeping pace.
I also sit as a judge in the Court of Protection which involves assisting people and families where individuals lack mental capacity and need help with either their property and affairs, personal welfare, and deprivation of liberty.
I am a Civil Judge. In the last twelve months I elected to become a full-time Family Judge which is both challenging and rewarding in equal measure. I have both Public Law (Care) and Private Law jurisdiction and so, sadly, spend much of my time removing children from parents and making orders placing children for adoption and making adoption orders. On other days I undertake Private Law Children Act
Within family work we strive always to work with parties to seek a resolution by agreement, but that is not always possible and then, quite simply, someone has to hear evidence and decide. The work is rewarding and you have to hope that what you do makes a difference for the better for families and children and that you get it right.
When you decide to become a Judge, you have to be sure that this is going to be the right career path for you – as once you take the Queen’s shilling there is no turning back or returning to private practice and you are expected to keep your personal opinions firmly to yourself. The Judicial oath is the same for everyone embarking upon judicial office, that is to administer the law of the land to the best of your ability without fear or favour, affection or ill will, and I know of no Judge who does not hold that oath dear.
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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Autumn 2018
Story of a Gown The Prefects’ Gowns are one of the enduring symbols of the Girls’ Division, whilst the Gowning of the Prefects, held in the Great Hall each May, is one of its most special traditions. Here, two sisters describe wearing their Prefects’ Gown with pride.
Emily Thurston (2002-2009)
Georgia Thurston (2006-2013)
What was your favourite moment whilst wearing your gown? Apart from hurrying down a corridor and pretending to be Batman (which I think everyone does when they first get a gown), my favourite moments were in the School assemblies when we would line up and walk in together in pairs.
What was your favourite moment whilst wearing your gown? Swooshing into assembly was always great! But having the same gown as my sister and seeing our names sewn in underneath each other was really special to me.
The sisters are proud to have shared a Prefect’s gown
A particularly special assembly was the Gowning of the Prefects when I was leaving School. We had just finished a production of Hamlet, where I had played Ophelia and Natalie in the year below had played Hamlet. She was elected as a Prefect for the following year and I got to pass my gown onto her, which seemed very apt after all our speeches to each other! It was lovely a few years later when my sister wore the same gown, too. What were your hopes/plans for the future, as you passed on your gown? I had the most amazing time at Bolton School and especially loved studying History and Classics. Although nervous about moving away from my home and family in Manchester, I was looking forward to continuing with those subjects at university and even building a career on them, as a researcher or lecturer. What did you do after leaving School? I studied History at Cambridge University. In between my academic pursuits, my friends and I took a stand-up comedy show to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and presented a radio show. I also Emily (right) goes into completed a research studentship Assembly with her with the Royal Society on Robert fellow Prefects Hooke. I got my first job at a PR agency in Cambridge working with science and technology companies, which included travelling to places like San Diego, New Orleans and Madeira.
What were your hopes/plans for the future, as you passed on your gown? I was looking forward to finishing my A Levels and beginning university. The gown ceremony itself is such a nice blend of new beginnings: as we passed our gowns on, we were leaving to start work or university degrees, while the girls in the year below were excited to become Prefects. What did you do after leaving School? I studied English at Murray Edwards College, University of Cambridge. I graduated with a Double First in 2016. I then took a year out to work and volunteer at Elizabeth Gaskell’s House in Manchester. What are you doing now? I’m currently completing my Master of Philosophy degree at Cambridge. In the next academic year, I’ll start a fully-funded PhD on dialect novels. My love of 19th literature was fostered Prefects having fun! at School, where I worked on Elizabeth Gaskell and Thomas Hardy, inspired by Mrs Kingsford and Mrs Hadjigeorgiou. What one piece of advice would you give to this year’s Year 13 pupils? Year 13 is such a year of change, and it’s really easy to become stressed about the future. Life doesn’t always travel in straight lines, so I’d advise Year 13 pupils try not to worry if plans change or if they’re unsure what to do next; things have a habit of working themselves out and it’s important to enjoy what School has to offer in this final
What are you doing now? I’m the Editorial Manager at a PR agency in London called Harvard, which works with technology companies. I have also started to work as a freelance writer and to take on projects in the heritage sector, so that I can spend more of my time on history. What one piece of advice would you give to this year’s Year 13 pupils? It’s really hard to know what you’ll enjoy until you try it, so I’d say use your first few years after School to try as many new experiences as possible – whether that’s while you’re at university, working or volunteering. Remember there are lots of ways to do what you love, so don’t limit yourself to just one plan. Are you still in touch with friends from School? Yes, but living in London makes it difficult!.
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Georgia and fellow Prefects
year. Are you still in touch with friends from School? My friends from School are doing all sorts of great things across the UK and beyond, so we mostly chat and keep in touch through social media, and we always try to meet up if we’re ‘home’ in Greater Manchester over Christmas.
Staff in the Spotlight This Summer the Girls’ Division bade a fond farewell to Mrs Smalley, Head of Upper School, and Mrs Lowe, long-standing member of the English Department and former Head of Careers. Alumni Prefects Sêren Davies and Isabel Pillar caught up with them to ask about their teaching careers and their time at Bolton School.
Mrs Lowe
What are your plans after leaving? My own creative projects – I’m going to write, draw and paint. I would love to write for children and I am going to pursue that – it is really hard work and I don’t know if I would get published, but I’m going to work on it nevertheless! What is your favourite year to teach? That’s a really hard question because I’ve had really good classes all through the School. I’d probably say Sixth Form classes, that’s the area of the School I’ve enjoyed teaching the most.
Mrs Lowe with Sêren and Isabel
How long have you been at Bolton School? I have been at Bolton School as a teacher for 34 years now. In fact, when I came to Bolton School Miss Irvine was in Year 9 and I remember teaching some of her friends. Have you always wanted to be a teacher? No, at first I was convinced I was going to be an architect, then an academic and then go into Law, but then I found teaching and thought ‘This is it, this is what I want to do’. If you weren’t a teacher what would you like to do? I can’t imagine not being a teacher! I’ve really enjoyed it, but I am looking forward to trying new things.
What is your favourite Bolton School tradition? The Easter Extravaganza! You never know what they’re going to come out with and I love the feeling that anything at all could happen. What is your favourite Bolton School memory? I’ve have so many good memories at the school that it’s hard to pick one. I think the time I’ve spent with the English department has made my time here really special, such as the Stratford trip – that was always really fun. What advice could you offer to Bolton School girls? It’s never too late to change your direction in life, and you should always resist people that tell you that you should know what to do. You only have one chance at life!
Mrs Smalley How long have you been at Bolton School? I’ve been at Bolton School for 34 years; Mrs Lowe and I joined at the same time together. Have you always wanted to be a teacher? No, at first I wanted to go into creative food development as that was my passion. However, once I became a teacher I knew that I loved it. What are your plans after leaving? I’m going to spend more time with my family, especially my granddaughter. I’m also going to pursue more of my interests, like cooking, gardening and travelling as it’s nice to have more flexibility. I’m also planning on getting involved in lots of voluntary work. What is your favourite year to teach? I’ve enjoyed all the year groups as they’re all very different. GCSE is always a challenge as there’s lots to do and I really enjoyed A Level as you could treat the students more as adults. What is your favourite Bolton School tradition? I have so many! I love the Prefects’ Panto, the Ceremony of Carols and, of course, the Christmas Post as I’ve had to be involved in preparing that. I think all of the
Sêren, Mrs Smalley and Isabel
events in the Hall are great, there’s something about the amazing atmosphere in there that makes even Assembly a memorable event. What is your favourite Bolton School memory? I would have to say teaching girls that are evidently interested in the subject and want to learn more about it: their enthusiasm is one of my favourite memories. What are your feelings as you leave Bolton School? I have really enjoyed my time here at Bolton School and I’m going to miss everyone, but I’m looking forward to the next chapter. The girls make School life here so enjoyable and really make the School what it is.
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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Autumn 2018
From Learning to Living The fascinating findings of two surveys of Old Girls carried out several decades ago prompted Headmistress Sue Hincks to reflect on how attitudes have changed over the years and to wonder how the views of current Old Girls might compare. Plans for a new survey are afoot – in the meantime, the opinions from half a century ago make interesting reading! In 1960, having heard Miss Meade, Headmistress, comment that ‘It is so disgraceful that we have never had a woman judge in this country!’, and following contemporary accounts of the futility of women’s education, the Old Girls’ Association resolved that ‘it would be most valuable and entertaining’ to discover the views of as many Old Girls as could be traced. Accordingly, a questionnaire on a range of issues was circulated and the Association published its findings in a red pamphlet entitled ‘Learning and Living: A Feminine Viewpoint’. Questions asked included: Did you continue with paid work after you were married? Do you think your education has fitted you for the life you have lived since? Do you think there is enough scope today for women to use their talents and education? Would you say your own outlook differs greatly from that of your own mother? 1976 Survey: ‘A Northern accent is no longer a social detriment’. (1948 Leaver)
The survey (which even gave husbands an opportunity to express their views on the matters raised!) elicited 250 completed questionnaires (a 50% response), from Old Girls who had been at School prior to 1920 to those who attended in the 1950s. Among those who replied, including a number who had moved overseas, 83 had gone to university, 54 to teacher training college, 38 to secretarial college and 13 into nursing. 22% of the respondents were unmarried, which was similar to the percentage of single women (19%) in the population at the time. In terms of subsequent occupation, the authors of the survey concluded: ‘It is obvious that children are being put first, and wives are going out to work only when the children are older or they can be properly looked after’. There was also strong support for the idea of increased opportunities for part-time work. The majority of husbands were supportive of their wives working, although there was one clearly dissenting opinion: ‘I am married to a man who has strong views that a wife and mother’s place is in the home and that for such a person to go out to work is tantamount to casting aspersions on the husband’s earning capacity.’ 98% of those who responded believed that their
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education had fitted them for life after School, both practically: ‘The one term’s laundry that I did was the thing of greatest practical value,’ and socially: ‘Bolton School has provided me with the confidence to meet and talk with people of every academic standard without the feeling of inferiority,’ (1953 Leaver), and it is clear that the community-mindedness which we still prize today was in evidence, summed up in one reply thus: ‘The greatest thing I learnt at School was public spirit’. 1960 Survey: ‘I think that any woman with a family is smaller-minded than a woman without one, whatever her education’ (Married woman who left in 1950)
The Church was the largest single interest outside School (40%), with two out of every five who filled in the questionnaire belonging to some sort of Christian congregation. A number reported an interest in politics, including 12 Liberals, ten Conservatives, three Nuclear Disarmament campaigners and several with strong antiapartheid views. Over 60% felt that women had enough scope to be fulfilled and only four of those replying thought that family responsibilities held women back. A 1927 Leaver noted: ‘When my husband was called up my greatest comfort was my knowledge that if necessary I could support myself and my child.’ Nonetheless, a number believed that women were less likely to reach the top, with one 1929 Leaver lamenting: ‘A woman in general has to be far more capable than her male opposite number to get the same recognition that he gets, and any shortcomings are still criticised more sharply’ while another observed ‘I have noticed in my profession (pharmacy) that an unqualified man has much more authority than a qualified woman’. 1960 Survey: ‘A knowledge of med iaeval French romances doesn’t help at all in dea ling with the Mothers’ Union’ (1945 Leaver)
The authors of the survey concluded: ‘The picture of the married Bolton School Old Girl is certainly not one of a frustrated educated woman tied to the sink and bowed down with domestic drudgery. Rather the reverse – she seems to be adapting her talents to being an intelligent companion to her husband, bringing up her children to the best of her ability, and living as full a life as possible.’ And in considering whether the education of women beyond the age of 15 was worthwhile, the analysis of the questionnaire suggested that: ‘Even if a woman never works for pay, her education helps her to give something to the community … and, if she marries,
what more worthwhile and demanding job is there than creating a happy home for her husband and family?’ In 1976, as the Girls’ Division was planning The Second World War had a significant to celebrate impact on the lives of girls leaving School the 100th during that time anniversary of the foundation of the Bolton High School for Girls, the Old Girls’ Association decided that its contribution would be a ‘report on the kind of Old Girls the School has produced – their attitudes to marriage, children and current problems’ and a questionnaire similar to that produced in 1960 was sent out. 586 (just over a third) replied this time, the oldest respondent having left in 1901, and the youngest having left in 1975. There was no decline in the popularity of marriage and, as in 1960, the percentage of those who were married reflected the national trend. The most common profession was teaching, with secretarial work a close second, reflecting the large numbers who proceeded to ‘Colleges of Education’ after leaving School. However, as this trend began to tail off in the 1960s, the percentage of girls going on to university increased.
1960 Survey: ‘My enjoyment of orch estral concerts and the theatre began with school part ies to these events’ (1948 Leaver)
The vast majority said that they had married within their own socio-economic group and believed that marriage would continue as the social norm: ‘I cannot see marriage disappearing in the immediate future. I firmly believe that children need home-life and two parents, and I think most people would agree,’ (1965 Leaver). 478 of those who replied described their outlook as fundamentally Christian. Over half were engaged in voluntary work. Music and reading were the most popular past times and The Telegraph the most popular newspaper. Miss Higginson, Headmistress, noted a number of trends, including the increasing political apathy among younger generations. 1976 Survey: ‘The idea of going out to help people and of volunteering spontaneously was always suggested to us- in varying degrees of subtlety !’ (1975 Leaver)
In addressing the question ‘What’s wrong with society?’ some of the answers given in 1977 still strike a very familiar note today: ‘The pessimism, especially engendered by the media, about our position in the world,’ (1972 Leaver), ‘… an appalling increase in bureaucracy and a great lack of interest in performing a job well,’ (1955 Leaver, residing in the USA) and ‘The inability of a great number of children to originate play or amusement, relying on TV and car outings etc,’ (1952 Leaver). 1976 Survey: ‘I learned that my own views and opinions are worthwhile. I found this in the Sixth Form, when we were asked for our opinions they were listened to and considered seriously’ (1971 Leaver)
A snapshot of the 1976 questionnaire
309 of the respondents felt that their job was ‘very important’ and 217 thought it was as important as their husband’s. A woman’s lot was improving: ‘People are generally better educated and informed, with much higher expectations than in the thirties,’ (1930 Leaver) and ‘Many doors have opened for women,’ (1919 Leaver).
1960 Survey: ‘I was never particularly clever. It is the sum total of the whole lot that widened horizons and made life fun…. My life changed completely when I was eleven and went to Bolton School’ (1927 Leaver)
Nevertheless, individual experiences suggested that equality was still far from the norm, with one Old Girl observing: ‘My husband has a career, I have a job!’ (1944 Leaver), and another reporting: ‘My working life is spent entirely with men … I have had to fight very hard over the years for many rights, including equal pay, and, even now, though it may seem unbelievable, I am not allowed to eat with the men at my level.’ (1959 Leaver).
However, the appreciation of the Bolton School experience itself seems to have remained constant across the years: a 1942 Leaver reflected that: ‘Something about Bolton School produced a trust between friends which has kept so many close to me today, something much valued by us all’. I’m sure that many Old Girls reading this will agree. Both studies are fascinating in their insight in to contemporary mores as well as in to the changes experienced by Old Girls during their lifetimes. With changes in technology, it will be much easier to launch a questionnaire for today’s Old Girls please look out for this in the months to come.
Susan Fisher (1947-1960) illustrated the findings of the 1976 survey
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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Autumn 2018
The Evolution of the Scott Bolton Trust On 14th May 1962 a Trust deed was signed that founded a strong and active relationship with Bolton School, giving pupils the chance to undertake challenging physical and/or cultural expeditions. It records that Francis Clayton Scott, ‘as an expression of his affection and regard for the Borough of Bolton in the County of Lancaster … had paid the sum of £1,000 to be held upon the Charitable Trust hereinafter declared … to be known as the Scott Bolton Trust’. Initial aims were ‘the promotion and encouragement of education at the Bolton School, for boys, girls and young people … in the interests of their social welfare and for improving their conditions of life’. In January 1963 the management committee met for the first time and granted three awards on the recommendation of the Heads: to Margaret Warburton to undertake Voluntary Service Overseas and to David Harrison and Richard Bragg to undertake language study between leaving School and commencing University. Total expenditure was £250. By April, 14 boys and five girls had applied; funding was given to the girls, at a cost of £200, and to nine of the boys, at a cost of £273. Destinations included Iceland (ornithology), Nyasaland (volunteer teaching) and various travel and cultural trips. By 1964 increasing numbers of applications led to the introduction of personal interviews; four girls and eight boys were successful. In 1965, despite the generous funding, awards exceeded the annual budget of £1,000, with a range of excellent applications from both girls and boys. Fortunately, Mr Scott and the Trustees maintained a close and active interest and provided welcome uplifts to the funding granted, a generosity that continues to this day. The 1970s saw a shift to larger parties, especially of girls undertaking walking expeditions such as the Pennine Way. The first mixed party gained an award in 1982. By this time it had become the norm to support 40 to 50 pupils in each cycle of awards. Over the 56 years of awards 2,649 pupils (1,460 boys and 1,161 girls) have been supported at a total expenditure of £530,570. In the past 10 years 685 pupils (337 boys and 348 girls) have been granted awards with a total expenditure of £159,835. The impact of an award, both in undertaking the activity and through to later life, is best captured through the reports, which are always a joy to read. Rhiannon Fox-Rothwell (2005-2015) travelled to Johannesburg to help improve housing for the inhabitants of the township of Lehae. Her experiences boosted her confidence, and the extreme poverty she Rhiannon received a warm witnessed made her welcome in South Africa appreciative of her home circumstances and the opportunities available to her – so much so that she was inspired to return to South Africa before starting university to continue working with those less fortunate than herself.
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Canada 2015: 61 Scouts, Cubs, Explorers and their leaders headed to Vancouver Island for a memorable camp
Victoria Jolley and Alice Delaney (both Class of 2017), part of a mixed group leading a Scouting expedition to Canada, recorded the ‘breathtaking sight of a family group of Orcas … a wonderful end to the trip of a lifetime’. They capture the pleasure of seeing the Scouts enjoying themselves and their own growing confidence as leaders. Resilience can be tested to the highest level. Eleanor McGivern (2008-2015) took part in a ten-day trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Although altitude sickness and freezing temperatures (-15°C close to the summit) made this the most mentally and physically challenging thing she has ever experienced, it was also one of the most enjoyable, and she is proud to have completed the climb to ‘The Roof of Africa’. The Trust continues to evolve its funding in line with changing needs. In 2011, some money was set aside to continue Ellie McGivern (second left) sailing expeditions on Tenacity (the School ketch appreciated the motivation of her now operated by the Tall team mates Ships Foundation). Equipment has been purchased for Patterdale Hall when this fits with the aims of the Trust, a good recent example being provision of open canoes. Such grants allow wider benefit, thus maintaining Francis Scott’s original aims, but without reducing the ability to provide awards to individuals. As the above examples illustrate, reports from recipients affirm life-changing insights gained into new places, new people, but maybe most of all into themselves. This snapshot of the impact of a Scott Trust Award captures the ongoing value of an act of generosity so many years ago, which remains as active today as it was at the time of the first awards back in 1963. Sheila Fisher (née Platt, 1963-1970), on behalf of the Management Committee of the Scott Bolton Trust Former pupils of Bolton School, who are not more than 22 years old at the time of the expedition/trip, may apply for funding from the Scott Bolton Trust. Applications during a ‘year out’ from education are permissible provided the expedition/trip does not take place after the completion of a first degree course.
NEWS OF OLD GIRLS If you would like to get in touch with any of the Old Girls featured – or any other Alumni – please contact the Development Office. Class of 1970-1979 Diana German (née Taylor, 1970-1977) Congratulations to Diana, who has been made a Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society for distinction in the profession of pharmacy. She was surprised and delighted to receive this honour, as only around 25 fellows are appointed each year. Class of 1980-1989 Sally Tankard (1975-1984) In early April, Sally and her son Santiago set off on a three month backpacking adventure to Central and South America. Eager to see as much wildlife as possible, they Hiking round Lago were thrilled to encounter sloths, Atitlan in Guatemala tarantulas, anteaters, otters, rheas and a myriad of spectacular birds and creepy insects, to name but a few. The pair swam with caiman and fished for piranha, hiked around stunning volcanic lakes, through desert canyons surrounded by snow peaks and around stunning waterfalls, and visited old Spanish cities, where they enjoyed watching local fiestas and where Santiago often joined in games with local children. There was much laughter, some tears, plenty of excitement and some tough days along the way, as Sally fulfilled her wish to undertake a longer journey with Santiago to a part of the world that is very close to her heart. Whilst sad the trip is over, Sally and Santiago made many memories together that they will cherish. Maxine Robbins (née Raffle, 1974-1985) Maxine became involved in athletics coaching when her daughter took up pole vaulting. Her coaching career has gone from strength to strength and she was delighted to be selected as Team Coach (Pole Vault) for England for the Loughborough International Athletics meeting in May. She was very proud to be on the England staff and wore her England kit with great pride. Coaching is done on a voluntary basis and Maxine is honoured to be recognised by England Athletics in this way. Class of 1990-1999 Susi Fish (née Thomas, 1985-1992) Congratulations to Patent Attorney Susi who has been made a Partner at Boult Wade Tennant, a firm of Patent and Trademark Attorneys. Naomi Lord (1991-1998) Earlier this year, Naomi, who is Director of Creative Learning and Partnerships in the Boys’ Division and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, produced a community theatre project at the School exploring the profound and complex relationships we have with the notion of ‘home’. Pupils, with the creative direction of RoughHouse Theatre Company, used verbatim theatre methods to capture and present the authentic voices of their peers and wider community in a play, Worktown: My Room My Bolton. The
children’s research was inspired by the Mass Observation Project, which explored the customs of the people of Britain, starting with Bolton in 1937. The project coincided with an invitation to participate in a Community Development Partnership (CDP) supported by The Association of Community Rail Partnerships. As a result, railway buildings that had been standing in disuse are in the process of being opened up for creative community activity in Bolton. Subsequently, Worktown: My Room My Bolton was performed at Bolton Train Station, as well as at the Manchester Art Gallery and the Lady Lever Gallery, Port Sunlight. The project features in Issue 5 of the RSA Journal. Bethany Murray (1986-1998) Congratulations to Bethany who completed the Ironman on 15th July in 11:17:19h and was the 32nd female to cross the line (out of 278) – pretty impressive! Bethany, now a personal trainer, has always had a passion for sports. She swam competitively for Bolton School and for Bolton Metro swimming squad and reached National level. As an adult she decided she wanted to get back into sport and the only way to swim competitively was through triathlon – she gave it a go and discovered she is pretty good at it! After completing her first Ironman in Bolton, Bethany now intends to focus on half and full ironman distances, with the aim of qualifying for the World Championships at either distance in the next couple of years. Bethany’s brother, Anthony Murray (Boys’ Division, Class of 2008), also does Ironman and the pair competed for the first time together in Ironman Wales at the beginning of September this year – a good old Boys’ Division vs Girls’ Division battle! Class of 2000-2009 Kate Allan (1990-2004) Kate is getting married in Cambridge on 6th October, after Good luck to Congratulations to her fiancé, Steve, Kate as she Kate and Steve on proposed on the runs for a very their engagement! finish line of the St good cause Neots half marathon last November, live on local radio! Running is a theme of their life together, and Kate set herself the challenge in the New Year of completing an official half marathon every month throughout 2018. She is doing this to raise money for Mind, and blogging about her challenge, which she has named Half Marathons for Healthy Minds. You can read Kate’s blog at halfmarathonsforhealthyminds.wordpress.com and view her fundraising page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/ KateAllan.
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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Autumn 2018 Class of 2010 onwards Nicole Pike (2009-2011) Nicole called time on her international hockey career, leaving the Scottish Hockey programme after winning a silver medal at the European championships in 2009, to focus on her studies. After graduating from Swansea University with a degree in Clinical Physiology, she is now studying for a postgraduate Medical degree at Glasgow University, with a view to a career in Paediatric Cardiology. One unplanned by-product of Nikki’s time in Swansea was the realisation of a long-held ambition: to play rugby. She was honoured to be invited to represent Wales (having studied in Swansea) and has played with the National Mixed Open team at two European Championships, winning Bronze in 2016 and a Silver medal in July this year, and taking part in the World Cup in Australia in 2015. Now back in Glasgow, Nikki is also playing Rugby Sevens and full XVs for Hillhead Jordanhill, adding to her collection a winner’s medal from the Scottish Ladies’ Cup Final at Murrayfield this season. Hannah Pike (2009-2013) Whilst at School, Hannah was already an England age group hockey player, representing her country at U16 and U18 level. Inspired by the teaching of Mr King, she went on to complete a joint honours degree in History and International Relations at Loughborough University, graduating in July 2016 with a 2:1. Her hockey honours continued to grow: she was part of the England U21 training squad, accumulating two silver medals in the BUCS Championships.
Matches and Hatches Alison Key (née Grennan, 2001-2008) Congratulations to Ali who married Thomas Key at Brinsop Court Estate, Hereford, on 31st March. Ali’s bridesmaids were fellow Old Girls and a number of other friends from Bolton School were in attendance.
L-R: Shivani Fernando, Alicia Higson, James Hitchen (Class of 2007), Ali and Thomas Key, Emily Johnson (née Green), Rosie Fielding, Jayne Blacklidge, Naomi Brownlow (all Class of 2008)
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Hannah then gained a hockey scholarship which allowed her to complete a Masters degree in Public Administration at Fairfield University, Connecticut. While in the USA, Hannah helped her new ‘field hockey’ team to the Conference final in her first season and then captained the team to become MAAC Conference Champions in 2017, scoring both goals in a 2-1 win over rivals Monmouth University and being voted MVP for the MAAC conference. Hannah has now returned to the UK and is working as a business consultant on the Graduate Programme with Sopra Steria, an international IT consultancy firm. Natasha Lomas (Class of 2014) Natasha has completed her degree at The Royal Northern College of Music and takes up her studies for a postgraduate Masters’ degree at the Royal Academy of Music in London in September this year. Jessica Ryan (2000-2014) After an amazing foundation year at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, Jessica has gained a place at the prestigious drama school East 15 to study BA (Hons) World Performance. Break a leg, Jessica! Natasha Hall (Class of 2015) Congratulations to Natasha who has graduated from the University of Cambridge with a BA in Classics.
Natasha Leigh (née Williams, Class of 2013) Natasha has had an exciting few months! She married Callum in the Maldives on 18th June – and on her wedding day found out that she had graduated with a First Class Honours Bachelor of Science (BSc) from the University of Sunderland – she also received a special Merck Dissertation prize for the best research paper. Natasha is starting teaching training based at St Anthony’s Girls School in Sunderland in September.
Sarah Ward (née Shacklady, 1999-2006) Congratulations to Sarah who married Old Boy Neil Ward (Class of 2005) on 26th May at Morland Hall in the Eden Valley. Not surprisingly, there was an extensive Bolton School contingent among the guests, and the photographer managed a fantastic group shot!
Rachael Broderick (née Wadey, 1992-1999) Rachael, her husband Paul and five-year-old son Jack welcomed a new addition to their family: Polly Victoria Broderick, born on 10th December 2017 at St Mary’s Hospital in Manchester.
Rachael and baby Polly Victoria Back row, L-R: Tom Whittaker (Class of1999), Robert Davies (Class of 2007), John Abbott (Class of 2005), Lucas Gaynor (Class of 2008), Sam Pepper (Class of 2004), Gareth Ainscow (Class of 2005), Jamie Harrison (Class of 2006), Neil Ward, Sarah Ward, Carol Shacklady (née Leather, Class of 1967), Suzanne Belfield (née Pike, Class of 1997), Sophia Shaw (Class of 2006), Hannah Mitchell (Class of 2006), Frankie Dyer (née Najduch, Class of 2006), Charlotte Curtis (Class of 2006), Natalie Butler (Class of 2006), Hollie Harthern West (Class of 2006), Jonny West (Class of 1999) and Patricia Dickson (née Holker, Class of 1967) Front row, L-R: Tom Mathew (Class of 2005), Paul Rainford (Class of 2005), Leo Curtin (Class of 2005), Jamie Brabbin (Class of 2005), Richard Pike (Class of 1995), Roger Pike (Class of 2003), Tom Liversedge (Class of 2005), Matthew Elliott (Class of 2005) and Nick Holt (Class of 2008) Holly Dempsey (née Barnett, Class of 2006) was also in attendance.
Ruth Syddall (née Morley, 1993-2003) Ruth and Adam (Boys’ Division, 1984-1998) are delighted to announce the arrival of their son, Arthur Adam Syddall, who was born on 6th February 2018. Arthur has already visited many cricket clubs throughout the summer months! New mum Ruth joined the family firm PB Syddall & Co last September as Marketing and Communications Manager where she works alongside husband Adam and father-in-law Peter (Boys’ Division, 1960-1966), and she continues to be involved in amateur dramatics with the Christ Church Players.
MINI REUNIONS
Big Birthday Celebrations
1961 Leavers’ Lunch
32 years after leaving School the Northern contingent of the 1986 girls met up to celebrate ‘turning 50’!
We all get together regularly now as a result of meeting up at a reunion some years ago, having first made friends in the Third Form in 1954. Here we are enjoying a recent lunch together.
L-R: Kathleen Zimak (née Smith), Janet Wainwright (née Yates), Joan Anderson (née Greenhalgh), Mavis Nwokobia (née Shufflebotham) and Susan Sharples (née Yates)
It was a great lunch and 25 of us managed to make it. It was super to catch up with old friends, but to also reacquaint ourselves with people we hadn’t seen for so long. Thanks to Lisa Tyson (née Porter) and Julie Holmes (née Wilson) for managing to organise us all. It’s a date now: the third Saturday in June every year!
A huge celebration of the big Five-O!
The Bolton School Wine Collection The Girls’ Division Parents’ Association is pleased to present for sale the exclusive Bolton School Wine Collection, 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 Bursary Fund. For more information please e-mail bsfwines2015@gmail.com or, to place your order, please visit www.twrightwine.co.uk/13030
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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Autumn 2018
FROM THE ARCHIVES Ask the Archivist What made Miss Higginson a great Headmistress? ‘An awesome Headmistress and an inspirational teacher’, ‘A searing intellect’, ‘A lucid and challenging mind’, ‘Strong social conscience’, ’Deep compassion’. These are just a selection of the words used in tributes to Margaret Higginson, Headmistress from 1954 to 1979, after her death in 2009 at the age of 91. The fact that Miss Higginson is still remembered fondly by so many Old Girls is testimony to the profound and lasting influence she had on so many lives. Had she lived she would have been 100 years old this year, so it is appropriate that we should now reflect upon her life. Born in Harrow on 25th October 1918, Margaret Dora Higginson was conscious of her northern roots from an early age due to her father having come from Preston. The family moved to Sutton in 1921 and Miss Higginson attended Sutton High School where she formed a deep friendship with Ceridwen Cotes, who would later marry her cousin Basil. She became Captain of School before gaining a place at Somerville College, Oxford, where she was awarded a First Class Degree in English Language and English Literature followed by a Distinction in her Teaching Diploma at the Oxford University Department of Education. Her first teaching post came at Wycombe Abbey in 1941 and was a temporary position prior to a move first to Sowerby Bridge Grammar School in Yorkshire and then to Bemrose School for Boys in Derby in 1943. In 1945 she was appointed to St Paul’s Girls’ School in London where she taught, among others, Shirley Catlin who, under her married name of Shirley Williams, later became active in politics and was one of the ‘Gang of Four’ which left the Labour Party to found the Social Democrat party in 1981. Shirley Williams also became a lifelong friend and she spoke at the Memorial Service held at School after Margaret’s death. Despite her father being Lancastrian, Miss Higginson had never been to Bolton when she applied to become Headmistress in succession to Miss Varley in 1945. She was quite unprepared for the magnificent School buildings and would later comment ‘I was over-awed. At the time I didn’t know how I’d got the cheek to apply for the job there!’ On appointment she had never been a Head of Department and had no experience of running a school. She rapidly adapted, however, and would later comment that ‘I think I’d better put it firmly on record that I think being Headmistress of Bolton School is quite the most satisfying and enviable job the world has to offer.’ She considered Bolton School to be a ‘marvellous place. What is special about it is that it gives every pupil a chance to use her talents to the full. Girls leave here with a sense that they must put something back into the
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community and not waste anything.’ It was probably her social conscience that prompted her, after 11 years at Bolton, to seek permission from the Governors to have a term’s sabbatical. She joined the Robert Montefiore Secondary School in Stepney and was placed in charge of Form 3D, a class of tough 14 year olds, whose discipline was non-existent and where the cane was used on girls as well as boys. Although often driven to desperation, Miss Higginson enjoyed the experience, which she felt was an education for her and made her appreciative of the challenges faced by teachers whose pupils have no interest in learning. She had been keen to modernise Bolton School and took steps, particularly, after the appointment of David Baggley as Headmaster in 1966, to develop contacts with the Boys’ Division. She arranged a joint trip to Italy in 1956, joint music and drama began to flourish and it had been at her initiative that boys and girls began to take General Studies classes together. She also oversaw the formation of the Parents’ Association, the commissioning of the School Song to help commemorate the School’s 80th birthday, the installation of the Bridge Street Chapel Organ in the Great Hall and the first Miss Higginson in 1972 residential centre at Cautley The highlights, however, were probably the completion of the North Wing in 1965 and the momentous decision to become an independent school from the beginning of the 1976 Autumn Term. On her retirement in 1979 the Parents’ Association presented her with a television. She chose to remain in Bolton, which she considered her home and became involved with her parish church, Oxfam, the Civic Trust and Canon Slade School, where she was appointed a Governor. On the occasion of her 80th birthday several Old Girls arranged a birthday party for her in the Arts Centre when Deborah Taylor (née Crossley, 1957-1971) made a warm, witty speech in which she paid tribute to the influence Miss Higginson had had on the lives of so many girls. Her interest in the School never waned and one of her last visitors was Gill Richards (Headmistress, 2005-2011), who went to see her just a week before she died to tell her about the latest batch of examination results. Mrs Richards said ‘She had an opinion about everything and was very well informed. Bolton School was her life.’ She was indeed a great Headmistress.
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.
Two Old Girls who were pupils of Miss Higginson – one of whom later returned to School to join the Girls’ Division teaching staff – offer their memories of this remarkable lady. ‘Margaret Higginson - 1918-2009 Friend and Teacher to Many’ Strange as it may seem to start an appreciation with an inscription on a gravestone, it shows how modestly this brilliant woman thought of herself. It may have been yet more modest; she once told me in the course of a lesson on style that dates and initials were a sufficient memorial, because they told the truth. Margaret would have been 100 on 25th October, so now is a good moment for another look at her life and achievements. Most of my personal anecdotes and those of her ‘many’ students and friends are recorded in a memoir of five chapters on the Bolton School website, in the Archives and Memories section. There, readers can discover the truth about such events as the legendary ‘Hike up the Pike’ on the day of her interview, her dalliance (in writing) with John Betjeman or her later adventures at the chalkface in a London comprehensive. As a member of her first Sixth Form, I personally owed her so much in realising my dream of going to Oxford. At the same time she was encouraging many other students’ very different dreams, for her criteria were very simple: find out what you can do, and do it properly. These applied to all careers, whether Marking her Prime Minister or wife and mother. She retirement lived by the light of A Prayer of St Francis, with Viscount which reminds us that ‘much is required of Leverhulme those to whom much is given’, though, for School use, mercifully adapting the ‘prayer-and-fasting’ to ‘whatsoever means’. As the youngest Headmistress ever appointed to a prestigious girls’ school, Margaret responded to new winds sweeping through the world of education. She had always been able to reinvent herself. ‘A podgy little figure … with a pathetic aspiration’ (never realised) to be picked for a school team, she recalled her joy as she and her friends arrived in Oxford. ‘Beneath our quiet dowdy laughable naïve exteriors, we lived in a state like a mescaline trance. Everything seemed twice as real and intense as the things at home. I remember the thrill of realising “I belong here!”’ Except, of course, she didn’t. Oxford was a means, not an end, a chrysalis, and out of it sprang a generation of inspiring teachers. Margaret had no brothers, attended a girls’ school and a female college, but studied in a predominantly male university, offering plenty of opportunities for social contact. Perhaps 80th birthday celebrations it was here that she learned the value of mixed company in education? Her early teaching experience was at Bemrose, a boys’ school; she once told us that boys were easier to manage than girls, because they were more forgiving of teachers’ misunderstandings. This remark places Margaret in the vanguard of a new movement in teaching which has two characteristics. First, it is no longer acceptable to rule by a series of diktats; teaching and learning is a co-operative enterprise between fellow-travellers. Second, as our society is not and never has been segregated by sex, why should our schools be?
Margaret was not alone in asking this question, but she was the first to make a positive proposal towards joint activities at senior level with the Boys’ Division, a move in the right direction as far as Headmaster David Baggley was concerned. The timely development of Cautley enabled a whole out-of-school programme that added a new dimension to so many lives. Today it would be labelled ‘enrichment’, merely a technical term. To Margaret, the whole of school life was an opportunity for true enrichment. I write as a pupil; the experience of Margaret as a colleague adds another dimension. Elaine Lever (née Kelsey, 1949-1957)
A Breath of Fresh Air Maybe we were all under the influence of the Swinging Sixties, but being a member of Margaret’s staff at that time certainly meant that she kept us open to new ideas. What other Head at that time would have summoned the whole School to the Hall and, with a perfectly straight face, have warned the girls that something very serious had happened, only to reveal that ‘The Higg‘ with Prefects the ‘serious’ happening was a in 1956 staff revue, which had everyone rocking in the aisles, and in which Margaret herself took part? She also lent a well-known dress of hers and the Headmistress’s pendant for one of our number to do an impersonation of her. What other Head at that time would have encouraged her students to do Voluntary Service Overseas, walk the Pennine Way, regularly visit older people living alone, initiate the Old Girls’ Turkey Feast for the same group, or arrange for collecting tins to be placed all along the main corridor every time there was a humanitarian crisis? Much of this might seem commonplace now, but back then in the Sixties it was mostly uncharted territory. Margaret was a great encourager of her staff and a goodly number of teachers went on to become Heads of prestigious girls’ schools throughout the country. They were known in the educational world as the ‘Higginson Mafia’. A significant change with regard to the relationship with ‘the other side’ came about in Margaret’s time. We once had a memorable staff lacrosse match with a team from the Boys’ Division staff – unthinkable in previous decades, but a sign of things to come. The invisible wall was coming down! Space doesn’t permit for more reminiscences. It is perhaps sufficient to say that Margaret was a breath of fresh air when she arrived and her tenure was marked by openness to new ideas, warm encouragement of staff and students and a determination that seeds sown should bear much fruit. Elsie Peel (née Addison, 1949-1956, and Girls’ Division Staff, 1962-1971)
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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Autumn 2018
Remembering Second Viscount Leverhulme Old Girl Zonia Wood was prompted to recall her memories of Second Viscount Leverhulme after reading his biography: I have just re-read a book called The King of Sunlight by Adam McQueen. It is a very interesting and readable biography of the Second Viscount Leverhulme. This made me wonder if anyone else William Hulme Lever, Second remembers a Viscount Leverhulme memorial service which we had at School in 1949 when the second Viscount Leverhulme, William Hulme Lever, died? This was a joint service in the Boys’ Division Great Hall. Back in 1949, there was little interaction between the two Divisions, and certainly this was the first time I had set foot in the Boys’ Division. Maybe only senior pupils attended, but we had a rehearsal, when we were given instructions on how to behave on this extremely solemn occasion, and I remember the Headmistress, Miss Varley, together with the Headmaster, Mr Poskitt, on the platform, although I think Mr Poskitt did most of the talking. The girls certainly needed a rehearsal, as one of the hymns was completely new to us, but the boys seemed to know it well. It is not a hymn I have ever heard since: ‘I’ll praise my Maker while I’ve breath/ And when my voice is lost in death/Praise shall employ my nobler powers …’ A few days later, we all processed to the Boys’ Hall again for the actual service. I can’t remember who actually took this service, but many of the Governors attended. In 1950, the very young, handsome Third Viscount
History Research Society If you were at School during World War Two, the Boys’ Division History Research Society would like to speak with you. They are running a project which will look at Old Girls and Old Boys who were involved in the War, as well as establishing what life at Bolton School was like during this period. If you would like to get involved in this project and are happy to share your memories and be interviewed by the boys, please get in touch with the Development Office.
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Leverhulme, came to Speech Day, and we were all thrilled to see him, as his father had seemed very old to us and unfortunately like his father before him had been profoundly deaf. The Third Viscount continued to take an active interest in the School until he died in 2000. Zonia Wood (née Taylor) 1944-1951 Zonia’s memory serves her well – the School’s Archivist has found reference to the thanksgiving service she describes in the July 1949 edition of The Boltonian, the Boy’s Division School magazine: The Second Viscount Leverhulme was taken ill on a train near Banff, Alberta, during the latter stages of a world tour and died on 27th May 1949. A Service of Thanksgiving took place in the Boys’ Division Great Hall on 13th June, with the First Lesson read by the School Captain and the Second Lesson by the Head Girl. Prayers were led by the Headmistress and a Joint Choir of Boys and Girls sang, inter alia, the anthem He that shall endure to the end shall be saved by Mendelssohn. In paying tribute to him, Mr FR Poskitt, Headmaster, said that the School would miss ’the presence of a personality of rare charm, whose modesty and wit endeared him to all he met’ and that ‘we shall remember those delicious phrases which provided so happy an opening to many Speech Days.’ Viscount Leverhulme had lived through recession and the Second World War since his father launched his ambitious plans for Bolton School, but he never gave up hope of fulfilling his father’s vision. ‘The completion of the scheme’ said Mr Poskitt, ‘would be a fitting memorial to the good son of a great father.’
Looking Back A nostalgic trip down Chorley New Road – photographs from across the decades
nt in 1945-1958) se ée Jenkinson, ks(!) (n l or el w e hw ut ag w So Patsy ol trip to a se ho Sc a son, on ck n Ja e this photo take Hall (née Milner), Christin ague Te se ui Lo L-R: Eileen t, ol nce, Janet H reen Rawcliffe Cynthia Pickva Patsy and Mau ) s), ne Jo (née Class of 1958 ll (a ) (née Hardy
Patsy also sent in this photo of a group of girls attending a Sixth Form conference in Bla ckpool. L-R: Joan Halliwell, Betty Coward, Patsy, Eileen Hall (née Milner ), unknown, Louise Teague (née Jon es), Christine Jackson, Jane Gould and Muriel Blackburn
Beech House with Mr
s Clapperton, c1960
Girls’ Division, 1925
/88
Advanced Gymnastics Club, 1987
Badminton Team, 198
7/88
Enjoying the Dining Ro
om, 1991
s Haslam Christmas Post with Mr 7 (far left), 199
son
(centre) and Mrs Patter
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. You can also share your own archive photos on the Bolton Alumni Network: www.boltonalumninetwork.com.
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Old Girls’ Association Newsletter Autumn 2018
LIVES REMEMBERED Stella Daker (née Newton, Girls’ Division Staff 1954 to 1955) I remember Miss Newton, as she then was, arriving at Bolton, newly qualified and looking like a young Juliette Greco. A graduate of Keele, one of the new post-war universities, she looked like an exotic hummingbird in her bright hood on Speech Days and she was a complete contrast in every way to most of her colleagues. During her time at Bolton she was married to her then husband, the actor David Daker, who was then at Oldham Rep. She ran a Middle School Dramatic Society and he sometimes came in to help. This greatly impressed us and, joy of joys, I learned all the basics of stage make-up from this real actor! Stella Daker treated us as mature teenagers, provoked us into independent thought and study and expected high standards. In pre-National Curriculum times she threw as much Shakespeare and Thomas Hardy at us as Lower Fifths could take! She taught the dry grammar, then examined at O Level directly from literature, and clause analysis and parsing became relevant and even exciting! In a long career teaching English and Drama, and later in Headship, I have often thought of her, not only for her skill in the classroom, but also for her extra-curricular enthusiasm and interest in every dimension of her pupils. An inspirational teacher is never forgotten. Elizabeth Mullenger (1956-1964) Miss Newton, as I knew her then, arrived fresh from university to teach English just I started in the Lower Sixth. Young, blonde and colourful is how I think of her as a teacher – literally colourful, as she wore such bright clothes, and colourful, too, in her teaching of texts which she brought to life with a keen insight and lively interpretations. It would be wrong of me to claim to have been inspired to teach English at exactly that time, but I did love her lessons, and it was what I eventually chose to do as a career, so I guess something must have rubbed off! On several occasions when we met over the years, I thoroughly enjoyed my chats with her about many aspects of teaching English, including various set texts, particularly poetry. In later years our family regularly visited Stella in the Cotswolds. She was exceptionally kind to my mother, and through their friendship, I began to know my former teacher as a valued friend too. We used to meet at least once a year, never running out of things to talk about, and she invariably had a book to recommend, or a theatre production to tell me about. Her memory for detail is something I particularly remember and will always envy. She was a skilled painter, achieving a Grade A in A Level Art, taken at the age of 70! I still treasure several of the hand-made Christmas cards she used to send, often featuring one of her own water colours. The last time I saw her was when my husband Jim and I visited her at her cottage in Guiting Power, early in 2013. She remained a generous host, and a lively and amusing conversationalist, losing none of her colour and none of the warmth she had shown those many years ago back in her Bolton School days. I will remember Stella with an enormous amount of respect and affection. Elizabeth Carr (née Sawtell, 1956-1962) Stella was a remarkable woman. We had so many happy times in her cottage in Guiting Power. She was a gifted
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watercolourist and exhibited and sold at many exhibitions. She volunteered at the Nature in Art Gallery near Gloucester until her illness became too much and she had to go into care. We emailed each other until almost the last. Her son, Tim, told me she died in style, wearing her favourite colourful nightwear with matching scarf – flamboyant as ever in the nicest possible way. Susan Garnett (née Parry, 1952-1958) Susan Dearden (1964-1971) Sue, an only child from Chorley, started at Bolton School a year younger than most of her year group, but more than held her own academically. English Literature was her particular speciality, but she showed ability in a wide range of subjects, as well as taking a full part in School life, including working backstage on dramatic productions. She left School for Nottingham University, where she studied English and Philosophy. It was while she was at university that Sue first demonstrated her commitment to social issues, as an activist in the women’s and anti-apartheid movements, amongst many other campaigns and causes. This drive to make a difference was to guide her career and activities throughout the rest of her life. Following university, Sue trained as an English teacher and moved to Oldham to take up a post in a secondary school in a disadvantaged area. She then moved into the youth justice team at Rochdale Council, working to divert some of the most challenging and deprived youngsters in the area from the criminal justice system, followed by a job in educational management for the council. After many years in local government, Sue was made redundant; she took this as an opportunity to move into an overtly political role, and was elected Labour councillor for Oldham’s Chadderton Central ward in 2012. The experience of working with young people led Sue to become the council’s District Youth Champion and she was also the chair of the Health and Well-Being Board for Oldham. Her marriage, to Phil Penning, had ended in divorce; as a single parent to two sons and also the principal carer for her elderly father, she understood only too well the pressures and responsibilities her voters faced. A fearless feminist, Sue encouraged the young women she worked with to be confident and ambitious, and her warmth and compassion also led her to involvement in Oldham Unity, offering the hand of friendship to destitute asylum seekers and refugees. In 2016, she was part of a Labour delegation to Palestine; she helped set up the Saddleworth Palestine Women’s Scholarship Fund to support girls’ education there. Sue loved to travel, both in Britain and abroad, and had a wide circle of friends. She adored her three grandchildren, Ewan, Molly and Emily, spending as much time as she could with them. The 40-year reunion at Bolton School in 2011 resulted in renewed friendships – and much hilarious reminiscing – with former schoolmates for all too brief a time, because Sue died on 10th February 2018 in The Christie Hospital, Manchester, only a few months after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She faced her end with typical courage and concern for others, meticulously planning and organising her own funeral service, which was held in Oldham Parish Church. Hundreds of mourners, each wearing the red rose emblem of the party she had represented, bore witness to the many people whose lives she had touched. They listened to moving tributes and songs by ‘her’ choir, the
Saddleworth Singers, and left the church to the lyrics of Bob Marley’s Get Up, Stand Up, words which fittingly summed up Sue’s inspirational advocacy for freedom and justice. Liz O’Donnell (née Spencer, 1964-1971)
Sadly, the vibrant Dilys known and loved by so many began to fade as Alzheimer’s took its grip. Past and present became easily confused and when she stopped cooking it was clear that something was seriously wrong. Latterly she moved to a rest home and she passed away on 28th March 2018.
Dilys Morrison (née Thistlethwaite, 1946-1954) A curly-headed blonde girl with a mischievous sense of humour, Dilys relished her time at Bolton School. She retained her affinity for the School throughout her life, was proud to be an Old Girl, and through attendance at Alumni events cemented the close friendships she had made as a pupil.
A bright spark is now missing from the lives of John, Jane, Sarah, grandchildren James, Nick, Alex, Charlie and India, great-grandson Arlo and countless family friends, but all can count themselves blessed to have known the warm, vivacious lady who was Dilys.
On leaving School, she attended Battersea College of Domestic Science, where she honed what were to become her legendary cookery skills, and where her bubbly personality made a lasting impression on her fellow students.
Judith Ann Todd (1941-1956) Judith was the third generation of the Todd family to attend Bolton School, along with her four cousins: James Gerrard Booth (Class of 1951), James Michael Gerrard (1940-1952), Lorna Gerrard Miles and Donald Gerrard (1950-1961). Moving from Beech House through to the Senior School and then into the Sixth Form, Judith was awarded the Lady Lever Scholarship after staying on for an extra ‘third year Sixth’ as Head Girl.
It was while studying in London that Dilys encountered John Morrison – on 24th May 1955, to be precise: the date of that momentous occasion was indelibly etched on their memories. The pair met at Speakers’ Corner in Hyde Park, and so began a relationship which spanned for over 60 years. After marrying in 1957, Dilys and John lived in Bolton for three years before the pull of London became too strong and they returned to the capital when John secured a job with C&A. Dilys, meanwhile, launched her teaching career. Two wonderful daughters, Jane and Sarah, came along and the family was complete. In 1972 the Morrisons moved to Southend and Dilys took up the post of Head of First Year at Shoeburyness High School, where she remained for 35 years, greatly respected as a teacher and making a positive impact on her pupils. Dilys was a fabulous cook, conjuring up dishes from simple potato pies and Sunday lunches, birthday cakes and Christmas puddings, to the more exotic fare enjoyed at dinner parties in the Sixties and Seventies – to this day, her crème brûlée remains unequalled in the eyes of many! Her love of food and cooking influenced family and friends: she taught Jane and Sarah how to bake, introduced them to continental delights during trips to London delicatessens and provided them with lavish suppers even on school nights. Barbecues and local delicacies were features of family holidays, and visiting friends to the Morrisons’ always welcoming home were invariably treated to Dilys’ gastronomic delights. Another of Dilys’ talents was singing and her knack of finding an appropriate ditty for any occasion gave rise to many an impromptu sing-song. She was also a strong public speaker, giving talks in her capacity as a teacher and through her involvement with NADFAS (National Association of Decorative and Fine Arts Societies, now the Arts Society) and Ladies’ Circle. She had a great sense of fairness and spoke up for what she believed in.
Based on tributes from the Morrison family and their many friends
After leaving School, Judith read Law at King’s College London before passing the Bar Finals as second in the country. After being called by Gray’s Inn, Judith then joined ICI, initially in the Personnel Department, before moving after 18 months to the central legal department in London. There, she worked on a variety of international company work in countries as diverse as Japan, South Africa, the USA, Brazil and Iran. After more than 30 years with ICI, at which point she was the company’s most senior female employee, Judith retired early to the house she had already bought in the Lake District. After retirement, she served as a Governor of Bolton School from 1994 to 2001, during a time of great change for the School, notably the abolition of the Assisted Places scheme and the subsequent establishment of the School’s Bursary Fund. Her ‘wise and calm counsel’ was much appreciated by the then Chairman of the Governing Body, Sir Alan Cockshaw. As well as her service to the School, Judith also served on the Committee of the local NADFAS, on the Ladies’ Committee of her local Golf Club, and as a Trustee, and later Chairman, of a local charity. Judith’s numerous voluntary activities were interrupted by several cancers and consequent surgery and treatments, but, having got a taste for travel when she was working, she continued to enjoy taking foreign holidays whenever she could. She passed away on 16th June 2018. J Mike Gerrard (1940-1952) Cousin
IN MEMORIAM Anne Atherton (née Howard, 1941-1948) Died 5th April 2018 Ruth Bayes (née Turner, Class of 1944) Died 13th April 2017 Audrey Hollingsworth (née Ashworth, 1944-1955) Died 3rd June 2018 Phyllis Hulme (née Watson, 1938-1945) Died 31st August 2018 Mavis Lord (née Cocker, 1943-1950) Died 20th March 2018 Sylvia Mitchell (née Wrigley, 1954-1961) Died 1st February 2018 Valerie Shields (née Weeks, Class of 1966) Died 31st July 2018
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Sue Royse, Helen McNab (née Thornley), Christine Davies (née Wane) and Amanda Dewhurst (née Spencer) (all Class of 1978) at the ‘8’ Class Reunion in April 2018 Designed and printed by BHW Print Group, Farsley Park, Wingates Industrial Estate, Westhoughton BL5 3XH T. 01942 850050 E. sales@bhwprintgroup.com