LIVES REMEMBERED

Building Brighter Futures A GIFT THAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE

WGHS was life-changing for me. Education is the answer to social mobility and for girls, a single sex education brings so many advantages. I was very lucky and am very grateful that I was able to benefit from the Assisted Places Scheme and the superior educational offer at WGHS ”

Kathryn Davis (OG, 1983) Non-executive director, trustee, board advisor, retired law firm partner

Wakefield Girls’ High School (WGHS) was founded in 1878. Since then the gifts our Old Girls 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 WGHS education. Legacy income represents a valuable source of funding, enabling us to plan for the future, fund additional buildings and ensure that more girls can benefit from a WGHS education.

Since our earliest foundation, we have been fortunate to have benefited from a number of legacy donations. Miss Allen, our first Headmistress, was the first person to leave WGHS a gift in her will.

A legacy gift in your will can benefit the school

long into the future and is a wonderful way of helping future Old Girls. Whether big or small, every gift makes a world of difference.

MAKE YOUR LEGACY THE GIFT OF A WGHS EDUCATION

If you have already made provision for a gift to WGH 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.

EDITOR’S NOTE

We have sadly said goodbye to members of our Community over the past two years, including some much-loved former members of staff. Some of our Old Girls have lost their Old Savilian husbands and they are included also.

NICOLA DAVIES (OG, 1989)

It is with sadness that we report the passing of Nicky Davies, who sadly passed away 25th June 2019, following a breast cancer diagnosis.

From WGHS she went onto study languages at the University of Surrey before gaining her teaching qualification at Roehampton. She went onto teach French and German at Wilson’s Boys’ Selective School.

It was at the University of Surrey that she met her partner Derren, whom she leaves behind, along with their sons Thomas, 9, and James, 6, as well as her parents Anne and Tom Davies.

SUSAN DEVONPORT- SMITH (OG, 1974)

(née Barstead)

I am sad to inform you that Susan Devonport- Smith (née Barstead) passed away in Cheltenham on April 2nd 2021.

Having gained her B Ed. she taught for 2 years then changed careers to join the RAF. She rose up quickly through the ranks to become a Wing Commander and received the MBE for services to her country.

In 1984 she became the first WRAF officer to receive the Prince Bandah Trophy- a trophy awarded to the officer recruit who had achieved the best result in war studies during training. Susan's essay was on the UK's options to participate in “Out of NATO area” operations with special emphasis on the Middle East''.

On leaving the RAF she became a Bursar at the Latymer School, London and Cheltenham College.

Carolyn Keeling (OG, 1975) Sister

KATHLEEN O’MALLEY (Former Teacher)

Kathleen passed away peacefully 24 February 2021 at Castleford Lodge Care Home. She was a loving mother to Richard, Christopher and Sarah and grandmother to Betsan, Alys, Hana, Eli and Jethro Powell. She devoted her life to teaching, mainly at Wakefield Girls’ High School and English Martyrs School.

Here are some comments from the Old Girls’ Facebook Group. Apologies that we have not been able to publish them all.

A wonderful supportive friend and colleague.

Pam Nicolls

I loved being in Mrs O’Malley’s class.

Julia Harrow

She was a very special lady.

Louise Evans and Janet Baldock

Like a second mum.

Sara Baitson

Amazing lady.

Emma Riley

Much loved and respected colleague.

Pat Langham

Miss O'Malley (Mrs Powell) joined WGHS JS in January 1998 and taught Lower Transition or, according to the children, 'Lower Transformers'. Both infant and junior classrooms were in St John's House and Kath's classroom, the smallest one, was on the first floor. Here she taught until, due to increasing numbers, moved to the STC where the infants were to be housed.

Kath was a very dedicated teacher who cared deeply for her pupils. She would rarely be at her desk but would sit on one of the small chairs delivering lessons. From this small chair she would be heard encouraging, praising and laughing. She had high expectations of the children and they responded to her quiet, but firm discipline. A look or a change of tone in her voice could quell any unnecessary chatter or unwelcome behaviour. Kath instilled a strong sense of right or wrong in her pupils and this would help pave the way to their future successes in education and beyond. Kath wanted to extend her own qualifications and succeeded in gaining her BEd following an intense part time course at Bradford University. Quite an achievement alongside a full time teaching job and bringing up three children.

Once again, in 2002, the school expanded and Kath became the Pre Prep Co-ordinator of Mulberry House. Here she was known by many, both staff, pupils and parents for her kindness, support and laughter. On becoming a grandparent and wanting to spend more energy visiting her family, Kath relinquished her responsibilities in Mulberry House and returned to her original small classroom in St John's House teaching Year 3 until her retirement in 2012.

Kath loved concerts and the theatre and would go often with her many friends. I recall once, she was so enthusiastic booking tickets for numerous staff and friends to see Phil Collins that she forgot to get a ticket for herself. The Church was also an important part of her life, especially singing the hymns that she loved. In school assemblies her voice would ring out loud and clear.

Kath had very strong roots in Ireland and spent many holidays with family there. She would bravely drive off with her three children to catch the ferry hoping and praying that they would arrive safely as driving was a necessity, not a pleasure. Along with this affinity for Ireland, came the love of Irish literature and music. During break times or at the end of the day, when the children had gone home the relaxing sound of Clannad would drift out of her room.

Kath was immensely proud of her two sons, Richard and Christopher and her daughter Sarah. Their achievements are a credit to her and the addition of five grandchildren brought even more happiness.

By Linda Cholewa

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.

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.

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.

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 we inform you that Old Savilian John Crapper has died at the age of 70 following a short illness. He is survived by his wife Teresa and their three children, Charlotte (OG, 2008), Katherine (OG, 2010) and James (OS, 2013).

SARAH GAY (OG, 1988)

I am very sorry to announce that Sarah Gay has died. Some of her school friends are aware of this but were conscious that she was a popular and social pupil and that others might not be aware of her passing.

Sarah Jane Robinson

RAY BIRTWISTLE (OG, 1959)

We are sad to report that Ray passed away 21st February 2021.

VALERIE LYTHGOE (OG, 1949)

(née Crispin)

Valerie passed away peacefully at Warrington General Hospital on Saturday 26th September 2020, aged 88 years. She will be dearly missed by all of her family and friends. A private funeral service took place on Thursday 8th October 2020.

Published in the Warrington Guardian 8/10/2020

Thanks to Pat Craven (OG, 1951) for notifying us.

VIRGINIA HAZEL ELLINGSEN (OG, 1959)

(née Wilson)

Ginnie was born Februray 19th,1941 and passed peacefully, with dignity and medical assistance at her home on Cortes Island on Oct. 14, 2019. When she was diagnosed with advanced cancer in August, she received it quite philosophically, saying “ I’m 78 years old and I’ve had a most wonderful life. Coming to Cortes allowed me to become who I was meant to be. If this is to be the end of it, I can accept that, without regrets or unfinished desires.”

Greatly missed by her family in Canada, England and Norway and her many, many friends.

Kindly provided by Bruce Ellingsen

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. 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)

MARJORIE ANN HOLMES

JP DCG (OG, 1949)

(née Lindley)

19th January 1933 to 18th February 2020.

Musician, singer, actor, writer, poet and much loved wife, aunt and friend.

Marjorie was born in Wakefield on the 19th January 1933.

She attended Eastmoor School where she studied hard and passed her 11+ and was offered a place at Wakefield Girls’ High School and always thought of herself as “The Scholarship Girl".

Marjorie loved the Girls’ High School, and it was there that she learnt how to play piano and compose music which would be the foundation of her musical life.

Marjorie continued to study hard as her dream was to go to University. She comfortably passed the school certificate, but her dream to go to University was shattered when she was 16, due to Marjorie's father leaving her mother. Now living with her grandparents, her grandfather made the decision that she should leave The High School to start work. Sad and disappointed her first job was as a dispenser at Boots the chemist.

Marjorie always loved music and singing and at 16 years of age she had lessons with the same singing teacher as Julie Andrews who recognised she had a talent.

Marjorie joined the West Riding Operatic Society and in 1956 was given her first lead role in “Bless the Bride”. This was the first of many performances and varied parts she played.

Marjorie also joined Yorkshire Opera under the leadership of Ivor Hughes. She was also a member of the Kingsway Singers and the Women’s Institute where she made many good friends.

Marjorie loved writing poetry and had a number of poems published and one of those was called "The High School Girl" please see below.

Marjorie also wrote a poem called Millennium which she set to music and then wrote the words to transform it into a Christmas Carol.

Later in life Marjorie was offered a position in the Careers Department of West Riding County Council, but she still longed to go to University. One day she saw a notice for a graduate position at Manchester University. Marjorie applied for the position at 38 years of age and got the post. She was the oldest person in the class but left with the diploma she had always dreamed of and soon got a job as a qualified careers officer, which she said was the best job ever. Marjorie was working hard as a Careers Officer as well as singing, acting and writing poetry but still had a bit of time on her hands, so became a Magistrate which again she loved and was a Magistrate for 25years. To celebrate her retirement from being a Magistrate, Marjorie & Vic were invited to a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace where she had a brief chat with the Queen.

Although Marjorie lived a busy life, she and her husband Vic also had time for holidays and travelled to Africa, Canada, America, Alaska, Jerusalem, Cyprus and all over Europe. They had great times and once flew Concorde to America.

Marjorie lived a full and happy life always supported by her devoted husband Victor Holmes but she never forgot her time at Wakefield Girls’ High School which she spoke about all through her life.

Written by her nephew, Howard Lawton, as told by her husband Vic Holmes.

Editor’s Note

WGHS are very grateful to Mr Vic Holmes for making a generous donation to the Music Department, enabling a new Composition Suite to be provided for all the girls to use. In addition, he provided an additional amount for a donor board to go on the wall in WGHS, so that we can add our donors’ names in recognition of their generosity. Everyone in the Music department were overjoyed with the generous donation from Marjorie Holmes' family. We have been able to update Willows with wonderful new equipment and instruments to enhance students' experiences when making music.

Marjorie was a keen composer herself and the recently named Marjorie Holmes Composition Suite will enable Music studentsat WGHS to compose and record using the latest Logic software and a mixing desk, alongside electric drums, piano and a lovely range of guitars and amplifiers. We are very excited to hear what the students can create using the new facilities. We will be using these in lessons and clubs all the time.

PAT WHITEMAN

(Former Laboratory Technician)

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.

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

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 ”

Her caring nature ensured no child struggled. She was an outstanding woman ”

As a Laboratory Technician it is always intimidating when a new member of staff arrives in the Science Department.

Miss Patricia Mary Boulton came to Biology and impressed immediately. Her lab request sheets were detailed, always on time and all equipment tidied away at the end of each practical session. (Something she continued to do right until the end of her teaching career)

She was disciplined, efficient and highly respected by staff and pupils alike. Her caring nature ensured no child struggled. She was an outstanding woman.

Soon Miss Boulton became Mrs Whiteman and together with Harry enjoyed the happiest of marriages, a like-minded couple who shared everything together.

Pat's kindness, compassion and care spilled over into her retirement and through her voluntary work continued making new friends fulfilling her caring nature.

Rest in peace Pat.

Christine Thompson Former Laboratory Technician WGHS

HER FINAL JOURNEy

On her final journey, the funeral cortège passed QEGS & WGHS with the funeral director walking in front of the cortège. Staff from both schools, Green House and the Head Girl team complete in their gowns, lined up outside the schools to clap and pay their respects as she passed by.

At the crematorium there were also current and former staff members from both schools. The crematorium was at its Covid limit; Pat was a well-respected and loved member of both schools.

Harry was very grateful to everyone for their support.

Helen Bray Laboratory Technician, QEGS

BEATRICE BUTCHER (OG 1952)

(née Longman)

Sadly passed away 23 July 2021. She leaves her two sons, Andrew and Mark. Her full obituary will be added to the alumnae website in due course.

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 OG Summer reunion on 18th September 2021.

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

OG Summer Reunion

18th September 2021 The Quad and Jubilee Hall, WGHS

OG London Dinner

12th November 2021 Café Below, Cheapside, London

Cambridge Dinner

29th January 2022 Christ’s College, Cambridge

PREVIOUS EVENTS

WGHS Development Office, WGHS Wentworth Street, Wakefield, WF1 2QS cworsley@wgsf.net