TOM Edition 56

The Old Mancunian

Autumn 2020 EDITION 56

Keeping Old Boys throughout the world in touch with MGS

• Strange times at Owl HQ • OM Communications • Where are they now? Nick Munday (79-09) • The High Master • Reopening the Social Distanced School

From the Director of Development Strange times at Owl HQ

entrepreneurship, whilst our 6th formers have benefited from James Lee’s (95-02) Futurelearn course on the Modern Judiciary. And finally, in response to the High Master’s letter sent out in May and a letter sent to Foundation Scholars

by Maurice Watkins, many OMs have made donations to support our bursary programme during these uncertain times. This assistance couldn’t have come at a more welcome time as we look to protect our bursary provision from the downturn in the stock market – thank you so much for your continued support.

The governors have taken the decision to launch our third bursary fundraising appeal as a direct response to the Covid-19 crisis. We will be writing to all OMs about the Bursary Now Appeal in the coming weeks.

In early March, when sage was still a plant rather than a committee of scientists, the final Old Mancunian events took place before the inevitable.

Photographs of the Annual London Dinner, which took place at the Royal Thames Yacht Club, and the Islamic Society dinner in the Memorial Hall, are a reminder of life before lockdown. In London, barrister Adam Wagner (92-99), a specialist human rights lawyer, gave a very entertaining speech meandering through tales from the Inns of Court and reminiscences from Old Hall Lane. At MGS, three speakers took the stage after the ISOC Dinner to entertain and challenge the audience of OMs, parents and current pupils. Ali Qasim (2011-13), an investment banking associate at Rothschild, and Management Consultant, Aasim Azizurehman (2003-10) civil and structural engineer at GHD, and ‘Peaky Blinders’ actor, Yass Al-Hassani (91-98), talked about their respective journeys after leaving MGS, before ISOC President, Owais Iqbal (2013-20) gave a response on behalf of the School.

As school closed early for Easter, the focus shifted to rolling out online learning for our pupils, supporting our key workers and offering our laboratories in support of the national effort to defeat Covid-19. Old Mancunian events around the world were cancelled and MGS Global Connect provided the weekly updates for the School as well as interesting discussions about all-star sports teams, memories from school and tributes to retiring staff. Perhaps unsurprisingly it was the OMs of San Francisco, led by Vernon Smith (51-58), who were the first to organise a virtual reunion via Zoom!

OMs have responded to these strange times with great support for the School. Hugh Campbell (84-91) delivered an online presentation to our Junior School boys about

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Simon Jones (88-95) Director of Development 0161 224 7201 ext 240 or s.jones@mgs.org

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University and Careers Mentorship As part of our universities and careers education programme we have now invited all of our 6th formers to join MGS Global Connect.

Thank you to all Old Mancunians who have indicated that they are ‘willing to help’, by offering to answer university and industry specific questions, review CVs, give advice and offer work experience placements. At a time when our 6th formers are making university choices and starting their UCAS journey, without the opportunity to attend open days the online mentorship opportunity through MGS Global Connect is an important resource for our pupils.

Below (from top): San Francisco Zoom 1. Mike Doodson (55-62), 2. Vernon Smith (51-58), 3. Norman Bardsley (51-58), 4. Roland Burton (92-99), 5. Hugh McIntyre (76-83), 6. Howard Pollick (56-62), 7. Roger Pritchard (50-58); Junior School online: Hugh Campbell (84-91); ISOC Dinner: (L-R) Ali Qasim (2011-13), The High Master, Aasim Azizurehman (2003-10), Yass Al-Hassani (91-98), Abid Anwar (89-96)

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Right (from top): Additional dining in a marquee; Standalone unit with running water for hand washing; Sam Crawshaw Head of Middle School

From the High Master Reopening the Social Distanced School As I write this, we are into the second week of the Michaelmas term, having officially welcomed our boys back last week. And having had no boys in school for 166 days, it was great to see the corridors of MGS buzzing with boys once more.

But at the same time, as I write this piece, we are seeing a rise of Covid-19 cases across the country once more.

I sincerely hope that we are able to educate our boys in school throughout the year, but we must also be cognisant that, within the past few days alone, several schools across the UK have been forced to send whole year groups home because either pupils, or staff, have tested positive for Covid-19. It is a situation we know we will face for many months to come, and our approach will always be to put the safety and wellbeing of our pupils and staff first.

During the lockdown and the summer, the MGS Estates team has carried out a huge amount of work – in line with the Government’s Covid-19 guidance – to ensure that the reopening of School in September has reduced the risks to both pupils and staff as much as possible.

Boys are being taught in their normal year group classes, with each year group being treated as a social ‘bubble’ to minimise contact between different year groups. As far as is practicable, we have reorganised access to the School’s facilities – including outside space and the Refectory – on this very basis. A large Marquee has been installed behind the Pavilion to create a third dining space, in addition to the Refectory and the Butty Bar. For many OMs, it will be a familiar sight to see boys being taught in rows and sat at individual desks, although slightly less familiar to see assemblies being projected on to classroom boards rather than taking place en masse in the Mem Hall!

I’m also sure our OM community will share my disappointment on behalf of our Year 11 and Year 13 boys at the cancellation of the 2020 public examinations. The subsequent uncertainty over the grading system in lieu of the examinations also contributed to a very subdued atmosphere

on the GCSE and A-level results days. Consequently, we have not had the opportunity to celebrate the academic successes of the Class of 2020. I would therefore like to take this opportunity to wish this particular group of OMs the very best for their university careers and as they take the next steps of their post-MGS journey.

The educational challenges posed by the lockdown should not be underestimated, but at all times our aim was to ensure the boys received the best education possible, in spite of the unprecedented circumstances with which we were faced. And, as every OM knows, MGS always rises to meet a challenge, and in the face of adversity comes an opportunity for the innovative. To mitigate the effects of the School being closed, we issued staff and Year 7 pupils with Microsoft Surface devices. Alongside the continued use of Microsoft Teams, particularly for homework, we aim to harness this technology for the benefit of teaching and learning across the MGS curriculum in the coming years.

We are also very keen that our programme of co-curricular activities, clubs and societies should continue as far as possible.

Inter-year group sports are now the norm on a Saturday morning, and we are looking at ways we can provide more activities in the coming weeks, not least as a way to maintain healthy minds as well as healthy bodies.

Thank you for all the support and good wishes that I have received from the OM Community around the world – I do hope to be able to meet with you all again soon.

Dr Martin Boulton (84-86) High Master

Where are they now?

Nick Munday (79-09) Jaws dropped in the first SMT meeting of the summer term when I told them I was leaving MGS to train to be ordained a priest. The boys, of course, all thought that I was retiring. But the thought that had first come to me aged 17 had now come to fruition, thanks to a stray question a few years before by an Old Mancunian: ‘Nick, have you ever thought of getting ordained?’

So Liz and I left for Oxford. I trained at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, sitting examinations in subfusc with former pupils in the Examination Schools at Oxford and proudly receiving my Bachelor of Theology degree at the age of 59 in the Sheldonian (it’s much harder second time round). I was ordained into the Church of Wales in Newport Cathedral and served for three happy years as a curate in Monmouth, before moving to Lincolnshire, where I was the Rector of a rural parish with the ‘cure of souls’ of about 2,000 people and 11 churches – all beautiful, all listed buildings – plus a job helping other parishes around the Diocese of Lincoln to plan their future.

Thirty enjoyable years at MGS had prepared me well for life as a priest – preaching, teaching, and pastoral care.

Fortified by the routines of regular prayer and Holy Communion, there is the privilege of assisting at crucial times in people’s lives – baptising children, marrying happy couples, comforting the dying and their loved ones. My saddest moment was having to administer last rites in the middle of the A15 to a 16-year old girl I had been preparing

for confirmation who was run over by a lorry in the presence of her distraught parents. But mostly there were happy, varied and interesting experiences – I visited old people’s homes and prisons, spent a short time working with failed asylum seekers, stayed in a community for the disabled, and celebrated the Eucharist in a convent. I had fun working in several schools, leading assemblies of course, but also doing drama, teaching philosophy, ‘marrying’ primary pupils and ‘baptising’ their dolls. And much of priestly ministry is just chatting, talking and (above all) listening.

Liz and I moved last year to a village in north Bedfordshire to be near one daughter and her family in Northampton.

Our grandchildren give us much pleasure. The other daughter lives in Porto, so we have enjoyed visiting her too. Although I don’t have a parish, I still keep my hand in, with regular services, individual spiritual direction, and teaching New Testament Greek.

We have more time for singing and we are in two choirs. I am a happy man.

Left (from top): Reverend Nicholas John Munday; Nick Munday in 2009; Graduation day

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From the Archive Returning to work ...

Since the last edition of TOM, things have been quiet in the MGS Archives, with the staff on furlough. However, we are now back at work, so do feel free to contact us. Perhaps you spent lockdown having a clear out.

If you have discovered school photos, artefacts or documents you no longer want, do drop us a line.

Alternatively we are always grateful for digital copies, if you want to keep the originals.

Despite our hiatus, work has continued on the history of the School. We are lucky to have such a committed and engaged community of Old Mancunians who are keen to undertake research.

Jeremy Ward (Staff 74-97) has spent lockdown making progress on a major piece of research on MGS links to the RAF, and is grateful for the many responses he received to his appeal in the spring edition of TOM. Alan Pickwick (Staff 75-13) has been busy looking into a variety of topics including the fate of MGS during previous pandemics and the history of the Owls’ Nest which turns 100 this year. Do log on to MGS Global Connect to read Alan’s findings.

If you do not yet have an account, simply create one at mgsglobalconnect.org

Can you help?

Ian Orrell (Staff 73-07) has been looking into the history of the MGS Service Group (later called Community Action). He has made progress but needs help from OMs who have memories of the following:

Above (from left): Ulula Autumn 1962; Community Service 1990s

1. ‘A bomb site clearance in Broughton. This was reported on in Ulula in 1962 and made local radio and TV. There is a lengthy description in Ulula in 1962 but I have no photos or personal memories. If anyone has either of these or any local newspaper has any copy of this then I would be delighted to hear from them.’

2. ‘An area which John Bell (51-81) and others cleared and made into a memorial garden. This was if my memory serves me right on Chapel Street and according to Ulula ‘ … the site adjoins Williams Deacon’s Bank in Chapel Street, Salford, and stands on the principal route from the North into Manchester. Mr. Bell planned the disposition of walls, pathways, turf, seats and a cypress tree, and a piece of abstract sculpture was designed which will dominate the site and enrage somebody or other.

The sculpture, in cement on a base of steel rods, is now being made

by Mr. Maxfield and members of some of his classes.’ Dr Lock (79-96) and myself both saw this in the late 1990’s by memory but this area has now been built on and no plaque remains and as far as I know there are no photographs of the area. Again if anyone has any photographs or memories of creating the garden then please get in touch.’

3. ‘I am also short of memories of working with Rev. Ian Ross (69-84) and Mr Barton (65-73) as well as lots of photos.’

If you can help with any of these queries, then please contact Ian at i.w.orrell@btinternet.com

Rachel Kneale School Archivist, ext 361, archives@mgs.org

Right: Owls’ Nest

OM Communications As we remember Derek Hockridge ...

John Green (60-68) writes ...

‘I was greatly surprised to read the obituary of Albert Uderzo, the co-creator of the ‘Astérix’ comics, and saw that one of the two translators who made the books so popular in English-speaking countries was Derek Hockridge (58-65). Derek taught me French at MGS, but just for one year. When he left Manchester he went to lecture in Leicester, and our paths crossed again when he was a French oral examiner serving the school in Rutland (then Leics) where I taught. I had no idea he had any involvement with the ‘Astérix’ books, nor indeed that he had been an actor and had appeared on TV! He clearly hid a few lights under a bushel!‘

Ian Thorpe (62-69 and Staff 77-17) remembers ...

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Above (from top): ‘Asterix in Britain & chez les Bretons’ book covers from the MGS Library; Derek Hockridge with the Babes 1st XI (60-61)

‘Derek Hockridge was my French teacher and form master when I was in 2a (63-64). We thought him very suave in dress and accent, and he worked hard to civilise those of us who had rough corners which needed rounding off.

I don’t remember him ever speaking of his work on ‘Astėrix’, which would have been more fun than our worthy French coursebook.’

Visit us…

We invite you visit us in scto come and Development Of hool via the forward to seeifice. We look ng you soon.

Please get in to Jane at oldboy uch with to make arrangs@mgs.org ements.

Right: The school travel pass of Harvey Woods (51-57)

Ian Thorpe (62-69 and Staff 77-17) writes: ‘Some many years ago (20 or so?) I lent this Parker pen to someone at MGS (on a Founders’ Day, perhaps?) – possibly to allow him to sign a donation to the Bursary Fund.

This summer (2020) it came back, anonymously, to School. I am ashamed to confess that I have failed the tests of remembering the occasion. Nonetheless, thank you very much, whoever you are, and please identify yourself if you read this so that we can be in touch again.’

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Obituaries

Socially Distanced Prizes In 2009 the Old Mancunians Association sponsored an Essay Prize as a living memorial to Ian Bailey (27-32 and Master 49-2007). Each year prizes have been awarded at prize giving ceremonies for the best history essay written by the Sixth Form, Middle and Lower school and for the Junior School prizes were awarded for the best model or project.

This year essays have continued as planned and book token prizes have been posted. The Junior School however have had to be creative. Entries have been submitted as songs, poems, videos, a website and family interviews.

The winner’s entry included a homemade movie about Sir Walter Raleigh. Entries, prizes and photos all done in accordance with Social Distancing Guidelines.

We would welcome offers to supply brief obituaries or memories for ‘Ulula’.

Obituaries are posted on the In Memoriam page of the School website and on MGS Global Connect. If you would like to advise us of a death, please email Caitlin c.l.gaslawski@ mgs.org

amazon.co.uk Many of us shop online, and by using the amazon. co.uk website through the icon link on the School’s own website (mgs.org ) up to 10 per cent of the value of any purchase made is automatically given for the direct benefit of the Bursary Fund.

Gift Aid

Above: Junior School prize winners

OM Visits Harvey Woods (51-57) was our last visitor before lockdown and brought his school travel pass from his school trip to France in 1955 as ID. He thoroughly enjoyed his tour of the School and even managed an impromptu kick-about in the Junior School playground.

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.

the DownloadGlobal new MGSt app ...

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In memoriam

Since the last issue of TOM we have been advised of the recent deaths of the following OMs. E Peter Ainsworth ............................... 1945-48 Anthony J Bancroft ........................... 1940-48 Paul S Barrows....................................... 1961-67 James B Berry........................................ 1939-47 Peter F Binnion .................................... 1943-50 Roger P Boden .................................... 1962-69 Arnold R Bodmer ................................ 1940-46 Michael K Bowker ................................ 1941-48 Nicholas P Brieger............................... 1959-66 Christopher W Chadwick ................ 1970-77 John E Dalby ........................................ 1938-44 Gordon B Eccles.................................. 1943-50 Sam Fitzsimmons.................................. 2011-15 Roger M Flinn........................................ 1945-52 Harold V Grange................................... 1943-51 Alan G Hall .............................................. 1946-51 Gordon D M Heys................................ 1946-53 Russell E V Hickling ............................ 1940-50 Robert Hill............................................... 1956-63 Derek S Hodgkiss.................................. 1937-44 Ronald J Holland................................. 1944-48 T A Stewart Johnson........................... 1935-42 Roger J Lister.......................................... 1950-57 Alexander C Martin............................. 1948-54 Michael T F McClelland..................... 1945-47 D Hugh Mellor....................................... 1952-56 David Newton........................................ 1948-55 Ian Philipson.......................................... 1955-63 Geoffrey Prior........................................ 1943-48 David O Rainford................................. 1980-85 Keith Ramsden....................................... 1941-46 Reginald Roberts................................ 1940-44 J Michael Robins.................................. 1944-47 Harold B Robinson .............................. 1935-38 Derek Roebuck ..................................... 1946-53 Theodore D Roland .......................... 1938-45 Neville Ross............................................ 1955-63 Jeremy K G Row.................................. 1960-67 Alan Samuels.......................................... 1941-48 Ian G Smith ............................................. 1950-56 Rodney G Tate ..................................... 1945-52 Andrew J Tebbett ................................ 1962-69 William P Trevor................................... 1938-43 James E Welsby.................................... 1943-50 Martin Williams ..................................... 1968-75 Daniel A Woods ................................... 1999-06 Staff Frank Bennett ........................................ 1967-70 Geoffrey F Chandler .......................... 1972-08 Anthony R Gibbs .................................. 1961-65

Forthcoming Events 2020/21

Get in touch ...

It will not come as a surprise to Old Mancunians that we have reluctantly cancelled all OM events for the foreseeable future.

Correspondence to Julie Wright at MGS, Old Hall Lane, Manchester, M13 0XT or 0161 224 7201.

We have kept Saturday 8 May 2021 free for a possible reunion dinner to be held at the School. It has also been suggested that we should reintroduce the Gatley cross country run on the same day – we will keep OMs informed as our plans develop.

All listed events will be kept updated at mgsglobal.org and MGS Box Office at mgs.org

Online Shop All of these items are available to purchase online or by contacting Julie Wright in the Development Office. mgs.org search for Publications and Souvenirs in the Old Mancunians’ section.

All items include UK postage. Please contact Julie Wright in the Development Office to arrange overseas purchases.

History book £35 exc. P&P

Ulula 2015 Souvenir Edition £12

Ulula 2019 £12

Left to right: Aria Johnston, ext 571 a.johnston@mgs.org Caitlin Gaslawski, ext 570 c.l.gaslawski@mgs.org Jane Graham, ext 243 j.graham@mgs.org Julie Wright, ext 241, j.wright@mgs.org

Simon Jones, ext 240 s.jones@mgs.org

Glimpses of Notes

Cufflinks

OM Ties

£15

£12

£20

NEW! A5 ruled notebook Socks

Reversible scarf

£6

£15

£6

Left to right: Otto Smart, Archives Assistant and Rachel Kneale, School Archivist, ext 361 archives@mgs.org