The Old Savilian Volume 5 Summer 2021

THE OLD SAVILIAN

FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF QUEEN ELIZABETH GRAMMAR SCHOOL

ISSUE 05 SUMMER 2021

www.qegsonline.org.uk

‘IT IS A DISGRACE TO BE IGNORANT’

Contents 10

15 03

HEAD’S WELCOME

06

THE OLD SAVILIANS’ CLUB

12

CLASS OF 2020

14

CLASS OF 2021

16

OS NEWS

21

OS MEMORIES

33

GIVING BACK

37

STAFF LEAVERS

45

LIVES REMEMBERED

36

A note from the Editor

22 STAY IN TOUCH

Welcome to The Old Savilian magazine 2021! I hope that you enjoy reading the magazine, especially some of the Old Savilians’ charity endeavours and achievements in a year that has presented many challenges for us all.

The collection of Old Savilians’ memories is particularly interesting.

Join the Old Savilians’ Club Facebook Group to keep up to date with event and reunion information, QEGS and Old Sav news and memories.

We are delighted to create this magazine each year, as it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on your achievements, memories and news. It is only possible to put together such a magazine with your help, involvement and the reporting of your activities to us. Please do continue to send in your news, comments and announcements throughout the year.

Please help us to grow our LinkedIn group.

Connect and network with fellow Old Savs and keep up to date with all our news.

The traditional Old Savilian events have been put in the calendar in the hope that we will be able to get together this year. The first event planned is the London Dinner which is booked for 24th September 2021, followed by the flagship Annual Dinner on 17th December 2021, which is always oversubscribed. Please do book to secure your place.

Read all about the events on Page 10.

Catherine Worsley, Development Director

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cworsley@wgsf.net

Search ‘The Old Savilians Club Facebook Group’

Search Old Savilians (QEGS Wakefield) Visit the official QEGS Old Savilians’ Website for all alumni profiles, news, events calendar and booking information.

You can also claim your Old Sav profile and update your information and contact details Visit: www.qegsonline.org.uk

HEADMASTER: Martin Shevill

Welcome

My two-term stewardship of the school has raced by quickly, and I must say, I’ll be sad to leave at the end of the academic year. I have been warmly welcomed into the Foundation by all colleagues, students and of course, the Old Savs. It was an honour to be asked to take on the role of Headmaster and it will have been an honour to work with so many people with a passion for education both past and present.

My contact with the Old Savilians has been closer than many of you may expect given that Alistair McKinlay (OS 1990 and President Old Savilian Club) is a Governor and also the Chair of the QEGS General Purposes Committee and our frequent discussions often drift into chats about the Old Savs. More importantly, I’ve been presented with a tie as in fulfilling this role I become a member.

It’s obviously been a strange year but one of the best moments was back in early April, on a sunny spring morning, to see some of the younger boys in their cricket whites out there practising. It somehow felt we were back to normal. Since then cricket, football and athletics have been taking pace daily. We just need to make sure that we are all fully focussed on our learning, particularly important for the Year 11 and Year 13 boys as they complete their final assessments in this second year without public examinations.

The bigger news this term has been about the re-introduction of the House System (at the time of writing one competition has already taken place). Bentley, Cave, Freeston and Savile have re-emerged in the Senior Section obviously with continuity from the Juniors.

I am really pleased that this initiative has sparked such enthusiasm, I thought it would but must say I am surprised by the amount. I’m frequently stopped by boys in corridors, in the yard and on the field to say how pleased they are and obviously tell be that ‘Freeston’ or... or... is best. The staff have demonstrated equal enthusiasm. The most serious conversations with staff appear to have been around the House System... ’My dad came to this school and he was in Bentley, I must be in Bentley, and so it goes on. The Houses will have sister houses at the Girls’ School for occasional joint competitions such as debating and we may well have a Foundation champion House as well as an individual school champion House.

I'm sure you would join me in wishing all staff who have left during the past academic year all the very best for the future, in either a new role or retirement.

My first and last contribution as Headmaster; it’s been a great opportunity and I pass the baton onto Dr Richard Brookes knowing that QEGS continues to flourish.

Martin Shevill Martin Shevill Headmaster

www.qegsonline.org.uk 3

Welcome Dr Brookes is a school with a “ Ittremendous heritage, but one which looks forward with confidence and an eye for innovation

”

NEW HEADMASTEr TO TAKE up HIS rOLE IN SEpTEMbEr 2021 We are delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Brookes as the next Head of QEGS from September 2021 Dr Brookes has been Senior Deputy Head of City of London School since 2015, where he was also Interim Head for a period. He has day-to-day responsibility for all aspects of the school’s management, and has worked closely with the Head and Governors in the development of a new Strategic Vision for the school.

Before this, Dr Brookes was Director of Teaching and Learning at Tonbridge School, where he led the development of enhanced approaches to teachers’ reflective practice. Previously, he was Head of Chemistry and Sixth Form tutor at King Edward’s School, Birmingham. He started his career at Whitgift School as a teacher of Chemistry, where he was the Assistant Head of Sixth Form and the Oxbridge Admissions Coordinator.

Dr Brookes studied at Oxford University, where he gained a Masters in Chemistry (First Class) before completing his D.Phil in Theoretical Chemistry.

Dr Brookes said: “It is a tremendous privilege to have been selected as the next Head of QEGS. It is a school which champions the strengths of a holistic, single sex education for boys, whilst benefiting from the ‘best of both worlds’ approach offered by being part of Wakefield Grammar School Foundation. It is a school with a tremendous heritage, but one which looks forward with confidence and an eye for innovation. It is a school which represents its community and is committed to partnership with that community. The next chapter in the

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school’s evolution is an important one, as we bring together the Junior and Senior sections into a single school, and continue to ensure that the breadth and depth of our education is as accessible to as many pupils as possible.

I was struck during my visit to the school and meetings with staff and pupils how much everyone loves the school, and how down to earth and friendly they all were. My wife, Emma, is also a teacher, and we are both very much excited about getting to know everyone in the QEGS community over the coming months. Yorkshire will be a fantastic place to bring up our daughter, and we are looking forward to exploring its Dales and Moors.”

Simon Chamberlain, Chair of Governors at Wakefield Grammar School Foundation, said: “After a rigorous and highly competitive selection process, we are delighted to be appointing Dr Richard Brookes as the 32nd Head of QEGS, Wakefield. We are confident that Dr Brookes has the right experience and qualities to lead the new all-through school successfully, preserving the proud traditions of QEGS whilst embracing a contemporary education for all pupils.

We look forward to welcoming Dr Brookes and his family to Yorkshire in September.”

Governors, Wakefield Grammar School Foundation

Clayton update

CLAYTON HOSPITAL SITE, DEMOLITION HAS FINALLY STARTED Demolition View June 2021

View from Wentworth Street

View towards WGHS

View from Northgate

A considerable amount of time has passed since we first communicated our exciting plans for the former Clayton Hospital site to you. The Governors and our consultants have been busy in the background negotiating with Wakefield Council about our plans for the site.

building but it does sit within the St John's Conservation Area so great attention has been given to ensuring the development is sympathetic to its surroundings.

I am therefore delighted to confirm that the Foundation received permission on 15 April 2021 to undertake the first part of the redevelopment scheme for the benefit of WGHS and QEGS and to be able to offer some community uses.

The "enabling" phase, as it is referred to, comprises the demolition of buildings, retention and repair of the central pavilion, creation of a landscaped boulevard through the centre of the site, creation of a MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) and associated parking. The rest of the site will be grassed in preparation for future phases. We were delighted that the demolition contractors started on the site in June 2021 and are making good progress. We have installed a time lapse camera to record the demolition so we will have a permanent record of the work undertaken. These works should be completed before the end of this calendar year.

Planning permissions will be required to continue with the future phases but this step forward is very much welcomed for the investment made so far.

As background, Wakefield Grammar School Foundation purchased the Clayton Hospital site from the NHS in 2018 having successfully obtained Outline Planning permission in the previous year. The buildings had stood empty for six years prior to this and the Foundation have made the site secure, removed the asbestos, and engaged with stakeholders (staff, parents and alumni) to create the vision.

With that we have pursued the planning and now can progress the demolition and create the first part of the development. The land sits strategically between both school campuses and presents an opportunity to create new facilities for the benefit of all children within our Foundation. It will be known as the Clayton Campus.

The discussions with Wakefield Council have been long and protracted, however they support us in our endeavours, as do Wakefield Civic Society. Clayton Hospital is not a listed

Fundraising for this scheme is underway to enable future phases and we continue to explore funding options for the scheme. Please contact the Foundation Development Director, Cath Worsley, in our Development Office if you are able to assist us with this in any way or if you would like any details of how you can support the building project financially. cworsley@wgsf.net We hope you will support us as we continue with our efforts.

Helen Massey (OG, 1998) Deputy Chair of Governors and Chair of Land and Buildings Committee, Wakefield Grammar School Foundation. www.qegsonline.org.uk 5

The Old Savilians' Club was formed in 1898 and took its name from The Savile Family, the benefactors who brought 'Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield' into existence in 1591.

Throughout its existence the Club has remained remarkably faithful to its original objectives to promote good fellowship of all Old Savilians, to strengthen the links between past and present, and to promote the interests and prosperity of the School and its alumni. From the outset dinners, sporting and social events have been seen as a vital means of pursuing the Club's objectives, with the first annual dinner being held in the School Hall (now the School's reception hall) on January 11, 1899. This tradition continues and The Old Savilians’ Club and the school continue to work hard to offer our Alumni a variety of events throughout the academic year.

Amongst the benefits of being a member of The Old Savilians’ Club, is membership to

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QEGSOnline.org.uk, a copy of the school magazine The Savilian for ten years after leaving school, monthly E-newsletters and a copy of the alumni magazine The Old Savilian annually.

The Club is run by a committee, made up of Old Savilians, former staff and supported by the Headmaster and the School Development Office.

The committee meet four times a year and would like to invite any Old Savilians who are interested in becoming part of the committee to contact cworsley@wgsf.net for more details.

All Old Savilians are invited to attend the AGM which will take place at QEGS on Thursday 18th November at 8pm.

Alistair McKinlay prESIDENT OF OLD SAVILIANS' CLub (OS, 1990)

Greetings to you all and welcome to this latest edition of “The Old Savilian”.

Firstly, I hope you and your families are all safe and well.

It has been a challenging period for so many people and I am very conscious of the difficulties and losses some of you have faced. We send all Old Savilians our best wishes and support.

For obvious reasons, the past 15 months or so have been very quiet on the “events” front, but it has been encouraging to hear and read about what many Old Savilians have been doing during the pandemic.

From those who have been on the frontline, to those in research and to all who have dug deep, in so many ways, it is clear that our Old Savilians continue to have success in all that they do.

There have been a number of departures and retirements from school over the last year, and you can read fuller tributes to them elsewhere in the magazine, but I would like to mention a couple of these at this point: Lizzie Hulme- we were very sad to see Lizzie leave the Foundation after almost 11 years’ service. Lizzie has been a passionate supporter of the Old Savilians’ Club and has been synonymous with it during her time at the school. She worked tirelessly to organise events, promote the club and her energy and enthusiasm never ceased to amaze me. It was therefore my pleasure and delight to honour Lizzie as an “Honorary Old Savilian” at the AGM last November- although Lizzie may have left QEGS, her association and continued involvement with the club is assured and I know many of you will be pleased to hear this.

Louise Gray - Although Louise had intended to retire in the summer of 2020, given the unusual circumstances brought about by COVID, she very kindly agreed to remain in post until December 2020. I was able to attend her final assembly in school and to present her with some gifts from the club. Inevitably, there were tears (hers, not mine!). Louise has been very proud to watch her “QEGLETS” mature into Old Savilians and you can be certain she will be following your progress and next steps, with keen interest!

David Craig - The end of the Autumn Term 2020 also saw the retirement of David Craig, after 10 years at the helm.

David has supported the club in many different ways, from his attendance at events and dinners to supplying the liquid refreshments at club meetings and welcoming back Old Savilians into school with warmth and kindness.

It has been my pleasure to have worked closely with David over the last few years and I have really appreciated the guidance and support he has shown to the club. I am sure you will all join with me in wishing him a happy and healthy retirement!

Martin Shevill - Martin has been the interim head for the last 2 terms- not an easy job given the lockdowns and on-line learning that have been in place. Although only in post for a brief period, I would like to thank him for the support he has given the club and for all he has done for the school.

And so to the future! As I write this piece, some of the restrictions we have endured are being relaxed and we are able to hold events once again. The Golf Day will be the first of these, followed (hopefully) by the London Dinner and Annual Dinner. Please look out for notices about these on the website and Facebook. “#MadeinQEGS” will also go live in the summer term- the mentoring scheme between school and the club. I would encourage you all to register your support for this- it is a wonderful opportunity to offer your time and experience to the current generation of QEGS pupils as they start to make their career choices and I hope we can promote and share the diverse range of expertise that exists amongst the club members to encourage the next generation of Old Savilians. Please see the club website for more details.

Finally, may I take this opportunity to welcome Dr Richard Brookes to QEGS, as our next Head. I am certain Richard will be looking forward to meeting with you and getting to know the club as he settles into his new role.

Alistair

Best wishes

Alistair McKinlay

President, Old Savilians’ Club

www.qegsonline.org.uk 7

MEET THE OLD SAVILIANS’ CLub

COUNCIL MEMBERS...

Alistair McKinlay president (OS, 1990)

Douglas Haigh

Jason Brook (OS, 1990)

past president (OS, 2005)

Dean Bunnell (OS, 1969)

Simon Chamberlain Secretary (OS, 1988)

Guy Cliff Auditor

Neal Rigby

(OS, 1996)

past president (OS, 2009)

Andrew Darnton (OS, 2003)

John Glover

Roger Ackroyd

Treasurer

(OS, 1983)

Thomas Garner (OS, 2011)

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Richard Milner (OS, 1983)

Ian Shackleton (OS, 1980)

George Grainger (OS, 2010)

“ David Sugden (OS, 2002)

Chris Hoyle

Will Swarbrick

(OS, 2012)

Ben Korosi (OS, 2011)

It gives me great pleasure to continue to support both the Old Savilians' Club and the School

”

Will Swarbrick (OS, 2012)

Sam Whiting (OS, 2003)

Tom Marsden

Samuel Woodgate (OS, 2012)

(OS, 2012)

www.qegsonline.org.uk 9

2019/2020 EVENTS

Looking back...

Understandably, we have not been able to run events since March 2020 and we have missed two London Drinks, a London Dinner, an International Dinner, a Cambridge Dinner, a Wakefield Drinks, as well as the flagship Annual Dinner. All of which amounts to an extraordinary period which has disrupted the lives of everyone.

CAMBRIDGE DINNER 18TH JAN 2020

We have much to catch up on!

Rest assured we have been planning our events for the remainder of this year. We have set the date of the London Dinner for Friday evening 24th September; the Annual Dinner Friday 17th December and the Cambridge Dinner 29th January 2022.

INTERNATIONAL DINNER 12TH OCT 2019

LONDON DINNER 20TH SEpTEMBER 2019 act These photos of the as a reminder f happy times o d reminiscing an h it catching up w er old friends ov o tw r a drink o

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ANNUAL DINNER DEC 2019

OLD SAVILIANS’ GOLF DAy 2021

The annual golf day returned to the Old Savilians’ calendar of events on 18th June after the 2020 competition unfortunately had to be cancelled for the first time since the Second World War due to the coronavirus pandemic.

40 hardy golfers attended the day, braving the elements to contest for the prestigious Harrop Cup for the first place Old Savilian, the Milner Trophy for second place and the Duffin Trophy for guests.

The players teed off from 2pm in order to ensure that everyone was back in time for the England – Scotland Euro 2021 match. The weather unfortunately set in as the first group teed off, in what would be a challenging day for all competitors.

The fantastic condition of Wakefield golf course was reflected in the scoring however, with T. Kilbride the winner of the Harrop Cup with 42 stableford points from a 12 handicap. In second, the winner of the Milner Trophy was J.V. Richards with 37 points from a 16 handicap.

N. Townsend won the Duffin trophy with 40 points, followed by P. Monaghan claiming second place with 37 points.

FUTURE EVENTS OS London dinner 24th September 2021

OS Annual dinner 17th December 2021

OS Cambridge dinner 2022 29th January 2022 Book now at

www.qegsonline.org.uk

The longest drive on the 18th hole was struck by S. McGregor, with T. Broadbent nearest to the pin on 2nd hole.

The club would like to thank all the players that attended the event despite the weather, Steve Denton for organisation and the President for presenting the prizes on the day. We look forward to seeing you all next year!

Next year’s event has been booked for 17th June 2022 again at Wakefield Golf Club with the tee held for Old Savilians and their guests between 2pm-4pm. Please reserve you place by contacting Steve Denton, Tom Garner or Will Swarbrick. You may do this by contacting the Development Office by emailing cworsley@wgsf.net

Tom Garner (OS, 2011) www.qegsonline.org.uk 11

Welcome to the

Class of 2020

Head Boy Team and Savile Scholars

The School career of the Class of 2020, sadly came to an abrupt end at the end of March 2020; no exams, no fancy dress final assembly or leavers’ ball.

However, the stoical way you approached these disappointments was testament to your maturity and character and we’d like to give you all a special welcome to the Old Savilians’ Community.

As you leave QEGS, you become an Old Savilian. Affectionately known as Old Savs, there is a community of over 5,000 Old Savilians, living all over the world, doing all manner of jobs, each with their own experiences, but bound by the same foundation - an education at QEGS Wakefield. As you move onto the next chapter of your lives, we hope you will stay true to the friendships you’ve made, cherish the many experiences you’ve had along the way and remember that whilst you are no longer entering through the School gates every day, you are still very much part of QEGS. Our Old Savilians have an abundance of experience, goodwill, skills and resources and I am sure that you will both benefit and contribute to it in the coming months and years.

Perhaps you will return to school for the Old Savilians’ Annual Dinner 17th December 2021!

Floreas Wakefieldia!

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CLASS OF 2020 Zaid Abrar Haroon Alyas Michael Anderson Oliver Appleyard Faiq Aziz Stevan Balac Edward Booth Alasdair Braidley Rowan Buxton Jack Cherry Tanaka Chidziva Anish Chowdary Aaron Daley Georgio Demetriou Harry Duke Matthew Enright Oliver Farrar Jordan Forster Amai Ganjam Omer Gelli Cavan Gilbey Stevie Goodman Laurence Harkin Max Harrison James Harwood Matthew Hudson Tobi Irelewuyi Matthew Jenkins Mihali Joannou Alfie Kirton Stephen Ledger Harry Longworth Niza Machona Patrick Maher Athieshwar Manoharan Adam Marwood Daniel McNair Sam Meredith Conor Nichols Thomas Noble Rahman Pervaiz Samuel Piper Adam Priest George Purves-Bennett Timothy Ramshaw Michael Rogers Jack Royle William Saunders Sam Selka Yousaf Shahzad Hugo Sinclair Deegan Smith Luke Smith Ethan Stuckey Cameron Taylor Ryan Taylor Sam Tipler Robbie Watson Lucas Webster Thomas Williams Matthew Wood Max Wotton

Head Boy Review 2020 As Head Boy of QEGS during the year 2020, I thoroughly feel almost speechless in regards to what has gone on this year. One would expect me to be cursing Covid-19 over the disastrous end to what has been a glorious career at QEGS, with the noticeable omission of the May Ball as well as many other parties celebrating the end of our time at QEGS. However, I am writing this review today with no feeling of regret or frustration, but instead with gratitude and absolute happiness.

Despite enduring the controversy surrounding our final grades at both GCSE and A Level, I believe that every boy who is leaving QEGS will feel honoured to have been a part of something so special. For me, the reality of not returning back to QEGS has not sunk in yet, but I am sure that in the coming month when I have departed for Edinburgh, that reality will hit home. I cannot contemplate the fact that never again will I listen to another Mr Craig assembly; never again will I be able to wear the famous Black and Gold on the rugby field; never again will I laugh and joke around in the canteen with my mates; but possibly the thing I will miss most will be the relationship between the staff and the students.

QEGS is built on respect, hard work, and friendship, and this academic year has really put these core values to the test.

Covid-19 meant that our careers ended on a slightly abrupt note however this does not take away from the sterling job that the Deputy Heads and Prefects have carried out this year.

A special thanks must go to my close friends and deputies Amai Ganjam, Luke Smith, Rowan Buxton, Hugo Sinclair and Edward Booth - all of whom have made my role of Head Boy significantly easier. Even though we have faced many challenges throughout the years, there is a major sense of cohesion and love in our year group and for that, I am truly grateful… of course Janine must be included as she is the fairy godmother of every Year 13 that passes through QEGS.

Specific mentions must go to both Mrs Palin and Mr Fitzsimons for keeping me and the team on our toes... constantly! Mr Rees and Mr Jones have guided our year group through the turmoil of Coronavirus with their virtual assemblies that kept us up-to-date on all things political. Many thanks to the office and in particular Mrs Grafton who is ready to help us in any way, shape or form.

A huge thank you to Mr Craig for granting me the honourable position of Head Boy, and also for being a fine mentor and a person to aspire to and to learn from.

Mr Craig along with Mr Barker and Mr Dean, are people that I look up to on a daily basis and their influence and guidance has moulded the character that I am today. Finally, my personal thanks goes to Mr Palin who is a great role model and an even better friend. Having experienced my fair share of ‘stern words’ from Mr Palin in my earlier years at QEGS, I have come to realise that it all originates from a place of care and warmth.

Having had one of the very best experiences of school possible, I am able to leave QEGS with fond memories and lifelong friends. We have not ended our school careers in a very conventional way, but I sincerely hope that this is not the end for my relationship with QEGS and I know that I will be attending the Old Savs Dinner for many years to come.

Although it pains me to say this as it means I am acknowledging the end of my time here, I want to congratulate Swapnil Sahoo on becoming the next Head Boy and I wish both him and his team the very best of luck.

Once more, a massive thanks to the staff and students of Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School who have contributed to my 6 outstanding years as a QEGS lad.

Finally, all that remains to be said is ‘Turpe Nescire’!

Adam priest (OS 2020)

www.qegsonline.org.uk 13

Welcome to the

Class of 2021

We are delighted to welcome the Class of 2021 to our Old Savilian community.

What a year! You have experienced a year like no other; with a mixture of ‘Home School’ and ‘In School’ learning. You will have been busy revising for the assessments and securing your future beyond QEGS. We wish you all the best in your life after QEGS. We hope that you will remember your time at QEGS with pride and happiness and that the friendships that you have made will remain strong in the future.

As you leave QEGS you become an Old Savilian. We are here to help you share your news, welcome you to events and offer any advice and help from other Old Savilians. We hope that you will continue to be part of our wider school community and return to school to share your own journey beyond QEGS. Please do ensure that you have claimed your Old Savilian online record (at www.QEGSonline.org.uk) and keep your contact details up to date.

The Old Savilians’ Annual Dinner is the highlight of the Old Savilian calendar and is usually over-subscribed; please ensure that you reserve your place well in advance - or risk being disappointed!

Floreas Wakefieldia!

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CLASS OF 2021 Jack Baxter David Black Cameron Blackburn Harry Bramley Joe Brierley Oliver Butterfield Tyler Campbell Sean Chitongo Sam Cookland Benjamin Cousins Ben Crabtree James Crowther Saketh Darbhamulla Ammar Dosani Daniel Easton Alexander Elliott Aaron Evans Brandon Fulton Akhilesh Gairola Finlay Garratt Theo Gelder Joshua Gilliard Edward Greaves Ben Green Harry Groiser Joseph Gueli Jack Guy Rory Heath William Hodgson Oliver Hulse Finley Hunt Elliot Hunter Joseph Jenkins Aamer Khan Ayman Khan Daniyal Khan Brandon Lishman Ritvik Loganathan Jacob Lonsdale Nathan Lyster Sufiyaan Mahmood Bailey Mann Jack Maskill Harry Mason Patrick Morgan Joseph Morton Joe Mounsey William Newton Stevan Opacic Jonathan Osunde Seth Parkin Finlay Powell Tom Preece Victor Quaas Antonio Gomez Harris Rawat Will Roberts Kyle Rothery Swapnil Sahoo Vineeth Sakhamuri Jack Sedgwick Niral Shetty Leighton Shuttleworth Jagveer Singh Ben Smith Joshua Smith Ben Stones Guy Stuart-Brown Harry Taylor Harrison Turner Liam Watson Thomas Wightman Edward Winstanley James Winter

Head Boy Review 2021 The very last year of my QEGS journey has been quite an interesting one — for the past few months, I’ve had some big shoes to fill as Head Boy. This year has truly been an unusual yet exciting experience for myself and my peers, especially with the pandemic which greatly interfered with our lifestyles. Whilst COVID-19 meant that we Y13s weren’t at school for the entirety of the academic year, we cherished our final moments together in the best possible way with a leavers breakfast to mark the end of our QEGS careers! To me, QEGS has always been about brotherhood, a brotherhood that never fails to support each other, a brotherhood that always strives to promote dedication towards our interests. Today, I am writing this review feeling proud to be a member of this unshakeable community.

Over the past few months, I have had the privilege of leading the Senior Prefect Team. Our roles as prefects shifted from the traditional car-parking and parents evening duties to something perfect for a virtual QEGS. We aimed to promote integration during the 2nd national lockdown by hosting virtual charity events for certain year groups whilst supporting a variety of deserving causes. In these unusual circumstances,I believe that as a team we have exercised our ability to collaborate and to adapt to new situations allowing us to overcome these obstacles. None of this would have been possible without the contribution from every member of the senior prefect team and I am incredibly grateful for being surrounded by a group of talented, supporting and persevering lads. I’d also like to specifically thank my outstanding team of Deputy Head Boys — Tyler Campbell, Oliver Hulse, Niral Shetty and Leighton Shuttleworth for always being there by my side and for making my job significantly easier.

I must also thank the teachers who gave me and the rest of my team this opportunity in the first place.

I’d like to thank Mrs Palin and Mr Fitzsimons for constantly challenging, guiding and supporting us during our team meetings every fortnight. Without them, we as a team would not have been able to achieve so much in such a difficult time. Personally, I’m going to miss our team meetings together where the bacon and egg sandwiches were the main attraction!

Furthermore, I would like to thank Mr Rees for his excellent advice and support on being a Head Boy and also Mr Jones for always making sure that I didn’t overwork myself throughout sixth form. I must also thank our marketing manager, Niall Williams, whom I have gotten to know well over the past few months, for helping me present my speeches on a virtual platform. My personal thanks goes to Mr Palin for being an excellent mentor for my university applications and for being a great role model over the past few years. I’d also like to thank Mr Shevill for being a great headmaster this year (especially in these circumstances) and for trusting me as his Head Boy. Finally, a huge thank you to Mr Craig for believing in me and for giving me this opportunity. Mr Craig has been a true inspiration right from the moment I met him in Year 7 and it was truly sad to see the end of an era.

Now that I have completed all of my A level assessments, I still cannot comprehend the fact that I will never be present in school as a QEGS student, but now as an Old Sav. Although this article marks the end of my QEGS career, I feel that it is now time to welcome the future of QEGS. I’d personally like to congratulate Edward Marsh on becoming the next Head Boy and I wish both him and his team the very best of luck for next academic year. Next, I would like to welcome Dr Brookes as the next Headmaster to this community known as QEGS and I am truly excited to see what he has to offer in the future.

Finally, a tremendous thank you to the staff and students of QEGS for making me feel proud to be QEGS lad!

Swapnil Sahoo (OS 2021) The Senior Prefect Team 2020-2021

The Head Boy Team 2020-2021

www.qegsonline.org.uk 15

OS NEWS

Fighting COVID Shielding the front line doctors and nurses at local hospitals

Head of DT at Marlborough College, Malaysia successfully manufactured a range of face shields for front line doctors and nurses at local hospitals.

Andrew Mason (OS, 2005)

Lead Scientist helped in the Covid fight As news of potential vaccines for Covid-19 hit the media, we were proud to have one of our own playing a huge part in making this happen. The making of the vaccine announced by Pfizer has been heavily assisted by Croda Europe.

Old Savilian, Andy Sellars (OS 2006), Lead Development Scientist at Croda was the lead scientist in the scale up process of the ingredients used in the vaccine. The way it was made at lab scale had to be completely redesigned in order to make it scalable and safe for production and without Andy’s input this wouldn't have been achieved.

Andy Sellars (OS, 2006) 16

Supporting the NHS At the very beginning of the pandemic, the Naylor Group, changed their manufacturing product to support the NHS. Rather than manufacturing their usual products of clay and plastic pipes for "below ground" use on construction projects, Naylor's Wombwell site began to manufacture ventilation duct for emergency medical facilities, including the Nightingale hospital in London's Docklands.

Additionally, Naylor's extruded cable filler was used as part of cabling works on the same site as well as other schemes such as the temporary hospital in Milan.

Edward Naylor (OS, 1982), CEO The Naylor Group

Estates Manager at J & E Dickinson Longley Farm After leaving QEGS in 2000, I studied law at Newcastle University, before joining KPMG as a trainee accountant.

I quickly discovered this wasn’t for me, so changed to Chartered Surveying, valuing commercial property across the UK for the next decade, latterly in central London.

In 2004 I joined J & E Dickinson, a dairy and farming business in Holmfirth, as their Estates Manager. Mainly based at their estate in Barnsley, Tyers Hall Farm, my work is varied, from land tenancy agreements, HR matters, restoration of walled gardens, ecology and sustainability. Tyers Hall is a stunning farm, with historic stone buildings, rolling fields and woodlands with much potential for diversification.

D&T was my favourite subject at school, inspired by Messrs Preston and Benn, so I’m lucky to have some creative freedom in my current role. Whether benches for public footpaths, animal feed troughs or full buildings, there is always something to sketch and build.

Whilst designing a new livestock building with colleagues, I developed a passion for animal and farmer welfare, for which I was fortunate to be awarded a Nuffield Farming Scholarship. This has involved various periods of travel to the USA, Canada and Europe, studying the impact of building design on the

psychology and mental health of farmers. I’ve loved the adventure and made some life-long friends.

Farming is changing. Now we have left the EU, subsidies are being removed and future government payments are being linked to environmental outcomes. Farmers will be rewarded for managing land in a way which restores biodiversity, sequesters carbon to fight climate change, improves water quality and alleviates flooding.

I’m passionate about nature and the environment, so it’s an exciting time.

The next project is to convert a large steel framed barn into an education hub, where we can welcome the public to learn about farming, food and nature. We hope it will be a beautiful space, where people can stand inside and feel connected to the farm around them, where we can host discussions, debates, events and celebrations.

In my work today, and over the last twenty years, I feel fortunate to have enjoyed an excellent educational start in life at QEGS and am pleased to continue this association with the school by welcoming it to our farm.

Chris Harrap (OS, 2000)

“

I developed a passion for animal and farmer welfare, for which I was fortunate to be awarded a Nuffield Farming Scholarship

”

www.qegsonline.org.uk 17

OS NEWS

In Memory of Minha Hi, my name is Faiq and I had the pleasure of joining QEGS in the Upper 6th years. Living in Bradford, I can certainly say the early morning trains to Westgate were worth it! I was fortunate enough to enjoy 1st XV rugby, Mr Mason's ‘interesting’ but well thought out analogies when explaining A level Chemistry to us, but most importantly, I have made some friends for life along the way. It truly is an honour to be a part of such an esteemed community.

As I venture onto start Medical School at the University of Liverpool, I have the pleasure of recalling some great camaraderie between the QEGS and WGHS boys and girls in what was already tough times due to the pandemic.

Last year on the 16th of April, my family suffered a tragedy in the loss of my cousin, to cancer at the tender age of 18. Minha was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer two years ago and despite many challenges during her journey, she faced them with optimism, fearlessness and most importantly, always smiling. She was ready to tackle her university years despite her deteriorating health.

A moment that stands out for me is finding her looking for portable oxygen cylinders to aid her breathing. She never thought she wouldn’t make it to September. After her death, the impact she left on me was immeasurable.

I decided it was only right if I honoured her life.

Macmillan Cancer Support were integral in her palliative care at home. Especially during a pandemic, they were essential in providing Minha's medication, her oxygen support, and answering any queries her Mum Sadia had when she was worried for her health. Their presence was emphasised during the national lockdown.

I decided running would be a fantastic method of honouring her life and raising money for Macmillan. There had been a social media trend during the national lockdown to run 5km and donate £5 to a charity of your choice.

I decided to take a little twist on that and make a challenge for me and a couple of friends.

Minha's battle with Cancer lasted 734 days to be exact. It was then I posed the idea to 5 close friends to run 5km every day for a whole month in hopes of raising money for Macmillan. After the news spread, I was overwhelmed with support, and many friends

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THE RUNNERS Boys from QEGS who ran - all are from the Class of 2020 Adam Priest (Head Boy)

From left to right Aminah (Minha’s cousin), Minha, Faiq with Ryan, (Minha’s brother Ahad), Faiq’s brother holding Amaan, (Minha’s brother)

wanted to also participate and take part.

Before I knew it, I had 57 runners/walkers/ cyclers doing 5km a day for a whole month.

This included friends, family and teachers also! I remember on day 3, having my body riddled with aches and pains, but remembering the importance of driving through, just as Minha did. With an initial target of raising £750, this was achieved within 2 hours of the challenge starting, and it eventually picked up regional attention on the news, making it to the BBC! After a long, gruelling, but rewarding 30 days, we ended up raising £12,067, and running over 8000km! It was truly a humbling experience.

A year on from her death, I am still reminded of how important resilience is, and how far positivity can take you. It also made me realise how important the QEGS community is. Without it, this amazing feat we have achieved would not have been possible. I don’t think words will suffice how grateful I am to the help I had from all the teachers, boys and girls who ran and helped in raising an amazing amount for such an amazing organisation! Minha's legacy has become a focal point in Macmillan’s Cash Appeal sent out at the start of this year, in hopes more money will be raised to go towards bettering the lives of people who suffer with this terrible disease. Once again, I thank this amazing community, and look forward to seeing it flourish even further in the future.

Faiq Aziz (OS, 2020)

Patrick Maher Amai Ganjam Oliver Appleyard Ed Booth Luke Smith Harry Duke Harry Longworth Jack Cherry Ryan Taylor Tom Noble Will Gatus Ibrahim Shamchiyev (left in year 11)

Stevan Balac Max Wotton Tobi Irelewuyi Will Joyce (left in year 11)

Girls from WGHS who ran - are all from the Class of 2020 Abbey Brooke Ella Riding Lola Allison Rebecca Coe Alex Middleton Eilidh Lee Lucy Morrell Olivia Shuter Sophia Walker

Teachers Mr Rees Mr Pesterfield Mr Higgins Mr Barker Dr Clark Mr Fraser Mrs Palin Mrs Armson Mrs Eggleston Mrs Fitzsimons Mr Stiff Mrs Allen Dr Brunt Mr Becker Mr Head

How did I end up building a palm tree shaped island in the persian Gulf?

After completing my A-Level’s at QEGS, I attended the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne where I studied Civil Engineering. Upon graduating in 1996, I began my career designing water pipelines in North Yorkshire. However, a passion for marine-related infrastructure and a thirst for more project variety would lead me on an unexpected path.

I joined Van Oord, a Dutch dredging and marine construction company, in early 1997. Here I spent the next four years constructing rock defences from imported Norwegian rocks (that were each the size of an average saloon car) along the coastlines of England, Wales and Scotland.

After four years the rocks of Norway had to be left to the responsibility of others.

I had been requested to fly to Dubai, it was October 2001.

The project was to build Palm Jumeirah – the most ambitious project of all time. A palm tree-shaped island 5km long and located off the coast of Dubai.

My responsibility was to operationally manage several of the vessels that would dredge the seabed and re-locate the sand material to form the island. These Trailing Suction Hopper Dredgers could suck material from 30 metres deep, store the sand in the hull of the vessel, transport to the planned delivery location and discharge the material by squirting it over the bow through nozzles (a technique known as rainbowing). These giant vessels had the capability of delivering over eight thousand tonnes of sand every three to four hours, twenty-four hours per day, three hundred and sixty-five days a year.

If one unusual offshore structure was not enough to build in one lifetime I followed Palm Jumeriah by working on The World Project, also in Dubai. This project involved the construction of an archipelago of more than three hundred artificial islands in the shape of a map of the world. Of course, this required similar vessels to deliver the sand, but this time larger, much larger. Each of the mega vessels had the capability of delivering over thirty-eight thousand tonnes of sand every three to four hours, twenty-four hours per day, three hundred and sixty-five days a year.

Before leaving the Middle East I just had time to squeeze in one more project. The expansion of the port of Ras Laffan in Qatar.

Once completed, this expansion would make the port the largest artificial harbour in the world and contain the world’s largest Liquified Natural Gas export facility.

Here I was tasked with overseeing the engineering for the rock deliveries to construct two six mile long breakwaters, each approximately twenty metres high.

I now live in Australia. Still working on marine engineering projects for Van Oord, although now I tend to try to stay in the air conditioning more.

Andrew May (OS 1993) www.qegsonline.org.uk 19

OS NEWS

100km walk to remember Luca On Saturday 24th I took on the challenge to walk 100km over 24 hours…

As a young dad to 1 year old Ned I had been massively affected by the tragic news that my good friends Paul and Philippa shared just over a year back when their little boy Luca suddenly passed away at just 7 weeks old.

The last 12 months have been testing enough but their situation has been beyond difficult.

Allanah (my partner) and I have always been on the other end of the phone when they needed to talk about what has happened. After Christmas Paul suggested doing the walk as a way to raise money for the charities that had supported them and I said I would take on a Yorkshire based 100km to support.

Anyone who has attempted this distance knows the level of training and commitment required is vast, 9 hour training walks etc. Having a 1 year old meant I was somewhat unable to commit this level of time and took a more naive ‘mind over matter’ approach! With the support of various groups of friends I managed to walk 67 km around Leeds before my left knee gave way, it turns out training is key!

It’s safe to say it’s the hardest thing I’ve ever attempted but I feel privileged to have been part of remembering Luca.

Paul completed the 100km challenge and Phillipa a 24hr bake-a-thon on Sunday, they are nothing short of heroes.

I hope this undertaking helps them move forward with life whilst always keeping Luca in their memories.

George Vann (OS, 2008)

Recognised in Queen’s New Year’s Honours 2021 Stuart Lamb, Old Savilian and Chairman of the William Lamb Group, was awarded an MBE, in the annual Queen’s 2021 New Year’s Honours, for services to business, skills and the community of Yorkshire.

Stuart said: “The honour was most unexpected.

In the current environment my contribution seems small compared to people who put themselves in harm’s way to take care of us all. I was shocked to be told I was considered. It means a lot to the business to recognise the tremendously committed and creative team all over the world.”

The Wakefield-founded company is still based in the city. Stuart said: “Everything we sell is designed and developed in our Wakefield office.”

He is a supporter of the Wakefield Community Awareness Project and Christians Against Poverty.

The firm is also involved with the Pattenmakers Charitable Foundation, which creates shoes for people with walking abnormalities or foot injuries, including soldiers who have been injured in combat.

Left to right – Graeme Baker, Matt Rennie (OS, 2008), Bob Turner and Tim Orrell

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Stuart Lamb (OS, 1964)

OS MEMORIES

LASTING MEMORIES JOHN DUNCAN (OS, 1952) Through looking at a 1st XV photo of '51 - '52 I can still name almost every team mate!

Apart from speaking at a snow bound OS Dinner in 2010, my contacts have been disgracefully thin. It was good though, on that occasion, to see the distinguished building still dramatically heralding arrivals and to be reminded of my days there from the Junior School to my leaving in '52 as Head Boy. Mr Baynes was head of the Junior School. He would stand us round the class room to answer competitively his 'few simple questions for a few simple boys'.

He arranged cricket matches between the 1st XI and the Next XVIII, and introduced us to Rugby: I played from age eight to twenty eight.

Moving to the Senior School was at first daunting - the crowded main corridor with its Honours’ Boards and its classrooms in which we made our way through the School Certificate to the Sixth Form and being Prefects (tassels on our caps!). The Prefects' Common Room, with its coal fire and table tennis table, was a haven deep in the bowels of the cloisters, from which we sallied forth to keep order in the corridors and to collect dinner money at the door of the dining room - sixpence (two and a half new pence).

There were few 'frills' in those war and post-war years the dinners were simple; gas masks were carried in my early years; we were warned against anti-personnel bombs; no music was taught; we took part in war funds like 'Wings for Victory'.

Personally I enjoyed my days at 'QEGS', apart from Maths, and I still regard myself as a bit of a geographer; Mr Baggaley memorably led parties in those straitened days to Arran, Coniston and Wharfedale and his wide and enthusiastic teaching certainly enabled me to go to Oxford to read Geography; 'Rugby and Geography', I tend to say!

'Games' were for all - just rugby, athletics, cricket according to season on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, with school on Saturday mornings and matches in the afternoon. A majority of the masters had a games responsibility. Mr Chapman, the senior History master, would train the 1st XV on Tuesdays and Thursday afternoons and go to matches with us on Saturdays. His other 'extra' activity was to run the '6th Form Club', between the 6th Forms of QEGS and WGHS. It had a recreational and cultural programme country dancing to theatre trips: the short lane between the schools at the back of the then Clayton Hospital facilitated less formal contacts! Doubtless the situation is still much the same.

I left the school in '52 followed by the Army, Oxford (University College with which the school then had a historic link), Theological College, and Ordination as an Anglican Priest sixty years ago. After short periods on Tees-side and in Dorset, I spent forty varied years in Birmingham; a Curate; Chaplain at Birmingham University; Vicar of a Parish and, for the last 15 years, Archdeacon of Birmingham. I have now been retired for twenty years and live near Banbury. However, I still introduce myself as a Yorkshireman, visit my sisters, both of whom were WGHS, in Pontefract, and have been particularly glad to have made this contact with school.

It would be great to hear from any figures on the '51 '52 1st XV photo who still survive.

Floreas Wakefieldia.

www.qegsonline.org.uk 21

OS MEMORIES

A LOSt GALAxY JOHN N. CROSSLEY (OS, 1955)

‘It would be instructive and, I’m sure, highly creditable to write a paragraph on this galaxy.’ This ‘galaxy’ is ‘that remarkable 1955 vintage’. (The Savilian, Spring 1968, p.59.) There is also another galaxy as will be seen below.Twenty-five years after the event, in 1980, The Savilian, p.57, recalled, in its reminiscence column, De omnibus rebus, ‘Hearty congratulations to A. Davey and P. J. Ellis on their Robert Styring Scholarships in mathematics at Trinity College, Cambridge, to F. Field on his Williams exhibition in history at Balliol College, Oxford, to J. N. Crossley on his open exhibition [sic, scholarship] in mathematics at St. John's College, Oxford, to R. P. Slatcher on his open major scholarship in natural science at Trinity Hall, Cambridge, to J. R. Warman on his open exhibition in classics at Pembroke College, Oxford, and to R. M. Hardy on his Cave exhibition in history at Clare College, Cambridge.’ Curiously there was the omission of D. C. Brownlow and A. A. Denton who also won similar awards, as Mr Chapman mentions in his History of the School (p.85). But I consider myself very lucky, since I entered the School on a scholarship not long after it became a Direct Grant School. My parents could never have afforded the fees.

Bob Hardy became Bishop of Lincoln and died on 9th April 2021. Frank Field, whose parents, I seem to recall, ran a fish and chip shop in Westgate, was regarded by all of us as the most intellectually brilliant of the year.

He went on to become a Reader in History at Keele University and died in July 2006. About the rest I have been unable to find any information and would be pleased to know anything more.

‘Où sont les neiges d’autan?’ Surely I learnt this from Mr Blackshaw, who taught us French so well that I still read, and occasionally speak, the language. He was a star of the other galaxy. He was also our form master in 5 Upper Special, an anomaly created because of the age restrictions when the School Certificate was replaced by the GCE. At that time we were housed in the main dark satanic building, blackened by soot, purchased in 1854. Nowadays the main building glows cream as it did originally. The scientists among us moved to the newly constructed 1952 ‘block of classrooms of a very utilitarian character and with an alarmingly steep set of entrance steps’. At our very first laboratory session, under Chemistry master Mr Hughes, we managed to pockmark all the gleaming pristine benches with exploding phosphorus. So now this is the second galaxy: the masters.

5 Upper Special, 1951: Front: 3, Brownlow, 4, Ellis, 5, Lockwood, 6, Mr Blackshaw, 9, Slatcher, 11, Arundel.

Middle: 3, Field, 8 Robert Hardy(?), 10, Crossley. Back: 6, Hocking, 7, Davey.

22

The School staff, 1951: Front: S. H. Waters (Classics and Careers), R. H. Ford (Modern Languages), Mrs L. Goode (Junior School), Rev. W. E. Plumbridge (RI and Junior School), E. J. Baggaley (Geography and Second Master), W. A. Grace (Headmaster), F. Sherwin (Junior School Headmaster), Miss H. J. Brooks (Junior School), W. H. Teasdale (English), A. G. Ellis (Mathematics), Mrs M. Baldwin (School Secretary).

Middle: H. H. Hughes (Chemistry), R. B. Chapman (History), J. C. Wood (Classics), J. I. West (History), R. Mann (Modern Languages), J. W. Collins (Physics), E. J. Blackshaw (Modern Languages), F. K. Ormondroyd (Geography), D. M. Paulin (RI and Junior School), T. G. Kilcoyne (Modern Languages), Rev. H. C. Vincent (General Subjects).

Back: D. E. Caulton (biology), C. Brook (Mathematics), J. N. Robertson (Mathematics and School House Master), F. Staziker (PE and Mathematics), C. E. Holmes (English), G. R. Grasby (Classics), P. Hawkin (Art), D. Bellfield (Science), M. J. Ravigne (French assistant), H. Gatiss (Woodwork), C. Hemingway (Science).

The Masters’ Names from ‘For Grammar and other Good Learning’ by John F Wilkinson

Sport has always been of great importance to QEGS and two of the most persistent and stalwart supporters, even into the nineties, were Mr Staziker, who taught Maths and PE, and Mr Chapman, History. My QEGS career has been bookended by these two. In school I was hopeless at sport, though later I ran marathons, but was good at Maths, and again poor at history but have now written two serious history books and am working on a third.

However, his drill has served me so well that I still do two hours of Latin per week with students and colleagues.

I should not forget Mr Collins our Physics teacher who was very kind, despite the fact that no-one ever seemed to get the very high marks achieved in other subjects. W. A. Grace, the headmaster, known as ‘Nodder’ from his initials, always seemed a distant figure, especially when compared with his deputy, Mr Baggaley, affectionately known as ‘Bags’. Bags was a very kind and gentle man, loved by all, who taught us geography. It is fitting that his eulogy is recorded in Mr Chapman’s History (pp. 109–13).

Like all the masters, they were always kind to me, though some masters were quite tough.

Mr A. G. (Pop) Ellis, who taught us sixth-form Maths was very demanding, treating his son Peter, who was in the group of four, just like the rest of us. Dr Saunders, the pompous Wakefield cathedral organist, taught us music.

He seemed always to want to sing the Erl King, which we did not like. When he played Holst’s The Planets, especially Mars, on the gramophone, we took some interest.

My childhood friend Richard Dyson, recorded in his obituary of his older brother, Martin (QEGS The main building, 1951 1954, died 22 December 2019), ‘how much he owed to the start he had been given at QEGS’. I too acknowledge that, with great gratitude.

Mr Birley, later Sir Derek and the founding Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ulster, taught English but only for a few years, otherwise it was Mr Teasdale. RI was taught by Canon Plumbridge who was described to me fifty years later as ‘a nice priest, with a lovely smile’. Mr Grasby introduced us to Latin and later Sammy Waters taught us Latin in the old school way: he was extremely strict, handing out more ‘bad records’ than any other teacher.

The 1968 Savilian asked for someone ‘to write... uninhibited by modesty, about their subsequent careers.’

So here you are. I have been very lucky. After twelve years at Oxford, rising to All Souls College, I came to Australia where I have had three academic careers: as mathematician, computer scientist and historian. And, as my present university motto says, ‘I am still learning’ (Ancora imparo). Always remember: ‘Turpe nescire’.

www.qegsonline.org.uk 23

OS MEMORIES

HOw tImeS HAVe CHANGed ANDY BREARE (OS, 1986) I remember starting at QEGs in September of 1979 as a third former or as a "turd" as the older boys called us.

These were tough times! It was 3C, Mr Cholewa's form.

I can clearly recall all my forms...

3C Mr Cholewa 4B Mr Bamford 4UI Mrs Illingworth 5L Mr Lancaster 5UL Mr Lancaster 6 Modern1B Mr Gordon 6 Modern2B Mr Gordon These were the days before the internet had been invented and before mobile phones... in fact the school got its first BBC computer when I was in the Upper Fifth (that's year eleven in new money). We thought it was something that would just be of interest to those pupils keen on maths and gave it a very wide berth. After all, this computer lark would never catch on would it?

I have wonderful memories of the teachers. They were great characters who didn't just teach their subject but taught us about life. It was a wonderful time to be at school, apart from the cane still being used; we were the last generation to be caned at school, it was banned in '86 which was the year that I did my A-levels and left QEGS. The cane and I left school at the same time.

“

these were the days before the internet had been invented and before mobile phones... in fact the school got its first BBC computer when I was in the Upper Fifth

”

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I remember that many of our teachers smoked. A trip to the staff room at lunchtime to see a teacher involved a trip to the main corridor, opposite Room Seven, and a knock on the door. When it opened, thick plumes of smoke billowed out from pipes, cigarettes and the odd cigar being enjoyed during the lunch break. Some teachers actually smoked in lessons, arranging their ash tray on the front desk and lighting up before addressing the class. To us, this was just normal. Even our PE teacher smoked; Frank Stazika had an office at the far end of the changing rooms, complete with over flowing ashtray but he was probably one of the fittest man I ever met, effortlessly demonstrating vaults in the gym during our lessons.

I caught the train to school every day. It was the Huddersfield to Wakefield service. There were many occasions when, during assembly our headmaster Geoff Parker would announce, "Could all the boys from the Huddersfield train stay behind". Another poor commuter had complained about our behaviour. These poor and long suffering people must have loved the summer holidays. After walking from Westgate railway station to school our day looked like this: Assembly 8.55 Period 1 9.15-9.55 Period 2 9.55-10.35 Period 3 10.35-11.15 Break Period 4 11.30-12.10 Period 5 12.10-12.50 Lunch Period 6 14.00-1440 Period 7 14.40-15.20 Period 8 15.20-1600

“

my advice to current pupils is to make the most of your time at this wonderful school.

Grab all the opportunities it offers you and be kind to and respect your teachers

”

Lunchtime was a battleground overseen by Derek Coates who was my classics teacher. The trick was to get out of period five as quickly as possible to get into the lunch queue before he arrived. Every year had an allocated time for lunch but the best bet was to try and sneak an early lunch so you could play football afterwards. If you were discovered in the queue before your allocated time, Mr Coates would throw you out.

This was unless you had "a 1.20" on your timetable... most boys had one per week...you went for lunch after period four but then had a lesson at 1.20, before period 6; early lunch and guaranteed a chicken pie but it meant a long afternoon.

It was a strict regime; pupils would stand when a member of staff entered the room, permission was needed to remove one's blazer and there was no running in the corridors. Each pupil had a record book which he was expected to carry at all times. Good or bad records could be given out at anytime by staff or prefects... three bad records put you in Monday evening detention with repeat offenders in Saturday morning detention.

Homework had to be detailed in your record book, three subjects every night not including revising for tests.

In French, Mr Haigh would produce a weekly vocab list of a hundred words neatly typed on a side of A4 which had to be learned for the next lesson. The class would be tested and for each word wrong, the list had to be written out in full by hand; pretty harsh but thirty odd years on I still remember a lot of French vocabulary!

I also remember getting a D in my A-Level history mock and Mr Rigby giving me a good talking to which amounted to, in his own inimitable style, to get my act together. I eventually ended up with a B in the real thing but, obviously, the exams were a lot harder back then!

So, I have very fond memories of my time at the school.

It was hard work but it was also enormous fun. After studying a degree in English (inspired by Messrs Gordon, Howson and Lancaster) I became a journalist and have worked for the BBC for the last thirty years, a job that's taken me all over the world and given me the chance to meet and interview some amazing people. I've been presenting and reporting in Plymouth for BBC South West since the early 1990's and love it. I'm writing this as my daughter has graduated from Sussex University with a degree in politics and my son begins his third year at Cambridge studying history.

My advice to current pupils is to make the most of your time at this wonderful school. Grab all the opportunities it offers you and be kind to and respect your teachers.

They know what they're talking about. I've loved reading in these pages what my teachers are up to these days and how they're enjoying retirement. They deserve it as they have influenced and shaped so many lives over the years. Thank you.

The last time I was at QEGS was to pick up my A-Level results in August 1986. Maybe I will go back one day.

I am sure being in the classrooms and corridors of my formative years will bring so many more memories flooding back.

Personal memories of my time at school include the renovation of the library, Mr Birkinshaw's thermite experiment which led to an explosion in the SCL and personal injury to him (health and safety wasn't a thing in those days) and acting in a few school productions including She Stoops to Conquer and a musical production of Much Ado About Nothing. This was a great way to meet girls.

The sixth form at QEGS was my favourite time. We had more freedom, smaller class sizes and the relatively new sixth form centre with its large common room and study areas. You were allowed to leave the site at lunchtime which was handy if you had a girlfriend at WGHS or you just fancied lunch at the Wimpy. Or both.

www.qegsonline.org.uk 25

OS MEMORIES SeARCH CONtINUeS FOR NewS OF tHe FIRSt xV RUGBY teAm 1953/4

Allan Coy (OS, 1954) is searching for news of his former teammates.

If you have news please email cworsley@wgsf.net

Rugby First XV 1953/54 Backrow - Mr Chapman, RG Smith, TG Gillfillan, C Pitchforth, GD Hunter, AH Slater, RM Hardy, WL Tooth, Crofts, PJ Ellis, Mr Staziker Front Row - AA Denton, R Allott, CC Nicols, GC Hartley, CJ Littlewood, P McCann, R Butterworth, A Coy, M Harrison

PHIL HARRISON aka eppy Harrison (OS, 1957) 1st xV 55/56/57 I’m sorry to say that Graham Gilfillan died a few years ago.

He was a doctor in our home town of Castleford but moved to Scarborough and practised there for a number of years.

Roderick Butterworth took Holy Orders, was curate at Castleford for a number of years and became vicar at, I think, St George’s in Sowerby Bridge. He left the church and became a Probation Officer and now lives in Preston.

Bishop R M “Bob” Hardy passed away earlier this year.

(See Lives Remembered).

A footnote- Frank Staziker’s son, Mike, played for the school many years later and is in contact with my son, Ian

ALAN PEARMAN (OS, 1955) Trevor Crofts and Allan Coy

I have just noted Allan's request and can only add - sadly - that my old friend Colin Pitchforth is no longer with us.

After holding the post of Head in Pocklington and in Gainsborough, he passed away some time ago.

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EDITOR’S NOTE AA Denton passed away 2001 Colin Littlewood passed away October 2020 (see Lives Remembered).

FINdING mY CLASS mAteS NEVILLE BRAMPTON (OS, 1975) Having gone through the junior school and the first two years of the senior school, I won a scholarship to Loretto School in Scotland and so, sadly, I left QEGS in 1970 at age 13. Unfortunately I didn't keep in contact with any school friends and have lived away from Wakefield ever since. Whenever I look at the photos, I can only remember a few of the names! I've often wondered what sort of lives they have had, even more so now I've retired.

Thanks to Martin Earnshaw, Martin Wright, Ken Macaulay, Peter Opie, Keith Issatt, Mike Mordue, Geoff Walton and Ian Jackson for responding to the request. From the responses, we seem to think that the following names below are correct.

PETER OPIE (OS, 1975) Having completed my medical training from Westminster Medical school I finished up as a GP in North East Lincolnshire retiring from partnership a few months ago but continue to work on a part-time basis.

MARTIN EARNSHAW (OS, 1975) I remember Neville, in fact his family house backed on to my wife’s (Linda Ferry (OG, 1977) family house in St John’s.

It must be the age we all are that makes us get in touch, recently I heard from an old friend via LinkedIn, who left QEGS in around 1970 and emigrated to Australia (Adrian Paviour).

He also found an old photo and was searching for names.

Rugby Team circa 1968 Backrow - Andy Firth, Raymond Cox, Tim Butcher, Neville Brampton, Taylor, Atherton, Nigel McDonald, Roger Young, Don’t know, Nigel Emery and Keith Izzatt Front Row - Jeremy Mathew, Andy Stott, Alan Bowers, Tim Eyles, Chris Jagger, Paul Shaw, Phil Naylor, Don’t know, Martin Earnshaw, Alan Bell, Ken Macaulay.

www.qegsonline.org.uk 27

OS MEMORIES

wHO’S wHO IN CLASS OF 1982?

NIGEL MCHALE (OS, 1982) I was at QEGS from 1977 to 1982 and this photo is from 1980 (our O level year) and evokes fond memories.

I started at QEGS in Jan 78 (4th upper) and took a while to settle in, needing several corners rounding off before I found my feet. Fortunately I'd played quite a bit tennis so got into the First VI. Which helped a lot.

My fondest memories are of the teaching staff, in particular Mr. George Korosi, Mr. Neal Rigby, Mr. Geoffrey Bottomley, 'Fat Jack', Mr. Birkenshaw, Mr. John Cholewa, 'Jut' (English), the lovely groundsman with a flat cap who died in 1980, our Latin teacher who would walk on our desks and throw our homework to us.

After A Levels I went to Nottingham to study medicine, and recently retired after 33 years having been a consultant in Emergency Medicine in Mansfield.

Nigel & son

I'm been married to my wife for 30 years and have a grown up son and daughter.

QEGS is a top school and I've been back a couple of times (my son played rugby for Nottingham High School against you 2005-2008).

Best wishes to all

Following this article appearing in the newsletter we received responses from John Craven, Andrew Sidebottom, Neil Tunniclffe, Richard Roberts, Neal Rigby and Richard Senior.

Here is the best guess at the names in the photo...

1980 (our O level year) Backrow - Eddy Hancock, Ludwigson, John Hooper, Carl Treier, Nigel Bagshaw, Martin Ellis, Stephen Farmer, Keith Aitken, John or Paul Baguley or Baggaley, John Lawley Middle Row - D Wetherill, Richard Senior, Michael Cowell, Ashley Lake, Mike Hall, Simon Taylor, Simon Marshall, Robert Lodge Front Row - Nigel Ashton, Andrew Solomons, Robert Price, Nigel McHale, Mr Parkin, Richard Lancaster, Unknown, John Craven, Andrew Robottom

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JOHN CRAVEN (OS, 1982) The Latin teacher Nigel refers to walking on desks and lobbing out homework is Derek Coates, aka 'Diddy', another of my beloved Latin Masters, although no one could ever be as fondly remembered as my other Classics master, Frank Scallon (FHCS, 'Steg'), one of the most wonderful people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing!

RICHARD ROBERTS (OS, 1982) I’ve just been reading the latest QEGS online and saw the photo and request from Nigel McHale for info on the class photo from 1980. That brought back a lot of memories as I am sitting on the far right of the front row! I remember playing tennis against Nigel on the grass courts - I recall our matches didn’t last very long!

I started at QEGS as a weekly boarder in 1976 and became a day pupil the following year. I remember all the teachers Nigel has mentioned and Mr Rigby was a favourite. I also have memories of Mr ‘Rocker’ Robinson who taught maths.

I left in 1982 to read Accountancy & Finance at Brighton Polytechnic and remember my discussion with the careers master well - “Ah Roberts, you’re good at maths. Have you ever thought of accountancy as a career”. Back then I didn’t even know what an accountant was! Needless to say I ended up as a Chartered Accountant and having worked for KPMG for a few years I moved into the real world of working for business and finished up as Chief Financial Officer for UK Power Networks for 17 years based near Borough Market in London (they own and operate the electricity networks for London, East Anglia and the South East of England).

I stayed in Brighton after graduating and commuted up to London for work and I retired 3 years ago to spend more time on the golf course! I’ve been married for 34 years and have a son and daughter. Since retirement I split my time between Sussex, St Andrews (playing more golf) and visiting our daughter who lives in New Zealand although Covid has put a temporary stop to that. I still visit Yorkshire regularly to see my sister (Jane Roberts) who went to WGHS and now lives in Cleckheaton and am in touch with Andy Solomons from that class but sadly no-one else.

dOC FLeCtHeR PROFESSOR ERIC L TEASDALE (OS, 1966) I have fond memories of Doc Fletcher - Brian Fletcher (former Head of Biology who died December 2019).

He was my form master in 1964, ‘65 and ‘66.

He was truly inspirational.

About 3 years ago I arranged to meet him and 2 other former pupils for a pub lunch - David Bullimore and Stephen Ball - both physicians. Both, like me and my brother Colin, also a QEGS pupil, described Dr Fletcher as ‘Inspirational’ when I spoke to them about him, separately and without any prompting.

Brian Fletcher, in my time in the 6th form, used to spur us all on with - “You need more S of U, boy” (Sense of Urgency!!)

BUT my abiding memory of him - which helped me enormously...

I passed my 11+ having been top of the class in every subject at Primary School. I thought you could succeed without doing any work. I never learned, at QEGS, the importance of hard graft and adequate revision before exams. My performance in my ‘O‘ levels was dismal.

I had to resit in 3 subjects when I should have been working on my ‘A‘ level subjects. I did badly in those too, unsurprisingly! I scraped into Uni on the Clearing Scheme - to study ‘General Science’ although I wanted to read ‘Medicine’. I worked hard in my first year and was offered a place in the Medical Class (2nd Year), graduating as a doctor in 1972.

The parting words of Doctor Fletcher were: “You’ve got the ability, Teasdale, now go and make a big success of it!”

That’s when I finally woke up!

I never failed another exam.

I have always remembered his words.

I am now retired having been a Consultant Occupational Physician and the Chief Medical Officer of AstraZeneca.

I like the quip “Don’t stumble over something behind you!”

www.qegsonline.org.uk 29

OS MEMORIES

mY tIme At QeGS ASSIStANt mASteR IN tHe CHemIStRY depARtmeNt DR JACK WHITE (OS, 1974) My very first teaching post was in the summer of 1964 when I was appointed by the retiring Head, Mr Baggeley, although it was Mr Dudley who was to be my Head for the next 10 years.

At the time I was working as a research chemist at ICI in Manchester, having previously qualified at Sheffield University with a BSc and PhD in Chemistry and a Dip Ed at St Edmunds Hall, Oxford. My true vocation however was to teach in secondary school and I jumped at the chance to work in a ‘school of standing’ after two years in industry.

Unusually I had two spells at QEGS, the first lasted five years, by now married with a young family, and promotion seemed a distant prospect as a new HOD, Geoffrey Bottomley* had been appointed to replace the retired Harold Hughes (H3), so I left for a marketing job in pharmaceuticals.

The job however did not suit so after a short spell teaching at my old school (‘The Grammar School of Queen Elizabeth at Heath near Halifax’)! I was delighted to return to my former position as second in the department at QEGS in 1971. Geoff was a fantastic organiser but as he was unlikely to move away I yearned to be my own HOD. When this position came up at the local Kettlethorpe HS which had recently become comprehensive and needed someone with experience to expand the subject, I decided to apply and moved in 1974.

I then had eleven happy and successful years there and found teaching in a mixed school across the full ability range equally challenging but very rewarding. When the school did not gain a 6th form I realised that I was missing the intellectual challenge of teaching at A level and moved to the new tertiary Wakefield District College which took students of both sexes from all the local comprehensive (and independent schools) and helped to build up a strong department over the next five years, at which time I was lucky to be offered early retirement.

My chemistry background then got me a position as an ‘Interpretation Officer’ on the new Welbeck Land Reclamation and Landfill scheme where I gave guided tours around the site to many groups of schools and adults about environmental issues; one of these groups enabled me to renew my acquaintance with Mike Halls*, who was by then on the staff of QEGS Junior School, when he brought a party of boys to learn about Welbeck.

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I maintained my interest in coaching RU with spells with Wakefield Colts at College Grove and a brief spell with Sandal Colts under a former pupil and captain of the 1st XV at QEGS, Tim Scatchard*.

One amusing memory I have of Tim (in the then 4th form) in Physics when I was teaching him about spiral springs he commented with a straight face if ‘Zebedee’ from the ‘Magic Roundabout’ on TV also obeyed Hooke’s Law! I later taught Tim again in A level chemistry after which he pursued it to degree level in colour chemistry.

To return to QEGS, I soon settled in and made many new friends on the staff. I was not the only newcomer with Dave Burkinshaw and Charlie Furniss also my new colleagues.

Dave taught Physics ending up as Second Master and we shared the teaching of Physics - with- Chemistry amongst whom was Philip Hodson who was a star on the cricket field, even playing for the first X1 at 14, and David Keighley*.

Charlie was the most unlikely RE teacher I had ever met, being a whizz kid on cars which he bought and sold in his spare time. However his love of cricket bonded us and I played many times with him on the staff team and learnt from him the phrase “early doors”. The Head, Mr Dudley, also played on the staff team and as wicket-keeper I was on edge if ever I dropped a catch from his bowling. In the pavilion I had to be careful not to let my frustration boil over as it did once when I was incorrectly given out by the visiting team’s umpire!

One thing I shall always remember is when we used to sing ‘Floreas Wakefieldia’ at the start and end of term and speech day in the Cathedral (and at the annual dinner of the Old Savs) - I still have a copy of the words pinned up in my kitchen.

As a new teacher! I was not entrusted immediately with the ‘high fliers’ (despite my PhD)! and indeed I had to give many lessons in the very antiquated General Science lab with its pitted blackboard and raised dais from which I occasionally ‘fell off’ much to the amusement of the class; fortunately it soon became converted to the prefect’s Common Room.

Even worse accommodation was when I was given the use of the ‘Lodge’ at the entrance to the Drive in front of the school to serve as the form room for 6G - does it still exist?

(Editor’s note- yes The Lodge is still here and in use as the Estate’s Office).

One of my classes in that first year was a fifth form (Year 10 in today’s nomenclature) and in it was a promising student called John Birkenshaw* who returned to the school some years later in the Biology Department under the humorous George Korosi (replacing Dr Brian Fletcher, a fine fast bowler on the Staff team). Brian has only recently died and I was grateful that Pauline Fletcher had allowed me to meet him just before this sad occasion and exchange memories, in particular his help in coaching rugby when he was in charge of ‘Second game’ with Frank Williamson. Through this experience I became ‘skilled’ in refereeing and refereed many school games over the next 10 years, including once the1st XV against the ‘Old Savilians’.

Brian and Pauline’s son, Simon, was also in my 3W form in my last year at the school in 1974, along with Ian Shackleton whom I met again quite recently at the annual OS Dinner and of course I taught his brother Richard.

I taught other Staff sons amongst whom I can remember were those of Bob Shaw, Peter Hawkin, Dickie Date, Bob Bland, Peter Driscoll, Geoff Brooksbank, and Stan Hussell.

As regards the oval ball game I was particularly indebted to Ronald Chapman and Frank Stazicker who encouraged me in my coaching and refereeing - I started with the 3rd and 4th XVs, then the Under 13’s and 14’s and finally on ‘Big Side with the 2nd XV. Many players reached the heights, especially Michael Harrison who captained England in the First Rugby World Cup, Paul Shaw with his Cambridge blue, Alan Bell who ran for Britain in the Olympics, Greg Stewart and Ray Cox (Yorkshire); apologies to others whom I have inadvertently left out. With John Shearman I set up the Under 13 and Under 14 tours to South Wales with the returns to Wakefield the succeeding years. Particularly poignant was 1967 when we went down one week after the Aberfan Mining Disaster and which to their credit the Welsh would not hear of us cancelling. Fortunately we usually won most of our matches.

My main claim to sporting fame however was with our Tennis team which had been built up by John Forster before he left for Headship when we won the Public Schools Youll Cup at Wimbledon and finished runners-up in the national Glanville Cup (picture in the sports pavilion); I owed a great debt to our outstanding captain Philip Brook who went on to study mathematics at Cambridge and has recently retired as chairman of the All - England Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships.

Incidentally I have no difficulty in remembering the

registration number of my latest car as it starts with HG which reminds me fondly of Harry Gatiss who taught maths with a fearsome reputation which I was to find was unwarranted as he was very kind and helpful to new members of staff.

There were many others who helped me to settle in and whom I recall with great fondness - Terry Neal (history), Neal Rigby (history and tennis), John Cholewa (rugby), Chris Cloke, Ken Atack and Keith Weston (all chemistry), Frank Pickering (Biology), David Naylor (RE), Colin Gordon (English), Geofff Young (Head of Mathematics) whose wife I was to meet later when she was deputy Head at KHS, et al. Then of the boys Stuart Heaton (my U-13 and U-14 teams captain) Tony Forrester (Bridge correspondent for the Daily Telegraph), Jim Coppack who was my GP when I lived in Pickering and his elder brother who was in the same A level group as my dentist, Gary Hirst, Martin Skidmore and Kevin Green (child genii), William Claxton Smith (city financial adviser) to whom I gave some old copies of Wisden Cricket Almanacs, which must be worth a fortune now! Finally, two more to whom I was form master were Richard (”Thatchy”) White who became captain of the 1st XV and Martin Wilby both of whom became popular colleagues of mine in the Mathematics Department at Kettlethorpe HS, although sadly Martin was a great loss as he died suddenly in his second year. Two more recent deaths were Peter Hannon who subsequently played for the full Yorkshire team, and Len Tingle who played in a very successful U -14 team and made a career as Yorkshire TV political editor. The list is endless and so are the memories!

Turpe Nescire!

Editor’s note: Chris Elliott (OS, 1975) emailed to say...

“Along with Martin Earnshaw (OS, 1975) he and I were both part of that team. I kept a scrap book of the clippings from the period 1972 to 1975. Here are a selection. Whilst Jack was responsible for the team in 1973 and 1974 I thought it would be interesting to include the 1972 cuttings (no pictures) of when we first got to the final of the Youll Cup with Nick Lodge as our lead player.”

www.qegsonline.org.uk 31

OS MEMORIES

CAptAIN FIRSt xV 1964/1965 MIKE PRENTICE (OS, 1965) I had stayed in touch with a few of the 64/65 rugby XV and on the 40th anniversary of our last season together, one of the team suggested a reunion. There were 8 of us on that occasion which we have repeated every 5 years and the numbers have now grown such that on the last occasion there were 13 of the squad. In addition to the UK based team members, two travelled from Florida, one from each of Canada, Italy and Thailand. We always meet on the morning of a school First XV match; have lunch together; support the XV and then dinner. Last time lunch was in the cloisters. Just like the old days!

If we all make it, the next and probably last reunion will be in the autumn of 2024. It will be 60 years since playing together.

Photo of the reunion in 2019, team members’ names are: Back row, left to right: Dave Clement, prop, John Haddock, flanker, Ted Chalkley, hooker, John Williams, full back Front row, left to right: Jim Myers, scrum half, Nick Rusling, flanker, Mike Stazika, wing, John Way, wing, Mike Prentice, Max Wotton, Captain first XV 2019/2020 (OS 2020), Dave McNeil, prop, Chris Toone, fly half, Greg Craven, second row There are 3 team members who we have never been able to make contact with.

If anyone knows where they are, please do get in touch.

They are: A J (Tony) Barnes, B W (Jock) Donald and C P (Dusty) Rhodes

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GIVING BACK LAUNCH OF #MADEINQEGS meNtORING pROGRAmme

Coming soon... #MADEINQEGS TV We are excited to share with you our recent testing of #MADEINQEGSTV and would like to thank James Bowler (OS, 2015) who has piloted the initiative for us.

James joined Mr Fitzsimons in Wakefield from Boston, Massachusetts to share his inspirational story for the pilot episode of #MadeInQEGSTV. You can watch the recorded session on qegsyorkshire IGTV.

In July, just before term ended, the QEGS careers department launched the #MADEINQEGS MENTORING PROGRAMME. This is a programme where our Old Savilians volunteer to mentor current 6th Formers.

We have been overwhelmed by how many of our Old Savilians have volunteered and we are sure that when it rolls out fully in September, our boys will benefit enormously from your guidance and experience.

Thank you to everyone who has already volunteered.

Launching in September 2021, #MADEINQEGSTV will be a weekly presentation on Instagram Live (IGTV) where a member of the teaching staff connects with an Old Savilian and has a live discussion about their career and experiences. The purpose of these interviews is to showcase career opportunities, inspire current students to explore areas which interest them and to discover new horizons! Most careers twist and weave and it is really useful for the boys to understand that a career is a journey rather than a fixed destination.

Your support and commitment to these programmes is invaluable.

Imparting your knowledge and sharing your individual journeys across all our Giving Back Programmes, helps our boys to see their possibilities as limitless and go out into the world with a ‘I can do this’ attitude.

If you would like to be part of this series of interviews please get in touch cworsley@wgsf.net

If you haven’t already volunteered to be a mentor, please sign up here https://qegsonline.org.uk/#businessnetworkinghub

Thank you!

#MADEINQEGS MENTOR VOLUNTEERS Thank you to all our volunteers. As #MADEINQEGS launches in September, we will be in touch!

Rob Andrews (OS, 1990) Stephen Cockroft (OS, 2004) Robert Swift (OS, 1969) Jeremy Stern (OS, 1994) Barnaby Lynch (OS, 2009) Charles Perry (OS, 2016) Richard Cadman (OS, 2011) Philip Brook (OS, 2009) Jon Watson (OS, 2010) Michael Greenhalgh (OS, 1988) Daniel Wood (OS, 2005) Paul Sykes (OS, 2000)

Paul Smith-Keitley (OS, 1976) David Jenkinson (OS, 2009) Thomas Golden (OS, 2012) Jon Mawby (OS, 1995) Matthew Lee (OS, 2010) Alisdair Felstead (OS, 2000) Chris Smith (OS, 2003) Jonathan Mellor (OS, 1979) Nick Dyson (OS, 2010) Josh Charalambous (OS, 2009) Simon Chamberlain (OS, 1988) Alistair McKinlay (OS, 1990)

Michael Shaw (OS, 1960) Alastair Morris (OS, 1998) John Ogden (OS, 2002) Jeremy Stern (OS, 1994) Sam Butterworth (OS, 1999) Peter Gower (OS, 1965) Simon Maddocks (OS, 1969) Jack Euesden (OS, 2009) Munir Mamujee (OS, 1993) Richard Fitzpatrick (OS, 2009)

www.qegsonline.org.uk 33

GIVING BACK

tHANk YOU tO ALL OF OUR AmBASSAdORS...

FINANCIAL GIFTS All the gifts we receive, whether large or small, help us.

They help us to provide better facilities and extra-curricular opportunities to broaden boys’ horizons. Most importantly they help us to continue to provide bursaries to bright young boys who would benefit from our specialist brand of education, but otherwise wouldn’t be able to access it due to family circumstances. As you will know, nurturing our boys, providing a first class education and equipping them with the life skills to go out into the world and challenge themselves is what we do.

Together with your help, we can continue this tradition for many more years to come.

Thank you to those alumni, parents, and friends of the Foundation Schools, for all your gifts. As a community you are making a difference to future generations and for that, we are eternally grateful.

DONORS Julia Bradshaw & Patrick Addinall Ms Melissa Addy Dr Katherine Adler Mr Vinaykumar Ahir Mr William Asquith Mr Andrew Beales Mr Donald Beardshall Mr Stephen Beaumont Mrs Helen Bennett Mr & Mrs N Best Mr Paul Blakeborough Mr Roger Blakemore Dr Gerald Bloomfield Mr Jonathan Brain Mr William Bramley Dr Tim Brears Mr David Brindley Mrs Bronwyn Broadhurst Ms Judith Brown Mr Samuel Butterworth Ms Joanna Carlisle Dr Michael Cheesbrough Ms Stephanie Chui Miss Mildred Clark Mrs Jane Clarke Mrs Margaret Clayson Ms Penelope Cliffe Ms Lisa Colledge Mr Anthony Collett Mrs Geraldine Collie The Reverend Mrs Cecilia Conwaye-Wright Dr Richard Coppack Mrs Pat Craven Mrs Karen Crockford

Financial gifts aren’t the only way that you are helping.

Your gifts of time and experience to our Giving Back Programme are enriching out boys’ experiences and instilling in them a sense of community and a culture of giving back.

100 donors wished to remain annonymous Mr Jeremy Crompton Dr Anna Crossley Ms Heather Danyluk Mr Robert Davidson Mr David Elliston Captain & Mrs G English Miss Julie Evans Mrs Claire Fairclough Mrs Catherine Featherstone Mr & Mrs M Fergusson Ms Louise Foster Mr & Mrs G Gilfeather Mr Simon Godley Mr Malcolm Golightly Mrs Caroline Gorton Mr Nigel Gray Mrs Jayne Grigg Mrs Joan Guénault Mr Rajiv Gupta Mr Geoffrey Haigh Mr Phillip Hodson Mrs Ann Holmes Ms Patricia Howarth Ms Heather Hughes Mr Andrew Hunt Ms Barbara Hunt Ms Georgina Hyde Mr & Mrs S Ingram Dr Meena Jain Mrs Janine Johnson Mr Christopher Jones Mr David Keighley Mr Saqib Khan Ms Michelle Kirschner

Mr Christopher Knowles Mr & Mrs S Krasniqi Mrs Pat Langham Ms Katrina Law Mrs Claire Lawrence Mr Simon Leach Mr & Mrs J Longo Mr Iain MacDonald Mrs Amanda Mackenzie Mr & Mrs S Manoharan Mr John McLeod Mrs Laura McNeillie Mr Steven McTiernan Mr Christopher Millington Mr Ian Minards Mr Alastair Morris Mr & Mrs J Nakuti Mr & Mrs J Nutton Miss Louise O'Hare Mr Paul Oakley Dr & Mrs R Oba Mrs Mary Oldham Mrs Barbara Panton Mr Wayne Parkinson Mr Andrew Pelkiewicz Ms Natalie Petyt Ms Jean Piper Mr & Mrs C Plumpton Mr Srikanth Rajgopal Miss Louise Reeve Mr Richard Roberts Ms Jill Roe Ms Sarah Rushton

Mr Sarwjit Sambhi Mrs Nicola Sephton Ms Shuchi Shah Mr Michael Shaw Dr James Shawcross Mr John Shirtliff Mr Geoffrey Skenfield Ms Helen Slinger Ms Rosalind Stead Mr Paul Sykes Ms Chantal Szymanska Dr James Tabner Ms Alison Tetley Ms Ruth Tetley Mr & Mrs P Thompson Mr John Thorp Mr Christopher Toone Mr & Mrs D Towler Ms Leah Tsirigotis Mr Michael Varley Mr Philip Way Mr Timothy Welton Mrs Shirley Wigglesworth Mr James Wild William Lamb Group Ltd Ms Bridget Wirtz Mr David Woodhead Mrs Glenys Woods Ms Anna Woolley Ms Catherine Worsley Mr & Mrs E Young Mr Peter Young WGHS PTA

The Foundation Ambassadors listed have pledged or made a gift to the Foundation schools. Whilst we endeavour to ensure that these lists are correct, we apologise if there are any inaccuracies. Please do let us know if this is the case.

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MADE IN QEGS tHe GIFt OF A QeGS edUCAtION

“

Why I give...

It is remarkable how many QEGS alumni express a deep desire to give back to the school, by giving others the opportunity to excel.

Like many of my generation, we were very fortunate to be given an outstanding education from 4-22 years old that cost next to nothing. Access to an outstanding education, regardless of background, has been the key to my success and that is why I support the QEGS Bursary Fund.

phillip Hodson (OS, 1969)

”

Made in QEGS - Our commitment to help with fees We are committed to ensuring that boys from all backgrounds can benefit from a QEGS education and we offer means-tested bursaries to help. However, we need your help to ensure that we can continue to offer this vital financial support.

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19%

21

Number of QeGS Senior School pupils supported by a bursary

percentage of QeGS Senior School pupils supported by a bursary

Number of Year 7 entrants supported by a bursary September 2020 intake

Total bursary funding awarded by Wakefield Grammar School Foundation to pupils at QEGS... £1,100,000

Did you know?

“QEGS has been supporting bright local boys to receive our special brand of education since 1591. An investment in a bursary can transform the life chances of individual boys as well as allowing us to remain true to our 400 year old legacy.”

martin Shevill, Headmaster

PLAY YOUR PART If all Old Savilians reading this magazine were to give a single donation of £25 we would raise over £60,000 in support of our bursary programme.

To make your donation please complete the form at https://qegsonline.org.uk/qegsbursaryfund

Leaving a legacy Some Old Savilians may choose to leave a gift in their will to QEGS. If you would like to discuss leaving a legacy, please contact Catherine Worsley, Development Director, cworsley@wgsf.net 01924 231642 www.qegsonline.org.uk 35

GIVING BACK

CAREERS CONVENTION MARCH 2020 In March 2020 it was QEGS turn to host the biennial Foundation Careers Convention. This is a significant event in the Foundation Calendar and is an integral part of the careers support offered to our students with the aim of providing information and insight into their future careers.

Students from Years 9-13, were given the opportunity to tour the exhibitors’ stands during their afternoon lessons. Alongside the main convention Years 11 and 12 were able to access an extensive programme of seminars and these were available to the rest of our students and their parents in the evening.

This year marked the 15th Foundation Careers Convention and saw representatives from over 50 different exhibitors; including employers such as KPMG, Rolls Royce and West Yorkshire Police as well as a wide range of colleges and universities.

We were particularly delighted to be supported by our alumni and would like to thank the following for giving their time to contribute to this initiative:

Laura Cox (OG, 2013)

Addleshaw Goddard

Lauren Will-Dixon (OG, 2012)

Addleshaw Goddard

David Jenkinson (OS, 2009)

Atkins

Alastair Morris (OS, 1998)

Pryor Marking Technology

Nick Thornton (OS, 2006)

Rolls Royce

Matthew Smith (OS, 2008)

Donaldson’s Vets

Chris Langrick (OS, 1997)

Langricks Limited

Adrian Spawforth (OS,1981)

Spawforths

If you would like to exhibit at our next careers convention in 2022, or can offer internships, work placements to current and past students, please contact cworsley@wgsf.net for further information.

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STAFF LEAVERS

SORRY TO SEE YOU GO We have bid farewell to some brilliant staff and thank them for bringing a wealth of talent and happy memories.

“

LouiSe GrAy

Mrs Gray Hangs up her Pink Barbie Comb In December 2020, after 13 (and a bit) illustrious years as Head, leader and chief fun-maker at QEGS JS, Mrs Gray finally hung up the pink Barbie comb to begin a very well-earned retirement.

Mrs Gray loves to have fun and wanted the boys at QEGS to have as much fun as possible during their time here.

The twice-yearly Charity Day has become a focus for this fun-loving attitude and has been a hugely enjoyable aspect of school life under Mrs Gray’s leadership, whilst also instilling in the boys the understanding of the importance of helping others. To say that Mrs Gray agonises over her costumes is an understatement; our favourite is a close call between the pink gorilla and the Queen! The day is always an enjoyable and fulfilling experience and it is heart-warming to think of the amount of money that has been raised over the years for good causes.

Some of you may not know that Mrs Gray began her teaching career as a P.E. teacher and her love of sport has been clear to see over the years. The pink wellies were a permanent fixture on the touchline and through howling gales, freezing temperatures, driving rain and the occasional glimmer of weak Yorkshire sunshine, Mrs Gray would be cheering the boys on, making more noise than the players, referee and other spectators put together! Your enthusiasm will certainly be missed but we do have plans to ship in a coachload of town criers with megaphones for every match to try to fill the void!

QEGS has a great many traditions which help to make it the very special place it is. Founders’ Day, Speech Day, the School Song: Floreas Wakefieldia all build the QEGS spirit and make us proud to be part of the school.

There have also been some new traditions established under the leadership of Mrs Gray, perhaps the most memorable amongst the boys being the infamous ‘harvest cabbage’!

In the lead up to the Harvest Festival, Mrs Gray was always at pains to remind the boys that the produce donated was to provide party food for the Variety Charity Christmas parties so we wanted items such as cakes, crisps, sweets, small toys, etc. and definitely not perishable items such as the traditional fruit and vegetables - certainly no cabbages!

A mischievous prefect (under the guidance of a not-so-

It is heart-warming to think of the amount of money that has been raised over the years for good causes

”

mischievous Deputy Head) saw an opportunity for fun and smuggled a cabbage into the harvest assembly, carefully hiding it behind his back and waiting for the perfect moment...Mrs Gray entered the room and just before she began to speak, the offending item was rolled across the hall and came to rest perfectly just in front of Mrs Gray, resulting in hysterics from the boys and Mrs Gray herself. Every harvest since has had some sort of appearance from the ‘QEGS cabbage’ and the tradition has snowballed into cabbages being placed strategically in Mrs Gray’s office, dotted around the school, cabbages being presented on velvet cushions and even items of clothing made out of cabbage. The tradition of the noble cabbage is here to stay, driven by the tradition for fun and enjoyment that Mrs Gray has created.

We couldn’t write about Mrs Gray without mentioning the amazing Speech Days that she has led over the years. They were always full of surprises with many hurried and stressful rehearsals behind the scenes to make sure everything would run smoothly on the day. In recent years there has certainly been an ‘up-levelling’ of the visual effects and pyrotechnics (along with increased levels of worry about inadvertently setting-off the fire alarms) and this culminated with an inspired rendition of the Alice Cooper anthem: ‘Schools Out’ by the QEGS JS staff, with Mrs Gray shredding the riffs on lead guitar!

Mrs Gray, you certainly are irreplaceable and you will be missed by everyone at the school.

We don’t need to say enjoy your retirement as we know you will and please don’t forget your little QEGlets that turn into proper Old Savilians and they certainly will not forget you.

With thanks to Richard Thompson www.qegsonline.org.uk 37

STAFF LEAVERS DAviD CrAiG

A fond farewell...

My first memory of David Craig was when Les Hallwood and I sat down over a brew to discuss the short list of candidates who we had just interviewed in 2009, all of whom had applied for the post of Headmaster. We were running through what we thought were the likely signs of a strong candidate for Head. David was our favourite of the 4 candidates and after what seemed like an age, his appointment was confirmed. At that time, I was acting Deputy, and this is where David made his first major error in somehow locating Luke Francis in a new promoted post "up North" and making me permanent as Deputy here and to be fair it was all downhill from there for him!

David, or Wibble, or Craigy as he has been known at various points in his career, is a complex character. He joined us from Merchant Taylor’s in Liverpool where he had been, I think, for seven years, residing solely in a bed and breakfast, having initially used it as a temporary base, then making great friends with the owners and deciding to stay there for good. It was therefore no surprise when he opted to take advantage of one of the Foundation’s illustrious, luxury penthouse flats on St John’s complete with coin operated electric meter which was then upgraded to a card which he was regularly to be seen topping up at Northgate stores. At that stage, he was a fit young buck and his spritely dance along Northgate each morning was no doubt preceded by ten press ups, ten sit-ups and ten star jumps. The job of a Headmaster, though, is not an easy one, and as the years passed he had to moderate and differentiate his exercise regime and it has more recently included 10 Swan menthol filter tips and a frothy coffee, and no sit-ups at all.

David has worked at a huge range of different schools, enough to make it perhaps worthwhile for me to list them all in one breath like David does for our QED activities. This was brilliant the first time, and remained impressive throughout that year - but it became slightly less so when he was still doing it 3 years later.

A quick walk through David’s career takes us from St Thomas’s college in New Delhi, to Bottishan Village College in Cambridge. From there he went to Great Barr Grant Maintained in the Midlands, where he somehow ended up by default as Head of Geography (there were not any other candidates I understand) and where Lindsey Firth also

38

worked (before she went on maternity leave for about nine years after joining QEGS!). After that came Edgbaston High School, again as Head of Geography, Wolverhampton Grammar, as Head of Geography - a job he was now starting to work out and understand - and then on to Merchant Taylors in Liverpool as Deputy Head Academic.

Geographers, in my experience, tend to be good guys and as a rule, in most of the schools I’ve worked in, they have been outgoing, outdoor type people who I tend to at least have a love of the outdoors in common with. I had this in mind when I arranged Les Hallwood’s leaving do - a weekend in Llangollen where I had planned some good walks, admittedly centred on various pubs. On arriving at the accommodation we were staying in, the newly appointed DNC informed me that he had forgotten his walking boots and wouldn’t be able to join us for the walk, but instead would have a look around the bookshops and be, I imagined, very studious and academic - the sort of thing one associates with a learned Headmaster with an impressive academic pedigree. The truth, of course, was less impressive and it became clear that he spent most of the first (and second) day in the cafe and cake shop next door.

As we all know, David also loves his sport and in particular cricket. It has always amazed me that Yorkshire has such a wonderful reputation for cricket, given that there is rarely any weather nice enough to allow anyone to play it, but that doesn’t stop David as he had the largest office in the school and had a range of cricketing challenges that could be carried out within the confines of his study - all whilst tuned in via internet radio to the test match. This love for indoor sport, similar to his love of indoor walking, has got him into trouble before - in particular at Wolverhampton Grammar where he and his colleagues damaged several smoke alarms, injured colleagues and broke a window, and at one point received a summons from the Deputy Head. If you look carefully in his office here at QEGS you will see various grubby marks on the wall, and the odd picture damage, where a tennis ball has been launched across the room, either by boot, hand or bat and if you listen carefully you can often hear the tennis ball flying around the room. The more that ball bounces is generally an indicator of whether it is a good idea to go in and see him, or not.

“

My greatest memory of David will be as a kind and thoughtful man who cared deeply and understood the importance of his role and, more importantly, the impact it had on others

”

So we find ourselves, ten years on, saying goodbye to a Geographer who loves the indoors, a talented office sportsman and, of course, our Headmaster.

David is undoubtedly a “dark horse”. Perhaps my one greatest regret is that I have only now, in the last few years of working with him, started to work him out and at the same time he has felt able to open up about how he feels. He is a truly wonderful bloke and perhaps one of the kindest men I have ever worked with. His approach to everything in school is underpinned by a kindness, integrity and compassion for children and adults, the like of which I have rarely seen in my career.

David will go mad at me if I go over the top here - we have both often discussed how the people we hear described at leaving do’s or in the Old Sav don’t always seem to match up with the people we really know - but with David it is easy because the man we all know IS the real David. He has managed me (no easy task), and latterly Cathy, Mark and Angela (even more difficult...), in a way that we both appreciate and will never forget.

Over time, as a Deputy Headmaster and Headmaster must if they are to work together effectively, we established a way of operating and whilst at times, as you might expect, this could be frustrating for both of us, we slowly worked each other out and in particular we tried to focus on our strengths and compensate for each other's weaknesses. Not long after David appointed me he encouraged me to go over and see his old boss at Merchant Taylors in Liverpool, David Cook, an experienced and highly regarded head who, after chatting to me for a while and recognising that I was on side and already actually quite fond of David, proceeded to ask me - “so, old David’s been Head for quite a while now” - he then looked at his watch dramatically and said “has he made a decision yet?”

And yet what David has taught me over the years is that actually, in many cases, you can buy time to make a decision, and that this time, far from being a luxury, is critical. In the time that I have known him, over ten years in school, I bet I can count the number of poor decisions he has made on one hand, the good ones you would need all of our pupils' hands to count. Strategically, he is a mastermind and a genius, and treats school management like a cross between the two games he loves the most - Risk and Battleships. He compared battling the coronavirus in September, as the negative test results flew in by email, to the great game battleships - 7DRD miss, 8MLA miss, 9RTE - boom and when discussing the acquisition of the Clayton site compared it to a cheeky move on Kamchatka - at times seemingly not significant but possibly, one day, of huge importance!

David leaves behind lots of lasting memories and, more significantly, real and significant change at QEGS. QED was perhaps his first major structural change and that has gone on to influence the lives of thousands of children, but he has also developed the academic and pastoral management of the school, embedded the role of faculties, led the school through two superb inspections, invented a whole raft of memorable (and not so memorable) schemes and acronyms - QPD, Radcliffe Scholars, Club 9.

My greatest memory of David will be as a kind and thoughtful man who cared deeply and understood the importance of his role and, more importantly, the impact it had on others.

David leaves the school in great form, albeit in a horrible year.

He has taken the very real possibility of a dwindling roll following the collapse of the economy and dispatched it like he would a full toss outside the off stump. Now numbers on roll are incredibly healthy and on the rise, exam results are strong and he leaves a staffroom and pupil body who will miss him enormously and who he has very much carried with him rather than fought against. He is quick witted, a superb orator and a master of the well timed one liner. He also has an enormous presence in any room you put him in, whether that is reprographics or Wakefield Cathedral, and his voice when addressing the school or parents is one the like of which I expect never to hear again in my career. For us as a team, we are losing a friend, and someone I hope, when he has more time, we hope to have many a beer with in the future.

I, like many others in the school, have learned a great deal from David over the years I have worked with him and I was proud to call him my boss for the last time when we finished for the December break, but more importantly my friend forever. Of the many worries David had, I know one of them that constantly resurfaced was the battle between being kind and being tough and David worried that staff would confuse his kindness and care for children with a lack of rigour or failure to meet “standards”. Sometimes, I think these quandaries are best resolved by people far greater than any of us so, David, I leave you with the very wise words of Franklin Roosevelt - words that I think for me define your time here: “Human kindness has never weakened the stamina or softened the fibre of a free people. A nation does not have to be cruel to be tough.”

Jim Palin Deputy Headmaster

www.qegsonline.org.uk 39

STAFF LEAVERS JANiNe PhiLLiPS (CATERING) The end of an era as Janine Phillips of “Janini’s Paninis” fame, hangs up her chef’s hat In the 33 years of exemplary service, Janine progressed from being a part-time general assistant to QEGS 6th form centre manager.

In between her journey entailed going to college at the age of 40. She gained her NVQ level 2 in professional cookery.

This paved the way for further progression to assistant cook and then finally the 6th form centre.

This is where Janine proved herself to be a very competent professional by running the cafeteria on her own. She managed the senior pupils with charm, great wit and a warm smile.

Janine is also a grandmother and loves to spend time with her young grand-children whom I know bring her so much pleasure and happiness. Retirement will allow Janine and her husband Ian spend more time pursuing the leisure activities and visiting the coast.

Janine will be missed by those who worked with her and she will be fondly remembered by the many 6th form boys whom she looked after so well. We all wish her and Ian a long and happy retirement.

Paul Roberts Catering Manager

A message from the ladies in QEGS kitchen and pupils from the 6th form centre Janine’s retirement from QEGS marks the end of an era. I first met Janine when she worked in the main staff room, providing the break-time treats of tea, coffee and cake. It was very clear to me straight away that she was always highly organised, supremely efficient and that she had a friendly and personable manner that made her the perfect antidote at break time to having had a morning dealing with difficult classes!

Janine will no doubt remember some of the staff idiosyncrasies at break time (the biscuit set aside on a special plate for a certain more experienced member of staff springs to mind!), although her professionalism ensured that she always took even the most bizarre requests in her stride.

Janine was, therefore, the perfect fit for the role of Sixth Form Centre Manageress in the new Sixth Form Centre that was opened in 2005. This is where Janine excelled - indeed, she became the beating heart of the Sixth Form Centre. Janine has been like a ‘surrogate mum’ to hundreds of QEGS boys. Famed for her paninis, the Sixth Form Cafe, known as ‘Janini’s Paninis’, has acquired legendary status.

There has always been much more to her role in the Sixth Form than her catering role in providing paninis, wraps, toasties, cups of tea, ice pops, caramel slices and a range of other well-received snacks. Janine was a constant reassuring presence to the boys, someone they could talk openly to, a sympathetic ear and a great source of advice.

She has undoubtedly had a hugely positive influence on many of our Sixth Formers and the regard in which she is held can be seen by a quick look at the messages written inside the Cafe as a tribute to her qualities.

Janine will be sorely missed, but I wish her all the best for a long and happy retirement, spending time with her beloved grandchildren and on the east coast in her caravan. She has been my ‘eyes and ears’ for many years and I will find it strange to come back in September without the warm glow of her cheery smile. Thanks for everything Janine, you have been a real star.

Al Rees Head of 6th Form

WeNDy eTheriNGToN (CATERING) It has been an absolute privilege to have worked with Wendy for more than 29 years, although she predates me by 4 years having started in 1988. Her loyalty, professionalism and caring attitude have been instrumental to WGHS in the early part of her career and QEGS during the past 25 years. She has contributed enormously to the pupils' wellbeing during their school life.

One of Wendy’s main attributes is her no nonsense approach, this is where she proved herself to be a very competent and astute leader; she would always make herself available to offer support and advice to the ladies under her stewardship. During Wendy’s time here, she has been involved in the production and delivery of more 5.5 million meals, quite a startling figure.

Wendy now moves on to the start of something new, along with Terry, she is looking forward to enjoying their breaks in Scarborough and holidays abroad. She is also a grandmother and loves to spend time with her grandchildren whom I know bring her so much pleasure and happiness.

Wendy will be sadly missed but never forgotten by all those who had the opportunity to work with her, we all wish her a fond farewell and trust she enjoys a long and happy retirement.

Paul Roberts Catering Manager

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ChriSTiNA hASTiNGS What words can you use to describe Christina Hastings, Administrative Bursar who retired at the end of April 2021? Gregarious, intuitive, and a great advocate for her staff, and a believer in doing the right thing by all staff. One of her favourite sayings being “change your thoughts, change your feelings, thoughts are powerful” as a real catalyst to moving forward. Basically it’s up to you to choose which direction you and your life go in.

Christina joined the Foundation in October 1996, and has given nearly 25 long, joyful and happy years of service and work. She has probably been the one of the furthest appointments ever made, joining the Foundation from a school in Queensland, Australia, although she was born and raised in Doncaster originally.

At the time of her appointment in 1996 she had responsibility for School Administration, Finance (expenditure budgets), Catering, Cleaning, Maintenance, General Purchasing and Health and Safety. It was an extensive remit and one which she threw herself into.

Never happier than when she was busy, she hated having nothing to do. In later years some of these responsibilities changed to include the telephone systems, utilities, licences, photocopiers, school lettings, and she became the mini-bus guru, ensuring that EDGE and QED always had mini-buses to accommodate the activities, which was no mean feat.

During her time at the Foundation, Christina has worked under 13 Heads and 3 Bursars during her time, and was delighted when she was supported by undertaking a Master of Science in Leadership and Management in 2010.

Christina was never prouder than when her two grandsons, CJ and Tom attended QEGS and she was an enthusiastic supporter of everything they did in the classroom, on the sports pitch and the theatre productions.

I will miss her greatly and so too will a great number of colleagues. We wish her the very best as she begins the next chapter of life, and a retirement with more cruises planned with her husband Will, along with the odd bottle of wine as she watches the sunset.

Annette Casey HR Manager

BriAN PriCe Brian initially came to QEGS in 2014 to teach drum kit and percussion, covering for Carol Clegg (our other percussion teacher) who was on maternity leave at the time. He had a wealth of experience, having worked as Principal Percussionist with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers’ Staff Band in the early 1970s and then for North Yorkshire County Music Service, from which he retired, before restarting his teaching career at QEGS. A true gentleman, Brian could be found diligently doing his job in one of the small percussion rooms above the Heads of Year Office, and turning out a string of excellent musicians.

He was renowned for his deeply caring attitude, and his students speak very highly of him indeed.

Teaching during the past year has been a challenge for all of our visiting staff, but none more so than a teacher whose style involves composing pieces for his individual students, and accompanying them at the piano as a matter of course. Brain says the most frustrating thing about online teaching is 'seeing a stick drop onto a drum head and then hearing the sound 10 minutes later!', but also ‘you learn an awful lot about yourself as a teacher’ and that he will miss the act of music making with his students more than anything else.

Brian has been a lifelong fan of motorcycles. His plans are to move to a small village in Wales and to invest in a new BMW motorcycle from which to explore his home country. We wish him all the best in his upcoming retirement.

Chris Lewis Director of Music

WE ALSO SAID GOODBYE TO...

Sept-Dec 2019:

FrANCeS eLLioTT Physics STePheN JAMeS hALL ICT Support Assistant MeLviN ArThur ICT support Jan-Dec 2020:

MArk PexToN Physics ChArLeS LiNeS PE JAyNe CrAveN Exams JuLie BeNNeTT Exams BiLL SeTTLe Grounds Manager

www.qegsonline.org.uk 41

STAFF LEAVERS GeoFF TiNGLe Geoff joined QEGS in 1993, having worked in industry for 10 years after graduating as a Biochemist from Emmanuel College, Cambridge. As an inspirational Biology (and occasional Chemistry) teacher, a generation of QEGS boys owe their love of science to Geoff’s knowledge, passion and expertise. He was also a talented and committed hockey (and occasional rugby) coach throughout his 25 years working at QEGS. Geoff emigrated to New Zealand in 1998 but he was back in the UK, and ‘re-signed’ to the QEGS team within 2 years - the Kiwis’ loss was certainly our gain!

He re-imagined the role and status of PSHE in the school, and was then briefly Head of Biology, before ascending to be Assistant Head (Director of Teaching & Learning) in 2012.

Geoff will be remembered for many contributions to school life, but perhaps his biggest contribution was as the ‘founding father’ of QED, our successful Wednesday afternoon activities program.

generation of QEGS boys owe “ Atheir love of science to Geoff’s knowledge, passion and expertise

”

A verteran of numerous sporting and cultural trips, including the Bolivia expedition, Geoff met his wife Jude in the Foundation and his son and daughter are pupils in our schools. A lover of rugby, the outdoors and fine malt whiskey, boys and colleagues will remember Geoff as something of a ‘maverick’ with a genuine passion for his subjects and being an innovative risk taker in the best possible way; he will be missed by us all.

Mark Fitzsimons

GAry PiCkerSGiLL

Hanging up his laptop and boots after 33 years at QEGS Gary Pick... Gazza... Geeps, however you would refer to him you would always remember your first meeting with him.

A big grin and loud! Mine was as a 12 year old on the rugby field. We went on to be both adversaries and teammates throughout our sporting careers so you could say we know each other rather well. Being each other's best man and then working with him for 33 years I can certainly confirm that!

Throughout our time at QEGS, I have great memories of Cup runs and Twickenham Finals to pre-season training weekends in Blackpool, rugby tours all over the world when he would use his extensive travel experience to act as my Tour Manager and we would share the odd night out in Shakey Wakey when it did use to shake!

More widely known for his Geography and rugby, he also has a degree in Geology and he spent 9 months in Vancouver working in the Oil Business before returning to teach Geography and PE at Adwick School, where he met his wife Yvonne before a role came up for him here at QEGS. Gary joined QEGS in 1987 and after a foray into hockey, moved to take charge of the 15s rugby. During his QEGS service of 33 years and 100 terms, he has always been a committed professional and enthusiastic in his teaching and it's always good to have him as part of your team. In his time at QEGS he has had numerous different titles and responsibilities but has always been the same Gazza-full on and committed to his cause!

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Gary has always been a well-respected and popular member of staff in school and on the sporting circuit, particularly in rugby and tennis. He holds the record for a coach with success in the 15s cup and he became a very successful and popular Head of Department maintaining geography as one of the most popular GCSE and A level options. Gary is a man of many talents and there is much to celebrate, but I know that his standout achievement is in coaching the 15s to cup final victory in 2015.

To put that win into perspective before that defining moment there had been a few disappointments- in the 1990s he had taken the 15s to 5 national semi-finals at Castlecroft in 8 years to lose everyone by a score! There had been a draw at Twickenham in 1998 when he and Pete Mason took the team; 3 Under 18s Twickenham defeats and then nightmare defeats for the 15s at Twickenham in 2006, 2013 and 14... making that win in March 2015 all the sweeter!

It has been an absolute privilege to work with Gary over the years. He will be missed in so many ways; being down the corridor hearing him teach with his door open and his dulcet tones over the fields; his one liners.

Enjoy your retirement. Well done mate!

Trevor Barker

MArk WooD A graduate of Merton College, Oxford, and an Old Savilian himself, Mark Wood joined QEGS in 2007 from Ossett School. As Head of English, he led the Department with distinction and great academic rigour, while making the subject accessible for all. He was promoted to Assistant Head (Director of Studies) in 2012, and masterminded the school’s preparedness for the 2015 and 2018 ISI Inspections and he was instrumental in ensuring that the school was rated ‘excellent’ in all categories on each occasion. He also pioneered the evolution in assessment and reporting, while leading the teaching staff, and the Heads of Department in particular, with great wisdom, sensitivity and kindness.

A talented singer and lover of music, he sung in many school events and staff choirs; his work with ‘mock trials’ gave budding lawyers their first step on the road to the legal profession. As a result of ill health, Mark stepped down and continued to teach while fulfilling the role of PA and right hand man to the Headmaster in 2019.

A wonderfully passionate teacher, and a genuine academic heavyweight in his field of expertise, he will be missed by pupils and colleagues alike.

Mark Fitzsimons

Dr ToM BruNT Before QEGS Dr Brunt was at QEGS… (QEGS, Blackburn that is)! He then studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge for three years as an undergraduate, followed by a further 3 years for his PhD. After spending 6 years in the flatlands of East Anglia, he only considered jobs located closer to the hills and mountains of the north so accepted a role as a research scientist with Unilever based in Port Sunlight on the Wirral. Five years later he decided a change of direction was called for and after dipping his toe in the water at King’s Chester he arrived here in Wakefield in 2003.

He has lots of great memories from his time at QEGS “from trips - watching Mr. Dean effortlessly shepherd an assorted mixture of QEGS boys through the maelstrom of cars and scooters as we made our way around Rome on foot was to witness a true master at work. Particularly, as he would then dive into a church and expound at length on the use of trompe l’oeil in post-Renaissance art. As a Francophile immersing myself in the French language and culture on the French exchange was a pleasure, as were outdoor pursuit trips to Snowdonia with Messrs. Anderson and Grieve.

D of E trips were notable mainly for the dubious navigational ability of QEGS boys and the remarkable spreads of food invariably assembled by Mr McWilliam”.

MArCuS FASCioNe

Head of Physics, retires after 16 years at QEGS After gaining a degree in physics from Manchester University, Marcus’s first job was in the defence industry for Marconi Space and Defence Systems ltd, developing part of a radar jamming system. It sounds exciting but it turned out to be really boring for him and he gave it up after 1 year. He took his PGCE at Leeds University and has never looked back. He has been a physics teacher at Colne Valley High School and Batley Grammar School, and Head of Physics at Heckmondwike Grammar School, Greenhead College and finally joined QEGS in 2005. This adds up to a total of 36 years in teaching and he has enjoyed every single establishment that he has worked in.

He has contributed greatly to the extra-curricular activities that helps make QEGS great; running soccer teams; ski trips; innumerable D of E expeditions; gaining a mountain leadership qualification; leading a group of students on the Yorkshire 3 peaks and the National 3 peaks challenges; being an officer in the Combined Cadet Force (shooting, sailing, flying, climbing, skiing); caving trips; trips to CERN in Geneva; walking Hadrian’s wall.

Asked what he will miss most about QEGS, he said “Just the everyday company of and banter with both colleagues and pupils. The lockdown periods really brought home to me how important face-to-face interactions are to both quality of life and quality of teaching. Remote learning is not the future in my opinion. Oh yes, I will also really miss the school dinners. And snow days, which are now almost certainly a thing of the past due to the disruptive technology that enables remote learning!”

We wish him well in his life after QEGS.

has contributed greatly to “ He the extra-curricular activities that helps make QEGS great ”

All the best for the future! www.qegsonline.org.uk 43

STAFF LEAVERS Lizzie huLMe After almost 11 years of dedicated service, Lizzie decided to leave the Foundation in November 2020. During her time at the Foundation, Lizzie worked in a variety of roles with the QEGS Office until she moved into her role as a Development Officer for the Foundation.

In her position as Old Savilians’ Club administrator, she already had strong links to the Club and good relationships with the Old Savilians. She quickly built on these relationships whilst at the same time created links with the WGHS Old Girls. Lizzie helped establish the Development Office, build alumni relationships, arrange events and keep in touch with our alumni through regular e-newsletters, posting on social media and the annual magazines.

Lizzie was great for taking ownership of tasks and seeing them through to completion. She was always eager to build on her knowledge, through on-the-job learning, self-teaching or attending a training course. Her exemplary organisational

skills ensured that all Development Office events were a success, as those Old Girls and Old Savs who have attended a dinner or reunion will know! Her energy, attention to detail and her commitment to perfection, meant that all the events ran without a hitch. Lizzie was the ‘swan’ gliding into the room, when she had been frantically ensuring that everything was perfect for the guests!

Lizzie and I shared an office and she would always brighten up the day with her cheerful personality, funny tales and a beautiful wardrobe!

Thank you Lizzie for your dedication, enthusiasm and contribution to the Foundation.

Cath Worsley

eLAiNe MerCkx After 38 years of distinguished service Elaine Merckx has taken the decision to leave the Foundation. All of that service was spent at QEGS, where both the library and the Archives which she served are to be found.

Elaine was appointed as the QEGS librarian in 1983 and in 2010 care of the school’s archives came within her remit.

Building on the legacy of others, most particularly Ronald Chapman and John Wilkinson, she created a formidable resource. With the support of the then Headmaster, Mr. David Craig, the Governors and the Foundation’s newly appointed Development Director she expanded the role to become Archivist for the whole Foundation.

During this time Elaine recovered WGHS records from the West Yorkshire Archives Service and added them to the QEGS materials. From all of these resources she built up an exceptional service, responding to the queries of the Foundation’s schools, academic departments, Old Savilians and Old Girls and their families and academic researchers.

A number of things need emphasis. First, to be Librarian in a first class northern Grammar School transitioning from Direct Grant status to Independence was a matter of considerable importance. Eminently well qualified, including a Masters degree, Elaine Merckx met the demands of academic departments and individual students. She provided advice and resources, dealt with textbooks, offered guidance on reading, produced newsletters and competitions and organised events, including visits by 44

authors and study groups. Over the course of her career she helped to organise the modernisation of the old library in what is now the Reception area, a project named the Parker Library in recognition of the then Headmaster, Mr. Geoffrey Parker. When the time came to create a new library, Elaine not only oversaw the transfer of materials but, with the support of the then Headmaster, Mr. Michael Gibbons, significantly contributed to its design. This area remains in use, though changing times mean that what was once a Library became known as the LRC and more recently as a Learning Hub, though some books are still housed there.

No list of her contributions can be complete without mentioning her involvement in staff drama productions, ski trips, outdoor pursuits and such splendid occasions as trips to Twickenham in support of the U15s and First XV. When junior Rugby fixtures might have been lost for shortage of staff, Elaine was amongst those to step forward and save the day.

There is no easy way to end an attempt to recall other days and other ways, but perhaps one story may suffice. In 2014 I was delighted to be asked by Elaine and Mr. Craig to help with the Foundation’s commemoration of the Great War. Much resulted from this, including changes to the QEGS War Memorial, now accomplished.

With thanks to Neal Rigby

LIVES REMEMBERED MArTiN JAMeS roChe (OS, 1967) Editor’s note: We are very grateful to Martin for remembering QEGS in his will and for his incredibly generous gift left to the school. In line with Martin’s love for music and his wishes, we are creating a recording studio within the music department. This will allow the boys to access music technology aspects of the GCSE and A-level courses and in addition the department will be able to produce state of the art recordings of performances which can take place anywhere on the QEGS site.

Martin Roche spent most of his working life as a sole practitioner vet in Colac, 100 miles southwest of Melbourne in Australia. He was born in Morley, Yorkshire, and schooled at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield, where he was a Prefect and played quality rugby for the 4th XV. His A Level results took him to Vet Science at Cambridge where his parents had met during WW2. Martin and his father were residents of Queens’ College, and his mother Ruth did her degree in chemistry at Newnham. His parents and younger siblings emigrated to Colac in 1968, and Dr James Roche (“Doc”) became Colac’s ophthalmic surgeon for the next thirty years.

Martin followed them to Australia in 1972 and finished his Vet Science Degree at the University of Melbourne.

On Mart’s first trip to Australia Doc met him at Melbourne Airport. As they drove through Melbourne’s suburbs and through Geelong en route to Colac, Mart was positively unimpressed. But once into the typically Australian countryside he began to think maybe this wasn’t so bad after all. By the time they reached Colac, with its large freshwater lake, he was captivated. He grew to love the Aussie bush and felt privileged to have been able to live there.

As a child he spent a lot of time in the Yorkshire Dales and in Ireland mucking around in boats with home-made sails on rivers and lakes. He became a keen sailor, and was a member of the Colac Yacht Club for decades. His love of a variety of sports never faltered. He watched every Formula 1 Grand Prix and F.A. Cup Final live. He continued to follow Leeds United through thick and thin, and was also a keen student of rugby union and cricket.

Whilst he loved his adopted country he always rooted for England in sports against Australia - perhaps because he felt one was duty bound to root for the underdog.

But his greatest passion was his bassoon, which he played for 55 years. He started when a student at QEGS water torture for his siblings trying to sleep next door, which might explain why their academic record was not a patch on Martin’s. He became a proficient bassoonist and

some of the most rewarding parts of his life in Australia were the decades he spent playing with the Warrnambool, Geelong and Ballarat orchestras.

He practised as a vet in Colac until 2001 after which he worked for the Department of Primary Industry in Warrnambool for a decade before retiring back to Colac.

In retirement he volunteered as maintenance manager at the Anam Cara Hospice (a respite and palliative care facility in Colac). He also enjoyed losing his and his nieces’ dogs in the bush, accompanying his partner Robyn on camping holidays, and entertaining his blind sister Mary.

He died unexpectedly on 26 July 2019 and far too soon.

He was idiosyncratic, eccentric, quirky and different, but was much loved and certainly irreplaceable.

Mick Roche (brother) Australia

www.qegsonline.org.uk 45

LIVES REMEMBERED

Editor’s notE We are very grateful for the generous legacy left to QEGS by Mrs Anthea Denton.

Mrs Denton was fulfilling the wishes of her husband, Old Savilian and former Head Boy, Anthony Albert Denton (OS, 1955), who sadly passed away in 2001. Her generosity will enable a perpetual scholarship to be created- the Anthony Albert Denton Scholarship.

BRIAN FLETCHER (os, 1966) Shortly before Christmas 2019, Prof Eric Teasdale (OS, 1966) advised us that the much loved former Head of Biology at QEGS and keen supporter of the Old Savilians Club, Brian Fletcher, passed away.

A former classmate at QEGS, Dr David Bullimore, said “Brian Fletcher was an incredible man and an inspiration.

He inspired many, not just a few. He gave me a love of science and a critical outlook on information that has been life- long.”

Eric Teasdale would love to hear from any of his contemporaries. Please email him directly at drelteasdale@gmail.com

J MARTIN BUXTON (os, 1963) It is with great sadness that we report the death of J.Martin Buxton in 2020. He was born in Hebden Bridge in 1945 and came to Q.E.G.S. Junior School in 1952 to join his elder brother, Richard, as a boarder during the Headships of Mr Grace and Mr Baggaley.

Martin was extremely bright academically and breezed his way to “O” levels in the fast stream. At that point he and his brother entered the V1 form together, both studying science. After “A” levels in 1962 Martin stayed on at school in order to do the Cambridge University examinations and was successful in gaining a place to study Physics.

He later returned to Wakefield to work for Dunlop (previously Slazenger) as a scientific adviser.

By Mike Mordue (OS, 1962)

BRYAN WILLIAM BARKLEY (os, 1961) Bryan was a lifelong sports enthusiast who joined many local societies. Always a Liverpool supporter, he transferred from the Liverpool Institute to Q.E.G.S in 1956. Excelling in athletics, he became sports captain there. He studied at Manchester University, then worked for W.R.C.C.Highways, as a chartered civil engineer, where he joined the sports club, notably the tennis section. After his retirement from W.M.D.C.he joined a variety of local activities, from bridge to Scottish Dancing, including the U3A. He was treasurer for several charities. Bryan died peacefully in Pinderfields with his wife Karen by his side. She and their children Giles, Georgina, Julia, John, and Guy, and seven grandchildren survive him.

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BRIAN MICHAEL HAZELL (os, 1950) MBE, Benemerenti Brian was born September 1933, son of Norman David & Mary Lillian Hazell, in Selby Street. He was educated at St Austin's School on Teall Street, from where he passed his 'Eleven Plus' examination, gaining him a place at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in September 1945 under the headship of Mr Grace. He was a very proud Old Savilian and in recent years attended the Old Savilians’ Annual Dinner where he became the oldest member there.

After leaving the School, he completed an electrical engineering apprenticeship at the firm of Spencer Wire Company. On completion of his apprenticeship, he spent two years in the Royal Air Force, in Norwich and after two years, he went to a seminary in London, intending to become a priest. This plan collapsed when he met Lynn Fisher of Normanton, a loss to the Church, but after a variety of jobs, including a spell teaching at The Cathedral School and travelling in sales, he established the firm of Ashby Roofing, which eventually became Ashtree Roofing, a highly successful name on the Wakefield building scene.

In his free time, he became involved in sport; for while at school he had played cricket and rugby without distinguishing himself, he went on to develop his skill as a slow bowler, being capped for Wakefield Boys’ and as goal keeper for St Austin’s Soccer team, which won the Championship of the Wakefield Youth League.

Brian at the Annual Dinner 2019

However, perhaps Brian will be best remembered for establishing the SS Peter & Paul Suzy Fund. During the 45 years that Brian devoted to this charity, more than one million pounds has been raised, all of which has been used to help the starving in the Third World. A principle of Brian's charity, appreciated by everyone, has been 'No Overheads'. This means that its supporters, far beyond Sandal, or the Catholic Church, know that what they give will go directly to help those in need. Brian's efforts were recognised by The Pope who awarded him the Benemerenti Order and by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth with an MBE, presented by Prince Charles.

Brian's life was recorded at a Requiem Mass at SS Peter & Paul church on Wednesday 10th February 2021, in the presence of his children-Dominic, Benedict, Clare, Daniel, Nicholas & Christian. May he rest in peace, in the grave he shares with Lynn in The Lawn Cemetery.

With thanks to his brother, Norman and all the Hazell family for this obituary.

Brian receiving his MBE from Prince Charles

He also took up cycling, touring France, Belgium, Ireland and Holland. Whilst there, he managed to locate the grave of a young Eastmoor man, killed on the disastrous Arnhem campaign, bringing back a photo for the young man's mother.

Brian was persuaded to join his big brother Norman as a member of Wakefield M.D. Council and his talent was quickly recognised, becoming Deputy Leader of Conservatives, Deputy Chairman of West Yorkshire Fire Committee and as result of contacts he had made, played a large part in Wakefield being chosen for one of the Northern Freight Terminals for the Channel Tunnel.

CHRISTOPHER LITTLE (os, 1959) We are sad to report that Christopher Little died in January 2021, following a long illness.

He set up a literary agency in 1979 after finding a publisher for his friend and former Old Savilian Philip Nicholson’s book Man on Fire, writing under the pseudonym A J Quinnell. He went on to represent JK Rowling amongst a number of other authors.

You can read the full obituary in The Bookseller.

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LIVES REMEMBERED JOHN CALDON (os, 1965) John Robert Caldon, investment banker and entrepreneur, rose from humble beginnings in Yorkshire to revolutionise investment banking in Australia. But that was only one huge impact he had on his adopted land.

Born on February 24, 1947, the youngest of two sons to a nurse and ex-navy small businessman, Grace and Harry Caldon, in the small village of Drighlington in Yorkshire, he stood out from a young age. He won academic competitions and a scholarship to study at the Queen Elizabeth Grammar School. He won another scholarship to study classics (Greek and Latin) at St Catharine’s College, Cambridge, 1965-68, and gained an MA with highest honour.

Protest, flower power, the 1960s era of student revolt, was not of much appeal. He could not afford the indulgence.

He wanted to get on with life. On graduation, good with numbers, he joined an accounting practice and married childhood sweetheart Pauline nee Shaffrey, a nurse, in Ireland in 1969.

In 1973, the Caldons sailed to Australia. It was a long trip on the boat, and John did his homework, reading the entire Australian tax code on his way over. In 1973, he joined Price Waterhouse, and in 1977 became the youngest tax partner, setting up in the Parramatta office. Pauline continued working as a nurse and they had two children; she later went to university, completed an arts degree at Macquarie University and worked as a librarian. The Caldons separated then divorced in the late 1990s.

Right from the start, John’s special brand of charm, commercial nous and on-his-feet lateral thinking established him as the pre-eminent tax advisor to some of the largest companies in Sydney. Hill Samuel, soon to become Macquarie Bank, became one of his major clients.

As they paid the accounting firm so much money annually in fees, it made more sense to hire him as a senior director.

John tried his hand at many businesses, most recently Flame Media, which media celebrity Lyndey Milan, his devoted partner for the past 16 years, founded with him a decade ago. They quickly established Flame as a producer and exporter of leading Australian documentaries and programs that might otherwise not have reached an international audience.

His formidable achievements notwithstanding, his legion of friends remember him most for his insatiable curiosity, abundant generosity of spirit, eagerness to mentor others, readiness to assist colleagues in need and an infectious love of life.

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In April 2020, John was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

John and Lyndey travelled a journey of every treatment imaginable. He fought for life to exhaustion, but without complaint. It all took a turn for the worse a couple of weeks ago when he suffered a stroke, and he died a week short of 74, on February 16 2021.

He is survived by loving partner Lyndey, son Patrick and daughter Liz, their partners, his brother James, his former wife Pauline, and four grandchildren.

Edited version of the obituary that featured in the Sydney Morning Herald 25 February 2021.

Editor’s note: John was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for services to business through media content distribution in the Queen’s Birthday Honours June 2021.

GEOFFREY LEA GREEN (os, 1949) I am writing to inform you of the death of Geoffrey Lea Green (OS, 1949) on the 18th January 2021.

IAN PANTON (os, 1970) Dr Ian Robert Panton who passed away at home on 17th October 2020, aged 67 years.

Ian was born in Wakefield on the 29th October 1952 and attended Walton Primary School, before moving to Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in September 1964.

Geoffrey played 2nd Team cricket and also 1st Fifteen rugby (Colours). On leaving school he attended Leeds College of Commerce and was Company Secretary for the family business.

He leaves two daughters, Helen and Caroline.

From QEGS he went up to Cambridge in 1971 to read Medicine and graduated with a BA in 1974.

In October 1974 he moved to London to complete his clinical training at St George’s Hospital London and qualified with B Chir in 1977 and MB in 1978.

Anthony Peter Green (OS 1952) Brother

He completed the General Practice training scheme at St George’s Hospital and became a member of the Royal College of General Practitioners in 1982.

He worked as a GP in Glenfield, Leicester from 1982 until he took early retirement in 2009.

Ian was a keen photographer all his life. He enjoyed music and travel, particularly to Italy.

Geoffrey (back row 3rd from the right)

RICHARD ALLOTT (os, 1957)

He married Barbara Wood (OG 1971) in 1974. They had a son and a daughter. After 32 years of living in Leicester they decided to move back to Wakefield and moved to Horbury in January 2015.

Written by Barbara Wood (OG, 1971)

It is with great sadness that the family of the late Richard Allott report his passing on Tuesday, 9th March 2021 after a short illness.

He was an old boy of QEGS from 1954 - 1957 before moving South and talked often of the wonderful years he was a pupil there. He was an avid rugby & cricket player and ran the London Marathon on more than one occasion.

Richard went on to have a very successful career in Television as a Sound Supervisor and Director of Live Broadcast; working on "The Wall" in Berlin to commemorate the unification of Germany; The US Open and Wimbledon Tennis Championships; The Greek and Australian Olympics, plus many other music and sporting productions worldwide. He would be touched to think his passing was remembered by his old school.

With Thanks, The Allott family

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LIVES REMEMBERED GOPI MENON (os, 1973) Gopi Menon, MD, FRCP, FRCPCH, FBAPM (Hon), was a consultant paediatrician specialising in intensive care of the newborn.

On leaving QEGS in 1973 he went to study undergraduate medicine at Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge and in 1976 he won the Max Barrett Memorial Prize for a Preclinical Research Project. In 1979 he received an honours degree from the University of Cambridge, having completed his clinical training in St Mary’s Hospital Medical School.

While Gopi was a senior house officer in Alder Hey he met Val who was studying nursing. They married in 1985 and enjoyed 34 years of happiness together.

Gopi was very much an optimist and invariably saw the upside of any situation. He was passionate about improving the quality of neonatal care and made it a central pillar of his British Association of Perinatal Medicine (BAPM) presidency.

He represented BAPM on the boards of the National Neonatal Audit Programme and the Neonatal Data Analysis Unit. He led the publication of BAPM’s Neonatal Service Quality Indicators as well as numerous other documents around quality improvement.

Gopi was a kind, thoughtful and gentle man – a doctor of complete integrity. But he was also full of surprises. Whenever there was an opportunity to get on stage, lecturing to medical students or taking part in a Christmas show, this calm, meticulous, unflappable character became an irrepressible enthusiast. In amateur dramatics he became affectionately known as The Great Gopendo.

A constant feature of Gopi’s life was pride in his family.

His wife, Val, became a very fine artist. Their daughters are talented in different spheres: Natasha is a director of operations for a socially conscious jewellery company in Uganda which provides dignified job opportunities for women artisans. Jessica is a sports performance analyst for the Scottish Rugby Union. Gopi remained exceptionally close to his family and would have been the first to say that his daughters inherited all their talents from Val! With his untimely death from pancreatic cancer, Gopi Menon is missed by professionals throughout the United Kingdom, by his colleagues in Edinburgh, by the many parents who will always remember him, and most especially by his loving family.

He is survived by his wife Val and his daughters Natasha and Jessica. The eldest of three, Gopi is also survived by his brother Anand and his mother Lakshmi.

(Edited version of the obituary that featured in The Scotsman)

ROBERT EDWARD CRAVEN (os, 1942) Robert Edward Craven died in Pinderfields Hospital on 22nd April 2020 of Covid 19 and pneumonia aged 90.

He was well known in Wakefield, retiring from his family firm of Craven Fawcett brick machine manufacturers. He was a member of Rotary and Probus and had been President of College Grove Sports Club being involved with Men’s Hockey since 1951. He was also Fellow of the Institute of Ceramics.

He was at WGHS prep school and QEGS junior school before going to Worksop College.

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He leaves a widow and family who would like to thank everyone who sent messages of condolences; they were quite overwhelmed. Due to the pandemic there has not been a funeral service.

Pat Craven (OG, 1951)

SIR HANS KORNBERG (os, 1945)

PETER DEWES (os, 1944)

Born January 1928; died December 2019 Hans Kornberg was born in Herford, Germany, the elder son of Margarete (nee Silberbach) and Max Kornberg.

In 1939 he came to the UK as a refugee from Nazi Germany, and was brought up by his uncle in Yorkshire.

Both his parents died in the Holocaust. On leaving Queen Elizabeth grammar school in Wakefield in 1945 at the age of 17, Hans took a job as a technician in the laboratory of Krebs, biochemistry professor at Sheffield University.

After a two-year fellowship at Yale and the Public Health Research Institute of New York in the US, Kornberg rejoined Krebs, who had won a Nobel prize and moved to Oxford. They jointly published a book, Energy Transformations in Living Matter (1957), and Kornberg made his most significant discoveries during this period.

He met Monica King in Oxford: they married in 1956, and had four children.

He was professor of biochemistry at Leicester University and a popular master of Christ’s College, Cambridge.

He was made a fellow of the Royal Society in 1965, knighted in 1978, and received numerous awards and honorary degrees. He was obliged to retire from his Cambridge posts at the age of 67, but immediately accepted an invitation to become professor of biology at Boston University in Massachusetts, where he continued to teach and research for the rest of his life.

Monica died in 1989 and he later married Donna Haber.

He is survived by Donna and by the two daughters, Julia and Rachel, and twin sons, Jonathan and Simon, from his first marriage.

This is an edited version of the obituary that featured in The Guardian.

Peter Dewes passed away peacefully on the 3rd May aged 94.

Whilst at QEGS he enjoyed stamp collecting and classics.

On leaving school his national service was as a Bevin Boy, although he didn't enjoy working at the colliery.

He then went on to Downing College, Cambridge to gain an MA in Architecture. On becoming qualified he had a long successful career working with Wakefield Council Leeds City Council, J.G.L Poulson, Braithwaite and Jackman amongst others.

He worked all over England producing buildings such as Buxton Swimming Pool, Leeds International Pool and North Shields Library and the interior of BHS in London for Conran. He spent time in Bahrain and Jeddah designing a hospital and shopping centre.

Peter was both a Latin and a Greek scholar, loved gardens, literature and travel to visit classical buildings.

Peter met and married his wife Jean Burnett, a doctor, in 1956 and had a daughter, Celia, in 1959.

He leaves behind his daughter Celia and his sister Patricia.

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LIVES REMEMBERED SAMUEL PETER HARRY JOHNSON (os, 1977)

RT REV ROBERT HARDY (os, 1955) Allan Coy (OS, 1954) has informed us of the passing of The Rt Revd Bob Hardy, former Bishop. He died on 9th April aged 84.

22nd September 1958 6th May 2021 We are sad to report the unexpected death of Sam Johnson.

Sam loved to ride and in his teenage years he competed in point-topointing all over the country and as far afield as Hong Kong, where he competed for GB. At QEGS he excelled both academically and in sport.

Rugby became a huge part of his school sporting life and he was acknowledged as one of the best QEGS players which saw him taking the captaincy in his final school years.

He was to carry that love of rugby to university where he played for Liverpool Veterinary Team. He was an avid skier.

“Bob’s genius was that he could do both rough and smooth as the occasion demanded. He could be tough and direct; he could be polite and charming.

On the surface, there was a smooth unfolding of vocation: Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield, where he sang in the cathedral choir with David Hope; Clare College, Cambridge; Cuddesdon; ordination in 1962; a parish in Manchester; Chaplain and Fellow of Selwyn College, Cambridge; Vicar of Borehamwood; Director of St Albans Ministerial Training Scheme; Bishop of Maidstone with Robert Runcie (he was the youngest bishop in the Church of England at that time); Bishop of Lincoln; and, in retirement, an assistant bishop in Carlisle diocese. In June 2001, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to the Church of England and to prisoners.

Sam achieved highly at school and was offered a place at Cambridge University. He declined, preferring to go to Liverpool University Veterinary School. After graduating, he began his veterinary career at Churchfield Veterinary Practice in Barnsley before moving into farming.

Yet, beneath the surface, there were many challenges — most notoriously the very public issues with Lincoln Cathedral, which caused him great anguish, and which he handled fairly but graciously, at considerable cost to himself. Bob was someone who cared deeply about his work and his responsibilities; he gave himself unstintingly to others.

His workload was always huge, and he was often at his desk at ten in the evening. He was always willing to go the extra mile to help others.”

He will be missed terribly by his family and friends and leaves behind his sons James and Henry.

Extracted from his full obituary by The Rt Revd Dr Alistair Redfern in The Church Times.

MARTIN DYSON (os, 1954) Edward Martin Dyson died aged 84 very peacefully on the 22nd December 2019 after a long illness bravely borne.

He’d been living at the Hospital of St Cross in Winchester for the past seven years.

Martin attended QEGS from 1947 until 1954, playing a particularly important roll in the success of school cricket as captain in 1953 and 1954. The Savilian of summer 1954 commented: ‘The side has been specially happy in its captain for a second year, E.M.Dyson: his knowledge of the game for a boy is wide and deep and his easy command and friendly leadership have kept the team on its toes to the end of every match. He could not have set a better example in his own play…he is a cricketer of whom the school can be justly proud and we look forward to his bringing us fresh fame a delight when he goes up to Oxford after his national service.’

After school and national service, he attended Keble College, Oxford and in 1958 gained his blue, playing for Oxford against Cambridge at Lord’s. His playing career continued 52

with selection for Yorkshire 2nds and membership of various clubs including M.C.C.,Harlequins, Free Foresters, Incogniti and I.Zingari. He also distinguished himself in his golf, enjoying playing for the County Cricketers and being a member of a number of different clubs including Swinley Forest and The Berkshire.

His teaching career includes many happy years at St Paul’s School, Eton and Ludgrove and, throughout his life, he maintained friendly contact with former colleagues and pupils.

His wife, Evelyn, pre-deceased him but his daughter and son and their families were frequent visitors, keeping in close touch from Australia and Gibraltar.

He often recalled how much he owed to the start he had been given at QEGS. Richard Dyson (OS, 1959)

MRS PAT WHITEMAN Pat was a great teacher and a loyal ambassador for Wakefield Grammar School Foundation (WGSF) for over 40 years.

Initially she joined Wakefield Girls’ High School (WGHS) as a teacher of Biology in 1968 before retiring in 2003.

Needless to say countless students, especially those who went on to pursue careers in science and medicine, will forever be in her debt. I recall many students, particularly those who were aspiring doctors, thanking her for the fastidious nature of her class notes, her unfailing enthusiasm in lessons and the care and support she offered them as individuals. It is testimony to her professionalism that this was a message frequently echoed for over three decades; Pat was a quite remarkable teacher.

Although Pat “believed” that she had retired in 2003, she was persuaded to return to the Foundation, this time at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS) in 2006. Although this was on a temporary and part time basis, she remained in post up to 2014! As a consequence, the boys were able to enjoy the same level of teaching and guidance afforded to the girls, displaying equally warm affection for her.

Pat the “person” was equally generous in supporting the wider school community at numerous events and was once presented with her own special award by the Yr 13 girls for being the “happiest person in school”. I vividly recall Pat walking down Jubilee Hall beaming as she collected her prize! Pat always had a smile on her face whenever and wherever you saw her.

On a personal level, she was highly supportive of me when I started at WGHS and often we would discuss our shared interests, most notably school, the achievements of the girls and gardening. Pat and Harry’s garden remains one of the most aesthetic ones I have ever seen - beautifully laid out, carefully nurtured and diligently managed. It was in many respects a work of art, though she wouldn't thank me for saying that.

LORD TONY GREAVES (os, 1960) Anthony Robert Greaves, Politician, born 27th July 1942; died 23rd March 2021.

Tony Greaves, Lord Greaves, who has died aged 78, was a stalwart of the Liberal party and then the Liberal Democrats for half a century. Elevated to the peerage in 2000 on Charles Kennedy’s nomination, he used his position in the Lords to extend his career of community activism and to try to promote a more radical kind of Liberalism in the upper house. While doing so he continued as a member of Pendle borough council in Lancashire, to which he had been elected on its formation in 1973, serving for almost 50 years until his death.

Obituary of Lord Greaves as it appeared in The Guardian.

To see the full version please visit https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/apr/01/lordgreaves-obituary

However, beyond even WGSF and Biology, Pat’s true love was Harry. He came up in every conversation and she almost glowed when recounting his skills and achievements.

As a master craftsman, his work was something to behold and rarely seen, with a quite remarkable attention to detail.

To the outsider they were the ideal couple - best friends, loyal companions and quite literally a perfect marriage for almost 50 years.

Needless to say, Pat will be sadly missed by all who knew her, quite simply because she offered so much to so many for so long.

David Eggleston

www.qegsonline.org.uk 53

LIVES REMEMBERED

A Gift thAt MAkEs A diffErEnCE

“

that there shall be one Grammar school of Queen Elizabeth at Wakefield, for the teaching, instructing and bringing up of children and youths in grammar, and other good learning, to continue to that use forever

”

Extract from the Queen Elizabeth i royal Charter

QEGS Wakefield was founded in 1591. Since then the gifts our Old Savilians have left in wills have helped shape our school. Many have enabled the completion of small yet important projects; others have inspired the creation of larger buildings. Most importantly of all, some have given the gift of a QEGS education. Legacy income represents a valuable source of funding, enabling us to plan for the future, fund additional buildings and ensure that more boys can benefit from a QEGS education.

Since our earliest foundation, we have been fortunate to have benefited from a number of legacy donations.

The first legacy left to the school was made by one of the original founding governors, George Savile, in 1593.

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A legacy gift in your will can benefit the school long into the future and is a wonderful way of helping future Old Savilians. Whether big or small, every gift makes a world of difference.

If you have already made provision for a gift to QEGS in your will, please do let us know as we would love to hear why you have decided to leave a gift to school. We would also like to thank you for your generosity during your lifetime.

Please contact cworsley@wgsf.net for more information.

COLIN LITTLEWOOD (os, 1955)

JOHN CRAPPER (os, 1968)

It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that Colin passed away on 20th October, and his funeral was held on Thursday, 5th November 2020 'Lockdown Day'.

John Crapper, who has died at the age of 70 following a short illness, will be remembered by QEGS alumni as an all-round sportsman, in particular a fine top order batsman. He went on to have two successful careers: first, as a well-respected PE teacher and then running his own property business.

Colin was at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School from 19441955. He was Head of House, Captain of School Rugby Team, Captain of School Cricket Team and Secretary of 6th Form Club.

Also Yorkshire Schools XV.

John was popular at school and while a competent scholar it was on the games field where he excelled, representing the school in all age groups at both rugby and cricket. When he should normally have been playing for the Colts he was picked for the 1st XI where he was known as ‘Joe’.

He was very proud of QEGS and of being an Old Savilian and was in touch, right to the end, with many of his old school friends. Bill Dawes for one.

After National Service he went to St.Peter’s College, Oxford from 1957-1960 to read Geography.

He played rugby for Oxford University Greyhounds, Oxford University and Yorkshire and toured with the Irish Wolfhounds. He was a proud member of Vincent’s Club.

These are difficult times and I wish you every success with the “Old Savilian" Magazine which I know Colin always enjoyed.

I miss him. Angela Littlewood (wife)

JOHN CHRISTOPHER HARTLEY (os, 1960) I am saddened to report the death of my elder brother, John Christopher Hartley, who joined the Junior School in 1949.

Chris, known as ‘Jimmy’ at school, was a pillar of the 1st XV team second row in the late 1950s and vice-captain in 195960. In 1957 he was a member of the first rugby tour to London, the hosts being UCS, Hampstead and KCS, Wimbledon. In 1958 and 1959 he played in the specially arranged end of season matches against Sedbergh School, when both teams were recognised as among, if not the best, in the country. The 1959-60 team provided most of those, including Chris, who travelled by mini-bus through Europe to the 1960 Rome Olympic Games. This was the first of what subsequently became Frank Staziker’s many Grand European Tours. Chris was presented with the Photography Cup at his final Speech Day, although it was always a matter of family argument who actually took the winning picture. Belatedly I am happy to concede Chris was indeed the photographer.

After qualifying as a PE teacher he went straight into his first post at Higherside School at Whiston, Lancashire, where he was to stay for the next 19 years.

He encouraged students to make the best of their talents in whatever sport they were interested. Several went on to sign professional forms for top soccer clubs including Everton F.C. Throughout the 70s and 80s he played cricket for Sefton C.C. (now Sefton Park) in the Liverpool & District Competition. Always known as ‘JC’ it was as an example and inspiration to others as much as for his individual talent that he is best remembered. Batting in the top four, he was known as a technically good and gritty bat, difficult to get out when set. This was exemplified by a fine 75 not-out against a Chester Boughton Hall attack that included the young Antiguan pace bowler Winston Benjamin on a wet Sefton track.

On leaving teaching John, who was by then married with a young family, returned to the West Riding.

They settled in Oulton where, following his interest in local affairs, he became involved in the Oulton Society where he was Chairman between 2001 and 2018.

He played a leading role in establishing the Conservation areas in both Oulton and Woodlesford.

His expertise in the area of planning was said to have been invaluable.

His spare time was taken up by supporting his children at school sports and music activities at QEGS and WGHS, gardening and watching Castleford Tigers RLFC where he had been a ticket holder since boyhood.

He is survived by his wife Teresa and their three children, Charlotte (OG, 2008), Katherine (OG, 2010) and James (OS, 2013).

Bill Hartley (OS, 1964)

Following completion of this magazine, we have received notification of the sad passing of John Hazzlewood (OS, 1938) and John Frederick Wilkinson. Please see www.qegsonline.org.uk for their full obituaries. www.qegsonline.org.uk 55

KEY DIARY DATES After more than a year without an events programme and as we look forward to the easing of restrictions, we are excited to be able to start planning our future events, the first of which is the OS London Dinner on 24 September 2021.

All events can be booked online at www.qegsonline.org.uk

OS London Dinner 2021 24 September 2021 The East India Club, St James’s Sq, SW1Y 4LH

OS Annual Dinner 17 December 2021 QE Hall, QEGS, Wakefield

OS Cambridge Dinner 29 January 2022 Christ’s College, Cambridge

OS Golf Day 17 June 2022 Wakefield Golf Club To book the Golf Day, please email cworsley@wgsf.net

PREVIOUS EVENTS

QEGS Development Office, 154 Northgate, Wakefield, WF1 3QX