The Bugle - Autumn 2018 by Bolton School Development Office

THE

Old Boltoniansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association 1895 - 2018

BUGLE

Autumn 2018

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2018

CONTENTS

Stay in Touch 2 Stay Connected 2 Bolton School Merchandise 2 Welcome Messages Lionel Price, President of the Old Boltonians’ Association 3 Philip Britton, Headmaster 3 Continuing Support 4 The Boltonian 4 Bolton School Wine 4 The Mail Bag 5 School News School supports Bolton Station Community Gala 6 Charity Fun Run 6 Founders’ and Benefactors’ Assembly 6 New Clock for Cricket Pavilion 6 Celebration of Duke of Edinburgh Achievements 7 History Research Society 7 Community Action Celebration Evening 7 Drama and Magic in The Tempest 7 The Storming of Bolton 8 Boys in Port Sunlight Takeover 9 Victoria Hall Concert 9 Former Diplomat delivers Prizegiving Address 9 New Cricket Kit Sponsors 10 Brilliant Ball raises Bursary Funds 10 OBA Ambassadors 10 Old Boys’ Features Chris’ MasterChef Adventure 11 Inspiring the Next Generation 12 Old Boys conquer Kilimanjaro 14 Alumni Authors 15 Old Boltonians’ Mentoring Scheme 16 The Bolton Alumni Network 16 Alumni Networks in Action 17 How did the Scott Bolton Trust evolve? 18 Andy inspired by School to aid others 19 Events C60 Chemistry Reunion 20 Rock and Roll Reflections 20 Forthcoming Events 21 Photo Wall 22 Sports OBAFC Report 24 Fifty Years of Football 24 Old Boltonians’ Golf Society Report 25 Boltonians Ladies 25 Water Polo 25 Old Boys on Film 25 Freemasonry 25 Old Boys’ News News of Old Boys 26 News of Former Staff 28 Mini Reunions 29 Archives Ask the Archivist: How did the Swimming Pool transform into the Arts Centre? 30 Looking Back 31 Lives Remembered 32 In Memoriam 35

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

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

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

T: 01204 434718 E: development@boltonschool.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

STAY CONNECTED We hope you enjoy being kept up-to-date with what is happening at School and within the Old Boltonian community as much as we value the opportunity to stay connected with you. 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.

BOLTON SCHOOL MERCHANDISE School has an Online Merchandise Store, selling all of the items previously sold through the Development Office, and many more. A variety of items are available for purchase, from Old Boy cufflinks and ties to Bolton School pens, iPad cases and photo frames. All profits made from the sale of merchandise go directly to the School Bursary Fund, which helps make a Bolton School education open to all academically gifted pupils, irrespective of their 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

Cover photo: the new cricket pavilion clock (see page 6)

Newsletter Autumn 2018

WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT

The Lake District was looking particularly lovely when some three dozen of us gathered for a delicious Cumbria dinner on a warm sunny evening at the end of June, cunningly slotted into the first football-free evening during the World Cup. As usual, the Headmaster and Headmistress reported on recent developments at School. Philip Britton was in a notably witty and ironic mood (at least, I hope it was irony!) as he downplayed the boys’ recent achievements on sporting and other fields. I was glad to be able to enjoy this Cumbria reunion as it is to be the last in its present form. The dinner was held as usual at Lindeth Howe, a house above Winadermere once owned by Beatrix Potter and now a hotel owned by Stephen Broughton (Class of 1969). The event has long been popular with former staff as well as pupils, but the numbers attending have been declining in recent years. In years to come, it will be held as a lunch. Transport will be offered from School and it is hoped that many of those Alumni who have attended the dinner in previous years will

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER

In the Spring Bugle, I mentioned that we would have a very busy Summer with events either initiated by or supported by Old Boys, and, as we move into the new academic year, we have now enjoyed all of those occasions. Certainly the largest was the Civil War reenactment (see page 8), which used the connections of Old Boy David Wilson (1972-1979) to provide a wonderful community and School event. The ‘C60’ Chemistry Reunion (page 20) was also a success, bringing together former colleagues and Old Boys to share their love of the subject with current boys and their parents – my thanks to Professor Malcolm Stevens, OBE FRS (1945-1957) for his keynote address that day. The first of this series of events was the Alumni Networking Event held at the Manchester Art Gallery (page 20), where current boys entertained guests with drama and music whilst Old Boys Mark Radcliffe (1966-1976) and Tony Wadsworth (1967-1974) entertained with their conversation, chaired by another Old Boy Adam Woolley (2006-2013). These are just some of many examples of Old Boys invigorating the current School with their experiences and expertise. We have also been celebrating the success of the Mentoring Scheme, devised by Old Boys in the South East and a first step towards systems where we connect Old Boys together for mentoring programmes. There is room for more mentees, so if you would like that invaluable additional dimension to your developing careers do please step forward by contacting the Development Office. It has

be able to come again. I am sorry I was unable to attend the Edinburgh dinner in early May, but later that month I did preside at the AGM at School, where my successor for 2019, Tim Taylor (Class of 1979), was elected. With, sadly, no Bristol dinner this year, that leaves me with only the Oxford dinner in November, closely followed by the Association Dinner at School in December where the speaker will be James Ducker (Class of 1998). James will be well-known to many of you as Northern Football Correspondent at the Telegraph and I am sure he will round off a convivial evening. If you would like to arrange some other event to meet Old Boys and Old Girls, do contact the Development Office to see what help they can offer. And if you have not already joined the Bolton Alumni Network, please do so. In little over a year, the Network has attracted over 2,000 members. Amongst other things, it provides one of the channels through which former pupils can help others with their careers. Running alongside this is the Mentoring Scheme, now in its second year, available to Old Boltonian undergraduates to help them start their careers. You can read more of this in the pages ahead. Lionel Price (1954-1964) Old Boltonians’ Association President, 2018 also been good to see the informal drinks events beginning to multiply as a more modern way for Old Boys to gather together, alongside the more formal dinners and events. If you wish to arrange an event yourself, again do let the Development Office know. Old Boys help School in other ways as well, of course, and they have been hugely important in helping us reach the initial £5 million target for the 100 Campaign for Bursaries, which is entirely aimed at securing the social diversity and mobility many will remember from their own School days. This Summer we said farewell to Doug Wardle, the Deputy Headmaster whose modern role subsumes many of the traditional roles of Second Master, from which he was promoted. Doug joined the School in 1988 as a Teacher of Geography and has shared his passion for that subject with boys ever since, becoming a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in 2016. We had a wonderful lunch with the Chairman of Governors to acknowledge his service to the School, attended by his last Headmaster (me) and his first Headmaster, Alan Wright. Standing in a long line of Second Masters that includes Alan Mitchell, David Shaw and Harry Jackson, Doug has, in his turn, embodied the ethos of the School, developing the character of the boys and ensuring we are what we stand for by living the values. He spoke to this theme in his final assembly, which was met with a spontaneous standing ovation from the School. We wish him well in his travels. This Summer many Summer trips have departed – some to familiar destinations such as Saundersfoot and the Battlefields, others rather more recent such as Paris and Disneyland. Through all, the boys had experiences which will help them to develop into the fine men we know Old Boys to be! Philip Britton

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2018

Continuing Support

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.

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.

We are only able to provide this high level of assistance as a result of the donations we receive from Old Boys, Old Girls 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.

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 initial target for the 100 Campaign. 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’ve 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

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 exceptional, 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 Boys and Old Girls, 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.

Any profits made from the sale of the magazine will go towards the running of the Old Boltonians’ Association.

The Boltonian remains the premier magazine for the Boys’ Division. As an Old Boy it is possible to become a subscriber to The Boltonian and have a copy mailed directly to you each year.

For details of how to subscribe, please contact the Development Office.

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

THE BOLTONIAN 2017

THE BOLTONIAN The School Magazine

Bo ltonian 201 THE

An e-copy of the 2018 edition of The Boltonian will be available to view on the School’s website once this has been published. Bolton School

Chorley New Road Bolton BL1 4PA t: 01204 840201 f: 01204 495498 www.boltonschool.org

Designed and printed by Haslam Printers Ltd. www.haslamprinters.co.uk

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

Newsletter Autumn 2018

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

STAR LETTER one Malcolm Howe (1948-1956) was to pho the in d ure of the Scouts feat ion of edit 8 201 ing Spr the published in The Bugle: that photo; I have a contemporary copy of p in the Troo ut Sco ior Sen it features the 20 of us n whe 1956 of s day holi mer Sum then travelled together to Brittany and ed in stay One s. tion divided into two sec rous entu adv e mor ller sma the France and Spain to on t wen me, g udin incl , section hiked over for which we needed visas. We through on irati insp my the Pyrenees, on in history ous fam s, alle cesv Ron the Pass of agne rlem and legend for the defeat of Cha n whe , 778 in and the death of Roland destroyed Charlemagne’s rear guard was es. trib by Basque an we had Until we arrived in San Sebasti idden by forb was ping no idea that cam a cellar. in t slep we so me, Franco’s regi we could as us with lt adu no was re The School not find any teacher at Bolton r, and aste utm Sco ior prepared to be Sen who s, oke Bro Bill r aste utm Group Sco the year had come with us to Switzerland old too was he before, had decided that it ed anis org we So for this expedition. us made ourselves and mercifully all of for the time the rendezvous at St Malo on photo. the on ured cross-channel ferry feat Ah, those were the days!

David Shaw (Boys’ Division Staff, 1964-2002) noted the photo of him presenting the 21st Badminton Cup and is pleased to name all those featured: L-R: David Shaw, Tom Leather, Charles Bott, Andy Longmate, Jamie Leather and David Leather

Roger Dobson (1957-1966) enjoyed the Looking Back feature in the Spring 2018 edition and writes: I was particularly pleased to see David Hodgson’s photograph of the Scout coach (a Dennis Lancet III of late 40’s vintage) which I spent many hours painting in the Summer of 1960. However, the first trip was not to Dolgellau, but to Yealand, South Lakes, in January 1960. I remember well descending a steep hill into Keswick, Dennis in low gear with Roger Kirk standing up in the half cab leaning back on the hand brake! The Dennis was followed by a succession of classic vehicles sometimes loaned out to Clifford Ingham for his expeditions. I drove an AEC to the Isle of Skye and a Bedford to the New Forest.

Throwback Thursday Our Facebook post about Mrs Foster – ‘Hilda’ to thousands of Bolton School boys – retiring back in 1981 after nearly 25 years’ service in the Dining Hall and the Tuck Shop elicited some fond memories: ‘A lovely woman – but I can’t think of Hilda without also thinking of her colleague, Doris. Top duo! ‘Certainly remember Doris and Hilda!’ ‘I used to sneak out of Tommy Watson’s maths class a few minutes early to be front of the queue for tuck shop – I got snacks for everyone in class, including Tommy – top bloke!’

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2018

SCHOOL NEWS School supports Bolton Station Community Gala

Charity Fun Run The annual Sixth Form Boys’ Charity Fun Run took place in glorious sunshine on the Levels. Boys donned an array of unusual attire and made their way around the course three times to raise money for Wipe Your Tears, a local charity which supports seriously and terminally ill children.

Boys collaborated with the RoughHouse Theatre

Old Boy Richard Walker (1978-1985) is a member of the management committee of the Bolton Station Community Development Partnership and was instrumental in organising the Bolton Station Community Gala, held at the town’s railway station and transport interchange in June to mark 50 years since the last steam train left the locomotive sheds on Crescent Road and to celebrate the importance of public transport today. The Boys’ Division, which is part of the Bolton Station Development Partnership, provided actors, artists and musicians to entertain the crowds. Pupils from a number of year groups collaborated with RoughHouse Young Company to perform a specially commissioned play inspired by Bolton’s part in the 1930s Mass Observation Project and a stunning exhibition of train artwork by Year 7 boys was on display. Visitors were also treated to a wonderful set of pop classics delivered by Old Boy and singer James Edgington (Class of 2002).

Founders’ and Benefactors’ Assembly 7th May was the anniversary of the death of Lord Leverhulme, who died in 1925. Marking the occasion, in what has now become an annual event, Headmaster Mr Philip Britton gave an insight into the history of Bolton School in his Founders’ and Benefactors’ Assembly.

New Clock for Cricket Pavilion The Parents’ Association continues to fund a range of initiatives to enhance life in the Boys’ Division. A recent acquisition is a brand new Bola cricket bowling machine which will prove invaluable in developing young cricketers towards excellence. It is used by all six squads at indoor nets throughout the Spring term and at outdoor nets and on square practices during the Summer term, as well as by pupils from local schools who receive coaching as part of Bolton School’s community outreach programme. The PA has also provided a replacement cricket-style Pavilion clock which was unveiled by Peter Tillotson, son of Marcus Tillotson (Former Governor of Bolton School) at the MCC match in June. As well as giving a finishing touch to the refurbished pavilion, the clock marks the gift of the original from the family of Old Boy Herbert Slater Duffin (1924-1931, and Games Master 1949-1953).

Newsletter Autumn 2018

Celebration of Duke of Edinburgh Achievements The guest speaker at this year’s Joint Duke of Edinburgh Awards Ceremony was Old Boy Charlie Boscoe (19952002). Charlie with some of the award winners

Charlie completed his Bronze and Silver Duke

History Research Society If you were at School during – or fought in – World War Two, the School’s History Research Society would like to speak to you. The Society is running a project which will incorporate 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 and are happy to share your memories and be interviewed by current pupils, please get in touch with the Development Office.

of Edinburgh Awards, and enjoyed international trips with the Outdoor Pursuits department. After leaving School, his passion for outdoor pursuits continued with many more adventurous expeditions and he is now a broadcaster and writer, presenting coverage of World Cup rock climbing events and writing mountain guidebooks. The theme of Charlie’s address was that ‘Life is a daring adventure or nothing at all’ and he urged the boys and girls who had gathered to receive their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards to ‘Go out there, have an adventure and take action’.

Community Action Celebration Evening A joint Community Action Celebration Evening recognised the School’s commitment to the community.

1942: Teacher ‘Pip’ Porter at the entrance to an Air Raid Shelter in the Boys’ Division Quad

Drama and Magic in The Tempest

The top 40 boys and the top 40 girls in Guest speaker Barry Dixon and Year 12 – in terms of Mrs Sophie Entwistle (Head of numbers of hours given Community Action in the Girls’ Division) with the award winners to Community Service – received certificates marking their achievements from guest speaker Mr Barry Dixon, Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester.

Ferdinand presented a heartfelt account of the play’s virtuous love story, Sammy Gatenby-Brown provided a touch of magic as Ariel and Adam Critchlow gave a sympathetic portrayal of Caliban. The drama was intensified by excellent musicianship and clever and effective sound effects, all provided by pupils, and the

Mo Master as Prospero

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 in an Arts Centre transformed into Prospero’s magical island. Mohammad Master inhabited the part of Prospero, while Lizzie Crowther and Jay Harland as Miranda and

Sammy Gatenby-Brown as Ariel

The cast and crew received glowing and well-deserved congratulations from all who saw the production.

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2018

The Storming of Bolton Bolton School reverberated to the sound of cannon and musket during the weekend of 7th-8th July as a team of historical re-enactors from the Sealed Knot battled their way up the Levels in a re-creation of a key event from the English Civil War.

The event was also an opportunity for Sealed Knot photographer and fellow Old Boy John Beardsworth, an exact contemporary of David, to return to School for the first time in nearly forty years. Both David and John studied the Civil War period during their A Level courses at School and both recall being inspired by their teachers at the time, Chris Eames and Roger Whitton. The re-enactment featured a living history village constructed on the second Level, populated by re-enactors recreating the daily lives of the 17th-century inhabitants of Bolton, including an apothecary, a leather worker, and a tavern owner. Many visitors will also have been approached by the local rat catcher or the gong farmer (a cesspit cleaner). Visitors were also able to see a series of musketry, sword-fighting and pike demonstrations from the different Sealed Knot regiments attending the event.

The re-enactment of The Storming of Bolton was organised by the Earl of Manchester’s Regiment of the Sealed Knot and was backed up with valuable funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The event formed part of a month-long programme, which included educational days held on 7th and 29th June respectively, which were attended by children from local primary schools across the Bolton area. The first community event of this kind held by the School, the re-enactment was initiated by Old Boy David Wilson (1972-1979) and had been over a year in preparation. David has been a member of the Sealed Knot since 2015 and helps organise a similar annual event in Nantwich, where he now lives. He also writes historical crime fiction set during the Civil War under the name of DW Bradbridge.

Rehearsing on the Headmaster’s lawn in front of the Chemistry Block

The battle itself commemorated the events of 28th May 1644, when Bolton, a staunchly puritan town known as the ‘Geneva of the North’ because of its Calvinist leanings, L-R: David Wilson, John Beardsworth was attacked and Christian Towers (Class of 1989) and overrun by a Royalist force under the command of Prince Rupert of the Rhine and James Stanley, the Earl of Derby. The historical event resulted in the massacre of anything up to 1,500 parliamentarian soldiers and townsfolk, and achieved notoriety as one of the most brutal events of the Civil War. The re-enactment saw Royalist troops fight their way up the Levels before overcoming the Earl of Manchester’s Parliamentarian force, which was defending a series of barricades erected on the slope between the second and third levels.

David Wilson

David Wilson further explained the thinking behind the event: “The town of Bolton has an extremely strong civil war history, and a commemoration of this seminal event in Bolton’s history is something which has been long overdue. I am honoured to have been able to play a part in helping re-create it.”

Newsletter Autumn 2018

Boys in Port Sunlight Takeover The Leverhulme Festival at Port Sunlight on the Wirral, the model workers’ village created by the School’s founder, Lord Leverhulme, saw Boys’ Division pupils take part in a number of activities, including drama, music, exhibitions, communal art, tours, geocaching and treasure hunts. Musical accompaniment for the afternoon was provided by the Junior String Quartet, the Senior String Quartet, the Guitar Quartet, the Brass Group and a number of piano soloists, while a number of boys performed, under the directorship of RoughHouse Theatre, My Room My Bolton, a ‘love song to Bolton’ inspired by the Mass Observation project of the 1930s. The evening concluded with an awards ceremony, presided over by Bolton School Governor George Apsion, who is the great-grandson of Lord Leverhulme, which saw Matthew Hope win The Lady Lever Arts Award for innovative and creative extra-curricular work, Sam Warburton win The Port Sunlight Trust Award for dedication to creative work in the community and Jack Swires win The Lord Leverhulme Award for leadership in extra-curricular work.

George Apsion and Michael Griffiths, Chairman of Governors, with the boys who performed with the RoughHouse Theatre

George Apsion presents The Lady Lever Arts Award to Sam Warburton

Victoria Hall Concert Choirs and musicians from five local primary schools joined Junior and Senior pupils from Bolton School to present a wonderful Spring Concert at Bolton’s Victoria Hall. The concert 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 Henry Webb performs Dark Matter a stunning drum solo from Henry Webb, this year’s winner of the Boys’ Division Young Musician of the Year Award. The spectacular evening ended with performers and audience members joining together for a rousing version of Jerusalem and a retiring collection for Barnardo’s.

Former Diplomat delivers Prizegiving Address The Summer sunshine streamed through the windows of the Great Hall as Old Boy Stuart Brooks CMG (19561966) presented the Stuart (left) with the Headmaster awards at ‘the hottest and Michael Griffiths (1958-1965 Prizegiving on record’. and Chairman of Governors) In a thoughtful address Stuart, who spent 32 years with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office before moving to work at Chevron, recounted the many highlights of his career and urged the boys present to be open to all opportunities and experiences, remain relentlessly curious and to travel as widely as possible. Among the many awards this year were two new prizes, both named after Old Boys. The Ralf Little Prize, which acknowledges an exceptional contribution to the School’s extracurricular Arts output, was received by Mohammad Master in Year 13, while Alexander Young was awarded the Dobson Prize for the most promising student of Technology in Year 13. In his review of the year, Mr Britton paid tribute to the many achievements of the boys and bade farewell to departing members of staff Dr Altimeemy, Miss Brearley, Mr Howard, Mr Lees, Dr Reeson, Deputy Headmaster Mr Wardle and Mr Zhang.

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2018

New Cricket Kit Sponsors Cowgill Holloway are the new kit sponsors for the Bolton School Boys’ Division cricket teams. The Bolton-based accountants and business advisors are sponsoring the kit for all age groups, from the Under 12s through to the 1st XI and 2nd XI teams, including separate sets of kit for T20 cricket matches. Chris Harrington, Director of Wealth Management at Cowgill Holloway, visited School to present members of the 1st XI team and Mr Andy Compton, Head of Cricket, with the new kit.

Brilliant Ball raises Bursary Funds The Bolton School Ball, held at the AJ Bell Stadium in Salford, was a roaring success! Staff, parents, Old Boys and Old Girls and friends of the School enjoyed the spectacular

1920s Gatsby-themed event which raised a grand total of £19,000. The money will go towards bursaries for boys and girls who begin their studies in Year 7 at Bolton School and to projects run by the two Parents’ Associations, who organised the event. Michael Griffiths, Chairman of Governors, with Helen Critchlow, Boys’ Division Parent Governor, and Nissa Smyth, Chairman of the Girls’ Division PA

OBA Ambassadors The Old Boys’ Association (OBA) Committee has been harnessing the enthusiasm and contacts of some of the younger Alumni in the run up to the Association’s 125th Anniversary, in 2020, by creating roles for a number of ‘Ambassadors’. Their remit is to raise the profile of the OBA within their peer group, and to play an integral role in shaping the OBA as a vibrant business networking community. Old Boys Richard Washington (1986-1993), Chris Eatough (Class of 1993), Stefan Horsman (1988-1995), Paul Wheatcroft (1988-1995), Mike Shaw (1981-1988), Adam Syddall (1984-1998), Irfan Ravat (1992-1999), Ross Taylor (1991-2004) and Paul Greenhalgh (2001-2015) have already been recruited as Ambassadors by the Committee, who would be delighted to hear from any other Old Boys who would be interested in learning more about this role. Please contact the OBA Secretary, Jon Twist, via the Development Office, for more details. In each edition of The Bugle, we will be featuring profiles to get to know some of the OBA Ambassadors a little better. This time we are meeting Chris Eatough, Paul Wheatcroft and Paul Greenhalgh. In 1990 Chris moved to the United States, where he gained a degree in Civil Engineering from Clemson University, South Carolina, followed by a master’s degree in Transportation Engineering from the University of Virginia. He also discovered mountain biking – and subsequently won the World

Chris Harrington (third from right) presents the new kit to players Joe Ball, Kurtis Watson, Dan Southworth and Rehan Udwadia with Mr Compton (far right)

Championships in 24-hour solo mountain bike racing six times. He now lives in Elkridge, Maryland, where he works as Bike and Pedestrian Coordinator at Howard County Government. During his time at Bolton School Chris was passionate about sport, particularly football and biathlon, but also water polo, swimming, track and field and tennis, and he has fond memories of playing sports in the quad during break-time. Having previously been a professional footballer, Paul Wheatcroft moved into financial services and now works in recruitment. At School he was involved in all sports – and the chess club – and, not surprisingly, his fondest memories of Bolton School are Sports Days. Paul lives in Bolton. Paul Greenhalgh graduated from the University of Cambridge earlier this year with a 2:1 in Geography. He is now occupied full-time in Christian ministry alongside Bible training given by the Proclamation Trust. He was a keen member of the Bolton School Scout troop and was involved in a variety of activities at School, including the Concert Band, Model UN and School newspapers and magazines. Paul has fond memories of enjoyable, if not always so productive, lessons given by a great bunch of characterful staff. He also recalls some memorable School trips and visits, particularly sailing on Tenacity in the Outer Hebrides and travelling to Vancouver Island for the Centenary Scout Long Camp in 2015.

Newsletter Autumn 2018

OLD BOYS’ FEATURES Chris’ MasterChef Adventure Old Boy Chris Harbour (1972-1979) swapped the dentist’s chair for the kitchen this year, when he took part in the most recent series of MasterChef. He spoke to us recently about combining his career in dentistry with his pursuit of cookery glory.

Chris has twice been the North West Dental Educational Supervisor of the Year

After leaving School I spent five years at Dental School in Leeds, before working in general practice in Doncaster and Liverpool. Eventually, I bought my own practice in Sandbach, Cheshire, where I’ve stayed for the past 30 years. During that time I’ve continued to study, and after obtaining a postgraduate teaching diploma, I’ve been involved in postgraduate teaching in general practice for at least 20 of the last 30 years, twice winning North West Dental Teacher of the year.

I sold my practice four years ago, but still work and teach there full-time. I now have time, however, to indulge my hobby, namely cooking. My wife and I have always enjoyed good food and cooking for each other, and we love watching MasterChef and learning more about what can be done with food. Nancy sent in an application for me in 2016, feeling I would do well, but after hearing nothing my appetite had been whetted, and I reapplied the next year. After completing a lengthy online form, two phone interviews and an audition in Manchester, where I was filmed plating food I’d made at home whilst talking about food and my background, I finally received the phone call inviting me to be one of the 56 contestants competing in the show. Having watched the programme so avidly over the years, it was both tremendously exciting and faintly surreal to arrive at the 3 Mills Studio in Stratford, seeing the MasterChef logos on the wall and being filmed doing the ‘walk’ up to the studio. After completing a short interview on camera, we entered the MasterChef kitchen for the first time, with film crews recording the looks of wonder on our faces as we stood at our work benches and put on our aprons. You are told by the producers that you cannot prepare for the first test, an invention test, but are asked to provide an ingredients list, method and equipment request for the next challenge should you make it past the first challenge. You are given about two weeks’ advance notice of the challenges you can prepare for, but as you progress they do come thick and fast, so you’re practising one whilst preparing for two more. You cook about once or twice a week at first, with one cooking event per day. It is quite intense!

When the cooking time is up, everyone has a quick peek at what the others have done, and we then leave the kitchen so they can photograph the food and tidy up, during Chris and fellow contestants which time each contestant gives a quick ‘how did it go interview’ and is filmed looking pensive! We go back into the kitchen and present our plates one at a time to Gregg and John, who offer their feedback as they taste the food, which by this time is at room temperature. After the presentation, everyone is interviewed again and the group then gathers in the room with the sofas. Finally, all of the contestants go back through to the kitchen for the line-up, where it is announced who is leaving the competition at that stage, followed by yet more interviews. Everybody at the studio is lovely and supportive. Gregg and John were nice to everyone, very chatty and helpful, and Gregg liked making jokes to relax us. He even showed me his teeth – he is very proud of them! When I watched the programme at home there always seemed to be a camaraderie amongst the contestants, and there was both respect and friendship in abundance when I took part. I feel like I have a new family – we all keep in touch and plan to cook for each other in the future. Everyone is food obsessed, waking up in the middle of the night with new cooking ideas and recipes. There is competitiveness, but not a shred of animosity, and genuine sadness when someone leaves, with support, hugs and kind words always shared. Cooking in a professional kitchen was a highlight for me – you learn so much. Producing high-end quality food you have never made before under huge time pressure whilst dealing with a demanding Italian Chef was quite the experience! Making it through to the last 11 by making the first meal I ever cooked for my wife was also a really wonderful moment. Taking part in MasterChef was an adventure you cannot buy. The slight disappointment of being eliminated was outweighed by the joy of being part of something I have loved watching for years. Those that remained were really good and want to make cooking their profession, whereas I love cooking but don’t want to cater. I have the best of both worlds – a job I love and a hobby I have been able to share. It was an experience I’ll never forget.

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2018

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

Robert hosts the 2018 Bolton Boys learn about Local Children’s Fiction Award Apprenticeships Old Boy and crime fiction author Robert Parker (1994-2001) was thrilled to be invited back to School to compere this year’s Bolton Children’s Fiction Award ceremony.

Robert with an enthusiastic young reader

Six authors and more than 700 pupils from 23 local schools enjoyed a morning of celebrating reading before the shortlisted authors each gave a presentation about their work and the inspiration behind it. Robert was delighted to announce to the excited audience that the Younger Fiction winner was Lisa Thompson with Goldfish Boy and the Bolton Children’s Fiction Award winner was Tamsyn Murray with Instructions for a Second-Hand Heart.

Elite Athletes learn from Rugby Doctor and Paralympian

Vas and Ayaz met with some of the School’s elite athletes

Elite athletes from the Junior and Senior Schools of both Divisions enjoyed an inspiring afternoon in the company of Old Boy Dr Vasudevan Mani (1984-1998), who is Leeds Rhinos’ Team Doctor, and Ayaz Bhuta, GB Wheelchair Rugby athlete and Rio 2016 Paralympian. Vas spoke about his role as a rugby doctor which sees him offer primary healthcare and daily clinics, plus pitchside emergency care, both in training and on match days, including dealing with traumatic incidents such as head injuries, spinal injuries and cardiac emergencies. Bolton-born Ayaz, who suffers from Roberts Syndrome, spoke about how he had overcome an unhealthy lifestyle and depression in his late teens to take part in sport. He initially competed in wheelchair basketball, before being scouted into wheelchair rugby. Ayaz described the ups and downs of being an athlete and how he had won Bronze in the European Championships and taken part in the World Championships as well as working his way into the Team GB team that competed in the Rio Olympics in 2016.

Lisa and Adam gave the low-down on apprenticeships

Lisa Wilson, a partner at local accountants and business advisors Cowgill Holloway, was joined by Old Boy Adam Flynn (20092016) to promote the firm’s Apprenticeship Scheme to students in the Sixth Form.

Adam joined Cowgills as an apprentice after his A Levels and is thus well-placed to explain how the scheme works, the application process and what the company is looking for in applicants.

Arts Day celebrates Platinum Artsmark Application A Creative Arts Day involving several recent leavers offered enrichment to boys and celebrated the recent submission of School’s case study for Platinum Artsmark status. Journalist Hadley Stewart (2007-2014) spoke to able, gifted and talented pupils in Year 10 about writing for men’s health and medical publications and on diversity matters. Social entrepreneur Alex Greenhalgh (2006-2014) addressed the Hadley gave winners of the School’s in-house SPACE some useful entrepreneurial competition about setting writing tips up Community Integrated Care (CIC) and his work within homeless communities (read more about this on page 17). The morning concluded with an engaging workshop from screenwriter Jon Brackley, who includes Spooks and Humans among his credits. In the afternoon, boys from Years 8, 9 and 10 worked with RoughHouse Young Company putting the final touches to their play My Room, My Bolton, inspired by Bolton’s part in the 1930s Mass Observation Project, ahead of its debut performance that evening at an Alumni networking event at Manchester Art Gallery (see page 20).

Newsletter Autumn 2018

Junior Careers Carousel

Andy explained what is needed to get into the Police

Old Boy Andy Walton (Class of 1987) was joined by Old Girl Nicola Rigby (Class of 2000) and representatives from UKFast to run a number of short careers workshops for Year 6 pupils.

Andy, a recently-retired police officer, gave the lowdown on a career in law enforcement – he gave an interesting insight into how the job changed over his 30-year stint and grabbed the attention of Year 6 with a virtual car chase! Town planner Nicola explained that she is not a builder or architect, but decides where buildings should be placed and what buildings are needed. She engaged the pupils in designing a housing development – with some very creative results!

World of Work A number of Old Boys and Old Girls returned to School to provide inspiration to Year 12 boys during a ‘World of Work’ morning. Stephen Lintott (1982-1989), a Partner at BLM Law, talked via Skype about working as a lawyer. Nat Roohan (Class of 2017), a Trainee Apprentice with JP Morgan in London, gave a valuable insight into the benefits of taking up an apprenticeship after leaving school.

Nat explained the advantages of an apprenticeship

They were joined by Winni Lam (Class of 2004), who talked about her career in software engineering, Sue Lewis (Class of 2005), Head of Volunteer Operations UK for the British Red Cross, who discussed building a career in the voluntary sector, Tia Louden (Class of 2011), who is a Co-ordinator and Communications Manager with Microsoft, and Nicola Wilcock (Class of 2007), UK and Ireland Sales Manager at Whittard of Chelsea, who gave an insight into the world of Fast Moving Consumer Goods sales.

Boys’ BEST Days Old Boys Chris Fairweather (19992009) and Pete Aunins (1989-1996) returned to School to help present the annual Business Enterprise and Skills Training, or Chris led a Dragon’s Den style challenge BEST, event which is designed to help Year 12 boys develop a wide range of skills which will be useful to them in the world of work. Chris, who works at KPMG, along with one of his colleagues, presented a ‘Dragon’s Den Restaurant Challenge’ which asked the groups of boys to assess two London restaurants, choose one to renovate and pitch their ideas. Pete gave a workshop about the ‘The Economics of Free Apps’, in which he invited the students to look at different free games and challenged them to work out how they keep users playing and how they make Pete explained how free apps make money money.

Words of Wisdom from Old Boy Peter After 25 years of ‘great fun’ in technology and the financial services industry, Peter Richards (1969-1975) returned to School to give some careers advice to Sixth Form students. He explained that it may take some time to find fulfilling work – and urged those who find themselves doing something they do not enjoy to change jobs!

Peter explains the pros and cons of a career in finance

Peter himself eventually settled on a career in financial services – he observed that, behind the jargon, finance is pretty straightforward to understand, and the work is interesting and varied. The hours may be long, but for those who are astute and have logical minds it can be very rewarding.

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2018

Old Boys conquer Kilimanjaro Oliver Knowles and Alex Quayle (both Class of 2009) climbed the tallest mountain in Africa for Save the Children and had the adventure of a lifetime.

South America, and both of us had thought we had some experience of travelling through developing countries and so wouldn’t see anything new or unsettling. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro changed that.

“So, are the roads like this back home?” began our first conversation with the taxi driver whilst driving Oli and Alex at the Summit of along sunflower lined dirt Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak tracks from Kilimanjaro International Airport to our lodge, Stella Maris, on the outskirts of Moshi. Discussing our journey into Tanzania over a quiet beer later in the evening, both of us realised that the 20-hour, 10,000km journey from our front doors to this bamboo-lined bar had been completely unremarkable aside from that very first question. It was to become a theme of the trip.

Our expedition team: formerly strangers, now firm friends

First: a few answers to some burning FAQs. Yes, the phrase ‘Hakuna Matata’ is heard all the time. And no, not many of the locals know who Timone or even Pumba are. Yes, Tanzania is a very poor country with people living in desperate circumstances; but no, people are not unhappy. We were greeted by hugs, juice and song when entering our lodge (an enterprise whose entire profits go to funding and maintaining a neighbouring school) and the hugs, secret handshakes, songs and juice would keep on flowing all the way to the top of Uhuru peak. Our ascent to Africa’s highest point started close to the border of Kenya, taking the little used ‘Rongai’ route. It was here we met our porters, all 31 of whom were tasked with carrying a portion of our expedition of twelve’s kit; alongside all the food, cooking equipment and tents that we would all be relying on for the next week. Essentially, these G-fighters (as they had christened themselves) were carrying 25-30kg each up to a point some 300-800 metres higher than Everest base camp ... and back down again! A three-day trek followed through jungle, alpine desert and the African version of moorland (nothing like the moors of Lancashire) to a pond 4,000 metres up. It was here, at a camp under the gaze of the 5,149m peak called Mawenzi, where the first signs of altitude sickness appeared for both of us. Alex had hangover-type symptoms “worse than the one after my brother’s wedding” whilst Oliver had started to send the first of a frequent set of messages (read: lavatory stops). Sam, the lead guide, promised us that it was at this point we should take a nature walk (read: rock climb) up the

Rewind 14 months or so to another bar in London overlooking St Paul’s Cathedral. We were celebrating Oliver’s birthday whilst discussing future plans for vacations and challenges ahead. It wasn’t too long before “Kilimanjaro: that’d be fun” was uttered by one of us and so began over a year’s worth of planning, training and fundraising. It was a year that involved walks up Snowdon, marathons, ultramarathons, email upon email and lots of our friends and family asking “When do you go to Africa again?” Naïvely, over the duration of that year, neither of us had given much thought to the fact that we were headed to one of the planet’s poorest countries. Alex had travelled to South East Asia previously, Oliver to

The entire crew and expedition team (all 45 of us!)

slopes of Mawenzi peak in order to benefit from the return, downhill journey to camp.

With the porters who went above and beyond

Upon our return to camp, indeed benefiting from the nature walk, our porters and guides spontaneously burst into dancing and chanting songs in Swahili. It was nothing short

Newsletter Autumn 2018

of brilliant. Alex proclaimed he had discovered the cure for all hangovers and Oliver attempted to join in the dancing, falling over and scraping his knee badly enough for it to need minor surgery (read: a large plaster). The following two days would represent what Sam called ‘the actual climb’. We successfully managed an early morning Livingstone, an employee crossing of a section of of the lodge and all-round Kilimanjaro called The Saddle happy chap (a moon-like deserted plain inhabited only by us and what seemed like a lost herd of antelope), reaching Kibo Hut at midday and 4,720 metres high. A slice of bread each and a very broken sleep followed before waking at 11pm: it was time to make the final ascent. Depending on the individual, there are varying ways of quantifying the final ascent of Kilimanjaro. Hours taken: six to eight hours to Gilman’s Point (5,685m) followed by two hours to Uhuru. Metres climbed: 1,100. Calories burned: 3,000. Lowest Oxygen Saturation level: 65%. But really, what made the ascent for us were the guides and the porters. They sang the entire way, even when we were taking four breaths for every step in the freezing night air (at points it was -7°C). They pushed us to our limit: helping carry our day bags, hauling us up as we stumbled and giving the warmest of hugs at each of the three points (Gilman’s,

ALUMNI AUTHORS Poems for a Thinking Nation by Norman Longworth ISBN 9781549998805

Norman Longworth’s (19471953) professional life is marked by his dedication to life-long learning. Poems for a Thinking Nation is a distinctive addition to previous books and to his lectures worldwide. His misgivings about the modern world and about our own nation are widely shared. The earth could be ‘a paradise’ he writes in Lunacy, but its human inhabitants seem

Stella and Uhuru). They ensured we managed to take in an unforgettable sunrise and take irreplaceable photographs. ‘Uhuru’ means freedom in Swahili, and that feeling of freedom was tangible – the guides and porters are at their happiest when on the mountain. As we were descending Kilimanjaro and receiving congratulations from the guides and the porters (which felt With Teddy, the manager of completely undeserved given the non-profit lodge which their super-human efforts over funds the Stella Maris Primary the previous week) we reflected School on that first conversation with the taxi driver. Everyone we had met was so happy. It was strikingly evident that, in spite of their circumstances, the people of this beautiful country lived life as happily as they could. We expected Kilimanjaro to be tough, but we didn’t expect to come back having our perspective on life changed. And for that, Kilimanjaro, we will forever be grateful. Asanta sana rafiki! Oliver and Alex have managed to fundraise over £3,150 for Save the Children whilst undertaking this trek. If you would like to make a donation, please visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/knowles-and-quayle-vs-kilimanjaro

determined to destroy it; a poem with a similar title, Religious Lunacy, speaks of the hostility and aggressive doctrine which supersede the love and compassion which are the essence of religious thought. He longs for a world where justice and intelligence prevail. Instead, he says, remembering the 1930s, ‘Once more the darkness gathers.’ The phrase is from Sadness where the thought typically is given extra force by his management of rhyme and rhythm. Such technique, involving variations in form, alliteration and sometimes internal rhyme, is achieved through discipline. It is a discipline evident throughout the collection, embodying thought and experience derived from a number of sources. Though Norman has lived for years in the south of France, his recollections of Bolton are strong, and his father, selling insurance, and his grandfather, a spinner, feature in Past, Present and Future. In the same poem he wonders what his grandchildren’s future will be and emphasises his faith in learning. Consistently critical of lazy thinking, he presents pointers which cannot be ignored. Charles Winder (Boys’ Division Staff, 1964-1999)

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2018

Old Boltonians’ Mentoring Scheme The Old Boys’ Mentoring Scheme is available to all Old Boltonian undergraduates who are seeking support as they make the transition between university and the workplace. Now in its second year, the programme has notched up some notable successes with a number of mentees having joined the Scheme. Farhan Chhabu (2008-2015) has recently gained a consultancy position at Roland Berger, after receiving invaluable information about the sector through a contact provided by his mentor. Akul Pankhania (2008-2015) has also benefited hugely from the individual mentoring he has received: after finishing university with a lot of debt and feeling quite daunted by the job hunt, he is now enjoying life and has got direction for a career in accounting. Currently, the programme operates via a dozen or so mentors who offer broadly two support services firstly an introduction to experienced professionals in an area of career interest, and secondly advice on job

applications. All services are free - this is a voluntary scheme in which mentors get involved because they are happy to support young Old Boltonians in their quest to move into the world of work. The Scheme has been developed by Peter Acton (1964-1971, OBA President 2010-2011), Graham Ashurst (1958-1968) and David Seddon (1960-1971) who are keen to hear from Old Boys of all ages who would like to be involved. If you are interested in taking part in the Scheme, by becoming either a mentor or a mentee, more information, including further testimonials, can be found on the Bolton Alumni Network, or by contacting the Development Office.

The Bolton Alumni Network Back in May, we celebrated one year since the launch of the Bolton Alumni Network. Since then, the Network has grown into a thriving online community with over 2,000 members. Old Boys and Old Girls 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: • Reconnect Find old School friends by filtering the directory of Alumni based on year group. Reminisce, share memories and photographs and stay up-to-date with news and events. • 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. • 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 Boys and Old Girls come with an inbuilt Chorley New Road reference!

Old Boys have enjoyed sharing photographs of their School days – Paul Makinson (1971-1978) posted this photograph of Sc6B1 from 1978

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 Boy or Old Girl on a business venture or organised a mini-reunion using the platform. 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.

Newsletter Autumn 2018

Alumni Networks in Action

Alex raises awareness of homelessness

Old Boltonians of all ages regularly collaborate and support one another professionally, benefiting both themselves and the School. Recent leaver Alex Greenhalgh (Class of 2014) spoke to us recently about how his engagement with School and with the Alumni network has supported his entrepreneurial career thus far.

I loved my time at Bolton School. I joined Park Road in Year 6, from a very ‘normal’ primary, so always felt very privileged to be there: it’s a special environment full of opportunities not afforded to most. When I left School in 2014 to read Industrial Economics at the University of Nottingham, I thought I’d spend my early twenties in the City of London, working as an investment banker, or pursuing some other occupation that involved wearing a pin-striped suit. Instead, having graduated this summer, I now run a social enterprise scheme tackling homelessness, as well as an advertising business for independent businesses in Nottingham. I always knew that ultimately I wanted to work for myself. However, I didn’t anticipate I’d do so this early. Disillusioned with the graduate jobs available, and with the ‘real world’ fast approaching, I started an advertising and local discount business called LionCard as I began my third and final year at university in Autumn 2016. We now have 28 consumer-facing independents in Nottingham and online, who advertise with us for free; in exchange, they give LionCard members (who pay for their membership) exclusive deals which are better than they could get elsewhere. I’m now the proud owner of a 7ft mascot - Lion Cardashian - who goes around Nottingham enjoying our savings; The Stories from the Streets you can follow his exhibit in the Arndale Centre, travels on Twitter July 2018 @thelioncard. A few months later, from the same university bedroom, I started People of the Streets CIC (www.peopleofthestreets.co.uk), a social enterprise tackling homelessness. We started the enterprise in response to a nasty campaign by Nottingham City Council which asserted that giving money to homeless people did nothing other than to perpetuate drug use. We decided to offer people another way to help instead: as an alternative to making street donations, the public could visit our website and purchase packs of essential items for roughsleepers that we would then distribute. Upon reflection, the impact of the packs felt too indiscriminate and short-

term, and I decided we should focus on making long-term change, which led to Stories of the Streets. The idea is quite a simple one. We give out disposable cameras to people experiencing homelessness. They take pictures of their lives and what they see around them. Through the project, we empower people experiencing homelessness to tell their stories, and then we do all sorts of things to make the rest of the world listen: by creating pop-up exhibitions, conversation events, social media content and printed anthologies, we harness the power of self-expression and dialogue to tackle stereotypes, invisibility and alienation. it is also a means for our photographers to earn money, through the sales of their work. There have been two Stories of the Streets exhibitions so far: the first in Nottingham’s Broadmarsh Centre, from November 17th – Christmas Eve last year, and most recently The micro-exhibition at the in July, at the Arndale Alumni Networking Event in June Centre in Manchester, in a space secured via the Bolton Alumni Network, the School’s online networking platform. A fellow Old Boy, who I’m still yet to meet, picked up my post on the Network advertising my plans for the exhibition and forwarded it to the Arndale’s marketing team, then I did the rest. Last year, I also took part in the OBA’s Mentoring Programme; I was paired with an Old Boy who left 40 years before I did, and his insight was very helpful when I was starting both LionCard and People of the Streets - we still keep in contact now. I’ve subsequently tried to engage with School wherever possible, and will continue to do so: we ran a micro-exhibition at the Manchester Art Gallery as part of the Alumni Networking event in June, and earlier that day I visited School and spoke to a group of pupils about social enterprise. I left School with a belief that, with the right work ethic and direction, I can achieve anything I put my mind to. I’ve always felt if that if certain Alumni have done ‘that’, having walked the same corridors, then why can’t I? This attitude has, so far, served me well, and my biggest challenge is knowing what to do next: a lot of the work I’m doing is not just new to me, but has never been done before. So I talk to people in the know, and people I can trust, and ask their advice: I’ve found people are always keen to help you, if you just ask. Alex plans to stage further People of the Streets exhibitions around the country, and is always keen to engage with fellow Alumni who share his vision. If you could offer sponsorship, exhibition space, logistics support, or help minimising printing costs, he would be delighted to hear from you via Alex@peopleofthestreets.co.uk.

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2018

How did the Scott Bolton Trust evolve?

department to the limestone gorge in El Chorro in southern Spain. The trip inspired a further one the following year to Joshua National Park in California.

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 David Harrison and Richard Bragg to undertake language study between leaving School and commencing University, and to Margaret Warburton to undertake Voluntary Service Overseas. Total expenditure was £250. By April, fourteen 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 led to the introduction of personal interviews; eight boys and four girls were successful. In 1965, despite the generous funding, awards exceeded the annual budget of £1,000, with a range of excellent applications from both boys and girls. 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.

John Fielding (1958-1965, right) received a Scott Trust grant to explore the Faroe Islands in 1964

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. Stuart Brooks (1956-1966) was fortunate to receive funding to travel throughout the Middle East and Asia. The trip was not without its physical challenges, including a stay in an Egyptian hospital, two weeks in an Iranian cholera quarantine camp and a bad case of fleas from fourth class travel on an Afghan train. Stuart’s plan was to study the development of Islamic architecture in the Levant and Asia, but the whole expedition had a much greater dimension: ‘It gave me my first experience of societies and cultures outside Europe and provided invaluable training in self-reliance and the resilience to deal with some demanding situations.’ A grant from the Trust enabled members of the School’s lunchtime climbing club to test their skills on a climbing expedition organised by the School’s outdoors pursuits

Climbing in Spain, Easter 2005

Stewart Knights, Adam Critchlow, Paddy Hunter and Milo Holmes (all Class of 2017) had their resilience sorely tested during their first experience of overseas travel in Prague and Munich. Their trip took a dramatic turn when one of the group was injured in a road traffic accident and they had to cope with the aftermath and the German health system. Nevertheless, their conclusion is: ‘We thank them (the Trust) for giving us the chance to experience (and survive) something so far out of our comfort zone we may as well have been on a different planet.’ John Amatt (1956-1964), one of a group who received funding for an expedition to Norway in 1964, recalls challenging climbing conditions, extremely variable weather, freezing river crossings, glaciers and mosquitoes – but these were overshadowed by the achievement of standing ‘in places where no man had stood before.’ The Trust continues to evolve its funding in line with changing needs. In 2011, some money was set aside to continue sailing expeditions on Tenacity (the School ketch now operated by the Tall Ships Foundation). Equipment has been purchased for L-R: Peter Hayes (1958-1965), Patterdale Hall when this fits Chris Greenhalgh (1951-1965), with the aims of the Trust, a David Heap (1957-1965) and good recent example being John Amatt (1956-1964) received provision of open canoes. one of the first Scott Trust grants Similarly, in 2017, the Trust for a mountaineering expedition gave a grant of £50 to all to Arctic Norway pupils undertaking gold and silver level Duke of Edinburgh awards. Such grants allow wider benefit, thus maintaining Francis Scott’s original aims, but without reducing the ability to provide awards to individuals. Reports from recipients affirm life-changing insights gained into new places, new people, but maybe most of all, into themselves. This short narrative can only provide a snapshot, but has aimed to capture 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

Newsletter Autumn 2018

Andy inspired by School to help others Almost fifty years ago, gazing out of the window in 5B1, I was brought back to French Verbs by well-aimed chalk hurled by Mr Tydeman. If I’d paid more attention then, perhaps I wouldn’t now stumble over my verb endings when buying cheese in the covered market of the scruffy southern French town where I mostly live. I did abysmally in the exams, but those lessons gave me a lasting interest in French language and culture. I still remember the words for toad, pig, stream and owl – obviously important now for my days in the French countryside, but in earlier years they also came in very handy for impressing girls at parties in Toulouse and Montpelier. I was a very easily-distracted student back in 1970, and not much changes – today I’m writing this while I should really be drafting Somaliland’s Standards for Medical Education. And these days I can’t pretend I left my homework on the bus ... I didn’t have a very distinguished School record. But after a long career in Public Health (the art and science of improving population health) I now know that my time at Bolton School shaped me for a fascinating life and helped me make some tiny positive contributions in a desperately divided and unequal world. The longer we spend in good education, the longer our life expectancy and the lower our chances of chronic disease. Mine was the first generation of my family in four hundred years ever to have a good – or indeed any – secondary education. Contrasting my good fortune with that of most of the children I’d gone to primary school with perhaps contributed to my later interest in improving health for seriously deprived populations. My Bolton School education later helped me graduate from Manchester University and St George’s. But the direction I eventually took in my professional life (to reduce population health inequalities and improve A page from Andy’s maternal health) had grown Khartoum journal out of two powerfully formative Bolton School experiences. Firstly, my early teenage Bolton School years had given me the chance to form sound friendships with The Girls. Twentieth-century boys often had little emotional experience outside football and cricket, but my evenings were often spent instead in deep conversation over instant coffee and Frank Zappa and Incredible String Band albums with Sarah, Catherine, Sally and Peta, all from the Girls’ Division. It’s thanks to them that I learned how vital women’s views are to the world, and also about the basics of emotional expression. Thirty years later, that helped influence me to spend eight years studying psychotherapy, and to lead some population suicide prevention programmes. It also influenced my midlife decision to leave a high-earning hospital Consultant

job and go and work for free in poorer countries where, for a big chunk of the population – women especially – misery comes every day, and ‘mental illness’ is ignored or regarded as weakness. Secondly, in 1969 I had read accounts in the Old Girls’ magazine of those who had Gone Off to Strange Places and Done Interesting and Helpful Things – emergency dentistry for The first trainee Professional Midwives isolated communities in the Aleutians or surgical stints in desperately awful hospitals in Sierra Leone. So, in 2010, asked if I would be interested in designing India’s first midwifery education programme, I said ‘Definitely!’ I based the programme on kindness towards women and respect for their choices, as well as clinical effectiveness. That little paragraph by an Old Girl had influenced me years later to go and work in a huge grubby fascinating Indian city. Eight years on, ‘my’ midwives have given thousands of women a kinder and more empowered alternative to India’s industrialised maternity system, and the programme is now set to expand to help millions more. And in 2015, almost by accident, I found myself in Sudan, working with medical leaders and health professionals to agree some national policy. I had simple but unforgettable experiences there – buying mangoes in the Omdurman night market, with wood smoke and unidentifiable perfumes soaking the hot darkness; walking down Emergency Street in Khartoum in 45°C heat, to take the hotel cook for her cholera test; eating dinner outside with my doctor colleague right next to either the Blue or White Nile (I’ve forgotten which – they’re both brown) while huge fruit bats flapped overhead in the dusty pink evening sky ... But a school’s influence isn’t limited to our education and career. Six years in Bolton School’s sandstone-and-oak architectural lusciousness, and summer lunchtimes on the endlessly green Levels watching the Girls’ lacrosse matches gave me a permanent appreciation of symmetry, beauty and well-being. Three days ago I was looking at medieval stone arches in Andalusia and recognising the similarities with Bolton School. Anywhere in the world I go, I find myself almost unconsciously clocking the details of beautiful doorways and the strongly evocative scent of old wood floors and roof beams. Spending years in the Great Hall, the Library, on the stairs with the stained glass, on the Levels ... as an Old Boy or Old Girl architect or planning director, how could you ever then take a job where you had to design anonymous concrete ugliness or help corporate developers to eradicate meadows or public parks? As a Director of Public Health in London, I was once a partner in commissioning programmes to improve mental health for disadvantaged populations via housing design and community orchards, and I knew exactly where my views had originated. Funny how those old Bolton School experiences shape your choices and opportunities in life. Andy Beckingham FFPH (1965-1970) andy_b@fernandezhospital.com

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2018

EVENTS C60 Chemistry Reunion

Rock and Roll Reflections

Several generations of Chemists from Bolton School Boys’ Division marked 60 years since the opening of the Chemistry Block and the passing of Nobel Prize winning Old Boy, Professor Sir Harry Kroto (19501958), after whom the building was named in 2013. Alumni, former teachers and current staff and pupils were treated to two highly engaging talks. The first, by awardwinning science communicator Boys’ Division Chemistry teachers Dave Dr Jamie Rogers (1981-2014), Elaine Greenhalgh Gallagher, (1989-present), Alan Prince (1966-2002) showcased and Hugo Schenk (1979-2010) the world of nano-technology. The second, by Old Boy Professor Malcolm Stevens FRS (1944-1957), covered a range of topics, from his memories of School to his pioneering work in cancer research.

Dr Yates (Head of Chemistry) and Malcolm Stevens cut a slice of ‘Buckyball’ cake

After lunch there were hands-on demonstrations and the running of some ‘favourite experiments’ requested by returning Old John Craven (1975-1982), Nancy Craven Boys. (née Gaskell, Girls’ Division 1976-1983) and Brian Craven (1948-1956)

Mark, Tony and Adam presented a fascinating view of careers in the music industry

BBC Radio broadcaster Mark Radcliffe (1966-1976) and fellow Old Boy Tony Wadsworth CBE (1967-1974), former Chairman and CEO of EMI and Parlophone, shared centre stage at our Alumni Networking Event at Manchester Art Gallery in June.

The pair spoke ‘in conversation’ about their careers in the music industry and the future of the creative arts in the digital age, with compère for the night Adam Woolley (2006-2013) Andy Paterson expertly prompting them (1970-1977) with to share their recollections compère Adam Woolley of School days, their failed attempts to become rock stars and successful, although serendipitous, careers in the music industry. The evening ‘gallery takeover’ celebrated the creative arts at Bolton School and the drawing together of the first phase of Artsmark Platinum status for the Boys’ Edward Siddall (Class of Division, and included 1996), Caspar Joseph (Boys’ drama with RoughHouse Division Staff) and James Theatre, art, dance and O’Reilly (Class of 1996) music performances from current and former pupils: Old Boys James Barker and Adam Ekubia (both Class of 2014) entertained with their original rapping, while Old Girl Iman Orths (20022016) wowed the audience with her fantastic vocals.

James and Adam entertained the guests

‘In conversation’ with Mark and Tony can be viewed in four parts on Bolton School TV.

Iman gave a powerful performance

Newsletter Autumn 2018

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. Invitations will be despatched in the New Year – 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’re an ‘Old’ Boy currently studying at university, and would like to arrange a reunion for fellow Alumni studying near you, then the Development Office wants to hear from you! We’ll sponsor any Alumni-initiated reunion at £10 per head, providing you send us a photograph afterwards. If that sounds like fun, and you’d like to arrange something near you during the next academic year, then please get in touch.

Tillotson Lecture This year’s Tillotson Lecture will be given by Old Boy John Derbyshire OBE (1963-1974), at 7pm on Monday 10th December. One of the most influential figures in British sailing, John was until recently Racing Manager for the Royal Yachting Association and was Coach to the Olympic Sailing Team in 2000. Admission to this event is free of charge, but it would be helpful in assessing seating requirements and refreshments if those wishing to attend could advise the School Office.

Old Boltonians’ Association Annual Dinner This year’s dinner will take place in the Arts Centre on Friday 7th December, 6.45pm for 7.30pm. Our speakers will be President of the Old Boys’ Association, Lionel Price (1954-1964), Headmaster Philip Britton and guest speaker James Ducker (1988-1998), Northern Football Correspondent for The Telegraph. Tickets cost £35 (£25 for under 25s) and are available either via the Forthcoming Events page of the Former Pupils section of the School website or by calling the Development Office on 01204 434718.

Uniformed Services Dinner Following the success of the events 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 Boys and Old Girls 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.

ALUMNI EVENTS CALENDAR 2018 Sunday 4th November Friday 16th November Monday 19th November Friday 23rd November Friday 7th December Monday 10th December Tuesday 18th December 2019 Monday 28th January Friday 1st February Friday 1st March Saturday 27th April Monday 29th April Friday 3rd May Friday 14th June Friday 21st June

Girls’ Division Parents’ Association Fireworks Display Oxford Dinner Old Boys’ Lunch Uniformed Services Dinner OBA Dinner Tillotson Lecture Boys’ Division Christmas Festival

Girls’ Division, 4pm St Hugh’s College, 7pm Arts Centre, 12-2pm Arts Centre, 7pm Arts Centre, 6.45pm for 7.30pm Great Hall, 7pm Great Hall, 7.30pm

Old Boys’ Lunch Cambridge Dinner London Dinner ‘9’ Class Reunion Old Boys’ Lunch and AGM Scottish Dinner Cumbria Lunch Friends Dinner

Arts Centre, 12-2pm Christ’s College, 7pm Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, 7pm Bolton School, 11-4pm Arts Centre 12-2pm University of Edinburgh, 7pm Lindeth Howe Hotel, 12pm for 12.30pm Arts Centre, 7pm for 7.30pm

To reserve your ticket for any of our Alumni events, please call the Development Office on 01204 434718, email development@ boltonschool.org or visit the ‘Former Pupils’ section of the School website (www.boltonschool.org), where you can book online. If you wish to attend the Tillotson Lecture or the Christmas Festival which are School events, please contact the Headmaster’s PA, Jayne Higham, by emailing jh3@boltonschool.org or by telephoning 01204 840201.

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2018

PHOTO WALL

Since the Spring 2018 edition of The Bugle we have held Alumni events across the country, including regional dinners in Edinburgh and Cumbria and our ‘8’ Class Reunion. Here is a selection of photos from these events. ‘Good food and good fellowship.’

Scotland Dinner

Robert Higham (1948-1954)

Pollock Halls, University of Edinburgh Friday 4th May 2018

erts, Rob Dobson (1973-1982), Sue Rob and f) Staf sion Divi ys’ Caspar Joseph (Bo Thomas Noneley (2009-2016)

Rob Blagg (1949-1961), Malcolm Stevens Rob Dobson and Peter Nighting (1945-1957), ale (1953-1961)

‘What a wonderful evening – no need to say any more!’ Rob Blagg

a Higham Robert Higham (1948-1954), Dian 6-1966) and John Markland (195

‘ 8’ Class Reunion

School was buzzing as hundreds of Old Boys and Old Girls 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.

aki m, Paul M on Loxha ll Class of im S , e rn o Dennis H Moores (a and John

turnout There was a fantastic 8 from the Class of 199

Neville Southern (1950-1958), Ian Holdsworth (1949-1958) and Graham Ashurst (1958-1968)

inson 1978)

Newsletter Autumn 2018

Cumbria Dinner

The Lindeth Howe Hotel, Windermere Friday 29th June 2018

Philip Britton, Rodney Ward (1952-1962) and Malcolm Stevens (1945-1957)

el Price Nigel Atherton (1942-1949), Liont of the (1954-1964 and Presiden Price Old Boys’ Association) and Sara

‘Perfect food, perfect company, perfect weather!’ David (Former Boys’ Division Staff, 1957-1993) and Margaret Allen (née Brookes, 1947-1957)

‘An excellent meal in delightful surroundings. Paired with the weather, the occasion could not be bettered.’ David Matthews (1953-1961)

ammed Ali Matthew Lees, James Burns, Moh s of 1998) Clas (all ies Dav Wes and

hris Jones, il Riding, C Burt and h P , e ay K Andrew am, Steven Simon Loxhort (all Class of 1978) p n e Russell Dav

David Shaw (fo second from lef rmer Boys’ Division Staff, Brown and Andr t) with Mark Heather, Simon ew Holme (all Cl ass of 1988)

Stephen (Class of 1969) and Jenn ifer Gorski (née Smith, Clas s of 1968)

of couples The Reunion welcomed a number Crowther, (née rie Vale ool: Sch on who met at Bolt 8-1968) (195 d Allre r 1956-1965) and Pete

Margaret (née Jenkin s) and

Andrew Rushton (both Class of 1968)

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2018

SPORTS

Changing is good or better than resting for Old Bolts AFC

Six months on from my last report, as I write in early July, Football’s Coming Home is ringing in my ears and the pitches at Chapeltown are so parched that no closed season work can be done despite the season itself being the wettest anyone can recall – it’s been the strangest of years! On so many fronts, it has been unique across a timeline going back close to England’s 1966 win and forward beyond our centenary in 2020. Dave Lee’s FA 50 Year Long Service Award epitomises the essence of amateur football at its best – another celebration of that was the 25-year reunion for the Division 3B North winners of 1993. Coinciding with our hosting the first West Pennines Veterans tournament, around 30 players were assembled by Kev Taylor and experienced limbs enjoyed reliving glories of days gone by – admittedly not for a full 90 minutes – and, of course, liquid celebrations at the Chetham – predictably for longer than a full 90 minutes! Embodying combined ages of around 1,300 years playing together on the oldest pitches … that’s quite some timeline! Today’s teams’ seasons failed to live up to hopes – the excessively crowded last month saw the Vets lose in their cup final, the A team and Reserves unable to turn round their poor starts, both finishing in relegation spots and the First XI again runners-up to this year’s runaway champions Mostonians. We enjoyed the final Black and White Ball with good music, food and serious funds raised both for charity and Club

Fifty Years of Football David Lee (1960-1967) collected his 50 Years’ Service Award from the FA at the LFA AGM back in June. Dave first played for Old Boltonians AFC aged 17 while in his last year at Bolton School Dave receives his award before going to Durham University for his commitment to where he captained the St John’s football College team and played for the University between 1967 and 1971. During the University holidays he played in the Bolton Combination for Christ Church and in the newly-formed Bolton Sunday League for Christ Church as well as for Old Boltonians. From the 1971 season onwards he committed to playing for Old Boltonians in the Lancashire Amateur League and has continued that association ever since, apart from two years with Old Smithillians from 1977 to 1979. He was a member of the Old Boltonians side which won the LAL 1st Division

development; four score diners enjoyed the last Annual Dinner in its present form. The club committee has striven to explore new avenues determined to take the club forward, as traditional male Saturday afternoon 11-a-side becomes less and less relevant. It will, however, remain the future centre of the club – we are confident three teams, robustly managed, can provide the sort of football that should be played for Old Boys and their friends and acquaintances on both the quality of the grass pitches at Chapeltown and also on hired 3G and 4G pitches through the winter to provide continuity of playing and avoiding the end of season crush. The Veterans will have their biggest and best squad yet for their Sunday programme and the Legends’ smattering of friendlies and tours is now well established. We are most excited that Sunday afternoons will see Boltonians Ladies’ inaugural season (see opposite) - offering a still wider range of football for the broad Boltonian family. On the agenda for 2019 is a Boltonians Youth team – U18 and/or U21 options are being assessed, offering the likes of current Boltonians and the children of current and past players well-organised quality football – one more colour to add to the spectrum of those forming everything we do – hoping to keep that longstanding tradition of Old Bolts alive beyond our centenary in 2020. Martin Wadsworth (Boys’ Division Staff, 1974-2006)

in 1971-72 and the Old Smithillians team which won the LAL Premier Division in 1977-78. While teaching between 1974 and 1986 Dave was in charge of the 1st XIs at Smithills Grammar School, Farnworth Grammar School and North Bolton Sixth Form College and acted as a selector for the Greater Manchester Schools U18 representative side. In addition, he was Secretary and Treasurer of the Mackereth Cup Competition for Greater Manchester Schools 1st XIs from 1976 to 1993. At the start of the 1972 season Dave was asked to ‘help mark out the pitches’ at the Old Boltonians ground in Turton, and he has been their Grounds Manager ever since, maintaining their pitches and being a major contributor to the rebuilding of their changing rooms in 2012. Dave was one of the founders of the Old Boltonians Over-35 side which entered the BSF Veterans’ League in season 2012 and still acts as its fixtures secretary. Dave has an ambition to turn out at least once for Old Boltonians in their centenary year of 2020 when, by an accident of maths, he will have played in friendlies or completion for them in each of seven decades.

Newsletter Autumn 2018

Old Boltonians’ Golf Society Report: Autumn 2018 The Old Boltonians’ Golf Society continues to offer golfing opportunities for all Old Bolts. However, the Society faces similar problems to those that are faced by golf as a sport: we have a diminishing number of participants and an increasing age profile, therefore if you are reading this and are a young (or even older!) golfer of any ability, we would be delighted to see you at any of our events. To the season thus far: in the middle of May a team of six representing the Old Bolts played at Huddersfield Golf Club in the qualifying event for the Grafton Morrish Tournament, but unfortunately the team was unsuccessful and failed to make it to the 2018 finals. We had 16 entries for the Rosebowl Matchplay tournament and this event continues throughout the season. On a glorious Wednesday in June 14 players competed for

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 our centenary celebrations fast approaching, we are delighted to welcome a new team into the fold. We continue to run three male open-age sides in the Lancashire Amateur League, a Veterans team playing in the BSF Over 35’s league and a Legends team that plays infrequent friendly and touring games. Through an association with Bolton Wanderers Community Trust, we are excited to have launched Boltonians Ladies, an open-age ladies side that will play each Sunday at 2pm in the Greater Manchester County Women’s League, with our

Water Polo There was an excellent turnout of Old Boltonians in the GB U19 squad which qualified for the European final in August.

L-R: Bill Moores, Ben Ray, Ben Riding (all Class of 2017) and current Harrison Barker Smith (Class of 2018), Assistant Coach Andy McGinty and Team Manager Colin Walsh

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

the Taylor Trophy, the Society Singles Stableford Event: two players tied on 35 points, with James Chadwick beating Chris Carley on a card play-off to win the Trophy, There is one further event remaining, the Gwynne Jones Goblets, a foursomes competition to be played at Bolton Golf Club on Sunday 14th October, and all entries will be welcome. Please get in touch if you would like to join us – the more, the merrier! I can be contacted at nhfletcher@icloud.com. Norman Fletcher (1961-1969), Golf Secretary home games being played on our 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 us confidence as the new side beds in. This also means that our 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 our club website www.oldbolts.co.uk to learn more about the club. John Twist (1982-1992)

Freemasonry The Old Boltonians’ Masonic Lodge, No 5814, meets regularly in the Senior Library at School throughout the year. In line with the charitable intentions of the society, each year the Lodge provides support to both Divisions of Bolton School, in the form of pupil Bursaries and Scholarships. Whilst membership of the Lodge has been opened up to other Freemasons, the majority of its members are Old Boltonians, providing a unique way of keeping in touch with fellow Old Boys. Members range in age from their 20s to their 80s, providing friendship to fellow Masons of all generations. If you would like to hear more, please contact: David Poppitt – The Lodge Secretary, E-mail: DPoppitt@aol.com, Tel: 07785 728700

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2018

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

Class of 1950-1959

Norman Davies (1948-1957) Congratulations to Norman who has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Bolton. Norman is a historian with special interest in Central and Eastern Europe and is noted for his publications on the history of Europe, Poland and the United Kingdom. Roger Gould (Class of 1958) Roger, along with his wife, Cathy, was honoured to meet the Queen at St George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle at Easter when Roger had a very he was one of special royal 92 men and appointment 92 women this year to receive ‘Maundy money’ from Queen Elizabeth II in recognition of his service to the Christian and local communities. He has been a Methodist preacher for nearly half a century, is treasurer of Oldham and Saddleworth Churches Together and, since 2001, has been involved with the Oldham Interfaith Forum.

Class of 1960-1969

David MacRae (1956-1966) David currently holds the position of the first Chancellor of the University of Kigali. This private university, founded in 2013 in Kigali, Rwanda, has a rapidly rising student population, currently numbering some 7,000 students across a range of disciplines including economics, accountancy, law, management and education studies. A significant number of the students are the descendants of orphans and survivors of the genocide which devastated the country in 1994. The university’s third annual graduation ceremony took place in Kigali in July this year. Before taking up the position of Chancellor, David held another position in the academic world as the Executive Vice President of the American University of Nigeria. The position of Chancellor is a largely ceremonial, part-time appointment.

His last full-time position was as the Ambassador of the European Union to Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States (2009 to 2013) and, before that, as the Ambassador of the European Union to Rwanda (2004 to 2009). Christopher Daniels (1956-1967) Christopher had an article published in the Autumn 2017 edition of Conference and Common Room in which he used his experience of the last twenty years to comment upon short-term posts in independent schools and state grammar schools.

Class of 1970-1979

Philip ‘Artie’ Gaskell (1963-1970) Artie and his wife Judi retired to Skegness in 2011. Artie was co-opted onto the Town Council in August 2017. As Treasurer of the local Labour branch he automatically became leader as the only one of the five councillors with a role in the branch. He is also Chair of Skegness Coastal Access for All – a voluntary beachtidying organisation which recently purchased its own Bobcat digger to help keep the promenades clear of sand build-up. Artie is also the Campaign Manager for Skegness Hospital Watch and a voluntary driver for New Horizons. He is a member at North Shore Golf Club, but plays infrequently – his eight handicap is a distant memory! Gary Sykes (1963-1970) Gary spent much of the early part of 2018 travelling for social events and general holidays. In February and Warren (left) and March he was in Gary caught up with Thailand for the each other in Spain wedding of Marc Howard (Class of 1997). Marc is the son of Gordon Howard (Class of 1970) with whom Gary has kept in touch since School days. Marc now lives in Gold Coast, Australia, and is married to Elle, whom he met whilst working in recruitment in Singapore. Amongst the Bridesmaids was Marc’s sister, Jodie Smith (née Howard, 1992-1999), currently Head of English at Bury

Boys’ Grammar School, and amongst the guests was Tom Binns (1987-1997). Whilst at a beach restaurant in Phuket, Gary heard a distinctly ‘Boltonian’ accent and turned round to recognise Rob Firth (1963-1974) who was quite separately there on holiday with family, including his daughter who teaches on the island. In May Gary spent a week in Andalucia where he surprised Warren Faulkner (1963-1971). Having heard that Warren was now based near Marbella, Gary found his telephone number via the internet and called him out of the blue, speaking to him for the first time since a class reunion in Bolton in 1996. Once over the shock, Warren made the short drive into Marbella where the pair spent an hour or two drinking beer and reminiscing about their early days at School some 55 years ago. Warren spends much time playing golf and is now the Mayor of his small Urbanisation outside Marbella, where one of his neighbours is the former ‘Spurs footballer, Ossie Ardiles. Gary and Warren will be meeting up again at some future point – Bolton School really does facilitate long-lasting loyalties and friendships. John Fazackerley (1964-1971) John moved from Bolton to Northampton in 1984, having been fortunate to be able to retire in early 2013 after over 36 years working as a Chartered Accountant with Grant Thornton in Manchester, Northampton and, for the last 25 years, in Milton Keynes. As a Chartered Accountant his skills remain in demand for voluntary roles and he is currently Chair of Governors at the local church primary school, Treasurer of a local 45-bed charitable care home and involved in financial matters at his local church. With five grandchildren, involvement in the U3A and the Arts Society, a keen interest and support for local thriving theatres and cinema, and hacking around the golf course, John would have no time for paid work now! Nigel Slater (1964-1972) Nigel has recently been awarded an Honorary Chair at the West China School of Pharmacy at the University

Newsletter Autumn 2018

of Sichuan, in Chengdu, China (the home of panda bears!). This completes the set with the Qiuishi Chair in Chemical Engineering that he holds at the University of Zhejiang and an Honorary Chair at the University of Tianjin. Apart from the tedium of long haul flights, Nigel has grown to love the charm, warmth and unmatched hospitality of the Chinese people, the delight of working with their marvellous young scientists and the stunning beauty of the country. Sir Philip Craven (Class of 1978) Sir Philip remains busy after stepping down from his role as President of the International Paralympic Association – he has recently been appointed Outside Director of the Toyota Motor Corporation. Nick Gent CBE (1969-1979) Congratulations to Nick who was named a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s Honours List in recognition of his services to health protection. Nick works as a specialist in chemical, biological and radiological materials and their consequences and has helped to deal with the response to major incidents in both the UK and overseas. Roger Smith (1972-1979) Roger was selected to stand for his local Ward in Swindon in Wiltshire in the local Borough Council elections in early May. He won with 50% of the vote and a majority of 333 and the Conservatives retained control of the Council. Tim Taylor (1964-1979) Tim sent in this photo of him and School mate Mark Rogerson (19721979) taken in Sydney recently. Mark and Tim met The pair have up down under caught up about four times in the last five years – after probably 30 years of radio silence!

Class of 1980-1989

Mark Power (1973-1980) Back in July Mark completed a coastto-coast walk, raising over £600 in aid of the Huntington’s Disease Association. The 192-mile walk started in St Bees on the Cumbrian coast and ended two weeks later in Robin Hoods Bay on the Yorkshire coast, passing right by Patterdale Hall. Mark

has a personal association with the HDA and he and his wife, Jan, have raised several thousand pounds for the cause over recent years. “It’s one of those things that has been on my to-do list for some time now”, said Mark. “I walked with my friend and local businessman, David Smart from Greenhalghs Craft Bakery. We really enjoyed the beautiful countryside between the two coasts ... and taking some photos along the way! We are looking forward to talking about the adventure to our young grandchildren in the future.” Ian Jones (Class of 1983) In April Royal photographer Ian captured the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge leaving St Mary’s Hospital with the latest addition to the Royal Family, Prince Louis of Cambridge. Peter Skabara (1979-1986) At the beginning of the calendar year Peter moved from the University of Strathclyde to the University of Glasgow to take up the Ramsay Chair of Chemistry in the School of Chemistry. His research is based on organic semiconductors and plastic electronics, for example the displays that are found in Samsung smartphones, the latest Apple iPhone and ultra-thin, large-screen TVs. More information can be found on his web page: www.gla.ac.uk/schools/ chemistry/staff/peterskabara/ Peter attended the C60 Chemistry reunion at School back in June (see page 20) – he had a delightful day swapping Chemistry reflections with former teachers and fellow Old Boys.

Class of 1990-1999

Paul Meehan (1983-1990) Paul has completed 20 years working in the UK HE sector, formerly at The University of Manchester and, more recently, for the educational charity Jisc. Having previously worked on chemical database and Internet resource projects, he is now developing and supporting JUSP, a national shared service which allows more than 250 institutions to access journal and e-book usage data from around 80 publishers. In 2013 Paul also helped to set up the e-Tekkatho service, which is bringing educational

resources and infrastructure to Myanmar. His job role is very diverse, and includes database administration, software development, user training and support, and quite a bit of writing. Alongside his day job Paul works as a freelance author and, after two decades writing copy for others, recently published his first two books – on quite disparate subjects! Canvas Countdown comprises 100 lists that explore 30 years of his love for professional wrestling, while Total Eclipse of the Chart is a retrospective of the UK and international music scene in 2017, again through lists and short features. Paul has recently launched a website to support his writing – please take a look at PaulMeehanAuthor.com. Paul continues to pursue his doomed interests in local cricket and supporting Bury FC – that continues to be deeply painful, though thankfully as dad to two teenagers the pain is now being shared! He would love to hear from any Old Bolts, especially old friends and classmates. Michael Westcott (1989-1996) Congratulations to Mike, whose son, Jonah, was born in November last year. Mike and Jonah enjoy some quality time together

Adam Sydall (1984-1998) Adam and Ruth (née Morley, 1993-2003) are delighted to announce the arrival of their son Arthur Adam Syddall who was born on 6th February. Arthur has already visited many cricket clubs throughout the summer months! Adam continues to play minor counties cricket for Cumberland CCC and captained them in their one-day campaign in 2018.

Class of 2000-2009

David Collins (Class of 2001) David and his wife Hayley recently celebrated the arrival of their second child, Jensen, who was born in Kingston Hospital on 6th February. David is still serving as an Engineering Officer in the RAF and is currently working in the Ministry of Defence in London. Because David has been selected for promotion to Wing Commander, the Collins family will

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2018

be moving to the Defence Academy in Shrivenham in the Summer, where David will be undertaking the Advanced Command and Staff Course. Neil Ward (Class of 2005) Congratulations to Neil who married Old Girl Sarah (née Shacklady, 1999-2006) 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!

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.

Class of 2010 onwards

Michael O’Gara (2003-2014) Congratulations to Michael who has graduated with a First Class degree in Sports Journalism from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN).

Haseeb Hameed, Callum and Matthew Parkinson (all Class of 2015) Back in June three Old Boys competed in the Royal London One-Day Cup. Habeeb and Matthew represented Lancashire, with Matthew coming face-to-face with twin brother Callum playing for Leicestershire. Lancashire were victorious – Haseeb scored a 50 and Matthew took four wickets, while Callum made a valuable contribution to the Leicester total. Cameron Jones-Humphrey (Class of 2016) Cameron’s band, Lotus Eater, recently signed to Hopeless Records, a Californiabased record label. The band made history by becoming the first British Cameron (top left) band of its genre with his band (heavy) to sign to them in their 25-year history. Whilst at School, Cameron’s ‘bold, complex and agile’ drumming gained him the Senior Young Musician of the Year award. Sam Hall (2012-2017) Sam spent last Autumn in Cambodia with VSO as part of the ICS programme before working for a summer camp in Oracle, Arizona. In between he worked at McDonalds and in his spare time volunteered at a foodbank. He has now taken up his place at Aberystwyth University where he is reading International Politics and History.

News of Former Staff

James Rich (Boys’ Division Staff, 1999-2012) A couple of years ago The Bugle noted the birth of James’ and Sarah’s son, Arthur Harry Rich. Arthur is now two and was joined last December by a little sister, Romilly Alice. Romilly was christened in May in the Rich family’s home town of Market Harborough, with attendees including current Bolton School staff Andy Compton and Martin Prentki (the latter being Romilly’s godfather), as well as former Bolton School Head of English Richard Griffiths. Meanwhile, Sarah is still Head of Chemistry at Wellingborough School and James will spend the 2018/19 academic year as Acting Head and CEO of The Leicester Grammar School Trust, in succession to the outgoing Head (and current Chair of HMC), Chris King.

Michael Tatman (Boys’ Division Staff, 1958-1993) Michael sent in the following update: ‘I have finally reached the end of my process of giving up high office. Many years of being Head of French led me to seek activities where one wasn’t in charge. It doesn’t always work out that way. Even before and during retirement, one can be shunted ‘upstairs’, willing or not. I followed my early mentor Ken Haigh into the Chair of Bolton AngloFrench Circle, where I sat for years until a clash of interests led me to choose alternatives. Bolton Little Theatre proved to be a complete diversion. Welcomed in the wake of Ian McKellen and Michael Sefton, I found myself moved from minor actor to Micheal in the role of King Lear Committee member, to House Manager to in 2015 Chairman. That lasted a blessedly short three years. Lower level involvement continues until the present day. Chairman of Bolton Twinning Association lasted longer, and here my heart was really in it, with rewarding contacts and true friendships created with Le Mans and Paderborn. A 40+ year service with Bolton Newstalk has been an enduring passion, making the printed word, primarily articles from The Bolton News, available for the blind and partially sighted. I was recruited in 1976, and have risen gently through the ranks finally to Chairman until last year. With Bolton Newstalk I still produce a programme every seven weeks or so. At Bolton Little Theatre there may be just a few shots left in the locker: King Lear in 2015 – well, one scene in Lear’s Daughters, a play that went to Paderborn – and an ‘Oscar’ nomination, Greater Manchester version, for the role of Wilhelm Furtwängler in Taking Sides in 2016. It’s great to work without responsibility, just do my thing. To be recommended.’

Newsletter Autumn 2018

Mini Reunions 1967-68 1st XI Reunion

It’s now 50 years since the end of the 1967-68 football season during which, under the guidance and watchful eyes of Kevin Topping, the School First XI 1967 1st XI squad were considered among the most successful ever (at least by themselves). The squad was an extremely tight-knit group, and continues to be so, with regular annual reunions that take the form each year of a visit to a Bolton Wanderers game in a private Executive Box, and a subsequent meal in the evening, when there is much in the way of reminiscence and nostalgia around past glories! The squad members

Old Bolts Veterans Reunion To celebrate the silver anniversary of Old Boltonians’ Vets Team winning the North 3B Championship, Ian Grundy (Class of 1975) and Kevan Taylor (Class of 1974) organised a reunion by arranging a gathering of players who played for the Vets in that glorious Championship season and the following decade. During the break of the inaugural West Pennine Vets Tournament held at Chapeltown a short game was played. The combined age of the players must have been around the 1,300 years mark – is this the match of the oldest participants at the oldest ground? After the game, the players and spectators moved into

are now spread widely across the UK with regular attendees from Hampshire, Wales and Northampton, along with those from more local areas.

Continuing to support the Wanderers

The photograph shows squad members, along with other former School sporting icons, who include, in the centre foreground, Bill (Carlton) Wright (1st XI 1967-68), along with, from left to right, Barry Lomax, Steve Hughes (1st XI 1967-68), Jeff Taylor (1st XI 1971-72), Brian West, Mick Bennett (1st XI 1967-68), Mike Birchall (1st XI 1967-68), Pete Labbett (1st XI 1967-68), Pete Booth (1st XI 1967-68) and Dave Lee (1st XI 1966-67). Regular attendees from the 1967-68 1st XI squad who could not make this year’s reunion, but who hope to be present in 2018-19, are Dave Willson, Graham (Henry) Smith and Mike Taylor. the Chetham Arms for drinks, a bite to eat and to exaggerate. Present on the day were Kevan Taylor, Ian Grundy, The two teams reunited Rob Taylor, Peter Syddall, Peter Leatham, David Lee, Jim Lever, Roger Milne, Rob Firth, Chris Mitchell, Richard Morris, Andy Paton, Ray Prendecki, Phil Riding, Justin Tankard, Jeff Taylor, Ian Thomasson, Dave Critchley, Neil Thomasson, Mark Worsley, Simon Pendlebury, Chris Kershaw, Ian Waddicar, Rob Firth, Jon Twist, Andy Leatham, Keith Sandiford, Sam Pepper, Chris Gradwell, Rick Timmis and Ross Taylor.

80th Birthday Celebrations As part of their joint 80th birthday celebrations, Eric Springate, Tony Simmons and Jim Shone (all Class of 1956) took a trip down memory lane with a visit to School in May this year. Tom attended a Reunion some years ago, but for Eric and Jim it was their first time back on Chorley New Road since they left in the 1950s. The three reminisced about classmates as they perused the Grey Books of their day and then enjoyed a tour of School where they were impressed to see the progress made since they were pupils here – and remembered with fondness things which L-R: James and Elspeth Shone, Eric Springate, Sheila and Tony Simmons appeared not to have changed much at all in the intervening years!

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2018

ARCHIVES Ask the Archivist

How did the Swimming Pool transform into the Arts Centre? This year marks the 25th anniversary of the momentous day when HRH Diana, Princess of Wales, visited School to open the new Arts Centre. Younger boys might not, however, appreciate that it was actually built as a swimming bath in 1905 for the former Bolton Grammar School and that it is the oldest building on the main School campus. The gift of William Lever, later Lord Leverhulme, it was designed by Jonathan Simpson, who was one of William Lever’s oldest friends and who had already done a great deal of architectural work for him at Port Sunlight. It was constructed in William Lever’s favoured red Runcorn sandstone. The swimming bath was used for the first time on 3rd May 1905 and was formally opened a month later on 24th June. Four hundred guests attended the opening ceremony, when Mr JB Barlow, JP, Chairman of Governors, accepted the gift on behalf of the School from William Brimelow, JP, who was representing William Lever in the latter’s unavoidable absence. During the proceedings Jonathan Simpson donated a silver challenge cup for annual house competitions in swimming that continues to be awarded to the present day. During the rest of the afternoon the Band of the 9th Lancashire RGA Volunteers played a selection of music on the top Level, while refreshments were served in a marquee. There was also a cricket match on the lower Level between past and present members of the School. It remained a swimming bath until its conversion into the Arts Centre in 1993. Discussions about the need for an Appeal to fund major capital projects had begun in 1989, with the Arts Centre project being a priority. Early in 1990, Mr Roger Kirk from the Boys’ Division teaching staff and Mrs

Ann Green from the Girls’ Division were appointed to direct the Campaign, which was marketed as ‘Funding the Future’. The Campaign was launched officially at the Old Boltonians’ Reunion in September 1990 and 15 months later £1 million had already been pledged towards the target of £2 million. Over half the money had been promised by the 70 or so members of the newlyformed Bolton School Society, a group of local businessmen and industrialists who responded to the Appeal in a most generous manner. The names of all these benefactors were detailed on a board that has hung for many years at the foot of the stairs in the Arts Centre entrance hall, the major benefactor being Chloride Motive Power. The Royal Bank of Scotland paid for an attractive brochure explaining the Campaign to be sent to parents and Old Boltonians and numerous events were organised to generate further funds. The Old Boys were as generous as ever, and parents, friends and staff all played their part. It was, in short, another shining example of the Bolton School community in action.

The old swimming pool before its transformation

The conversion work began in March 1992 and a year later, on 20th October 1993, the School welcomed HRH Diana, Princess of Wales, to perform the official opening of the new Arts Centre – the miserable weather could not dampen the general enthusiasm and excitement surrounding her visit! Wearing a deep pink and navy two-

The Princess is greeted by excited Beech House pupils

piece suit, the Princess was greeted by Lord Haslam, Chairman of Governors, and introduced to both the Headmaster and the Headmistress. Richard presents Her Lord Haslam said Royal Highness with a that her presence box of Milk Tray had transformed a pleasant occasion into a ‘splendid and memorable’ one. Inside the Arts Centre Her Royal Highness was entertained by pupils of both Divisions who performed The Lancashire Grocer and his Bars of Gold, which told the story of William Hesketh Lever, the first Lord Leverhulme, who had founded the new Bolton School in 1915. After declaring the Arts Centre open by unveiling a commemorative plaque, Princess Diana was presented with a watercolour of the School by the School Captain, David Mohyuddin, and the Head Girl, Tara Mani (both Class of 1994). Before she departed, Princess Diana watched as students Richard Chant, James Ementon (both Class of 1995) and Charlotte Young (Class of 1994) abseiled down the clock tower and she was greatly amused and delighted when Richard presented her with a box of Milk Tray chocolates!

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

Newsletter Autumn 2018

Looking Back Tim Taylor (1964-1979) sent in this photo of when he was goalkeeper for the U13 team. Back L-R: Tim Taylor, Mark Bradley, Ralph Bolton, Rob Biruls, George Leather, Mick Latham, Geoff Winder, Mick Johns, Simon Tenant

autograph of Bolton Excited boys get the nley Hanson Sta Wanderers player The Tempest, 1948

Front L-R: Mark Rogerson, Simon Green, Simon Pendlebury, Andy Staveley, Demas Esburger, Rob Fenton, Nick Eccles

Stephen Rigby (Class of 1965) sent in these photos of Hawick camp

Science class with Mr Welch, 1977

The boys get the better of Mr Kirk!

Lance Corporal Wilfred da Cunha Brooks (1905-1907) was involved in the first ever military action involving tanks – he was the NCO in Tank D6 which was destroyed on 15th September 1916 whilst attacking the village of Gueudecourt. ining Kirk (centre) water div Chemistry Master RC

Wilfred played in the Football 2nd XI 1906-07 – he is top right in this team photo.

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

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2018

LIVES REMEMBERED Brian Allanson (1938-1945) As a man who loved the neatness of figures it would have been a pleasing accomplishment to Brian that he died on his 90th birthday. They were 90 well-filled years in many arenas: he worked for the same firm, John Booths, for 42 years, including two as General Manager of one of the local subsidiaries, A B Steelwork. He was a prominent local politician: Councillor for Heaton ward from 1966-1992, Chairman of the Policy Committee, Vice Chairman of the Management Committee and, most notably, Mayor of Bolton in 1988-89. He was then appointed an Honorary Alderman. He also stood as the Parliamentary candidate for Openshaw in the 1970 General Election, significantly increasing the Conservative vote. Brian was House Captain for boxing and gymnastics and founder member of the cross country running club. As part of the war effort he was an instigator of the Pig Club which raised pigs to be sent to market. They were fed on food from the School kitchens and, less legitimately, during holidays, scavenged from neighbourhood waste ‘pig bins’. The first pig was bought with a loan from the Governors and was repaid in full, with later profits donated to the Headmaster’s Fund to assist boys from poorer homes to attend camps and expeditions. Brian was also a member of the 19th Bolton Scout Troop based at School and, in 1943, travelled to a logging camp in North Wales. As they were going to be ten miles from civilization they decided they needed a car, so a Ford 8 was acquired for £9 from Gordons. Requiring petrol coupons, they applied and were asked for a permit number, which they didn’t have … informing the Authority that it was 1101 – the School telephone number – the coupons duly arrived by return of post! At the end of camp, they sold the car back to Gordons for £6! Brian left School in 1945 and went to

study at Bolton Technical College and then the Manchester College of Science and Technology, matriculating with a qualification from London University. He was self-funded until he passed his exams and was reimbursed by Booths! Brian married Mavis Bowyer in March 1954 and they had three sons. They knew one another for the best part of 80 years and were married for nearly 60. In retirement they shared a number of hobbies, including horse racing, where Brian often picked the winner, but never gambled. As a public speaker, he was renowned for three talks: The Day the Queen came to Bolton, which occurred during his mayoralty; The Lighter Side of Politics and From Russia with Love, an account of his 80th birthday expedition to Moscow and Yaroslavl, to visit the church where his mother had been baptised. His grandfather worked for mill owners, Coates, and had been sent from Bolton to manage a Russian cotton mill in the late 19th century. Brian remained busy until the end of his life – there was something in his diary nearly every day, often ending with a whisky with one of his sons who live in Bolton, or with a neighbour. Anyone telephoning would be greeted with ‘Hedgeways, home for the bewildered, Matron speaking’, which certainly deterred nuisance calls! The church was full for Brian’s Civic funeral and his ashes were scattered by the family on Rivington Pike the day Storm Brian hit Bolton. He left copious instructions for his departure including directions for the route and speed of the cortège to avoid speed humps, and that hymns were to be sung at a decent rate! He had the last laugh with the music for his commital at the crematorium: Smoke gets in your Eyes. The service sheet concluded with the Scouting symbol of a circle with a dot in it: Trail ended, gone home. A full life, well lived and a long rest to come. Peter, Mark and Roger Allanson (sons) Mikhail (Mike) Bithell (1952-1956) Mike was born on 2nd April 1943 in Blackrod where he attended Scot Lane School, passing the Bolton School

Entrance Exam at nine years old. He transferred to Bolton Junior School for a period until he could take the 11-plus to gain a scholarship for Bolton School proper. Always interested in music, commencing piano tuition at 8 years old, he learned to play both piano and organ, the latter in St Katherine’s Parish Church in Blackrod. He once appeared on stage at Bolton School in a production where he played a dung beetle! Unfortunately, the family moved from Blackrod to Oldham when his father changed employment and Mike’s days at Bolton School were curtailed. He went on to attend Counthill Grammar School until he was 17. I remember him playing Debussy’s Clair de Lune in the Science Room of all places, where he was watched by a crowd of mesmerised pupils. On leaving school he started employment as a Public Health Office with Oldham Council. Many a morning he would set off on housing inspections with DDT in his turn ups! He continued playing piano, with most of his leisure time practising numerous scales repeatedly. He played organ at the local church where he was also choir master for a time. Once, after a piano performance at the Oldham Lyceum, Granada TV approached him to attend an audition which he declined. Mike married June in October 1964 and they settled in Oldham, but he relocated to High Wycombe to continue as a Public Health Officer where his daughter, Jane, was born. From there he moved to Caterham, where Mary was born, and then to Hythe, where Emma was born, and where he was employed as Health and Safety Officer for Rank Hovis Mcdougall, working there until his retirement at 60. Still playing piano and organ, he even made a record at Bitterne Parish

Newsletter Autumn 2018

Church, where he was organist. On retirement Mike was not content to idle away his time, his next project renovating a bungalow in Hythe where he finally settled. Mike’s family meant the world to him: taking pride in the achievements of his children and five grandchildren, enjoying days out with them and watching them play music and sing. He enjoyed snooker, fine wines and good food and his annual trip to the Lakes with his friends, where he would walk and climb. He always appreciated the grounding that Bolton School had given him. Unfortunately Mike was diagnosed with cancer in March 2017 and, although he fought bravely, he died in Southampton General Hospital in February 2018 with his wife, June (his great love and constant support) and his eldest daughter, Jane, beside him. I have no doubt that June, their daughters and grandchildren will feel a huge void in their lives as will the rest of his family and his numerous friends. For my part, always immensely proud of him, I will miss my big brother tremendously for his wit, intelligence and his vibrancy. Madeline Relfe (sister) Martin Cockerham (1966-1968) By the time Martin Cockerham arrived at Bolton School, his jazz pianist dad had already moved the family a dozen times. Always the new boy, never knowing how long he could stay at any school, it had been hard for Martin to form secure friendships. He later described two years in a Welsh school as a time of being almost unable to understand what anyone was saying. Perhaps no surprise then that he went on to become a determined fluent communicator through his music – one heartfelt Spirogyra song says: “... to be at home in the world – this is all that a man can need ...” His songs often captured the experience of an outsider, and of social injustice, striking chords among many of his generation. We too wanted to change the world into a kinder, more welcoming place. And Martin Cockerham gave us lyrical ways to express that. His songs recoiled from cold unjust regimes where human kindness counted for nothing: “Body,

matter, just a flow into an infinite number of variables, which can be meaningless or false or ‘disproved’ by scientific negotiation ...” In Bolton School’s Sixth Form though, Martin was warm, unconventional, and easily likeable, and he flourished, forming bands with friends. And through Spirogyra he built a new genre of emotionally articulate music that endeared him to audiences too. The band became a favourite at Octagon Theatre gigs. Martin’s music was strong, passionate, and spoke about loss. His lyrics “Like the wind in the reeds I will miss you ...” were poignant. Sung by Spirogyra’s Barbara Gaskin, they were heartbreaking. They also contributed a new language for an intelligent youth culture disdainful of convention and authority, and determined to build a better world. His words hypnotise, while the music was endlessly inventive. It didn’t follow the conventional formats of commercial songs, but created new, flowing, intricate structures instead. Martin was an influential pioneer of electric folk music. Many respected musicians such as Ian Dury and Paul McCartney liked him and his music. Decades later, his work still draws tributes from fans in many countries. Martin’s later years found him adrift again, travelling around Ireland by horse and cart. He spent years living in California, Bali and Hawaii. But joining Hare Krishna in India, he found a ‘new home in the world’. The movement and its spiritual leader embraced him, and he also attracted his own personal following within it. He continued to write music, and released more albums. But unwell, he finally retreated to Thailand. It says a lot about Martin’s life, his personal qualities and how well loved he had been, that when he died there, a large delegation from the HK movement appeared and took his body back to India for final rites. “Though others stay, we pass away, just as the tide goes rolling ...” Martin Cockerham, a remarkable Old Boltonian who died in April 2018, leaves a lasting legacy of music and words, and also great affection among those who knew him. Andy Beckingham (1965-1970), with contributions from Ian Price (1959-1969), Neil Duckworth (Class of 1970) and Stephen Green I remember Martin with great affection, and kept in touch with him throughout his life. We became close friends in

the Sixth Form with a shared musical interest, riding the crest of the new wave of 60s music. We started out, along with Mike Stone (Class of 1970), as a raw blues band named Cotton Penitentiary – a nod to Bolton’s history there. I played guitar, Martin played the drums originally and Mike played lead guitar, then later, inspired by The Incredible String Band, we gradually developed into the folk rock band Spirogyra and to writing all our own songs. We gathered a lot of followers at School and locally, and performed regularly at the Bluesology sessions at the Octagon Theatre. Martin used to pick me up for rehearsals every weekend in his old vintage Morgan. His enthusiasm for music was very infectious and inspiring for us all at that time. Mark Francis (Grundy, Class of 1970) Peter Corser (1958-1966) I met Peter in 1958 when we entered Lower II under the watchful eye of Mrs Wood. He found academic life tough in a class of some very talented boys, but with hard work and determination graduated from UIIA into the alpha stream. At Park Road Bernard Harrison ran the Junior Railway Society providing Peter with an opportunity to indulge his passion for railways, an interest he maintained throughout his life, becoming extremely knowledgeable about railways and vintage steam locomotives. This passion later inspired him in his choice of career. Our paths diverged after Park Lane, but we maintained our friendship through support for Bolton Wanderers. Standing with the other eternal optimists from Bolton School, beneath the score board at Burnden Park, we admired the skills of Wyn ‘the Leap’ Davies and the sublime Freddie Hill. Peter retained his love of BWFC to the end and was pleased to hear of the great escape at the Macron this year. He attended the annual cricket coaching course at Lilleshall. An enthusiastic pace bowler, he represented his house and played

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2018

for the U15 team. His bowling, while always whole hearted, could be erratic, with occasional unintended beamers keeping the batsmen on their toes. He played cricket in later years for the London Underground. After Bolton School, Peter studied electrical engineering at Brunel University, following which he obtained his dream job, working for London Underground designing signalling systems. He stayed there for 25 years then moved to the Alstom Company in Borehamwood, still involved in railway infrastructure, before retiring in 2006. He was a competent pianist with catholic tastes in music, but it was folk music which changed his life. In the mid-1970s he met Elizabeth at a folk festival at Cecil Sharp House. They married in April 1978, celebrating their ruby wedding anniversary this year. They continued with their love of folk music, attending festivals across the UK and performing in a folk dance group at schools and village events. After eight years in Rickmansworth they moved to Knaves Hill in Leighton Buzzard. Here he created and maintained a beautiful garden, with a large pond, dug out by hand, his pièce de résistance. In retirement they travelled extensively and enjoyed cruises, but their favourite destination to which they frequently returned was Santorini. He kept his mind active, joining the U3A (University of the Third Age), enjoying photography. He also developed a serious interest in seahorses. He had excellent computer skills and was generous with his time, advising those less competent about their computer problems. In the last few years his health declined markedly and he was housebound for his final year, dependent on Elizabeth who was his rock. When I last saw Peter it was distressing to see an old friend so unwell. Nevertheless he was cheerful and positive, enjoying news of Bolton School and of his contemporaries. On July 3rd 2018, he died peacefully, in hospital, with Elizabeth at his side. Chris Williams (1958-1966) George James Garbett (Boys’ Division Staff, 1959-1967) Jim, who was fit, lively and talkative until last Christmas, fell ill in the New

Year and died on 25th May 2018 in St John’s Hospice, Lancaster, at the age of 87. His funeral in the Priory, where he was a lay reader, was attended by a large congregation, whose lives he had touched in many different ways. The order of service contained the valedictory notice written by George Grasby (Boys’ Division Staff, 19591980) for The Boltonian of 1967. It perfectly commemorated Jim’s scholarship, clarity of thinking, energy and generosity, emphasising that ‘his services and qualities have been of unusual distinction’. The funeral address, given by Jim’s sonin-law, Michael Barton, showed that throughout his long life Jim had been consistent in his aims, relationships and activities. When Vice-Principal of St Martin’s College, later the University of Cumbria, Jim developed his range of interests, notably in languages, literature and architecture, and continued to travel widely, accompanied by Sheila, his wife, alone or as a leader of expeditions. Sheila, who taught junior classes at Bolton School and directed plays, died when they were well settled in Lancaster. She had shared Jim’s enterprising and generous spirit and what they had shared gave him strength. Bolton School was already a long way in the past, but Jim was very helpful when Ralph Britton wrote the history of School drama for the Centenary magazine. His own engagement had been considerable, introducing to the Miniature Theatre contemporary plays like Ionesco’s The Bald Prima Donna and directing this year’s chief guest at Prize Giving, Stuart Brooks (19561966), in the lead role in Ibsen’s The Pillars of the Community. His presence amongst us for those few short years was a great gift to the School and for many, whether in the classroom, at the Stratford Camp, in the Debating Society or on his Italian trips, he is a vivid memory. To his daughter, Margaret, to his son-in-law, Michael, and to their children we offer our sympathy. Charles Winder (Boys’ Division Staff, 1964-1999) Alan Jeffrey Roberts (1946-1955) Alan, who died on 15th March 2018,

aged 79, was possibly the finest bowler never to play for the School first eleven cricket. After an outstanding season with the 2nd XI in 1955, when he took four wickets for 11 runs in a victory over Manchester Grammar School, and four for nine against Lancaster with his fastmedium bowling, he left School for a career in banking with Martins Bank. Alan was first educated at Oxford Grove Primary School before entering Park Road in Prep 1A in 1946, and joined the Senior School in 1949. In 1953 he became a hero when, in company with two other boys, he rescued a six-year-old from Raveden Reservoir, Smithills. The police said that he had shown ‘great resource, promptitude and initiative and his action was responsible for saving the child’s life’. He was awarded the Royal Humane Society’s Resuscitation Certificate, and his picture appeared in the Bolton Evening News being presented the award by the Mayor of Bolton, Alderman J Parkes. Mr Poskitt let it be known how pleased he was that Alan had worn his School uniform at the presentation. Alan was selected to go on tour with the Lancashire Cricket Federation youth team in 1956, while outside School he had joined Park Street Methodists in the Bolton Association second division. On his mantelpiece he would proudly display the ball with which he took all ten wickets for them against Barlow and Jones in August 1955. He went on to play a big part for Tonge in the Bolton League, where he shared the opening attack with their professional, Vinoo Mankad, the former Indian Test player. During this period he was selected for the Lancashire County 2nd XI , making appearances versus Cumberland and Warwickshire in 1959. He had earlier been selected to play for a team called The Wisden Almanacks against the all-conquering West Indies team of the Fifties, including Walcott, Worrell, Weekes, Kanhai and Gilchrist, not forgetting Ramadhin and Valentine. He also played Bolton League cricket for Heaton and Eagley. In 1964 Alan married Alison Thomas, daughter of a leading Bolton retailer, Harry Thomas, and his wife, Dorothy. They lived variously in Bolton and Cumbria as Alan’s career progressed with Barclays, who had taken over Martins, and he served at branches in Bolton, Great Harwood, Chorley and

Newsletter Autumn 2018

Kendal, where he was a member of the management. A keen rose grower, while at Kendal he became secretary of the Lakeland Rose Show. Alan and Alison were very proud to own a grade-two listed home in Cartmel during that period, and they loved to organise house parties around the twice-yearly Cartmel race meetings as their home overlooked the course. Sadly Alison contracted Alzheimer’s Disease and died in 2005. Alan moved to a bungalow at Heysham, chosen because it was the place where his grandfather had taught him how to play cricket as a young boy. Alan never knew his father, who was an RAF officer in an aircraft shot down over Italy in the early years of World War Two. His paternal grandparents had been a big influence in his upbringing, along with his mother, Edith. In recent years he had learned the location of his father’s grave, and he made frequent visits to Italy to honour his memory. Last year the strain told on him and he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. After a spell in Lancaster Hospital he was brought back to Bolton to live at The Bakewells Care Home in Junction Road, Deane, where he sadly died.

Robin was born in Leigh, Lancashire. His father, Ronald, was a technical draughtsman, and his mother, Kathleen (née Hocken), a medical secretary. After leaving Bolton School, at first Robin worked for Barclays Bank, where he became active in the National Union of Bank Employees, but after taking evening classes he gained a degree in Sociology from Rutherford College in Newcastle. There he met Monica MacRow, a fellow student, and they married in 1967. His studies changed the direction of his life: he followed up with an MSc in Industrial Relations at the London School of Economics, and a PhD from York University, then lectured at Durham Business School, where he built up an industrial relations studies course. Soon he was appointed an arbitrator at the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS), where he demonstrated his great ability at getting opposing parties to work through issues. Subsequently he became Professor in the Business School of the University of Northumbria (1991-1993), and then

Head of its Carlisle campus until his retirement in 2003. In his spare time Robin was interested in transport history, and helped to guide the expansion of the Beamish Museum. An associated venture was the reconstruction in 1975 of George Stephenson’s 1825 Locomotion No 1, the first steam locomotive to pull a passenger train on a public railway, by the Locomotion Trust. As Director of the Trust Robin negotiated with Japanese enthusiasts who wished to borrow the engine and went out to Japan to accompany it. The replica engine is now at Beamish, together with Puffing Billy and the Steam Elephant, another couple of early engines the trust rebuilt. A convivial, warm-hearted polymath, Robin was much in demand as a public speaker, and would travel all over Britain giving illustrated lectures to railway and history societies. In between he would organise cycling tours of First World War battlefields with a group of friends. He is survived by Monica, their sons, Adam and Richard, and three grandchildren. Based on an obituary by John Purcell published in The Guardian on 31st May 2018

IN MEMORIAM Alan Roberts, second left (holding ball), takes the field with Tonge in 1960. The famous Indian Test cricketer, the late Vinoo Mankad, is second right.

He represented all the best in sportsmanship, friendship and loyalty, and we offer deepest sympathy to his brother Harry and family, among whom is John Radcliffe, a Master in the Girls’ Division. Ken Mather (1948-1956) Robin Smith (1953-1959) Robin was an industrial relations academic and arbitrator who used his negotiation and conciliation skills in many walks of life. He was also the long-serving chairman of the Friends of Beamish Museum in County Durham, which tells the story of life in north-east England between the 1820s and 1940s.

Keith Barnes (1947-1956) - Died December 2017 Keith Bickerstaffe (1960-1967) - Died March 2018 David Codling (1940-1952) - Died 24th May 2018 Jonathan Culshaw (1978-1988) - Died 5th September 2018 Michael Adrian Coop (Class of 1949) - Died 18th May 2018 J Duncan Gorton (Class of 1956) - Died 22nd July 2018 Philip Richard Glover (Class of 1993) - Died 17th February 2018 Douglas Hartley (1954-1962) - Died 14th February 2018 David Henthorn (1969-1976) - Died August 2018 Roland Higson (1943-1951) - Died 30th October 2017 (John) Martin Livesey (Class of 1976) - Died 15th April 2018 John Nightingale (1932-1942) - Died 9th April 2018 Jon Howard O’Neil (Class of 1989) - Died 11th April 2018 James Parker (Class of 1956) - Died 17th August 2018 Alex Pringle (1965-1970 - Died 16th June 2018 Patrick Reade (Class of 1967) - Died 7th February 2018 (Frank) Michael Rushton (Class of 1950) - Died 4th April 2018 Derek Sutcliffe (1954-1961) - Died 6th July 2018 Roger Thurston (1972-1979) - Died 23rd September 2017 Christopher Barrie Turner (1949-1957) - Died 17th August 2018 Gordon Wharmby (1957-1962) - Died 23rd June 2018

THE

BUGLE Old Boltoniansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association Autumn Newsletter 2018

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