Plus Head Students, 2024 London Reunion, Finding our Alumni, Mailbag, Lives Remembered and more
Plus Head Students, 2024 London Reunion, Finding our Alumni, Mailbag, Lives Remembered and more
You will know far better than I why this was such an easy decision for me to make, and it will come as little surprise that my time spent at Hulme since then has only served to cement the impressions I took away with me on that first day. I have met with students, staff, parents and alumni and, without exception, I have not ceased to be inspired by the unswerving sense of gratitude felt, both for what the School represents and what it provides. I can only hope that I am able to do justice to the proud institution of which I am to become a part.
It would be remiss of me not to mention that the expectation I feel for the role is tinged with anxiety for the future of Independent Education, not only at Hulme, but across the sector. The imposition of 20% VAT on school fees will be financially crippling for many families, and the parent meetings I have held have been, almost entirely, focused on the affordability of education for our hard-working families.
Hulme is not a school of elitism and privilege, it is a school of hard-working parents and ambitious children, who want to give back to their community through excellent education that sets them up for service. To see these dreams thwarted at the hands of decisions imposed upon us is heart-breaking.
A Word from The Head
MrsKirstenPankhurst
In addition, the increase on the employers’ contribution to National Insurance, and the removal of business tax relief, has thrust a triad of destruction through the finances of Schools like Hulme.
Nevertheless, the community has rallied to the challenges, and although the future of the School may look slightly different, its foundations remain strong.
As a beacon of the community since 1611, Hulme can be secure in the knowledge that its traditions and values, together with the innovation of modern and excellent educational practices, will allow it to ride the wave of the latest political and social change.
The students of today and tomorrow will be able to take with them the proud traditions of past Oldham Hulmeians and stride confidently into their communities fully equipped to serve and lead.
As alumni you have an important role to play in passing the baton from one generation to the next. For those able to support through generous giving, our Development Office would be delighted to hear from you. Our aim of transforming lives has not diminished, and our bursary programme is crucial to this transformational work, and its success reliant on the generosity of those who have come before. We would also love to welcome you home to deliver a Hulme Talk, support our Oxbridge and medical applicants in ‘mock-interviews’ or simply join me for a cup of coffee and tour of the school.
I hope to meet many of you in the months and years to come.
With warm wishes,
Head Students
2024-2025
As we near the halfway point of our school year, with UCAS applications sent and mock exams nearing, it goes without question that Hulme Sixth Form has played a crucial role in the smoothness of my transition into this pivotal period. This dedication has stretched all the way from my early time at Hulme. Reflecting over my early days here, when I was adjusting to the new classrooms, meeting new people, and settling into the new routine of secondary school; I couldn’t have wished for a more welcoming set of teachers, all of which I owe thanks to for playing an important role in shaping me into the person I am today.
On many occasions over the course of my time here, I have been involved in the organisation of many fundraising events for countless charities, including Maggie’s Oldham and Young Minds. Towards the end of last year, we arranged for a teacherstudent wet sponge throw, which not only helped raise money for charity but also showcased the strong sense of family throughout our school. Unfortunately, though, I did fall victim to a few very accurate wet sponges.
Recently, I enjoyed the football tour to Newcastle with the First XI, where we played against local schools and took a stadium tour of 'The Stadium of Light.' We also attended the Sunderland v Bristol match. During the trip, I was pleasantly surprised with a signed picture frame of the team, as it coincided with my birthday. This gesture really moved me and made me realise just how lucky I am to be here at Hulme.
MaesoonAtkins
As my time at Hulme comes to an end, I’m filled with gratitude and nostalgia, reflecting on the incredible journey I’ve had here. I walked through those doors as a shy, uncertain Year 7, unsure of what the future held.
Now, I stand ready to embrace new challenges, a confident, compassionate individual shaped by this school in ways I never imagined.
One of my most cherished memories was hosting Hulme’s Got Talent as a former house captain. That moment on stage, celebrating the spirit of my peers, cemented my confidence and showed me the heart of what makes Hulme so special, the sense of unity and compassion that defines us. Whether organizing the Reindeer Run for Maggie’s Oldham or raising awareness for mental health by throwing wet sponges at teachers, every event has reflected the spirit of Hulme.
I am forever grateful to the teachers who have been with me through every step of this journey. Their belief in me, even when I couldn’t believe in myself, has been a guiding force in my growth. They didn’t just teach me lessons from textbooks, they taught me how to face challenges with courage, how to lead with compassion, and how to trust in my own potential. Because of them, I’ve learned to embrace every opportunity and overcome obstacles with resilience. Their support has not only shaped my academic journey but has also moulded me into the person I am today, ready to take on whatever comes next. As I look ahead to the future, I’ll carry everything I’ve learned here with me, and I’ll always hold Hulme close to my heart.
DarceySpencer
Sixth form has been a place where I've received invaluable support. Not only in areas like UCAS applications, revision techniques, and coursework management but, most importantly, in feeling part of a supportive and enjoyable environment.
I’m sure I speak for the majority of the sixth form when I say that the transition from GCSEs to A-Levels can be daunting. However, I can confidently say that the teachers at Hulme have made this transition as seamless as possible. As a perfectionist, I found the inevitable setbacks of A-Levels, particularly in the first few months, challenging. However, the reassurance and additional support from my teachers have been crucial in helping me build resilience and confidence.
This support has played a key role in both my academic and personal growth. There is also a strong emphasis on balance at Hulme. Sixth form is not just about academic achievement; it’s about enjoying the journey, building lasting friendships, and making memories. The social side of sixth form is something I truly appreciate, with opportunities to participate in various extracurricular activities like sports, drama, music, and volunteering.
These activities not only broaden skill sets but also provide valuable content for UCAS applications and potential university interviews. I have particularly enjoyed volunteering in the prep school, playing for the school netball team, Duke of Edinburgh and participating in extra-curriculars like Young Enterprise.
As Head Student, I've also enjoyed the opportunity to plan fundraisers, especially the wet sponge throws for Mental Health Week. As I prepare for the next step in my educational journey, I genuinely believe that Hulme has helped shape me from the shy 11-year-old I once was into a confident, resilient young adult.
KaiMcBorza
Renaming The Winfield Library
26th June 2024
Miss Winfield, who served as Headmistress of Hulme Grammar School for Girls from 1975 to 1985, made history by taking up the post at just 35 years old. Her leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on our community, as evidenced by the many alumnae who joined us for the celebration. She was always forward-thinking, introducing innovative concepts such as WISE - Women in Science and Engineering.
Hearing from Margaret herself was a highlight, as she expressed how deeply moved, she was by this tribute. She beautifully described libraries as "a place of discovery, excitement, and pure delight," reminding us all of the magic that lies within these walls.
The event was a heart-warming reunion, filled with a fantastic buzz as we caught up, shared memories, and reminisced over a delightful afternoon tea. It was an honour to have the Mayor of Oldham in attendance, adding to the significance of the occasion.
Thank you so much to everybody who made the day so special, and a huge thank you to Margaret, without whom this could not have been possible. Here's to the Winfield Library—a testament to an extraordinary woman and an enduring legacy.
Annual General Meeting
If you have any queries or would like to indicate your attendance please contact the secretary Luke Lancaster via lukelancaster5798@gmail.com
Refreshments will be provided from 6pm and the meeting will open at 6.30pm. Nominations are welcomed for Council membership and officer positions.
Date Venue Time
Hulme Scholarships Programme
Help Hulme pupils achieve their potential...
Scholarships are awarded to students who show a passion and / or excel in a particular subject and stay with the student for 5 years.
Recipients, selected through an application and interview, access experiences, projects, trips, and competitions they wouldn’t normally have, enhancing their learning pathways.
These scholarships help students stand out in university applications and the job market by unlocking top-tier opportunities that boost pupils’ future potential and creating advantages that extend beyond the classroom.
A Hulme scholarship offers a distinctive edge in today’s competitive educational and employment landscape.
We are raising funds for scholarships as we currently have more students applying for scholarships than we have funds available. These scholarships are named and follow the pupil through senior school for five years.
These are funded by a donation of £1,200 a year and pledged over the five years. Can you help? Your contribution could make a difference to a student’s education
The Hayhurst Scholarship for Sport
Below, Vicky shares her memories of HGS and her story as to why she’s giving back to school.
To read Vicky’s full story please visit our website by scanning the QR code.
If you feel that you can help, please contact Marc Hornby on m.hornby@hulmegrammar.org
From the Director of Development and Public Benefit
It’s not just the school and pupils who benefit from this incredible network. Our alumni community is an amazing resource for its members, too.
Last year, we welcomed a new cohort from the Class of 2024 into what we like to think of as a lifelong membership. Whether it’s making connections, offering advice, or welcoming fellow alumni to new communities, this network is all about supporting each other. A common thread that has come through loud and proud is that Hulme Grammar, whether in the Boys’ School or the Girls’ School, was so much more than an education.
We’re proud to have a global alumni community of over 10,000 former pupils, though we currently have contact details for less than half—just over 5,000 postal addresses and around 2,000 email addresses. On average, 30 of you make regular donations each month, our most generous year group is the Class of 1965, with our oldest donor from 1948 and youngest from 2016. It’s this diversity and commitment that illustrates how Hulme has made a positive impact on former pupils across the decades and this year’s big push is reconnecting with those we’ve lost touch with.
Generosity—whether it’s giving your time, sharing your expertise, or making a financial gift—makes an extraordinary difference. Thanks to you, today’s pupils are enjoying opportunities that simply wouldn’t exist otherwise: fascinating guest talks, invaluable mentorships, work experience placements, and much-needed financial support for those experiencing hardship. These contributions not only enhance their education but also inspire them to dream bigger, setting Hulme apart as a school like no other in the region.
Looking ahead, we have some brilliant events lined up, like the Oldham Hulmeians Association Dinner on 2nd May and the Girls’ School Centenary Afternoon Tea on 24th May. These are perfect opportunities to catch up with old friends, make new ones, and see what’s happening at school today. If you haven’t visited in a while, come back—we’d love to show you around.
At the end of the day, it’s you—our alumni— who truly make Hulme Grammar special. Together, we can create incredible opportunities for current and future generations. I’d love to hear your ideas about how you’d like to get involved— whether that’s mentoring, supporting bursaries, or simply sharing your story.
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My name is John Christopher (Chris) Levy. I am an octogenarian retired Law Professor in Canada and have long been a Canadian citizen. My sister Ann, who is younger than I am and is herself an Old Girl, came out with her husband from the UK to help me celebrate my 80th Birthday recently. She brought the Spring 2023 and 2024 copies of The Hulme Link thinking they might interest me, as indeed they have. They awakened good memories and prompted this article.
I spent 3 years at Hulme Court in the early mid fifties, and 6 years at Main School, leaving in 1961.
As was sometimes the fashion for those likely to go on to University in those days, I skipped the Upper 5th Form: to this day I am not sure whether that was the right decision, but it set the course of my career.
At Hulme Court, I particularly remember Mr. Perry, who taught me to play chess.
In Main School, I ended up on the Lit side so I had very little contact with the science teachers and with science itself. However, it was necessary for me to have a science for GCE Ordinary in the Lower 5th , and I am forever grateful to Mr Brown ( I think I have the name correct) for his special tutoring, perhaps even programming, so that I was able to deal with calculus without having any real understanding of it.
These were the days of HB Shaw as Head and Mr. Whitworth as Vice-Head. I saw something of both of them in their disciplinary capacities, I regret to say: I have vivid memories of Mr. Shaw asking me to select from his rich collection the cane with which he was to beat me.
I saw a very different side of School from a teacher no longer there when I attended: Mr. Huxtable, the former ViceHead. He and his wife Olive lived across the road and we found a shared interest in philately and polite memories of School.
The teacher in Main School of whom I have the fondest memories was Mr. Scott. He taught Social History and, in both style, and content I am very much part of his legacy. It is also noteworthy that he was the only Master who had a distinguished record in WW2, but always expressed a horror of war, declined to use his military title (Major), had nothing to do with the CCF and taught Civics to those boys who were not in the CCF as well as General Studies in the Lower 6th. Mr. Best taught diplomatic and political history, and ran seminars in his home for boys in the 6th Forms.
My Housemaster was Mr. Ashton, who also taught French. I have vivid memories of his goading me on in the compulsory cross-country run, which I loathed. Mr. Grace, eventually to become a Priest, taught Spanish, and played an active role in developing amateur dramatics.
Of the various Padres – usually ex-military chaplains – only a non-military Fr. Dickson sticks in mind (perhaps since for reasons obscure he awarded me the Prize in Divinity). He was to move on to a Canonry at Lincoln Cathedral.
I also remember Mr. McCann, irreverently nicknamed “Budge”, who was a traditional but excellent Latin teacher of long standing.That I still have some capacity in Latin is entirely due to him.
Mr. Jones, of Music, consigned me to “the Buzzers”, but left me with some appreciation of classical music which together with my maternal grandfather’s career as an operatic tenor finds me now with a huge collection of recorded music.
A final thought: am I alone in having rather grim memories of the kitchens and lunch room in the depths below, along with the Gym which I also found not to my taste?
Sic transit gloria mundi.
MemoriesofanOldGirl
DorothyBoardman
(HGS1941-1948)
I was at Hulme from 1941-1948. I lost contact after leaving because my family left Oldham in my final year and I went to University in Edinburgh.
However, younger members of my family have also been to Hulme, and I was interested to see the 2024 edition of The Hulme Link which brought back some of my own memories.
Firstly, the photograph of Miss Jewsbury who was the Headmistress in my last two years. I didn’t recognise her-not because of the passage of time, but because we never saw her smile! I changed my career plans in the middle of my last year, but Miss Jewsbury had no interest in, or understanding of what I planned to do.
She was in sharp contrast to her predecessor, Miss Kimsey - a warm understanding figure whom we all loved. One year we had no form room of our own and therefore no desks. Our books etc were all kept in cupboards in the Chemistry lab. One day two of us were trying to get our books out when the sliding doors jammed and the books were stuck. We did the obvious thing and took the doors off. In walked the Chemistry mistress and she hit the roof! We were sent to see Miss Kimsey in deep disgrace. She went through the motions of telling us off, but we had the feeling she was more amused than angry. As we left, she said; “do that again and I’ll have your heads off!” I turned to look back and got a half smile and a wink!
Secondly, the memories of Ruth Maguire (Page 22 of The Hulme Link 2024) I too remember, Miss McFarland and Mr Walton. There must have been a drama group at Hulme sometime before the War, because there was a ‘wardrobe’ of costumes for some of Shakespeare’s characters. Miss McFarland decided to start staging plays again and for some reason my form became the actors. I progressed from being a fairy in Midsummer Night’s Dream, to Malvolio in Twelfth Night, to Shylock in the Merchant of Venice.
The wardrobe came into its own as I found to my cost as Malvolio; the material was so old and worn that if you moved too quickly, it split! During one scene my breeches came apart at the back and I had to be stitched up by Miss McFarland between Acts.
Being Shylock had its problems too. Miss Shaw the Art mistress had the job of transforming a teenage girl into an elderly man. All she had to achieve this was a bag of flour! It was liberally rubbed into my cheeks and even more put on my hair to turn it grey. Heaven knows what I must have looked like! The problem was washing it out of my hair between performancesbecause as soon as it was wet it turned into a sort of gooey paste that stuck!!
So, onto Mr Walton. He was indeed a dour character, as Ruth says. But it can’t have been easy trying to interest schoolgirls in the finer points of Classical music. One thing we did enjoy was to sing the ‘Soldier’s Chorus’ from Faust. Sadly, we upset Mr Walton for some reason and as punishment were told that we would never sing that chorus again. We thought he would relent in time, but despite gentle pleading over the years he never did. Then on my very last day at school, the handful of us that were around, saying our goodbyes, suddenly heard the sound of a piano playing - ‘The Soldier’s Chorus’!!! We rushed to the Music Room and sang our hearts out. Forgiven? I doubt it - but a very happy ending.
TheGoodOldDays?
PeterDavies (HGS1954-1965)
recent alumni whom I come across from time to time. The question mark in the title of this piece is therefore entirely intentional. However, I thought that a few random memories from my own childhood may be of interest as, if not better, life was certainly very different then.
For instance, it’s odd to recall that, when I first entered Hulme Court aged seven, Oldham still had no fewer than seven railway stations – and I mean stations, rather than tram stops – as well as fifteen cinemas and three theatres, though the majority of all were to close before the end of the decade. I note that, at the time of our late Queen’s only visit to the town in 1954, the Empire Theatre was promoting Midnight in Montmartre, starring the “Montmartre Models” and including “The Forbidden TOTEM POLE DANCE”. Given that the Lord Chamberlain’s office imposed strict theatre censorship at the time, what was revealed on the stage was bound to have been considerably less than what was implied in the advertising.
Oldham was also heavily polluted at that time, when there were still dozens of working cotton mills belching out smoke from their chimneys, and the main source of domestic heating was coal. Matters changed for the better in the mid-1950s, when ‘Smokeless Zones’ began to be introduced.
My grandparents lived in Bardsley, one of the first local districts to be so designated. Nanna was adamant that she couldn’t raise a “proper fire” with the coke she then had to burn, so on winter’s days she sallied forth to the slag heaps of the nearby Wood Park Colliery, which had closed in 1955. There she grubbed around for scraps of still combustible coal to take home with her to supplement her supplies of coke. Much to her embarrassment, one dark afternoon she was pushing the old pram she used for this purpose back towards her house when a large posh car drew up alongside and a little girl emerged to press a half-crown into her hand, and was then whisked off again before Nanna could explain that she was not actually a destitute old crone.
So far as school was concerned, my most vivid memories of those years are entirely non-academic. At Hulme Court I recollect happy summer breaks racing ‘Dinky Toy’ model F1 vehicles down the sloping playground. And on entry to OHGS there was the notorious basement ‘bottom corridor’, which doubled as the main boys’ cloakroom, and from which, on the frequent rainy days, steam rose off hundreds of soaking raincoats.
Then there was the terrible cold winter of 1962-63, during my first year in the sixth form, when daytime temperatures remained below zero from late December until early March. Hulme, along with all other schools, ran out of fuel to operate the boilers during February. Unlike state institutions, which shut down at that point, both boy’s and girls’ parts of OHGS kept going.
The one concession to the conditions being that pupils were allowed to keep coats, scarves and gloves on in class.
By the end of February temperatures inside school were barely higher than they were outside. On days when the Head was away, our genial young Economics master, Don Brierly, used to “borrow” the electric fire from his Study in order to help prevent himself and his classes succumbing to hypothermia
Culturally, I owe a huge debt to Stephen “Sam” Bell who taught Chemistry at Hulme and organised the Film Society, he being a leading light in the equivalent body in Huddersfield where he lived. He was not my favourite teacher, but in retrospect I appreciate that he had excellent taste in choosing films calculated to appeal to that generation of schoolboys, whilst still being great exemplars of the cinematic art. Feature films would be screened fortnightly on Friday evenings during termtime, and there were also lunchtime showings of shorter offerings. To give an idea of the diet he introduced to us, here are just some of the films that I remember viewing during my time at OHGS:
In the sixth form, I was taught Physical Geography by the Deputy Headmaster –Bill Whitworth, known as Bill Twit to the boys and as “Rudge” by his colleagues. A craggy man in his fifties, during the war he had been stationed in the then Gold Coast in West Africa (now Ghana). He had a fund of stories about his time there, often involving “ju-ju” and other magical goingson. His favourite amongst these was usually introduced by him announcing “Boys – have I ever told you the tale of the Golden Brick?” When bored with Geography the class would try to steer him towards the Gold Coast circa 1943, and he never needed much encouragement. We took his tales with a large pinch of salt, but nevertheless found them hugely enjoyable.
So, if not necessarily “the happiest days of my life”, then memorable all the same.
Forward to the Past Allan Hutchinson
(HGS1963-1970)
But I don’t want to be maudlin. Nor do I want to fall victim to the old man’s blight of misplaced nostalgia. I remember my formative years as both good and bad; some sugar and some salt. And my life at Hulme was a big part of that ‘growing up’. Whether I like it or not, Hulme became part of my DNA; it made me as much as it changed me.
Of course, it is difficult to separate what happened to me when I was a teenager generally and what was a result of being a teenager at Hulme – it is all a bit of a blur and, looking back fifty years later, there is no easy way to bring it into clearer relief. So, Hulme gets some of the credit and some of the blame for who I became and what I did.
Against all odds and expectations, I became a law professor. I would never have guessed that I would spend my whole career in the rightly-suspect ivory towers. But it has been a privilege and a pleasure – researching and writing what you want (from Darwin to cryptocurrency and on to constitutional law); teaching a few hours a week; and traveling the world to spread the word. But, like it or not, Hulme was with me throughout.
As an author, the writing skills and my appetite for learning go back to the Werneth classrooms. Through Latin grammar and Use of English instruction, I was laying the foundations for my entirely unanticipated career.
Whether I appreciated it or not, these were the basic building- blocks for putting together a shelf of books and articles. That investment in me paid off in ways that no one, especially me, would have foreseen.
I suppose that, as a career-long teacher myself, I learnt a lot about what to do and, as importantly, what not to do in the classroom – be engaging, never appear bored; don’t spoon-feed students, but challenge them; be relevant, not otherworldly; be approachable, not aloof; and, perhaps most of all, don’t forget that teaching is an opportunity, not a chore.
As a professor, I never really faced the challenge of keeping a bunch of testosterone-fuelled and odorous boys in line. This was, no doubt, no easy task. But I tried not to take my own students for granted. I sought to educate in the largest sense, not merely occupy their time until they can move on and enter the so-called real world. Of course, not all students liked my approach or its aspirations.
There was Bill Goodwin’s in it-together mentality; Tom Mitchell’s reliable bonhomie; Harry Platt’s infectious excitability; Steve Bradshaw’s trendy stylishness; Mike Norcross’s cheeky likeability; and Simon Hawton’s cool easygoingness.
I owe much to them, both in the classroom and on Big Side, for introducing me to the fact that friendship is a two-way street that runs on for a lifetime. I hope that I have contributed as much as I have taken in travelling down that street.
It is a disorienting fact that (almost?) all my own teachers are no longer with us. But, as corny as it might be, their influence continues on -- Fred Collier’s mischievous chivvying; Brain Aldred’s avuncular concern; Dave Harding’s gruff kindness; Bob Clegg’s passive support; Ben Counsel’s affectionate rigour; and Bernie Cartmell’s relaxed mentoring, to name but a very few.
And, then of course, there were my fellow students. I realise that they are, in large part, the formative forcers on my life. As grand as it sounds, there would be a very different me without them; they threw in the salt and pepper to season my growing-up.
So, who were those life-influencers? –
Looking back, Big Side was a site for my fondest memories. Ploughing through the mud in blue and gold, I was likely in my element. Saturday mornings were the highlight of the school week. In a football era when toughness was prized over style, we sought to be tough winners, not silky stars. In an odd way, I carried that chippy approach into my academic life (that is more of a blood-sport than many realise).
Some wise person once told me that, once you start living in the past, it’s all over. I agree. Planning for a future it the best way to have one. And that is what I intend to do. But, in doing so, I will be giving a nod to my past and appreciating the role that Hulme played in my past and will do my future. For good and bad, of course.
Speech Night 2024
Luke spoke to families and award-winning pupils sharing his fond memories of Hulme Grammar School along with some excellent advice as part of this special ceremony in our calendar year. Luke’s grandfather, Laurence, was a pupil at Hulme and Luke met his wife Olivia at Hulme. Both were able to join the celebrations and nostalgia alongside Luke’s parents.
Luke shared the importance of cherishing friendships made at school and to make the most of passions and not let opportunities pass you by. Much like how Luke went on to work in the House of Commons and as a self-confessed politics nerd had an incredible experience.
Luke remembered how Mr Mairs had encouraged him to take part in the school shows and choir and these became some of his best memories.
Describing Hulme Alumni, Luke shared how today’s students will go on to join a community that present the best versions of themselves and make a positive difference to the communities they go on to live and work in.
What’sonin2025?
Annual OHA Dinner - Friday 2nd May
The annual dinner will take place on Friday 2nd May in the Main Hall. The dinner is always a popular event and a great way to catch up with friends.
Tickets can be sold individually or as a table of 10.
A Centenary Celebration - Saturday 24th May
In last years’ Hulme Link we asked you all to “Save the Date” – 24th May 2025 – as we will be celebrating 100 years of the Girls’ school as most of you would remember it.
We are hoping that you will all join us for what will be a very special afternoon. And so to the celebration...
The event will begin with tours of the school with our 6th formers followed by a glass of bubbly in the Girls’ Hall whilst everyone arrives.
Following the fizz we will move to the Main Hall where we can enjoy afternoon tea, whilst reminiscing. There will be music, chat and laughter with a mix of Old Girls from across the decades.
Date Saturday 24th May 2025
Venue Hulme Grammar School
Time 13:00-17:00
Tickets £25pp available from late March. Reserve your tickets by contacting development@hulmegrammar.org.
DavidWatson (HGS1957-1965)
Although a heart attack in 1996 also slowed me up a bit, it proved to be a good wake up call. Now my entire focus is ensuring nothing goes wrong so that I can pursue my dreams on the “links’.
Failing to secure a university place immediately after school I worked for a year in a chemistry analytical lab which was enough to tell me I had to do something else. I managed to “get into” an external college of London University to study Estate Management the next year and I worked hard, with only three of us, out of 36, going straight through in three years. In London, I roomed with medics and dentists, including, Old Hulmeian, John Stansfield reading dentistry at King’s.
After graduation I worked in the city at King & Co. but soon realized although I enjoyed the work it was not going to be lucrative. Thus, I managed a move to Capital & Counties Property Corporation, and life in investment and development real estate began.
After negotiating into and back out of contracts with the LTE and BR I decided I had to “get out of” the UK. C & C had just acquired two companies in Canada and somehow, I was on the transfer list.
Edmonton, Alberta. I did not realize there was anything between Toronto and Vancouver. After 9 months of hating this uncultured society, I started to wonder why I was enjoying this northern clime, which could go down to below -30°C.
Life was good and we made good friends.
The company ran into financial difficulty and pulled the plug on its Canadian operations. So, I relocated to a private RE company in Calgary where I remained for 15 years latterly as CFO. I realized relatively early that I had received more than I had given and found a way to give back mainly through Rotary and other volunteer organizations.
The knee injury incurred in my last year at school has dogged me continually. It curtailed my soccer and tennis activities relatively early, yet with care it was not until later it slowed my squash and cross country skiing.
Alberta has been a great place to “grow” a family. My wife, Merline, a research nurse now deceased, and I have two children, Michelle and Stuart.
Stuart Thompson, Cedric Parkin, John Fewster and I were often at Old Trafford after our Saturday morning football games. I try to watch Premiere League football when it is on, and I still have my Manchester United wricker close by in case I get the urge to let loose.
I have returned to the UK many times over the years. I last visited Hulme the year Bernard Counsel retired. I made the trip in the hope of seeing a 1st XI football match on a Saturday morning. What a stroke of luck to run into Bernard.
We spent the whole-time reminiscing. I will never forget his response when I said, “these boys are good” and he said “I think the 1963/4 team was the best”. Of course, I do not elaborate, but if any of the team remembers, did we actually lose a game that year? I don’t think so.
My second favourite team was our Under 16, 4 x 100 relay team shown here at Blackburn Inter Schools Meet, circa 1961. We were faster than the senior team.
When I first wrote this, I was asked if I could relate some stories from school as well. Not a chance, as there are way too many to select one or two. We had such a rich cross section of talent, personalities, peculiarities etc. and that was just amongst the masters, that I can not be selective in the fear of upsetting not only those of whom I would mention but those I left out.
I remember Bill Wiener making us write an essay on “What I will be like at 40”. Writing this little epistle seems now to be doing the same thing, but in reverse, and not being too dissimilar.
Aren’t we lucky we cannot tell the future?
LinkedIn and Growing our Network
From mentoring, work experience and returning to school inspiring current pupils our Alumni remain an increasingly important part of the Hulme Community. You are the “proof of the pudding” in terms of what we aim to achieve and your involvement with our current pupils is invaluable. As a Development Team we are continuously trying to ensure that our database of over 10,000 former pupils is the best it can be in terms of accuracy and detail. Our alumni have all gone on to do very different things across the world and we're keen to reconnect and engage with this powerful network.
One of our challenges is that we don't have a great deal of career information about our alumni, so we've started with a LinkedIn group – Hulme Grammar School Alumni - that now has over 500 members. To join our Linked In group please scan this QR code or find us on LinkedIn at Hulme Grammar School Alumni.
As this grows, we want to create a number of groups around various sectors such as law, finance, medicine, STEM and comms and marketing and we are delighted that The Hulme Law Group is now up and running.
The group is an exclusive network connecting Hulme Grammar School alumni who are working in or have ties to the legal sector.
2024 Events
2024 saw alumni get together at both the London Clerkenwell reunion and the Annual OHA Dinner held in the main hall. As always both events were filled with much talk of “do you remember when….” alongside catching up on what one another has been doing in the years since leaving HGS.
The events attract both young and old and no matter what decade you left HGS you will always have something in common with the other attendees. We love to see as many of you as possible throughout the year and hope that in 2025 you will join us at one of our events.
The group brings together former pupils who share a passion for the law, fostering valuable connections and offering support to both alumni and current students.
We're following this model with comms and marketing and bringing together a core group of people to help create a Hulme Comms and Marketing Group. So far, we have found over 30 alumni in our network that have a comms and marketing role and we think we could increase this quite quickly. It would be wonderful to get the different sector groups up and running in 2025, if you would like to initiate a meeting within your area please do get in touch with Sharon.
With regular meetings held between Manchester and London, the group provides opportunities to network, gain industry insights, and share knowledge. Whether you are established in your legal career or just starting out, the Hulme Law Group offers a unique platform to grow, learn, and give back to the Hulme community. Join us in building a thriving legal network that supports Hulme’s current and future generations of legal professionals.
Events
Our next event is on 20th February at Weightmans Law Firm, Manchester from 6pm to 8pm if you are interested in joining the group, please contact Sharon on development@hulmegrammar.org.
Mailbag
BarbaraShackley
I was at Hulme for nine years, between 1943 and 1952 and I was in "Hulme" house. I was in the "Prep" for two years which took place in the big School.
I travelled on the bus from Rochdale every day which cost a tuppence in old money and then walked up Chamber Road.
The original uniform had included a velour brimmed hat which, due to the war, was no longer available, a navy beret was introduced as a substitute and we wore navy raincoats.
The journey was fine unless we had a very heavy fog or smog and I can remember walking home as it was so dense and meeting my father, who was looking for me about halfway on the road from Rochdale. I was in the sixth form when George VI died, and we were all very upset, For most of us, it was the first time a figure as important as the King had died
Mr. Walton, the brother of William Walton the Composer, was our music master. I do remember a great deal that he taught us. We had regular singing lessons and sometimes we had theoretical music lessons and had exercises to do.
HulmeFamilyTiesbyDorothyGledhill
Sometimes we just listened to music and I feel the music he taught us has stayed with me all my life. When there was a Speech Day we had a lot of extra singing lessons and he found various operatic songs with more appropriate words for the occasion. He used Handel's, "Where'ere you walk", Donizetti arias and music from Gilbert and Sullivan to name but a few. At the time I don't think I appreciated his lessons but I have realized what a great deal I have learnt from him over the years.
I enjoyed my time at Hulme and I hope the children of today appreciate it.
I came across my father, Edgar Wright’s Old Boys cufflinks recently. He was very proud of his Old Boys tie and his striped blazer. Edgar wanted to go to university but had to leave after matriculation to work to help support the family. He was born in 1904. His siblings, Alice, Jack and Helena all became teachers
My husband Bruce’s mother also attended Hulme. She used to get a lift on a horse drawn milk float from Friarmere to Delph Station where she boarded the “ Delph Donkey” train to Oldham. My uncle James Collier, my mothers brother, worked for the Chartered Bank in the Far East and joined the Ghurkas towards the end of the Second World War.
The next generation dates from 1950s. We were lucky to receive West Riding Scholarships. My brother Geoffrey Wright is a past president of the Old Boys Association.
I married Bruce Gledhill in 1979. Bruce and his younger brother John are Hulmeians and around year 2000 presented the school with a fine woollen cloth embroidered with the Hulme crest. This is used to drape the table holding the prizes at Speech night. My younger brother Philip died shortly after leaving Hulme and my parents donated the “Philip L. Wright” trophies that were originally for javelin throwing.
Our children, Robert and Mary Gledhill and nephews and niece, Simon, Sally and James Gledhill all went to Hulme but it was now fee-paying. Simon and Sally both live in South Africa whilst the others work in the family firm.
The fourth generation consists of our grandchildren Joseph and Harrison Gledhill and Jamal and Elizabeth Steele. Joe is a dentist and Harry is a doctor. Lizzy has just completed a degree in Educational Psychology and Mal makes travel blogs on YouTube.
Finally, Bruce’s great niece and nephew Molly and James Thornton went to Hulme. Molly is in the Civil Service in London and James has worked in Australia.
Canyouspotyourself?
TheReturnOfTheMagnificent7
It's been a while since we had an update from The Magnificent 7, who continue their programme of annual cultural and gourmet excursions (or at least that's how they describe them).
Here they are showing off their bespoke t-shirts at a photo-shoot, dressed for a day at the Old Trafford test match in August.
Unconfirmed reports from the day suggest they were each tucked up in their beds by 9pm with a glass of warm milk and a digestive biscuit.
This photo was taken in our Form Room by one of the class at Morning Break sometime in the winter of 1954. We were all given a copy and mine turned up quite recently.
I could remember the names of 25 of the boys and was helped by Ian Holt (archivist) to find the names of 4 more. Unfortunately, I could not discover the final name. Apologies to him if he reads this. Seeing the obituary for Glyn Davies spurred me to send this copy in.
AndrewOgden
Hulme Old Boy Andrew Ogden has entered the world of crime, murder and mystery with his debut novel "Finding Alfie: A Sandringham Mystery".
Andrew studied Law and History at the University of Nottingham before joining the Yorkshire Post journalism graduate entry scheme. He then joined BBC Radio Nottingham as a reporter, then producer of the breakfast show before moving to BBC TV in the mid-1980s and producing Newsnight.
FrazerHadfield
Those of you who watched the film Better Man, the semi-biographical musical film about British pop singer Robbie Williams that was released on Boxing Day, may have spotted our very own Frazer Hadfield who played the role of Nate (Robbie’s best friend).
Frazer, former Head Boy, left HGS in 2011 and has forged a successful career treading the boards. At school he was a constant presence in the joint productions playing Curly in Oklahoma, Jimmy in Thoroughly Modern Millie and Fagin in Oliver.
Congratulations on your success in Better Man - we can’t wait to see where your acting journey takes you next Frazer!
From there he became a scriptwriter for TVam “Good Morning Britain” and was later the Programme Editor.
He left for BSB before moving back to Nottingham to read the news for BBC East Midlands Today and then ITV Central News. In 1997 he founded his own media production company BMS Ltd providing video content for industry.
Andrew moved to Norfolk years ago and lives on the edge of the Sandringham Estate. He also works as a tour guide in Sandringham House, making His Majesty King Charles III both his landlord and employer!
Finding Alfie: A Sandringham Mystery is available from Amazon as a hardback, paperback and e-book, and in both book forms from WH Smith and Waterstones.
From Pupil to Head Teacher
John Budding (HGS1972-1979)
Mr John Budding (class of 1979) former pupil, English teacher, Head of Sixth Form, Head of Senior School and now Acting Co-Head of Hulme Grammar School is set to retire this year after 40 years of teaching. John is part of the fabric of Hulme, or perhaps Hulme is part of John’s fabric. We probably can’t separate the two and so to get to know the man that has been such a key figure in the school’s rich history, we sat down in his office and reminisced…
Q: Tell us about young John Budding the pupil. Where did you grow up, what was home life like, and what were your dreams and ambitions?
I grew up in Garden Suburb, a charming area with tree-lined streets and cherry trees. My parents worked tirelessly to give me opportunities they never had. My dad, a butcher, and my mum, who supported him in the shop and cared for me, made sacrifices to send me to Hulme. Both left school early—my mum at 12 and my dad at 14—yet were incredibly sharp. My mum’s immaculate handwriting in her recipe book belied her limited formal education.
As a child, I didn’t have grand ambitions; I was simply discovering myself. My parents never pushed but encouraged me with the mantra, “It’s there if you want it.” Starting at Hulme felt overwhelming initially—a grand place steeped in history. By Year 8, I began to find my footing, working harder and steadily climbing the rankings. My parents’ belief in me and Hulme’s inspiring environment provided the foundation for everything I’ve achieved since.
Q: Reflecting on your time as a pupil at Hulme, what are some of your fondest memories from those early days?
A. My fondest memories are tied to the friendships I made and the experiences that shaped me.
“One standout memory was a school trip to Paris at 14 or 15. Seeing landmarks like Versailles and exploring the city brought my French lessons to life.”
As an only child, I was drawn to classmates from larger families who “adopted” me into their circles. Joining the debating society, drama club, and altruistic activities enriched my social and personal growth.
One standout memory was a school trip to Paris at 14 or 15. Seeing landmarks like Versailles and exploring the city brought my French lessons to life. During a mishap when someone got lost, I summoned the courage to ask locals for help in French. It was a magical trip, blending structure and spontaneity, and it sparked my lifelong love for travel.
Q: What inspired you to return to Hulme as a member of staff, and tell us about John Budding the teacher?
A. Returning to Hulme felt natural after five formative years teaching at Hathershaw. By the time I joined Hulme as an English teacher, I had the confidence to handle the challenges of a new classroom. Establishing myself early meant I could focus on building rapport and trust with my students.
Initially, I didn’t plan to stay long, but opportunities to grow kept arising. From stepping up as second in English to taking on pastoral roles and eventually becoming Deputy Principal, Hulme offered continuous development.
Teaching was more than a job; it was about inspiring and connecting. Students often recall the balance I struck—approachable but firm. Assemblies were a highlight, mixing humour, life lessons, and occasional rants. The relationships I built remain my most cherished achievements.
Q: Are there any funny or particularly memorable moments from your teaching career that still make you smile?
A. There are plenty of humorous moments that stand out. One involved a student, Ryan Wild, who dramatically handed in a last-minute essay after I’d chased him for weeks. Without thinking, I threw it in the bin (and fished it out again of course) —a moment we both still laugh about.
Another was during an assembly when my colleague, Jim Melican, instructed a line of boys, including Mark Cox, “Boys with Cox move forward,” inadvertently creating an unintended double entendre. Staff struggled to stifle laughter, while students were unsure whether to laugh or remain silent. Moments like these brought humanity and humour to our time at Hulme.
Q: The school has evolved in many ways since you were a pupil. What changes have stood out to you the most?
A.
In this next section, we asked former pupils who remember John as Head of Sixth Form in the early 2000s for questions they’d like to put to their former teacher...
Chris Saad, Class of 2003: Q: Of all the favourite books you’ve taught, which one stands out and why?
A.
Q: If you could relive one day from your time as a pupil or teacher at Hulme, which day would it be and why?
A.
David Parkinson, Class of 2003: Q: What are your views on how the general approach to education in the UK has changed?
Claire Whelan, Class of 2006: Q: What were your initial thoughts about the merger of the boys’ and girls’ schools in sixth form?
A.
Andrew Coyne, Class of 2006: Q: If you could have been a teacher to a young version of yourself, what would you have done?
Q. If you could capture in one sentence what makes Hume special, what would it be?
A.
Mr Budding sporting an excellent moustache in his first year as an English teacher at Hulme Grammar. John said he remembers having joined Hulme just after travelling in the South of France.
There is always FUN in FUNdraising
DavidChadwick (HGS1958-1962approximately!)
About 10 days before the concert, David admitted ticket sales were not going well but not to worry. But all was not lost; a miracle occurred. Just 11 days before our concert, “A Horse With No Name” was No. 2 in the US Billboard Hot 100 and 4 days later it went to No.1. The song was being played regularly again on UK radio with the band appearing on British TV.
The building was being renovated and parts demolished. Would RNIB be interested in joining with three other charities and accepting a quantity of bricks from the site?
The most unexpected fund-raising opportunity came as the result of a phone call I received one morning in early 1972. The caller was David Stopps who ran an agency promoting bands & solo artists and organizing concerts. David was keen to put on a concert to raise substantial funds for Help the Aged and would like to discuss his ideas with me. I was understandably cautious but he sounded genuine, so I agreed to meet him.
David explained he had contacts with three acts. A rock group, America, who would top the bill; another rock group, Quiver; and a solo singer, Linda Lewis. Who, who and who? I thought. Where was the concert to be held? The Royal Albert Hall? Royal Festival Hall? No . . .. The Queensway Hall, Dunstable in Bedfordshire. Hmmm!
His company would cover the cost of booking the hall, the printing of tickets, concert programme & publicity including the printing & distribution of posters throughout the area and issue Press Releases to local newspapers, radio stations and national music magazines.
Help the Aged would be required to cover the costs of the artists - a significant cost. Despite my reservations, David Stopps appeared to be a knowledgeable, likeable, down-to-earth guy. I went by my instincts and recommended to Help the Aged that we should go ahead.
I telephoned David with the good news. The following day, the Queensway Hall, America, Quiver and Linda Lewis had all been booked. The publicity machine went into action.
What could go wrong?
Ticket sales went crazy. The concert was a sell-out and a huge amount of money was raised. David Stopps went on to become a worldwide authority on music publishing & copyright issues and continues to present workshops on music publishing all over the world. We were in good hands; I just wasn't aware of that at the time.
In the late 1970’s, I joined the Royal National Institute for Blind People (RNIB). One day in 1982 I received a phone call from Granada TV. The caller explained the present Coronation Street set was being demolished and a new one constructed.
Would we be interested in accepting some bricks from the demolished site to sell for the benefit of RNIB & the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund? What on earth could we do with a load of old bricks? But never one to look a gift horse in the mouth, I said I would get back to them within 24 hours.
I immediately contacted the head of a Marketing Company who had helped us in the past. He could arrange with a major brick company for them to be cleaned and sand-blasted (I think it's called) with the words “Coronation Street”. I called back to Granada to thank them for the offer and ordered 3000 bricks.
Each brick would be attractively packaged with a cardboard wrapper illustrated with images from the series and numbered from 1 - 3000.
Yet another interesting telephone call some months later, this time from the Abbey National Building Society. In the early 1980’s they had offices which incorporated 221B Baker Street, the legendary home of Sherlock Holmes.
Well, as a Celebrity Brick Management expert, I immediately responded, “Yes, please”. Once again, the bricks were cleaned, sand-blasted with 221B, packaged and numbered - and sold out.
And finally, a phone call from a racing stable. I heard it from the horse’s mouth that Red Rum, the champion thoroughbred steeplechaser and winner of three Grand Nationals, was keen to support RNIB and enjoy a pint in the Dover Castle pub in Central London.
So many people turned up, many having their photograph taken with Red Rum in exchange for a donation to RNIB. A happy fun day raising a significant amount for charity.
The moral of this story? Always be available at the end of a phone, follow your instincts, and remember that unwanted debris can sometimes be transformed into charitable income.
Coronation
RedRum
Lives Remembered
Jyoti Rao
We lived in Hospital accommodation in Stockport and Jyoti went to Hill Crest School in Bramhall. Her parents became GP’s in Stalybridge and Jyoti moved to Hulme Grammar School for Girls in 1978. In 1985 she sat “A” levels in History, French, General Studies and English.
So having studied the Arts, she opted to go for an engineering degree, Graduating in 1989 with a BSc in Technology and Management Science at Bradford University.
(HGS 1978-1985)
Jyoti was born in Hyderabad, India on the 25th August 1967. To her parents Dr Ramana Rao and Dr Urmila Rao. Even from a young age she was influenced by her Grandmother, her mother’s mother.
Chodagam Amanaraja, who was an MP with the Congress Party. Her Grandmother walked on the salt marches with Gandhi. She was beaten and thrown into solitary confinement for breaking the unjust laws of the time.
Her parents came to England in 1972 to work in the expanding NHS.
Jyoti worked as a technical Author for: Mono Pumps, Thorn Security and GEC Plessey. Once Plessey was taken over by Siemens, she worked for them as a purchasing analyst. Then moving jobs to Liverpool to work for Marconi as an analyst programmer.
She was still studying at this time, doing an Masters in Businesses Administration (MBA) at the University of Liverpool and then on to a MSc in Liverpool John Moores University, writing a dissertation, well ahead of its time, on the “Technology of Remote Working”.
Her passion was helping people. She would volunteer in the University Library to help people perform literature searches. She volunteered as an information officer for the charity MIND. She became an advisor for the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.
Donald(Don)Brierley
Don was born and lived in Stalybridge, attending Hulme between 1946 to 1954. He was a keen sportsman representing the school in both football and cricket. Awarded a state scholarship to study Economics and History at St John’s College Cambridge, Don had to gain O level Latin within 3 months to take up the offer, a task he remembered well, supported by one of his favourite masters, ‘Budge’ McCann.
After leaving Cambridge he joined the Unilever graduate scheme for a short period before realising that his future was in education. He returned to teach at Hulme in the early 1960s and left in 1967 to join Repton School as Head of Economics.
In 1974 he moved to Yeovil as Dean of Vocational Studies, a member of the team setting up the new tertiary college. He was promoted to Vice Principal at Yeovil before being invited to set up Weymouth College in 1983, where he spent 15 years as Principal overseeing a period of academic excellence at the college.
After retiring in 1998, much of his time was spent reading and expanding his already encyclopaedic historical knowledge and at one point assisted the family of Field Marshal Sir William Robert Robertson, who served as chief of the General staff in the First World War, with the collation of his letters and papers for the Imperial War Museum.
This was when she realised that she needed to know the law to help people, so embarked in a Law degree. Gaining a LMA Masters of Law, a Postgraduate Diploma and a MA in Healthcare Law at the University of Manchester. She worked in the hospital with the Health Watch Tameside. Prior to this time she still continued to volunteer to be a reader for Tameside Sight, which would read out sections of the newspapers to those who were blind or partially sighted.
Her love of English literature was unabated, she was part of a writing group “Writers Reign”, from which she published stories. She had collections of obscure words and once wrote a story about a Sharabang, a horseless carriage, as the word was going to be taken out of the Oxford English Dictionary and replaced by the word “Selfie”. She set up an international writing group, giving support and guidance to novice writers to help them become published too.
As she had renal failure, she was on the waiting list for a renal transplant for many years and finally underwent a renal transplant last year. Sadly she did not improve and died in ICU in Tameside Hospital. She died on the 20th February 2024. She is survived by her brother, niece and nephew.
Rugby was also a great passion and he was a supporter and Chairman of Dorchester RFC for a number of years.
He is survived by his wife Irene and daughters Helen and Liz.
(HGS 1946 - 1954)
Lives Remembered
David Lees Norris
He always spoke fondly about his time at HGS, where he made lifelong friends, and enjoyed attending reunions, reminiscing about old times. After passing his A-Levels, he gained a place at Strathclyde University to study Pharmacy, and after graduating he joined Boots manufacturing operations in Nottingham.
(HGS 1959-1966)
A bright boy, he passed his 11-plus with flying colours and was awarded a full scholarship to Hulme Grammar School for boys. At Hulme he excelled academically, with a strong aptitude for sciences, and he particularly enjoyed the practical work in the labs.
He was a member of the Combined Cadet Force, and enjoyed many exciting excursions.
Subsequently he spent a few years in Community Pharmacy before returning to the Pharmaceutical Industry with Fisons Pharmaceuticals in Loughborough, where he spent many years including a post as Technical Director of their South African facility in Johannesburg.
He spent the rest of his career in manufacturing operations at several companies including other Director level appointments. Latterly, he worked as a selfemployed Qualified Person involved in solid, semi-solid, liquid and sterile dosage commercial formulations.
He was a member of the RPS for 50 years and was made a fellow in 2015. David leaves his wife of 50 years Margaret and daughters Felicity and Elizabeth.
AlanHibbertWrightandFrankWorthington
Two Old Boys
Hibbert Wright died in August 2023 at the age of 89.
He met his lifelong friend Frank Worthington on their first day at Hulme in September 1943.
They were both assigned to Class 3a and, as seating was in alphabetical order, found themselves next to each for the next four years until Alan went to 6lit and Frank to 6sci. They shared a love of music and cricket and regularly went to the Oldham Rep theatre together.
The friendship they forged lasted a lifetime through Alan taking his law exams en route to partnership with Bromley Hyde & Robinson Solicitors in Ashton-under-Lyne, Frank's National Service and being Best Man for each other.
Alan stayed in the North West, moving from Ashton to Preston when he remarried. Frank was a wandering nomad (his words) working in various places in England and overseas as Sales Director for NCR. Alan did the conveyancing on Frank's houses, Frank helped introduce Bromleys to computers. Frank also assisted with umpire allocations and fixtures when Alan was Secretary of the Central Lancashire Cricket League.
Alan
Sadly, Frank died not long after his old friend, in April 2024, after a short illness. Both will be much missed by family and friends
(HGS 1943 – 1951)
Lives Remembered
Timothy M. Peaker
(HGS 1985-1987)
Timothy, known to his family and friends as Tim died in Hospital St.Musse, Toulon, France following a cardiac arrest.
He will be deeply missed by his parents, his sister, Amanda and his daughter, Alison as well as his many friends.
Tim attended Hulme Grammar Sixth Form , becoming captain of the First XI Hockey team. During his second year, he was a Senior Librarian. Tim participated in a twoday residential conference at the University of Manchester on civil engineering and he was proud to have his review published in the Oldham Hulmeian 1985-1987. He went on to study for a B.Eng in Computer Aided Engineering at the University of Salford.
MervynThompson
Mervyn was a direct grant pupil at Oldham Hulme, meaning he had a full scholarship, paid for by the local authority. He left in 1968 and went to St. Andrews, where he took a 1st. class honours degree in Chemistry and was top of the class. In 1972 he went up to St John’s College in Cambridge to work under Prof. Alan Battersby in the Chemistry department.
He took with him his new wife, Ruth, who had been in the same class at St. Andrews. He spent six years in Cambridge, completing a Ph.D. and a Post.doc.
Tim loved water sports and during the eighties, as a member of Dovestones Sailing Club and a race officer - he was the holder of six trophies and two challenge shields gained in his Merlin Rocket. During family holidays in France, he had taken up windsurfing becoming proficient in Force 6 wind speed. In the summer of 1991, he worked for PGL Leisure in Valras on the Mediterranean coast as a windsurfing instructor.
Thirty-five years ago, Tim made his life in the south of France in Tourves. There, he established what was to become a successful building enterprise, P.I.C. (Plaques, Isolation, Cloisons). Studies in Toulon enabled him to gain the ‘Siret’, the official code essential for the existence all professional enterprises.
Tim will be remembered in Tourves in particular, overseeing the design and construction of the town’s multi-disciplinary medical centre, a revolutionary concept in the locality.
His daughter, Alison, was the source of great joy and pride for him. She is bi-lingual in French and English and holds dual nationality.
Alison studied at the University of Toulon where she obtained her first degree with ‘mention bien’, a master’s degree and the CAPES.
At Tim’s funeral there were amongst the eulogies one from a good friend who epitomised the person he had become in his adopted country. It begins with a quotation from the works of Luigi Pirandello, an Italian playwright and novelist who won the Nobel prize for literature in 1934. He says:
He joined what was then Beechams, and is now GSK, in Harlow, Essex and spent the rest of his career there. He was at various times a Team Leader and a Project Manager and published over 140 papers. He and Ruth had two sons, who both went to Cambridge to study science.
Mervyn played cricket at Hulme, Werneth, St. Andrews, St. John’s College 2nds, and clubs in Cambridge, Hertfordshire and Essex. More often than not he was the captain of the 2nd. team. He played right up till Covid and took over 3,000 wickets during his career!
In retirement Mervyn loved travelling around France and Italy by train, sampling the local food and wine, and going for long walks in the countryside, just as he had on the moors around Oldham when he was young.
Mervyn caught Covid in 2019, before we knew what it was, and never really recovered. Fortunately, he was only in hospital for 10 days before he died.
He was for ever grateful to Oldham Hulme for giving him the chance to do what he was good at and so lead this amazing life.
SummerStrawberry,Hazelnut&WatercressSaladwithClottedCream(V,VeA,GF) or CreamyTuscanVegetable&WhiteBeanSoup(V,GFA)
Salt&PepperCrustedRumpofBeefservedwithalltheTrimmings(GFA) or Orange&ThymeCrustedFilletofSalmonservedwithaCitrus ButterSauce(GFA) or HomemadeMapleGlazedSweetPotato,Mushroom&SpinachWellington(V,VeA)servedwithfreshvegetables
Chocolate,Hazelnut&SeaSaltTorte&ChantillyCream(V) or AppleCrumble&Custard(V,VeA,GFA)
