INTERVIEW

When did you start at Arnold School?

I started as Director of PE at Arnold on 1st January 1998. Moving ‘up North’ was a big step for me and my family, but one I’m glad we made.

What inspired you to become a teacher?

I had a very positive experience of PE and sport at school, with some excellent teachers who had a big impact on me. I wanted to recreate these opportunities for others. I went to Borough Road College, West London Institute where I studied a BEd in Physical Education.

What are your favourite school memories?

I remember Arnold’s friendly atmosphere when I first attended my interview. I was fortunate to help with the design of the Procter Sports Hall and Centenary Complex before I started at Arnold, although it meant no indoor facility for 12 months as the building work took place.

Being part of the sporting development of so many young people will always be a fond memory. Whilst my background was predominantly rugby, I encouraged students to find the activity that best suited them and that they enjoyed so they would continue to be involved after leaving school. That said, it was always essential to have staff willing to take and assist with the wide range of activities we offered, and I was very grateful to them. The Sports Days at Stanley Park were great House events, with the staff relays demonstrating the willingness of colleagues to be involved.

The school trips and sports tours were always something I really enjoyed. The experiences and memories for all those that travelled will last a lifetime. Spending time away from family was not always easy when on school trips, so travelling to Australia on the 2005 hockey tour as a family was a great experience for us all. I always accompanied my Year 7 form to Glenridding, which I loved. The sevens season in March was always hectic but enjoyable.

As a party leader/tour manager I always planned to go off the beaten track away from the usual tourist destinations. Consequently, I was fortunate to visit some wonderful places and countries with fantastic staff, which was always the key. If the staff had a good time, it generally meant that the students were toeing the line … although not on all occasions!

Many of my best memories, therefore, are from distant places. Some of the highlights include Rorkes Drift in South Africa and the hospitality at Linpark Sports Club; the cricketers singing the National Anthem before they played Union Island in the Caribbean; playing cricket (and umpiring!) at the international stadiums in Trinidad, Grenada and Sri Lanka; the fabulous steaks (and occasional red wine!) in Argentina and Chile; visiting the Iguazu Falls in Argentina, and playing under the floodlights in the foothills of the Andes in Santiago, simply breathtaking; the safaris in South Africa and supporting the great work of SKRUM in Swaziland (now Eswatini), as the boys coached rugby to children whose lives have been blighted by HIV.

One memory closer to home was when a former colleague returned to Arnold with Tauranga Boys College. In welcoming the tourists to Blackpool they performed and explained the origins of the Haka in a special assembly. The Memorial Hall was still shaking as were many that witnessed an incredibly powerful and energetic performance. As the 1st XV prepared to face the Haka out on the pitch, seeing the younger year groups running to the far-field to witness this again was fantastic. Staying with New Zealand, it was also great to travel to Twickenham with the 1st XV to watch two of their teammates play for England U19s v New Zealand.

Can you share with us any funny or embarrassing moments?

Whilst I wholeheartedly endorse “what goes on tour, stays on tour”, the following occasions can be shared:

Four staff having to share a room with all the team kit and equipment for 4 nights on tour in Canada. Worst of all there were only two beds! We also convinced the locals we were part of a choir on our world tour!

Loading the boys’ cricket bags onboard a boat whilst island hopping in the Caribbean, only to discover that several of the bags contained slabs of beer!

Leading the last Arnold ski trip to Alpe D’Huez with a young staff team, having taught two of them!

At Glenridding, thinking that the ‘LM burgers’ were Linda McCartney burgers, only to find out they were lamb and mint. I’m pleased to say there were no complaints!

What would our alumni be surprised to find out about you?

I am sadly no longer teaching due to ill health, but fortunately still able to contribute to schools’ rugby in Lancashire and with England Schools. I also support medical practitioners with research and am a patient advocate for Cardiomyopathy UK.

What is the best part of the Old Boys Rugby, and do you have any standout memories?

Undoubtedly the camaraderie amongst the lads playing and the support from the ‘Green and White Army’. It’s great catching up with former staff and students to find out where their paths are now taking them, and sometimes to hear what they really got up to on tour or at La Reserve! It is even more pleasing to hear that they are still exercising and playing sport.