- Woodhouse Grove School

*Newspaper credit - Leicester Mercury
Photo by Will Johnston (91-02)
www.willjohnstonphotography.com
The Newsletter of the Old Grovian Association
Issue 26 Autumn 2015
James Lockwood (86-92)
Woodhouse Grove Headmaster
The Old Grovian Association are delighted to welcome James Lockwood and his family
back to the school in January. James has had a busy term as Headmaster of Royal
Hospital School, Ipswich but we caught up with him to get an insight in to his times at
the Grove and how he feels about coming back.
What are you looking forward to about
coming back to the Grove?
Re-engaging with the School and wider
School community and renewing old
friendships. Playing a pivotal role in
shaping the School’s future and making it
the best version of itself that it can
possibly be.
Most embarrassing memory of WGS?
None that I would like to disclose as the new
Headmaster!
How would you describe yourself in 5 words?
What does being an Old Grovian mean to
you?
Omnipresent, Energetic, Decisive, Determined,
Approachable.
My time at the Grove was a period when my
strongest and most enduring friendships were
Best memory of WGS?
made and where my life values were formed.
On the whole, Old Grovians are rounded and
Too many. Beating Bradford Grammar
grounded individuals who possess the kind of
School at rugby at U15 level, after they had confidence which is rooted in self-awareness
beaten us by 40 points in the previous
and not arrogance.
year. Scoring a century on the 1st XI pitch;
being appointed Head of School.
The school will be hosting a “Meet & Mingle” on
Friday 5th February. This will give all Old Grovians
and former staff the opportunity to meet James
and hear more about his plans for the school as
its 18th Headmaster.
If you wish to attend this evening please contact
Tara Gilks [email protected] by
Friday 15th January.
OGA Chairman 2015/16 Roger Howard (71-78 & St 82-)
At the OGA AGM on Sunday
8th November, Roger Howard
took on the role of OGA
Chairman for 2015/2016.
He thanked David Dickinson
(his predecessor) for
attending reunions and for his
genuine interest in current
school matters and the
fortunes of the OGRUFC. He
felt that David had really
galvanised interest in the
rugby club among his
particular generation of
Grovians. Roger also thanked
the Southerns Trustees saying
he was aware of the time
involved in processing
through all the scholarship
applications and interviewing
them all.
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Roger thanked the OGA for the
honour of being invited to be
Chairman of the OGA. He
spoke of his longstanding
association and commitment
to the school and the OGA
and felt it was a privilege
to be the Chairman at the
commencement of the
‘Lockwood Era’.
We need to remember the overall objectives
of the Association:
He noted that the start of the
Lockwood Era is a great
opportunity for the school
which is in a strong position
despite the economic climate
of recent years. Our facilities
are envied by our rivals and
there is a mood of optimism
and expectation. The OGA must
take advantage of this and this
was emphasised by the great
turn out at the 1990’s reunion
the previous night.
The school appearing strong and prosperous
owes much to the OGA and the many people
who have served the school over the years. It
needs support in many ways particularly from
the younger generation who can contribute
enormously after from:
•
•
•
•
•
•
promote mutual acquaintances
with former pupils and drive their
interest in the school
assist the academic and
recreational life of the school
further the interests and
reputation of the school
supporting functions
developing mutual interest
(especially in business)
employment/work experience –
The ‘Network’
The OGA office team have ongoing projects and use
social media, Xaipete etc to spread the word to members
but OG’s themselves are the most effective way of
spreading the word.
Roger stressed that It is important that members tell us
what they want, eg types and venues of reunions,
dinners, sport etc. Also OG’s must seize the opportunity
and really build momentum, engaging with the
Association in increasing numbers and become actively
involved in the Associations events.
We wish Roger Howard all the best for his year in office
and look forward to seeing what events he has planned.
Old Grovian performs in “Three Choirs Festival” at
Buckingham Palace to celebrate 300th anniversary
Chris Nehaul (05-15) is at Hereford Cathedral for a year as a Choral
Scholar, before taking up a place at University next year. At the end
of November he had the opportunity to take part in a gala
performance, attended by HRH The Prince of Wales, in the Ballroom
of Buckingham Palace. The concert marked the conclusion of this
year’s tercentenary celebrations for the Three Choirs Festival, of
which His Royal Highness is President.
Chris Nehaul
(05-15) &
Prince Charles
A massed choir of almost 300 singers including the Three Cathedral
Choirs of Hereford, Gloucester and Worcester, the Three Choirs
Festival Chorus and the Three Choirs Festival Youth Choir gave an
hour-long recital for The Prince of Wales and invited guests, who
were welcomed by Dr Timothy Brain, OBE, QPM, Chairman of the
Three Choirs Festival Association. After the performance His Royal
Highness met some of the performers, including cathedral choristers
and members of the youth choir and festival chorus.
James
Lindsey
(03-09)
James was at the Grove from
03-09. Then he studied Media
Production at Northumbria
University (09-12) and then he
did freelance television work
on the likes of "Britains' Got
Talent" and "Don't Tell The
Bride".
Then in 2013 he worked as a
corporate video producer with
the online retailer Andrew
James until 2014 when he
moved to Salzburg, Austria to
work for Red Bull Media House
as a live transmission assistant.
At the beginning of this year he became the Studio Manager
and Producer for an online Gambling company in
Portsmouth and after 3 months moved the company to
Malta. Finally he has just started a new job as the Lead Video
Producer for 90min in Asia at their offices in Manila, The
Philippines.
James Lindsey (03-09)
Johnny Abraham (93-01)
J9 Advisory
Jonny joined PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as a trainee at the age
of 18 in 2001 straight after finishing his A-Levels at the Grove.
After Qualifying as a Charted Accountant he joined Barclays Bank
in 2008 as an Associate Director in their Asset Based Lending
team. The economy turned on its head later that year and the
country experienced unprecedented times financially in what was
the beginning of the ‘banking crisis’.
During this time he learnt a lot about the Banks and their credit
policies and operations etc. As there seemed to be no real scope of
recovery in sight, Jonny decided to go back to what he knew best
and joined Begbies Traynor Group in January 2010, working
predominantly with clients in the Asset Based Lending sector.
Read more about Jonny in the following article in Business Quarter:
http://www.bqlive.co.uk/2015/11/02/meet-the-md-johnny-abraham,-j9-advisory
In mid - 2013 he was approached to join Winterhill Largo Group as
their Business Development Director for the North. However, having
seen a gap in the market to assist businesses who were
struggling amongst other things, to source the funding
3
they required, he launched J9 Advisory in August 2014.
Will Johnston (91-02)
Will Johnston was recently named The Society of
Editors' Daily Newspaper Photographer of The Year
for 2014 at The Regional Press Awards at The
Lancaster Hotel in London. He also won a regional
award for his News Photo of The Year at The
Midlands Media Awards, held at Villa Park,
Birmingham. His website can be found at
http://www.willjohnstonphotography.com/
*Newspaper credit - Leicester Mercury
Colonel Phil Carter
30 years since the Bradford City Fire
2015 marks 30 years since
the Bradford City Fire - a
sporting disaster in which 56
lives were lost and the lives
of countless others were
changed forever. ‘The 56’ is a
piece of documentary
theatre in which all of the
lines spoken by the actors
were taken from survivors
and witnesses of the disaster.
Former footballers, police
officers and fans were
interviewed by Old Grovian
Gemma Wilson (97-11) and
her co-writer, Matthew
Stevens-Woodhead, over an
18 month period to create
the script for the play. ‘The
56’ is the first production to
deal with the disaster on the
stage and it premiered at the
2014 Edinburgh Fringe
Festival at Channel 4
sponsored venue, Underbelly.
4
The play was then selected for the 2015 Sunday Times
National Student Drama Festival, where it won the
Directors Guild Award and Spotlight Most Promising
Actress Award. Later in the year ‘The 56’ embarked on an
11 date national tour, including performances at The
Lowry and three sold out nights at the Alhambra Studio
in Bradford where it was received by standing ovations
from audiences in Bradford City strips.
Fresh from the successful national tour ‘The 56’ returned
to the 2015 Edinburgh Fringe Festival where it was one of
The Guardian’s recommended shows of the year. In
October the play rounded up its year with a week long
run at the newly refurbished Battersea Arts Centre in
London where it featured as part of ‘A Nation’s Theatre’,
a celebration of theatre from around the UK.
All proceeds from the play are to be donated to the
Bradford University Plastic Surgery and Burns Research
Unit at a ceremony in December as part of the 30th
anniversary commemorations. As a part of the
fundraising effort Gemma has been visiting schools
throughout Bradford to give talks on the play and help
raise awareness of the impact of the fire on the local
community.
The Burns Unit are accepting donations throughout the
year for the 30th anniversary commemorations at
www.fire-anniversary.brad.ac.uk
Colonel Phil Carter
(WGS 83-90) studied
Medicine at the
University of Dundee,
joining the Royal
Army Medical Corps
as a Medical Student.
Since then he has
qualified as a General
Practitioner, served in
places as diverse as
Northern Ireland, the
Balkans, the Middle
East, and Africa and
obtained Masters
Degrees in Public
Health and
International
Relations.
As a Major, Colonel Carter was seconded to HM the Sultan of
Brunei’s Armed Forces and advised them during the 2004
Asian Tsunami. Later he commanded the clinical unit of the
Royal Centre for Defence Medicine in Birmingham, a team of
300 military staff embedded within the NHS, providing
healthcare and welfare support for wounded soldiers. In 2013,
as a Lieutenant Colonel, he commanded 5 Armoured Medical
Regiment in Afghanistan, with responsibility for delivery of
primary and prehospital emergency care to NATO troops in
Helmand.
He deployed again in 2014 to Sierra Leone to lead the Ebola
Training Academy, a collaborative project involving the British
Army, UK Department for International Development, the
World Health Organisation and the Sierra Leone Government
teaching Ebola infection prevention and control techniques to
volunteer healthcare workers.
Colonel Carter was promoted to Colonel in 2015 and is
currently deployed in the Middle East.
Congratulations to Old Grovian Nicki Weaving (98-04) who married David Robertson on
15th September at Villa Palazzola in Italy. The couple, who currently live in Bo’ness, Scotland
(where Nicki works as a vet) were joined by their family and close friends for a lovely
service and weekend in the Italian sunshine.
Social media was overloaded with fantastic photos of the couple and Old Grovians who were
in attendance.
Nicki’s brothers Adam (98-06) and Ben (03-10) both did readings at the ceremony, Helen
Duce (97-04) was a bridesmaid and former Governor John Weaving was also seen on photos
Weaving
Wedding
looking proud of his beautiful daughter.
Other Old Grovians in attendance were: Nick Page (97-04), Faye Tiritoglu (97-04), Rebecca
Ives (94-04), and Ellie Curtis ( 97-04 nee Wooler). After the wedding Nicki and David visited
Naples for a Mini-moon and are hoping to embark on their proper Honeymoon next year.
Graves Wedding
Jodie Page Wedding
Over the August Bank holiday weekend friends and
family celebrated with Richard Graves (87-94) as he
married the beautiful Kathryn Harrison at Grays
Court Hotel, York. This was followed by a wonderful
reception at Hornington Manor. The venue was
stunning, and friends and family all enjoyed staying
for the weekend to celebrate with the couple. As
you would expect the guest list was full of Old
Grovians and all of the ushers were friends of
Richard’s from school some of whom had known
Richard for over 30 years.
Jodie Page (95-02) married Dave
Clow at St George’s Hotel in
Paphos, Cyprus on 16th October
2015. Those present included Old
Grovians Emma Hill née Cadman
(95-02) and Louise Aveyard
(97-01).
Old Grovians present:
Ned Taylor (87-94), Ben Brown (01-08), Sam
Cadman (89-96), Stuart Nesbit (82-92), Anthony
Cadman (87-94), Stuart Vincent (94-01), Martin
Griffiths (86-94), Claire Moffat nee Howard(94-01),
Nick Fawcett (87-94), John Hinchliffe (83-94),
Dave Webster (83-93), Kelly Carter nee Graves
(87-96).
The photo is of the married couple,
Louise, Jodie, their partners and
their children.
The couple also hosted an evening
reception on 24th October at The
Old Barn, Esholt.
Harome, North Yorkshire Rhodri Jones
(son of Keith Jones) married Lucy
known Old Grovians of recent times,
having spent the first 20 years of his
life living at Woodhouse Grove, Rhodri
said “ I do” to the stunning Lucy in a
beautiful ceremony in front of friends
and family.
Date: Friday 2nd October 2015
Location: The Coniston Hall Hotel &
Country Estate
We wish Anthony and Charlotte
many congratulations as they
embark on married life.
On 24th May 2015 at The Star Inn,
Elsender. Possibly one of the most well
Griffin Wedding
Anthony Griffin (01-08) married
Charlotte Redfern at The
Coniston Hall Hotel, Skipton.
The groom is not only an Old
Grovian but also a key member
of the Old Grovian Rugby Club
so the guest list was bound to
include a large number of former
pupils; in fact we are sure it is up
there in the record books! The
bridal party were in safe hands
with not one but 4 Old Grovian
Best Men and 2 bridesmaids,
who ensured the day went to
plan!
Jones
Wedding
Old Grovian Guests: Stuart Vincent
(94-01), Lucy Vincent (st 98-00), Tim
Rawlins (90-01), Dan Gullick (94-01),
Michael Allewell (90-01), Eniola
Gesinde (94-01), Craig Shaw (92-01),
Richard Graves (87-94), Danny
Kondras (84-94), Bryan Stone (st
80-06), Eileen Mollard (st 88-08),
Hugh Knowles (49-54), Janet
Knowles (st 86-02), Roger Howard
Old Grovians Wedding party;
Chris Blackhall (01-08)Best Man, Ben Brown (01-08) Best
Man ,Dean Hogg (98-08) Best Man, Matthew Worrall (03-10)
Best Man, Georgina Griffin (07-10) Bridesmaid, Maxine Best
(01-08) Bridesmaid,
(71-78 & st 82-), Ian Frost (st 86- ),
Belinda Frost (st 83-),Tony Zammit (st
82-08), Jeremy Wilson (st 80-13).
Old Grovian Guests;
Dom Copsey (05-12) Jack Hartley (05-12), Aaron Magee (06-12), Joel Bradley (04-11), Harry
Cody-Owen (04-11), Harry Dunhill (98-10), Alex Fox (03-10),Tim Dalton (01-08), Tom Dalton
(01-08), Charles Davy (01-08), Jaskaran Deu (01-08), Craig Fagan (06-08), Joe Sowden (93-08),
James Trenholme (01-08), Adam Driver (01-07), Sam Robinson (97-07), John Oakes (04-06),
Adam Weaving (98-06), Dan Nulty (90-97), John Hinchliffe (83-94)
5
Old Grovian Reunions
The past year has seen many OG Reunions, the 2014 Leavers reunion (which
is now held annually for the newest Old Grovians) was a great success with
over 60 OG’s coming back to the school to catch up with friends and chat
about their first term away from the Grove. We will be hosting the 2015
Leavers Reunion on Friday 18th December.
The Lancashire and Cheshire Reunion was held on Friday 20th March at the
Mitre Hotel in Manchester. This reunion was chaired by Chris Taylor (52-57)
and well attended by Old Grovians living on the other side of the Pennines.
At the end of June we held our Summer OG Reunion. The weekend was
packed with cricket, tennis, kids entertainment and musical performances.
This reunion has evolved over the last couple of years and is now a well
established family event where OG’s, current pupils and staff can enjoy the
beautiful grounds, excellent entertainment and celebrate the end of the
academic year.
On 10th September the annual London reunion was held at the Walrus &
Carpenter, Monument. This is a reunion which captures what being an Old
Grovian is all about; OG’s of different ages mingle, share memories and
laughter as they reminisce on their time at the Grove. This is an event which
we would really like to grow and encourage people to attend. If you live in
London and would be interested in attending this event please get in touch.
90's Reunion......
November OGA reunion weekend was kick started on the Saturday evening
by a lively gathering of 90’s leavers, who through forethought and attention
to detail had gathered in the Stansfield Arms to reaffirm bonds before
returning to the “scene of the crime (or crimes)”, as it were.
The initial assault was led by a hardy group of diehards who appeared
desperate to engage with former teachers and have confirmed to partners,
spouses and friends how good they actually were. Next arrived some serial
offenders, a little reticent in case others present recalled the errors of their
ways, or the “follies of youth”. Finally the stragglers arrived, several of who
were already finding the pace pretty hard going and wishing more local
accommodation had been booked. The group were welcomed by a rousing,
inspirational and witty speech by the incoming Chairman, who was
unjustifiably heckled by several who should know better. Chief suspects were
believed to be Messrs Zammit, Jones, Pickles and Brosnan, but we await
confirmation ahead of further proceedings which are pending (cctv footage
is currently away being scrutinised). Also there was a disdainful attempt to
hijack the evening as a Southerns reunion, which was swiftly dispelled by the
majority of those present sober enough to recall that this was a fairly typical
of the delusions of this house during the 90’s.
What is probably best described as a very “convivial” evening followed,
good company, excellent and substantial amounts of food courtesy of WGS
catering dept and seamless recollections from many happy and some sad
times.
As midnight loomed closer the Cinderella Chairman, hopefully having
planted a few seeds among the gathering to consider directing some of their
self proclaimed largesse back into the school’s sports scholarship and
bursary funds, bade a discreet farewell as a number of dedicated stalwarts
planned which venues in Leeds were to benefit from their patronage now
that they had “warmed up”.
All in all a great evening which all seemed to enjoy. Not sure what shape they
were in the following morning, as not many made it to chapel!(unlike this
writer) I would commend such a gathering to all and recommend you
contact Sam to look into doing something similar for your generation or
decade. Please let us know - we want to encourage you back, there is so
much change to see in your old school - it is a school you can be proud of.
Thanks Sam, a great night, much appreciated by all who attended. The
commencement of the Lockwood Era was toasted in a fitting style.
Roger Howard OGA Chairman
6
50 years later
In April the school were delighted to
host a reunion for Old Grovians who
started at the school 50 years ago
(between 1963-65). A group of 15 Old
boys and their partners enjoyed a tour
of the school, a leisurely lunch at the
Stansfield Arms and the day ended
watching the Old Grovians rugby team
play the last match of the season.
The day was organised through Richard
Littlefair who managed to organise OG’s to
attend from all over the country, one OG
even made the journey from the South of
France!
The sun shone and the OG’s got to catch up
and see the substantial change in the school
facilities from the 1960’s!
“Sitting back for a few moments over lunch looking
at the assembled throng, you were all chatting,
involved and enjoying yourselves, so those one or
two with doubts about these occasions I am sure
have none now! Rightly so that’s how it should be as
last Saturday was the meeting of nothing more than
“old boys” (literally now!!).”
Richard Littlefair (64-69)
November Reunion 2015
Following the Remembrance service in chapel taken by the school Chaplain Rev David Bonny the OGA AGM was
held in the school seminar room. The Old Grovian Rugby Club were in attendance at the meeting and showed a
presentation about the club and their future ambitions. Roger Howard was also officially appointed OGA Chairman
in this meeting.
The afternoon saw the annual Netball match versus
the school 2nd team end with a victory for the Old
Grovians (33-19) and the Windle Cup was won by
the Chairman’s team captained by Ben Brown
(01-08). Despite the nasty weather many OG’s and
their families stayed for the presentations and
afternoon tea on the Hastings-Long Gallery.
Next year’s November reunion falls on 12/13th November where
we are hoping to do a similar reunion on the Saturday evening for
a different decade of leavers and on the Sunday the new
Headmaster, James Lockwood, will be inviting former rugby
players to play in an invitation game, more details will follow. 7
Classmates
Yasmin Rahmatullah
(1995-2000) married Philip
Jones in August 2013. The
wedding was held in France in
the south Charente at Le Logis
de Puygaty, a beautiful stately
manor.
Maurice Hopkins (1942-1946) congratulations to Maurice and Marjorie who
celebrated their Diamond wedding anniversary in September 2014 with a family
lunch at a local restaurant. They were delighted to receive a letter of
congratulations and a photograph from the Queen.
Gordon Fox (1951-1958) If there are any OG’s resident in or visiting New Zealand
in the future he would be interested to hear from them [email protected]
Keith Loudon (1945-1950 + Governor 1989-1998) received the OBE in the New
Year Honours List for services to business and charities in the City of Leeds.
Chris D Carter (1954-1961) has just retired from a career in catering most of
which was spent in Corporate Hospitality at the Head Office in Halifax before the
merger with the Bank of Scotland thus combining his own ambition with the
school’s suggestion that he should try Banking as a career.
Gordon Reed (1958-1966) would like to trace some of his old chums Anthony C B
Dyson (1960-1968), Andrew J Mattock (1961-1969), Michael C Tidey (1960-1969),
Peter J Tidey (1960-1968) and Jeremy R Wilkinson (1959-1967). He can be
contacted by email on [email protected]
Elliot Cosgrove (2002-2009) played for Irish Wolfhounds against Wales in the
rugby league European Cup.
Abby Arianne McDermott (1997-2004) married James Elliott Steadman on 22nd
August 2015 in the School Chapel.
Philip Carter (1976-1983) Lieutenant Colonel Phil Carter led a seven-week mission
to Sierra Leone as part of the British Army’s response to the Ebola outbreak in
West Africa. He was part of a team deployed to establish the Ebola Training
Academy in Freetown, during the deployment the squadron successfully trained
more than 4,000 medical personnel.
Emma Littlefair (97-04) married Ben Van Der Velde on 4th July at the church in
her father, David Littlefair's (59-67) village of Stoke Gabriel in Devon.
Old Grovian guests included Claire Carlile
(nee Brimacombe) (1992-2002), Nick
Carlile (1989-2000), Laura Nulty
(1993-2000), Becky Kelly (nee Sharp)
(1995-2002). Bridesmaids included Becky
Shaw (1993-2000), Sara Rahmatullah
(1996-2001) and Lisa Speet (nee
Bellhouse) (1994-2001).
Yasmin runs her own business YTR Design
Greeting Cards. Yasmin’s website can be
found at: www.ytrdesign.com
Rebecca Littlefair (98-05) married Ben Robinson on 7th November at St Audries
Park in Somerset.
Oladele Onile-ere (1980-1988) is married with a daughter and is currently working
as a legal counsellor (Commercial) for the United Nations in New York. He is still in
touch with Gbemiga Rotimi 91980-1988), Colin Srivastava (1981-1988) and Yusuf
Kwande (1981-1985).
Elliot Turner (2010-14) has been selected for the U17 State 7's team they will play
in a tournament against other states in early December he has also been invited
to train with the Melbourne Rebels U18 squad. In April he was selected for the
Victorian Schools Rugby Union U18 Squad involving a 3 month training period
and culminating in a national tournament which will take place in June in Sydney.
Hugh Mitchell (1926-1931) on 19th November 2014 Hugh celebrated his
100th Birthday a card was sent from the OGA to mark this occasion. He
wrote to thank the OGA for our good wishes saying he was overwhelmed by
the number of cards he received from family and friends – and many from
the past who knew him from his time of ministry when he lived in Wales,
Glasgow and London, together with the fellowship at the Church in
Eastbourne over many years.
8
He said ‘I have been bowled over by all the wonderful and kind thoughts
that have been sent. It made my birthday very special indeed.’ His
daughter arranged a surprise party with many members of his family
attending including his son and daughter in law from France but
unfortunately his brother Kenneth aged 98 was unable to make the journey
from Canada although they had a long chat over the phone.
GOLD for
Old
Grovians
Matthew Bickerton (04-11) and
Chris Nehaul (05-15) both
received their Gold Duke of
Edinburgh Award from the Duke
of Edinburgh himself on Tuesday
13th October at St James Palace.
It was a great honour for the
boys to meet HRH himself in the
Picture Gallery room where the
India Round Table Conference
was held.
Charity Ride
Old Grovians who supported Libby Perry (06-13) and Isaac Perry (07-14)
were; Henry Martindale (07-12), Richard Proctor (07-14),
Tom Wilkinson (07-14) and Mac Westerman (00-12).
A FAMILY who tackled a 200-mile cycle ride from Edinburgh to Newcastle in memory of
their late father and raised £7,000 for Diabetes UK, has won a volunteering award from the
charity.
The Perry family, of Oakleigh View, Baildon, won the fundraising award at the charity’s
regional Inspire Awards for their completion of a challenge set by dad Michael Perry.
Mr Perry, who was diagnosed with Type One diabetes when he was 18, was a keen cyclist
and was planning to undertake the 200 mile cycle challenge on his 52nd birthday to raise
money for Diabetes UK.
Tragically, he died unexpectedly before that could take place.
After his death, Mr Perry's 18-year-old son, Isaac (07-14) took on the ride with the support
of his sister, Libby (06-11) and boyfriend Oli Smith, his mother Anita Perry, close friends Paul
and Lynne Smithson, along with four other Old Grovians.
Amelia Lancaster (00-15) was
also awarded the Gold Duke of
Edinburgh award on 18th
Despite not riding a bike in more than ten years and studying for his A-levels at the same
time, Isaac was determined to raise as much money as possible to improve the lives of
people with diabetes.
November at St James' Palace.
Stephen Ryan, head of the North of England at Diabetes UK, said: “Completing the journey
that Michael started is an incredible feat and something the whole family can be proud of.
We are extremely grateful to the Perry family for all their commitment to raising money for
diabetes.
It is a tremendous achievement to raise £7,000 so we would like to say an enormous thank you
to them.”
Mrs Perry said: “Isaac rode his dad’s bike and it was the only bike that we did not have
problems with so we think Michael must have been looking down on him all the way.
We are really delighted and honoured to have won. Michael was passionate about raising
money for Diabetes UK because of the wonderful support they gave him. I still can’t believe
we did it!”
Diabetes UK has 883 registered volunteers in the Northern and Yorkshire region, many of
which also belong to the charity’s 27 local support groups.
To find out more about becoming a volunteer for Diabetes UK or to join a local support
group; please email [email protected] or call 01325 488606.
9
Andrew Strauss with Dylan Budge
Dylan Budge left the Grove in 2014 after
attending Ashdown Lodge, Brontë House and the
Grove. He was the 1st XI Cricket Captain in 2014,
where he captained the side to win the National
T20 Championship.
Sam Tordoff
With the surname Tordoff you would expect Sam Tordoff (00-07) to have a passion
for cars but Sam’s love of cars has gone further than that…..
Sam has just completed his third season in the British Touring Car Championship
(BTCC) finishing 6th in his BMW 1 Series for Team JCT600 with GardX.
He achieved 2 wins in his debut season driving the BMW following two years racing
for their rival’s MG. The BTCC is one of the best-loved, most illustrious and famous
championships in the world which is televised live on ITV4 and regularly attracts over
40,000 spectators each race weekend. In 2015 it featured no less than 5 previous
champions and a three-time world champion!
Starting at the age of 9, Sam spent 10 years in Karting competing at British, European
and World Championship level throughout his time at Woodhouse Grove. After
winning the British Championship in 2007, Sam made the move into race cars aged 19.
Since, then he has raced in the Renault Clio Cup Championship and Porsche Carrera
Cup Championship before his debut into the BTCC as a factory MG Driver for MG
alongside two-time champion and television presenter Jason Plato.
We know Dylan’s cricketing success did not end
when he left the Grove so we caught up with Dylan
to find out what he had been doing in 2015.
He travelled to Bangalore with Durham CCC
Academy in February for 2 weeks.
Sam is hoping to return to the BTCC in 2016 with BMW where the season begins at
Brands Hatch, Kent on 3 April.
OGRUFC
He was contracted to Durham Academy last
season and played quite a few games for Durham
CCC 2nd XI.
He was awarded Wisden Schoolboy Cricketer of
the year in 2015 and was presented his award by
Andrew Strauss.
He made his debut for Scotland A and scored 105
v Lancs 2nds for them.
He played for a Scotland XI v MCC and got 70
Dylan is currently playing for St Albans Cricket
Club in Christchurch, New Zealand as their
overseas professional/coach.
10
Old Grovians rugby continues to go from strength to strength. A second league title
in three years means we find ourselves competing in Yorkshire Two with long
established clubs such as Keighley, Pontefract, Barnsley and Leodensians. The
standard of rugby is considerably higher and we find ourselves needing to be much
more organised and structured rather than relying on individual skill and pace to win
games. It's been a tough start but we are confident we can consolidate our position
this season before looking on to bigger and better things.
I am pleased to report that the club is no longer just about the first XV. We have had
a second XV fixture and are looking to put in place some more so if you are looking
for a relaxed run out and some refreshments afterwards please get in touch. In terms
of development of the club as a whole we are looking to put floodlights up at Elm
Tree Farm and have started discussions about a building to house the club and
incorporating the Old Grovian netball team and a future cricket team. If you can help
on any aspect of this or are looking to be involved in an administrative capacity
please don't hesitate to get in contact.
Please visit our website: http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/oldgrovians/ for further
information on fixtures and social events. Hope to see you soon.
Dan Nulty (90-97)
Out of the Blue
It all started a long time ago, in August
1955, to be precise, when after five years
deferment at Bradford College of Art
and Manchester University, I found
myself doing basic training as a National
Service soldier with The Duke of
Wellington's Regiment in Halifax.
Further training with the Royal Army
Education Corps at Beaconsfield was
followed by rapid promotion to the rank
of sergeant (the most junior rank in the
Corps) and a posting in January 1956 to
Sennelager, Germany, to the All Arms
Training Centre, an enormous complex of
barrack blocks and an even bigger area
of rifle, artillery and tank ranges, used
not only by British units, but also by the
armed forces of many other NATO
countries.
There were of six of us, (major, warrant
officer and four “schoolie” sergeants)
who were to be responsible for setting
up a brand new Army Education Centre,
41 AEC. It was all very interesting.
Fifty years later, in December, 2005, it
occurred to me that the people then
working in 41AEC might not be aware
that they were about to celebrate a
golden anniversary, so I managed to
contact the then CO, Major Pogson,
telling him something of what life had
been like all those years ago. Back came
a charming reply, in which the Major told
me that, some years before, the Centre
had moved a few miles down the road to
another barracks in Paderborn. He
light-heartedly offered me a job at salary
vastly greater than the six guineas a
week I received in the 1950s.
I thought no more about this until late
July of this year, when I had a most
unexpected letter, right out of the blue,
from the current CO, Major Jennifer
Painting, (“Jen”), who told me that as
part of the run-down of British forces in
Germany, 41 AEC was to move back to
its original base in Sennelager, where
after sixty years, it would shortly be the
sole remaining AEC in Europe.
When sorting things out in readiness for
the move someone had come across my
letter of ten years before, and from then
on things began to move towards me in
a most remarkable way.
To celebrate the work and achievements
of army education in Germany since the
end of the war there was to be a
full-scale Valedictory Dinner, to which I
was invited as a guest of the army.
My initial response was that my age
(then 83) and infirmity (limp, with a
stick), would probably make it impossible
for me to travel, but that I would
investigate possibilities. A couple of days
later I had a reply that if I could get
myself to Birmingham airport, everything
else would be taken care of.
Which it was. And to some tune!
I won't go into all the details, but Jen,
(Major Painting) met me at my overnight
hotel, took charge of me and my
passport, by-passed waiting queues of
passengers to board one of the
thrice-weekly military “Trooper” flights to
Hannover. This, in itself, is very unusual
for civilians.
From Hannover a chartered bus took us and a
number of serving soldiers on to Sennelager, which I
had last seen in July 1957, fifty-eight years before.
The Education Service has for many years been an
all-commissioned officer unit. I was accommodated
in the officers' mess, and at the dinner, wth all the
serving officers resplendent in full number one dress
unifrom. There was I, dinner-jacketed, 23162495 Sgt
Davy, P., RAEC., (Retd)., the most junior soldier of all
those present, seated in the centre of the top table as
guest of honour! I couldn't believe it.
The following day I was taken on a nostalgic tour of
old haunts, some of which are still there, but many
have been replaced or rebuilt. The original 41AEC
building is no more, nor is the senior NCOs' mess, in
which I ate and relaxed for eighteen months. But I
was pleased to see that the building I which I slept,
Block 27D, is still there, extensively refurbished. I
went in, uninvited, and stood for a moment outside
“my” room. I would have liked to have gone in, but I
think someone was asleep inside.
To say that I was well looked after would be the
understatement of the year, or any other year for that
matter. The whole amazing experience, which lasted
only four days, was set up and organized with typical
military precision, but with much care and
consideration for my well-being. Very surprisingly,
everyone I met throughout the trip seemed to know
who I was and why I was there!
Words cannot fully express my gratitude for being
able, at my age, to take part in such an adventure. In
particular I am most grateful to Jen, Major Jennifer
Painting, who accompnied me and looked after me
from start to finish, and whose initiative made the
whole wonderful experience possible.
As Xaipete went to press we were notified that
Peter Davy passed away on 7th December
Peter Davy - WGS 1940-1950
Dr Frank Cyril Pritchard
My family has been part of the on-going life
of Woodhouse Grove School for over
seventy-five years, in fact since 1938 when my
eldest brother entered Bronte House. My
brother Peter followed in 1940. The
headmaster in those days was Clifford W
Towlson and he was still in post when I joined
the school as a nine year old in 1947. Mr
Towlson was a headmaster of a type which
does not now exist or who could now cope
with the rigours of today’s educational
establishments where most heads are really
chief executives of large diverse
communities. C W Towlson, by then Dr
Towlson, retired in 1950 after being
headmaster for twenty-eight years. His
successor was a man who had a great
influence on my life and for whom I have had
a lasting respect.
Frank Pritchard came to the Grove in the
autumn of 1950 and he arrived to stir up the
life and to clear the accumulated dust of the
school like someone with a new broom.
During Dr Towlson’s latter years, with a senior
teaching staff of elderly retainers, the school
had come through a time of some privation
caused by the Second World War. Discipline
was lax, bullying amongst the boys was
endured and younger masters were returning
from the services and F C Pritchard was one of
these. He had taught at Bronte House before
being called-up into the army and to the
Governors he must have seemed the ideal
candidate to take the school into the new
generation. He immediately set about to bring
the school up to date for those days, to raise
educational standards and encouraged the
Governors to embark on necessary
improvements with new school buildings and
amenities.
For several generations of Grovians Dr Pritchard was an enigma. The recollection of him for many would be of a slight
erect figure with serious pointed features, almost always walking with quick determined strides, and dressed in a dark suit
with an air of formality which made him appear unapproachable. Most people knew him in regulated situations either when
he was speaking directly to the whole school in morning assembly or in his study, over the door of which on Tuesdays a
red ‘no entry’ light constantly shone to show he must not be disturbed whilst he wrestled with the school’s affairs. Those
were the days before adequate financial and administrative staff was available. There was no detail in the life of the school
at that time in which he did not take an interest, even in the quality of the food in the dining hall. For example my father
filed away a letter written to day-boy parents in May 1951.
Dear Parent,
As you will be aware a second vegetable is now provided every day of the week. This partly explains the increased
cost of the lunch, each lunch actually costs the school 11d (aprox 5p). Today, one of the day-boy tables left
completely untouched the cauliflower which had been prepared for them. We cannot afford waste of this sort, and
if there is a repetition I shall instruct the Matron not to provide a second vegetable for the day boys.
I was a member of a B form, the members of which were not particularly academic, including me. I remember in the
second year at the upper school we had made so little progress in most subjects that the decision must have been taken
for those of us in Lower Remove to begin again. During our first year we had been taught English and History by a young
teacher, fresh out of the forces and inexperienced in the arts. In addition, the teacher’s talents in the old gymnasium were
not dramatic though he was able to do a hand-stand against the wall-bars and demonstrate a vault. His skill in the class
room was of doubtful quality and lacked inspiration though he could be easily and cheerfully distracted to tell
impressionable young minds many of his wartime experiences! During our second year Dr Pritchard must have been so
concerned about our progress that in addition to his many responsibilities as headmaster, he decided to take us for English.
He had an immediate effect on the sad situation and certainly for me made the subject exciting and revealing. He showed
us how to publish our own regular classroom newspaper to which we all contributed short articles about everyday things
that interested us. He even made the learning of grammar interesting. I particularly remember the lessons when he told us
about Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales and for the first time I heard our headmaster read aloud some of those stories in the old
English language and dialect of those far off days. A glorious window of understanding and enjoyment of English literature
and history was immediately opened in my young mind. It is still wide open today and I am very grateful.
In my later, sixth form years, and particularly in my last year when I was head prefect, I really got to know my headmaster in
his off-duty times when he would sometimes knock on the school prefect’s door late in the evening and say ‘Come on
Roger, come and have a cup of tea!’ He would be in his ‘civvies’, wearing a tweed jacket and brown cords and I would go
with him into his study or the lounge and we would cheerfully chat with little reserve about the life of the school from my
prefect’s point of view. He was not prying and he did not want me to betray any confidences, FCP was just genuinely
interested in all aspects of the school community for which he was ultimately responsible.
I am sorry that many people never saw this other side of the personality of this great man. In his position as headmaster it
was necessary for him to stand back from intimate and close friendships with his staff and students. That was his lot which
I am sure at times could be a lonely one. He retired from the Grove in 1972. We often met at numerous Old Grovian
reunions and he was always interested to know about my growing family and how I was progressing in the family business
in Bradford. Together with my own father, F C Pritchard had a great and good influence on my life. Sadly they both died
within a few months of each other in 1970.
Roger Davy MBE JP - (1947 – 1957)
11
Obituaries
We regret to record the following deaths
Ronald Edley (1943-1947)
– informed by his son Nigel Edley
Dennis R A Atkinson (1938-1941)
– informed by Brian Greenwood (1934-1945)
Denis R. ("Dick") Atkinson 1939 -1945, died peacefully
at his home near Harrogate on the 4th July after a
typically courageous and lengthy struggle with failing
health. He was only a few weeks short of his 88th
birthday. "Dick" was a highly respected and skilled
dental surgeon who practiced in Harrogate for nearly
40 years.
Ronald Edley passed away, peacefully,
on 8th April 2015, in his hometown of
Grantham, Lincolnshire, aged 84. As a
former pupil, he remembered his time
at Woodhouse Grove (1943-1947) with
great fondness. The school certainly
left its mark. From there one can trace
directly his life-long interest in
woodwork and his passion for sports
of all kinds. Neither was it a
coincidence that he gave the name
‘Findlay’ to the home in which he lived
for over 50 years. He was a man of
many virtues: hard-working (he retired
at 81), conscientious and loyal; but
most of all, he will be remembered as
someone who placed the interests of
others ahead of his own. Woodhouse
Grove certainly did him proud – but, in
the way he lived his life, it is also true to
say that he succeeded in returning the
compliment. He will be sorely missed.
Ronald died peacefully in his
hometown of Grantham, Lincolnshire
on 8th April 2015 at the age of 84.
At The Grove he was a well-known figure during the
war years. He was first a day boy but for his sixth form
years he was a boarder in Findlay. As a keen
sportsman he played for both the first XI and the first
XV.
After school he trained at Leeds University Dental
School and was Captain of the Leeds Medics Rugby
team or several years.
His post-war military service saw him commissioned
as Dental Officer to the Royal Horse Artillery
Regiment. Much of his time in the army was spent in
Germany. His prowess as a Rugby Loose Forward was
such that amongst many inter-service matches he
had the thrill of playing Rugby in the Berlin Olympic
stadium.
He was married to his widow Audrey for some 60
years. His immediate family comprised a daughter and
two sons and four Grand-children.
A life-long sportsman he became a highly skilled fly
fisherman catching salmon on numerous Scottish
rivers and trout on Yorkshire streams.
He was a member of the Harrogate Fly Fishers Club
for many years and became the Club's President.
Another deep sporting interest was in shooting,
particularly wild fowling on the Solway Firth.
Dick led a full and happy family life and was a very
well-known figure in Harrogate for 60 years. He will be
greatly missed.
Oswald Richard Brooke (1935-1941)
– informed by his wife Jean Brooke
Roger Brayshaw Burnhill (1946-1954)
– informed by Roger Howard
(OG Chairman)
Roger died in October 2015 following a short illness.
Gordon Caird (1933-1940)
– informed by Philip Maud (St1997-2005)
John Graeme England (1941-1949)
– informed by Chris Woolass (1963-1970)
Graeme was born in March 1931 and died on 1st June
2015 after a long illness. His most vivid memory of his
time at the Grove was hearing the Lancaster engines
being tested at Yeadon. He leaves three children and
seven grandchildren all born in this century.
12
Basil C Hall
– informed by Brian Greenwood (1934-1945)
Well known Old Grovian Basil C Hall died in late June 2015 peacefully at home after a long
illness when he was in and out of hospital. Well remembered by OG’s from war time days for
the fact that he was probably the most helpful boy in the school as regards assisting when any
problems arose. For example, in the days when the only person cooking was the Headmaster’s
wife, Mrs C W Towlson, it would be Basil who would be in there helping. Many and various were
the bursarial type of jobs that Basil Hall helped with. After school he was a successful wool
merchant in Bradford for many years and he was still doing some wool merchanting when well
into his 80’s. He will be remembered as one of the best known Grovians of his era.
Kenneth Edward Hanson
(1937-1944)
- informed by Robert Udy
Joseph Hugh Dawson Mitchell (1926-1933)
– informed by his son Andrew Mitchell
Alan Loosemore (Governor
1988-2002)
– informed by David
Wilberforce (St1980-1999)
Alan died aged 87 as a result of
a fall and broken hip. He trained
as a Methodist minister in
Cambridge and was a graduate
of Selwyn College. He became
Chaplain and a Housemaster at
Truro School. He was a Religious
Studies Advisor to the West
Yorkshire Authority and
produced RS syllabus at
national level. He was an
eminent preacher and an active
Rotarian – a past Chairman of
the Wakefield branch.
He was a very positive,
thoughtful man with a good
sense of humour. As a Governor
he was a valued supporter of
many aspects of school life.
Hugh brother of Ken passed away on 8th July 2015
aged 100 after a short illness.
Thomas Kenneth Mitchell (1926-1933)
– informed by Don Bowder (1946-1952)
Ken died in Canada on 18th September 2015 aged
99 just a few months before his 100th birthday and
only weeks after his brother Hugh. Ken was a good
sportsman joining the 2nd XI in 1931 at the age of 14,
to play alongside his brother, Hugh, and his cousin,
John Richardson. Ken then went on to play for the
School 1st team at cricket (1932 and 1933), rugby
(1932) and Lacrosse (1933) and was awarded 1st
Team Colours in all three. Don Bowder wrote that he
was a fine gentleman who was very fond of
Woodhouse Grove.
Kenneth Postle (1938-1944)
– informed by his son Alistair Postle
Kenneth died in early 2015 at the age of 88.
He was a great sportsman playing rugby and
lacrosse and In 1943 he won the Victor
Ludorum winning the 100 yards, and beating
the record in the 220, 440, 880 yards and mile
races. He attended the bicentenary
celebrations in January 2012 wearing his
colours blazer.
Anthony ‘Tony’ Redfearn (1942-1951)
– informed by Roger Burnhill (1946-1953)
Tony died in 2014. In his final year at the Grove
he scored 25 tries in a season beating the
record set in 1943 of 24 tries by W Postle.
He was an arable farmer farming 324 acres
near Knottingley and went into partnership
with James Burnhill and Sons fattening pigs.
In 1977 he featured as ‘Farm of the Week’ in
the Yorkshire Post.
He was a joint rescuer of an old man who had
fallen into the Leeds Liverpool canal after
wading and swimming across the River Aire.
Frank Tyson (St 1995-1997) –
informed by Stan Dawson
J.T. Shepherd
– informed by David McCarthy (St1953-1992)
Nicknamed ‘Typhoon’ Tyson,
Frank was considered by many
to be the fastest bowler ever to
play Test Cricket for England,
particularly making his mark
against Australia in the 1954/55
Test series Down-Under!
Fortunately due to age and
arthritis he was unable to repeat
such performances against the
boys in the school nets! The
announcement of his
appointment as Cricket Coach at
The Grove in 1995 caused raised
eyebrows and comments from
several students such as “but isn’t
he a boxer sir?”
It was with great sadness that we learnt of the sudden
death on 9th August at his home in Lancaster of J.T.
(‘Joe’) Shepherd. He was 86. Joe Shepherd, with his
scholarly yet enlivening approach, stimulated even the
least gifted of his pupils and inspired others to
unaccustomed (and unimagined) heights of enthusiasm.
In this he was equipped with a sharp intellect, a thorough
knowledge of his subject (he had not wasted his time as
a boy at Royal Grammar School, Lancaster, or as an
undergraduate at Selwyn College, Cambridge),
Although only at The Grove for 2
years, his modesty and
commitment made him a
popular figure, gaining much
admiration from both the Staff
and those boys who were
fortunate to benefit from his
cricketing expertise and
coaching. In July 1995 he made a
brief reappearance at the school
with his old sparring partner,
Freddie Trueman, entertaining a
packed School Theatre with
many anecdotes and stories
from the World of International
Cricket.
Frank always remained in contact
with The Grove. He was always
pleased to hear of both team
and individual successes in the
School’s cricket.After a period of
ill-health Frank sadly died in
hospital on the Gold Coast,
Australia, on Sunday 27th
September.
Jonathan B I Veale (1961-1972) – informed by his brother Robert Veale (1959-1965)
My younger brother Jonathan Veale (WGS
1960-1971), a lecturer at Claude Bernard Lyon 1
University, France, died in July aged 62. He
had been treated unsuccessfully for a brain
tumour, and he spent his final weeks in his
home in Lyon among family, friends and
colleagues.
Jonathan’s days at Bronte House and WGS
were not particularly happy. At the age of
eight he lost his father and at 16, his mother
died leaving me as his guardian.
At the senior school he recalled having been
victimised by a small number of boys and
harassed by one or two masters. Some of his
possessions, such as his tuckbox, were
inscribed with the number 4, a reference to
the missing digit on his right hand. After a
cryptic warning from the head, Frank
Pritchard, to be "careful" of certain members
of staff, he was inexplicably rusticated for a
minor misdemeanour several weeks before
his A-level exams. However, Jonathan’s school
experience clearly imbued him with an iron
determination to persevere in the face of
adversity, a quality which he would need in his
future life.
In the sixth form, he would spend the school
holidays sharing my somewhat bohemian
student digs in London, and would return to
school full of his new experiences. On leaving
school he successfully applied to be a trainee
journalist with the Pearson Longman group,
working on a number of West London local
papers. Having gained his Indentures in
journalism at Harlow College, he decided to
broaden his horizons and go travelling.
In 1974 he obtained a berth as a deckhand on
a superyacht, leaving London and traversing
the Atlantic and the Panama Canal to
California. He spent the next four years
crewing and skippering yachts in San
Francisco, the Hawaiian Islands and Australia,
crossing the Pacific several times.
In San Francisco he formed an abiding
friendship with two French brothers and
fellow sailors, eventually returning to Europe
with them and settling in France. There they
introduced Jonathan to randonnee skiing,
trekking on skis in the wild Alps. It was on one
of these treks that he met his future wife
Guillemette, also a fervent randonnee skier.
A gentle, subtle vein of humour, a width of vision, an
infallible sense of perspective (sign of the classics scholar)
and a rare degree of tolerance and patience.
All this he brought to areas beyond the classroom – as
master-in-charge of the school’s cross-country, which he
built up virtually from nothing, ski-ing trips, where he
displayed on the slopes an impressive skill (comparable
even with that of Ronald Bolt – meticulously
well-prepared, precise), and as a housemaster, attentive,
compassionate, reliable and supportive. Within the
sanctum of the Staff Room he also enjoyed a further
legendary reputation as (pre-Sudoku days) ‘Times’
crossword wizard and champion Scrabbler.
After all too soon leaving the Grove he embarked on a
career that ultimately took him and his family - wife Lois
and daughters Diana (80-82) and Emma – to Malawi,
where he had been appointed deputy head of Kamuzu
Academy, instituted by President Dr Hastings Banda as
”the Eton of Africa”, with a strong insistence on the
Classics – a sizeable challenge, but richly satisfying.
On retirement Joe returned to England and Lancaster,
actively sharing - with Lois, until her death last year - in
the life of the community and the local Methodist church
and in the Old Lancastrian Society, attending Old Grovian
events whenever possible.
During a service of thanksgiving in the Methodist church
that followed the cremation, brief addresses were given
by David McCarthy and Tony Mason, a former colleague
at Kamuzu Academy. The hymns included “The King of
love my shepherd is”.
They settled in Guillemette’s home city of Lyon, where she
supported him as he studied in French for a first degree in
English Literature, and then a Masters in Linguistics at Jean
Moulin Lyon 3 University while bringing up their young family.
In 1996 he sat the French national teachers’ exam, the CAPES,
which he passed at the first attempt, a rare achievement for a
foreigner.
This led to a teaching post in a “challenging” secondary
school in the Lyon suburbs, which he endured for 13 years. His
perseverance was rewarded with his final post as a lecturer in
English at Claude Bernard Lyon 1 Science University where he
was in great demand among the final year postgraduate
engineers and medical students he taught.
At home Jonathan and his wife, perhaps consciously
compensating for his unhappy childhood experiences, were
determined to establish a strong family ethos and to give
their three children a broadly based cultural education and
fluency in French and English. Each of the children obtained
top marks in the Baccalaureate at the intensely competitive
International School in Lyon. They all attended universities in
the UK, the two older girls, Claire and Laurene, both gaining
Firsts with distinction before taking up posts in international
development organisations in far-flung parts of the world
while the youngest, Robin, is in his final year at Edinburgh.
Jonathan is survived by his wife Guillemette, and
their children Claire 26, Laurene 23 and Robin 21.
13
South Africa Rugby Tour 2015
The Rugby Tour to South Africa and Swaziland was a tremendous success this summer. With two squads playing 5 games each, the results on
the field against tough opposition saw seven wins out of the 10 matches played with the 1st XV winning four of their five matches and the 2nd
XV winning three of theirs.
Off the field, many life experiences were enjoyed in such a beautiful and diverse part of the world. The team building camp at Konka near
Pretoria set the squad up for the tour. Our coaching session with the Skrum charity in a underprivileged primary school in Swaziland was a
very special day and many Swazi kids will wear their various pieces of kit with pride which were handed over by our group. The boys enjoyed
a very warm welcome by their host families in East London and Mossel Bay and will have made friends for the future. Our experiences with the
wildlife of South Africa were outstanding; whether on Safari at Kariega or at the Cango Wildlife reserve or even at Sea when a group went
Shark Diving. Other highlights included a trip into the World famous Cango Caves, Bungee Jumping, stadium tours and sightseeing in Cape
Town.
The Rugby Tour of 2015 is one which will be remembered by the whole party for many years to come!
Woodhouse Grove in Apperley Bridge has been
awarded the British Council’s prestigious
International School Award in recognition of its
work to bring the world into the classroom.
The International School Award is a badge of
honour for schools that do outstanding work in
international education, such as through links
with partner schools overseas. Fostering an
international dimension in the curriculum is at
the heart of the British Council’s work with
schools, so that young people gain the cultural
understanding and skills they need to live and
work as global citizens. Woodhouse Grove
School has International links with 10 schools
across the world including schools in China,
Indonesia, Hong Kong and Australia. The links
have been developed over time and include;
school trips, individual pupil and teacher
exchanges and web-based projects. At the
beginning of 2015 a member of teaching staff
spent 6 months at Newington College, Sydney
and this summer pupil Molly Leslie (Y10) spent 4
weeks at Westminster School, Adelaide. The
school annually hosts pupils from Methodist
College, Kowloon, Hong Kong and in 2014 a
group of our pupils visited Wuxi United
International School, Wuxi, China. This week our
pupils and their families hosted 9 pupils from
Xiaoshi High School, Ningbo, China.
On hearing the news that the school had
received the award Peter Lambert, Modern
Languages Teacher and International
Coordinator said “We are delighted that The
Grove has received this award which honours
the efforts of many people over a number of
years, who have striven to widen the horizons of
our young people. Now our students can truly
begin to have a view beyond the confines of the
classroom, to develop their own sense of
globalism and make their contribution to
making the world a better and a safer place.
14
British Council International School Award success
We all knew that we were an international
school, but now we have the proof and we look
forward to telling everyone about it!”
British Council Chief Executive, Sir Ciarán
Devane, said:
“The school’s fantastic international work has
rightfully earned it this prestigious award. The
International School Award is a great chance
for schools to demonstrate the important work
they’re doing to bring the world into their
classrooms. Adding an international dimension
to children’s education ensures that they are
truly global citizens and helps prepare them for
successful future careers in an increasingly
global economy.”
The award is now available worldwide in
countries such as India, Egypt, Lebanon and
Pakistan as part of the Connecting Classrooms
programme, which is delivered by the British
Council and supported by the Department for
International Development (DFID).
International Development Secretary Justine
Greening said:
“Young people must be at the heart of our
work to create a safer and more prosperous
world for everyone and we need to ensure their
voices are heard if we are to win the fight
against global poverty.
That is why I am delighted to celebrate the
international work of Woodhouse Grove School
and the energy and passion of the young
people involved.
“The International School Award is a great way
of highlighting how young people have the
potential to change things for the better. I’m
sure that schools getting involved will be
broadening the horizons of their students,
which will not only help their careers but
benefit their wider lives in the future.”
Around 5,000 International School Awards have
been presented to successful schools in the UK
since the scheme began in 1999.
The International School Award encourages and
supports schools to develop:
•
•
•
•
•
•
An international ethos embedded
throughout the school
A majority of pupils within the school
impacted by and involved in
international work
Collaborative curriculum-based work
with a number of partner schools
Curriculum-based work across a
range of subjects
Year-round international activity
Involvement of the wider community
WGS Cricketing Successes
Message from Alan Wintersgill
Chairman of Governors
In my Chairman’s letter last year I was explaining the part played by
Woodhouse Grove within the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST)
and how well we were represented through myself as Trustee, former
Governor John Robinson also a Trustee and our Headmaster, David, as one
of the heads representatives.
Little did I know that within less than twelve months following a review of
the Management Structure of MIST, our Headmaster would be taking up the
role of MIST General Secretary, thus bringing to an end another chapter in
the life of Woodhouse Grove.
I will now turn the clock back to 1996, when, through the wise choice of our
Life President, Brian Greenwood, and his Governing Body, a young man,
David Humphreys, arrived as Headmaster. I remember it well, at the time
our son Craig was in Year 11 and I was Chairman of the Rugby Club and
quickly became aware of David’s love of sport.
We are delighted that The Cricketer has named The Grove in its
inaugural ‘best of’ list for secondary education, entitled, The Playing
Fields of England: An A-Z Guide To The Summer Game’s Top 100
Schools 2016.
It is fair to say that the school’s finances were a little stretched at that time,
and as a consequence the estate was not in the best or order. David rose to
the challenge and, with the support of Governor Stephen Rawson,
established a Budget Committee to help improve the school’s financial
strength.
It follows an exhaustive process which saw more than 250 schools enter
submissions for inclusion. All were matched against an exhaustive set of
criteria, with the schools chosen all having outstanding cricket
programmes.
“This is a superb insight into schools’ cricket, serving not only as an
informative guide but as a tribute to all those teachers and coaches
out there who are nurturing the talents of future club, county and
international cricketers,” deputy editor Huw Turbervill said.
“I have been lucky enough to visit a handful of games this summer,
and I can state firmly that the standard of cricket has been very high.
Of course there are a lot of fee-paying schools in here with some
incredible facilities listed. But the game refuses to die in state schools
too. The competition to be included was incredibly high and plans are
already in place to provide more in-depth coverage of schools’ cricket
next summer.”
The 64-page magazine is bumper-packed with the regular November
issue of The Cricketer (newsstand October 30). As well as appearing in
print in the world’s No.1 cricket magazine, the guide will also be made
available as a major free digital download via The Cricketer app on
December 1.
The school were delighted to be listed in the top 100 and have achieved
great things out on the wicket for many years under the Master in
charge of Cricket, Mr Ian Frost. The school were crowned National T20
champion in 2014 and reached the Northern Final in 2015. The Cricketer
will be releasing a video of Woodhouse Grove School and its cricketing
achievements in December.
Once David realised that depreciation was simply a provision in the
Accounts and not cash there was no stopping him. In his 19 years the Estate
has substantially benefitted from a £17.5 Million investment: Sports Hall,
Bronte Hall, Swimming Pool, Davy Building, Brodwell Boarding House, 4G
Pitch and much much more.
The school is certainly in a strong financial position today.
It is not just about the finances, David will always acknowledge the
importance of the Team around him and he has been supported throughout
by professional, dedicated, hardworking and experienced staff. This has
resulted in the school’s reputation (academically, in sport, creative arts, and
for its caring ethos) going from strength to strength.
General Election 2015
The school’s own General Election reflected a similar outcome to the
real election. Following the candidates ‘electioneering’ which was
conducted with much passion and professionalism, the result was
very close with Oliver Cooper for the Conservatives winning by 10
votes with 36% and George Styles coming second for UKIP with 34%
of the votes. Well done to the other candidates’ Josh Gorner, Green
Party, 14%, Doris Jovovic, Liberal Democrat, 5%, and Adam Woodman
Labour, 7%, for their enthusiasm and contribution to an interesting
election.
We have worked together over the past 13 years, myself being a member of
his Budget Committee, Treasurer for 7 years and Chairman of Governors for
6 years. Latterly we have also both been very actively involved in MIST and,
when the role of General Secretary (MIST) became available, it fitted the bill
for his next challenge. Whilst we were losing our Headmaster he was
staying within the family of Methodist Independent Schools.
At this point it is appropriate to thank Alison and the family for their
fantastic support over the 19 years. Without that support, David could not
have done the job he has. He has left us here at Woodhouse Grove with a
wonderful legacy.
On behalf of everyone involved at Woodhouse Grove, I would like to thank
David for his dedication, commitment and achievements over the 19 years.
We cannot thank him enough for his contribution to the life (past, present
and future) of the school. We know that MIST will now benefit from
his experience and we wish him every success in his new position
15
– General Secretary of MIST.
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The Woodhouse Grove School World War I Centenary
Magazine has recently been completed by a team of
dedicated pupils including an editorial team of recent
Old Grovians whose members include Greg Newark
(08-15), Meenu Anil (08-15) and Rebecca Davies
(08-15). The magazine was formed over a year ago with
pupils from all age ranges in the school getting involved
and writing articles relevant to the First World War and
to life at the Grove during the war.
Look out for it on the new school website (launching in
the spring) or get in touch if you would like a pdf copy.
Old Grovians Diary 2016
Friday 18th December
2014 Leaver’s Reunion on the Hastings-Long Gallery
Friday 5th February
Old Grovian “Meet & Mingle” with the New Headmaster, James Lockwood,MA
Friday 26th February
Old Grovian & Parent Medical Networking Lunch
April (TBC)
The Old Grovians’ Lancashire & Cheshire Reunion
Friday 24th June
Old Grovians’ Golf Day and Dinner
Sunday 3rd July
Old Grovians’ Summer Reunion and Family Funday
Thursday 15th September
Old Grovians’ London Reunion
Saturday 12th/ Sunday 13th November
Old Grovians’ Winter Reunion
Woodhouse Grove, Apperley Bridge, Bradford West Yorkshire, BD10 0NR
tel: 0113 250 2477 | email: [email protected]