RemembeRing Jack SandeRSon olympic memoRieS

oldbradfordian
the news magazine of
the bradford grammar
school old bradfordians’
association
summer 2012
Olympic
Memories
Adrian Moorhouse
on page 9
Remembering
Jack
Sanderson
on page 14
2
oldbradfordian welcome
message
SUMMER 2012
from the
president
I am delighted to be again writing an introduction to the Old Bradfordian Magazine.
It has been an eventful year and in particular we welcome Kevin Riley as our new Headmaster. Although much
of the content of this publication contains memories of the past, we as Old Bradfordians look forward with keen
anticipation at the start of a new era at BGS.
Thanks are again due to all our contributors, to our new Editor Brian Parker, to David Moore for editing the
Obituary section and to Koleen Wright in the OBA office who has collated much of the information and
kept us all in order. We also thank all at Staunch for their professional assistance in putting this
edition together.
I hope that you enjoy reading what follows and that you may be prompted to send us
contributions for future editions.
Gordon Green 1953-61
The Old Bradfordians’ Association
contact us
Editor
Brian Parker
[email protected]
Secretary
Koleen Wright
AddressBradford Grammar School, Keighley Road, Bradford BD9 4JP
Phone
01274 553712
[email protected]
Webwww.bgsoba.com
thank you
dates
for your diary
Saturday 15th September 2012
Old Bradfordians’ Open Day Welcome to Kevin Riley & Naming of the CF
Oates Laboratory
19th-21st October 2012
North American Reunion
Washington DC
contributors
A huge thank you to all those who have written articles and contributed news
or photographs to this issue of the Old Bradfordian. As always the compilation
of this publication is a team effort; without the generous assistance of many
Old Bradfordians we would not be able to put together such a great magazine.
Please continue to send your news and views to Koleen Wright, OBA Secretary,
at [email protected] or by mail to the OBA office at Bradford
Grammar School.
notes from the editor
Welcome to the 2012 edition of the Old Bradfordian – the news magazine for the
OBA. Many thanks to everyone who has helped, especially Koleen Wright who has
always been there to help your new editor muddle through. Little did
I realise that when I came to BGS in January 1976, that I would
still be associated with the school 41 years later! Still having
spent half my life in the school, it is difficult to extract oneself.
I trust that all old boys and girls will enjoy this latest edition.
Brian Parker 1976-2005
Editor
The Old Bradfordian Annual Dinner 2013 in its usual format will
now take place on Saturday 14th September 2013 and not on 12th January 2013
as previously stated. However, there will be a large reunion event on Saturday 12th
January 2013, timings will change slightly.
Saturday 10th November 2012
Oxford & Cambridge Reunion
Downing College, Cambridge
Friday 7th December 2012
OBA London Club Annual Ladies’ Night
Dinner
Saturday 12th January 2013
Reunion Event
Saturday 20th April 2013
OBA 1940’s Reunion Lunch
Saturday 20th April 2013
OBA Swimming & Water Polo Saturday 14th September 2013
OBA Annual Dinner & AGM
SUMMER 2012
notes from
the OBA
secretary
I would like to take this opportunity to
introduce myself to you as the OBA Secretary.
I have worked in the Catering Department at
BGS for the last 4½ years and I am enjoying
my new role working for the OBA since
October 2011.
I have a hard act to follow from
my predecessors, who have been
very successful in the role of the
OBA Secretary. I look forward
to the challenge of the role and
with the support received from the
OBA Committee members and Old
Bradfordians I have been in touch
with, I feel confident in continuing this
success.
Best Wishes
welcome oldbradfordian
headmaster’s
comment
It is a great pleasure to write this piece for the Old
Bradfordian at the end of my first term in the school.
What has been immediately apparent to me is the great
loyalty and affection OBs have for the school. I have been
fortunate enough to attend the OB dinner, the March
meeting of the London OBs and, today, a reunion
of recent leavers. So I have seen the full age-range!
Everyone has been most welcoming, for which I
thank you.
People invariably ask if I am enjoying the job:
the answer is an emphatic yes. Who would not
relish the challenge of running BGS? The school
has magnificent facilities, a hard-working and
intelligent staff, bright children, supportive
parents and an outstanding Governing Body.
It’s a combination which means that we can
focus on achieving a world class education;
British education is valued very highly abroad
and BGS is an exemplar of all that is good
about it. High academic standards combine
with an enormous variety of activities outside
the classroom which foster independence,
initiative and leadership. It’s a powerful
combination.
I look forward to a long and happy association with
former pupils; you reflect the values we espouse.
Koleen Wright
OBA Secretary
Kevin Riley - Headmaster
charity fund raisers
Ben Sutton – Machu Picchu
Charity Cycle Ride
This summer, I successfully fundraised £2,750 for The Meningitis Trust by taking part in
their annual charity trek to Machu Picchu. We embarked on a 6-day trek over the glacial
Salkantay Mountain. We reached an altitude of 4,600 metres and enjoyed panoramic
views of the surrounding scenery, which was spectacular. After reaching our highest
point, we spent five days descending. We walked for 8 hours a day and were challenged
by changing weather conditions on an hourly basis. On Day 7, we woke at the bottom
of Machu Picchu Mountain and walked to the famous site. The sense of achievement
when we got to Machu Picchu was almost overwhelming and it was fantastic to be able
to visit one of the world’s finest wonders for a great charity.
In May this year some of the late Dr
Roger Brown’s ( 1966 - 1976) close
friends and family members, Rhys
Brown (1995 - 2004), Jason Georgiou
( 1972 - 1981), together with Amie
Brooks, John Kaye, Andy Brander
and Ben Manning cycled from John
O’Groats to Land’s End over ten
days. Roger regularly undertook major
events to raise money for charity. He
had planned this very enterprise prior
to becoming ill last year. The money
raised is going to Yorkshire Cancer
Research. Any further contributions will
be greatly received. Donations to www.
justgiving.co./rogerbrownlejog2012/ or
alternatively a cheque made payable to
Yorkshire Cancer Research. The ride
was completed on Monday 14th May
and raised over £12,000 for Yorkshire
Cancer Research.
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oldbradfordian books & memories
SUMMER 2012
constrained
scouts’ honour
by frank kendall
Follow up from the article in the Old
Bradfordian 2010 and 2011
Frank Kendall (1951-59 and a former head boy) has had a set of
memoirs published – entitled Constrained - a Crack at Christianity,
available both as an illustrated hardback for £15.00 including postage
on application to Frank himself at 52 Kingsway, Penwortham, Preston,
PR1 0ED and on Amazon’s Kindle (together with two novels entitled
Vibrant Versatility and Fervent Flexibility). Constrained includes a
reflective chapter on Frank’s time at BGS and photographs which he
thinks will be of interest
and amusement, not
least to former school
colleagues and friends.
I was intrigued by
the book’s sub-title.
How on earth could
someone who was
still serving as a priest
possibly be taking a
crack at Christianity?
Frank explained.
“Actually, the book
tells the story of
how I became first a
Christian and later on
a priest - that is, came
to have a crack at a life of Christianity - and how I have fared in the
attempt; though it does incidentally point out how many of the people
I have come across have accidentally or deliberately taken a crack
at both my own and others’ Christianity in the sense that you were
thinking of.”
“But what”, I asked, “is so special about this experience that it warranted a
whole book? Why write the book, and why should anyone want to read it?”
“Well, there can’t have been many people who managed to get into
the top tier of the Civil Service via Cambridge University after starting
life in a Halifax slum. Or who have gone on to be a chief executive in
metropolitan local government - and later an Olympic Bid executive,
a school inspector, director of a NHS Trust, and a member of the
judiciary. I don’t think there can have been anyone at all who has
coupled all of this and more with C of E priesthood in eighty-odd
parishes, five different dioceses and nationally in one important respect.
“The whole thing has included a variety of interesting and often amusing
experiences - dealing personally with a zany Spike Milligan and a tetchy
Mrs Thatcher, disarming a member of the congregation, sorting out
DVLC, confronting various Sir Humphreys, removing lead from petrol,
negotiating back-to-the-wall about the North Sea around western
Europe, relating to the occasional Royal, building a community centre,
assessing people for ordination, advising the Chinese Government on
cleaning up their environment … So I would expect readers to enjoy
many an entertaining story - as plenty of people listening to my sermon
illustrations evidently have: indeed the idea of putting them into a book
originally came from people in the pew.
“Beyond that, however, and the main reason for publishing the book,
are salutary lessons which I learned along the way and which others
can learn from even though they were not involved in person: for
example, that in relation to basic Christianity and especially at higher
levels the Church can be just as good but also just as bad (including
disgracefully devious as well as simply incompetent) as any other
authority, every single one of which needs regularly and radically to
review its ways and mend them as necessary, notably as regards all
aspects of management. So I hope that as well as amusement readers
will also find plenty of food for thought in the book.
How does Frank feel having written it? “Wiser and sadder, but overall
still more than content to soldier on in the priesthood until I get too old
for it”.
I myself found ‘Constrained’ a most entertaining and in many ways
enlightening read. Maybe other Bradfordians past and present will too.
David Moore (1952-62)
The articles in the two last editions of the Old Bradfordian have
stirred memories among many Old Bradfordians who enjoyed many
happy years in the BGS Scout Troops.
Boz Robinson (1947-54) writes: ‘Although Philip Selby may have
called Titus Oates ‘Bumf’, we, the members of his Troop, did not. If
we ever did it would not be in his hearing! I remember that some
of his pupils did use that rather unfortunate appellation - Scouts did
not. One thing I do remember about Titus very clearly, among many
happy memories, is that he could recite the whole of Eskimo Nell!
Some feat! It also taught us some words we had not heard before.’
Peter Smith (1940-47) wrote to say that John Dennis Armstrong’s
comments in the Summer 2011 edition of the Old Bradfordian
brought to mind other features of the ‘Ceremony of the Keys’ and of
the 2nd BGS Scout Troop. He said:
‘As part of that ceremony there was also the handing over of the
lamp, “Take this lamp trimmed and burnished, let its flame burn clear
and bright ...’
Peter also recalls that knotsmanship was tested: ‘Having tied one’s
bowline one was lowered by the hoist from the loft to the ground.
The influence of Black Lynx and the discipline and high standards
which he imposed during those formative years stood one in good
stead during National Service and more importantly later in life. My
membership of the Troop was an experience, although by no means
realised at the time, the benefit of which was carried forward into
maturity and only then fully appreciated.’
SUMMER 2012
studentships, awards & parades oldbradfordian
the drummond studentship trust
update
The Eliza and James Drummond Studentship was set up in 1911
by James Drummond of Ilkley, the then President of the London Old
Bradfordians Club, in memory of his late wife Eliza. The purpose of
the Studentship is to assist former pupils to continue any postgraduate
studies in the furtherance of their careers that will do honour to the
School and themselves. The Trust deed states that a studentship award
may be made to give needed assistance to a promising career in, for
example, Art, Music, Science, the Professions or Business.
Studentships are open to former pupils of Bradford Grammar School
who have attended the school for not less than two school years. They
are tenable initially for a period not exceeding one year but may, at
the discretion of the Committee, be renewed for further periods, not
exceeding three years.
The Old Bradfordians’ London Club is very keen to encourage past pupils
of the school to apply. Most applicants are university graduates with at
least a 2:1 degree although applications can be made to support a career
change or advancement, so a degree is not a mandatory condition,
provided the programme under consideration is at postgraduate or
equivalent level.
Worth £80 in 1911, the Drummond Studentship is now worth in excess
of £1,000, and the London Club is constantly seeking to augment the
fund with a view to increasing this amount in the future. To date over 200
Old Bradfordians have benefited from the trust.
In September 2011 the Drummond Studentship was re-awarded to
Rebecca Crabtree (2000 - 04) to support her continuing studies at
the London Architectural Association. Other successes have included
Lucy Bemand-Qureshi (1993-95), now a house officer (first-year junior
doctor) at Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, and Junior Clinical
Teaching Fellow for medical students from Barts and the London School
of Medicine. The Drummond also helped Adam Marks, who is now in
the final stages of writing up his thesis on England and the Thirty Years’
War (1618-1648) which will be submitted for examination shortly, and
who has been presenting his work across Europe. He has completed
a joint publication on the Battle of Wittstock (October 1636) and has
forthcoming publications on the horizon.
To apply email the President, Mick Stringer, at mick_stringer@hotmail.
com or write to him at 36, Sherbourne Drive, Maidenhead SL6 3EP. The
Drummond Committee meets with the Trustees on the last Tuesday in
September to decide upon awards for the coming academic year. The
closing date for applications is 31st July.
Donations to the Fund
Old Bradfordians who are able to do so are invited to make a donation
to help towards increasing the capital of the fund, which through use and
inflation has decreased over the years, in order to enable the purposes of
the fund to continue to be fulfilled effectively. Please get in touch with the
President (address above) if you wish to make a donation or to discuss
this or any aspect of the Trust.
duke of edinburgh awards
gold
haec egimus
by david moore
Once the immediate aftermath of war was overcome (one of my earliest
childhood memories is of frequent power cuts), the post-war decades
were a time of optimism and progress, both in Britain and elsewhere, with
the French speaking, possibly with a soupçon of Gallic exaggeration, of
thirty glorious years. David Moore covers roughly half this period when
there was a similar sense of advance at Bradford Grammar School, with
1949 marking the move to a new building and 1954 seeing the arrival of
a new and, even if not to young pupils at the time, comparatively youthful
headmaster. Under his stewardship, the school was to achieve very high
standards, particularly in academic terms.
David Moore tells the story of these years from personal experience,
through extensive study of archives and not least through the methods of
oral history. He has made contact with a wide variety of former pupils and
quoted their memories directly. By skilful use of this variety of sources he
is able to cover a wide variety of subjects, ranging from the junior school
at Thornville to the workings of the more august governing body. Particular
attention is paid to extra-curricular activities, sport, drama, the cadet corps,
the scout troops and the fondly remembered school camp at Drebley.
Despite recording such ‘happy schoolboy days’, the book is not sepiacoloured nostalgia. There are criticisms of the rigidities of the curriculum,
along with memories of certain pupils who suffered because of them, often
the creatively gifted or those confined to forms, which, despite the highly
selective nature of the intake, were often regarded as depositories for failures.
This book will not only appeal to those who were pupils during the years
in question and who will undoubtedly enjoy engaging with and reflecting
on their own days at Bradford Grammar School. Subsequent generations,
including those who today are experiencing the different world of a
co-educational, much more multicultural school, will also be able to make
fruitful comparisons. In short, this is a book for all those interested in the
history of education.
Stuart Parkes
On the 11th October, four Old Bradfordians, Josh Brear, Will Grant, Victoria and Rachel Barker, received their Gold Duke of Edinburgh awards at St
James’s Palace. HRH the Duke of Edinburgh chatted to each of the award recipients and their guests and then the certificates were presented by
Alan Hinkes, the distinguished mountaineer.
the lord mayor of london
david wootton
The Lord Mayor’s Parade, held on Saturday 12th November 2011, saw David Wootton, Old Bradfordian, become the 684th Lord Mayor of the City
of London. In the parade, the school was represented by Old Bradfordians David Parkes, Roger Sowerby, John Brewer, Richard Nerurkar, Richard
Haigh and Boris Rankov. David Wootton attended Bradford Grammar School between 1960 and 1969. At 15 years old he joined the school’s Boat
Club of which he became Captain, where he began a life-long love of rowing. David was also Deputy Head Boy. He then went on to read Classics
for two years at Jesus College, Cambridge, before moving to Law. David is an International Corporate Lawyer for one of the world’s leading law firms,
Allen & Overy, he is married with four children and his parents still reside in Silsden, West Yorkshire.
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oldbradfordian where are they now?
SUMMER 2012
SUMMER 2012
where are they now? oldbradfordian
ob’s as journalists
A number of Old Bradfordians have become Journalists and at
the suggestion of a former member of Staff, English and Drama
teacher David Stokes, two have been persuaded to share some
details of their time at School and their subsequent career.
We gave them some headings and we trust that
OB’s will find the following of interest.
Nick Ahad (1988-95)
Is currently a columnist on the Yorkshire Post specialising as
Arts correspondent, and also now an author and playwright
writes:
School Memories
Cricket during lunchtime - in a classroom if raining outside,
on the artificial wicket near the KRB if fine - with Ben (Moore)
Del (Maitland) and Si (DeVerteuil) - still regularly in touch with
all three. Playing lots and lots of basketball (with Ben Moore
again).
Inspiring - and still resonant - drama lessons with Mr S
Taylor, who was an early English teacher. Sixth Form was
Religious Studies with Dr Valentine and English Lit with Mrs
Brear and Mr Taylor for the first year, then Mr Harwood.
One particular text ended up being very important: Hamlet.
Thanks, I think, to acting with Mr Taylor and in plays like
Twelfth Night, directed by Mr Harwood (I was Toby Belch,
Ben Moore was Andrew Aguecheek), Shakespeare’s
language really opened up to me. Hamlet remains my
favourite play.
I once arrived late for Mrs Brear’s lesson (all right I missed it
entirely - basketball) and I had to try find out the homework.
It was an essay on ‘the famous speech in Hamlet’ Simon
Wilkinson told me as he jumped on the bus. I wrote an
essay about the wrong speech - it was supposed to be the
Gravedigger’s scene and I wrote it on ‘To be or not to be’.
While writing the wrong essay I learnt the speech by heart
and was incredibly moved by the power of the words of this
long dead writer.
Further Education
Long story short - religion
fascinated me, so I studied
Theology at Kent University in
Canterbury. I chose the course
because it would involve spending a
year in Jerusalem: when we were due to
go, it all got very dangerous and we didn’t. I
enjoyed studying lots of religions, having spent
two years just on St John’s Gospel for A level. This
did help last year when I went to Oxford to interview
Philip Pullmann at home. He was fairly uninterested until I
mentioned my degree - he was in the middle of writing his
book about Jesus. We watched cricket and discussed the
gospels all afternoon.
Seeing my name in the paper was - and remains - a huge
thrill. Malcolm Hoddy, the editor of the Keighley News,
was incredibly generous and encouraging. He suggested
I go on a journalism postgraduate course in Hastings. I
did the equivalent of a year course in 15 weeks, learning
shorthand, doing law and government exams and learning
how to be a journalist. I was well prepared to start my
career at the Wiltshire Gazette and Herald. I was the
reporter for Devizes: it makes Silsden look like London.
Three days into the job, my editor said he was ‘holding the
front page’ for a story I was chasing. Nothing has been as
exciting since! Because it was a little, rural town, I had to
work seriously hard to fill the front and page 3 of my edition
and after a year I’d moved up to the Wiltshire daily, the
Swindon Evening Advertiser.
Being a bit belligerent, I got quite a lot of good stories. I went
under cover to expose a brothel in the suburbs, and, despite
being warned against it, got the paper’s first interview with
members of a travellers’ camp - we were forever writing
stories about them, but had never interviewed them. I’ve got
quite a strong sense of social justice.
I won a couple of national awards that got me noticed by
the Yorkshire Evening Post and I joined as a news reporter
in 2001.
During all this time I volunteered at all the newspapers where
I worked to review theatre shows. I also suggested and
started a weekly arts supplement at the YEP, so when the
job of arts correspondent came up at the Yorkshire Post, I
was always in with a good chance.
I’ve been the Yorkshire Post arts correspondent / chief
theatre critic for seven years now.
Notable Stories covered
I’ve been sued quite a lot! My favourite time was by Jim
Davidson - I called him a bigot, he complained about my
review, I left the paper a week later, we won the case.
I was also looking after the news desk with another reporter
when 9/11 happened. All the senior staff were out at some
lunch together. I remember saying to Barrie: “Some idiot’s
crashed his plane into the twin towers.” Then the enormity of
what happened unfolded. That was a really emotional week.
How I got into Journalism
Since becoming the arts correspondent I’ve met lots of
famous people. Ian McKellen was very amusing and Alan
Bennett (done him three times now - and I think I’m the
only journalist this year to get an interview with him) is so
much fun. Emily Blunt recently asked me what I thought of
Wolfman when I interviewed her about the movie. That made
me squirm. The one person I keep trying to get and failing is
another old boy, David Hockney. One of these days...
Hard work, luck and the kindness of strangers. At home
after graduating, a stint of work experience on the
Keighley News (I wanted a job, they wanted free labour!)
gave me a couple of by-lines and the determination that
I’d found my career.
Lots of stories get forgotten about quickly. It’s a bit cheesy
to say it, but as a member of the fourth estate you really
do have a front seat at the stage of history. The problem
is there’s not always time to appreciate that when the next
deadline is hurtling towards you.
Theology qualified me for nothing, but fortunately I’d got
lots of life experience and, importantly done a whole lot of
acting while at university. I was offered a part with a theatre
company, turned it down and went home to Keighley.
Ben Moore (1987-95)
Nick’s great friend from School (a friendship that
continues today) is Ben Moore who works as a
Television journalist having started with BBC’s
Look North and who is currently the Berkshire
correspondent for the BBC’s southern equivalent
South Today. Ben’s work involves shooting, editing
and presenting his own material and as he says on
the BBC website he is at 6’ 5” the tallest man on the
programme and the first time that he could look his
guests in the eye was when interviewing the local
basketball team!
Whilst at University I also started working at BBC
Radio Nottingham at weekends. It was unpaid for
months until a Broadcast Assistant left and I took his
job. That assistant was Richard Bacon who’d just
gone to present Blue Peter. Sadly my next career
move was less of a meteoric rise to fame… I went
to BBC Radio Leeds for the Summer, then on to a
postgraduate degree in Broadcast Journalism at City
University.
Ben enjoys the local band scene in the Reading
area and plays both the guitar and drums (badly he
says). He keeps fit by playing cricket and still plays
basketball.
Blagging, working for free and never saying no to a
shift. I really don’t think I’d have the energy to do it all
again. Graduates coming out of University now have
it really hard trying to get a job in journalism despite,
I think, being more aware and much more technically
savvy than I was.
Ben writes as follows:
School Memories
My first education in the real world of journalism was
when BGS’s student rag Ad Hoc was closed down
after a cartoon made fun of an English teacher. A real
lesson in where the real power lies in journalism. A
year later myself and a another student got together
to start a spin off called RAM - the Review and Arts
Magazine with the much missed Dr Robin Sisson
as the Editor in Chief. It was basically a place for
students to write reviews on anything from the last
school play to the latest Snoop Dogg album. Robin
had a wicked sense of humour and we got away with
more things than I thought we would, to be honest.
Further Education
I ended up studying Theology at Nottingham. My
Dad originally thought I wanted to be a vicar, but I
concentrated on comparative religion and studied
Islam in depth - something that went in my favour
when I became the Bradford Reporter for Look North
in 2002. I ended up as an editor on the University
magazine Impact and spent most of my third year
working on the magazine instead of going to lectures.
It paid off when the magazine won a few awards.
How I got into Journalism
I ended up working for ITN radio news whilst on my
City course and from there I got onto the BBC News
trainee scheme. I got my first job as a production
journalist at BBC Look North in 2001.
Notable Stories covered
The Bradford Riots, the Selby Rail crash, The Bowyer/
Woodgate Leeds United trial, the 60th and later
the 65th Anniversary of D-Day in Normandy, the
last World Cup in Germany (I’ve not been so lucky
recently), the after effects of the Tsunami in Sri Lanka,
Harry Redknapp leaving Portsmouth FC and the
club’s subsequent troubles, interviewing the last three
surviving soldiers from the First World War these are
the first ones that spring to mind. You end up doing
so many fleeting stories that you forget what you’ve
done week to week.
However I have yet to tell the ultimate story - joining
the BBC team covering the Ashes.
Amusing Stories
I got drenched with a bucket of water by a roadie
seconds before I went live with the Arctic Monkeys at
the Leeds Festival in 2005 and the ones my friends
still rib me about is the embarrassing time I had
interviewing Larry Hagman who played JR in Dallas in
my early career. Suffice to say I was very hung over
and he had a chronic liver disease caused by years of
alcoholism.
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oldbradfordian personalia
SUMMER 2012
bruce flemming
(1951-59)
Where DO they all go?
What happens to people when they leave BGS? ‘Far and wide’ is the answer: I ended up on the Pacific coast of the USA, having got here by
way of Canada. I started at BGS in 1951 in Form 3D and I went up to Oxford in 1960. I just about remember Mr RB Graham as Head and then
came his successor, the Rev J P Newell, whom we called ‘Pious Pete’. That’s more than 50 years ago. I don’t return to Bradford for reunions but
I think about the old School quite a bit.
My forte was Chemistry and I was given a great foundation by Mr (Breeze) Bentley. I became a research scientist and eventually made my way to
the US West Coast to develop environmental improvements for a US paper company. Prior to that I lived for twenty-six years in Montreal and my
kids grew up there. I speak French reasonably well, thanks to grounding from Mr (Lily) Palmer at BGS. Mr Shaw-Smith taught us Latin and he
made a lasting impression but I now wish I had been taught Spanish instead. It would have been far more useful in later life. I myself am to blame
for not getting a good grounding in History (Mr James), we didn’t take it seriously. I am far more interested in the subject nowadays.
Ah well, the grounding I got at BGS was about as good as it gets; you never know where your life will take you or what challenges you may face.
Fifty-one years after leaving BGS, I can say that I have few regrets - not even the ‘six of the best’ given to me once by Mr Newell (I deserved that
beating). I don’t think corporal punishment is fashionable nowadays, so I am a dinosaur in that respect, but I still remember the incredible pain as
the reverend gentleman landed all six mighty swipes of his cane on exactly the same part of my buttocks; it prepared me for life. Never since have
I quite experienced that level of agony.
Bruce Fleming, Washington State, USA
chris cooper
(2004-07)
Chris left BGS in his early teens when he went
to live in Singapore. There he attended the
Tanglin Trust School where he was appointed
Assistant Head Boy in his final year.
In 2011 Chris led a group of sixteen graduating
students from his school on a trip to the
Himalayas.
The group spent two weeks in India where
they visited the Lamdon School in Ladakh, an
area that had been badly affected by the floods
in the Indus Valley in the summer of 2010.
Tanglin Trust School has a long-standing
relationship with the Lamdon School and a
group of Lower Sixth students participate in
a trekking expedition in the Lakakh region at
the end of every school year. However, this
was the first time that a group of Upper Sixth
students had independently organised their
own trip to the area. They had to raise the
funds themselves to pay for their travelling
expenses and using the school’s connections
in the area managed to get the trip off the
ground after only three months of planning.
Chris writes: ‘Having spent four years at BGS
and having had the intention of participating
in some of the major expeditions there, it was
a natural step for me to get involved in similar
activities in my new school in Singapore. In
my position as Assistant Head Boy, it was
logical to organise a return visit to a region with
which our school had close ties. The chance
to organise and lead sixteen students on a
highly successful and precedent-setting trip
was one which challenged me personally, and
allowed me to gain an enormous amount of
experience.
david
hockney
r.a.
(1948-52)
Two recent major exhibitions by the Bradford
born artist have more than cemented his
position as Britain’s most prominent living
artist. The exhibition at Cartwright Hall was
visited by over 5,000 people in January alone.
David came to see the exhibition himself last
October.
At the time of writing David’s exhibition, “A
Bigger Picture” is attracting record breaking
crowds to the Royal Academy of Arts in
London. The exhibition spans a fifty year period
demonstrating David’s long exploration and
fascination with the depiction of landscape.
David does nothing by half - his latest painting;
“Bigger Trees Near Warter” is six hundred
square feet in area!
charlie
hodgson
(1991-99)
Old Bradfordian Charlie was brought back into
the England team for the first time since being
dropped in 2008. At the time of writing he had
scored the winning touchdown in England’s
opening match against Scotland and again
played very well in the second victory against
Italy. Unfortunately he was injured in the latter
and was unable to play in the remainder of the
Six Nations matches.
nigel poole
q.c.
The group were given the task of dismantling
the old school buildings to free up space
and materials for the construction of a new
eighteen roomed science block. Following
the 2010 floods the school had taken in an
extra one hundred students and they were
experiencing massive overcrowding issues.
The students also painted fences around a
poplar grove which will protect the fences for
years to come, and ensure the school has a
supply of saleable building material to provide
sustainable income in the future. In addition to
these tasks the group re-dug irrigation ditches in
Lamdon’s sister school in a village called Shey,
approximately 5 miles away. Flood waters had
washed a substantial amount of mud over the
poplar grove there, and as a result there had
been only limited irrigation for the trees.
SUMMER 2012
(1974-83)
‘In addition, heavily influenced by the system
currently in place at Bradford, I have been
working with the Head Girl to introduce a
scholarship and bursary scheme at Tanglin
Trust School. The idea has been put forward
to the governors and we hope for more news
on the proposal’s progress soon.’
June 2011
Nigel has been appointed a Queen’s Council,
the ceremony took place on 30th March this
year. Nigel practises at the bar in Manchester
doing clinical negligence and personal injury
cases. He also sits as a Recorder
lesley ‘legs’
bentley
(1931-39)
‘Legs’ is one of our oldest OBs. He
celebrated his 90th birthday on 21st
September 2011. There is a very long
autobiography written by him in the folder
OBA Personnel/2011-2012/Leslie Bentley
Autobiography.
personalia oldbradfordian
adrian moorhouse
(1972-82)
Adrian returned to the school on 21st April to officially name the swimming pool, “The Adrian
Moorhouse Swimming Pool” and then take part in the annual old boys match against the school.
Personal Memories of Adrian’s Gold - peter ackroyd (1959-68)
It’s September 1988. Electronic timing has just decided that, by one hundredth of a second, or
one fingernail, Adrian Moorhouse has just won the 100 metres Breaststroke. It turns out to be
the only GB Gold of the Seoul Olympics. We have witnessed sporting history, and in Adrian’s
mother, new depths of purple a human being can turn and still stay alive.
I descend to the front of the spectator seats to call my congratulations to Adrian; his response is
difficult to hear but the words “Doggy Barker” float up and memories flood back.
“Memory 1” - Adrian was recalling, after his victory, the day in the seventies I decided to
introduce my freestylers, including James Barker, and Adrian, to racing breaststroke. This was,
and maybe still is, breaking an Unwritten Rule of Swimming that states that Freestyle Swimmers
Do Not Do Breaststroke.
“Memory 2”- had led to “Memory 1”. I had started Adrian and James on breast stroke
remembering how successfully Jack Sanderson had broken the same rule when coaching me at
BGS. Breaking that rule worked more than once….
The events that led to Stephen [Adrian’s brother] and I joining Adrian and his parents in
Seoul read like something out of a Boy’s Own comic. I had cut loose from teaching English
and Swimming at BGS in 1978 and had been indulging in ten years of travel, trucking and
teaching around the world. Some people talk about a second childhood; I was a Peter Pan, still
determined not to relinquish my first one- and having a great time in Hong Kong. Stephen was
also working in the Far East.
So early in 1988 I happened to fill out a competition section in the South China Morning Post
giving as my reason for wanting to win return air and Opening Ceremony tickets to the Seoul
Olympics with hotel accommodation.”…because I coached Adrian Moorhouse and want to see
him win a Gold.” We accepted those tickets most gratefully!
timothy
bull
(1976-83)
A Notable Milestone
In October 2011 I was awarded a second PhD.
My first was awarded in the field of Computer
Science by Durham University and my second
has been awarded in Theology from King’s
College, London. My field of study has been
the interface between theology and genetic
engineering. I focussed on the fundamental
issues raised by the new genetic technologies.
In particular: What does it mean to be
human? How should we understand healing
and wholeness? And what kinds of genetic
engineering are ethically acceptable? The
novelty of this work lies in the way it combines
insights from both the Bible and from the best
secular philosophy.
Of course, it was my time at BGS that set me
on the path to such academic achievement.
I have never thought to write and thank the
staff at the school for their encouragement and
support, and so now seemed to be a good
time to do so; albeit somewhat belatedly. So
thank you!
(The Reverend Tim Bull PhD, is presently
priest in charge of Langham with Boxsted and
also Colchester area Continuing Ministerial
Development adviser).
david
moore
(1952-62)
“All this we did”, David’s recently completed
book is now on sale for £20 excluding p&p.
A booking form may be downloaded from the
link “Message Board” (OBA website)
n a jenkins
(1998-2007)
Congratulations to Nick on publishing
a paper entitled “Aqueous Dynamic
Combinatorial Chemistry: Simple and
Versatile Access to [2] and [3] Catenanes”.
Nick completed the work at St John’s
College, Cambridge, under the supervision of
Professor J K M Sanders in 2011.
Not content with the above, Nick together
with Cameron Johnston helped Cambridge
University Tennis Club to their sixth
consecutive victory over Oxford University in
the 2011 Barclays Tennis match. Nick was
captain and Cameron the secretary of the
club. This year Cameron is captain.
9
10
oldbradfordian obituaries
SUMMER 2012
We offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of the
following Old Bradfordians who have died within the last twelve months.
­
andrew stibbs
Head Prefect in the autumn term of 1958, died on 22nd December 2011. He will be remembered by many
Bradfordians of the era for his many talents – as artist, sculptor, actor in school plays and keen member of Titus
Oate’s 1st Scout Troop. Andrew was a larger than life character and enormously popular – the kind of person
you instantly warmed to. His life-long friend Peter Medway commented not only on the warmth of his friendship
but on the breadth of his cultural influence on himself and others with whom he came into contact.
Having studied Science at BGS right up to his A levels, he then decided to make a late switch to History and
gained entry to Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, to read Part I of the History Tripos, subsequently switching to English
for Part II. Having graduated in 1962, he took his PGCE at Oxford, sharing rooms with Peter Medway, who has recalled that they
seemed to survive mainly on bacon bits from Oxford Market at 4d per pound! He spent 15 highly successful years as a teacher of English on
Merseyside and as a departmental head in Sheffield and Cleveland. He was undoubtedly an outstanding and inspirational teacher, becoming
an advisory teacher for Cleveland LEA in 1976 and establishing a growing reputation as an educational thinker and writer on the teaching of
English. Appropriately, he was elected to the Council of the National Association for the Teaching of English.
In 1978 he was appointed lecturer in the School of English at Leeds University, proving to be an outstanding teacher on the PGCE, Med
and Diploma programmes; he was promoted to the post of Senior Lecturer in 1992. He was a respected authority both nationally and
internationally, was much in demand as a speaker on LEA Inset courses and published widely – both articles and books. He retired in 2001,
remaining as a part-time senior fellow for three years. He will be sorely missed by his countless colleagues and friends. He is survived by
his wife Christine and two sons and two daughters.
john robinson derek w sawyer
kirby
died on 11th October 2011, aged 86, at his
home in Bingley. He had a strong lifelong
interest in History (especially the history of
Bradford) and English and although not a
sportsman himself, he enjoyed watching
cricket and was a member at Yorkshire for
many years. He was a strong supporter
of the British Legion in Bradford where he
was an official and he was also a strong
supporter of wildlife charities. John was
called up to the RAF during the war where
he trained and served as a wireless operator
in Singapore, India and Egypt amongst
others. Subsequently, he worked for the
Midland (later HSBC) bank at Market
Street Bradford from 1948 - 1982 in the
International Department and lived in Wibsey
until retirement. He is survived by his wife
Margaret, daughter Janet and sons Michael
dr william h
petty cbe
former Chief Education Officer for Kent, always
known as ‘Bill’, died on April 19th 2011, aged
89. He was a member of the London Club and
a benefactor of the School. As the Director
of Education for Kent, 1974-84, he was a
passionate advocate of greater educational
opportunity for all. His views – and indeed
his choice of career – were influenced by the
poverty he saw first-hand as a youngster in
Bradford. He served with the Royal Artillery in
Burma for four years during the Second World
War. He had worked in London and the North
Riding before moving to Kent, where he made
a particular point of visiting every school in his
charge. An enthusiastic and regularly published
poet, he won several prizes, writing under the
name of W H Petty.
died suddenly on Tuesday 14th February in his 90th year, survived by his wife, Audrey, children
David, Christine and Joan, seven grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He was an
inspiration to all who knew him. He had a tremendous sense of humour, a very positive outlook
on life and made the most of all opportunities.
A public Thanksgiving Service was held on Monday 27th February in All Saints’ Church,
Pocklington. Donations at the service were sent to the Salvation Army and the British Heart
Foundation.
He often spoke about his time at BGS with great fondness and thoroughly enjoyed reading his
copy of The Bradfordian. Following school he joined the Midland Bank aged 16 years where
he remained throughout his working life, apart from a spell in the RAF during the war years.
He rapidly worked his way up through the bank, moving all over the country until he retired as
Regional Director in York, at age 60.
In latter years, his ever growing family was a source of great pleasure to him and he took an active
part in all family activities until the very end of his life. A very special man who will be sorely missed.
prof b g reuben
Professor Emeritus of Chemical Technology at South Bank University, a distinguished industrial
chemist and author of several standard text books, including a popular history of bread, died
on February 25th 2012, aged 78. From BGS, he won a Hastings Scholarship to The Queen’s
College, Oxford, where he went on to take a DPhil, subsequently spending 16 months as a
postdoctoral fellow at Brookhaven National Laboratory on Long Island. His career spanned
both the industrial and academic world – as an industrial chemist with Distillers’, at the Battersea
College of Advanced Technology, where he developed an industrial chemistry course and
later at the chemical engineering department of Borough Polytechnic (later London South
Bank University), where he was principal lecturer. He was appointed Professor of Chemical
Technology in 1990. Bryan Reuben was a prolific author, having published 13 books and over
140 papers. These included important works such as The Chemical Economy with Michael
Burstall in 1973 and Industrial Organic Chemicals in Perspective with Harold Wittcoff in 1980. In
2008, he fulfilled a life-long ambition – to produce a book for the popular market – when Bread,
A Slice of History was published. He appeared on the BBC Four programme In Search of the
Perfect Loaf as the guru on bread. He is survived by his wife Catherine Katzenstein, whom he
married in 1966, their daughter and two sons.
sydney ross derek coates
died aged 89 on 23rd January 2012. He had
fond memories of his old school at Manor
Row and a huge respect for the education he
received and his ‘masters’; he was a practising
solicitor for 60 years, not retiring until the grand
old age of 85.
died on 15th June 2011, aged 75. A graduate
of Cambridge University, he had a successful
career at QEGS, Wakefield. He is recalled
with great affection as an imaginative and
inspirational teacher of Classics by his pupils at
QEGS.
SUMMER 2012
obituaries oldbradfordian
charles andrew
wilson-town
dr roger
brown
a dedicated Social Care Manager, died suddenly on 30th October 2011, aged 54. A BA Hons
graduate in Applied Social Sciences at Edge Hill College, University of Lancaster, he first started
his career in retail catering as Manager of one of a local chain of restaurants in Guiseley. He then
decided to train in social care, subsequently working for both Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Councils in their Children and Families Social Services departments.
died on 28th October 2011. After he left BGS,
Roger studied medicine at the Medical College
of St Bartholomew’s Hospital, London. He
then moved back to Yorkshire and settled in
Halifax, practised as a GP within the Northolme
Practice and became a very well-liked and
respected member of the local community.
Roger was also a very keen sportsman, running
marathons and being involved in various sports
teams. In his spare time he was the club doctor
for the Bradford Bulls.
In 2002, Charles joined the Sedgemoor Group, one of the UK’s biggest providers of residential
care and foster placements, as Senior Care Manager. He moved to Ilminster in Somerset in 2003
to become the National Training Manager in 2004. As a recognised specialist in his field, he then
joined an independent fostering agency based in Plymouth, working with children and young
people across the South-West and West Midland regions, and finally worked more locally with a
Taunton-based care organisation.
A passionate life-long supporter of Bradford City, dearly missed by many Old Bradfordians, he
leaves an 18-year-old daughter, Hannah, who moved to Australia, and a brother, Christopher
Robert (1963 – 1970) who lives in Norfolk.
richard
greaves
a great rugby stalwart, died on 3rd March
2012, aged 61. A former Bradford rugby
player, he was a fine centre, remembered
for his fine passing of the ball and for his
defensive play. Having helped Bradford win
the Yorkshire cup, he went on to be chairman
of selectors and first team manager. Both
his sons, Phil and Ben, are keen members of
Bradford and Bingley. He was a salesman
for Arnold Laver for over 20 years and a sales
director of Hanson Plywood in Halifax.
john little
a life-long lover and promoter of music, died
at his home on 5th February 2012, aged 79.
John was truly a life dedicated to performing,
teaching and passing on his love of music. As
a boy he sang in Bradford Cathedral Choir as
a soloist. He also learned to play the organ,
subsequently becoming a qualified teacher.
Like many of his generation, he left BGS for
employment in the textile industry as a clerk,
but after National Service with the Duke of
Wellington’s Regiment in Germany, he became
a qualified teacher, initially at Bingley County
Secondary School and then at Rhodesway
School, where he was head of Music for many
years. He took early retirement to concentrate
on private tuition – which suited him and his
many grateful pupils admirably. During the
1950s/60s he won singing competitions and
was an active member of the Bradford Opera
Group, where he was to meet his wife Sandra.
He met and made many friends through his
love of music, always encouraging his friends
to see live performances, which included the
organization of trips to Glyndebourne. He
is survived by his two daughters, Ruth and
Naomi.
harry milnes
died in 2011, aged 88. Harry attended
Manchester Metropolitan University after BGS
and was a Dental G P; he lived in Toller Lane,
Bradford.
colin
heighton
james h
berry
a resident of Guiseley, died on 18th May 2011,
aged 88. His career had been in banking.
died in autumn 2011, aged 79, after a long illness. Bradfordians of the late 1940s will recall Colin
not just for his mischief, which was legendary and for which he was regularly caned, but also as
a rugby player of great quality, who later went on to captain Yorkshire. His widow Pamela recalls
fondly that Colin made it a point of honour never to flinch when being caned. She had one vivid
memory of his rugby days: when captaining Yorkshire in one of their most successful seasons,
in which they lost narrowly in the final of the inter-County competition, he was responsible for
conceding the vital penalty in the dying moments of the game by hanging on to the ball. He later
explained ruefully that he had no option as he was being sat on by two opposition players and was
clinging on for dear life to avoid drowning in a large puddle of water! His later years were seriously
marred by ill health and at his memorial service his son remarked that in Colin’s case ‘extra time
had gone on too long’. We send our deepest sympathy to his family.
h m f ‘michael’ mallet
died on 25th February 2012, aged 86. Michael was among the young evacuees to Settle
at the outbreak of war; he went up to Jesus College, Cambridge, in 1943 to read modern
history and where he enjoyed rowing. He was called up for military service in 1944 and
trained as crew for bomber command in Canada and subsequently America. The war
ended before he saw active service, and he was despatched to Egypt as a Flight Lieutenant.
After demobilization he completed his degree and then started a career in marketing, first
in London and then with Wedgewood, the china manufacturers. In 1956 he returned to
Bradford to help his father Cecil, who edited the weekly Wool Chart. Michael continued
the business after his father’s death and also set up a small printing company; he became
a well-respected textile journalist who contributed to the Wool Record and many other
publications. He continued to submit articles up to the age of 80. A keen Rotarian for 20
years, a member of the Bradford Club and Mechanics Institute, Michael was also a talented
amateur artist, wine buff and cook. He is survived by his wife Pamela and children Fiona
and Christopher and two grandchildren, Charlotte and Henry, who also attended BGS.
g f hardisty
David B Ellis (1946-53), writes as follows:
Geoffrey Frederick Hardisty died on the 18th April 2012 aged 76 and only eight days short of his 77th
birthday. Geoffrey and I first met in 1941/2 at Infant School. After four years at different Primary
Schools we entered BGS at the old School opposite the Yorkshire Bank on Manor Row and adjoining
Grammar School Street. After the year in the third form, Geoffrey elected to go on the Modern side
as it was then called. On leaving the School, Geoffrey did two years National Service in the army.
While at BGS, Geoffrey developed a wish to fly and during a School holiday in later years we
travelled to Thirsk by train and by taxi to Sutton Bank in the absence of public transport. We
pooled our money and that permitted Geoffrey to fly in a glider and I took photographs of the event.
On returning from National Service, Geoffrey took a position with Crosse and Blackwell and
remained in selling for many years, eventually acquiring the right to sell Silesia Grill Systems. Within
the last year, Geoffrey married Shirley and they lived in Kirkella near Hull. During his retirement,
Geoffrey returned to his love of flying and took lessons, flew solo and received his wings.
To Shirley and to Geoffrey’s relatives and many friends, we offer our sincerest sympathy.
11
12
oldbradfordian obituaries
j a ‘tony’ smith
died on Saturday 12th April at his home in Ilkley, aged 69, after a short illness. His many sporting
friends, especially at Bradford and Bingley RUFC, will be particularly saddened to hear the news
that one of their former stalwarts from the Lidget Green days has passed away: Tony was, in his
heyday, a fine prop and always a keen supporter of the club. He learned his rugby skills in the
BGS 1st XV and credited his rugby master, Ian Gollop, with teaching him the skills he needed to
survive and thrive against tough opposition in first-class rugby. Tony was captain of the undefeated
1st XV in 1961-62, played for Yorkshire Schoolboys and went on to represent Newcastle University.
Tony came up the science side at BGS and was a chemist under the tutelage of J B Bentley:
initially after graduation from Newcastle University, he had a brief spell in industry as a metallurgist
with Dorman and Long. However, he decided that his real interest lay in teaching and took a postgraduate teaching diploma at Loughborough. He proved to be a skilful classroom practitioner and,
having had to work hard to grasp certain areas of science himself, was particularly sympathetic
to those who struggled. He spent his career in his native West Yorkshire, with spells at Belle Vue
Grammar, as head of physics at Hipperholme Grammar School and then subsequently head of
science at Brighouse High School. Taking the opportunity for early retirement in the 1990s, he
was happy to fill his leisure time with spells of supply teaching. He was a dedicated runner, strong
cyclist and swimmer, and on four occasions in his fifties represented Great Britain in the World
Championship Veteran Triathlon team – twice in Australia, once in Canada and once in Switzerland.
He also enjoyed playing club cricket for Thornton CC in the Bradford Central League.
Tony was outward-going, genial and liberal-minded: though he was grateful for the education he
had received at BGS, he was firmly committed to comprehensive schools and an avid reader of
The Guardian. He is survived by his wife Marj and two sons, Chris and Mark, and their families.
keith booth
a former head prefect, loyal supporter and generous benefactor of BGS, died of cancer, aged 70,
on Boxing Day 2011. Keith’s career at School, about which he was characteristically modest,
was a distinguished one. His academic ability was soon apparent after studying Classics initially,
he switched to Modern Languages – undaunted by a warning from the Headmaster that it would
be more difficult to win a scholarship in that subject – and with confident aplomb went on to win
an open scholarship in Modern Languages at Corpus Christi College, Cambridge, where he was
awarded a first in Part I and an upper second in Part II of the Modern Languages Tripos.
Keith always respected and treasured the memory of those BGS teachers who had inspired him
and exerted the greatest influence on him – the legendary ‘Douzie’ Twelves, the Francophile
George Nicholls, Frank Witham, and Titus Oates, his genial Scout Troop Leader. Keith was fully
involved in the extra-curricular life of the School, rising to be senior scout in Titus’ Troop and also
captain of Cross Country. Keith decided that he was destined to be a teacher. The School motto
Hoc Age contained an injunction which fitted Keith’s approach to life admirably, a man of wide
interests, both cultural and athletic and a man who was to inspire his pupils in the same way as
he had been inspired, a devoted teacher who could get things done.
It came as no surprise to his friends to learn that Keith had been appointed to a Modern
Language post at MGS in the mid sixties – a role he filled with commitment and distinction for
over thirty years until retirement, combining it with that of Scoutmaster of the Second Troop and
of Master i/c Cross Country.
He was a lifetime member and supporter of the Old Bradfordians’ Association and, as chief guest
at the Annual Dinner in 2008, in a witty and erudite speech which delighted his audience, he
paid tribute not only to former Headmasters, but also to his revered teachers, amongst whom he
singled out his language teachers and Titus Oates.
He loved moments of nostalgic recollection with his friends and was never happier than when
reminiscing about his days at BGS. A few months before his final illness, in the company of
David Moore, he re-traced the steps of his first expedition as a young Scout: his original logbook
of his first hike and overnight camp with a fellow scout, neatly chronicled in minute detail and
carefully illustrated with maps and drawings, enabled two OBs to retrace his steps with great
ease – a journey from Windermere to Brigsteer, near Kendal.
His first expedition as a young Scout: his original logbook of his first hike and overnight camp
with a fellow scout, neatly chronicled in minute detail and carefully illustrated with maps and
drawings, enabled two OBs to retrace his steps with great ease – a journey from Windermere to
Brigsteer, near Kendal, to greet the recently retired Headmaster, R B Graham.
His immediate family – his younger sister Jean, brother-in-law Garth, his nephew Mark and niece
Heidi – recall him lovingly as a man of instinctive goodness, courtesy and gentleness, as a man
who loved the hills and dales, a devoted uncle, a committed Christian who worked tirelessly
within his local community He was pre-deceased by his partner June in 2009.
Seventy is far too young an age for Keith to leave us, but what a life… said a former colleague.
Keith Booth will be sorely missed by his family, former pupils and many friends both in Bradford
and across the Pennines.
David Moore (1952-62)
SUMMER 2012
SUMMER 2012
obituaries oldbradfordian
mrs monica
walsh
dr christopher d t ‘dick’ france
parkin
wife of Leslie Walsh (former head of Music at
BGS), who taught at Thornville and then Clock
House from 1968 until the mid 1980s, as form
mistress of Prep, died on 11th December
2011, aged 84.
was born in Leeds in February 1938 and
died at home in Dunstable on May 3 2012,
aged 74. Christopher started at BGS in 1949
and followed the paths of Mathematics and
Science, subjects in which he had always
been strongly interested, going on to win a
place at Durham University’s Hatfield College
where he studied Chemistry. He gained a
II.2 BSc in Pure Science with Honours in
Chemistry in 1959, taking his degree in The
Castle Great Hall. Christopher then stayed
on at Hatfield and secured the PhD for his
thesis on “Organo-metallic co-ordination
compounds of Grade IB” in June 1962.
frederick
gerald
woodhead
died in autumn 2011.
r e f green
Raymond Shaw-Smith, his former colleague
in the BGS Classics department, writes as
follows:
Robert Green (‘Ref’ after his initials), a former
Classics Master, came to the School in 1953
from The Pilgrims’ School, Winchester. He
stayed for thirty years. He had served in the
army and his tall upright figure (‘British officer’
said a woman in Greece on one visit) was
remarkable inside the school and on the
rugby and cricket fields. His bowling action
seemed to produce the ball down his sleeve!
He loved music, took his clarinet to the school
orchestra and others, and on the piano patiently
accompanied friends who tried to sing. He
taught the Classics with gusto and efficiency,
and his knowledge of Latin and Greek, partly
inherited from his father, was deep and exact.
You would get a lucid explanation of points of
grammar or notes of well-founded appreciation,
and he was long held in affection by his pupils.
I remember once discussing a poem of Horace
in a Morrison’s car park (we lost no opportunity
of improvement!) and after reading it he
remembered it almost perfectly.
He loved the open air and long walks, preferably
up hills, and explained how you could make
them easier by taking short shuffling steps as
a sort of gear change. He had a motor bike
when he first came to school and colleagues
tested his driving from his pillion. He could be
brusque when faced with nonsense or noncomprehension. On one of Franco’s trains
in Spain an official came down the gangway
demanding passports. Having had enough of
showing his passport, Robert waved him away
as if he were a peanut vendor. (Victory, mind
you, not to Green but to the infuriated official!)
He was a peaceable man and firmly opposed
the Falklands war. In retirement he went to
live in Langton Green in Kent in a small house
with a room big enough for his piano, and
there he gave hospitality not only to his friends
but to competitors in the Tunbridge Wells
music festivals. He was mourned by his sister
and many descending generations of family
guaranteed by his long life.
Died November 2011.
He started working for Laporte Industries in
Dunstable as a Research Chemist where he
enjoyed a long and successful career. This
was followed by a move into teaching, taking
up a lecturing post at Hatfield Polytechnic.
He transferred to The Department of
Education & Science and then on to Bedford
College where he was Head of Maths &
Science.
Christopher completed his full time career
back at the DES and after retirement,
anxious to remain actively involved in the
area of work that he valued so much, joined
The International Vocational Education
& Training Association, an organisation
dedicated to improving education systems
around the world, and he held a position as
the European Vice President for a period.
Christopher always had an abiding
enthusiasm for the outdoor life (he had been
a very active scout in his youth), and greatly
enjoyed walking, rambling and climbing,
taking energetic family holidays in the Lake
District and the Yorkshire Dales, travelling
in France and going on safari to Motswari
Lodge in the Kruger National Park. More
relaxing times were spent at their cottage in
Corscombe in Dorset. Other deep interests
included bridge and chess, visits to the
theatre and supporting Luton Town FC at
their Kenilworth Road home ground.
His participation in The Old Bradfordians’
Club (London) started very many years ago,
always being a keen Committee Member,
President and Vice-President and often
attending events and reunions back at
School. He was a fully committed and very
competent Secretary of The Drummond Trust
from 2000-2007, encouraging and fostering
promising students in their endeavours
wherever he could.
Christopher’s loving wife of 50 years Rachel
survives him with their daughters Susan and
Clare and their four grandchildren Sean,
Sophie, Hannah-Rose and Kathryn.
His brother, Peter, writes as follows:
My brother Dick, priest, theologian, teacher and translator, died on 10th February, 2012, after
a short illness. The son of Welsh-born parents, he was born in Derry on 2nd April 1938, but
we soon moved to England, living on the Lancashire coast, then near Selby, before coming to
Burley-in-Wharfedale.
Dick was thus at BGS in his formative years, from 1950 to 1956, and remembered his
schooldays with pleasure. He chose the classics stream, where he was taught by Raymond
Shaw-Smith, and was one of the outstanding students of the decade. His linguistic skills were
later put to intensive use in his work on the translation of the Bible (Today’s New International
Version).
He went on to Balliol College, Oxford to read Classics, but he had already decided that his
vocation was to the ministry. After Oxford he studied at Tyndale College, Bristol, for a London
B.D., and went on to take a Bristol Ph.D., published in 1971 as Jesus and the Old Testament.
In 1965 he married Barbara (Curly) Wilding, with whom he had two children, David and Sue
(Sioux) .
Dick was to become a leading figure in the evangelical movement within the Anglican church.
His first position was as a curate in St Matthew’s church, Cambridge, but thereafter he
dedicated himself above all to theological education and writing. He spent four enjoyable and
fruitful years (1969-73) at the University of Ife in Nigeria and was later appointed a canon of
Ibadan cathedral. Having returned to England, he was successively librarian and warden of
Tyndale House, Cambridge, senior lecturer and Vice-Principal at the London Bible College,
and from 1989 to 1995 Principal of Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.
He left Wycliffe to serve as priest in Wentnor and a group of small neighbouring parishes on
the Welsh border. This move was prompted partly by the desire to bring his theological work
to bear on ordinary church life, but also by the fact that this was the country our father came
from. When he retired in 2001 it was to our mother’s country; he and Curly settled, near
Tywyn in Merionethshire, next to the ancient church of Llangelynin. He had a busy retirement
with many local church engagements, theological writing, and the Bible translation that took
him all over the world. He was also an active member of the community, learning Welsh,
looking after the old church, working as a volunteer at the Talyllyn Railway, revelling in the
bird life of Cardigan Bay, and continuing to walk over Cader Idris and the surrounding hills.
Throughout his career, Dick combined theology and pastoral work. As the Times obituarist put
it, he ‘saw himself as one who was called to interpret and apply the New Testament to the
life of the Church’. His numerous books range from authoritative and learned commentaries,
notably on the Gospels of Matthew and Mark, to more popular works such as The Man They
Crucified (1975) or The Evidence for Jesus (1986). Within the evangelical movement he was
an influential supporter of women’s ordination, setting out his scripture-based arguments in
the Didsbury Lectures, published as Women in the Church’s Ministry (1997). The affection,
gratitude, and admiration of those who knew him were reflected in his moving funeral service at
Fairbourne near Tywyn, between the sea and the mountains.
edmund deryke hirst
always known as Deryke, died in hospital on 30th January 2011 after a short illness brought
on after a fall at home.
After school, in 1939 he joined Alfred Hall’s ironmongers in Cleckheaton, who were big
suppliers of hardware and explosives to the mining industry at the time. At the age of 19, he
volunteered to join the Navy and after basic training at HMS Royal Arthur, he was selected
for instruction in signals interception. In 1942 he set out on a convoy for the Far East. Very
rough seas in the Bay of Biscay meant that submarine activity was fortunately at a minimum,
though it made for an uncomfortable journey. Deryke called in at Freetown, Durban and
Mombasa before embarking on the cruiser HMS Birmingham for Ceylon, where he was to
spend most of the rest of the war, in Y Division, Royal Navy Signals Intelligence, Far East
Fleet, intercepting Japanese signals for decoding by the Bletchley Park analysts.
Demobilised in 1946, Deryke returned to his job at Alfred Hall’s. He married, in 1951, after a
long engagement, Irene Pollard, whom he had first met at Hill Top Sunday School before the
war, and they settled in Hunsworth. In 1954 he was offered a job with Samuel Webster’s
Brewery, in Halifax, developing new free trade business in the Woollen District.
In 1958 Deryke moved to Wibsey, where he lived for the rest of his life. He retired from
Webster’s in 1980, and devoted his time to gardening, as well as keeping in touch with
his many friends in the licensed trade. He leaves behind his wife Irene, children Edmund,
Rosamund and Nicholas, and grandchildren Daniel and Nicola.
john robert
beaverland charles a hay robert b booth
passed away on 5th December 2011.
passed away on 7th October 2011, aged 70.
died on 31st December 2011.
13
14
oldbradfordian sport
SUMMER 2012
sport oldbradfordian
15
swimming
cricket
OBA XI v BGS 1st XI
Friday 1 July 2011
Jack Sanderson Memorial Cricket Match
Sunday 3 July 2011 - Saltaire Cricket Club
On a lovely July afternoon a strong
Old Bradfordians’ side recorded
a deserved victory over a BGS
team slightly weakened by Duke
of Edinburgh Award and university
commitments. Batting first, the OBs
overcame the early loss of Khawer
Ayub to build up an impressive score
of 218 -7 on the back of a patient
half century from Richard Nichols and
some more flamboyant contributions
from Hans Randhawa, Danny Groom
and James Druce. The School reply
started positively with a rapid opening
stand of 67 between Shaan Rashid
and Ravi Patel. The introduction of
Richard Nichols stemmed the flow of
runs and despite Patel’s impressive
62 and some big hitting from Ahmer
Imtiaz wickets fell at regular intervals as
the run rate increased and the School
finished 40 runs short on 178-8. The
Jack Ashley Man of the Match trophy
was awarded to Richard Nichols for a
fine all-round contribution.
On a beautifully sunny July afternoon the BGS 1st XI played Saltaire
Cricket Club at the newly refurbished Roberts Park in Saltaire. The
match was organised in memory of the late Jack Sanderson who
taught at BGS Junior School from 1960 to 1988 and was Headmaster
of the Junior School from 1976 to 1988. Jack was passionate about
cricket; he joined Saltaire Cricket Club in 1962 and quickly became a
very successful Club Captain. Jack was subsequently appointed Club
Chairman and from 1998 until shortly prior to his death in April 2010
he was Saltaire Club President.
Representing the Old Bradfordians
were Will Vickers (2003-2010),
Khawer Ayub (2002-2009), Hans
Randhawa (2000-2008), Sam
Lawrence (1996-2006), James Druce
(1994-2001), Richard Nichols (197886), Matt Anderson (1985-94), James
Midgley (2002-2010) and Danny
Groom (1987-94).
SUMMER 2012
The organisers of the match, Jeff Driver, President of Saltaire Cricket
Club, and Andy Smith, BGS 1st XI coach, could think of no better
tribute to Jack than a match at his beloved Roberts Park between
Saltaire XI and the BGS 1st XI.
Trevor Smith (1962-70), School Governor writes:
“It was a day Jack would have adored. The weather was glorious, a distant band played a fine selection
of tunes, the pitch was in fine fettle and two teams of mixed ages played a game of cricket for the
pure enjoyment of the game. Not only
were family and friends on the pitch, but
many more gathered round the outfield,
including many Old Bradfordians and Past
Presidents of the OBA as well as cricketing
chums from Saltaire. I would not suggest
that Jack was not competitive in most
things, especially cricket, but he particularly
appreciated people coming together for the
fellowship and love of the game. Saltaire
won the match and the team captain was
presented with a trophy by Jack’s widow,
Phyllis. Nothing could have been a finer
tribute to a man we all remember with great
respect and affection.”
OBA v School – Annual Swimming & Water Polo Match – Saturday 21 April 2012
The school team seemed lulled into a sense of false security by the title
‘Old Boys’, This year there were two recent leavers, Mike Kipling and
George Mack, who along with Joe Blayney won four of the six individual
events. Sian Morgan and Tom Hobson were the individual winners for
the school.
Adrian attended BGS between 1972 and 1982 and went on to
win Olympic Silver in Los Angeles and Gold in Seoul for the 100m
breaststroke.
He spoke very highly of the school and how he had started his swimming
career with Jack Sanderson who was in charge of swimming at BGS.
If the swimmers felt hard done by they need not have worried.
Afterwards, he took time to talk to the swimmers and also let them handle
his gold medal. Let’s hope something rubs off.
The old boys’ water polo team turned out four ex and one current
international player. On top of that they had two players who play in the
national league and several others still playing at a high level.
A superb buffet was put on by the catering department to round off what
was a very enjoyable afternoon.
The school team were mesmerised but very appreciative of the skills the
old boys displayed. In short it was very much men versus boys but a
match played in good spirit with neither side giving any quarter.
Bryan Townsend
i/c Aquatics
The event was rounded off by the official naming of the pool by Adrian
Moorhouse; M.B.E.
results
Distance
StrokeFirst
Freestyle
50m
T Hobson
SecondThirdFourth
S Moorhouse
Score*
R GreenwoodN Brown
6
5
4x25m
Medley
M KiplingD Brown
G MackS Morgan
10
12
50m
Backstroke
M KiplingE Brownlee
T Hobbs
14
19
50m
Breaststroke
J BlaneyA MoorhouseH Mushstaq
50m
Butterfly
FreestyleS Morgan
100m
17
27
J Gill
T Hobson
-
20
35
-
M Kipling
E Brownlee
26
40
-
OBBGSOB
BGS30
47
Freestyle
OB
OB
BGS33
55
Cannon
OB
BGS39
65
4x50m
Medley
4X50m
8X25m
*BGS score first
G Mack
J Benson
OB in bold
BGS
16
oldbradfordian sport
SUMMER 2012
SUMMER 2012
1st VII v old girls netball match
grafton morrish golf
Saturday 3 September 2011
6-8 october 2011
The 1st team got off to quite a start and
were leading 9-5 after the first quarter, with
some quality performances in defence by
Alex Smith and Amy George, who joined
BGS in the 6th form and so this was her first
taste of netball! It took the Old Girls a while
to get back into it, but they came out in the
2nd quarter and showed the 1st team that
they were in charge! The half time score was
13-11 to the Old Girls. Abi Secker had a
particularly good quarter, not missing a goal
and I must take back everything I ever said
about Pip Medley not being a shooter!! She
was outstanding throughout the game.
The 3rd quarter was more balanced and the
combination of Emma Spencer and Chloe
Ramsden shooting for the 1st team brought
them back on a par with the Old Girls and the
score at ¾ time was 22-22. It really could
have gone either way. The Old Girls’ defence
consisted of Josie Savry, Mary Chapman and
Olivia Cooper, and they really were a force
to be reckoned with. They looked fit and
plucked many interceptions out of nowhere.
Caroline Sharpe and Georgie Dixon in centre
court were outstanding and the Old Girls
team, considering there were only 7 of them,
were awesome.
The final quarter saw some fantastic netball,
and it was too close to call. The Old Girls
desperately wanted to win, but victory went
to the 1st team, who won 28-26. What
a fantastic game. I’d like to wish all the
Old Girls the best of luck in their chosen
pathways, and I look forward to a great
season with the new 1st team!
Caroline Taylor
Director of Netball
Bradford Grammar School Old Boys Scratch Team again qualified for
the finals of the prestigious Grafton Morrish Public Schools Old Boys
Scratch Foursomes golf tournament at Hunstanton and Brancaster in
beautiful Norfolk, played over 6th to 8th October. Unfortunately, due
to the time of year working against us, many of the BGS star players
were unavailable. I am, as always, grateful to those who give up their
time to represent the school in this showpiece event. It is hard to truly
explain, unless you have experienced it, the quality of the tournament
and the standing in the public schools arena that it holds. It would be
tremendous one year to put out our ‘A’ team and really compete!!
For those who played and experienced the thrill of teeing off at 07:40
on a windy Hunstanton in front of a growing crowd, and the evenings
in local restaurants, I know they all want to come back for more. Whilst
walking down the second fairway asking my opponent what line of
sport oldbradfordian
work he was in, to which he replied, “Up to two years ago I spent five
years on the European tour!!” I did not share this information with Ric
Goodall, my partner, for fear of him turning to jelly. Yes we lost but
we put up a fight as did both other teams of Jeremy Ridyard and Paul
Rawcliffe and the Evergreens, Michael Fieldhouse and Ian Crawford.
The Solihill Salver played at Brancaster on Saturday was a real thrill;
the greens were immaculate and it really is a wonderful golf course.
Special mention to Jeremy and Paul who scored a splendid 28 points
in very breezy conditions.
So whilst we all had great fun and were proud to represent and
promote our school we would all like to think next year if we qualify to
persuade our younger players to join us and give it a real go!!
Andrew Seal (1966-1976)
bacchus cup golf competition
20 July 2011 - Shipley Golf Club
This is always a good event with an opportunity to meet old friends and
so it is a pity that a few more Old Bradfordians do not participate. There
were seventeen Old Bradfordians and two guests.
There was some rain during the evening, however, and with little
wind a number of players took advantage of the calm conditions to
post good scores.
The winner of the Bacchus Cup, with an excellent total of 41 points,
was Graham Scarbrough (1954-63) retaining the trophy he won for the
first time in 2010.
The guest prize was won by Nicholas Smith with a score of 33 points.
The catering at Shipley is usually of a high standard and this year’s
dinner did not disappoint.
Anyone wishing to play in 2012 should contact Roy Aspinall on 01225
725409 or e-mail [email protected]
Roy Aspinall (1956-65)
It took a countback over the first 6 holes to decide the runner-up, Geoff
Emmett (1956-62), just pipped James Barker (1966-76) to third, after
both players had returned 39 points.
Left:Robert Ackroyd
Middle:Geoff Emmett
Right:David Holmes
Left:David Ramsbottom
Middle: Andrew Seal
Right: James Barker
1st ViiOld Girls
Alex Smith
Amy George
Samah Alizai
Annabel Hewitt
Lydia Holloway
Harriet Liddington
Chloe Ramsden
Emma Spencer
Charlotte Cottle
Abi Secker
Caroline Sharpre
Pippa Medley
Georgie Dixon
Olivia Cooper
Mary Chapman
Josie Savry
Left: Roy Aspinall
Right:Graham Scarbrough
Left: Chris Balaam
Middle:David Raistrick
Right: Neville Core
17
18
oldbradfordian reunions & dinners
SUMMER 2012
cross
country
reunion
Westwell, Kent 27-28 August 2011
london club
friday 25 november 2011
The London Old Bradfordians’ Club held its annual Ladies’
Night Dinner at the Carlton Club on the 25th November. Eighty
members and their guests, including Stephen and Carol
Davidson, Gordon and Anne Green, Gavin and Anita Craig, and
John Hammond, heard President, Mick Stringer; introduce John
Greenwood, who had been at the school as a pupil and master.
Mick recalled being introduced to Coleridge and Byron by
John whilst in the Sixth Form, and demonstrated his legacy by
quoting a couple of snippets from Kubla Khan and the Rime of
the Ancient Mariner. He claimed he could remember the whole
poems, but mercifully declined to prove this. Proposing the toast
to the School, John, who was accompanied by his sister, Mrs
Mary Walker, revisited fond and formative memories: work on the
farm in the Dales, to which he was to return many years later and
re-make acquaintances, the camp at Drebley, the larger than life
personality of Ken (Jock) Grose, and the brooding presence of W
E Clarkson, who was to become a significant benefactor of the
School. Responding to the toast, Stephen Davidson reviewed
the changes that had taken place under his own stewardship
and expressed his satisfaction that he was leaving the School
in very great heart to a very worthy successor. Mick thanked
Stephen for his outstanding contribution to the School and for
the warmth of the relations which he and Carol had fostered with
the Club. He wished them both, and their son Jamie, the very
best for the future and hoped that they would continue to attend
the Dinner for many years to come. These sentiments were
warmly applauded by the members and guests, most notably by
a group of younger members who had been at the School during
Stephen’s headship and who, Mick observed, were a superb
tribute to his leadership.
Selby Brock, Tony Kingham, and Old Bradfordians Tim Soutar, Andrew
Seal, John Herries and Ed Shaw–Smith got together on the bank
holiday weekend at Westwell in Kent for a cross country reunion.
oba says
farewell…
to stephen & carol davidson
Around 80 OBs and their guests attended the Open Day on 17th
September to say farewell to Stephen and Carol Davidson.
It was an informal gathering and after a superb buffet lunch, the
President, Gordon Green, said a few words, following which he was
pleased to announce the conferring of Honorary Membership on
Carol in recognition of her unwavering support to Stephen over the
past 15 years.
He also confirmed that in accordance with the rules of the
Association, he was pleased to confirm that Stephen would, as
a retiring member of staff, become an Honorary Member of the
Association.
Gordon also welcomed Koleen Wright, our new Secretary, to her
first OBA event.
Stephen then said a few words in response, saying how much he
had enjoyed his time at school and how important he felt was the
support given to the school by the OBA.
The afternoon concluded with guided tours of the school and a
few hardy souls braved the rain to watch the First XV Rugby match
against Hymers College.
Gordon Green (1953-61)
1940s reunion
Saturday 21 april 2012
On Saturday 21st April, I had the pleasure to host 70 people at this
year’s 1940’s Reunion Lunch. It was great to be able to welcome
many familiar faces back to BGS for this annual event. That said it
was fantastic to see an Old Bradfordian
who was attending his first event back
at BGS for 50 years!
As always, BGS’ catering team did us
proud and none of us can say we were
left hungry following Geoff’s quality
fayre! I do not know after how long one
can cease calling somebody ‘new’ to
an organisation but it was fantastic to introduce our (here it comes...)
new Headmaster Kevin Riley to the group as this year’s speaker.
Before joining BGS, Kevin was head of the Harrow International
School in Bangkok so brought a great international educational
perspective to proceedings.
We were able to schedule the 1940’s Lunch to fit in seamlessly
with the OBA v BGS Swimming and Water Polo where this year the
school welcomed the 1988 Olympic Games gold medal winner Adrian
Moorhouse back to BGS for the dedication of the swimming pool in
his name.
The next 1940’s Reunion Lunch will take place on Saturday 20th
April 2013. 2013 sounds a long time away but as one starts to get on
(referring to myself here!); this will come round faster than we think. I
just hope the Mayans get it very wrong and that December 21st will
not see the end of Bradford and indeed the whole world. Thinking like
that, I won’t be feeling too guilty whenever I have a second portion of
BGS apple crumble and custard!
All the best and I look forward to seeing you at the next OBA event.
James Williams (1980-90)
SUMMER 2012
reunions & dinners oldbradfordian
oxford & cambridge
dinner
Saturday 29 october 2011
The annual Old Bradfordians’ Association
Oxford and Cambridge dinner took place on
Saturday 29th October 2011 in the Vernon
Harcourt Room at St Hilda’s College, Oxford.
The dinner was held slightly earlier in the year
than in previous years due to the school’s
involvement in the Lord Mayor’s Parade in
the City of London in November, at which it
was anticipated a number of OBs would wish
to be present. Just over 20 people attended
the dinner following a number of last-minute
cancellations. It was pleasing, as ever, to
see different age groups represented, from
early 20s through to late 70s.
From 7pm, OBs and their guests arrived for
pre-dinner drinks. Just before 8pm, dinner
was called and the St Hilda’s College grace
was recited. Diners sat down to a starter
of parma ham and Italian salami on a bed
of wild rocket, cherry tomato and parmesan
shavings, a main course of venison loin, pan
fried on fondant potato and port jus, followed
by summer pudding with lashings of double
cream. Vegetarian options were feta cheese,
sun blush tomato and rocket salad stack for
starter followed by crepes filled with a lightly
spiced squash. Wines were Cépage
Colombard, Vin de Pays Côtes de
Gascogne 2006 and Los Vilos Cabernet
Sauvignon, Central Valley Chile 2006,
with port to follow; coffee and tea were
served after the meal.
After dinner, the OBA President, Gordon
Green, greeted guests and gave a brief
and entertaining speech. It was regrettable
that, due to his travels in North America, the
Headmaster was unable to be present to
speak on this occasion. He has been a loyal
attendee of the reunions in the past and the
OBA is extremely grateful to him for the time
and effort he has put in to speaking on these
occasions. We wish him well in his
new role as High Sheriff!
The initial arrangements were
made by Charity Orviss who
left us in September 2011 to
take up a teaching career, we
wish her well and thank her
for her contribution to the
OBA during her time with us.
Koleen Wright who took up her
role as OBA Secretary shortly
afterwards, picked up the reins
with remarkable speed and
efficiency and ensured that the
event ran without a hitch. All of
the committee look forward to
working with her over the years
to come.
I hope this all makes sense and hope, if you
require further text just let me know. Thanks
for your patience and understanding today.
Dominic Crossley (1987-96)
19
20
oldbradfordian reunions & dinners
SUMMER 2012
north
american
reunion
texas October 2011
The annual reunion was held in Dallas, Texas, this year,
and was hosted by Phil and Jackie Brown.
Unfortunately numbers were well down this year as
against last year, but those attending certainly had a very
enjoyable weekend.
Attendees were: Dave and Eleanor Huggins, John and
Madeline Burnell, Paul and Kristine Dobson, Phil and Jackie
Brown, and of course, Stephen, Carol and Jamie Davidson.
The visitors flew in on Friday afternoon, and we all met in
the bar of the Westin Hotel at the Galleria to say hello and
drink a toast or two to the School. Later in the evening we
walked the short distance to a restaurant for the evening
meal, where we were accommodated in the board room
– no less – and almost all of us selected the magnificent
Texas beef fillet for our main dish.
Saturday morning after breakfast, we all travelled to Phil
and Jackie’s house, where Stephen gave his annual
“State of the School” address. As usual, the School, its
buildings and its students seem to aspire to ever greater
heights. We were all thrilled to hear about the imminent
arrival of the new Headmaster and we hope to see him
over here next year.
After a light lunch the afternoon was designated as free
time. Most of the party went downtown to visit the Sixth
Floor Museum, which is located in the Texas School
Book Depository from where Lee Harvey Oswald shot
President Kennedy. The exhibition is a very moving and
sympathetically presented chronicle of the life, death and
legacy of President John F Kennedy.
Then it was back to the hotel for a little break, and the
evening was spent in fellowship at a local Mexican restaurant.
On Sunday morning we all met again at Phil and Jackie’s
for brunch and then all too soon it was time for departures
to Dallas Fort Worth Airport, and for one couple, to the
Greyhound Bus Station for onward travel to Austin.
We all look forward to renewing friendships next year.
We may not see Stephen, Carol and Jamie next year,
but we are sure that the friendships we have all made
with them will endure. We are all grateful for the effort
and commitment the Davidsons have made to the North
American Old Boys, and of course, in return the Alma
Mater has benefited too.
We all wish Stephen, Carol and Jamie the best of luck as
they embark on a new and exciting phase of their lives.
annual dinner &
agm
Saturday 14 January 2012
The President, Gordon Green,
entertained his guests in the
Douglas Hamilton Room before
dinner and a bar was available at
the back of the Hall from 6pm.
At around 7pm, the Master of
Ceremonies announced the start
of dinner and guests assembled
in the Hall. Before dinner, the
moving Scouts’ Candle Ceremony
was re-enacted for the second
time in recent years, followed by
the traditional minute’s silence for
absent friends. Grace, admirably
recited by John Hammond, a
Past President of the Association,
completed the pre-dinner rituals.
The menu comprised a starter of
carrot and coriander soup, followed
by supreme of chicken wrapped in
bacon served with a wild mushroom
sauce, and apple and rhubarb
crumble and custard for pudding.
Coffee and mints followed, and
drinks from the bar were available
throughout the evening. As is now
customary, the President took wine
during dinner with OBs from every
headmastership, as well as the
guests, and all the ladies present.
This year must surely have seen a
record number of headmasterships
represented in the taking of wine,
from Dr Edwards through to the
present headmaster, Kevin Riley,
who had just assumed office.
Once again this year, the OBA was
delighted to welcome a number of
Sixth Form students to the Annual
Dinner.
After the Loyal Toast and the
National Anthem, the AGM took
place and there was a short
interval. The President then spoke
briefly, giving some helpful insights
into the nature of a good speech,
and proposed a toast to the School.
The principal guest – the new
Headmaster – responded, proving
himself every bit as eloquent as
his predecessor. Derek Oldfield,
a veteran of the Edwards years,
proposed a toast to all the guests
present and this was responded to
by Dr Keith Howard OBE, who gave
some interesting reflections on how
his perceptions of Bradford, and
BGS, had changed over the years.
The President thanked all members
and guests for their attendance
and the evening closed with the
traditional singing of Auld Lang
Syne.
Thanks go to Nick Green (OB), for
providing his services as Master
of Ceremonies for a second year
in a row, James Williams, OBA
President-elect, for hosting the
ever-successful stand-up bingo and
for co-ordinating organisation of the
event, Anna Brown and her quartet,
John Hammond for his skills at the
organ, Charlie and Nicky Linfield
for running the Price Hall bar, and
County Caterers for providing an
excellent spread as always, and
to the Sixth Form students who
provided invaluable assistance
throughout the evening, including
serving drinks in the DH Room,
taking wine orders, and serving the
food. Special thanks to the School
caretakers for their assistance in
clearing up afterwards, and to all
members of the OBA committee.
Dominic Crossley (1987-96)