Beyond the Barrier Summer 2018

Beyond the

BARRIER

SUMMER 2018

THE MAGAZINE OF THE LOUGHBOROUGH ENDOWED SCHOOLS’ ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

Letter from the Chairs

Beyond the

BARRIER CONTENTS 3

Letter from the Chair of Governors

4

The School Year

6

Events

14

Articles

26

Prizegiving

28

Careers

32

From the Archives

37

Alumni News

40

Announcements

47

Sport

51

Development Office

UPCOMING EVENTS 28th July

Robbie’s Rugby Festival

7th September Homecoming BBQ

15th September

Class of 1998: 20 Year Reunion

2nd November

#getsetgin: Girls sports fundraiser

26th January Oxbridge Dinner

30th March

Loughborough Dinner 2

A

Jenny Woods & Richard Bailey

very warm welcome to the third edition of ‘Beyond the Barrier’. We have enjoyed reading the very positive comments about our previous editions and we always welcome contributions from members, in the form of news or experiences since leaving school, or recollections of the time you were here. Beyond the Barrier strives to contain news and articles from alumni across the generations.

A lot of hard work goes in to producing the magazine and we are very grateful to the staff in the Development Office for all their work on the magazine, and their enthusiasm in organising and running alumni events.

The Association has enjoyed a very successful year with a wide range of members enjoying a vast array of activities; from theatre visits and informal drink events across the country, to barbecues and year group reunions on campus. Dinners in Loughborough, Oxford and London were enjoyed by all. The 2017 Loughborough Dinner celebrated the retirement of Mr John Weitzel, with over 174 alumni and friends joining us for dinner.

John remains a huge support to the Development Office.

He puts many hours into researching archive material for the Loughburians and we are very grateful for his hard work and invaluable knowledge, both in putting together the magazine and in co-ordinating alumni activities.

If you have any memorabilia that you are willing to donate to the schools, then please contact the Development Office and they will arrange collection of the material.

Please let us know what you would like to see in next years events calendar. Even with modern

technology and the ability to keep in touch with each other, it is lovely to hear younger members saying how much they appreciate the events as a way they can communicate with each other face to face. If you wish to hold a reunion in addition to the ones that the Development Office are currently organising or you wish to visit the schools, please use the details for the Development Office in this magazine and the team will be pleased to assist. Please bear in mind that year group reunions can take more than a year to organise, so please get in touch early!

Many of you are aware that the Foundation welcomed Our Lady’s Convent School into the LES family in 2015 and former OLCS pupils have joined some of our events. The schools share facilities across the campus and pupils enjoy joining together for some lessons and concerts. If you know of a former pupil of any of the schools who is not receiving communication from us, then please encourage them to contact the Development Office. Former pupils of the Convent can contact the office to be placed on the database and will receive news and details of events from us, as well as their current OLCS Alumni Association. Please remember to update your contact details when you move work or home.

We are indebted to members of the committee who give their time voluntarily for the benefit of members. If you would like to join the committee then please get in touch and we can discuss what the role involves.

Best wishes for a wonderful summer, Richard and Jenny

Letter from the Chair of Governors

G P Fothergill 18th May 2018

I

am writing to notify you of a significant development in the history of Loughborough Endowed Schools.

Following recommendations from the Our Lady’s Convent School Board, Head Teacher and Senior Leadership Team, the Foundation’s Board of Governors have agreed that Our Lady’s Convent Senior School will become coeducational and start to admit boys, from September 2019.

The Foundation remains committed to maximising the potential of every pupil at all four of its Schools and the Nursery, where boys and girls can be educated from 6 weeks to 18 years. The Loughborough Endowed Schools Foundation has one of the largest coeducational preparatory schools in the country and yet has no coeducational senior school. To support our pupils and parents in making a choice about their senior school education which reflects the individual needs and preferences of their child, it was felt that we should seek to provide a coeducational offer for all years of education. This move does not undermine our commitment to providing single-sex education at Loughborough Grammar School and Loughborough High School; however, a new coeducational offer at Our Lady’s Convent School provides our parents across the Foundation with opportunities to make individual choices about the style of education best suited to their child.

Our Lady’s Convent School will be retaining its distinct ethos and Catholic Christian values that are central to the School: however, a decision has been taken to change the name of the School to reflect the admission of boys. From September 2018, the name of the School will change to Loughborough Amherst School. This name has been chosen to honour Mary Amherst, the first English Superior of the Convent and the actual founder of the School.

The decision has also been taken to change the name of Loughborough Endowed Schools to Loughborough Schools Foundation. By the mid-nineteenth century a number of schools in Loughborough and the surrounding villages were established, funded by endowments and other charitable giving, and the Grammar School was one such school. In 1869 the government passed the Endowed Schools Act, in an attempt to regulate the provision of schools and education. In response, steps were taken to bring together the local charitable trusts, including those left by Thomas Burton, Bartholomew Hickling and John Hickling into a single charity, the Loughborough Endowed Schools. This was when the term ‘Endowed’ was first associated with the schools. It was also at this time that the charity which supports the schools was established, to manage the endowment, which was in the form of buildings and land, rather than financial resources.

Since the 1900s the charity has been referred to as ‘the Foundation’, or the Loughborough Endowed Schools Foundation, and since this time the term Foundation has frequently been used to describe both the charity, and the schools collectively.

Following comprehensive research with many stakeholders, it was clear that despite being in use for over 100 years, our current parents and pupils questioned what ‘Endowed’ meant. It was evident that ‘Loughborough Endowed Schools’ has little affinity with our current pupils, and instead pupils and parents referred by name to the school to which they belong. The word ‘Endowed’ also suggests that we have an endowment of wealth which is inaccurate and could in some cases lead to a misunderstanding of the nature of the Foundation and its schools.

The Loughborough Schools Foundation will therefore become our overarching description and each of our four schools will continue to be known by their individual names. This letter has also been sent to all parents/ guardians and staff and therefore all stakeholders are now aware of the change which will come into effect in the near future.

Yours faithfully

Mr G P Fothergill Chairman

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THE SCHOOL YEAR

Jake Walton HEAD BOY

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017-18 has been an exciting and productive year at the Grammar School, with some outstanding individual and team achievements.

There have been two significant changes to the school this year. For one, a new Sixth Form uniform has been introduced. This has given boys more freedom to express themselves and to explore the boundaries of fashion within tasteful limits. In addition, we have had the pleasure of Mr Perry joining us as our new Deputy Head (Academic). He has had a very positive and promising first year. His door is always open for boys with academic queries.

From an academic perspective, there have been two stand-out performers who have won gold medals in just about every national Olympiad going. Daniel Cropper and Jake He are now accustomed to their weekly appearance in the Tuesday assembly, outlining their stunning achievements in fields as diverse as Mathematics, Astrophysics and Linguistics. Recently, both made it into the second and final round of the British Physics Olympiad, with Daniel achieving selection to the 2018 UK International Olympiad team as one of the best 5 student Physicists in the country. Needless to say, these are extraordinarily impressive achievements from them both.

A year ago, Sankha Kahagala-Gamage and David Bernstein achieved the accolade of UK Young Engineers of the Year 2017, for their wearable technology that warns epilepsy sufferers of an imminent attack. They have had an exciting year as ambassadors for STEM education nationally and internationally, representing the UK in competitions in Estonia and China, presenting a paper to the Royal Society of Medicine, undertaking VIP visits to major multi-national technology companies and even delivering motivational speeches to other youngsters.

As for this year’s social events; there have been many, as I’m sure you recall, but few that can be written about. The Founder’s Dinner was a great event where we paid tribute to the Guest of Honour, Mr McCabe, and thanked him for his impressive 24 years of service. The Senior Musicians’ Dinner was also a great send-off for our Sixth Form talent. The music prefects, Akshaye Patel and Gina Kellie, more than held their own during their final speeches before a post-prandial, informal concert of epic proportions. The Leavers’ Ball is fast approaching after the haze of exams and that too is unlikely to be a quiet event.

One of the most impressive departments at our school is the Music Department. The 17th March saw a grand Spring Concert in the De Montfort Hall, Leicester, with over 300 voices and a 70-piece orchestra, performing Verdi’s monumental Requiem. Pupils from across the Foundation took part; ranging all the way from Years 5-13. Indeed, the annual School Concert is now compulsory for all Year 7s to ensure that all pupils have the experience of performing on stage at least once during their school careers.

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The sporting year started off with two amazing tours; a rugby tour to Hong Kong and Japan and a hockey tour to South Africa.

The 1st XV had some stand out games against some of the toughest teams in Japan. We all enjoyed bouncing off the twenty-one-stone student from Kyoto! The 1st XI Hockey also had a great time, spending a week in both Durban and Cape Town. Captain Seb Pierson wants a special congratulation to go out to Nathan Trasler for being able to conquer the notorious Table Mountain, despite his well-known back problem.

The 1st XV rugby fixtures this year were against top grade schools in the UK. Stand-out games were against QEGS Wakefield, with the strongest defence of the season, and Bedford… where we got walloped. However, we finished off on a high, making it to the final sixteen of the Rosslyn Park 7s for a second year running. Our scrum half, Will Yarnell, has had an impressive season playing numerous games for the Leicester Tigers Academy, their A-league team and then the 1st XV in the Anglo-Welsh Cup. The U15s showed some enormous promise too, narrowly missing out at the last sixteen phase of the NatWest Cup against Warwick.

This year the Cross-Country team followed off in a similar fashion to last. At the National Championships at King Henry School, we came a magnificent 6th in the country, with impressive performances from Ben Rouse, Ollie Rouse, Jack Douglas, Scott Ram and Luke Nuttall, leading to them being selected for the English Schools Championship.

The Cricket season is set in place for a strong start with new lighting, nets and mats in the Sports Hall and regular training sessions taking place. Mr Gidley is working hard to take us to another level. Within a few short weeks work will begin on a second hockey AstroTurf pitch and new allweather cricket nets.

One of the most fun days this year was Student Takeover Day, where we put a selection of teachers to the test by throwing them into a sumo ring surrounded by pupils. One teacher, who does not want to be named for reasons of embarrassment, was so into the fighting that he managed to remove a nail from his finger! The Quad was also turned into a huge volleyball court for the day and assembly featured an especially tuneless rendition of the timeless ‘Build Me Up Buttercup’ as our ‘hymn’.

With my school time now coming to a close, it’s hard to believe that I will soon become an Old Loughburian. I must thank all staff at LGS for making these last 6 years such an incredible experience.

THE SCHOOL YEAR

Rosie Webb-Jenkins HEAD GIRL

A

nother year gone and not a moment has been wasted at LHS! The girls have been especially busy achieving astounding success in academia, sport, drama, music and anything you dare to throw at them. Not only have there been excellent individual performances, but all girls at LHS have produced amazing work this year.

This year saw the launch of the new school campaign ‘Reassuringly Normal’. With a brand new advert, the students were thrilled with the preview in the last assembly of the Christmas term and it gave us the chance to share it with friends and family during the break. Alongside our perfectly normal school, our perfectly normal Headmistress has been throwing herself into her new role as President of the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) and has made regular broadcasts with Radio Leicester. We are very proud of our Headmistress and what she is achieving, inspiring us all to take on the opportunities that come our way.

Summer of 2017 signified the departure of the wonderful Mrs Reilly who had given more than 20 years of her life to the school, an extremely impressive contribution. She not only dedicated a phenomenal amount of time to the school, but she was also the first woman to return to LHS after maternity leave. We were very sad to say goodbye to such a wonderful lady who was such an inspiration for many girls at the school, both in her teaching in the kitchens and her pastoral role.

Sport at LHS has yet again gone from strength to strength with excellent team and individual performances in a wide variety of sports. The success of Michaella Glenister has been remarkable, having reached phase three of the England swimming pathway, as well as being European Youth Champion. 2017 also saw the creation of an LHS dodgeball team who competed impressively to become Area Champions. Additionally, Esme Hamilton (13-18) is an exceptional golf player who, after finishing school, will go to the University of Tennessee on a golf scholarship.

This year has also seen a greater integration of the 3 senior schools - LGS, LHS and OLCS. With joint events such as the Snowball 2017 and leadership workshops and dinners for the senior prefects of the 3 schools, many friendships have been made and a greater foundation has been built.

Prize Giving 2017 was a tremendous occasion with a guest visit from a very impressive old girl, Rachel Parris. Rachel spoke about taking on all the opportunities that come our way, explaining that she never planned on pursuing her current career as a stand-up comedian. Her message was very unique, and with a hilarious rendition of the school hymn with altered lyrics, she is certainly an old girl to remember.

The drama department has put on many wonderful performances this year including fantastic A-Level pieces performed by some very talented year 13 students and a whole school performance of The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde, directed by Dr Cladingboel, one of LHS’s finest. With House Drama coming up, the Houses are

buzzing with excitement and the rehearsals are well underway for what should be an amazing event.

I would like to take this opportunity to mention what a great privilege it has been to be part of the Class of 2018.

My peers are all so motivated and have such fantastic things coming up. To have come through the school with such a talented year group has been a pleasure and going off to university will certainly make me reflect on time spent and the friends made at LHS. All that’s left to say is a massive thank you to LHS and good luck to the future LHS girls, may your time at this school be as fabulous as mine.

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EVENTS

Loughborough Dinner

The 2017 annual Loughborough Dinner took place at the end of March, in honour of John Weitzel’s retirement and the 38 years he contributed to the Grammar School. The event was wonderfully decorated with a cricket theme throughout, reflecting one of John’s passions.

The dinner attracted 174 alumni and former staff, from a wide range of year groups. Former Head Paul Fisher gave a tribute to John’s outstanding service.

The 2019 Loughborough Dinner will be taking place on March 30th – Save the date!

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25.03.17

EVENTS

DNRC Concert 10.06.17 Loughborough Endowed Schools were pleased to assist the Rempstone fundraising Committee in raising over ÂŁ3,000 at a concert in aid of the Defence & National Rehabilitation Centre (DNRC). The Cottesmore Military Wives Choir performed a variety of popular songs to an audience of around 200 attendees.

The Choir were joined by entertaining musical comedy duo Smith and Sergeant, who encouraged audience participation through a piece written especially for the evening.

London Drinks 15.06.17 and 30.11.17 London-based Loughburians gathered to enjoy drinks on a beautiful sunny evening in June. Alumni converged on the Taittinger Terrace at London’s Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, to catch up with friends and share stories of life in the capital. A second event took place in November at The Farmers Club on the Embankment, with many alumni again gathering for a drink and catch up with fellow Loughburians.

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Kilworth House

20.06.17

Kilworth House Open Air Theatre put on a wonderful performance of ‘Kiss Me Kate’ last summer. This now popular social event included canapés and fizz prior to the show, and the weather held out for a lovely summer’s evening outdoors.

Class of 2007 Reunion Our annual 10-year reunion welcomed back the Class of 2007 in June last year. Over 60 attendees enjoyed tours of their respective school, followed by drinks and an informal BBQ.

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24.06.17

EVENTS

Class of 1987 Reunion

24.06.17

The Class of 1987 were invited for a lunchtime reunion on campus starting with tours of the schools, followed by drinks and canapés on the LGS Quad. The celebration continued into the evening with alumni enjoying an after-event at The Windmill, Wymeswold, organised by Steve Burden, Alice Chan and Rob Mason.

Heads’ Garden Party and Al Fresco

02.07.17

The first weekend of July saw the annual Heads’ Garden Party in the Bursary Garden. Fizz and scones were served to over 90 guests, accompanied by the harp, played beautifully by current LHS pupil Sara. This was followed by the annual Al Fresco concert hosted by the Music School, which featured small ensembles, larger choirs, bands and orchestras.

9

Homecoming BBQ

08.09.17

Held annually on the first Friday of term in September, this event gives leavers of the last four years a chance to return to school for a beer and a burger and to catch up with friends before they go off to work or university. This years BBQ will be taking place on September 7th – Save the date!

Class of 1997 Reunion The Class of 1997 celebrated their 20year reunion back at school last September.

70 guests enjoyed nostalgic tours of the schools led by John Weitzel and Jane Harker, followed by drinks and a BBQ on the LGS Quad.

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16.09.17

EVENTS

Loughborough High School Tour BERYL COCKERILL, LHS 1954-1960

O

02.10.17

n the first Monday morning of October 2017, when the leaves were falling, the Burton Walks and the school grounds looked splendid. My daughter and I were on a trip down memory lane in Loughborough and the tours of the High School and Fairfield were the highlight.

The High School buildings had not been altered too much, so various classrooms were much as I remembered.

Everywhere was light, airy and decorated in today’s popular light grey - none of the brown colours of the 1950s. In Mrs Bradley’s domestic science lessons, we used to scrub tea towels and the wooden worktops. The granite worktops and modern appliances looked wonderful – not to mention the delicious cooking smells! The refectory, near Miss Andrew’s study, hadn’t changed but brought back memories of sponge pudding and custard which every pupil was expected to eat. I could only consume this with several glasses of water!

The smell of cabbage and school dinners delivered in metal canisters no longer pervaded the passage from the front door.

The walk along the Cinder Path to Fairfield used to seem a long way. On those fields I loved playing hockey, athletics and country dancing on Sports Day, wearing our summer uniform – white and blue or white and red dresses. So much of the land has been built upon adding wonderful facilities for the schools. I had forgotten about the new sports hall, which must have been built in the late 1950s, and was

surprised to see it was still used. For many years the old school hall was multi-purpose; being a place we had gym, climbing ropes, bars, box and horse.

The hall seemed to be the same. It was where we had daily assembly, singing the hymns we will never forget.

The wonderful Carol Service was held there and every Christmas when I hear the bible reading including the words ‘Wonderful’, ‘Counsellor’, I remember Miss Sisling’s elocution lessons. In Fairfield Upper II we had the lessons out of doors.

I have memories of the earthquake which happened just after lunch and my class was in the prefabs, now the Chesterton Building. Oral French exams were in the attic library – an intimidating place for an exam. Miss Andrews taught us RE. She was an excellent Head and was a very smartly dressed lady.

Bell Door and the Quadrangle still look the same. My memories are of frozen milk in the bottles left outside the classroom doors to be drunk at break time. The grass tennis courts sometimes served a dual purpose as a playground.

I remember sitting there after exams with friends chewing strands of grass!

Loughborough Fair in November each year was great fun, magically transforming the town centre. At school we were given free tickets for rides. Our favourites were the Waltzers, Caterpillar with green covering and Cake Walk.

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London Dinner

17.11.17

The prestigious London Dinner took place at The RAF Club, Mayfair again last year. Over 40 Loughburians and current pupils attended this annual reunion and enjoyed drinks and a three-course dinner whilst reminiscing about their time spent at Loughborough Grammar School.

Oxbridge Dinner

27.01.18

In its tenth year, the annual Oxbridge Dinner was held in Oxford at the stunning St. Peter’s College. The Burton Choristers sang Choral Evensong in the Chapel, followed by drinks in the Senior Common Room and a three-course dinner in the College Dining Hall. The event was attended by former pupils who are Oxbridge students or graduates, current and former staff, as well as Loughburians living in the Oxford area.

Next year’s dinner will be taking place at Trinity College, Cambridge. Save the Date - 26 January 2019!

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Singapore Drinks

SECTIONEVENTS NAME 07.02.18

Our alumni community is truly global! Loughborough Grammar School Headmaster, Duncan Byrne, met with past pupils in the Far East for drinks at the Singapore Cricket Club. Thanks go to Ash Raivadera (1981-1988) for organising the venue.

Peter Underwood Retirement Reunion 10.03.18 Loughburians and former choristers came together with current and former staff to celebrate Peter Underwood’s retirement in 2017. The guests, who had never sung together before, gathered for an excellent performance of a piece written by Peter, a truly moving moment.

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ARTICLES

years of friendship S

even Loughborough High School (LHS) Old Girls, whose friendship spans seven decades, have reunited in the town where it all began.

Having celebrated their 80th birthdays, Beryl Johnson, Joan Rimmer, Hilary Twells, Judith Pick, Mary Singleton, Joan Brown and Alwyn Camps met at Beryl’s home in Loughborough in October 2015, to share precious memories and to celebrate the special bond, and lasting friendship, which resulted from the eight years they spent together as Boarders at LHS. They also remembered with great affection the eighth member of their group, Felicity Jenkinson, who passed away around 15 years ago. Mary Singleton says that ‘Flip’, as she was known by the group, had been one of the most popular and all-round academic and sporting members of the group and is greatly missed by them all. Felicity’s daughter, Mary-Jo, was named after her childhood friend.

Mary Singleton keeps in touch with Felicity’s brother, Robert Jenkinson (OL ‘55) and they speak on the phone on 24 January, her birthday, every year.

The group at age 13. This picture was taken by Joan Brown under the Boarders’ common room window.

Pictured standing left to right are Felicity Jenkinson, Joan Rimmer, Alwyn Camps, Hilary Twells. Kneeling left to right are Mary Singleton, Judith Pick and Beryl Johnson.

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Beryl (third from left on the back row) in this picture of the LHS Boarders with staff taken in 1950, recounted her memories of boarding from age 9-16 in the book ‘Loughborough High School 1850-2000’, which was published in celebration of the school’s 150 year anniversary.

The girls became pupils at the school in 1946, a year that saw the Nuremburg trials take place, the resumption of BBC Television broadcasting after its wartime hiatus, and the birth of a certain Donald John Trump on a summer’s day in New York City. LHS, under the Headship of Miss Andrews, emerged from the war years to successfully defend a challenge to its direct-grant status, resulting from the Education Act 1944, and following it’s centenary saw the development of a new dining room and kitchen to accommodate its growing numbers buoyed by significant growth in the size of the Sixth Form.

Mary Singleton and Beryl Johnson (née Millward) were the two most local girls in the group, both from “GET OFF SOCIAL Nottinghamshire families. They spent time at each other’s homes during MEDIA, GIVE A HUG, the school holidays. Mary boarded at TOUCH SOMEONE’S LHS with her two sisters, Margaret and Elaine.

HAND… SMILE! “What typifies LHS for me was sewing WHEN YOU’RE endless name tapes onto “three of everything” from navy knickers to bed TOGETHER, sheets. Wearing a special navy dress BE TOGETHER.” with a white collar for Wednesday evening prayers with the Headmistress and to church on Sundays. Writing the weekly letter home and having sixpence pocket money on Saturdays to spend on sweets or pop. The nightly prep in Room 9. At weekends playing charades, Monopoly, singing round the piano and roasting chestnuts on the coke fire in the Common Room, and The Tuck Cupboard! The early morning gargle with permanganate of potash kept us fairly healthy and we constantly practised netball and tennis in any free time. There seemed a lot of restrictive rules, but we thrived and had lots of fun and ‘secret’ midnight feasts. We were more like sisters and made life-long friends.”

When they left school, Mary says they were excited about what lay ahead: “We were used to parting for the school holidays, felt ready to tackle anything and to

ARTICLES forge a life for ourselves and make a difference. We made a pact to meet in London, which was a big deal in those days, when we turned 21, and meet we did in 1958 posing in our finery to have a picture taken at a photographic studio to mark the occasion. Goodness how our feet hurt from walking the streets of the capital in our court shoes! We excitedly exchanged news of engagements, travel, work and family events.”

They returned to school for the Loughborough Old Girls’ Association Boarders Reunion on 29 September 1979, when they were joined by Miss Andrews, Matron Miss Barbara Manning, and Secretary Miss M Woodward, and were reunited once again at the 1953 Leavers 40 year reunion in 1993.

The group consider each other extended family and throughout their lives their friends have never been far from their thoughts. They attended each other’s weddings and their children’s christenings, and have frequently sent cards, letters, photos and postcards from their travels. They have continued to encourage, counsel and comfort one another in times of need, just as they did during their days at LHS. They were last together at Beryl’s 80th birthday celebration in May 2015.

Mary says that for her, the time spent at LHS taught her the importance of kindness and patience. Her advice to the younger generation is to ‘get off social media’. “Give a hug, touch someone’s hand…. smile! When you’re together, be together.” Reading this, we think you will agree it is great advice.

The group pictured again at age 15/16 on the Rokeby tennis court. Standing left to right are Beryl Johnson, Mary Singleton, Felicity Jenkinson, Alwyn Camps. Seated left to right are Joan Brown, Hilary Twells, Judith Pick and Joan Rimmer.

Picture of girls age 21 with Alwyn Camps absent.

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Peter Preston

LGS 1947 – 1957

JOHN WEITZEL, ARCHIVIST

P

eter entered the Grammar School in 1947 aged 9, the son of a wholesale fruit merchant, and for the first two terms occupied a place in the middle of Form 1a. In the Spring of 1948 his father contracted polio and very quickly died, aged 37.

Shortly afterwards Peter contracted the disease and was ‘whizzed into Markfield Sanatorium and then hung around there between living and not living. For a week or two I was in an iron lung.’

In a letter to Peter’s children, his step-father detailed how he coped at school: ‘Fortunately his home was on a bus route and every morning his mother, helped by the conductor, would get him on to the bus.

His Schoolmasters soon knew the drill: they would meet the bus, help him off and after school get him back on board. His mother would await his return at the bus stop, and then take him home. The school endeavoured to cope with its most difficult scholar.

Any class that necessitated access by stairs was out of the question. There was considerable consternation when he fell in a narrow passageway and the combined efforts of three masters were needed to get him on his feet again. But, as time went on he began to rehabilitate himself more and more. After a year of school it was decided that in his summer holidays he would return to hospital to have a piece of bone taken

from his leg and grafted on to his shoulder to peg his upper arm and stop it swinging about uselessly.’

Writing was a real challenge: ‘His writing was far too slow. To do so, he had to swing his right forearm, catch it on his left wrist and guide his right hand which held the pen with two fingers.’

However, what he wrote caught the imagination. We come across his first writings in The Loughburian when he was 12.

The Meat Shortage (With apologies to Shakespeare) Our quantity of meat is very small; It goeth as ice-cream upon a plate Out in the summer sun. It is twice cursed; ‘Tis cursed by him who buys and him who sells.

‘Tis tiniest of the tiniest; it becomes The Minister of Food worse than the scheme Which was to grow ground-nuts in Africa.

He was editor of The Loughburian throughout his time in the Sixth Form and, most probably, the most prolific writer it has ever had, with major pieces occupying the seven magazines from Christmas 1955 to 1957.

Uniquely, he wrote a ‘murder mystery’ called Down to Earth, which occupied three magazines. It was about the death of Evans, a young history master at Carborough Grammar School. It transpires that he is murdered by the Upper Sixth history set, concerned about not being taught well enough, who pushed him off the top of the tower! He was clearly fascinated by the staff, also writing a piece about a tennis player dying on court and his accounts of the 20th Century Society outings, of which he was an active member, continue with this theme: ‘The rapt look of the two masters sitting in a squalid milk bar in Nottingham, intently sucking raspberry shakes through cellophane straws.’

The real insight into his personality however, comes through his involvement in magic, which he started whilst in his early teens. His first run at journalism was writing for Magic Circle News. ‘I must have been about 15 and began writing about magic and conjuring tricks.

Five to six months later I got sacked. Why? I was too critical. We were supposed to say how wonderful all these magicians were. They weren’t.’ However, his own performance in a school concert left a lot to be desired during which he ‘amputated’ a master’s arm: ‘and P J Preston, a conjuror who would improve immensely with a little humour in his act – he’ll be thunder-struck when he reads this, and I know no-one who is quite so struck on his thunder!’

ARTICLES

Most obituaries written in the national press made great play that his step-father had been summoned by S R Pullinger, then in his final term, and advised that he should leave and become ‘something like a jewel cutter’. He had moved into the ‘B stream’ to do his school Certificate but over the two years had shown continual improvement moving from 27th to 3rd. The problem was being created by his Maths, which he had to retake. With Maths and Science behind him he could pursue his love of English and History (which he learnt by rote), teach himself Latin and not only achieve his Higher School Certificate but also a rare ‘State Scholarship’ to St John’s College, Oxford to read English, which was celebrated by an extra half-holiday for the School! In the final few weeks before leaving for Oxford he was School Captain, following his big ‘sparring partner’ Timothy Cook.

Timothy went to Trinity Hall, Cambridge and at the end of his first term his letter to The Loughburian ends ‘P.S. – An added incentive to come to Cambridge is that P J Preston is at Oxford!’. Peter’s letter reads as follows: ‘Oxford is a badly mixed cocktail…an uneasy compromise between town and gown. The concoction is stimulating, if not completely intoxicating….The girls are quite impossible-penny plain or twopence coloured….no watercolours…no dice. The Dons all seem to suffer from the same dreaded disease, an irritating and predictable “Um-Um” which makes everything they say seem utterly meaningless. One advantage remains constant though….Cook is at Cambridge, which makes up for a lot.’

After his experience with The Loughburian, it was only natural that he should become involved in Oxford’s student paper, The Cherwell, which came out twice a week and occupied much of his time, becoming its Editor as well. Leaving Oxford in 1960, he became a Graduate Trainee on the Liverpool Daily Post and three years later moved to join the Manchester Guardian. Successful spells as a Reporter, Foreign Correspondent, Features Editor and Night

Editor led to him taking up the Editorship in 1975 at the age of 37… a post he was to hold for 20 years.

In retirement he continued to write columns for The Guardian and The Observer and his final article was published a week before he died.

Those columns allowed him the freedom to return to his roots, so firmly established whilst he was here.

In 1956 he recalls the four days in London at the Conference for Youth at the Central Hall, organised by the Council for the Education of World Citizenship, where he heard both Selwyn Lloyd, then Foreign Secretary and Earl Attlee, making his first speech since retirement.

A year earlier he had written ‘The Ballad of Ye Atomic Age’, having read of a proposal to build an atomic power station in the valley of the River Severn – an area rich in the legend of King Arthur.

He starts:

King Arthur strode on his castle wall, And raised his eyes to heaven, “What knave a factory did install, On the banks of my River Severn?

It’s blocked my view and killed the trout, A dastardly, heathen plot, Sir Modred’s doing I’ve no doubt, Or the Lady of Shalott.

And ends:

Good friends, lets drink to the atomic age, That’s come to Camelot, And banished for ever the meter and gauge, Of the penny in the slot.

However, of all his work published in The Loughburian, the one I like most is called ‘The “Tele”’, which of course was written at the outset of mass TV viewing and ends: Drainer of the mind, Strainer of the cream, Leaving dregs – alone the scum To support the age to come Reared on mass production Geared by thought reduction Fearing all deduction……

The earth will filter down the drain If they use a box as a brain Peter certainly did not use a box as his brain and was one of – if not the most – outstanding alumni of LGS in the second half of the 20th century.

Peter Preston, Editor of The Guardian 1975-1995, was born on 23rd May 1938. He died from cancer on 6th January 2018, aged 79.

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Robbie’s Rugby Festival

CELEBRATES 10 YEARS C elebrating its 10th year, Robbie’s Rugby Festival (RRF) is returning on Saturday 28th July 2018 and is again taking place at the LGS Playing Fields, Quorn.

Originally curated as an ‘Old Boys’ reunion match by a group of former LES pupils, Robbie’s Rugby Festival has grown beyond belief and is now the largest 10s rugby tournament in the Midlands, attracting 30 teams (many of which are made up of alumni) and thousands of spectators.

The event has become a permanent fixture of the summer events calendar for many LES pupils, both old and current, and the recurring word used to describe RRF really is REUNION! 2018 is a landmark year for the event as they will be celebrating their 10th anniversary and are marking the milestone of an incredible decade of Robbie’s Rugby Festival with an inaugural ball in the evening. ‘The Festiball’ will be an evening of fun and entertainment – one not to be missed. The generosity of players, volunteers and attendees shown over the past 10 years has been incredible and such support has allowed the organising team to constantly improve the event, as well as raise life-changing funds for those who need it most. Yet despite the mighty figures raised to date, this is a mere drop in the ocean and RRF needs your help to continue the battle against cancer.

Over the past decade Robbie’s Rugby Festival has raised a grand total of over £61,400 for the charities who take inspiration from Robbie Anderson and Jake McCarthy (a former LGS pupil), young boys who devastatingly lost their lives to cancer. Support from Robbie’s Rugby Festival has allowed The Robbie Anderson Cancer Trust to purchase two vital pieces of equipment for Ward 27 at the Leicester

Keen new Loughburians!

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he Year 13 rugby team, who will be joining numerous other alumni teams competing at Robbie’s Rugby Festival on 28th July, at the LGS Playing Fields in Quorn, liked their Loughburians sponsored shirts so much they wore them for a school game and got into hot water!

The team wore their new kit to the House 7s at Rosslyn Park, after qualifying for day two at senior level for the second year in a row (which has never happened before!). The boys were unbeaten until the vase quarter finals, putting them in a very high standing.

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Royal Infirmary. This includes an ultrasound bladder scanner and cannula scanner, which both help to reduce the trauma, stress and bruising for the patient whilst undergoing treatment. Funds raised have facilitated The Jake McCarthy Foundation to fund the recruitment and three-year placement of a dedicated Senior Research Associate to join the pioneering team at The University of Plymouth.

RRF 2018 is a day full of rugby action, combined with pitch-side fun. “The Summer Garden”, sponsored by Restoration UK, will bring the unmistakeable taste of the great British summer with jugs of Pimms, a fabulous gin bar, BBQ, raffle and afternoon tea stand. The Rugby Village, sponsored by Charnwood Brewery, will be the hub of the rugby action, housing not only an outside bar, but physio tent, hot tub, glitter face-painting, ice-cream van and water tent.

The 2018 event is generously supported by a wealth of sponsors including Co-Sponsors Emery Johnsons Astills and The Loughburians, as well as Associate Sponsors Compucover and Porsche Centre Leicester. Group Sponsors are The Dixie Grammar School and The Little Retreat. Event Partners include EI Group, Pipers Crisps, Oddballs, EFS Europe, Jigsaw Events, Function Jigsaw, Buster Marquees, Challenge Trophies and Nottingham Rugby.

Robbie’s Rugby Festival 2018 will take place on Saturday 28th July 2018 at Loughborough Grammar School Playing fields at Quorn from 10.00am. Donations welcomed on the gate on the day. Team entry is now open, and a variety of sponsorship packages are still available. For more details and to book tickets visit: www.robbiesrugbyfestival.com

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Bells for St. George in Ypres O

ver the last four years, we at LES have been reflecting on the events of World War I, as the centenary commemorations have brought the events back to our minds.

We have remembered those who were part of our family either as staff or former pupils who gave their lives in this ‘war to end all wars’.

Some will have seen the despatch of new bells for the Memorial Church at Ypres, from Taylors Bell Foundry in Loughborough. Mary Barrass (53-66) who works at the Foundry, gave us some details on these particular bells.

The town Ypres in Belgium is central to public perception of the horrors of World War I. When the Memorial Church was built (1927-1929) after World War I, it was intended to include a peal of bells fitted for English style change ringing. The money subscribed was insufficient and as part of the 100 year commemoration of the end of World War I, on the 11th hour of the 11th month, in 1918, plans were made to belatedly install a peal of 8 bells as originally intended.

An appeal was launched to raise the £195,000 needed to fund this project and donations were invited to be made from families who had

connections with individual soldiers, regiments or schools that were pertinent to the intended commemoration. The bells would have suitable inscriptions on them commemorating the soldier, regiment or school in recognition of the donation. The appeal amount was readily achieved.

The John Taylor Bellfoundry in Loughborough, who were responsible for the Loughborough Carillon bells in Queen’s Park Memorial Tower (opened in 1923), were chosen to manufacture the bells and fittings and felt very privileged and honoured to carry out this work. The bells were cast in the traditional way and comprise a peal of 8 bells. On each occasion the donors of the bells were invited to come to view the event, which in itself is a very emotional experience, witnessing the creation of something that should, with care, last 1,000 years.

The bells and fittings were on public display at an open day at the Bellfoundry on Saturday 29th July 2017, when over 500 people from all over the country visited. On Tuesday 22nd August 2017 the bells were loaded up on to World War I vehicles and made their way through the town to Queen’s Park in Loughborough, where they gathered in front of the Carillon. Following a civic send-off, the bells went on a journey which took in the Great Dorset Steam Fair near Blandford, before being taken to the Tyne Cot Cemetery – the largest burial ground managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, with almost 12,000 burials.

They left Tyne Cot, near Passchendaele, on the back of two vintage lorries, a Thornycroft and a Dennis, which were both built in 1915 and saw service in the Great War. Before arriving at the St George’s Memorial Church, they were taken to the Menin Gate – a memorial arch built in the centre of Ypres. The War Dead are commemorated here every night with the sounding of the Last Post and a minute’s silence.

The bells were in place and operational for the 100th anniversary, particularly relevant to Ypres – the end of the Battle of Passchendaele, on 10th November 2017.

They sound glorious and it is humbling to know that the bells which were created in Loughborough with such pride, honour and loving care will resound over the fields of Flanders, remembering the sacrifice of the Fallen for many centuries to come.

In 1922 LGS mounted a campaign to raise funds for a bell to be dedicated to the LGS fallen and added to the Carillon War Museum tower. The appeal was completed in 1923 following a ‘whip round’ of Old Boys at the 1923 Loughborough Dinner, which raised the final £12. Two bells were finally commissioned and fashioned by the John Taylor Bellfoundry, one from LHS and one from LGS, following an appeal to ‘past and present pupils and mistresses of the Girls’ High School’. The photograph above is reproduced with their kind permission.

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Tableaux Memories

Sensibility and the Incensed King CHRISTINE STEVENS (NÉE FREEMAN, LHS 1964 -1971)

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hare your Tableaux Memories! Well, it simply rang Loughborough bells, summoned up the senses and sharpened the word pencil!

48 years ago, in 1970, I was fortunate enough to play the “incensed king”. Most girls longed to be Raphael’s Madonna della sedia or the hailing, annunciating angel, but being consumed by the heady aroma of incense with a licence to make others cough was more up my street.

Dressing in the history (cloister) room was fussy and fraught with nervous exhaustion. Hair swept back, gum arabic sticking grey beard, pan stick, kohl, and flowing robe – all these transformed a mere hockey player into something vaguely Gandalfian. Once the thurible was lit however, one glided outdoors, swinging into the damp, clinging December air.

Heavenly choruses ringing through Bell Door accompanied the king on a heady, short but starlit, mystical journey (in reality past summer’s deserted grass courts and back into the warmth of the corridor by the Art Room.) There one stood majestic, ready for the triple procession into the hall and up to the stage.

This king hoped that his robes would not catch on the stage steps and that no-one would sing about the one on a scooter papping his hooter – or at least not loudly. Having successfully negotiated these hurdles, one stood for an eternity, steaming richly in oriental song before disappearing blinded, out of the spotlight and into obscurity.

Later, we three kings returned for The Adoration of the Magi. Ever the athletic show off, I adopted an artistically requisite knees bent, body twisted, arms outstretched adoration of Jesus stance. This was fine at first, but it became increasingly painful in a universal, no wobbling challenge.

Muscles quivered as the blanketing curtain closed and grateful sighs gave way to a theatrical flatness.

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The Carol Service was always the highlight of weeks of singing practice led by the irrepressible Hotch, whose romantic and rumbustious piano playing and baton waving was itself an expression of her love and commitment to the event – a love and commitment which we breathed in and adopted individually and as a team. We learnt from the experience and although unaware at the time, it modified our sensibilities. I shall forever link the theatre of the Carol Service to my experience of the old “isolation” art room with its clanky fire escape steps. It was far more than a second rate building. I recall that Miss Roberts taught us “Art for artists” there in the sixth form. There we abandoned our weekly brown daubs on grey paper and perennial horse heads in favour of real art – its history and the masters. Those few weeks in that draughty garret opened my eyes to the wondrous Renaissance. I saw art in a new light and it was fascinating. In later years it led me to see beauty in all things – from nature’s watercolour kaleidoscope across a Snowdonia estuary to the development of perspective and brushwork in treasure houses such as the Uffizi.

School is not just about grades, it is about planting seeds in unlikely places of the mind so that they flourish when the season is right and bring colour and meaning to one’s life.

I am grateful to the staff of Loughborough High School for many things including skills, knowledge and self-confidence – all the things people usually say and use in one’s career.

However, the thrill for me in later life has been that early development of sensibility, not only from multitudinous mainstream opportunities, but from activities then perceived as peripheral to the 3 Rs. My High School experience proved the old adage ‘there’s more to life’ and it’s a great joy to pass that on.

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Weitzel Stained Glass Window JOHN WEITZEL, ARCHIVIST

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wanted to give the school a gift as a way of thanking the whole community for the marvellous 38 years it had given me. With the old cherry trees removed, the large central staircase window in the Queen’s Building was revealed for the first time and this lent itself to a stained glass window – something that the School did not have.

Working with local designer, Claire Williamson, I had two requirements.

Firstly, as you walked up the stairs inside the building, that you could still look out into the quad. Secondly, I wanted a window that would get the boys talking. I feel her imaginative design meets that brief perfectly.

From the outside, the triangle of the quincentenary logo is the main feature – in the centre of the window that changes from red and clear glass at the bottom, through blue to yellow at the top. At night, lit from behind, it looks quite stunning.

However, to me, the triumph of the window comes on the inside where Claire suggested that small images depicting various aspects of the School and my time at it, be added.

Thus, there are two beautiful pieces of mathematics along with a rugby player and cricketer; images reflecting the School’s history and its Old Boys; images concerning the quincentenary and the Queen’s visit and the School Hymn – all of which have been hand drawn by Claire. My hope is that these will provoke discussion, along with why is there a single piece of green glass?

I have been delighted with the response to the window, especially by the boys, and my hope is that other windows may follow in the future to further enhance the magnificent quadrangle.

A Passing Generation T

his year we lost some of our most revered and beloved former High School teachers. Many of you contacted the Development Office with memories and thoughts at the passing of Betty Mackley, Bron Roberts and Margaret Leigh.

As Christine Stevens (née Freeman, 64 -71) wrote: ‘It somehow seems that an epoch is ending and it is poignant that this year we see the 100th anniversary of the ending of the First World War. These teachers we knew were very much post-war children, in an age where there was so much change – for women in particular. They were pioneers in education, when teaching was not weighed down with the red tape we witness today. I think we benefitted from their approaches which were individual and driven’. We were most privileged to be taught by such inspirational women.

Betty Mackley LHS Staff 1948-1983 Mrs Mackley (née Beacham) passed away aged 94 years, in 2017. She was a muchloved pioneering Head of Science and teacher at Loughborough High School for 35 years, retiring in 1983.

Betty Beacham was appointed to the LHS Staff as a Senior Physics Mistress in 1948, aged 25, having briefly taught at Truro High School. She gained her Education Diploma after completing a BSc at the University of Bristol, which took an extra two years to complete, due to the interruption of national service during the second World War, where she worked in the electrical laboratory of a radio firm.

The year after she retired, the 1984 school magazine published a wonderful tribute to her describing her contribution and commitment to LHS – it seems very fitting to publish it here also: “It is difficult to know where to begin when thinking of a suitable tribute to mark Mrs Mackley retirement. Thirty five years ago she joined the staff – Mrs Mackley told us this by accident, but it was, indeed, a happy accident for Loughborough High School. She was appointed head of what was a very small science department, but under her care, diligence and farsightedness the department grew and grew. Mrs Mackley oversaw and helped to plan and design the first science building and then, recently, masterminded our excellent, additional laboratories, which were sorely needed, as the number of girls studying science at ‘O’ and ‘A’ level has increased so spectacularly.

Mrs Mackley led the Physics teaching in school and always did her utmost for each and every pupil. Generations of girls owe an enormous debt to her and generations of staff in her department have also valued very highly her tactful and friendly leadership. Nothing was ever too much trouble for Mrs Mackley, who did all in her power to ensure the happiness of the science department.

Apart from her teaching she undertook much in school. She was a most caring, kind and sympathetic form mistress and for many years was a very efficient and involved House Mistress of Storer. For decades Mrs Mackley organised the Red Cross Society – how pleasing it was that recently the Red Cross acknowledged publicly her service to the Society. A feature of the upper III’s annual outing to London was Mrs. Mackley’s organisational ability but even this was not proof against the whims of British Rail. One year she was seen leading her band of upper III girls off a train at Leicester, not prepared to accept that eighty girls should travel to London cramped into thirty reserved seats!

Mrs Mackley was a splendid colleague – utterly reliable and dependable and one prepared to fight unobtrusively to uphold standards. Mrs Mackley is remembered with affection by an enormous number of old girls so we are delighted and grateful that she has agreed to compile and edit the Old Girls’ Newsletters – it is a mammoth task and could not be in safer or more interested hands.

Mrs Mackley has given her all to the school and we wish her, most sincerely, a very long and happy retirement.”

Following her retirement, Betty continued to produce the Old Girls’ Newsletter for many years, gathering information from all over the world, and astounding those she would bump into in Loughborough by her perfect recall of their name and often their approximate year.

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Betty Mackley

Bronwen Roberts

Miss Margaret Leigh

SECTION ARTICLES NAME Bronwen Roberts LHS Staff 1944-1977

Following her retirement from the position of Head of Art, Miss Roberts, Miss Hadley and Miss Chipperfield set up home together in North Wales, where Bron lived until her passing this year, aged 99 years. Mary Chipperfield continues to live in the house they shared today. At their joint retirement, the school wrote a wonderful tribute to their years of service, saying that they belonged to a ‘distinguished band of senior staff, long-enduring and faithful servants, in whom this school has been particularly blessed’.

Bron will be remembered by many as their Upper Sixth Form mistress, and the same tribute speaks of Bron’s ‘generosity and kindness of spirit, tolerance, compassion, understanding, a readiness to see different points of view, to be positive and always helpful’. Her slightly bohemian air, underlined by that cigarette holder, will be a lasting impression. She had a wicked sense of humour, as can be seen in the cartoons she shared with us, reproduced here in this magazine (p.33). She was a champion of the carol service and Tableaux, and many will recall her in a painter’s overall getting the girls ready to go on for their five minutes of fame.

Christine Stevens (née Freeman, 64 -71) has visited Bron and Mary in recent years, and attended her funeral to represent former pupils.

Christine writes: ‘There was a very good crowd there – possibly around 50. Bron was a twin and her niece had helped to arrange the day. The service was an hour long and was in line with Quaker services – that is to say the time was spent in contemplation and private prayer and whenever someone wished to say something they did so. I really wondered whether this would work but it was perfect.

Several people, including me, said their little bit. The contributions were varied and very much from the heart in all cases. They revealed all aspects of Bron’s personality – from the ridiculous to the sublime.

So, on the one hand someone said how she used to love trips out ending in ice-cream cones with a flake and messy chocolate sauce!

Several spoke of Bron’s clear artistic talents. Several said how very loving she was, a peacemaker, a listening ear and a person you could rely on to help in a crisis. There were touching poems and prayers that Bron loved from fellow Quakers. Christine Nelson, who took over from Bron when she retired, was there and passed on all the good wishes from the school and former Head Miss Harvatt. I spoke about how Bron had switched on a light for me with art and eluded to those wickedly good cartoons she drew of her colleagues.

Bron’s coffin was a woven natural one and her niece placed wild flowers and branches with lichen upon it. It was just right.

The drive back from the funeral was glorious. The low winter sun bathed the coastal hills in sandy hues which blended so well with the greens and browns of the grass and bracken all around. It all felt very peaceful. Bron’s favourite prayer ended with the words “all is well”.

It was.’

Mary read a poem at Bron’s funeral, and we share it with you here I meant to do my work today But a brown bird sang in the apple tree And a butterfly flitted across the field And all the leaves were calling me.

And the wind went sighing over the land, Tossing the branches to and fro, And a rainbow held out its shining hand – So what could I do but laugh and go?

Richard le Gallienne

Margaret Leigh LHS Staff 1952-1981 Miss Leigh, as most girls remember her by, gained her teaching qualification at Bedford College in London and took her first teaching post in Portsmouth. It did not take long for her parents and sister to suggest that she look for a job closer to home in Yorkshire and on the morning of 6th February 1952, she left for interview in Loughborough (an interview that must have proved rather difficult for Headmistress Miss Andrews, as at 10.45am the announcement was made that the King had died). She got the job and so started a 65 year association with the High School. Initially a Maths teacher, she became Deputy Headmistress in 1964 and after her retirement in 1981 continued to serve on the Old Girls’ Committee.

In her address at Margaret’s funeral, Julien Harvatt spoke about her time in the school as follows: ‘Throughout the years we worked together, I was aware of her frequent weekend visits to the family but this never interfered with her devotion to her duties – nothing was ever delivered late, nothing was ever overlooked, nothing was ever forgotten.

Margaret’s pupils loved and revered her – she was so kind, gentle and understanding, if and when they found her subject hard. She had that rare gift of being an exceptional teacher, especially to those less gifted mathematically. I can vouch for this personally – she was so kind to me as I always had difficulties with percentages. Margaret sensed my lack of mathematical ability and, in my first year, she offered to mastermind the timetable – she perhaps never knew how grateful I was. The pupils respected her and so did all the staff. They would seek her out for advice, for comfort in times of sadness, knowing that she would always be a very special listening post.

Margaret was a wonderful colleague and, post retirement, a very dear friend – a rock. Her encyclopaedic knowledge of Loughborough, of pupils past and present, remained of enormous benefit to me. Her devotion to the school prevailed throughout her retirement and I cannot recall an old girls’ meeting when she was not present, surrounded by old girls all wanting to chat to her. It was so lovely that they helped her mark her 90th birthday with a party – what a tribute.

Margaret was a self-effacing person of great integrity, possessed of high moral values and ever diligent. Charlie Chaplin said “Talent is nothing, so forget it. Hard work is what counts.” To me this sums up Margaret – a prodigious worker, a committed teacher, one of the kindest people I have ever known. There are two tests of a life welllived: did one do as one intended? Were people glad one had lived? I believe the answer to both à propos Margaret is an emphatic “yes.”’

Margaret Leigh died on Christmas Day 2017 aged 92.

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Trees in the Walks JOHN WEITZEL, ARCHIVIST

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he awful vandalism to the cherry trees in the quad on the night of 25th August 2017 led to unprecedented media coverage and sympathy from the public. The Grammar School received offers of support from all over the world, which showed just how important the trees were to the school community. The original cherry trees in the quad were planted in the mid 1960s and with a life expectancy of around 40 years, were beginning to die off when the decision was taken to replace them.

New trees, put in the grass and not on the walkways, were planted alongside the old trees in 2008. For the next seven years the two sets of trees grew side by side as the new trees matured and the original ones were eventually removed in the summer of 2015. It had always been the intention that the new trees would provide a memorial for alumni killed serving their country and they were dedicated in April 2016 on the centenary of the death of Roger Bingham Turner, the Headmaster’s son, to whom the clock and chimes are a memorial. The cherry trees, with their wonderful blossom each spring, will be remembered by OLs, especially those in the CCF when they provide a wonderful ‘backdrop’ for the annual inspection. Trees have always been an important part of the school’s history.

Right from the outset it was the intention of John Morris (the school’s architect) that the new school buildings would be complemented by a magnificent array of trees. We know

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that on 27th November 1850, the trustees met to hear his interim report on the progress of the new building and on the laying out of the Public Walks, for which he had allocated £700. He proposed that the avenues, stretching from Victoria Street in a horseshoe round the 1st XI field as far as the front of the school, should be planted with elm, chestnut and bush. The ‘New Walks’ from Leicester Road across the north end of the school, were to be limes. (He further suggested that a holly hedge should be planted towards Leicester Road… and it is still there between the car park and School House!). There was no doubt when the school opened that the trees along the Burton Walks were one of the most pleasing features in the town and greatly enhanced the setting of the school. There are as many postcards of them as there are of the school buildings!

However, even back then vandalism was a problem for the new trees and in 1877 the Governors asked for a policeman to be sent to the Walks on Sunday afternoons and evenings and offered a 20/- reward for the names of the culprits. (Interestingly, at the same time the riding of bicycles in the Walks was prohibited …until 1888!).

As they grew, the vandalism ended and the elms provided a wonderful canopy for the Walks. However, just over 100 years after they were planted they faced the more severe threat of Dutch Elm Disease and the elms alongside the High School

ARTICLES had to be replaced in 1956. In 1958, vandalism returned when ‘14 of the 20 lime saplings along with their metal protective cages, and supporting stakes were pushed over at right angles to the ground.’Night wreckers left a trail of damage’; ‘Disgusting Wanton Damage’ is how the local press reported it at the time.

The elms at the Grammar School end survived until 1968 when they had to be removed. Photos from the time show just how bare the Walks seemed without them. These too were replaced with lime trees, which appears were the trees of choice for John Morris, for the link to the ‘New Walks’ on Leicester Road.

When the school decided to convert the allotments between the 1st XI field and Leicester Road into playing fields, the ‘Carriage Way’ disappeared, but the elms remained and cricketers in the 60s and 70s will remember

them enclosing the 1st XI field until they also succumbed to Dutch Elm disease. This opened up the whole playing field, and it was decided not to replace them.

For all the cherries, limes and elms, the trees that strike me the most are the wellingtonia (which are at the entrance to the school now and surrounded by the car park) and the beech tree outside ‘Buckland’. For my Aunt, Margaret Leigh, there is no doubt that the sycamore in the High School Quad was her favourite.

On her retirement in 1981 she was given a magnificent painting of it by former member of staff Christine Nelson, which shows it at its very best. Showing the massive Redwood tree, located at Fairfield, at its best was the aim of Headmaster, Andrew Earnshaw, when last Christmas the estates staff spent 14 hours attaching 900 bulbs and 250m of cable to make

it ‘the tallest Christmas tree in the East Midlands’.

Indeed, wherever you look on campus there are trees of a whole variety of shapes, colours and sizes, from the spinney in the south to Southfields Park in the north; the Bursary and Head’s garden in the west to Leicester Road in the East. Billy Stockwell (11-17), when he was ‘Eco Prefect’, compiled the definitive list of species in the grounds: Gingko, Sycamore, London Plane, Black Beech, Common Beech, Poplar, Lime, Holly, Common Cherry, Yew, Scots Pine, Cedar, Norway Spruce, Pedunculate Oak, Turkey Oak, Black Oak, Viburnum, Common Willow, Weeping Willow, Redwood, Alder and Birch.

John Morris would be delighted that, despite all the building, his vision of trees being an integral part of the design of LGS in 1850, is still being upheld across the campus today.

Sam Sweeney Playing the Violin at War Grave

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Image from madeinthegreatwar.com. Credit: Elly Lucas

am Sweeney (99-07), voted Musician of the Year at the BBC Folk Awards 2015, and first Artistic Director of the National Youth Folk Ensemble, has been on tour performing his own critically acclaimed show; Sam Sweeney’s Fiddle: Made in the Great War. This multi-media performance about a soldier and his violin was inspired by an instrument Sam purchased from a shop in Oxford in 2009.

The violin gave the appearance of a new instrument but the label inside read ‘Made in The Great War’ and dated back to 1915.

After some further research Sam discovered the violin pieces were made by Richard Howard, a music hall musician, before he enlisted in the army. Unfortunately, Richard never returned to finish the instrument as he died in the Battle of Messines in 1917.

The instrument was then completed by an Oxford luthier upon discovery and sold to Sam, who has since used it in performances and recordings.

Last June, on the 100th anniversary of Howard’s death, Sam Sweeney played the violin at the soldier’s graveside in Woods Cemetery, Ypres. Around 100 people attended including relatives of Richard Howard.

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PRIZEGIVING

Prize Giving LGS SENIOR PRIZE-GIVING: 20TH SEPTEMBER 2017

LGS JUNIOR PRIZE-GIVING: 3RD JULY 2017

Toby Lewis

Charlie Krarup

LGS 1983-1990

LGS 1998-2005

Whilst at school Toby was a gifted historian and left to read Modern History at Wadham College, Oxford.

There, for the Michaelmas term in 1993, he was elected President of the Oxford Union.

After doing a MSc in Organisational Psychology, he entered the National Health Service in 1994 and worked in a variety of hospitals in London and the North of England, as well as being part of the Downing Street Delivery Unit for 2 years. In April 2013 he was appointed Chief Executive of the Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals, in charge of 7,500 staff and looking after the care of over half a million people in North West Birmingham.

Whilst at school Charlie was a talented sportsman, playing for 1st teams in rugby, football and cricket, as well as being Deputy Head Boy. After a degree in Geography and Sports Science, he continued to pursue his sporting interests by participating in ‘Sporting Challenges’ and soon realised that there was no website that co-ordinated such events and so, in 2015 he launched My Challenge HQ, now Challenge Finder, which is the recognised search engine for mass participation sports events. This was featured in The Sunday Times recently when he was chosen by Glenn Earlam (CEO of David Lloyd Clubs) to be mentored, after Charlie had ‘pitched’ to him whilst running round Hyde Park!

Charlie’s love of challenges led to him being chosen to participate in Channel 4’s ‘SAS Who Dares Wins’, where 25 recruits were put through their paces in the Amazonian rainforest and he progressed through to the final, only to lose out in the interrogation phase.

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PRIZEGIVING

LHS SENIOR PRIZE-GIVING: 14TH SEPTEMBER 2017

Rachel Parris LHS 1995-2002 Rachel (left) revealed she was never the class clown at school and after studying Music at Oxford University she didn’t have any aspirations to become a comedian, but her career led her down that path and she discovered that she absolutely loved it!

She has since performed with The Comedy Store Players and appeared on The IT Crowd, as well as presenting Thronecast on Sky Atlantic, hosting the popular Throneroom podcast and regularly starring on the BBC’s topical comedy show The Mash Report. Rachel was named The Independent’s One To Watch 2014, and was nominated for a Chortle Award. She is also currently on a UK tour with the award-winning improv group Austentatious, which is an entirely improvised comedy play in the style of Jane Austen.

Her songs have been played on BBC Radio 4 and BBC 6 Music, and she returned from last year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe with her successful solo show ‘Keynote’. Ironically the inspiration for her show was derived from being asked to return to her old school to speak at Prize Giving!

LHS JUNIOR PRIZE-GIVING: 6TH JULY 2017

Rosie Browne (née Martin) LHS 1991 - 1998 Rosie took over as Head of Old Dalby C of E Primary School in 2017 after being Acting Head there since 2015. Upon leaving school, teaching was a prominent part of Rosie’s life; spending 6 months teaching, and travelling, in and around Zimbabwe in the year after leaving LHS. She then went on to study Biology at the University of Hull, and upon completion of her degree, Rosie took a job as an unqualified teacher at King Edward VII Upper School in Melton Mowbray. She qualified as a primary school teacher in 2007 and a year later joined Old Dalby C of E Primary School.

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CAREERS

Online Alumni Career Profiles

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e are extremely grateful for the various ways in which our alumni offer support to the schools, both through financial donations for bursaries and fundraising campaigns and also time spent to provide careers advice and guidance.

We recognise that you, our alumni, make huge contributions and are often leaders in your respective fields, both in the UK and internationally. You have achieved success in many ways and your interesting stories enthuse and assist our current pupils and other alumni, with decision making, networking and career progression. During this academic year, current pupils and recent graduates have received valuable careers advice from current staff and alumni via email, telephone and during assembly talks.

This assistance has also resulted in the offer of work placements for pupils from LGS and LHS. To enhance our resources and provision in this area, we have recently created an Alumni Career Profiles section on the Loughburians website. This provides an opportunity for us to showcase the experiences and pathways of our alumni within education, training and the world of work.

We are keen to expand this area in order to offer information on a broad range of industry sectors. If you are happy to provide a profile and to offer support for talks, mentoring and/or general careers advice, please contact us via info@loughburians. com. Current profiles can be viewed at www.loughburians.com/alumni-profiles 28

Hannah Doyle (95-02) Celebrity Journalist and Author

Jordan Thelen (03-10) Manager in Healthcare Advisory

William Bourne (04-11)

Tom Owen (00-07)

Leverage Finance Analyst

Barrister

Shivam Thakkar (02-09)

Laura Bessell (88-95)

Corporate Development & Transaction Services Finance Specialist

Accountant

CAREERS

Emily Wright LHS 2005 - 2012

F

rom the lovely little Endowed Schools bubble I was so familiar with, to the big city.

After graduating from the University of Reading, I returned to the mothership to join the Loughburians as a Development Officer. I had so much fun working with friendly faces and seeing old school friends reunite in the Quad, but when the opportunity to work at the Royal Opera House (ROH) came about, I just couldn’t turn it down. I started as Business Affairs Assistant in November 2016 and have now progressed to Contracts Administrator.

This is within the Legal and Business Affairs team, working on drafting and negotiating contractual agreements that facilitate the Royal Opera House’s work.

I moved down to London on a Saturday and started my new job on Monday – tackling the tube and fighting through crowds was certainly a very different start to my day! I was so lucky that my cousin and fellow Loughburian, Lottie Porte (OLCS Class of 2008) had a spare room ready and waiting, which made the whole process a lot less daunting.

The wonderful environment of the Royal Opera House is quite amazing and I often pinch myself that I am working at one of the world’s best opera houses.

Wandering through corridors you’ll see tutus waiting for their dancers, sets being built in the side stage for up and coming operas, and occasionally I cross paths with a famous opera singer or principal dancer (sharing a lift with Darcy Bussell is a personal highlight of mine). We are also able to catch what’s happening on stage all day via a live stream to each office; it is especially relaxing to listen to the Orchestra rehearsing Swan Lake or Carmen whilst working on my contracts and it wouldn’t be Christmas without hearing part of The Nutcracker every day.

I knew very little about the world of opera and ballet before starting at the ROH, but it is actually quite astounding.

Did you know that opera singers don’t use microphones and can be heard in a theatre of over 1000 audience members over the orchestra? I would highly recommend a visit, especially with huge refurbishments soon to be complete – tickets can be as little as £6 and you can organise to have backstage tours too!

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Hannah Doyle LHS 1995 - 2002

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aving my first book published was a real pinch-me moment and one that I’d been dreaming of since my years at Loughborough High School. I’ve always loved reading and writing; which meant that Miss Wassell’s English lessons were the ones I looked forward to most. I went on to study English Literature at Durham University before coming back home to the Midlands and taking a Postgraduate Diploma in News Journalism at De Montfort University.

I moved down to beautiful Bristol for my first job in journalism at a press agency, writing real life features for national newspapers and magazines.

A year later I relocated to London, freelancing at first and then bagging a job on the celebrity desk at Reveal magazine. I stayed there for five years, latterly as their Deputy Celebrity Editor, which was the most incredible fun. I interviewed celebrities, set up photoshoots and did some

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ridiculous things like flying to Berlin on a private jet with a pop star, attending the BAFTAs and meeting Angelina Jolie. But it wasn’t all wall-to-wall glamour, I promise! No one should have to spend as much time as I have with Jedward, book an emergency all-over body wax for a super vain TOWIE star or watch Katie Price parade around in next to nothing on one of her many photocalls.

When my husband and I got married, we moved up to Sheffield for his job and I went back to freelancing. I also decided that it was time to try my hand at long-form writing and started working on my first novel. It took a lot of hard work and a huge leap of faith, so I was really grateful to find an agent and a publisher at the end of it. My debut, The Year of Saying Yes, was published as an ebook last year and I’m really

excited to say that my second novel will (hopefully!) be coming out in Spring 2019. I just need to find the time to write it… I’m also a mother and my twin sons are keeping me busier than ever!

Catch Hannah on instagram, twitter and facebook @byHannahDoyle

CAREERS

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Careers Talk

e were delighted to welcome three Loughburians back to the Grammar School on Friday 7 July 2017. Tom Owen (00-07), Matt Shelley (02-09) and William Bourne (04-11) returned to talk to Year 12 pupils about their experiences at school, at university and now in the world of work. The information about different study opportunities and career pathways was particularly useful as the pupils were beginning to think about next steps, with many planning to attend university open days. The advice and guidance provided by all three during the Q&A session was also extremely valuable. Our thanks to Tom, Matt and William, and to all alumni who give up their time to assist the schools with careers support.

LHS CAREERS CONVENTION 2018

L

oughborough High School held their biennial careers convention on 8th March 2018, open to girls from year 9 upwards.

Many of the speakers were alumni of either LHS or LGS. The event began with a ‘’Working in Public Life” Q&A session with Nicky Morgan (MP), Reverend Wendy Dalrymple (Rector at All Saints with Holy Trinity), Reverend Canon Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani (Bishop of Loughborough) and Gwen Byrom, and was an inspiring event which tied in with International Women’s day as well. The evening also included presentations and one-to-one ‘speed-dating’ sessions.

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

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FROM THE ARCHIVES

Some Extinct Mammals JANE HARKER

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ronwen Roberts, Head of Art at LHS 1944-1977, sent these wonderful cartoons of her colleagues to me a few years before she passed away. She was quite sanguine about them and invited me to do with them whatever I wished.

They are a lovely reminder of Bron’s sense of humour! She told me that she must have done them sometime between 1951 and 1955, but some of these staff members were around still in the 1960s and 1970s.

I hope you enjoy them.

Nesse Mathematica (Miss Nessy Jackson)

Head of Mathematics. Rather plump but enjoyed country dancing and long walks. A good mathematician but had no knowledge or interest in any other subject.

Encyclopoedia Exigua (Miss Kenworthy)

Head of Classics. An upright fairly tall figure. A brain that recorded every bit of information very accurately. An ardent vegetarian.

Licentia Fabulosa (Miss Sisling)

In charge of Drama. If anything went wrong, would immediately concoct the most elaborate explanation of why it could not possibly be her fault. Never listened to any other possible explanation.

Renwica Ex Academica (Miss Renwick)

Head of Modern Languages. Clever, contented and very self contained. Did not find it easy to communicate with friends, but would politely and correctly do so.

Maria Inaurita (Miss Mary Clarke)

Junior member of the English Department. Enjoyed wearing colourful up-to-date garments. Both opinionated and vocal but had no interest or time for listening to any other opinion other than her own.

Pizzicato Agitatissime (Miss Griffiths)

Head of Music. A good musician but a very forceful and difficult personality. Insisted on having every bit of her own way, however farfetched it was.

Nanca Mediaevalis (Miss Nance Thomas) Head of History. A very kind pleasant personality.

Home on the Isles of Scilly. Was very conservative in ways and politics. Became a member of the Catholic Church.

Fond of good food.

Vertebrata Athletica (Miss Peggy Potts)

Head of Games and Gymnastics. Very agile. Life devoted particularly to hockey. Played for the county and later coached the English hockey team.

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Through the years

1993 F

ortunately, in the School’s history fires have been rare events. Thus, the fire that gutted most of the sick bay wing of School House in August, leaving the roof charred and gaping to the sky, came as a real shock. The cause of the fire was never really determined but damp laundry selfcombusting seemed the most likely reason. ‘We had just two weeks from then to get the house ready to open, with no sick bay and no laundry, but with a lot of effort and good natured chaos as tradesmen climbed all over each other, a temporary sick bay was devised and installed upstairs, blackened rooms and corridors renovated and redecorated, and all was almost ready when the boys returned.’

Other events are far more regular, none more so over the past 25 years than the 1st Year (now Year 7) adventure holiday that occurred for the first time in 1993. It took just 2 days to discover ‘that happiness of a 12 year old boy is directly proportional to how much dirt, sand or water he is covered in.’

Mr Parton knows that this has not changed in the intervening years! To those boys, Whitby seemed exciting but for the senior boys it was all about heading for the ‘Top of the World’, as Mr Crookes led a 3 week expedition to Nepal trekking in the Himalayas. As one might expect, illness and temperatures of -15 affected the group but, nevertheless, most reached Kala Pattar (5450m) and Everest Base Camp where they joined 18 expeditions waiting to conquer the Mountain, just as Edmund Hillary had done 40 years earlier. Purely by chance the group met Sir Edmund and other members of the ‘53 expeditions at Lukla airstrip, where they were having a reunion, and presented him with £4000 of medical and educational supplies. £4000 was also the amount that the PA Summer Fete raised, where Maggot Racing seemed to be the main attraction and the year also saw Red Nose Day celebrated with a variety

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of events including 1st Years being sponsored for eating disgusting foods; a ‘Grammar Slammar’ wrestling competition and the dreaded Gunge Tank. More civilised was the 2nd Year Evening where the family picnic in the Quad on a warm summer’s evening, listening to the Big Band, was idyllic. The Upper 6th Musical saw Grease making another return to the Hodson Hall stage, providing stark contrast to Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime and The Government Inspector earlier in the year.

The School moved on to the new Quorn playing fields in the Autumn of 1992, but for most boys present at the time it was the Spring Term of 1993 that they remember most as rain and more rain led to waterlogged pitches and, with the new drainage system not yet installed, thousands of stones coming to the surface. Rugby matches were cancelled for two months but, with nowhere else to go, games sessions still took place (minus tackling), and with the last 10 minutes of each afternoon spent with boys using buckets to collect stones from the fields! Fortunately, the athletes were blessed with a warm summer and the new 400m track at Quorn was properly ‘christened’ with its first glorious Sports Day in the sun. Whilst all this was going on the swimmers were not encountering any problems at all; they won all 10 interschool fixtures and secured several trophies in the Midlands Relay Championships!

In the Summer the school said farewell to OL Stephen Smith (59-66), who had returned from Oxford to teach history for the past 23 years. It was fitting that in his final year he achieved a record eight boys into Oxford to study History (which will never be broken!), before continuing on a career that would end with him becoming Head at Bedford Modern school.

Plans for the Quincentenary had virtually been completed and as the year ended there were just two terms for ‘fine tuning’ before the year of celebration began.

FROM THE ARCHIVES

1968 F

or senior boys the most significant event of 1968 was the decision to end the compulsory wearing of caps for all forms above the 3rds & 4ths (years 7 & 8 today!). ‘This much-discussed reform has had the effect of drastically cutting down on the detention numbers’. Whilst delighted by this, the whole school was saddened as the ravages of Dutch Elm disease took its toll on the trees in Burton Walks. ‘The gardens, playing fields and, above all, the trees provide a background with a beauty and dignity which even the intrusion of unsightly huts cannot entirely destroy.’

Drama continued to flourish. The Opera Group, under John Moore, was now firmly established and presented its 4th Gilbert and Sullivan opera, The Mikado. For the first time staff were not involved in playing the leading male roles with Messrs Bell (Nanki-Poo); Jackson (Pooh-Bah) and Ellis (Ko-Ko) playing the leads. The Dramatic Society presented The Prodigious Snob and 4H also staged an enterprising and rather unusual piece when they gave a performance of Sophocles’s Philoctetes. However, the School Revue remained the most popular entertainment of the year. ‘There are many who would wish the games staff to notice the suggestion that the 1st XV practise in the Music Room and yet many more who would enjoy the chance of enrolling in the ‘Pornographic Society’ which erudite group apparently holds its meetings jointly with the High School in its darkroom!’

For the first time the School Art Department held a public exhibition at the local library. It seems, according to the Leicester Mercury, that little has changed in the world of boys’ art: ‘By means of polystyrene, perspex, metal, chickenwire-mesh and plaster, a boy has created a poem in three dimensions standing eight feet high. The plaster covers the wire mesh which is meant to represent primordial sludge from which emerge letters increasing in size towards the top of the construction. The letters never actually make words, but hints at words are there.’

The School House Scout Troop celebrated its 25th anniversary with a barbeque and camp fire however, continuous rain meant both of these had to be held indoors.

They held their usual camps with their Summer Camp at Symonds Yat. The CCF held camps at RAF Oakington; Germany; Snowdonia; Warcop and for the more junior members of the school, 60 boys were taken by 8 staff on 6 days of hiking and hostelling in the Yorkshire Dales. The Cycling Club continued to expand with an influx of 40 new members with regular visits to youth hostels, leading to the school entering a team for the school-boys National TimeTrial for the first time.

In other sports, the school had its first rugby international with Charlie Pailthorpe playing twice for England U15 XV against Wales. However, it was hockey that was the most successful sport with just one defeat to another school in 27 fixtures, spanning the Easter and Autumn Terms. Both cricket and athletics had to contend with a wet summer with Sports Day reckoned to be the wettest on record!

Pouring rain did not affect the rowing club though, who had a successful year culminating in being able to put three crews in the Loughborough Regatta and winning the School Fours at Newark. However, their greatest achievement was a sponsored row of 40 miles to Newark to raise funds for their own boat – starting at 8.00am and finishing at 5.00pm. It raised £200.

It is remarkable how many of the clubs and societies of 50 years ago still exist today: 20th Century Society; The Davys Society; The Science Society; The Debating Societies; The Chess Club; The Stamp Club; The Senior History Society, for example. There are two, however, that have disappeared.

The Friday Society - where varied lectures were delivered ‘although the seemingly insoluble problem of catering for everybody’s tastes plagued the committee’s efforts at times’ and, more interestingly, The Morris Men! ‘Six new boys joined to make a new team; they quickly grasped the steps and figures of several dances’ and they performed three times outside the School. Such a shame that didn’t continue.

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1918 D

ue to difficulties in publication and the need for economy there was just one issue of The Loughburian in 1918, with the May and December issues combined (which also occurred the following year).

You would have anticipated that the end of the war would have been recorded in some detail but the only mention is: ‘The Armistice was celebrated by an immediate half and whole holiday, and by an addition to the length of the Christmas holidays.’

However, the magazine inevitably makes depressing reading with appropriate obituaries to the latest OLs who had been killed, with the most striking one concerning Frederick Moss who was at the school from 1908 to 1913. It comments that: ‘He was too shy and retiring to take a prominent part in the life of the School, but he was very thoughtful and always showed a strong sense of duty.’ He won an open mathematical exhibition to Jesus College, Cambridge from where he graduated in 1916, only to die in France in June 1918. In one of its final comments on the war, The Loughburian ends: ‘It is one of the recurring tragedies of this long continued war that young men whose nature is averse to fighting, and who are so well qualified by their special gifts to serve their country and their time in quite other directions, have sacrificed themselves on the field of battle. It seems such a waste of good human material, yet who shall dare to say that such a sacrifice is wasted.’

School life continued as best it could. The Chief Guest for Prize Giving was the Revd G W Briggs, OL, the new Rector of Loughborough, ‘who made his first personal appearance in the town since his institution who gave a breezy address prior to presenting the prizes.’ He was not to write the School Hymn until 1923! The Headmaster talked about how ‘he had been trying to get some of the boys put on the land, but not with very great success. They had sent out squads for harvest work but not so many as they would have wished… At the School they had done a great deal with their own hands that previously they relied upon being done for them. They had tried to teach boys to help themselves and each other and he hoped that spirit would not be damped by any suspicious attitude.’

The best example of this was the preparation of the sports pitches. ‘This season the game of tennis has been very popular with us, even if the work of getting ready and marking out the courts has not been.’ In Cricket: ‘Not withstanding the difficulties offered by our inability to get the grass on the 1st XI ground cut in the usual way, matches were arranged.’ However, a bigger problem was created by measles which led to the Ratcliffe matches being scratched (infection at their end!) and only allowing the football team to have 5 games in the spring term (infection here!). They did record a famous victory over Wyggeston School in a game that nearly did not take place. ‘We arrived rather late in the afternoon owing to a cause unmentionable, yet irritating.

Greatly was this irritation added to when the skipper of the Wyggeston team calmly added if we intended to play full time.’ It was lucky they did with LGS coming from behind to win 5-4.

After a long wait the Cadet Corps took delivery of 30 D P Rifles but not quite with the pleasure you might expect. ‘These rifles are of course too heavy for junior cadets, but the bigger boys will be glad to have them when marching out, for to be seen with dummy rifles rather hurts their armour-proper.’

As the war ended the School was larger than ever: ‘Classes are getting crowded, and more classroom accommodation is getting called for.’ The School was well positioned for the post war era.

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ALUMNI NEWS

Old Boys News JOHN WEITZEL, ARCHIVIST

I

t was a pleasant surprise when Professor Richard Aldrich (7380) suddenly appeared on our screens as one of the experts on Channel 4’s ‘Spying on the Royals’.

As Professor of International Security at the University of Warwick, his main research interests lie in the area of intelligence and security communities.

His most recent book, ‘The Black Door: Spies, Secret Intelligence and British Prime Ministers’, explores the interaction between intelligence and the UK core executive. Slightly later at school, but also a historian, was Professor Andrew Thompson (7986) whose area of research has been the modern empire at the University of Exeter; where he is currently the Director of the Centre for Global & Imperial History. Last year, he was appointed Chief Executive of the Arts and Humanities Research Council and is leading the organisation’s work to fund researchers in a wide range of subjects including ancient history, modern dance, archaeology, digital content, philosophy, English literature, design and the creative and performing arts. At the other end of the country, Professor Richard Davies (81-86), Pro Vice-Chancellor at Newcastle University, was highly commended in the 2017 John Maddox Prize for Standing up for Science.

The international prize is awarded for courage in promoting science and evidence on a matter of public interest, despite facing difficulty and hostility in doing so. It was awarded to Richard in recognition of the work he has done to establish the potential environmental impacts of fracking.

The judging panel also recognised his work to expose the cause of the eruption of the Lusi mud volcano in Indonensia, which led to 60,000 people losing their homes. Closer to home, Professor Rob Sayers (71-78) was appointed to the new George Davies Chair of Vascular Surgery, following the £5m gift from the fashion retail legend to set up the new clinic at Glenfield Hospital. Reappearing on our TV screens was Professor John

Dickie (74-81), Professor of Italian Studies at University College, whose documentary ‘The Mafia’s Secret Bunkers’, first shown in 2013, was reshown on BBC4.

Channel 4 also provided us with growing excitement as Niall Maxwell (83-90) progressed week by week to finally win the Royal Institute of British Architects ‘House of the Year’ for his stunning design of ‘Caring Wood’; reimagining the English country house inspired by the traditional oast houses and hop kilns of Kent. He had been working on the project nearly as long as the six years Bob Evans (74-79) has been Chief Engineer on the Hong Kong Section of the Hong KongZhuhai-Macau Bridge, spanning the Pearl River Delta. At 55km it is one of the world’s longest bridges and is the culmination of 23 years of work for Bob on major infrastructure projects in Hong Kong.

If anything should go wrong with the bridge he can rely on Tom Owen (00-07) to defend him. Tom is recognised as one of the leading juniors at the construction and energy Bar and widely-acclaimed in the legal directories, recognised as “one of the most promising juniors at the Bar.’’ Legal Week’s ‘Stars at the Bar’ says: “he has everything you would want of Counsel”. With much more experience, Nikolas Clarke (89-95) has a general civil practice including personal injury, employment, inquests, police law and judicial review. James Severn (94-99) specialises in football.

He regularly advises players, clubs and intermediaries in relation to transfers, image rights and contract negotiations. He also advises in respect of disciplinary issues at Club and FA level and has significant experience of bringing claims at FIFA, as well as dealing with claims and appeals in the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Their areas of expertise mean they are unlikely to appear before Judge David Allen (61-68) who has been sitting on the Special Immigration Appeals Commission and more recently as a Deputy High Court Judge.

REAPPEARING ON OUR TV SCREENS WAS PROFESSOR JOHN DICKIE (74-81), PROFESSOR OF ITALIAN STUDIES AT UNIVERSITY COLLEGE, WHOSE DOCUMENTARY ‘THE MAFIA’S SECRET BUNKERS’, FIRST SHOWN IN 2013, WAS RESHOWN ON BBC4.

Dave Mackay (02-09) has moved from New York to Los Angeles and is writing and performing more music than ever before. Earlier this year he again accompanied Art Garfunkel and in recent years has performed at Glastonbury and the London Palladium, as well as in Austria, Tokyo and the USA. Conal Fowkes (78-85) is best known as the voice and piano playing of Cole Porter in Woody Allen’s Oscar winning film ‘Midnight in Paris’, whose sound track won a Grammy award. He has remained in New York and is still with the Woody Allen New Orleans Jazz Band, with whom he regularly performs. Over 37

OVER IN AUSTRALIA, JACK NUNN (97-04) TEAMED UP WITH FELIX BUXTON (8188) TO LAUNCH HIS FIRST ALBUM ‘BLUE SUN’ ON THE ATLANTIC JAXX RECORD LABEL, HAVING PERFORMED WITH BASEMENT JAXX ON THEIR AUSTRALIAN TOUR LAST YEAR. in Australia, Jack Nunn (97-04) teamed up with Felix Buxton (81-88) to launch his first album ‘Blue Sun’ on the Atlantic Jaxx Record Label, having performed with Basement Jaxx on their Australian tour last year.

The violinist was Gemma South née Bass (LHS 97-04), so it is a real LES album! Also starting out is Jacob Leeson (08-15), who has teamed up with 3 fellow students to form the rock band ‘Hunting Faction’; whilst Sam Sweeney (99-07) did a final tour of ‘Made in the Great War’, starting with a special performance in Ypres.

Chris Hill (09-11 & 14-15) continues to impress on the flute, receiving his second fellowship and being a finalist in the British Education awards representing the Midlands and Music.

In regards to the sporting world, 38

we must be unique as a school in having two referees performing most weekends in the Aviva Rugby Premiership. Andrew Jackson (97-04) regularly seems to have to look up to the huge forwards as he tells them off; whilst Christophe Ridley (06-09) came to national prominence as he took charge of the Varsity match and aged just 24, seems to have a promising future ahead of him. Football referee John Brooks (02-09), after over 100 appearances as an Assistant Referee in the Premiership, is now regularly on the field taking charge of Championship, League One and FA Cup games. Last summer he headed to Australia to officiate in their league games as part of the FA’s exchange programme. Perhaps fulfilling a more integral role off the football field has been Andrew Widdowson (84-89), who continued to play a rather important part in Manchester City’s success as its Finance Director, a position he has held since 2005.

From a playing point of view Harry Gurney (00-05) continued to impress, especially with the white ball at cricket for Nottinghamshire, taking the most wickets recorded on T20 Finals Day. Unfortunately, he was not sold into the IPL as one of the 14 players from this country in the auction. On the amateur front, Loughborough Town’s Captain Anish Patel (00-08) captained the England indoor cricket team in the World finals in Dubai and also on the side was one of our grounds staff, Tom Brotherhood. Remarkably, his sister Niki captained the England Women’s team and Ben Silver (11-14) was part of the England U21 side.

David Condon (04-09) continued to impress on the hockey field for both GB and England, representing them in the Commonwealth Games, which will take him close to 100 appearances for England to add to his 42 caps for GB. John Bryson (67-74), who umpired the 1991 Wimbledon Final, still maintains his keen interest in the sport and is at the forefront of setting up a series of events for people with disabilities called ‘Inside Out Tennis’, starting with a successful event for 40 players at Loughborough Tennis Club last summer. Will Hurrell (03-06) moved to Bristol at the start of the rugby season and then was loaned to Bath, whilst George Martin (12-15)

was selected for England U18 and Will Yarnell (11-18) hit the headlines becoming the first ‘millennial’ to play for Leicester…whilst just 17 and still at school! Matt Everard (02-07), the Nottingham Captain, decided to retire and put all his efforts into coaching by returning to his former club, Wasps, as Academy Coach. However, the most entertaining rugby news came from a letter from Dominic Coburn (6673) to the Sunday Times: “…. was a year behind Loughborough Grammar School 3rd XV, who regularly amused the opposition with the ‘up the jumper’ move. I was the proud captain of the team which achieved a 100% record that season – played 8, lost 8.”

I headed to the Loughburians to find his report for the season and there was none, but the following year reference is made to that ‘famous’ team of 1973: ‘‘Last season the 3rd XV was regarded as weak and trivial compared with the other senior teams!’’

What is a sport? Was the question I awoke to hear Peter Stockdale (9299), Communications Officer of the English Bridge Union, discussing on Radio 5, as Bridge officially became a sport; vital for tax purposes. A similar question could be asked by Ben Murphy (86-93) who, after two seasons in the ‘Challenger Class’, moved up into the elite ‘Master Class’ for Red Bull Air Racing. A little more sedate has been Chris Bristow (0512) who, whilst doing his Masters, was an integral part of Team Bath Racing, the University’s leading Formula Student Team comprised of 20 engineering students. They have been the top UK team for the past 3 years and last year became the first UK team to win a Formula Student event anywhere in the world. Even more sedate is the solar-powered car developed by Cambridge University Eco-Racing team, of which Josh Fossey (06-13) and Michael Droogleever (09-13) are a big part. Michael is responsible for the Australian side of the venture, where the car is raced as part of the World Solar Challenge. Conversely, no one can dispute that triathlon is a sport or that Ben Dijkstra (13-17) continues to impress; winning the Junior European Cup in Switzerland last summer and taking the ‘Leicester Mercury’s’ Young Sportsman of the Year again.

ALUMNI NEWS

FROM A PLAYING POINT OF VIEW HARRY GURNEY (00-05) CONTINUED TO IMPRESS, ESPECIALLY WITH THE WHITE BALL AT CRICKET FOR NOTTINGHAMSHIRE, TAKING THE MOST WICKETS RECORDED ON T20 FINALS DAY. In the world of politics, it was a good year for OLs. Nigel Mills MP (86-93) grew his majority in Amber Valley at the General Election to 8,300, up from 4,205 in 2015 and 536 in 2010. Paul Mercer (71-79) and Ted Parton (83-88) continue to represent the residents of Southfields Ward on Charnwood Borough Council with great vigour and last summer Ted was elected Loughborough South’s representative on Leicestershire County Council.

The retirement lunch for Peter Underwood (Staff 81-17) highlighted the roles OLs hold in the world of music. Barry Holden (78-84) is Vice President, Classical Catalogue at Universal Music Group International, working with their classical labels Decca Classics and Deutsche Grammophon to develop the strongest possible release schedules and maximise their global impact.

Prior to this, Barry spent nearly a decade as UK Marketing Director for

top independent classical label Naxos, before managing a highly successful compilation joint venture between Classic FM, HMV and Decca. James Eggleston (90-97) has returned to work, following his heart attack last year, as Head of Publishing at Boosey & Hawkes, whilst Will Harris (90-97) is Development Director for Saffron Hall – the 740 seat Concert Hall in Saffron Walden. In his spare time, Tom Gauterin (92-99) continues to conduct the Bristol Classical Players (which he formed in 2008) and James Harrison (01-08) accompanies the ‘12 Tenors’, who have just completed their European Tour. Understandably unable to attend was Thomas Tansey (8794), who returned to Events & Special Projects Manager for the Australian Chamber Orchestra having spent last year working at the Sydney Opera House.

Thus, you can see it has been another busy year for OLs in so many varied fields. The fact that you have read this means that you must be interested in what OLs are up to, so please now let me know what you are doing… j.weitzel@lesgrammar.org is the contact address! I look forward to hearing from you!

Michael Hendry’s recollections

A

BEN MURPHY (8693) AFTER TWO SEASONS IN THE ‘CHALLENGER CLASS’, MOVED UP INTO THE ELITE ‘MASTER CLASS’ FOR RED BULL AIR RACING.

fter watching the Steinway Day video, Michael Hendry (LGS 59-67) recalls music teaching back in his school days: ‘’Music has come on a long way since my time at LGS. Reg Shields was excellent at getting the best out of a motley crew of the school choir, in what I remember was the old canteen. He was not so good at inspiring enthusiasm in learning to play the piano, which he used to teach each lunchtime in the old hall, before the Hodson Hall was opened. He would munch through his sandwiches whilst trying to encourage me, amongst others, towards excellence; at which he failed totally. I subsequently had lessons from a retired school teacher in Leicester, Doris Stilwell, who taught me to enjoy music at my own level. I still play and it can be a most wonderful way to relax. I am most impressed with LES’ achievements in promoting music, and hope Reg Shields is keeping a watchful ear on things from above.’’

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

WEDDINGS Ellie Jennings

Current LGS Staff and OLCS 1996-2011

& Jack Staines

The couple married at Our Lady’s Convent School on 22nd July 2017.

Sarah Petheram LHS 2000-2007

& Phillip Bielby They married on 2nd December 2017 in Youlgreave, Derbyshire.

Sarah’s mum performed the wedding in the village church, followed by a reception in nearby Cressbrook Hall. Philip and Sarah met in summer 2015 on a guided walking tour in London. They now live in Cambridge where he is a Software Engineer and she is a Mechanical Engineering Consultant.

Charlie Krarup LGS 1998- 2005

& Harriet Munden OLCS Class of 2008

Charlie and Harriet got married at Newtown Linford Church on 15th August 2015, followed by a tipi reception at Bawdon Lodge Farm. We are also delighted to report that the couple had a baby boy, Bodie, in April this year.

Bill Brookman

Former OLCS Staff and LGS 1966-1973

& Madeleine Coburn LHS 1972-1979

Following a live proposal on BBC Radio 4’s ‘The Listening Project’, Bill and Madeleine married in August of last year in Loughborough.

40

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Wedding Anniversary Mr Scott and Miss Williams Members of the Loughburians who were at school and in School House in the 1960s may be interested to know that the then matron, Miss Gwen Williams, and the Assistant Housemaster, Mr Philip Scott, who were married in August 1967, have recently celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary with their three children and six grandchildren. They now live in Shrewsbury where they have been since Mr Scott moved to be Head of Mathematics at The Priory Boys School, in September 1970.

Obituaries Baroness Farrington LHS 1951-1956

It was with great sadness that I heard on Good Friday that my old friend Josie Cayless, or to use her formal title, Baroness Farrington of Ribbleton, had died. I first met Josie in 1951 when I started at the High School and we were both in Upper 3P; Miss Piercey’s class.

We very quickly became friends but I don’t suppose either of us thought that our friendship would last for the next 66 years.

We were similar in some ways and stuck together through most lessons and sports. She was great at discussions, debates and argument, which was a clue as to where her career would take her. She always had to have the last word and I can remember some of our teachers getting exasperated with her and even some of the girls in the class saying “shut up Josie”.

I recall one of our teachers gave us some instruction on politics, possibly around the time of a general election, and we sent off for manifestos for all of the political parties. Even then she favoured the Labour Party and I was on the other side, but it never came between us. Again, who would have thought it was to become so important to her?

She was not as keen on sport as me.

I was games captain one year and I remember walking down Burton Walks to the swimming baths when she had deliberately ‘forgotten’ her swimming costume and wondering whether Miss Potts would actually make her go in wearing her underwear, as she had threatened. We did both like playing tennis and during the summer holidays we decided to go and play on a school tennis court, which was not strictly

allowed. Whilst we were playing, two young men came along thinking that these were public courts and we invited them to play. We did not realise we had been seen by Miss Andrews, the Headmistress, until the first day of the term when she terrified us in assembly by looking straight at us and telling the whole school that “two girls had been seen playing tennis with men on the school courts”. Every eye in the hall turned to see who these bad girls were and I am sure our red faces gave us away.

We both left school at 16, as most girls did in those days, unless you were in the ‘A’ class and destined for university. Josie and I were always in the ‘B’ class and it was normal to get a job at that stage. I learned shorthand and typing and went to work for local solicitors and we drifted apart for a little while. I think she did some unqualified teaching work and I, stupidly, got married at 17. She met Michael who was to become her husband and by the time she got married I went to her wedding with my 2 year-old daughter Sian. It was at Josie’s wedding that Sian had her first sip of champagne!

Josie went on to have 3 sons and moved to Lancashire where she

was very involved in local politics, becoming a County Councillor whereas, I moved to London and had a divorce. We continued to see each other whenever possible and caught up with each other often. I remember one night when she rang me very late to say she had been made a Baroness.

She invited me to the House of Lords as a guest when she was “Introduced”, which was exciting and an excuse for a new hat! All her family, including her brothers and sisters I had not seen for years, were present so it was a great occasion.

She was out of my league now as she was mixing with the “great and the good” but we still met up occasionally.

By this time I had moved to Scotland but, despite the distance, we managed to meet at least twice a year when I travelled South to see my daughter.

Josie invited Sian, and later her two girls, to visit the House of Lords and allowed them to sit in on a debate and have tea in the famous tearoom. My two grand-daughters liked her very much. After the House of Lords visit we all met for a curry in Westminster.

In September last year I was having an anniversary celebration in London and, of course, asked Josie to attend.

She joined us as one of my nearest and dearest and it was a lovely evening. It was clear to me that she was not well but I am so glad she was able to come.

I shall always remember that night as will many other people who were there. I last spoke to her about 4 weeks before she died and I can’t believe that that will be our last conversation.

Angela Townsend-Matthews (née Claxton – LHS 1951-1956) Image: Josie and Angela on House of Lords veranda on 17th March 2015 41

Barrie Stamper

David Benjamin Holliday

It is with sadness that we note the passing of former LGS pupil Barrie Stamper, after being informed of his death by his niece Judy Watson (née Allison - LHS Class of ‘69). Barrie was the son of Horace Stamper and brother to Daphne, John and Jill.

Barrie was a lifelong member of the Loughburians and until recent years attended many reunions and events, including those involving the CCF. He always spoke with enthusiasm about his association with the school and continued to show interest in its developments.

After a life spent in the clothing manufacturing industry, Barrie retired and lived in Northwich in Cheshire until his death from cancer on 2nd June 2017, at the age of 91. Throughout his life, he enjoyed both cricket and golf both as a participant and spectator.

After leaving LGS David studied medicine at Birmingham University. He became a GP in Birmingham, moving to Somerset and finally to Thornbury, near Bristol.

At school David loved swimming and was Senior Victor Ludorum. He carried on this passion and swam several times a week for many years. He raised thousands of pounds for local charities and was a keen supporter of the Rotarians.

David also loved the outdoor life – clay shooting, fishing, walking and in later years, golf. He was Senior Captain at Cotswold Edge Golf Club.

David passed away in June 2017, aged 78. A true gentleman; David will be greatly missed by his wife, three children and two granddaughters.

Colin Gould (LGS 1955 – 1963) Pat Gould (Née Holliday - LHS 1957 – 1964)

LGS 1943-53

David Godfrey Former Governor

With sadness we heard of the passing of former Governor David Godfrey.

David had been a staunch supporter of the schools over many years and had recently offered help to two pupils who had won awards for developing a warning device to help signal an impending epileptic seizure.

David passed away peacefully at home with his family in September 2017. He had been suffering from pancreatic cancer. A service of thanksgiving for his life took place at Kirby Muxloe Free Church on 29th September 2017.

42

LGS 1949-1956

John Marriott LGS 1951-1958

John Marriott died in September last year, aged 83. He was born in Loughborough, one of 5 children, and went on to become a pilot in the RAF. He was proud of his Loughborough roots and his time at the Grammar School. During his time at school he was a very keen sportsman, representing the school at cricket and rugby and being very involved in its introduction to the school under the tutelage of Harry Bowen.

From school he progressed to Cranwell, the RAF Officer Training Academy, where he continued his rugby, going on to represent the England Air Training Corps team whilst undertaking his qualifications to become a pilot in the RAF. He had a fulfilling and successful career in the RAF, ending his service as a Wing Commander having enjoyed greatly postings in Singapore and Germany, and as Officer in Charge of Operations at RAF Lyneham along the way. He ended his career with a diplomatic posting as the Air Attaché to Iraq; a job he found both challenging and exciting.

He retired as a pilot at the age of 55 and then embarked on one final working adventure, on this occasion following his wife, Jill, who had secured a job teaching in Bahrain. Not one to rest on his laurels, he secured a post working for Gulf Air whilst there; working hard to improve the efficiency of their operations in the time he was with them.

In retirement he and Jill spent their time between their home in Christian Malford, a small village in Wiltshire, and their holiday home in Spain. He had married Jill, from nearby Syston, having met during her time at teacher training college in Lincoln, his popularity with her father having been helped by his abilities on the rugby field! He played for Syston when available and was pleased to be able to renew his contact with the club in later life.

He was a devoted family man with 3 sons, Jeremy (73-80), Andrew (76-81) and Christopher (79-83), who he was proud to see follow him to Loughborough Grammar School. He leaves behind his loving wife, Jill, 3 sons and 8 grandchildren who have very happy memories of his fun-loving, caring and generous nature.

ANNOUNCEMENTS Kate Meares

Paul Davey

Kate Meares died peacefully on 3rd May 2017, just short of her 88th birthday, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.

The daughter of doctors, she was born in London but brought up in Gloucester. She attended Sidcot and Millfield Schools, where she developed a love of theatre, poetry and music, before undertaking a law degree at Trinity College Dublin. It was here that she met Ivor, before moving to Canada where she married him and worked as a paralegal.

Back in England, and four children later, the family landed in Loughborough. Through her friend, Convent science teacher Janey Hawkins, Kate was offered a job at the school in the days when no formal teaching qualification was needed for graduates.

Starting with the juniors, her talent was soon recognised and she ended up teaching A-level English and tutoring girls for Oxbridge. She primarily taught English and history, but was adept at “keeping one step ahead” of her pupils when asked to pick up maths, Latin or geography.

As an English specialist Paul was exacting and precise. Endowed with a formidable apparatus of logical thought, he was implicitly intolerant of the notion of English as belleslettres, a woolly kind of feel-good sensation where we all sit back and say ‘What a nice poem…’. He was particularly expert in the conceptual area of critical understanding and many boys responded keenly to the notion that literature could be evaluated rigorously rather than just being enthused over. He also had a loud voice!

It is easy to forget that two years after his appointment to teach English, Paul took over as librarian - a job he did for 7 years. His lasting legacy to the school was his foundation and then leadership of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. When he stood down from both posts he was replaced by a full-time specialist, which gives an indication of his skill and the time he must have spent on both.

Paul had two lives: the controlled, analytical one in the classroom and its antithesis in the great outdoors.

He was familiar with all of the English National Parks and not only did he follow the Wordsworth precept ‘Let nature be your teacher’ but, through DofE, he encouraged generations of LGS and LHS pupils to do the same.

In that respect he gave them, and all the hundreds who have followed since, something which will last for the whole of their lives.

In retirement, Paul, Sue and their girls headed to Carmarthenshire where they settled. Paul tragically contracted cancer and died peacefully on 19th November 2017, aged 70.

Former OLCS Staff 1970s-1980s

Louise Oddie mentioned her in her schooldays memoir.

Mrs Meares is an inspiration and her English lessons remain a joyous highlight of my school years.

She has a certain flamboyance of dress (a typical ensemble comprises a tartan midi-skirt, bright orange pullover, black leather jacket and huge round sunglasses) and a theatrical presence enhanced by her deep voice and physical stature.

She spends much of the time simply reading to us from the greatest storytellers….

The vividness with which the readings are delivered makes them irresistible, and I am quick to seek out these authors.

The nuns also appreciated Kate’s sense of fun. Sister Shelagh wrote to Kate’s family to say: “The staff and students loved her, her lessons and her humour.

“We had a wonderful time

LGS 1979-2005

on a school trip to Italy. I even remember the perfume she wore, Farouche, she gave me a spray each morning!”

Kate could make fun of herself and was always willing to don silly costumes and join in with school plays. But she took her pupils seriously and her family was heartened to have been contacted by a number of former pupils (many of whom she had kept in touch with for years) after she died who remembered how she had taken them under her wing, believed in their abilities and pushed them to achieve.

A group of former pupils from the ‘80s reminisced online about her lessons.

“She came across as so REAL, down to earth and so approachable,” said Amanda Hewitt (née Twigg). “I wanted to do well for her because she cared. She made her lessons interesting and I loved her voice…. could just have listened to her voice!”

“She began my love of English. She was just a really good person to be around,” said Kathryn Gordon.

“A lesson with Mrs Meares was the highlight of the day. She was a happy, enthusiastic lady and I can definitely picture her walking along the veranda dressed in flowing green!” said Sue Inkley (née Whetton). “(She) was one of those teachers that helped create happy memories. School life would have been much poorer without her presence and influence. Just remembering her makes me smile and my eyes prick with tears…”

43

Louis Stanford

Susan Davey (née Thorpe)

My uncle, Louis Stanford, died peacefully on 10th June 2017, surrounded by his family. He was 88 years of age.

Lou lived in Loughborough his entire life.

He was the youngest of three brothers and grew up in a tiny mill cottage at Cotes, where his father Charlie was head flour miller at Lower Mill. His older brother Jack, my father, was eight years older than Lou and also attended LGS (1931-1935).

Lou was well known in Loughborough. He was a Director of Loughborough Travel Service in Bedford Square and eventually started his own business, Loughborough Holidays and Travel, in Frederick Street.

He then opened offices in Coalville and Oakham too.

In 1954 Lou, together with his wife Margaret, became a founder member of The Festival Players, one of Loughborough’s foremost amateur theatrical companies, and over the next 50 years appeared in 115 performances. They entertained audiences from far and wide in the wonderful art deco theatre at Stanford Hall. Lou retired from performing in 2004 and he was honoured by becoming Life President.

He was a keen cricketer, playing for Loughborough Town for many years, during which time he also served as Secretary. We played together there and in later years Lou and I played for Notts. Forest Cricket Club, until we retired from the game. I have wonderful memories of those times and the fun we had. Anyone who knew Lou soon became aware of his other great sporting love, Wolverhampton Wanderers FC. He supported them throughout his life and had many friends at the club.

During the second half of his life Lou lived alone in Loughborough where he was very lucky to meet his long-term partner Patricia, who cared for him with great devotion.

More recently, as Lou’s health deteriorated, he was no longer able to accompany me to the LGS London dinner at the RAF Club. A great shame because we always enjoyed being together there. Ian Simpson, his friend for over 60 years, still attends: it was always a pleasure to hear their reminiscences.

I’m sure Lou wouldn’t mind me saying that he never really ‘grew up’; he was eternally young. He had a long and happy life, determinedly doing the things he enjoyed. He loved his family, his many friends and playing and watching sport. But most of all he loved to entertain.

A very nice man.

Richard Stanford (LGS 1955-1960)

It is with sadness that we note the passing, earlier this year, of former LHS pupil Susan Davey. Susan attended the school between 1971 and 1976 and was daughter of Shirley Thorpe, née Lovell (LHS ‘54), mother of Gemma Hawthorne (LHS ‘99) and grandmother to Ashley Hawthorne (LHS ‘17).

LGS 1940-1944

44

LHS 1971-1976

Sam Yaxley LGS 1997-2004

I will always consider myself incredibly fortunate that, in the academic year 99-00, I coached the hugely successful U14 B XV and U14 A XI teams... and Sam was an integral part of both. On the rugby field he was a feisty front row forward, who thought he had the hands and speed of a centre, and on the cricket field a hard hitting batsman, who I will always remember smashing 97 not out against Stamford. More importantly he was the heart and soul of both teams, something I saw all the more when I toured Barbados with him the following year, not just for the 14 years he was a pupil but also for the 13 years after he left, as an integral part of the OLA Cricket team.

It was typical of him that, despite having had a major operation, he was determined to play against the School in the summer, proudly wearing his Elvaston CC cap to cover the scar. He spoke bravely then about the brain tumour and his likely life expectancy, but no-one anticipated then that he would die so soon.

His funeral, taken by Tony Cox who had taught him at A level, was attended by large numbers of OLs and their parents along with family, friends, members of Elvaston CC and his work mates. His sister, Ellie (LHS 1994-2001), gave the tribute to a quite remarkable young man who had made such a great impression on so many different people, myself included.

John Weitzel

ANNOUNCEMENTS Tony Kershaw Former Governor

Mr Kershaw, who passed away in August 2017, had been a member of Charnwood Borough Council from May 1987 until May 2007, representing the Outwoods ward, and served on the Council Cabinet between 2001-2003.

Mr Kershaw was also a former county councillor for Quorn and Barrow-upon-Soar, and was chairman of Leicestershire County Council from 2008-2009. He held various other positions within the County Council and was chairman of the corporate governance committee on two occasions from 2015-2016, and 2016-2017.

From 2013-2014 the former councillor was also chairman of the environment and transport overview and scrutiny committee.

He also represented the council on the Dawson Fowler Trust and was a governor for many years at Loughborough Endowed Schools. Tony and his late wife Freda were present at many school events over the years, and the Foundation is grateful for his years of service.

Vivienne Ashleigh (née Mills) LHS 1947-1954

Jill informed us that her mother Viv passed away in February this year. She had been an active member of the LHS alumni for many years. She loved to keep up with events both past and present and often talked about her school days with great affection. She was very proud to have been able to attend the quincentennial, and I know would love to send on her best wishes to anyone who may be in this picture alongside her favourite teacher.

In the photo, Vivienne is standing behind the teacher’s right shoulder (4th from left, 2nd row, she is wearing a white collar with her black uniform pinafore).

Tony Field

LGS Staff 1966-1999 A former Deputy Head Boy of Uppingham, Tony came to LGS in 1966 and very quickly established himself as the kind of man who makes an excellent all round schoolmaster: firm but always fair, he really enjoyed teaching his subject (English), a professional enthusiasm to which he added a welcome range of extra-curricular activities and a readiness to turn his hand to whatever was required.

Soon after arriving, Tony undertook responsibility for both athletics and cross-country, remaining in charge of the latter until the mid-1970s. In 1972 he moved with his family into School House, where he was to serve as Senior Housemaster until 1982. In the early 1970s he was one of the first members of staff to organise and administer the then experimental First Year Project, which still exists to this day. At various times he was Head of Year in overall charge of the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th Forms and this wideranging experience culminated in 1989 in his appointment as co-ordinator of Heads of Year. For 12 years, from 1983, he served as a CCF Officer being in charge of the Royal Engineers’ Section of the Army contingent; reaching the rank of Captain.

More informally, at various times for over 20 years, he enjoyed organising and leading school trips with a range of colleagues – walking with the juniors in the Yorkshire Dales and Isle of Man, and skiing with older groups in Italy and Switzerland. He was a committed (and entertaining!) colleague in the Staff Common Room, where he served on the Committee as Secretary and was involved in many staff productions and cabarets.

After the school became independent, Tony took charge of marketing, teaming up with David Evans. For many years they worked strenuously at publicising LGS, regularly travelling to exhibitions throughout the Midlands and keeping the prospectus up to date.

In 1997 he was appointed Senior Master and when he retired in 1999 he amused the school in his final assembly by taking a photo of them all (in an era pre-phones!), a copy of which was to remain in Paul’s office during his entire time as Head.

Throughout his career he was actively supported by his wife, Pam, particularly during the decade in School House and their two sons, Robert and Jim, are Old Loughburians.

Tony died after a short battle against cancer on 24th March 2017, aged 77.

45

Tony Dakin

Sheila Parkin

Whether meeting someone for the first time, or a regular acquaintance, he was always charmingly inquisitive and a great listener, constantly interested in people, events and the world at large; that was Tony Dakin who died on 16 January 2018, aged 81.

From a relatively humble background, Tony attended Kegworth County Primary School, passed the 11-plus and so gained entry to LGS in September 1948. Capable at Maths, very good with English, hating Latin and rugby but loving cricket, he enjoyed mixed success at LGS. In the summer of 1953, he left and followed the career path of a number of LGS predecessors by becoming an apprentice draughtsman at the Brush Engineering Co. Unhappy there, Tony tried unsuccessfully for many jobs and so, in 1957, left to do his National Service in the Royal Signals, and after training, was posted to a transmitter station in Cyprus during the Enosis crisis.

On leaving the forces he looked for a new challenge and turned to journalism.

Soon he began a regular business column for the London Evening News and wrote various pieces for the Financial Times. After 15 months he moved to work for the CBI, interviewing and writing features on leading industrialists and corporate heads. Later he was appointed editor of their journal, Marketing, and introduced changes in format and a wide range of articles based on the leading figures in marketing and the media. With all of the specialist knowledge he had acquired, Tony then decided to move into PR, in 1977, with his purchase of a starter company, Intermark. Working with contacts old and new, Intermark was able to build up a portfolio of major client companies such as British Airways, Guinness and Carlsberg, skilfully promoting in varied media outlets their clients’ new ideas and new developments by means of press releases and centre-spread features.

In the meantime, Cynthia and Tony had two daughters Joanna and Katie and had relocated to rural Kent, eventually running their own exclusive B&B. In 2002 Tony returned to his roots in Leicestershire, settling in Long Whatton.

Throughout his business life, driven by his lively enquiring mind, he had travelled all over the world, always returning with much of it expertly photographed.

So, until very recent years when pain and declining mobility constrained him, it had been a joy to see him with his friend and partner, Wendy (LHS 1950-55), travelling camera in hand.

Tony will be sadly missed by his friends in the LGS Class of ‘48. Our memory of this remarkable man will remain, and our thoughts and sympathy go out to his children Joanna, Katie, Thomas & Matthew, to his grandchildren, to Mary, and to Wendy.

In May 2017 we were sorry to learn of the passing of one of our former pupils, Sheila Parkin, from her friend Mary Barrass. Mary let us know that Sheila’s wish was to have the School Hymn played at her funeral. Unfortunately, there isn’t a copy commercially available with the right words and sung to our tune ‘Loughborough’. Richard West, our Director of Music at the LES Music School, immediately arranged for a recording to be made of our hymn by the LHS Choir.

On meeting with Mary and a group of Sheila’s friends, we discovered more about her. Sheila always said that her happiest years were spent at school and so we felt it was fitting that we grant Sheila’s wish for a Baptist-style funeral service, which was conducted by the Loughborough Endowed Schools’ Chaplain, Dr David Owen.

Readings were given by Headmistress Gwen Byrom and Director of Development & External Relations Jane Harker. The school hymn completed this final act for Sheila, according to her wishes. Mary and friends reflected that ‘Sheila would have loved her service’, which is all we could have wished for.

LGS 1948-1953

Margaret Cobb (née Arnold) LHS 1943-1950

Margaret Cobb loved her years at LHS. She wrote a booklet called ‘Half a century since we left school’ and an article for the book produced for the High School’s 150th Anniversary. Margaret wrote eloquently of the war years at school. She recalled school dinners being awful, eaten around the taps in the domestic science room, and paper being in short supply.

Margaret said that the culmination of her years at school was the honour of being Head Girl in the centenary year. An active member of the Old Girls’ Association, Margaret continued her relationship with the school through the years, and we were always pleased to see her return.

We have been pleased to receive some of her school items into the LHS archive, and it is fitting that her effects will remind future generations of what LHS was like during a challenging time in the country’s history.

Margaret passed away on 21st July 2017, aged 85 years.

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LHS 1946-1953

SPORT

SECTION NAME

OL Golf Society The 2018 season so far...

T

he 2018 season started back in March, just after the second ‘Beast from The East’. It was held at Longcliffe on 26 March and included the first female to play in any of the OL golf events! Despite the still chilly and damp weather and the schools fielding a very strong team of pupils, the OLs narrowly won the trophy back from the schools. In the absence of the Loughburians team captain Paul Graveling (70-77), Dave Barnett (66-77) accepted the salver, on behalf of the Loughburians, from Mark Edben, the new master in charge of golf at the schools.

The detailed match result being as follows (OLs named first): Ian Anderson (63-73) & Hatj (66-76) lost to Ben Spillane & Dev Popat Nick Hardy (73-80) & Steve Foister (76-77) beat Ollie Jarvis & Charlie Wood Richard Underwood (81-88) & Simon Cockbill (72-77) lost to Harry Boyle & Eliot Gibson Dave Barnett (66-77) & Stephen Hilton (50-60) beat Mark Ebden &

Esme Hamilton Nick Chappell (67-75) & James Scott (10-17) beat Rob Lightfoot & Matthew Jackson The next fixture on 27 April was the Old Pupils’ Golf Event at Luffenham Heath, where The Loughburians were hoping to win the 4 ball betterball team event against 3 other local Old School pupils teams. The team competed well on a very wet day and ended up just short of their target, coming second to Old Stamfordians.

The team of Trevor Tunnicliffe (Former LGS Staff 95-12), Stuart McQueen (58-67), Jonathan Carlisle (82-89), Rich Alexander (76-81) & Hatj was completed by OL Captain Paul Graveling.

Sunday 13 May brought the next event on the OL golf calendar with the Grafton Morrish, scratch foursome qualifying competition at Gog Magog near Cambridge. Despite the setback of George Griffiths falling victim to a Ryanair flight cancellation late on the Saturday before the Sunday competition, a substitute was found

and the eventual team (Nick Preedy, Grafton Morrish Team Captain and OL 98-05), Dave Barnett, James Pretty (02-09), Dave Saul (00-07), Ian Anderson and Nick Wainwright (6976), comfortably qualified in 4th place on the day, with an overall team score of 86 Stableford points. Roll on the finals at Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk (Brancaster) on 5 - 7 October, when the OL team will be bolstered by several younger OLs with very low handicaps, who were unavailable to compete in the qualifying competition.

The next OL event is the Spring Trophy, to be held at Lingdale Golf Club on Wednesday 23 May - all OL golfers of all abilities welcome. Please contact Dave Barnett (davebarnett25@ hotmail.com) if you would like to become part of the thriving OL Golf Society.

47

Old Loughburians’

Cricket

V School Lost by 79 runs School 252-8 OLs

173

D. Bathia 3-45; M.Gidley 2-32; J. O’Kelly 85 43 Overs. C.Kindleysides 41; C.Ashcroft 25; A.Morris 33 having been 25-4...

H.Bates 6-19 all bowled!

V Leics Gents Won by 5 wickets Leics

214

OLs

217-5

G.Scottorn 3-28; D&S Bathia 2 wkts each J.Purvis 92; A.Patel 72... opening stand of 164 then 171-4 J.Berrisford & E.Kurtz steadied ship... won with a six!

V Old Ratcliffians Won by 134 runs OLs 236-2 Ratcliffe 102

C.Kindleysides 101*; D.Murty 75 E.Bird 3-23; E.Collins 4-25

O

ne of the pleasures of retirement is being able to watch Loughborough Town (who have 6 OLs that play for them) playing in the Leicestershire Premier League, where a further 11 OLs play regularly. Thus, when needed the OLs can turn out quite an impressive team, if availability allows.

The skill is to pick a side that is of roughly the same ability and after overjudging that last year, the side this year probably did not quite have the depth with either bat or ball. Batting first, the school amassed 252-8 with James O’Kelly (85) being the main contributor and Dharmist Bathia picking up 3 wickets. Reduced to 25-4, the OLs were always playing catch up despite Charles Kindleysides (41) being supported by Craig Ashcroft (25) and Aiden Morris (33) and ending up on 173. The main destroyer was Harry Bates with 6-19, all bowled.

It was a different matter against Leicester Gents where, having restricted them to 214 with George Scottorn taking 3 wickets and the Bathias sharing 4, Joe Purvis (92) and Anish Patel (72) had a wonderful opening stand of 164. A slight collapse to 171-4 was rectified by Jack Berrisford and Eben Kurtz steadying the innings and seeing the OLs home to a 5 wicket victory with a six.

The batting was equally impressive in the inaugural game against the Old Ratcliffians, with Charles Kindleysides amassing 101 and Danny Murty 75, as the OLs posted 236-2. This was always going to be too much and the pace of Edward Bird 3-23, who had come up from London, and guile of Ed Collins 4-25, who had popped across from Woodhouse Eaves, saw Ratcliffe bowled out for 102 and victory by 134 runs to win the Rick Hughes Trophy.

As ever the final event of the season was the Barkby 6’s, where the Old Loughburians were defending Champions. Unfortunately, they just came short this year losing an exciting final to the home side!

(Top row L-R) J. Weitzel, A. Morris, S. Patel, C. Kindleysides, R. Worrall, J. Berrisford, S. Bird (Bottom row L-R) C. Ashcroft, T. Maguire, M. Ashcroft, the late S. Yaxley, D. Bathia

48

SPORT

OL Hockey

JEZ CLARKE, LGS DIRECTOR OF HOCKEY

O

n 23 December 2017 a fine group of Old Boys made their way onto the hallowed turf at Loughborough Grammar School to play versus the old Loughborough Sharks X1. The game itself was a rather one-sided affair, with the Old Boys playing a stylish brand of hockey which entertained a crowd of 50+ spectators. David Condon (04-09), a current GB and England international, was the star attraction however, he was supported brilliantly by his teammates - some in better shape than others, it must be said! The passing and moving of the Old Boys was a delight to witness, unless you were in the Sharks team of course! Playing a deep defence, the counter attack tactic was all the Sharks could do to pressurise the Old Boys’ goal. The final score line of 5-2, in favour of the Old Boys, was irrelevant really, the day itself was what it was all about.

A fine feast followed at the Laughing Buddha restaurant, where the staff hosted the group marvellously. It was a truly wonderful day; being able to re-unite old boys and families from not just the Grammar School, but also from the local community, with the Sharks players who made such a valuable contribution to the school run club, was genuinely moving. An evening of liquid refreshment followed the meal; many of the players stayed and enjoyed reminiscing about their journey within hockey and life, both during and after LGS. Overall, a very successful and enjoyable day was had by all.

Photo: Back row – Jez Clarke, Kevin Ross, Tom Vickerstaff, Henry Godkin, Anish Patel, Grant Sutcliffe, David Condon, Elliot Maddison, Jack Baker, Joe Purvis, Josh Smith, Jake Smith. Front Row – Tom Foulds, Chris Powell, Tommy Bryan, David Sutcliffe, Chris Jamieson

LGS v OL Tennis Match

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n Saturday 12th May, OLs and LGS students came together for their annual tennis match in Loughborough. Alumni from across the generations came to play in the competition. Luckily for the players and spectators, the rain held off for the entire match. A brilliant day was ended with the OLs emerging victorious again, winning with a score of 6-3. As the Headmaster put it, age and experience won the day.

Nevertheless, a good time was had by all!

The Loughburian team comprised of James Powell (05-12), Seb Kay (12-16), Nigel Hatfield (75-82), Steve Hatfield (73-80), Tom Hatfield (02-09) and Will Hatfield (06-11). The LGS team was formed of Enzo, Matthew, Arjun, Ed, Vivek and James.

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#getsetgo

Girls sport appeal

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n the late 1950s the Governors of Loughborough Endowed Schools mounted a capital campaign appeal. The first draw on the funds raised was for a brandnew gymnasium to enhance the provision of physical education at LHS. The new gym was built and came into use in 1959. This modern, purpose-built building allowed expansion from the traditional ‘games’ lessons and, in the summer term, athletics.

This building has been in use now for 59 years and many former pupils will remember playing ‘Pirates’, using the ropes and wall bars, with fondness. Others of us, who never mastered the art of shimmying up a rope, may have a different view! So many alumnae who return recall the communal showers with a shudder. Although the building does largely remain the same, those showers were removed some time ago, much to the relief of all.

Many of you will have built a lifetime’s habit of enjoying physical activity from either sports or exercise at school. Our vision for our pupils today is just the same: participation, engagement, variety, fitness and competitive success. Sadly, we have outgrown the old gym and again the Governors have committed to developing a brand new facility for the senior girls of OLCS and LHS. Work begins in the summer term on the first phase: a multi-sports hall. This will be followed by Phase 2, which will see the renovation of the existing gym into a dance studio and fitness suite. Our new Sports Centre is designed to be an exciting and accessible environment for all members of the community to participate in sports and develop their skills and fitness.

While the funding is in place for the building work, we have launched an appeal to buy the equipment for completing the fit-out.

Our #getsetgo campaign was launched in January 2018, and with the help of the Parents’ Associations of both senior girls’ schools, we are on our way to success. Their efforts have so far secured the equipment for the new Sports Hall, but we need your help in completing the new fitness suite and dance studio in the building many of you remember using.

Please go to our web page at http://getsetgo. endowedschools.org/ to see how you can get involved – maybe to make a donation or sponsor a piece of equipment in your family or business name.

Thank you!

Jane Harker, Director of Development & External Relations 50

DEVELOPMENT OFFICE

How we use your Data

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)

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ou may well be aware that new regulations regarding data protection, GDPR, came into force in May this year. This has extended the data protection rights of individuals and requires us as an organisation to update our data processing policies and take appropriate and extensive measures to protect your data.

Currently the Loughborough Endowed Schools Foundation holds information on you, as a member of the Loughburians, on our database. This includes biographical and educational data (eg your name, contact information, your relationship to and the dates you were at the schools), plus details of your interaction with us since leaving (eg donations, attendance at events and reunions). In addition, we may hold occupational details and information about relationships within the alumni community if you have provided them.

It is important that you know the Foundation and the Loughburians do not share your information with any other organisations or individuals, with the exception of a few carefully selected third parties who we use to provide us with an essential service,

in order to carry out our activities (eg the distribution service for the annual magazine). We are committed to respecting your privacy and have used the changes brought about by GDPR to enhance our data policies. Our Privacy Notice has been updated and distributed to all members of the alumni community for whom we hold an email address.

Currently we contact individuals on our database to provide alumni news, issue event and reunion invitations and to promote fundraising campaigns. We always provide an option for individuals to opt out of communications and believe that our current practice has demonstrated a measured approach to contacting alumni with information.

We hope that you enjoy hearing from us and being part of the Loughburians Community.

If you have any questions about how we handle your data please do not hesitate to get in touch at info@ loughburians.com Photo: Back Row (L-R) - Hannah Wyatt, Natalie Savage Front Row - Emma Fraser, Jane Harker, Jena Dickson

CONTACT DETAILS Development Office Buckland House Burton Walks Loughborough Leicestershire LE11 2DU www.loughburians.com enquiries@loughburians.com 01509 638920 @loughburians Loughborough Endowed Schools Alumni theloughburians

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We hope you have enjoyed reading this edition of Beyond The Barrier – the magazine for all Loughburians.

You will have noticed that many of our articles have been contributed by various members of the LES Community.

We would welcome any contact or contribution that you wish to make.

Please contact the Development Office on 01509 638920 or info@loughburians.com