The Old Girls' Association The 2022 Record by Bury Grammar Schools

Old Girls’ Association The Record2022

Officers for the Year 2022/23

Elected 2022

Bury Grammar School Memorabilia

from Old Girls. Should you wish to contact any member of the Committee or any individual listed in this edition of The Record, please email alumni.burygrammar.com

Elected 2022

Rachel Catterall Elected 2021

Memorabilia can be purchased online by going to https://www.burygrammar.com/alumni/giftshop

Yasmin Haslam (Contractor)

Secretary: Mrs Suzanne Gauge (Stock)

Judi Chadwick (Whetton) Elected 2021

President: Mrs J Anderson

Honorary Vice Chair and Archivist: Mrs Betty Kenyon (Ashworth)

Membership Secretary: Sharon Blakelock (sblakelock@burygrammar.com)

Committee Members

Alison Pockney Elected 2021

June Bowker (Bradbury)

Elected 2021

To view the OGA AGM report, please visit: Wehttps://bit.ly/3AIU0nPlovetoreceivenews

Alumni Relations Manager: Hannah May (hmay@burygrammar.com)

Vice Presidents: Mrs R Georghiou Miss C Thompson

Issy Waite Elected 2022

Caroline McKittrick

Head of Development: Laura Rooney (lrooney@burygrammar.com)

Natalie Brooker Elected 2021

Treasurer and Assistant Archivist: Mrs Julie Jones (Calrow)

Cathryn Heys

Margaret Hardman (Ridings)

Elected 2021

We will ensure your email is forwarded to the correct person.

Committee Members (cont.)

Editor: Mrs Rachel Hankinson (Sutton)

Heather Rawstron (Mason)

Chair: Mrs Diana Robinson (Smith)

Diana Robinson, Chairman

not practical for us to meet and have our AGM and Dinner in school on the evening before Founders’ Day. However, we were very fortunate to hold the event at Greenmount Golf Club. Mrs Anderson and I travelled to the London Branch of the OGA AGM the day after Founders’ Day. It was lovely to see so many familiar faces, and a few new ones. A report on the meeting can be found later in this

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fellow former pupils to join the Old Girls and Alumni Community. There is now no membership fee and there is much to gain by becoming involved. There is also the opportunity to give back something to the School through Bursary funding, mentoring and providing work experience and careers advice for our older pupils.

The appointment of Alumni Relations Manager, Hannah May, has been such an asset to the OGA. She and Head of Development, Laura Rooney, support our work in so many ways. Through the BGS Alumni Community you are now able to book and pay for events online, and to state dietary requirements and with whom you would like to sit. For those not online, there is always a friendly voice at the end of a telephone in the Development Office.

Old Girls’ BursaryAssociationFund Our Bursary Fund provides as many talented young people from low-income families as possible with the life-changing opportunity of a BGS education, by contributing wholly or partly to their school fees. Supporting bursary pupils is not only essential to the success of our School, but it also means that the most academically gifted children, regardless of means, can benefit from the type of education we Youprovide.canhelp change a life through education by donating to the BGS Bursary Fund. morefundwww.burygrammar.com/support-us/bgs-bursary-Visitoremailsupportus@burygrammar.comforinformation.BGSOldGirls’ReunionLunchSeptember2021Toviewthephotographsfromthiseventpleasevisit:https://alumni.burygrammar.com/

Throughout the year, our Archivists have been beavering away in our Archive Room and Suzanne, Julie and I have continued to work on behalf of the Old Girls’ Association. The Old Girls’ and Old Boys’ Associations have been meeting with the BGS Development Office as the newly formed Alumni Association. A recent leavers event was held in June, and we are planning other events. We hope that by holding these events more alumni will engage with the School and with each other. The new Alumni Community website has attracted over 1,400 members and is providing opportunities for people to get back in touch with each other and the School. I hope that you have signed up to the new Alumni Community Website and that you will encourage your

We are looking forward to seeing you at the 2022 Reunion Lunch on September 24th. There is the opportunity to meet old friends, look around school and to enjoy a buffet lunch.

Dear Old Girls, Though improvedsituationthehassince my last welcome, life is not completely back to normal for everyone, but it is certainly better than this time last year. Thanks to the protection given vaccinationthroughwe are at least meeting in person instead of on Sadly,zoom.itwas

sorry that Lockdown had affected our annual events especially The Dorothy Lester Travel Scholarship. It was no surprise that our Year 12 and 13 pupils did not feel able to travel to far flung places whilst Covid was still a threat. Following the improved situation, we are more hopeful for the future and will be speaking to the sixth form in September regarding next year’s Scholarship applications.

Thankfully, the restrictions were eased sufficiently for us to be able to hold our annual Reunion Lunch in September 2021. Although numbers were affected by the pandemic, we still had a very enjoyable event and thank the School for catering.

As you probably know, we are also a school which, while fond and respectful of our long history and much-loved traditions, does not like to stand still. If someone has a good idea at BGS and we can make it happen, we usually do! Our pupils and staff know that, within our solid foundations there is much freedom to innovate and be who you want to be. Indeed, our strong roots provide us with the courage and boldness to act and look confidently to the future.

The pandemic brought the school community closer together and appears to have unlocked a wave of creativity at BGS. Innovations in IT, new approaches to teaching, new methods for supporting well-being, new sports teams and a re-launch of musical and theatrical activities have all been highlights of the past year. Much as it was during your days at BGS, our pupils like to be busy and School is a hive of activity.

Dear Old Girls,

Successes in Science and Linguistic Olympiads, exceptional university offers and both our first and second netball teams winning major honours have been highlights this year. Our over 19 girls are national netball champions, our under 19s the national runners up and our new Y7 girls’ football team Bury champions. We are immensely proud of all of them!

I am very pleased to report that Bury Grammar School has been full of life, activity, learning and laughter over the past year. It would be fair to say that Bury Grammar girls returned to school with glee after the pandemic years and have made the most of a myriad of academic, extra-curricular, social and philanthropic opportunities in the last 12 months.

Old Girls have featured large at BGS this year – as mentors, speech givers, supporters and donors, as well of course as visitors at events. It has also been great to see those alumnae who popped in for a cup of tea because they were back in Bury and just passing by! The first leavers’ barbecue –for the leavers of 2020 and 2021 - took place a few weeks ago and was a great success. We are always pleased to see you!

Visiting other schools is something I enjoy and I very much value what I learn from other institutions… but I always return with a warm glow knowing that ours is very special school with an upbeat and down-to-earth atmosphere, which makes it unique. I strongly feel that this environment - ambition blended with humility – makes for a magical mixture and comes from both current and former pupils, parents and staff.

A message from The Headmistress

Perhaps these are some of the reasons for which we have been nominated for Independent School of the Year in four categories (yes, four!) Old Girls will of course be updated once the results are known!

Our new super curricular programme of lectures and activities to enhance the curriculum and prepare our pupils for top courses and careers has enabled pupils’ minds to grow and the careers opportunities offered through our new mentoring programme led by alumni is just in its early stages but already promises to lead to exciting outcomes.

Looking forward, September sees the opening of our new Primary Division and very first academic centre for Sixth Form in The Courthouse. Significant investment in facilities, with a new library, new reception area, refurbished classrooms and more make our School an even more pleasant environment in which to work as we prepare to welcome ten forms of new Year 7 pupils (five in the Girls’ School) and more than 1300 pupils. It is fabulous to see so many young people benefit from the quality of education we offer and the positive, joyous institution that is Bury Grammar School.

I hope you enjoy reading this edition of The Record and look forward to seeing and hearing from you over the coming year.

At the time of writing, another set of results is already in…. our GCSE and A-level grades. We are thrilled that Bury Grammar girls continue to achieve the highest academic standards. 61% of results at GCSE were grades 7-9 (A-A**) and 71% of A-level results were grades A*-B. This success has led to places being secured on a number of prestigious university courses and highlevel degree apprenticeships.

Jo Principal,AndersonHeadmistress

Our School is in good heart. Sanctas clavis fores aperit.

Our Bursar and Old Girl, Jane Stevens, suggested that we contact Greenmount Golf Club. Their chef, Yannis Kambalis, was very highly thought of so we would be assured of a very happy and successful evening. How right she was!

Bury Grammar School Old Girls’ Association Annual General Meeting and Dinner. Thursday, 5th May

We arrived in beautiful sunshine into a most picturesque setting.

The evening had been such a success that we voted to return to Greenmount Golf Club next year. The 2023 AGM and Dinner will be held on Thursday, 4th May, the night before Founders’ Day. Please make a note of the date. We would love you to join us.

Following the meeting we had an opportunity to chat before we sat down for Dinner at 7.45pm. The food was delicious and beautifully presented. After Dinner Mrs Anderson updated us on the School’s successes and plans for the future.

The minutes of the AGM can be accessed by following the link on the Officers’ page on the front inside cover.

Our meeting began at 6.45pm. It included reports from the Chairman and Treasurer and the election of the committee. We were thrilled to welcome Issy Waite, a former Head Girl, onto the committee. Having a mixture of very experienced committee members and newer and younger members ensures that we cater for all ages and interests.

Finally free from Lockdown we were looking forward to our AGM and Dinner which we hoped to hold in the Roger Kay Hall. Unfortunately, it proved to be impractical, and we had to make other arrangements.

Diana Robinson

Give and receive expert advice: go to the Careers Hub to volunteer to help others from the BGS community.

Joining the BGS Alumni Community will also enable you to access the following benefits:

BGS Alumni Community

7 BGS Alumni Community, alumni.burygrammar.com is the central hub for all alumni communications. It is free to join, and membership will last a lifetime. Simply follow the URL www.alumni.burygrammar.com or scan the QR code to register found below.

• Update your contact details, create a profile, and choose your communication preferences.

• Stay up to date with current School news.

• Connect directly with friends and staff from your time at BGS.

• Read current publications and look back at previous issues.

• Share or seek guidance and support to help progress your career.

• Visit the digital archive.

• Catch up with the latest news about other alumni from BGS.

• Support current fundraising initiatives.

Update your details: easily check and change your contact information and communication preferences.

Through the BGS Alumni Community you will be able to:

• Browse our gallery of photos from BGS alumni and School events.

Get Involved: make the BGS Alumni Community even more vibrant by submitting your own stories, photos, job adverts, and event listings.

• Buy Bury Grammar School merchandise through the shop.

• Register and book for all alumni and School events quickly and easily.

As well as finding and reconnecting with individuals, you can choose to join a club that fits your interests. From industry networks and regional clubs to sports clubs and groups specific to the decade you attended BGS - there is something for everyone.

Meet the Archivists

When asked how important it is to preserve the history of the Girls’ School for future generations, Betty responded:“BGS girls need to know our history; our girls are encouraged to use their skills, aptitudes and talents. They go on to do fantastic things for future generations. It is good to know where you come from and how fortunate you are to be a BGS girl.”

When asked how they began their work in the Archives, and when they became archivists, Betty recounted an interesting story that involved being called to former Headmistress, Miss Lawley’s, study. “Miss Lawley called me to her study and said, “Betty, you were here as a pupil in the 1950s and then a member of staff from 1980, your family also came here so you know much about BGS.” She then asked me to be the archivist. This was in 1992. I was delighted to say yes.” Julie added that Betty asked her if she would like to help out in around 2017, and that she has been doing so ever since!

Cherished Pieces from the Archive

This was a fantastic opportunity to see history come to life, as Betty described in detail her favourite pieces which we were lucky enough to see and handle. “We are so fortunate to have the first Admission Register of entrants from 1884. We have correspondence between Miss J.P. Kitchener and her cousin Commander F. Kitchener from the battleship Ajax. And James Law. We have the first Register of members of staff; the first being Miss J. P. Kitchener. We have former classics mistress Miss D. L. Orme’s photographic albums of school activities and events from 1951 and onwards.

An Interest in Local History

of Bury and Lancashire, and in history in general, helps with the role, Betty replied: “I have always been interested in history. It was my favourite subject at School. When I visit an old building, or ancient site, I wonder about the lives of the people who lived there. I have done some research into my parents’ past. What were their circumstances? I find it fascinating. My father’s family were hatters and I have discovered that the original Girls’ School hats were made by my father’s family”. Julie described her family’s deep-rooted connection to Bury that goes back to the 1800s: “Half of my family have had their roots in Bury for many years, so local history interests me. My granny was interested, it was in pre-internet times, I remember her contacting people all over the world to find out information. She built a big family tree going back to when my grandpa’s family came to Bury in the 1800s, it’s an interesting document.”

Asked if an interest in the local history

The Importance of Preserving History for Future Generations

Becoming Archivists

We recently had the pleasure of spending a morning in our treasure trove “Betty Kenyon Archive Room” with Girls’ School archivists, Betty Kenyon (Ashworth, Class of 1957) and Julie Jones (Calrow, Class of 1990), interviewing them to find out what it is like to be an archivist at a school like BGS with such a wealth of history. Both Betty’s and Julie’s ties to BGS are deep rooted; Betty is an Old Girl, former member of staff and parent, whose family also attended the School. Julie is an Old Girl and parent whose own parents both attended BGS. Their dedication to the School allows the BGS Archives to remain a thriving part of the School and helps to bring the School’s rich history to life, preserving it for generations to come.

Julie echoed this sentiment, adding: “It’s really important. You can learn a lot from how things have been done by previous generations. My great grandmother was one of Miss Kitchener’s girls in the 1890s. It amazes me how far the Girls’ School has developed in five generations of my own family. I feel it is important to document each stage, so future generations can see how the School has progressed and dealt with the issues of the time. […] I think most of us would like a 10-minute chat with relatives, to ask questions you never asked before it was too late.”

When asked if the process of cataloguing items is difficult, or if they had a particular system that they followed, we found out that there is a system in place, with an itemised collection on the computer and items kept in boxes, in folders, on the shelves and on hangers. Betty and Julie document items as they receive them, but hopefully as the archive grows, the system may need to be adapted to one which is easier to search and find items.

Hannah May, Alumni Relations Manager

lucky to have letters written in World War 1. Miss Kitchener’s cousin was Lord Kitchener, the famous face of the “Your Country Needs You” poster. We have letters between them. The School was early to recognise the value of school trips; we have letters dating back to the 1900s from the early pioneers specialising in organising a school trip”.

The Process of Cataloguing Archive Items

She translated carols and well-known songs into Latin. These were often sung at the end of a Latin lesson. We have scrap books of press cuttings from 1924 onwards. We have recently acquired the 1937 Rose Bowl tennis tournament record, whole school photos, Building plans from 1912, Records of Houses from 1950, And much more…”

When Julie described her most treasured pieces, she also noted that donations from BGS alumni and families are an invaluable source for the Archive to keep thriving and thanked a family who had recently donated a number of incredibly interesting items. “The special pieces are the unique items, like the first register written in Miss Kitchener’s own handwriting. Miss Kitchener was interested in the girls even once they’d left, recording in the register marriages and where her girls went. Recently we received a number of items from Robin Heywood and his sister Lindsey. Their mother had recently passed away, and whilst sorting her possessions, they came across many School photos, magazines and programmes. Amongst the items was the Rose Bowl Tennis draw from 1937. Robin’s mum had won the event and had been given the draw to keep. The girls had written their names and scores when they won a game, so it is an exciting item for us to have been given to keep in the Archives.”

Archive Pieces with the most Historical Value

Both Betty and Julie were in agreement that the School has always been innovative and pioneering, with Betty asking, “how many girls in other schools in the 1950s ended a Latin lesson in this way [by singing the carols and songs translated into Latin by Miss Orme]? This was very innovative”, and Julie adding: “The School was a pioneer in many areas. We are

Donations from the BGS Community

We are hugely grateful to Betty and Julie, who both give up so much of their time to volunteer in the Girls’ Archive, ensuring that these precious documents and items are appropriately catalogued and cared for so they can be enjoyed for generations to come. If you have any items which you think may be of interest to our archivists, please get in touch by emailing archive@burygrammar.com

When asked about the importance of donations from the BGS Community, in helping the archive to grow and prosper, Betty remarked: “We always want any items that connect with BGSG. We like to have, if possible, more than one of each for display purposes. Anything whatsoever that connects with our School is always most welcome. We once received a pair of navy jersey knickers with a pocket! You have to be over a certain age to know that this was the usual gym wear in times gone by!” Julie added: “The Archives would be nothing without kind donations. Often, when people are downsizing or have had a family bereavement, they find school photos, magazines, uniform. It is really kind when they make contact with School. The other type of donations come from people like Enid Hunt and Maureen Barber. Enid has carried out extensive research about Miss Kitchener and the Kitchener family, which she has kindly shared with us, and together with Maureen has drawn an extended Kitchener family tree. This research is a valuable part of the Archive, and we are indebted to the work they have done. As part of Enid’s research, she located Miss Kitchener’s grave in Foxton, near Cambridge. The grave was in a very poor state of repair, which Enid brought to the attention of the School, resulting in its restoration.”

(3RD JUNE 1925 – 13TH NOVEMBER 2021)

Jean lived a fiercely independent life and looked after herself in her Greenmount bungalow without any need for help. She maintained a sharp and incisive intellect; her memory and recall were quite outstanding.

A keen lover of classical music, she often recounted having seen some of the greats perform with The Hallé and in London’s Albert Hall after the War. She always looked forward to viewing the New Year’s Concert broadcast from Vienna.

Jean taught for a total of 28 years at Bury Grammar for School for Girls between 1957 and 1985. She was extremely proud of having helped so many of her pupils achieve their full potential.

Sadly, Jean suffered a couple of falls in October 2021 in quick succession. These led to her admission to Fairfield General Hospital, Bury. She bore her final weeks there with her usual modesty and fortitude.

John Mather (nephew)

JEAN CLAYTON

She never married but took a real and genuine interest in everyone. Although very modest, Jean was very pleased and extremely honoured to be asked to open the “Greenmount Sidings” a restoration project carried out by “Greenmount Village Community” on Saturday 7th September 2013. True to form, she agreed that she would open it on one condition: that she didn’t have to make a speech!

Former colleagues and pupils may recall her passion for driving sports cars. She also enjoyed quite adventurous tours to Venice, Sweden and Switzerland in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This was at a time when travelling abroad was really something special.

After retiring in 1985, she finally found time to pursue her many hobbies, which were pursued with her usual energy and aplomb. She was a practiced needleworker and made her own dresses; a voracious reader of historical books particularly of Medieval England, and Roman, Greek and Egyptian history; and an enthusiastic gardener.

Jean set herself very high standards, both academically and personally, and expected her pupils to follow suit. And dare anyone to slack or not come up to standard! Jean was Old School; her handwriting was immaculate, and she was always extremely polite. She led by example and believed that if you treat everyone fairly and award them due respect, they will respond accordingly.

Her funeral service took place at Greenmount United Reformed Church on Wednesday 1st December 2021 and was very well attended. This was followed by a cremation at the East Lancashire Crematorium, Radcliffe.

Jean’s life was quite remarkable and full of quite extraordinary achievements, not least for being the first girl from Stand Grammar School to be offered a place at Oxford University in 1943. However, she was unable to study at St Hughes as the Army had requisitioned the College. Undaunted, she decided to attend University College, London, but spent part of the war at Aberystwyth University as the Geography Department had been extensively damaged from enemy bombing. Whilst there, she sang with the London University Choir at the Eisteddfod. The Department finally returned to London in 1944 just in time to encounter flying bombs!

Jean Clayton, the former Head of Geography at Bury Grammar School for Girls, passed away on Saturday 13th November 2021 in Fairfield General Hospital, Bury. She was ninety-six years old.

Diana Robinson

Class of 2020 and 2021 University Forum with Recent Leavers

They talked about managing a budget, making new friends, joining societies and making the most of your time at university.

Red Production Company was set up in Manchester by Old Girl Nicola Shindler in 1998 to work with the best writers on modern and innovative programming.

The hit Channel 4 series also took home the Best New Drama award at the National Television Awards (NTAs) on 9th September 2021. The show, which focuses on the rise of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in 80s London, beat off competition from the likes of Bridgerton, Des and Normal People in a public vote.

“It’s A Sin”, a Red Production show, won the TV Drama category at Prix Italia in June 2021.

Nicola Shindler’s production company, Red Productions, wins Best New Drama at the 2021 National Television Awards for the hugely popular and thought-provoking drama “It’s A Sin”.

Prix Italia said: “It’s a Sin” is a poignant period drama series that chronicles the journey of four friends from diverse backgrounds in the 1980s, as they experience first-hand the devastating effects of the spread of the AIDS pandemic within the gay community. Peppered with a lot of humour, the show skillfully holds the hand of the viewer and seamlessly takes them from one emotion to another. The story manages to be both

Nicola Shindler (Class of 1987)

On June 10th a number of recent leavers from our 2020 and 2021 year groups returned to school. It was an opportunity for them to answer questions and share their experience of university life with our current Year 12 students.

An informal networking session followed where alumni were available to chat about specific subject areas.

profoundly tragic and immersively fun at the same time. The representation of the roles and the skills of such complex characters keep the viewer in their grip, whilst delivering the story’s important message directly to the heart. More than just the theme of sexuality, this drama series also touches on other relevant themes such as parenting, freedom of expression, stigma, discrimination, prejudice and the marginalisation of queer communities by the broader society; themes that ring true to this day. “It’s a Sin” is a moving period drama, modern and fresh. It is a minority story that touches the majority.

A barbecue completed the afternoon. It was lovely to see so many returning students. They obviously enjoyed meeting up with each other and seeing some of their former tutors and teachers.

When I left BGS in 1965 to go to Kingston upon Hull College of Education having never played basketball I would have probably thought the same thing. But I was lucky to be introduced to the game by the then National coach, Brian Coleman, and never looked back!

Basketball NOT Netball

In 1971 I decided on a career move to become a computer programmer with the Civil Service. Whilst waiting for a posting I met John Collins who was also very involved in basketball, coaching a successful men’s team. We had lost our coach at the ‘Y’ and I managed to persuade John to come and join our team. We married in February 1974 and, of course, had to see a match before going on honeymoon.

The arrival of Matthew and Emma and John’s appointment as England Coach meant that I had to step back from that, but, obviously, I continued to play and carry out all the admin duties I was involved with.

In 1981 we moved to Northampton where I played local league and, after the birth of Thomas, became secretary of Avon Cosmetics Basketball Club. I like to think the achievements of the renamed Northampton Basketball Club were in a little way due to my hard work off the court.

Jennifer Collins (née Porritt, Class of 1965)

I soon became involved in administration, firstly, as secretary of the club, then of the London Ladies League and the women’s rep on the London Area Executive and eventually helped with the inauguration of the Women’s National League in 1975.

Our flagship women’s National league team won 14 national titles in the 1980’s and 90’s, but we also ran a second National League women’s team, National League men’s team with Junior and Cadet sections plus a Wheelchair team. I became women’s rep on the Northants Area committee and, subsequently, held positions of Vice Chair and then Chair.

I moved to London in 1968 to start a career in teaching Maths and PE and after a year of not playing managed to find a night class at Southgate Tech where I could play competitively in the London Ladies League. In those days most clubs had to use this way to gain access to courts, especially if you were a woman! Several of us then moved to form a team at London Central YMCA. For basketball it was a little like coming home as the game, originally, had been devised by James Naismith in a YMCA in Springfield, USA.

In 1984 I was elected as an Individual Member on the National Executive Committee of the England Basketball Association and for many years was the sole female. This luckily meant that I had the opportunity to go as Head of Delegation with England teams in Europe – experiences I shall never forget. In 1990 after a reorganisation, I became a director and in 1993 I was elected as the first specific Director of Women setting up the women’s subcommittee. Alongside this I was still running the ever-expanding club, and was an active member of the National League sub-committee, subsequently, the National League Management Board until 2000.

Between 1974 and 1977 I was also team manager for the England Senior Women’s team involving trips to Israel, Ireland and Norway as well as attending training and supporting matches in the UK.

“Don’t you mean netball?” This is the question I have been asked many times over the last 55 years!

Bev was born and raised in Prestwich, Manchester, UK. At Bury Grammar School she excelled in tennis and field hockey winning the school tennis championship for three consecutive years. At Bury she met her future husband Geoff, captain of the school football team. After school she attended I. M. Marsh College of Physical Education Teacher Training for Girls.

Her young family explored the wonders of California: the beaches, the high Sierra trails and bike rides over the Golden Gate Bridge. Bev led girls’ groups at summer camps and on backpack trips in Yosemite, bringing back stories of exploding cooking stoves and hungry bears. She loved nature, knew the name of every wildflower, and on occasions brought one home to plant in our garden.

Beverly Ainscow, age 78, a long-time resident of Sunnyvale California died on July 31st as a result of a huge stroke. Happening an hour after playing her weekly racquetball game in the morning, it was a total shock to us all.

Nov 1, 1942 – July 31st, 2021

Her stated goal in life was to become a good ancestor. Bev is survived by her husband Geoff, their daughter Heidi, their son Jonathon and daughter-in-law Sandy Edwards. She is greatly missed by her 7-year-old grandson Bodhi.

In 1994 I was honoured to receive the Jubilee Trophy from the English Basketball Fellowship for my contributions to the sport in a surprise dinner at the House of Lords.

Since 2000 and the demise of Northampton Basketball Club I became a National League Commissioner and then a NL Referees Assessor. I stayed on Local Executive Committees and in 2006 became Chair of the East Midlands Regional Management Committee and served on the Regional Council. I am also now on the Executive Committee of the English Basketball Fellowship.

Obituary for Beverly Ainscow

In 2012 I had the most wonderful experience as a Games maker at the London Olympics, the memories of being courtside and sweeping up after the teams from all over the world will remain with me forever!

After that with Sebastian Coe’s words about the legacy of sport I have, with a friend, concentrated on trying to establish a home for the history and heritage of both England and GB Basketball. We, successfully, found help and contributed to the National Basketball Archive and Heritage Centre which opened at the University of Worcester in 2016. I am still a member of the steering group of this on-going project which, unfortunately, with the events of the last couple of years has stalled a little.

Bev nurtured a daughter and son to adulthood, while devoting the rest of her time to volunteering to build strong family and social relationships, teaching children and adults global thinking and a lifestyle that works for all within the regenerative capacity of one Earth. She gave her time and effort in the Creative Initiative Foundation and Beyond War. At fifty she returned to Santa Clara University to earn an English Lit degree and teach English as a Second Language. She authored two books, her latest being Snippets Along the Way.

Pip Garside

But going forward yes, it is Basketball, that has given me so many opportunities, wonderful worldwide friends and memorable experiences - long may it continue!!

Her adventurous spirit led the family to emigrate in 1967 with their six-monthold daughter Heidi, sailing for four weeks from London to San Francisco on a Swedish freighter. San Francisco life in the sixties and seventies was a revelation, exposing them to social upheaval over the Vietnam War and the assassinations of President Kennedy, Malcolm X, Robert Kennedy, and Martin Luther King. Out of this tumultuous chaos sprouted the tech revolution and many transformational organizations, sweeping Bev into a spiritual journey that changed her life.

each group trekking to Base Camp were privately owned yaks whose task it was to carry heavy bags and equipment along the mountain paths. We had been warned about the potential dangers of the yaks – they don’t get out of the way

Isabel Renfrew (Class of 2016)

of anyone on the steep narrow mountain paths and can be unpredictable in nature. I managed to avoid any trouble with them except for one incident when I found myself halfway across an ‘I’m a celebrity’ style rickety bridge and saw with horror a long line of them coming at a steady pace towards me - it’s safe to say I’ve never turned around and run as fast in my life! It was a fantastic feeling when we arrived at Base Camp on the ninth day of trekking. Some people in my group had almost given up on the seventh and eighth days because the trekking became so difficult and altitude sickness kicked in for most of us, but with encouragement from others in the group everyone managed to get there in the end. Furthermore, as climbing season had just ended when we arrived, there were quite a few orange tents that had been left by those attempting to summit that season which caused quite a stir amongst the group. Being able to see the leftover equipment first-hand and the Khumbu glacier was very exciting indeed. It was a physically exhausting trip and I was practically seeing double because of altitude sickness when I reached Base Camp, but it was very much worth it in the end. On the way back down all I wanted to do was go back up, especially as we met a Nepalese climber who had summitted Everest a decade previously and his tales about his adventure and how he felt when he summitted were truly amazing. Overall, it was the trip of a lifetime and I’m sure that I’ve definitely peaked (excuse the pun) too soon in terms of travelling adventures! But I would thoroughly recommend booking a trip on your own and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, whatever that looks like for you. On to K2…

In 2018, whilst studying at Newcastle University, I flew to the Himalayas to meet a group of strangers with whom I would trek to Everest Base Camp. To this day, I’m still not quite sure what possessed 20-year old me to book this trip, however, in hindsight, I’m very glad I did. The trip was full of vibrant Buddhist culture, new friends and breath-taking scenery all combining to make memories that will stay with me forever. The trek started off on pleasant terrain, gradually winding upwards whilst temperatures were still relatively warm. However, by about day four there was a noticeable temperature drop and the paths suddenly became very steep, rocky and uneven. It was on day six that we got our first glimpse of a crisp white Everest, tucked away behind other peaks. The famous ‘Hillary Step’ was in full view and I couldn’t quite believe I was seeing the top of the world with my own eyes. The magnificence of that mountain is something I will never forget, and the intimidating height and stature makes you realise just how brave and quite frankly mad the people are who attempt to summit Accompanyingit!

Old Girl Isabel recounts her extraordinary journey to Everest Base Camp...

When I joined Cohens Chemist it was a family run local pharmacy group with twenty-seven branches. The company was owned by two brothers, and it didn’t take long until I felt part of the family. In fact, the wife of one of the brothers used to bring me home-made biryani every Thursday! From these early days my role has constantly evolved and today I am Head of Operations, Superintendent Pharmacist and Director of a national company with two hundred and ten branches.

helped me develop professionally and I was pleased that on my second graduation photograph I looked older, more confident and with a better hairstyle!

My career as a Pharmacist Zoe Serrant (Class of 1991)

me no two working days are ever the same. My working life has always been varied and interesting.

My initial interview with Cohens was very short. Once the interviewer knew that I had been educated at Bury Grammar School his decision to appoint me was made. His words were “If you went to Bury Grammar School, I know that you will be a good choice and that you will go far”.

I left being a branch-based pharmacist when I was promoted to a field-based role. This role was predominantly to support the rapid expansion of the company. The Cohens’ owners bought independent pharmacies all over the UK and I was responsible for ensuring a smooth transition of the pharmacies from the previous owner to Cohens’ ways of operating.

As the company continued to grow, alongside my other responsibilities, I was appointed as Head of Operations. My role is now mostly office based and apart from occasional emergency situations I no longer have a patient-facing role. My work now is focused on providing leadership to my field team and determining and delivering the strategic objectives of the

After completing my pre-registration year, I began work in a quiet branch in Bolton. After only a few months I was moved, and I began to manage one of Cohen’s busiest branches in Little Lever. This was a huge challenge, but I settled into the role and spent four happy years there dispensing medication, advising patients and managing the staff team. It was a busy branch, but I found time to study for a Post Graduate Diploma in Clinical Pharmacy. This qualification

When I qualified, I had to decide whether to become a community, hospital or industry pharmacist. Then I thought that my career path would be quite predictable. How wrong I was!

Duringbusiness.thepandemic

Although I have only worked for one company, I feel that my working life has offered varied challenges and that my career has grown and developed as the size and complexity of the company has grown.

I am a pharmacist who has worked for the same company since graduating in 1994. Does that sound like the recipe for a oppositecareer?monotonousInfact,theistrue!For

In 2021 my twin daughters became pupils of Bury Grammar School. My education at BGS gave me a firm foundation for my working life. Essentially, I was taught to believe in myself and to feel that I could achieve whatever I set my sights on. I hope that my daughters’ BGS journey will lead them to as satisfying a career as mine.

my work changed enormously. I am proud that I ensured our pharmacies stayed open and accessible for patients and that face-to-face interaction with a health professional was maintained. We successfully tendered for some of the branches to become COVID vaccination centres which has provided an essential service to our patients.

In 2005 I was appointed as Superintendent Pharmacist and Director for the Group which gave me overall responsibility for the professional and clinical management of all pharmacies within the company.

After completing Science A levels at Bury Grammar School in 1991 I studied for a B.Sc. degree in Pharmacy. I embarked on a career with Cohens Chemist a few days after graduating and I have continued to work for the same company for 28 years.

I have retired now, but the skills required were tenacity, absolute faith in what you were doing and why, taking people with you, listening to others’ ideas and enjoying working with others on large projects.

My greatest professional achievement was certainly building the inclusive campus and taking the whole community with me on that particular piece of work.

Margaret Sumner OBE (Ullathorne, Class of 1965)

Although I went to a very prestigious grammar school, art was always my greatest love and I spent a lot of time in the art room! I can’t remember her name, but the art teacher was one of my greatest influences along with Miss Batty and Miss Pickering. Career choices often grow as our experiences change and new opportunities arise.

I retired from Headship in September 2017, and in May 2018 I became a Trustee at Heartlands Multi Academy Trust, which is now Search Academy Trust.

Which skills do you consider to be essential for your job?

What are your fondest memories of BGS?

What career advice would you offer to our current pupils?

What were the best parts of your job?

What do you consider to be your greatest professional achievement?

How you think Bury Grammar School helped you to be successful in your career?

There was never a time when I was not totally committed to my roles – enjoyment and anger sometimes figured hugely when young people either received or did not receive the resources they deserved. Sometimes it takes a great deal of patience to persuade the authorities, whoever they may be, that you are right!

Who or what influenced your career choice? Were there any particular teachers at Bury Grammar School that shaped your choice?

I think BGS gave me a level of confidence that meant if you persisted in what you thought was right, you would eventually carry people with you, to carry on the work in which you all believed.

Knowing that we were privileged no matter where we came from, to be at BGS surrounded by teachers who really believed in us even if we did spend far too much time in the art room or on the sports pitches! Meeting friends there, with whom you had such great adventures and keeping those friends for life.

Former Headteacher of the Brook Special Primary School, Tottenham, London was awarded an OBE in 2017 for services to special educational needs and disabilities...

Having begun my career in arts administration after Leeds University, I then moved to art education and finally to special needs education and inclusion. After a long and very rewarding professional life in mainstream schools, special schools and units working to allow more and more of our children access to mainstream education, I was privileged to finally realise a dream of setting up a totally inclusive primary campus on The Broadwater Farm in North London – The Willow Primary and the Brook Special School. I received the Tottenham Community Development Award 2017 for this work.

Please describe your career journey since leaving BGS.

In October 2017, I also received an OBE for my work in special education and inclusion, which was very special not just for me but for all those who had worked with me on a very long journey!

Our International work with New Horizon Special School in Accra, Ghana, provided a whole new dimension to the work of special schools.

Listen to what others might think you should do with your career, but believe in what you know is the right path for you.

Some Old Girls brought along memorabilia such as ancient wooden tennis racquets; a very well-used hockey stick; prefects badges; school hats; year books; and even a St. Trinian’s style gym-slip - the sports garb “de rigeur” of the ‘60s.

After well over two years of planning, the London Branch of the Old Girls’ Association were finally able to hold the “2020” Annual Lunch celebrating 450 years since the founding of Bury Grammar School. This took place on Saturday 7th May - the day after Founders’ Day. The event was well-attended, with over 40 Old Girls being in attendance.

Helen Hartley (Armstrong, Class of 1980) Chair of the Old Girls’ Association London Branch

All in all, the staff at the University Women’s Club ensured that the day was enjoyed by all and the Committee look forward to connecting with even more Old Girls in 2023.

Old Girls’ Association London Branch Annual May Lunch 2022

to hear of the achievements of Bury Girls and to see the latest developments of the school site. I feel very proud to be an alumna of such a successful and forward-thinking school.

It was lovely to hear news from Bury from Principal Mrs Jo Anderson and, as always, we were impressed

As has become the norm the lunch was held in the sumptuous surroundings of the University Women’s Club in London’s Mayfair. The chintzy dining room and oak-panelled library provide an appropriate setting for the meal followed by the AGM. This special meeting after such a long break merited the addition of a cake and prosecco, which generated so much positive feedback that it might become a permanent fixture. A toast to the School and to Her Majesty in her Platinum Jubilee year made a fitting introduction to the meeting.

I don’t think I can count how many times I’ve heard that sentence, and learning everything that I have since studying German at Bury Grammar, I’ve seen that belief proven wrong in so many ways. Even now, when I start a conversation with a native German speaker, they assume I’m from the Netherlands, or basically anywhere but England, because how could an English person have learnt to speak German fluently? Do people realise how many non-English people haven’t spoken a word of English since their school days?

Beth (ClassReedof2013)

Learning a language makes you stand out, opens up career opportunities and gives you the chance to express yourself and form relationships with people in a whole new way. It helps embed you in another culture, inspires you to take on new adventures and in my case, it can lead to the best job of your life, filled with travel opportunities and even the opportunity to move overseas.

So how did I get here? Well, it started at the age of 12 at Bury Grammar; I started learning German and fell in love with it. In fact, there was a girl who always came top in every single class, and I remember German being the one thing I managed to beat her in!

When I came back, I knew that I wanted a career using my German, but I just didn’t know what. I knew I didn’t want to become a teacher and I wasn’t sure about being a translator or interpreter, so really, I thought my only option would be working in a call centre on some kind of German-speaking team. And that’s exactly what I did for a couple of years after leaving uni. However, there wasn’t really any career progression, and as with many call centres you felt like you were being micro-managed, so I knew it wouldn’t

The reason I found my current job at the Manchester-based tech company, SafetyCulture, is because my former manager saw the German language on my profile and asked me if I wanted to join the team. I’m a Customer Success Manager, a field which I didn’t know existed previously, but essentially, it’s a role that involves looking after 50 plus business customers (German and English) and making sure they’re happy and achieving their goals with our software. It’s essentially customer service, but you get to build relationships with your clients, travel to go and see them and be a nerd with new and innovative technologies - the dream for me!

I studied it at GCSE (along with Latin and French) and A Level, and somewhere around that time I was lucky enough to be granted the Dorothy Lester Scholarship, (which is awarded by the Old Girls’ Association to the candidate whose proposal to travel most commends itself to them for its initiative, entreprise and general educational value). The funding they gave me allowed me to contact a friend (who I’d met through the BGS German exchange) and stay with her while I did work experience at a primary school. That trip was fundamental in making me realise how fluent my German was becoming, and from that moment I knew I wanted never to forget it and somehow use it in my career.

Fast forward a few years, and I went to study Psychology with German at Lancaster University. That degree included a year abroad in a small town in North Rhine-Westphalia, where I lived with an elderly German couple who didn’t speak a word of English. Needless to say, my German got even better, and I gained valuable experience tutoring German kids in English.

Whilst I’m currently based in Manchester, I have flown over to see some of my German customers, and we recently opened an office in Amsterdam. Knowing German has provided me with the opportunity to visit this new office, and although it’s not in Germany, it’s not far from the border and I’ve even been offered the opportunity to live there permanently!

“You don’t need to learn a language, everyone speaks English.”

BEVERLY AINSCOW MOORE 1961 31.7.21

AUDREY SPENCER BROWN 1942 04.04.22

SHIRLEY KENYON KAY 1949 28.05.22

JANET STEWART GREEN 1957 1.8.21 PAM WATKINS MORRIS 1952 22.8.21

FORENAME SURNAME MAIDEN NAME

MARGARET CARR WEBSTER 1949 MORAR ASHBURNER NUTT 1989 27.3.22

be my forever German-speaking role. That’s when SafetyCulture got in touch, and after supporting hundreds of German customers, travelling to Sydney, the Philippines, Hawaii and Europe on work trips, it’s safe to say I’ve never been happier, and I would suggest a language role at a tech company to anyone who isn’t sure where to go with their languages.

CLASS OF DIED

Beth Reed

PATRICIA BUXTON HOLT 1953 1.1.20

CAROLE CROPPER 1993 31.8.21

JULIET WARING WOODHAM 1954 25.07.22

On my team as of today, there are German, Spanish, Russian, French and Italian speakers, although most of us simply studied languages at university. It’s a vibrant and motivational environment, and I can’t imagine working anywhere other than the tech sector now - even though without my German, I feel like I never would have discovered it!

JEAN BANNISTER FORMER STAFF 14.08.22

ROSEMARY FENTEM HODSON 1951 18.8.21

I’m not really sure what the future holds for me and my career, but I would strongly recommend to anyone to say “yes” to opportunities and experiences, and even though it feels like a bit of a mountain to climb, don’t be afraid to pursue something you’re truly interested in, even if you’re a complete novice at first. And be public about your skills and achievements, get all of that on LinkedIn or in your job application! Because sometimes the right opportunities can find you, even when you think you’ve discovered everything your skill set has to offer.

Deaths of Old Girls and Friends from the BGS Community

JEAN CLAYTON FORMER STAFF 13.11.21

ROSALYN SMITH HAWKARD 1974 22.06.22

This week, my time has been split between lectures, the firing ranges and fitness. In lectures we learn about politics, war studies and leadership. Fitness can be any type of sport; running, swimming, tabbing, strength training etc. On Wednesday I ran 9km for orienteering and got stuck in a bog half way through because I thought I was quick enough to sprint over mud.

I spent the entirety of last week out on a field exercise where I was sleeping in the woods and waking up at 3.00am to conduct various attacks on the enemy.

Sarah Ibrar (Class of 2015)

No week is the same here, it’s very hectic but incredibly fun.

Please let us know what you are doing now and where?

After BGS I went to Brunel University to study Aviation Engineering. My A Levels were a perfect fit for the course; having a strong maths and physics background really helped me.

During the course I undertook a one-year placement with General Electric as a Manufacturing Engineer. I worked in the aerospace and automotive departments. Working here is where I realised how much I love engineering, especially taking things apart and fixing them. To anyone who has the opportunity to undertake a placement year at university, I highly recommend it because you get to put your degree into practice and figure out if it’s the career you want to go into.

What did you study at BGS?

The most important skills required for my job are confidence, team work, leadership and a strong mindset. I found a lot of these skills have been learnt through the extra curricular activities I did at BGS; CCF, Duke of Edinburgh and being a member of various sports teams.

I joined the British Army at the start of January 2022 and am currently in officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst until December.

Meet Old Girl Sarah, an aviation and manufacturing engineering graduate, who is currently in officer training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst...

After I completed my bachelors degree, I did a Master’s in Manufacturing Engineering and then went on to join the Army. I am still continuing my engineering in the Army. Once I complete my officer training, I hope to commission into one of the engineering corps.

For my A Levels I took Mathematics, Physics and Product Design.

What is an average week like for you in your job?

Are there any particular skills that you find are essential for your role?

I started at BGS when I was four years old so I have known most of my classmates for fourteen years. My favourite thing about BGS was getting to grow up with your best friends.

What do you hope to do in the future?

When you look back at your time at BGS, what are some of your fondest memories?

If the Army is something you’re thinking about, then all you need to do is apply online. If you enjoy fitness, leading others and love crawling through mud, then it’s definitely the place for you.

For anyone wanting to get into engineering, the thing that helped me decide, before I picked my university choices, was work experience. I got in contact with a few local engineering companies and asked to shadow some of their teams for a week over the summer holidays. This really helped me decide if I liked engineering, and what type of engineering I wanted to go into. Also, if further maths and physics are subjects you enjoy, then you will definitely love engineering.

Do you have any advice for current students thinking of following your career path?

I hope to continue my journey with the Army and commission into one of the engineering corps. I would also like to compete for the Army in snowboarding, as it is my favourite sport.

Are there any particular teachers who helped to shape your career choice? My most influential teachers were Mrs Patella who taught me GCSE History and Mrs Swift who taught me GCSE Textiles and A Level Product Design. They made lessons incredibly fun and I found I learnt a lot more due to their interactive teaching styles. Mrs Swift was the one who told me about an engineering company close to her where I could do some work experience and I think spending time at that company was a big reason why I wanted to study engineering at university.

And finally, all the CCF summer camps I attended were brilliant fun.

In the last week of Sixth Form, the Upper Sixth did a big water fight on the field and then the next day we all came to school in fancy dress.

We do hope that you are able to join us at this year’s event and look forward to seeing you on Saturday, 24th September.

using the online booking system, or if you have any other queries, please contact a member of the Development Team on 0161 764 1733. Please note that the closing date for bookings for this event is Friday, 9th September.

We will not be serving wine at the lunch, however guests are welcome to bring along their own.

The event is full of individuals who, like you, have a connection to the School and is very much about old friends having a great time in good company. Whilst there will always be some reunion year groups at the lunch, there are also many who attend on their own or with a few friends so please do not feel that you must be part of a group. Everyone is welcome.

School will be open for tours from 10.30am, with lunch, 12 for 12.30pm.

Please book your online Ifalumni.burygrammar.comat:youareunabletobook

We are thrilled to be able to extend a warm invitation to you to join us at our annual reunion lunch to be held on Saturday, 24th September 2022 in the Roger Kay Hall.

For those of you who have not joined us on previous occasions, the lunch provides a perfect opportunity to revisit the School, catch up with old friends and experience first hand the latest developments to have taken place. There will also be a display of memorabilia and an opportunity to see our Archive Room and view the Digital Archive.

The cost of the buffet lunch is £25 per person

OpenWholeEventsSchool We look forward to seeing you there! admissions@burygrammar.com | 0161 696 8600 Sixth Form Thursday 29th September 2022, 5.00pm - 8.00pm Saturday 1st October 2022, 10.00am - 2.00pm Tuesday 4th October 2022, 5.30pm - 8.30pm