NHS ON Magazine Winter 2023

Summer

Excellence, Individuality, Respect, Curiosity and Empathy

WINTER 2023 MAGAZINE

elcome to the 2023 winter edition of the ON magazine, keeping you up to date with news and events from within the School and the wider ON community.

M A G A Z I N E W I N T E R 2 0 2 3 / 2 4

Deborah Penney, Kevin Fear Headmaster, Sam Ellis (L-R) Sam Ellis Fundraising and Alumni Relations Manager ellis.s@nottinghamhigh.co.uk

Deborah Penney Alumni Relations Officer penney.d@nottinghamhigh.co.uk

Greetings from Arboretum Street and I hope that you are all keeping well.

This school year has got off to an excellent start and whilst School life remains busy we have enjoyed many great occasions already with such things as the Carol Service and School Musical. We would love to see you at our events!

The highlight of this term has been the opening of our new Wellbeing Centre in the White House and it was really lovely on the day it opened to hear so many students wowed by what they discovered when first using the building. We have appointed a new Mental Health Lead and a Physical Health Lead, starts soon, as well as an administrator for the building which is already playing its part in enhancing the resilience of our students. Work is continuing on the garden area it includes but the facility is being well used already. Much of my time at present is being spent planning for a very uncertain future for the School. With a general election looming there is a strong chance that 20% VAT will be imposed on school fees and that we will lose our business rate relief. This will have a significant impact on the School as many parents simply won’t be able to afford the higher fee. We are doing all we can to mitigate this but there is no doubt that this is a genuine threat to the School.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the many ONs who support the School directly: Philanthropy: Many of you are generously giving back to Nottingham High School through your time, resources and expertise, as well as making significant donations to the School’s Bursary Fund.

Mentorship: Alumni who regularly return to the School to mentor and guide our students are having a lasting impact on the next generation, fostering the growth of future leaders and professionals around the world. It has been great to welcome back some ONs for our careers week. Our current students are inspired by the accomplishments of many ONs. We are always keen to hear your stories and there’s also an opportunity to share them with the wider Old Nottinghamian community. There are lots of ways in which you can do this; this publication is one way and/or I would encourage you to take part in our oral history project reflectiONs where we are collecting stories, on video, for our digital archive. We are grateful to Dr Peter Kendrick (ON 1941-1948) for giving his time so generously to support the Development Office with this project.

We are looking forward to sharing videos, featuring Geri Thomas, in the New Year. Geri will be talking to Mark Shardlow (ON 1973-1980) about his various roles at Nottingham High School over the decades and about the capital projects he worked on during his time at the School. We are

2 | Old Nottinghamians

also grateful to Mark for his support with this project. I was thrilled that Geri was also able to lay a wreath at our recent Remembrance Service on behalf of all in the Old Nottinghamian community.

Geri has played such a significant part in the School’s history and continues to help us in so many ways. I love working with him and so appreciate his support for the School and for me personally.

Contents 2-3

| Welcome and Contents

4

| School News - Speech Day

5

| School News - Remembrance

6

| School News - Wellbeing Centre

7

| ReuniONs

8-9

| Calendar of Events

10-11

| A Timely Reminder - Chris Ford

In closing, I wish you all a peaceful holiday season and all the very best in 2024.

12-13

| Where Are You Now? - Stephen Naylor

Kevin Fear, Headmaster

14

| Jeremy Proctor

15

| Stories Behind the Stones

16

| Donor Appreciation Event

17-18

| Donation Form

19

| Governor spotlight - Basheera Hanslo

20

| Tony Walker

21

| Good Friends - Phil Fairchild and Ted Rimington

Throughout the year the Development Office runs an extensive events programme. Our events play a multifaceted role in cultivating and maintaining strong alumni relations, fostering connections, promoting engagement and contributing to the overall success and reputation of the School.

We are excited to be launching the 2024 programme by returning to The Lansdowne Club on Friday 26th January for the ON London Dinner. I would love to welcome many of you in person to that event.

And, as always, if you are planning a visit to Nottingham please do come and visit us, we would love to see you.

Please join our Nottingham High Connect platform, set up specifically for our ON community.

On the platform you can join ON groups, advertise or view job vacancies, seek or offer career advice and view our events calendar. We currently have 1380 members!

Connect now:

22 -23 | Where Are You Now? - Robert Marshall

nottinghamhighconnect.co.uk

Please follow us, scan our QR codes:

24

| From the Archive

25

| Co-education

26-27 | ON Community Notice Board 28-29 | ReflectiONs - Vernon Platts

@Nottinghamians

@Nottinghamians

30

| ReflectiONs - Geoffrey Pool

31

| In Memoriam

@Nottinghamians @oldnottinghamia

Old Nottinghamians | 3

Winter

School News

Musical interlude performed by the Chamber Choir, Senior Strings and Percussion

Representatives of Maples’ House were presented with the Wheeler Cup

Speech Day - 14th September 2023 Nottingham High School Speech Day is a true celebration of our whole school community and our ethos. For our leavers, we celebrate not only their academic achievements, but their contributions to Nottingham High School and the part we have played in each other’s lives. It’s a time to reflect on how they have prospered during their time at the School and how well prepared they are for the next stage of their journey.

We were delighted to welcome Ben Aldridge to be our guest speaker at this year’s event.

Ben is an author and speaker who gives talks around the world on resilience, mental health and comfort zones. He has written several books including ‘How to be Comfortable with Being Comfortable.’ https://www.benaldridge.com/

Ben Aldridge

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School News On the 10th November 2023, Nottingham High School fell silent in remembrance of those who lost their lives at war.

The service was held in front of the War Memorial to remember the men on it who lost their lives having attended Nottingham High School.

Miss Gritti, Deputy Head (Individuals) read an address about the impact the First World War had on the millions of women in Britain.

Well over 100,000 women served in Britain’s armed forces during the Great War. However, the contribution of these women has long been obscured by the sheer number of men who fought in the conflict. What these women, along with those on the Home Front, demonstrated was that when it mattered, women were quite capable of taking on war work and more responsibility. The war undoubtedly led to the social advancement of women and also to the political reward of the vote being granted to women over the age of 30 who owned property in the UK in 1918. Through their war work, women in Britain were beginning to overcome prejudice and break down social taboos.

Wreaths were placed by the Chair of Governors, Steve Banks, Head Boy William and Head Girl Gauri and Geri Thomas (former staff), who laid a wreath on behalf of the Old Nottinghamian community.

This was followed by The Last Post which was played by Year 12 student Seth.

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Remembrance Service

Old Nottinghamians | 5

School News Winter

The Wellbeing Centre

We are delighted to announce that Nottingham High School’s Wellbeing Centre is now open! The centre is an amazing addition to our school and every member of our community will be spending time there, either getting support from staff, accessing services and the fantastic spaces or participating in lots of cocurricular activities.

The Wellbeing Centre is situated at the front of the School, next to the canopy on the front lawns. The building has been fully redeveloped and houses people and spaces to support all members of the School community, from students and their families to staff and the wider community.

There is an Oasis Room and Garden for those who would feel the benefit from ‘time out’ in a quiet space during the busy school day to chat or read.

The new Spirituality Space, which looks out on the wonderful Wellbeing Centre Garden, will be a venue for prayer and quiet reflection for all students and staff.

The School Nurse and Learning Support Coordinator have new, dedicated spaces to support with first aid and any learning needs a student may have.

We also have a Mental Health Lead, who will work with students and families, to ensure they have everything they need to cope with any mental wellbeing challenges that they may face.

Upstairs in the Centre, the School Counselling service will continue to support students with a wide variety of issues, from friendship concerns to helping develop resilience strategies.

We offer physiotherapy sessions during the school day.

A new Physical Wellbeing Lead has been appointed to work with individuals and groups of students on all aspects of their physical wellbeing, from supporting those participating in elite sport to educating the School community on fitness for life opportunities.

Many cocurricular activities will be held in the Wellbeing Centre. Some of these will happen in the light, bright Flexible Space upstairs. Activities will include walking clubs, Wellbeing Warrior sessions such as Yoga and Pilates, self-care and emotional intelligence workshops, life-coaching and meditation groups. Chill and chat will happen every day in the Oasis Room, alongside morning prayers and reflection in the Spirituality Space. Cheerleading, dance and running clubs will be available weekly, alongside stress management classes and Friday movie nights after school. There will be activities for parents too, including a ‘parent unwind’ class, language classes and parent fitness after school, whilst children are looked after in our wrap-around care.

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ReuniONs

On Saturday the 30th September we welcomed back the Class of 1973-1977. 38 ONs returned to enjoyed a twocourse hot buffet lunch, followed by a tour of the School.

Even the rain didn’t dampen their spirits and it stopped long enough to take the traditional reunion photograph on the front steps.

Paul Fennimore (ON 1965-1975) brought in his rowing blazer and has kindly donated to it to the archive. Thank you, Paul.

If you have any school memorabilia you would like to donate please get in touch with us at development@nottinghamhigh.co.uk.

“You couldn’t have done more to make the event successful!

It was lovely to see and talk to some of the boys I taught so many years ago. Nice to report that they have done pretty well for themselves since leaving us!”

Paul Dawson (former teacher of Biology)

“Thanks again for a memorable and funny day.“ Blaise Ford (ON 1967-1977)

“Thank you very much for organising such an enjoyable afternoon.”

Bob Lyddon (ON 1965-1975)

Paul Fennimore (ON 1965-1975)

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Class Of 1973 – 1977

Old Nottinghamians | 7

Events Calendar We look forward to seeing you in 2024!

ON Society Beeston Fields Lunch To book email: secretary@ old-nottinghamians-society.org

ON London Dinner The Lansdowne Club, Mayfair https://www.trybooking.co.uk/CNXI

ON Cambridge Dinner St Catharine’s College https://www.trybooking.co.uk/CNQT

Class of 1994 Reunion Nottingham High School https://www.trybooking.com/uk/CYBJ

Class of 1974 reunion Nottingham High School https://www.trybooking.co.uk/COQT

Founder’s Day Service and Cheese and Ale Ceremony St Mary’s Church in the Lace Market and after at Nottingham High School To book email: development@ nottinghamhigh.co.uk

8 | Old Nottinghamians

Regional Dinners Set in a local restaurant, our regional dinners are informal gettogethers.

Manchester - 28th February 2024 Sheffield - 29th February 2024 Leeds - 5th March 2024 Edinburgh - 6th March 2024 Newcastle - 7th March 2024 Bristol - 13th March 2024 Birmingham - 14th March 2024 To register your interest, please email: development@nottinghamhigh. co.uk or call 0115 8452208 to book your place.

The President’s Dinner is our flagship event. All ONs, partners and guests are invited to attend what promises to be an enjoyable evening of good food and fellowship, bringing together the traditions of the Society and the surroundings of our old School. We welcome year groups holding reunions, families, groups of friends, single bookings.

We hope to run a short tour of the School prior to the dinner. We hope to see you!

The Old Nottinghamians’ Society President’s Dinner 2024 Saturday 9th March in the Dining Hall at Nottingham High School Reception at 6.30pm for dinner at 7.30pm Dress code black tie or lounge suits if preferred Price £55.00 per person Please make your bookings here: https://old-nottinghamians-society.org/product/presidentsdinner-2024/

Excellence, Individuality, Respect, Curiosity and Empathy

Formed in 1902 the Old Nottinghamians’ Society is a fellowship of former pupils, staff, employees and governors of Nottingham High School. Social events, sports and good causes continue to be central to what we are about. Because of social media our members are now able to participate in our activities whether they are in Nottingham or New Zealand. All Old Nottinghamians are eligible to join the Society by signing up on our website.

Old Nottinghamians | 9

A Timely Reminder!!

Winter

Chris Ford and his mother Micky Ford

By Chris Ford (ON 1970-1980)

Having recently dusted down my whites and making an appearance at Valley Road to celebrate 150 years of cricket at Nottingham High School. I thought it was a timely reminder to give a brief potted history for all of us as Old Nottinghamians, truly reminding us that we have fine cricket and rugby facilities, down on the banks of the Trent, at West Bridgford.

Sadly, I lost my father Bryan Ford (ON 1942-1949) during April 2022 and reflecting on recent events at Valley Road, I thought it befitting to honour a man, and my best friend, who made such an outstanding contribution to rugby, cricket, and the building of the pavilion at our ONs sports ground.

Prior to 1957, the Old Nottinghamians Rugby Club had played rugby at Highfields but then leased the site at Adbolton Lane, whilst the ONs Cricket

10 | Old Nottinghamians

Club continued to play cricket at Valley Road during the summer holidays.

Following the School’s 450th Anniversary in 1963, the school provided funds for the purchase of the freehold of the Adbolton Lane site and for the levelling of the site, including provision for two rugby pitches and the laying of a new cricket square, the first cricket match was played in 1967.

Although the Rugby Club had by now built a rugby pavilion for its own use,

Bryan Ford (ON 1942-1949)

facilities at Adbolton were proving to be inadequate, with increasing numbers of players for rugby and cricket sides. An extension to the rugby pavilion was not possible due to its position within the floodplain of the River Trent.

Both sports continued to utilise the pavilion, (which you can see in the background of the pic on page 11). In 1977 when the need for better facilities was becoming urgent the following

Opening of New Pavilion at Adbolton Lane in 1981 appeal fundraising committee was established to build a new pavilion: David Jackson (ON 1941-1949); Bryan Ford (ON 1942-1949); Tony Palfreman (ON 1954-1965); Jeff Hampson (ON 1936-1943); Alan Wheelhouse (ON 19451953); Bill Payne (ON 1943-1949); Alan Trease (ON 1948-1954); Ivor Wood (ON 1954-1962); Paul Balen (ON 1960-1971); J D Powell (NHS Teacher 1950-1983); G.D Seedhouse (NHS Bursar).

The new appeal fundraising committee set out to raise some £80k for the new pavilion at Adbolton Lane and my father was a key individual, along with others as above, in realising the current building by means of: • Business/individual

•

•

donations Comedy nights at the “Commodore” hosted by the late Ken Dodd Interest-free loans

Jonathan Hammond MBE and the ON ‘Rugby’ Cricket Club captained by Karim Naaman.

This match was also in memory of Martin Wynne-Jones (ON 1969-1979).

Nottingham High School also donated a boiler for the new pavilion Special thanks to Tony Palfreman (ON 1954-1965) for his invaluable work to support this feature. taken out of the building of “Mount Vernon Lodge”, previously an old people’s home at the time, now the site of the current science building.

With all funds secured the new pavilion was realised and opened by the late Alan Wheelhouse and my late father on the 6th of March 1981.

I have recently marked the achievement also at Adbolton Lane with a memorial clock in recognition of Dad’s achievements and with a cricket match between the ON ‘Phoenix’ Cricket Club, captained by Old pic of the Pavilion at Adbolton Lane in 1967

WinterExcellence, Individuality, Respect, Curiosity and Empathy

Adbolton Lane

Old Nottinghamians | 11

Where Are You Now? Winter

I joined the School in 1980 and it was a huge contrast to the small village primary school I had previously attended up to the age of 11 with year groups of perhaps 25 pupils. I’d never previously been exposed to foreign languages, school uniforms, homework or indeed an all-male environment. The commute on a bus of some 40 minutes seemed endless and the scale of a real city was overwhelming. Suffice to say, it took a year or two to find my bearings and adjust to the fact I was going to have to work here. Really work.

Stephen Naylor, ski training, Simonside, Northumberland I dabbled in the band (clarinet) and CCF, did the odd bit of swimming training but maintained links to my home village through local Scouts and Venture Scouts and unfortunately failed to get onto the school’s oversubscribed Duke of Edinburgh scheme. The outdoors was already embedded in my soul from my father’s enthusiastic transference of his love for all things ‘mountains’ and Freddy Jones would kindly lend me kit for various ‘independent’ expeditions with Dave Howard (ON 1980-1987). I would occasionally hitch a lift with the school minibuses heading into the Peak District for D of E expeditions on the understanding I wasn’t to assist any group and just meet everyone overnight at the designated campsite.

On one weekend I was navigating solo across Bleaklow in very poor visibility

12 | Old Nottinghamians

The Bizzle, Cheviot

to find Mr Willan camped on the summit manning a checkpoint which few/none of the groups managed to find. Groups were getting stuck in the endless peat bogs and on the second day I was instructed to shadow those who were struggling and generally ‘lend a hand’.

I did reasonably well academically, studied Maths, Physics and Geography at A Level and after much debate (and attempted gentle persuasion from Colin Sedgewick) chose to study Architecture at Newcastle, rather than Geography at Oxford. I’ve remained in the North East ever since, with the Cheviots, Lake District and Scottish Highlands close by for walking, mountaineering and ski touring and an amazing coastline for kayaking.

I married Frances, a medical student

Test driving a Discovery, Bizzle Crags, Cheviot

Stephen Naylor (ON 1980-1987) Stretcher sledding, Cairngorm training

at Newcastle University (and yes, of course we met in the hills), brought up our son and daughter in Northumberland and after a career in both the private sector and National Health Service as an Architect, Project Manager and Estate’s Director, I set up my own business in 2014 with a firm vision of avoiding full-time work at all costs. In part, this enabled me to pursue a lifelong desire to ‘put something back’ beyond my work for the NHS. In my case this meant joining Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team.

Mountain Rescue in the UK is entirely voluntary with each team operating as a separate charity. There are 47 mountain rescue teams and eight regional bodies in England and Wales, across eight geographical areas. These areas comprise of the Lake District, Mid Pennine, North East, Peak District, Peninsula, Yorkshire Dales, North Wales and South Wales. Each team consists of 30 – 50 members, on call 24/7, 365 days of the year, whatever the weather.

I became a fully operational member in 2015 after six months initial training and a further six months probationary membership, with further intensive training.

Nowadays the role of many Mountain rescue teams has

expanded to cover water search and rescue (I am also a Swiftwater rescue technician), lowland searches for high risk vulnerable and despondent individuals who are missing from home in urban and rural areas (i.e. elderly individuals with dementia/young children) and supporting the statutory services to access difficult locations and provide resilience in severe/extreme weather events.

Highlights of this second ‘career’ for me have included being the first medic on scene for ten casualties caught in a blizzard near the summit of Windy Gyle on the Scottish border ridge, finding my first missing person in Kielder in the early hours of the morning and covering the ambulance service in the Tyne Valley during the ‘Beast from the East’ storm in February 2018. I have made close friends, developed a huge number of new skills (blue light, flood water and off-road driving, drone flying, technical rope work, medical casualty care) and have again been reminded of the need to Coastguard helicopter always work hard. Really evacuation, Cheviot work!

Donations to mountain rescue can be made at www.nnpmrt.org or www.mountain.rescue.org.uk

WinterExcellence, Individuality, Respect, Curiosity and Empathy

Northumberland Mountain Rescue Team

Old Nottinghamians | 13

Winter

Jeremy Proctor (ON 1964-1974) How did I get from one to the other?

We first spoke to Jeremy in . . .

Two years ago I was invited by a friend to celebrate his 70th birthday by joining him on his 100th At school I had very little interest in sport. Parkrun. Duke of Edinburgh Award expeditions had given me a love of walking and for over 20 years I’ve Some 50 years after been walking a springer spaniel 3 to 4 miles every leaving I’m preparing day. I walk quickly, normally four miles an hour so it wasn’t a great leap to start running using the Couch for the Great North to 5K app.

Run. I was out running one day and passed an acquaintance who told me she used to run from her home town to a village three miles away and back.

So I gave it a go and found I could do it. I passed her again a few weeks later and reported my success.

Her next challenge for me was the Great North Run.

After some vacillation I entered the ballot and was successful. Two days later, I found out I was diabetic, so I had an obvious cause for which to raise money. One of my friends is a very experienced marathon runner and he is taking charge of my build up to 10th September. He has me doing hill repeats on the 1 in 5 Ingleby Incline and alternating fast and slow pace runs.

So quite a turnaround from my lack of interest in athletics at school. As mentioned above I will be raising money for Diabetes UK and if any of those who remember me from 50 years ago would like to support please visit www.justgiving.com/JeremyProctor1 .

Thank you in advance for your support.

Jeremy Proctor running

1414 | Old | Old Nottinghamians Nottinghamians

We caught up with Jeremy recently to see how he had got on.

The day started well with perfect running conditions at home, but I knew it was going to be hot.

I crossed the start line at 11.56am and set off on the 13.1 miles to South Shields.

I was able to run through the cool underpasses on the way to crossing the Tyne Bridge and found shade under trees as I ran along Park Road and past the Gateshead Stadium. Crowds along the way encouraged me, handed out sweets, oranges, water and dowsed the runners with garden hoses.

A steady climb to the five-mile marker and a much needed water station.

By the time I descended Leam Lane the clouds had arrived and although still hot, the burning sun had gone. After the eight-mile marker I passed a water station manned by many of the people I know from my parkrun and it was lovely to receive encouragement from some familiar voices. Down the steep slope to South Shields sea front, I crossed the finish line after 2 hrs 18 mins to be greeted by family members, some of whom unbeknown to me, had travelled from the West Midlands to see me finish.

In spite of the heat, the rain and travel mayhem I had an amazing day and one I’ll remember for a long time. Well, possibly until next year when I hope to do it all again!

“ By any standard, Jeremy’s motivation and preparation for the demanding Great North Run is wonderful. It’s a shining example to many others as to what can be achieved with determination and application and that you do not need to be a prime athlete to achieve what Jeremy has done.”

Geri Thomas (former teacher)

Stories Behind The Stones Sponsor_a_Stone_210mmAdvertxmas.pdf

08/12/2021

16:00

SPONSOR A STONE

Waverley Walkway is lined with personalised stones, which are a permanent feature of the School, one which will be enjoyed by the school community for many years to come.

The campaign is a fitting way to celebrate links with Nottingham High School as well as helping us to create opportunities through our bursary programme. Every stone has its own story and over the coming months we’ll be collecting these and sharing them with the wholeSchool community.

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

The Bursary Fund enables us to fulfil our mission to create opportunities for academically-abled students regardless of background and in doing so promotes access to equal opportunities, thus making a positive impact on the lives of individuals, communities and society.

CMY

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To sponsor your stone please use the QR code here.

To order your stone for just £250 please visit oldnottinghamians.co.uk/sponsor-a-stone/ or contact the Development Team development@nottinghamhigh.co.uk

To order your stone for just £250, please visit oldnottinghamians.co.uk/sponsor-a-stone

Excellence, Individuality, Respect, Curiosity and Empathy

Since our Sponsor a Stone campaign was launched in 2017 it has raised over £50,000, (including Gift Aid), for the Nottingham High School Bursary Fund.

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OldOld Nottinghamians | 15 Nottinghamians | 15

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Donor Appreciation Event Inaugural Donor Appreciation Event 6th October 2023 The Inaugural Donor Appreciation Event was a wonderful opportunity for us to all come together, to get to know each other better and for us to celebrate the impact of our combined efforts.

Indeed, this idea of philanthropy goes all the way back to the early days of the School. Our school houses are named after four of our benefactors: Mellers’, named after the school’s founder, Dame Agnes Mellers, Cooper’s, named after Frederick Cooper, an artist who in 1872 donated almost two acres (8,100 m2) of land to the school, Maples’, named after Samuel Maples, a former pupil who bequeathed £3,000 to fund bursaries in 1882, and White’s, after Sir Thomas White who endowed a charity to provide interest-free loans to “young men of good name and thrift”.

‘The School continues to transform in its pursuit of excellence and all of you have played your part. Thank you from me and from all of those who receive the bursaries – you are changing lives day by day’.

Kevin Fear, Headmaster - October 2023 16 | Old Nottinghamians

We wanted to say a heartfelt thank you to our donors, known legators and our volunteers, for gifts to the school, large and small, now and in the future. We are grateful for the part so many are playing in helping us to deliver the vision Kevin Fear, the Headmaster, has for the School and for enabling so many students who otherwise would not have the chance to study here.

Donation Form

Name:...................................................................

Address:................................................................ ............................................................................. .............................................................................

Phone:...................................................................

Email:....................................................................

Please complete and return to: The Development Office, Nottingham High School, Waverley Mount, Nottingham, NG7 4ED

Dates at NHS:........................................................

Designating your gift

Single Gift

I would like my gift to be allocated to: (please indicate)

£.........…...........

Made payable to ‘Nottingham High School’

Bursary Fund Capital/Infrastructure

I am making a donation of £........................ by bank transfer.

Area of greatest need

Nottingham Smiths Bank,

Regular Gift by Direct Debit

16 South Parade, Nottingham NG12JX Account Name: Nottingham High School

I wish to make a Regular Gift and have completed the Direct Debit instruction overleaf. £....................

per month

I enclose a cheque/CAF cheque for

per quarter

Sort Code: 56-00-61 per year

Account Number: 00865656

(Payments will start at least one month after the date you sign the Direct Debit instruction overleaf.)

Additional information

I would be happy for my name to be included in the Nottingham High School ‘Roll of Honour’ I would like my gift to remain anonymous I am interested in leaving a legacy to Nottingham High School. Please send me more information

Gift Aid it If you are a UK taxpayer and choose to give using Gift Aid we can reclaim 25p for every £1 that you give, at no extra cost.

I would like Nottingham High School to treat this donation (and any other donations I make from the date of this declaration until I notify you otherwise) as a Gift Aid donation. I am a UK taxpayer and understand that if I pay less Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax than the amount of Gift Aid claimed on all my donations in that tax year it is my responsibility to pay any difference.

Signed:.................................................................................................................. Date:.......................................................................

Summer

Please fill in the whole form using a ballpoint pen and send it to: Nottingham High School, Waverley Mount, Nottingham, NG7 4ED

Instruction to your bank or building society to pay by Direct Debit

Bank and building societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions for some types of account

Service User number

Name(s) of account holder(s) ......................................................................................................................................

Bank/building society account number

Branch sort code -

8 5 6 2 1 4 Reference (office use only)

Instruction to your bank or building society -

Name and full postal address of your bank or building society To The Manager ���������������������������������������������������������������� Bank/Building Society Address...................................................................................................................... ..................................................................................................................................... ........................................................................... Postcode......................................

Please pay Nottingham High School Direct Debits from the account in this Instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Nottingham High School and, if so, details will be passed electronically

Signature(s).....................................................

Date...............................................................................

This Guarantee should be detached and retained by the payer The Direct Debit Guarantee • This Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay Direct Debits.

• If there are any changes to the amount, date or frequency of your Direct Debit, Nottingham High School will notify you 10 working days in advance of your account being debited or as otherwise agreed. If you request Nottingham High School to collect payment, confirmation of the amount and date will be given to you at the time of the request.

• If an error is made in the payment of your Direct Debit by Nottingham High School or your bank or building society you are entitled to a full and immediate refund of the amount paid from your bank or building society.

• If you receive a refund you are not entitled to, you must pay it back when Nottingham High School ask you to.

• You can cancel a Direct Debit at any time by simply contacting your bank or building society. Written confirmation may be required. Please also notify us.

Nottingham High School is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1104251) 18 | Nottingham High School

Governor Spotlight Basheera Hanslo

I have enjoyed different aspects of school life- I was a parent member of the NHIJS Eco Council when we achieved the coveted Eco-School Green Flag award. In previous years, I visited the Year 4 science classes for interactive dental presentations. Currently I assist prospective Year 13 dental students with their mock interviews. The first student I interviewed in 2012 is now a friend and colleague.

When I was invited to become a governor in 2017, I had no prior experience and no real appreciation for the behind-the-scenes efforts of the Headmaster, Senior Management Team, Bursar and Governing Body. Serving on the Education Committee, I attend School Committee and Full Governors Meetings. Open dialogue is encouraged and as a critical friend, I am comfortable in participating and asking questions to ensure that we always have our students and staff’s best interests at heart.

During this time my understanding of and respect for the school has grown.

Working as a dentist, I have additionally been involved in managing dental compliance for the practice. An LLM in Legal Aspects of Medical Practice has facilitated implementation of various policies. Governor duties also require a Compliance and Risk Register to be completed. We are all assigned a specific area to oversee and monitor key

risks and compliance for the whole school.

Safeguarding is paramount and we all have a responsibility to constantly update and reinforce our knowledge in keeping children safe in education.

Governors learn new concepts and share professional experiences to benefit the entire school community and it is a privilege to be on board during a dynamic and energetic time.

There is always the next interesting project on the agenda to look forward to. Engaging with fellow governors together with firm leadership from our Chair of Governors, we challenge and support the Headmaster and SMT. I am passionate about education and have always had a vested interest and strong personal commitment to try to improve education for all children. As a Literacy Volunteer I was actively involved in a Year 6 reading scheme. As a governor, I share the school’s long-term strategic vision and I hope to contribute positively. I therefore fully endorse the work of our bursary fund which enables us to impact more student lives.

I love spending time with family, my cats Luna and Blu and meeting up with friends.

Favourite pastimes include walking, travelling, reading and going to the theatre.

A huge governor perk is attending various plays, concerts and many other events which

showcase the phenomenal talent of all our students. I feel like a proud parent each time!

It is an honour to be a governor at a school that embraces progress; continues to evolve and where the future is exciting for everyone.

Excellence, Individuality, Respect, Curiosity and Empathy

Our family’s journey began at Nottingham High School in September 2008 with a very warm welcome. The school has played a pivotal role in the development of our boys’ formative years, nurturing them to thrive socially and academically. Ziyaad and Razeen (ONs), built a solid foundation at their alma mater and this is something we will always be grateful for.

Old Nottinghamians | 19

Tony Walker (ON 1967-1973) Winter

proud that it will be located in my grandparents’ house. Not least because, if this facility had been available in 1967, my first few weeks at the school could have been very different.

It is really comforting to think that any current pupil who has difficulties such as those I endured will have great support in this environment.

Who was Arthur Cotterill?

On 5 September 2023, Tony Walker and his wife Sharon visited Nottingham High School…..

Can you imagine this?

A 12-year-old boy, forced to leave his prep school of 45 pupils, joining this enormous school at the start of the second year. Feeling overwhelmed, lonely, a bit scared and frequently lost in the many long corridors; that was me in September 1967.

After that experience, why revisit after all these years?

A few days’ break back in Nottingham gave me the opportunity to visit one part of the School that held very happy memories. This was 48 Arboretum Street, now part of the White House and previously the home of my grandparents, Arthur and Sheila Cotterill. There was always a warm welcome for me here and I was sad when the house was eventually sold to the School.

What of the house now?

September 2023: The house is clad in scaffolding and undergoing a major restoration. Although completely altered now, it still brought back memories of the happy time I spent there. It seems very appropriate that the White House will be the new Wellbeing Centre, housing a counsellor and other staff focussed on the welfare of the pupils. I am very excited about this project and if not a little

20 | Old Nottinghamians

Thanks to the School Archive I now know my grandfather joined the School in 1901, aged 11, being there at the same time as D H Lawrence. He was a keen sportsman and I have several of his medals and his school cap badge! He left school in 1905 to train as an accountant, working at the Turney Brothers leather works at Trent Bridge and eventually becoming managing director. Sadly, he died before I was born, but he has left us his diary of the Second World War. He was head of the Trent River Patrol, part of the Home Guard, a job he probably got because he had a boat and somewhere to moor it! One incident he described was driving to work from Arboretum Street and seeing German bombers flying over the city. There was a direct fire bomb hit on the factory that day, but happily no-one was hurt and the fires were soon extinguished.

What became of that 12-year-old boy?

Before too long I settled in, made new friends that I have to this day and even managed to find my way around! I had loved the outdoor life at prep school and on my uncle’s farm during the holidays. So joining the School scout troop with all their outdoor activities was perfect for me. I went on to the Venture Scouts and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, gaining a Gold. In 1973 I left school to study agriculture at Nottingham University, and later for an MBA, during a career in both the public and private sectors. Arthur Cotterill

(ON 1901-1905)

Good Friends I’m not sure if it’s just me but when I meet someone for the first time and you start a conversation you might ask “do you live locally, what do you do for a living?” and such like.

So it is unlikely at that stage to ask which school did you go to?

And so it Rimington.

was

with

Ted

I am not sure when I first met Ted. I knew that he was a near neighbour and we soon got to know each other through Rotary events and also as churchgoers.

I might say at this point that Ted has a terrible sense of humour whereas mine is brilliant!

Anyway one day The Old Nottinghamian magazine arrived. Glancing at the photographs there was a school class with two people I recognised (not from their photos when they were 12 years old) but their names.

They were David Battersby (ON 1948-1953) a bank colleague (actually my boss at one time) and Ted Rimington. I knew David was an ON but not Ted nor that he knew David. Needless to say an interesting conversation was had later that week about them being classmates.

I now bring Ted to the Beeston Fields lunches when I am available. He often tells good

stories of times past and if I miss anything I can catch up with those same stories on the way home (I’m joking).

He is a good friend and our double act of pulling each other’s legs does not go unnoticed.

Ted Rimington (ON 1944-1954)

It all started in the parish church of St Mary, Sprotbrough, Doncaster back in 2003 when a voice belonging to ON Phil Fairchild whispered “Ted, did you go to Nottingham High School”?

Apparently Phil had noticed the name W.E.Rimington in a school magazine. That whisper was the trigger for what the Development Office has dubbed ‘a wonderful friendship’. Certainly, we have, since then, regularly attended annual dinners and Beeston Fields lunches together. On these memorable occasions we have renewed many an old friendship and enjoyed many a trip down ‘Memory Lane’. More recently, following a school tour and an excellent lunch with Sam, Headmaster Kevin Fear and Chair of Governors Steve Banks, we were invited to write about 500 words for the ON magazine. Attempting to show that bankers can divide by two Phil suggested 250 words each and stunned by this show of academic brilliance microbiologist I agreed.

I started in the original Prep

school in class 1D under Miss Reynolds; distant days indeed.

Subsequent years in the Main school were, despite the odd blip, happy and beneficial. The regime under C.L. Reynolds was firm but importantly, formative. Indiscipline was not tolerated and I recall writing out school rule 13 (just check it out) 250 times for bad behaviour in public. School life was, however, agreeable and classes under John Allen, Ossie Lush, Charles Stephens, Eric Tarry, ‘Nobby’ Newbound’ and Joe ‘Snips’ Parsons were particularly memorable. Though scholastically undistinguished I did at least gain 1st team colours in cricket and rugby at which I was selected for the Three Counties schoolboys.

On leaving school I served my time in the army and after demobilsation in Edinburgh became a microbiologist and acquired my late wife. In 1968 I relocated to Doncaster where I played plenty of cricket and golf, joined the Rotary movement and involved myself in various societies. Along the way I begat two sons, did a little microbiology at the Royal Infirmary and of course met Phil who is now my official chauffeur. Nowadays Beeston Fields and the annual dinner are diary highlights and despite the loss of so many vintage friends, I delight in the convivial atmosphere and in meeting up yet again with both survivors

Ted Rimington and Phil Fairchild

Phil and Carol Fairchild on their 50th Wedding Anniversary and younger ONs. ‘Forty Years On’ is now a distant memory.

Nonetheless nostalgia is a great antidote for Anno Domini and like Mr Chips I make no attempt to resist its soothing influence.

WinterExcellence, Individuality, Respect, Curiosity and Empathy

Phil Fairchild (ON 1961-1967)

Old Nottinghamians | 21

Where Are You Now? Winter

on to become the Chorus Master of Scotland’s oldest (and best!) choir - the Edinburgh Royal Choral Union. That brought professional choir training and orchestral conducting experience working with world class conductors and artists/composers, including James MacMillan (now Sir James).

And so - what did I do with my life?

I loved school: well, I loved my three years in the Prep and 5th and both 6th years (less so those years in between!).

Initially I pursued music - a passion for which I got from the legendary Kendrick Partington.

I went to Edinburgh University and had four fabulous years reading music there, studying with the legend that was the composer Prof Kenneth Leighton. I won a Choral Scholarship and became a Lay Clerk at St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral, where I sang for some 12 years. As a student I developed my love of conducting and co-founded the Edinburgh University Chamber Orchestra (celebrating its 40th Anniversary in 2024) as well as singing in, setting up and/or conducting various choirs and choruses. I also won a few scholarships to study orchestral conducting, the main one being with the New Irish Chamber Orchestra in Dublin in 1985.

After finishing my degree, I went on to sing as a professional tenor and as a member of Scotland’s only professional ensemble, and having founded the Glasgow Chamber Choir (having moved to Glasgow for work), also went

22 | Old Nottinghamians

However, I decided to pursue a parallel professional path. I did a law degree in two years, again at Edinburgh University (I was interviewed by Sandy McCall-Smith), qualified, and for the next 11 years worked as a Procurator Fiscal; the independent investigator and public prosecutor as well as Coroner in Scotland.

It was a job I loved - directing police investigations, being the key figure at murder scenes/post mortems, the decision-maker in the investigation of all sudden and suspicious deaths, as well as the lawyer prosecuting in court before a judge alone or a judge and jury. It exposed me to many aspects of life in Glasgow, and I saw firsthand the impact of poverty and social inequality. I worked in Glasgow for eight years, and then Paisley for the last three. It was there as the on-call Fiscal that I oversaw and directed the removal of nine bodies at the Glasgow Airport air

crash in 1999. Never a dull day….

In 2000 I decided on a move and transferred to the new Scottish Executive becoming a solicitor in what is now the Scottish Government.

Almost immediately I was seconded to the UK Government Legal Service based in Edinburgh (but with almost weekly trips to London), and took charge of the early human rights challenges under the Scotland Act of 1998 against acts of the Scottish Ministers - mostly in the House of Lords and the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London as well as the Court of Session and High Courts of Justiciary in Edinburgh.

In 2005 I jumped into the senior civil service as Legal Secretary to the Advocate General for Scotland, one of the UK Law Officers, in Dover House, Whitehall. I had three great years drafting Law Officer Opinions for the then Advocate General as well as the Attorney General/Solicitor General,

1975 Prep House Captains

Robert Marshall (ON 1972-1982)

I had a room in the Palace of Westminster - and a pass. Every day I had to pinch myself as I walked from Pimlico to Whitehall past Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament feeling like I had won the lottery (and often reflected on the Prep School London trip in 1975). It felt like being in the middle of a living history event.

I was there in Dover House on the day of the 7/7 bombings - it was quite odd to hear an office announcement politely ask that we not use the door to Horseguards as “you may be shot”….

My daughter was born in 2007 and in 2008 I returned to Edinburgh as head of UK Government litigation in Scotland.

That led me into working on national security and intelligence issues, leading at one point on behalf of HMG in the Lockerbie bomber appeal.

I also taught at the Civil Service College at Sunningdale on ‘Devolution across the UK’ and saw the Brown Government go and the Cameron/Clegg coalition arrive.

After 11 years or so in government legal service I was offered a move into policy and became responsible for Scottish Government policy on Children’s Hearings, Looked After Children and

youth justice. That work was immensely satisfying and rewarding - measures we introduced reduced youth offending and referrals to the system dramatically, improving life chances for young people.

During that time I also led the FDA in Scotland (the FDA being the Union of senior managers and civil servants) as well as serving on their Executive Committee in London from 2015- 2023 (as UK Vice President in 2017/18).

After five years there I moved to head up three different policy areas: the Scottish approach to ‘Prevent’ - a strand of the UK’s counter terrorism strategy, asylum and refugee integration as well as hate crime/extremism. During the pandemic in addition I oversaw all activity around faith, including places of worship across Scotland which brought me into conversations with all faiths and faith leadership across Scotland. (As a result I am currently in a role outside government for two years as a senior independent adviser to faith leaders on public sector policy/strategic leadership.) And I have kept up my legal links - I was admitted as a Writer to His Majesty’s Signet (WS) in 2014.

And what of music? Well, I had to pause much of that when I moved to London in 2005 and because of family life, but have recently gone back to singing and conducting with my appointment as the Artistic Director of the Melrose

Music Soc trip to the Proms 1982 (Robert is 2nd from the right) Music Festival where I now live, as well as the Musical Director of the Borders Chamber Choir which I set up this autumn. And somewhere along the way my daughter has grown up and intends to go to Aberdeen University next year.

Where does time go???

I was inspired at school - by the amazing John Allen (Prep head till 1975), my English and music teachers, ‘O’ Level English Law in 6th form (which ignited a passion for law), and friends - a few made for life. I was part of an active society world at school too, chairing the historic Debating Society and co-founding the Music Society. (It was via the latter that I met the School’s most notable musical alumnus, the legendary Roy Henderson (look him up!).)

In the years just after leaving I looked back rarely but always fondly. But the values I learned there have been with me all this time and remain with me still.

Excellence, Individuality, Respect, Curiosity and Empathy

working closely with colleagues in the Attorney’s Office including the ‘Treasury Solicitor’, England’s most senior government lawyer. I worked at the heart of government when Blair and then Brown were PM, and came across a few ONs - Geoff Hoon MP, Ken Clarke MP, Ed Balls, as well as Parliamentary Counsel, David Sprackling.

Old Nottinghamians | 23

From the Archive Winter

William Michael Spreckley (ON 1909-1910) features in an exhibition, by the artist Paddy Hartley at The Museum of Art Design & Architecture in Oslo. The Wellcome Trust funded Project Façade.

Here is some of the text that features in the exhibition.

Officers’ Uniforms, digital embroidery, digital fabric print, felt, vintage lace. 2005-2007 The eldest son of a commercial lacemaker, William Michael Spreckley left England for Germany to learn the lace trade in Plaun near Dresden. At the outbreak of war he returned to England to rise to the rank of Lieutenant in the Sherwood Foresters.

Whilst defending Ealing Trench near Poperinge, William lost his entire nose to a grenade blast and was subsequently admitted to the Gillies plastic surgery unit back in England. Although the rhinoplastic surgery William underwent had been attempted previously, his was so successful Gillies noted its significance in the development of nasal reconstruction Over a period of time and further surgeries, William’s nose was reduced greatly in size and he and his family still maintained the family tradition of having group photographs taken even during his treatment.

The surgeon Mr Gillies also performed two operations on another old boy

24 | Old Nottinghamians

during that time in Sidcup. Reg Trease (ON 1898 – 1905) had two surgeries in 1918 to an equally catastrophic facial injury sustained in Northern France. Sadly, he died in December 1918 of influenza.

William did survive the war and went on to marry and have children, dying many years later.

Here is some additional information from the Nottingham High School Archive: • William Michael Spreckley (ON 1908-1910), was the son of a traveller and warehouseman.

• William was in 3C (Mr Serjeant) and M4C (Mr Woodward) • He had two brothers who also attended the School – John P (ON 1909-1913) and Harold Palethorpe (ON 1911-1917) • He was a Lieutenant in the 13th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, was wounded on the 14th January 1917 and retired on the 14th August 1918 • Williams brother, Harold, was also wounded in October 1016, May 1917 and April 1918 • William re-joined the Army in 1937 and remained until 1950.

Co-education We are keen to capture the experiences of our female Old Nottinghamians and would welcome the opportunity to feature your stories, particularly as we approach the tenth anniversary in 2025.

We would love to hear how it felt to be one of the first girls to study at the School? Were you aware you were making history? What was it like here in those early days? Do you remember your Entrance Exam? Did you attend an Open Day? Did any of your friends come to the School? Did you have brothers at the School? What were your Girls’ Hockey experiences of sport and drama and in particular teams and plays? We have SO many questions!

Maybe there’s something else you would like to share with us. If you’re one of our female ONs please do get in touch development@nottinghamhigh.co.uk Thank you!

Celebrations on A Level results day

WinterExcellence, Individuality, Respect, Curiosity and Empathy

In 2015 Nottingham High School changed the course of its history by becoming co-educational.

Old Nottinghamians | 25

Notices Alex Glancz (ON 1987-1998)

Winter

On the 30th June, Alex Glancz (ON 1987-1998) visited Nottingham High School from his home in the US. Alex was joined by his wife Andrea and sons Max and Mikel. During a tour of the DT Department we bumped into former Head of DT, Ben Thomas for an impromptu catch-up.

Inside the Undertakers On Thursday the 9th November, Nottinghamshire funeral directors A W Lymn featured in Stacey Dooley: Inside the Undertakers.

Originally founded in 1907, A.W. Lymn The Family Funeral Service is still wholly owned and managed by the founder’s family, which includes Nigel Lymn Rose (ON 1964-1973) and Matthew Lymn Rose (ON 1990-2001).

The programme can be viewed on BBC iPlayer.

The Nettletons Reunion Andrew Nettleton (ON 1981-1988) came for a tour with his wife, sons, brother David Nettleton (ON 1974-1984) and nephew. Andrew and his family were visiting all the way from Australia.

(L-R) Matthew Nettleton (ON 2009-2018), David Nettleton (ON 1974-1984), Andrew Nettleton (ON 1981-1988)

26 | Old Nottinghamians

Jim Turner (ON 1987-1994) Thank you to Jim Turner (ON 1987-1994) who came back to school in September to give a talk to the Medics Society.

Jim, who is a Consultant Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon, arrived early so we managed to fit in a tour of the school too. We hope to see Jim and his former classmates at the Class of 1994 Reunion on the 8th June 2024!

In July 2023, Simon Adamson took part in the 26-mile Peak District Mighty Hike to help raise funds for MacMillan Cancer Support.

“It was wet, it was muddy (oh, how incredibly muddy!), it was windy, it was gruelling..

IT WAS INCREDIBLE! I did it! I completed the Peak District Mighty Hike.

The rain was against me from the start line and we were soaked to the bone by mile two!

Despite that, the atmosphere was brimming with high spirits, meeting so many inspirational people during the event reminded me why I had embarked on this journey in the first place.

27.24 miles in total, with a completion time of 7hr 54min”.

You can still donate to Simon’s page at https://www.justgiving. com/fundraising/simonsmightyhike2023

Campbell Minogue (ON 2008-2015) and Paul Allison Canada Rugby Tour When the school rugby team went on tour to Canada in July, Campbell Minogue got in touch to ask if there was a possibility that he could go and watch a game. We put him in touch with Mr Allison, who Campbell knew from school, and was able to arrange a catchup.

If you are overseas and would like to go and watch any of our school teams playing, please get in touch. We have a Hockey tour to Malaysia taking place in June 2024.

Tom Webb (ON 2005-2012) This could be you!?

Send us your news! A wedding, retirement, a catch-up with former school friends, your holiday snaps, your achievements and special events.

Tom played rugby at school and through university, and since moving down to London for work has joined a local club in his area called London Cornish RFC. “When I first moved down it was tricky to decide which club to join and I ended up trying a few before choosing.

Where I am now is really great, and has the opportunity to play at a good level with a great social scene too.”

The club has great facilities and trains at Rosslyn Park Rugby Club on Wednesdays, with matches played on Saturday.

If you would like to join Tom at London Cornish RFC, contact: thomaswebb1@hotmail.com

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Simon Adamson (Security Lead at Nottingham High School)

Old Nottinghamians | 27

ReflectiONs Winter

Nostalgia and memories come with old age.

I was lucky to receive a county scholarship in 1949 which paid my fees and bus fares from East Leake village. The headmaster was the imperious Dr C.L.Reynolds, who was succeeded by Mr. K. Imeson. Both were held in high esteem and awe.

That was the beginning of enjoyable learning and sporting activities. I joined Rev. Stevens’ 3Red, but was moved up to 3B at the 1st half term. Then I had to start Latin and catch up the class by Christmas. Being big and strong, I played for the U13 XV, then U13 cricket XI, taking 6 for 6 against H. Mellish.

When in Mr. Thomas’ L5B, I was again well ahead in 1st half term grading, but refused an upgrade to L5A because I wanted a school prize; I was already in all A stream classes. Curriculum choices had to be made early, so I opted for Maths, Physics and Chemistry, while continuing with Latin and French. I would have liked to learn German too as I enjoyed foreign languages, but it did not fit the syllabus. Latin taught me English grammar, and was useful knowledge in later life. ‘Tubby’ Hardwick taught analysis of English clauses enthusiastically; it seemed so logical, and I remember iambic pentameter from his poetry lessons. Reading Shakespeare and Chaucer seemed like an odd foreign language, and I could not write a good essay or comprehension for my life. However, I did pass English Language and Literature at ‘O’ Level. French was easy after a school exchange visit to a rich family near Grenoble (Annecy school exchange). How many remember Tubby’s frequent reprimand of any pupil, ‘O puer, stulte stultissimus es?’ Dr Reynolds taught calculus etc. for ‘O’ Level Additional Maths to a very respectful class.

Sixth form was a good life academically and socially with somewhat shy dancing classes at the Girls High School, and lunchtime walks in the Arboretum rather than visiting the little shop on Forest Road or football in the front yard.

NHS v MCC First meeting 1956 – Vernon is on the middle row on the left 28 | Old Nottinghamians

Dr C N (Cy) Jackson was a popular and very successful ‘A’ and ‘S’ Level Chemistry teacher. Mr. Chettle, with his quiet cultured speech, was a keen enthusiastic Maths teacher, who once commented that after learning probabilities, I would never fill in another football coupon. He was wrong for another year, as I understood combinations better. Mr Ken Raw (Squadron Leader), who lectured Physics more like university classes, advised me to consider Chemical Engineering rather than chemistry at university. That was a decision I never regretted.

I had applied to Birmingham University to study Chemistry, but they considered me too young, which was strange until I realised NHS did ‘O’ Level in four years, whereas grammar schools took five years.

Vernon Platts (ON 1949-1956) so I had only four not out knocks.

I very much appreciated the excellent teaching I received at NHS. Probably my only regret was not joining the CCF, because it would have made me late for the village scout meeting. What a poor excuse in retrospect.

After six years at Manchester University, I joined Joseph Lucas Co. R and D division in Birmingham for 2+ years.

The company encouraged learning foreign languages by significant bonus payments, so I passed London College of Commerce exams in French and German. The next 28 years were spent at ICI Billingham in the North East, managing and improving potentially hazardous chemical plants. Ken Raw was right; I had found my forte.

Returning from project team visits to Japan in 1988-90, I took dog-leg flights to Hong Kong and Bangkok, where I was fascinated by the culture and Thai alphabet that I could not read. I decided to learn Thai from a book, and returned to Thailand for short holidays. In 1991, ICI sent me to complete a consultancy contract at Thailand’s first petrochemical complex.

After returning and agreeing delayed early retirement, I

Cricket First XI 1956 – Vernon is on the back row, 5th from the left spent an enjoyable eight months as Project Engineer at ICI Clitheroe. Then, I joined a small Thai chemical company for three years. That was an experience! Luckily, ICI Thailand knew my Bangkok address and invited me to join a project team in south Bangkok, followed by a works consultancy. Next, I was sent as Executive Works Manager of ICI Paints (Dulux), Thailand for five years before retiring again. Shortly, I received an unexpected call from a Bangkok university inviting me to lecture Chemical Engineering part-time. My Thai government contract expired on my 70th birthday, but I was soon recalled privately as part-time English specialist for the whole of Faculty of Engineering for 12 years up to the outbreak of Covid. Mr. B E Towers, one time my English teacher, would turn in his grave at such a thought. I still proofread research papers for many Associate Professors at the university before they submit articles to international journals.

And now….

I have two sons and a daughter from my first marriage in England and I am settled in northern Thailand after 30 years with a Thai wife. I have not visited the UK or NHS for many years, and do not expect to travel far again.

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After good ‘A’ and S’ Level grades, I stayed in 3rd year 6th form during 1955-56 for higher-level academic studies. Highlights of that year included extra voluntary chemistry practical work on Monday evenings before the dancing class. In that last school year, I regained my place in the 2nd XV as jumper in the lineouts and learned corner flagging as a no.8 of the pack. I preferred to push opposing wing 3Qs into touch for our throw-in instead of tackling. In the Easter term, I was no.2 high jumper in the athletics team, so I didn’t have to do the disliked cross country run. Also, indoor net practice took place in the garage for prospective 1st XI cricketers, so the team was almost fixed by April. 1956 was a very enjoyable summer with talented cricketers under captain Stu Unwin and coach Frank Woodhead. We were unbeaten against other schools, held Notts 2nd XI, and nearly beat a strong MCC team with several older test cricketers ( lost by 1 wicket after my 5-46) in the very first match between NHS and an MCC team. Nine of us had county trials, six played for Notts Schools and two, Stu Unwin and Billy Hotchin, played for England schools.

We rarely batted a full innings,

Old Nottinghamians | 29

ReflectiONs Geoffrey Pool (ON 1952-1959) Winter

being on Fleet Air Arm bases. From 1957 onwards, going to the Farnborough Airshow each September was a must, as well as many local air displays. Graham Fisher, a close friend at the School and I often went on bike rides round the local airfields; Hucknall, Tollerton, Langar, Syerston and Wymeswold. Hucknall was always the favourite as it was close, and from the top of a coal waste tip next to the airfield, one could see right into it.

The Avro Lincoln which Geoffrey was fortunate to have flown in

The Combined Cadet Force For those in the Combined Cadet Force, the ability to shoot actual bullets was a major attraction. This was possible on a Thursday at 1.10pm onwards, because that was the school’s half day off. After the morning lesson finished, one raced across the playground to the rifle range to get in the queue. Lunch took a lower priority on Thursdays. The range, controlled by Mr Bliss, was off the edge of the school playground next to the CCF orderly office and the tuck shop, the ground areas of all three now absorbed into the area of the sports hall. Five shots with a .22 rifle was the rule, and if one got a close grouping, one could have another five shots in the second session.

For the first year after joining the CCF, which almost everyone did, one was in the Army Section, and only after that could one choose between staying in the Army Section or joining the RAF Section. At that time there was no Naval Section. That came later. There was a parade in the playground every Wednesday afternoon to begin with, followed by small group tuition related to which section one was in. I went on every Easter and Summer RAF camp that I could (seven altogether) and three additional ones, two

30 | Old Nottinghamians

Each term there was also a day visit to an airfield. In early 1959 I was in charge of a small group that went to RAF Swinderby, halfway between Newark and Lincoln.

It was the base of Vampire two seat jet trainers, and somewhat cheekily, I asked the officer in charge of us if it was possible to get a flight in one. “Not today”, he replied, “as you would need to spend half a day on ejection seat, oxygen and other safety procedures, but we could fly you in the afternoon. If you can get a day off school, let me know and we will fix it”. When I returned to the school I saw ‘Sandy’ Powell to ask him if he thought that Mr Imeson would let me have a day off, and the reply was “Not a chance”. I saw Mr Imeson anyway, and he gave me permission straightaway. I went to Swinderby in May and June, 1959 and had three flights in a Vampire. On the second occasion, my friend Graham Fisher came as well, as Mr Imeson also released him for the day.

From about the age of five, I was madly keen about military aircraft, to the extent that I made dozens of models, and later, could recognise almost every aircraft that flew, and could recognise English ones by their engine noise even if l could not see them. The noise from Rolls Royce’s test airfield at Hucknall was the inspiration. Almost until I left school in July 1959, all I wanted to do was to become an RAF pilot. This did not work out because on the threeday aircrew selection test at RAF Hornchurch in Essex, we were told that from that day’s intake of about 40 applicants, only one or two would make it. I was not among those first one or two on the two occasions I went there.

In Memoriam Mr Len Burdell (ON 1961-1971) Mr Marshall Chamberlain (ON 1945-1951) Mr David Davenport (ON 1999-2006) Mr Howard Davies (ON 1963-1968) Mr John Henson (ON 1947-1955) Mr Christopher Kent (ON 1953-1963) Mr John Lacey (ON 1945-1965) Mr David Lovett (ON 1938-1944) Mr Mark Renshaw (ON 1969-1976) Dr Jim Stone (ON 1954-1963) Mr Keith Turner (ON 1938-1943) Mr Michael Whalley (ON 1951-1959)

Christopher Kent (ON 1953-1963) Christopher died on the 18th August 2023 and Sam Ellis, Fundraising and Alumni Relations Manager, had the honour of speaking at his funeral about his time at the school.

Christopher played chess for the school, ran the Christian Discussion Group, the Music Society, was a pillar of the choir and the orchestra, as well as the library., as well as the Library. He was a wonderful choral singer and was one of Kendrick Partington’s conveyor belt of choral talent. As a result he became a boy chorister at St. Peter’s Church in Nottingham and continued to sing with the church choir until very recently.

WinterExcellence, Individuality, Respect, Curiosity and Empathy

It is with great sadness that we note the passing of the following members of the Nottingham High School community.

Old Nottinghamians | 31

0115 845 2208 | development@nottinghamhigh.co.uk | oldnottinghamians.co.uk

MAGAZINE WINTER 2023/24