The Old Mancunian
MARCH 2013 EDITION 41
Keeping old boys in touch with MGS throughout the world
• Old Boys Dinner Speeches • Old Mancunian News & Letters • A Remarkable Discovery • Forthcoming Events
SATURDAY 24 NOVEMBER 2012.
Planning for
Old Boys’ 208th Dinner Senior Steward: Merton Sandler Junior Steward: Jonathan Goldstone Recorder: Paul Rose
Jonathan Goldstone 88-95
The full version of the speeches can be read at www.mgs.org – MGS Glocal. If you would like a printed copy please contact Julie Wright in the Development Office.
Right: From L to R: The Recorder; Paul Rose, The Senior Steward; Merton Sandler, The Junior Steward; Jonathan Goldstone, The High Master; Dr Christopher Ray
(extract) I had to ask myself whether the members of the selection committee, Mr Recorder, had done their homework properly. Had they done so, they would have discovered that I was not made a prefect, (laughter) at a time when pretty much everyone was; (laughter) that I was not allowed on the golf and tennis trip to the South of France in my lower sixth year, despite being the captain of the golf team at the time;(laughter) and that, for a time in my third and fourth years, I held the unofficial role of forger of parents’ signatures on detention slips. (laughter) However, I have since come to understand that MGS taught me a style of self-confidence to which only my life experience since has added even a dash of humility. So, to the selection committee – and, on further reflection, I decided it was not for me to question the wisdom of such wise old owls. Indeed, when
I asked the Recorder for his advice on my speech, he looked me in the eye and proudly told me – Jonny; the key to your speech is to ensure you make the most of this wonderful and unique opportunity to settle old scores – with teachers and classmates alike.
Merton Sandler 37-44 (extract) Well I was going to say a word about the High Master and there he is. (pointing) (laughter) Since he became Chairman of the Headmasters (and their mistresses) Conference (laughter) he has really metamorphosed into quite a firebrand. His inflammatory speeches have been reported in all of the upmarket newspapers and reading between the lines we know what he is really saying. He’s saying ‘To the barricades, aux armes citoyens, formez vos bataillons’. Where you lead High Master we will follow. Fellow Old Boys as I see it the auguries are propitious; the School is in a good and safe pair of hands, for the time being anyway. (laughter) I ask you to be upstanding and I give you the toast ‘Prosperity to the School’.
MGS is looking forward to celebrating its quincentenary in 2015, when we anticipate a full calendar of events for the whole School community, Old Boys and other friends of the School. Director of Development, Simon Jones, and Vivienne Horsfield, Events Coordinator will be planning the MGS 500th anniversary celebrations in 2015. If anyone has any ideas for 2015, please contact Simon and Vivienne by email at 2015@mgs.org as soon as possible. Key dates for School and Old Mancunian events in 2015 will be published later this year. The 2015 Old Boys’ Dinner will be held on Saturday 21 November 2015 at Lancashire County Cricket Club and it is hoped that it will be the largest gathering of OMs during the quincentenary year. Tickets will go on sale in 2014. Please note: The 1970s Reunion Dinner due to take place in 2015 will take place in 2016.
2 3
1950s Reunion Dinner Saturday 18 May 2013
Official Opening of the Ian Bailey Archive Room
The last 1950s Reunion was held in school in 2007. If you think Reunions are not for you consider the following from guests last time:
5 November 2012 saw the official opening of the Ian Bailey Archive Room , previously the Alan Garner Junior Library, and prior to that the “cages”, which now holds the MGS archive collection and library along with an area for pupils, staff, researchers and other visitors to study, plus space for displays.
“The most enjoyable and friendly reunion I have attended” “Other schools have them and I have heard them described as mixed blessings. Not ours!”
“I hope that I am around for the next one”
“My friends ed and I revell n ee gr e in th tiles and s cracked floor e th in with so corridors, of nt redole our youth”
The Committee is formed, the format of the event is agreed and the invitation should have arrived by now. If you haven’t received your invitation please contact Jane Graham at school as soon as possible. Places are limited and we expect a huge response.
The room was officially opened by the school Bursar, Gillian Batchelor, after a drinks reception. An exhibition of “treasures” from the school archive was staged. Items on display included an early admissions register, a school report from 1906, handwritten school speeches from 1640, antiquarian books from the 15th century and numerous photographs of school life from the 19th and 20th centuries. Old Mancunians are always welcome to come and see the archive for themselves. Please contact Rachel Kneale for further information.
Above: John Bever, Volunteer Archivist and Staff 90-00 browses the exhibition
Left: Gillian Batchelor, Bursar at the official opening
Left: The Quad and Refectory
From the Director of Development Bottom left: Anthony Preston 66-73 Bottom right: James Mason 93-00
The MGS Global Careers Scheme has already provided an enormous pool of resources, skills and expertise to the boys at the School. If you would like to get involved either as a speaker, mentor, or provider of a work experience placement then please contact the Development Office or log on to mgsglobal.org and visit the ‘career’ tab. MERJE is a niche recruitment business operating within the areas of Finance, Customer Contact, Compliance, AML, Risk and Audit. With offices in Manchester and London the company has three Directors who are Old Mancunians, Jonathan Abelson 84-91, Richard Abelson 88-95 and Edward Manson 93-00. MERJE provide a work experience placement each year to a Middle School pupil.
“The boys real ly appreciate the time and advice freely given by Old Mancunians . Mr Preston’s ta lk was inspiratio nal.” Akeel Malik – Year 13
Anthony Preston 66-73 gave an inspirational talk on entrepreneurship to boys at the School in January. Anthony left MGS to study Simon Jones 88-95 Teacher of Geography from 2004, Director of Development from 2010. 0161 224 7201 ext 240 or s.jones@mgs.org
modern languages at Wadham College, Oxford and became the founder of Pets at Home.
Philip Edge 94-01 is now Director at Edge Worldwide Logistics. Philip explained to the boys at the School why he left the world of corporate finance to set up his own logistics firm. James Hurrell 97-04 studied geography at Mansfield College, Oxford. He now works for ISIS Equity Partners an independent private equity house. James gave the boys at School an overview of the career options available in finance. PasTest specialise in providing high quality revision resources for medical students and medical professionals - supporting doctors throughout their career. Gareth Lally 91-98 is a key member of the Development Team at PasTest and has set up a work experience link with the School. James Mason 93-00 is looking to expand the London based educational charity, Action Tutoring, to Manchester. Action Tutoring is a social enterprise that provides free tuition to pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds. They send volunteers into schools and focus on GCSE Mathematics and English. Growing from a pilot program in March 2011, the project has been a success in London - during the academic year 2011/12, 300 GCSE pupils in 15 schools across London have benefited from tuition. They are now looking to expand the charity into Manchester, having received the support of Paul Ormerod 61-68 who has helped secure £10,000 of funding. In partnership with schools in the Burnage area from March 2013, the project will aim to make a huge impact on the prospects of young students in the environs of MGS. If you would like to volunteer or support Action Tutoring please email james@ actiontutoring.org.uk or visit www.actiontutoring.org.uk
4 5
Bringing Back a Smile MGS Dental Society founder, Abdullah Ashraf (Upper Sixth) was invited to speak at a National Dental Conference on ‘The Future of UK Dentistry’ held in London.
SOME NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE MANCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL TODAY
Oxford Essay Prize
The School Today For more stories like these visit mgs.org
Matthew Haji-Michael (Year 11) has qualified for the Topper National Racing Squad for 2012/ 13 after another successful year of competitive sailing. He is now part of Team GBR which provides him with top level coaching aimed at delivering the next generation of GBR’s gold medal winning sailors at Olympic and International level.
Ben appointed Team Manager for GB Golf Hugh Williamson (Upper Sixth) has been awarded Oxford University’s prestigious GA Wainwright Schools Essay Prize, which aims to encourage the study of non-classical archaeology of countries in the Middle East. Hugh is an avid fan of history and archaeology and very much hopes to study Egyptology at Oxford next year.
Middle: Matthew HajiMichael (Year 11) Bottom: Ben Brownson (Upper Sixth)
Sailing star makes Team GBR Abdullah was able to provide his personal perspective and hopes that the exposure at such a national event will serve to further promote MGS in the eyes of the professional elite.
Top: Adam Nadeem (Year 7)
Ben Brownson (Upper Sixth) has been appointed as the youngest team manager at the Maccabiah Games 2013, which will take place in Israel in July. He will also be Assistant Manager of the GB junior team. Ben will be part of a 500-strong delegation, the UK’s largest ever representation at the games which were established as the Jewish Olympics in 1932. It is now the third largest sporting event in the world.
Adam’s Quest for Gold Adam Nadeem (Year 7) has earned a Green Blue Peter badge, awarded for creative interpretations of the environment, conservation or nature. This is his fourth Blue Peter badge, which he won for making a model of Big Ben from recycled materials; he is now working towards achieving a coveted Gold badge.
From the High Master Each year, when speaking to would-be MGS boys and their parents, I mention the magic of MGS: the special ingredients which make us great and not simply just another very good school. But there are also magical times, those champagne moments to be treasured. And, as I write my final article for TOM, nine of these very special moments from the last nine years come to mind. • My first Remembrance Assembly in the Memorial Hall, where I learnt just how well MGS boys conduct themselves on important occasions which really matter to them.
collective ‘hundred-mile-dash’, as every boy in the School ran, walked, shuffled or danced a hundred yards in relays, each playing his small part in this larger marathon, raising funds for medical relief in a disaster zone. • Michael Wood becoming the first Old Mancunian to deliver, with a characteristic MGS mixture of passion and scholarship, the annual Hugh Oldham Lecture. • The victory over Eton in the Independent Schools FA Cup, with our supporters loudly chanting ‘we only cost nine grand’! Yet these moments jostle for my attention with memories of those occasions upon which I have been astounded by the audacity of MGS boys: from the demand by members of the newly created School Council as they flexed their
• The rebirth of the MGS Speech Day in 2011, the first for forty years, when all those attending were astonished by the immense success of the boys across many domains – academic, creative, active and sporting. • The opening of the new Junior School, signalling a renewed commitment to junior education again after a lapse of some sixty years.
democratic muscles for the introduction of Economics – the first major addition to our curriculum for over two decades – to the request to allow designer stubble (I was never sure whether or not this was meant to be compulsory in the Sixth Form); from the request to launch a joint fund-raising initiative for charities in Israel and in Pakistan – which turned out to be hugely successful in every way – to the performance of the History Boys without, as we (and
• The sight of hundreds of our boys playing on the fields at lunchtime on the first warm day of the summer term.
Alan Bennett on a visit to the School) discovered later, the necessary permissions; from the plea for clemency (in the matter of a three-match suspension) from the boy sent off
• The MGS Close Harmony Group singing at the HMC Annual Conference in Belfast Music is Truth’s Smile, specially written for them by composer Toby Young.
Dr. Christopher Ray High Master
• The first boy (of many, many more boys to come) to win a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, after the introduction of the scheme to MGS.
for the umpteenth time (with the patently absurd assurance that he would henceforth be a reformed character) to the request from one boy – visiting my study to receive ‘congratulations’ for good work – not just for one Mars Bar, but two (because he was especially hungry).
The life of a High Master is never dull. But what I shall remember most of all is the exodus – at the end of the last day of the school year – of the herd of wildebeest making their way excitedly up the drive on
• The use of our iconic drive for a
their way home, carrying with them the hopes of another generation of MGS boys.
6 7
From the Archive A Remarkable Rediscovery A core collection of about 250 rare antiquarian books have been stored in recent years outside the main Paton and Garner Libraries in a basement room of the School. This is the remnant of a school library that was first recorded in statutes appended to the Foundation Deed of 1624. In the Autumn of 2010, Rachel and I rediscovered these remarkable books, realising at once their significance to the history of MGS and its archive. The earliest hand-printed book in the collection is a Missal dated 1494, containing plainsong of the medieval high mass. But perhaps the most important book to the history of MGS, is the third edition of Erasmus’ New Testament of 1522, one of the most influential books of the high Renaissance. It was owned, as his signature testifies, by
Carol Ray Carol has curated the MGS antiquarian books since January 2011. She is a graduate of UCL in English and was tutor in Contemporary Fiction and Creative Writing at Madingley Hall, Cambridge University until 2009.
John Fox, Archdeacon of Winchester and nephew of Richard Fox, Bishop of Winchester, Founder of Corpus Christi College, Oxford. It also bears the signature of Hugh Beswyck, nephew of Hugh Oldham, benefactor and Chantry Priest in the Collegiate Church, now the present Manchester Cathedral. Hugh Beswyck doesn’t appear to have owned the book, but it doesn’t seem too fanciful to think he might have borrowed it from John Fox. They were nephews of two great and influential bishops of the early 16th century who were close friends and collaborators in advancing the humanist educational spirit of the age: Hugh Oldham in founding MGS and Richard Fox in founding CCC with Hugh Oldham as benefactor. The New Testament has passed through many hands since the founding days of MGS. In 1717 it is found in the catalogue of the library of the Rev. John Cock, vicar of St Oswald’s in Durham. After this date, the trail of the provenance of the New Testament goes cold until it is found in the personal library of Percy Stafford Allen, Erasmus scholar and President of CCC (1924-33). It came to MGS, probably in the mid 1930s, as a posthumous gift of P.S. Allen, in honour of the opening of the School’s new buildings in 1931 which Allen attended.
Top: Erasmus New Testament, 1522 with Hugh Beswyck’s signature Bottom: A page from 1494 Missal
Top: The Old Mancunian Football Section
OM Sections London & South East The London and South East Section meet for regular pub evenings at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese on Fleet Street. Dates will be published at mgsglobal.org and advertised by email. The 2013 Annual London Dinner will take place on Thursday 25 April at the Oxford & Cambridge Club, contact Jane Graham at j.graham@ mgs.org for more details. This year’s Annual Golf Day will take place at Woking on Tuesday 25 June. Contact Michael Richardson at audreymiker@hotmail.co.uk for more details.
Midlands After a memorable summer lunch at King Edward’s School in Edgbaston - hosted by Chief Master and MGS Governor John Claughton, the annual lunch and AGM in November was made memorable in a positive way by the attendance of Deputy High Master, Stuart Leeming, kindly filling in for Dr Ray. He gave a fascinating and motivational talk about the free school in Ancoats that MGS is a key partner in developing, and which is set to open in September this year. He patiently explained the philosophy that has underpinned MGS’s involvement, and covered with some humour the joys and tribulations of the evolving partnerships. Arrangements for our main
events in 2013 are yet to be confirmed. A few of us still meet at the Old Joint Stock, Temple Row, Birmingham on the first Tuesday of the month. Any OM is welcome, but it is suggested that a call to our Chairman John Wilson on 0121 4753700 would be advisable to ensure that others will be present.
South West Our Autumn Event on Sunday 13 October was to Cothay Manor, an old moated property not far from Taunton, reached along narrow lanes between sodden Somerset fields. Inside, however, the house, dating back to 1485, turned out to be an interesting labyrinth of rooms full of all sorts of items collected by one of the current owners who took us round. Lunch at The Merry Harriers pub nearby was excellent and very convivial and 22 guests including Old Mancunians and their partners enjoyed the outing thoroughly. The other annual event which we organise is the Commemoration Service and lunch in Exeter which will be on Sunday 23 June. If you are an Old Mancunian living in the South West or indeed anywhere in the UK, you are very welcome to join us on these occasions. Please contact John Smith, the SW Section Secretary, for more details. Tel: 01275 843349 or email: johningsmith@chyanmor. wanadoo.co.uk.
Football Section The Old Mancunians Football Section has been going strong for over 100 years. We currently have 4 teams playing on Saturdays in the Lancashire Amateur League, from the Premier Division to Division 6, with many of our opponents being other Old Boys sides around Greater Manchester. Home games are played on Manchester University pitches at the Armitage Centre and in Wythenshawe with after match drinks in Fallowfield. We also hold regular social events throughout the season. We train in the school sports hall on Tuesday nights at 6:30pm and outside at Manchester Academy on Wednesdays at 7:30pm. We welcome new players, particularly those with any connection to the School. You can find more information on our website www.pitchero.com/clubs/ oldmancuniansafc or contact dave.p.richards@ btinternet.com.
Chess Section The Old Mancunians 2013 encounter with the School took place in the Archive Room on Thursday 21 March. The result, accompanied by a full report, games and photographs, can be seen at www.mgsglobal.org. In 2014 the section intends to organise the 2nd “MGS Chess Championship of the Generations” – a tournament last seen in 2006.
This event is likely to take place on, or soon after the 30th anniversary of the section’s first match on 3 April 1984 – perhaps on Saturday 5 April 2014. In 2015, we are looking at the possibility of a series of evenings in London possibly at the Oxford & Cambridge Club at which chess players still at school or university can meet Old Mancunians at different stages of their careers in or around the city. The Development Office is creating a database of Chess Section members and their email addresses with 2015 in mind. If you would like to be kept in touch about plans for the above events please email your details to d.shepherd@mgs.org or contact Peter Webster at peter@thea.ltd.uk.
OM 20/30 Club We continue with our Friday Lunches in 2013, usually the 3rd Friday of the month at The Freemasons Hall, Bridge Street, Manchester. All meetings are at 12:30 for 1:00 pm, there will be no lunch meeting in April. Dates for your diary are: Wednesday 24 April: MGS Musical Supper Evening with Guests, at 6:30 pm – further details from Jane Graham at school. Friday 7 June: Lunch at MGS with the High Master and Staff. For further details of any of our lunches please contact Alex Wells on alex_ wells@tiscali.co.uk or call him on 01298 812 886.
8
Owl Drop-Ins Since our last TOM issue the Development Office has been so awash with visitors that the McVities Biscuit factory in Levenshulme is struggling to keep up with demand. Some Old Mancunians just drop in to breathe the nostalgia and relive fond and not so fond memories of MGS. As Dan Rosenberg 00-07 put it, “So great to be back. I’d do it all again even the P.S.’s”. Others come to provide the current crop of boys with their pearls of wisdom, experience & experiences. Dr Joseph Garner 85-92, a true “Dr Garner gave poacher turned a real insight into game keeper as a his research at former owl and now Stanford. The Q & an expert in the wellA could have lasted being of laboratory for hours!” mice, talked to boys about his work at Ameen Chekroud Stanford School of – Year 13 Medicine. Echoed by many others who have given up time to give lunch time careers talks to pupils, Joseph commented on the altruistic reward of his time well spent, “Thank you for the chance to come & give a little bit back”. Jeremy Gilmour 03-09, also US based, gave an insight into academic life in American Universities, drawing on his personal experiences as an Economics Student at Harvard.
9
Mark Gartside 88-95 held a creative writing workshop with A level boys and commented “Fabulous memories of a fabulous school. Wonderful to see MGS getting better & better”. Mark published his debut book - What Will Survive – early in 2012. The Development Office welcomes your visits. All Old Mancunians do express their pleasure upon returning and they often reflect on how the school has maintained and improved its standards since their time at MGS. As succinctly summed up by Simon Tepper 64-71, “A wonderful re-visiting of a place which gave me much... and it’s obvious how good a job it’s still doing”.
We do prefer some notice of proposed visits so we can arrange formal school tours but also welcome OMs who arrive impromptu. Please contact Jane Graham on 0161 224 7201 Ext 243 or j.graham@mgs.org
A Manchester Toast to George Myers I believe that those of us at MGS in the late 70s, especially those of us in 4 Alpha who had him as our Form Master, really did see the best of George Myers. Georgie, as he was affectionately known cut a svelte and dashing figure in those days, a half amused pucker playing across his lips. So it was with sadness we learnt of his passing. To celebrate him in the best way we knew how we returned to the environment we had befriended him in again in recent years, a Manchester pub. A dozen or so Old Mancunians passed through the interesting Port Street Beer House one Friday evening and it seemed to pass through me a few times too. Whether by divine providence or the hand of Aus, they served an overly strong beer named Gorgeous George, we drank of it, recounted tales and toasted Georgie more than once. I think he would have quite enjoyed it himself. John Whitfield 76-83 johnny.whit@hotmail.com
Far left: Mark Gartside 88-95
OM Letters David Charles 42-50: I thoroughly enjoy reading The Old Mancunian; it does awaken some memories! I wonder if anyone else remembers an incident which occurred when I was in 1d, under ‘Spud’ Murphy. My memories of him were of an excellent teacher, even though he did put rather an emphasis on Trades Unions! However, it would be 1942 or 43. The class were returning to our usual classroom after a PE lesson. As I was walking in through the door, a boy (I don’t remember who) pointed out to me another boy who was bending over by the lockers at the side of the room. I took the hint, grabbed one of my gymshoes, strode over and gave the backside presented a goodish whack! Imagine my surprise when the ‘boy’ stood up and turned out to be:- Mr Murphy! From the look of surprise-cum-horror on my face he obviously realised I hadn’t known it was him!! Fortunately (for me) he laughed and made some remark (which I do not recall) and the whole episode was forgotten and never referred to again. Does anyone from 1d recall this; it must have been witnessed by almost the whole class! Neville Ford 46-52: Above left: Back row, second left ‘Spud‘ Murphy 34-40 and Master 43-51
Mr Cockshut’s comments about Eric James in the September
I didn’t appreciate that until at the end of my first year, when the Ministry of Education requested that I return the over payment. One letter to Dr James solved the problem. He understood that where I came from there was no other source of income. I was given a Seaton and Westmacott scholarship to cover the overpayment and he made sure that it would not be offset by an M of E deduction. Michael Holland 51-58: I was saddened to read in the September 2012 edition of the death of W G Hamflett, who taught me mathematics for at least two of my years in school. He possessed the neatest chalkboard handwriting of any person I have known, while the meticulous way in which he set out his lessons on it was an object lesson in structured thinking and presentation. Living in Sale Moor, he and I would frequently travel to Old Hall Lane on the same bus. One morning, I found myself standing next to a rather attractive girl from Fallowfield C of E Girls School who treated me to a quite becoming smile. Regretfully, aware that WGH was in extremely close proximity, I failed to respond, fearful that my mathematical ability (lack of) would be compared with my ability (likewise) to converse with a young lady when I next encountered him in a maths class.
2011 edition of the The Old Mancunian were very interesting. My view of him, as a schoolboy of eleven entering MGS in 1946, was obviously different. Dr James, as I knew him then,
Above right: Far left, William G Hamflett, Master 48-61
a State Scholarship in the subject of my choice, Chemistry. When I left MGS to go to University, Dr James personally told me that he would assist me with the transition. I didn’t realise that I would need it. When I completed the Ministry of Education form, I had put down that I would be in a hall of residence. Alas, I was not accepted, as I had no sporting record. Playing chess on the MGS first team didn’t qualify. The scholarship payments were based on my being in a hall of residence.
definitely had a first class mind but in my judgement he also had first class ideas. He was very supportive of me, as a boy from the inner city slums. He seemed less concerned about providing me with a philosophy of life, than helping me get
In hindsight, my fears were probably without foundation, as Hamflett was far too gentlemanly to embarrass a boy in such manner. I found that his teaching methods and patient, painstaking approach suited my temperament and each year, when maths classes were allocated, hoped that I would have him for that year again.
10 11
Robert Slater 44-51: In edition 40 of the Old Mancunian, your correspondent Geoffrey Stone mentions a German assistant teacher named Schnoeckelborg. In fact, Dr.Schnoeck (as he was known) went on to teach English at the Fichteschule in Krefeld, and established a pupil exchange system in conjunction with Mr. Wilson (who taught German at MGS) such that MGS boys spent school holidays with boys in Krefeld and vice versa. My exchange stay (firstly, I think, in 1948) was with Walter Ullrich with whom I became good friends and with whom I am still in touch - we still pay each other visits from time to time, and we have shared many episodes in each other’s lives. I have in my possession a photograph taken in Dr.Schnoeck’s garden of Mrs.S, their young son and daughter, myself and Geoffrey Morris (who was a class-mate of mine). We had been invited to tea, and it is interesting to see how formally Geoff and I were attired, in suits and ties- I’m sure it wouldn’t be like that today! On a visit to Krefeld last year, I was introduced to Dr. Schnoek’s son, whom I had not met since he was a child, and who is now himself retired after a successful career as export manager for a local company. In my view, the exchange system which Schnoek and Wilson instituted was extremely valuable. I do not know whether the link between the schools still exists, but it is a shame if it doesn’t. By the way, Schnoeckelborg sounds just as daft a name to Germans as it does to us!
Thank you!
rprising It’s hardly su n, our ai that, once ag box have mailbag and In by been dominated mbers memories of Me of Staff.
ys welcome – These are alwa recent teachers re ! those of mo o embarrassing must not be to 9 Ian Thorpe 62-6viser & Ad t en pm Develo of the current Editorge pa s er tt OM Le
In memoriam Since the last TOM we have been advised of the recent deaths of the following OMs: We would welcome offers to supply brief obituaries or memories for Ulula. Frank Alcock 36-43 John H Bentley 47-51 David M Binnie 42-49 David Blain 33-39 Peter L A Blunt 40-48 J A Dennis Bradbury 41-44 John P Brown 37-43 Robert C Brunt 48-55 Donald H Cartledge 34-40 Paul R Connolly 49-56 Michael S P Eastham 49-56 Frederick Entwistle 24-26 Allan R Finniecome 37-43 Lionel A Fripp 42-47 William S Glover 38-40 Edward H Gorton 36-42 W T Tim Hall 41-46 Bernard Hamburger 40-47 Anthony G Harrison 49-56 Anthony J Hartley 50-56 James M Howell 45-52 Ralph Howles 26-33 Alan W Johnston 38-45 Brian J Kennedy 47-52 John P B Kenyon 39-46 Brian H Kirsop 38-45 John Maiden 37-41 Duncan J Marshall 64-71 Keith J Morgan 42-48 Derek Ollerenshaw 56-62 Oliver Page 56-64 Leslie R Peace 49-56 Hubert B Royle 37-43 David H Schulman 41-46 Alan G Shimmin 38-43 Roger Tattersall 51-57 David C Taylor 44-51 John G Teal 41-48 Frank Thomasson 35-39 Roy M Thomson 37-43 John M Waterhouse 43-48 Geoffrey Wheat 54-61 We have also heard of the deaths of the following staff: J W Dominic Hibberd 65-70 Stephen Lushington 71-72 George Myers 73-06
Events Stuart Dale Memorial Old Mancunian Football Match. Friday 19 April. If you are interested in playing or supporting please contact Simon Jones at s.jones@mgs.org. MGS Open Evening for further details please see www.mgs.org. 1950s Reunion Dinner. Saturday 18 May for further details contact Jane Graham at j.graham@mgs.org. OM Golf Day at Woking Golf Club, Surrey. Tuesday 25 June at 1:00 pm. Mike Richardson 46-54 is the organiser and can be contacted at audreymiker@ hotmail.co.uk. Speech Day at The Bridgewater Hall. Wednesday 3 July at 6:00 pm. OMs are welcome to attend but as seating is limited please contact j.graham@mgs.org. Annual Old Boys’ Dinner to be held at school on Saturday 23 November. Further details will be available nearer the time from Paul Rose at paulrose6395@gmail.com. Details of all the OM events can be found by visiting www.mgsglobal.org.
Drama events 12 April Man of Destiny by George Bernard Shaw. An OM Production. 7:00 pm. 1, 3 & 4 May Death on the Dial. The world premiere of a new play written by old boy Dan Dockery. 7:00 pm. 17 May Cristobal and Rosita by the twentieth-century Spanish playwright, Lorca. A Junior School production. Drama Studio. 6:00 pm. 10, 11, 12, 13 & 17, 20 June Year 8 Shakespeare Festival, Drama Studio , 6:00 pm. Dates and times of events are subject to change. For confirmation and ticket reservations please see mgs.org
Noteworthy Old Mancunian Ties
Old Mancunian silk ties are available at the cost of £20 in the UK or £22 overseas including p&p.
Man of Destiny – OM Production Luke Gilfedder and Angus Macalister 04-11 are returning to MGS for a special one-off theatre production. Their own Theatre company, Finn Productions ran their debut season at Pownall Hall in Wilmslow. They have written, directed and produced their own show ‘That’s Jam’ at the Manchester Royal Exchange studio, and have had a script of Luke’s named ‘Trash’ performed in London’s Covent Garden. Sir Nicholas Hytner OM, Director of the National Theatre, met Luke and invited him to London. He praised the group’s swift rise as unique and gave him further tips on how to extend into London solely as a writer, whilst continuing to run Finn Youth in Manchester. Luke, Angus and the group will be hitting the MGS stage on Friday 12 April with a production specially selected for MGS,George Bernard Shaw’s ‘Man of Destiny’.
Amazon.co.uk
Gift Aid
24 April Guitar Concert. The Theatre, 6:30 pm.
Many of us are regular shoppers on the internet, and by accessing the Amazon.co.uk website through the icon link on the School’s own website (mgs. org ) up to 10% of the value of any purchase made is automatically given for the direct benefit of the Bursary Fund.
We are grateful to the significant number of Old Boys who donate regularly to the Bursary Fund. We are obliged to remind you that Gift Aid regulations require you to let us know if you no longer pay sufficient tax on income and/or capital gains. Please notify any changes to the Development Office.
2 May Summer Concert, Memorial Hall, 6:30 pm.
Correspondence to Julie Wright at MGS, Old Hall Lane, Manchester, M13 0XT or 0161 224 7201.
Above left: Julie Wright, j.wright@mgs.org Tel Ext 241 Above centre: Danielle Shepherd, d.shepherd@ mgs.org Tel Ext 571 Above right: Jane Graham, j.graham@mgs.org Tel Ext 243 A full list of contact details for the OMA and Sections can be found at mgsglobal.org
The Archivist
Please contact Julie Wright.
Music events
27 April Jazz Dinner Dance. Memorial Hall, 7:00 pm.
Get in touch ...
Rachel Kneale The School Archivist 0161 224 7201 ext 361 or r.a.kneale@mgs.org