The Newsletter of the Old Grovian Association
Issue 25 Autumn 2014
Tom Bould
We caught up with Tom to ask him a few questions….
You must be delighted to have got through the
gruelling selection process to become a Red Arrow
can you tell us a little bit about what the selection
process entailed?
Red
Arrows
I applied for the team at the beginning of the year and I
found out I was short-listed in March. The short list
consisted of 9 candidates for 3 places and was a week
at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. The week involved a formal
interview, a flying test and other activities with the
team.
What are the specific requirements for being a Red
Arrow?
To apply to join the Red Arrows, Royal Air Force pilots
need to have at least 1,500 fast jet flying hours, to have
completed a frontline tour and be assessed as above
average in their flying role.
What are you most looking forward to?
Working with the whole team to perfect next years
display.
Where will you be based?
RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire
On July 28th 2014 the latest recruits to the Red Arrows display team were
announced and amongst them was none other than Old Grovian Thomas Bould
(88-00). Thomas joined Brontë in 1988 and is married to Danielle Bould née
Goldsworthy (also an Old Grovian!). They now have two children, Sebastian and
Eleanor.
Press release courtesy of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic team
What speed do the planes travel at?
The Hawk has a top speed of Mach 1.2 but in the
displays they are travelling at approximately 400mph.
Why are they called the Red Arrows?
The Red arrows name is an amalgamation of the Red
Pelicans and the Black Arrows, two former display
teams in the RAF.
Do you think you will be able to arrange a flyover
Woodhouse Grove….?
We'll have to see!
Woodhouse Grove has always been proud of its military
connections and the number of Old Grovians who work
for the British Armed Forces. Tom joins a select group
of Old Grovians who have achieved military honours.
These include Colonel Tim Hodgetts CBE, the former
Chief of Defence Staff (03-06) General The Lord Walker
of Aldringham GCB CMG CBE DL and the current chief
of Defence Staff General Sir Nicholas Houghton GCB
CBE ADC Gen.
Flight Lieutenant Thomas Bould will begin training with the Red Arrows later this year,
ready to display as part of next season’s nine-strong team.
As the public face of the Royal Air Force, the Red Arrows assist with recruiting into
the service, contribute to defence diplomacy and support wider national interests by
representing the United Kingdom and its industry.
Based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, the team uses BAE Systems’ Hawk T1 jet,
with the squadron being famous for its trademark Diamond Nine formation.
Red Arrows’ pilots stay for three years and are selected following a gruelling process
that involves flight tests, interviews and other exercises.
Flight Lieutenant Bould was born and raised in Bradford, West Yorkshire – attending
Woodhouse Grove School before studying at Manchester University and being a
member of Manchester and Salford University Air Squadron.
The 32-year-old joined the Royal Air Force in 2005, was the Tucano display pilot in
2010 and was selected to fly the Typhoon multi-role combat aircraft. He was posted
to 1(F) Squadron and during his frontline tour had several deployments to the Falkland
Islands as well as exercises in Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.
He said: “It was the professionalism of the Red Arrows and the excellence of what
they do that stood out to me and inspired me to apply to join. I believe the Red
Arrows firmly stand for these qualities and I will be immensely proud to be part of the
team.”.
Visit www.raf.mod.uk/reds for more information on the Red Arrows or follow
@rafredarrows on Twitter. Use #reds50 for the latest Twitter updates on the Team’s
50th display season.
The Red Arrows are ambassadors for the United Kingdom and showcase the
excellence of the Royal Air Force. The team consists of nine display pilots and 110
support staff, including operations and flight planners, engineering technicians,
photographers, safety equipment experts, drivers, a public relations department,
suppliers and administrators. The engineers and support staff are known as The Blues
and wear distinctive, blue coveralls. Based at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire, 2014 is
the Team’s 50th display season.
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www.raf.mod.uk/reds
Where are they now.....
We have caught up with a few Old Grovians to see where they are now. If you would
like to be included in this section in our next edition please contact the editor.
NICK PAGE Old Grovian (97-04)
BA(Hons) Dip Arch RIBA
Following his time at the Grove, Nick attended Leeds Metropolitan University where he started his qualifications in architecture; he is now working
for Watson Batty Architects ltd, based in Guiseley. Nick became a Chartered Member of the RIBA in 2014 following success in his Part 3
examinations this time last year. His working experience has seen him involved on projects in Australia, Barbados and currently on projects back at
the Grove and Bronte House.
Nick's design for an OGRUFC Clubhouse
Q & A WITH
SASCHA OF
BETSY BOO
CREATIONS...
What made you start up the company?
What do you feel is your biggest achievement?
I was working as Business Development Manager for
Sainsburys when I became pregnant with my first child.
After I had Oscar, he had a few problems after his birth
and with my work taking me all over the country I
decided to be a full time mum. We then had another
child, Betsy, in 2011. But my husband, Darryn was made
redundant in early 2012 and with two children, we
needed to do something fairly quickly. I had always
enjoyed sewing and thought there was a gap in the
market for handmade clothing in unique fabrics. So, I
started sewing dresses and cushions and organised a
couple of craft fairs. They were successful and my items
sold well so I set up Betsy Boo Creations Facebook
page in November 2012.
Opening our first shop in May this year was a huge
achievement for us. When we started out it was just
me sewing at our kitchen table. Now we employ a few
local ladies who sew for us, as well as staff in the shop.
To be able to support the family through what started
out as something I just did to make ends meet for a
while has been incredible.
What was your inspiration?
A lot of my inspiration comes from my mum who I
watched sewing as I was growing up and she sews for
Betsy Boo Creations now. But my inspiration really just
comes from sourcing material that I like, and that I think
would suit my own daughter. We've recently started
stocking gifts as well and a lot of them are French
ranges after spending a lot of time in France since my
mum retired there, and Betsy had enjoyed them herself.
What has been the biggest challenge you have faced?
Growing the business without borrowing money, not
that it has been easy, but we have put everything we
can into driving business forwards and the main
challenge has been managing the cash flow, paying
suppliers etc (which we have always achieved), overall it
is my biggest challenge and after 18 months to be able
to say that we carry no debt hopefully shows we are on
the right track.
What has been the biggest learning experience of
setting up Betsy Boo?
Biting the bullet on giving up a very well paid job with
Sainsbury's into entering the unknown of setting up
my own business was definitely the biggest learning
experience. The budgets were certainly different, but
the principles were the same, and ultimately all the
decisions I made were mine and affected me, so I had
to get them right from the start.
Drifters…
is a British sitcom that first aired
on E4 on 31 October 2013. The
programme was created, and
stars Old Grovian Jessica
Knappett (92-02). The story is
about three female friends who
live in Leeds following their
graduation from university. The
second series began mid
October and ran for 6 episodes
on Thursday at 9pm on E4.
What advice would you give to others setting up
their own business?
Find something you believe in doing and go for it, be
prepared to spend all the time you can on it to get it
started and making it successful, never get bogged
down by people trying to knock you, if you have a
strong product you will always shine through and
most of all enjoy doing it.
What’s next for Sascha and Betsy Boo….
More sewers to grow the business, hopefully more
shops and website as well, and who knows where's
next, whatever happens I'll make sure me and my
family enjoy every step of it...
Sascha Rawlinson (1988-1992)
3
Weddings
Deciding who to marry is obviously one of the
most important decisions you will ever make in
your life and one that needs careful thought….
You need to choose someone reliable, dependent,
likely to achieve great things and most importantly
someone who comes from a good background
and school!!! So it is no surprise that so many Old
Grovians marry each other!
Nick (89-00) and Claire (92-02) chose the beautiful Newby Hall to tie the knot on Friday 20th
Anyone under the age of 45 can probably name at
least one couple who they were at school with
who have tied the knot, and to be fair you can’t
attend a do better than an Old Grovian wedding!
June amongst family and friends. The “famous” Brimacombe brothers Andrew and Steve walked
the stunning bride down the aisle. The pair, who now live in Dubai, enjoyed a truly fantastic day
and judging by the photos all those who attended had a great time!
Old Grovians present: Sam Fox (best
There are many married couples who I can name
that are both Old Grovians, some who were not
together at school and took a bit of time to get
there, and others who were childhood sweethearts
(and some who have not quite got hitched yet,
but it’s on the cards…!)
man) Richard Moeller (best man),
Sara Harrison (Maid of Honour)
Victoria Roberts (bridesmaid),
Rebecca Kelley (Sharp) (bridesmaid),
Duncan Setterington (Master of
Ceremonies), Sammy Elazab (usher),
This summer saw not one but 2 big Old Grovian
weddings, I say big as there were a great number
of OGs at them both, and the families involved
spread across a long period of time at the Grove….
Jamie Garrett, Eleanor Samson, Kelly
Dey , Ellie Beard, Heather Williamson,
Yasmin Jones (née Rahmatullah),
Congratulations to Nick & Claire Carlile
(Brimacombe) and Ben & Naomi Redhead
(Littlefair)
James Hennessy, Jamie Garrett,
Roger Harrison, Emma Williams.
The second Old Grovian wedding of the summer took place at Bolton
Abbey Priory on Saturday 28th June. Ben (98-05) and Naomi (00-07)
then celebrated at their reception in the village of Beamsley. Naomi
walked down the aisle with her father, Old Grovian David Littlefair and
her two sisters Rebecca and Emma were bridesmaids.
There was a huge Old Grovian presence at the wedding and many were
included in the bridal party. It was a truly incredible day and night and
one that will stay in the memories of all those who attended for many
photo courtesy of www.stevemyersphotography.co.uk
years.
Old Grovians present: Oliver Sharp (best man) , Mike Richards, Sophie Bell, Laura Guillon, Ben Brown, Emma Humphreys, Sam Booth, Will Ko, Sam
Cordingley, Sam Robinson, Rebecca Worrall, Brooke Donkersley, Kate O’Brien, Annie Isles, Laura Myers, Jen Best, Sam Cadman, Jennifer Isles, Sam Hunt,
Lucy Arnold, Tom Myers, Simon Stevens
4
London Reunion
On Thursday 4th September we held the London Reunion at the Yorkshire Grey Pub in central London. The evening was attended by 23 Old
Grovians ranging in ages from 22 to 80 years. The evening was enjoyed by all who were there and we were particularly delighted to have
Simon Parrish attend who is one of only 2 people in the school history to be Head boy at Brontë House and the Grove! This is an annual
event and the next London Reunion date for 2015 will be out soon. If you do live in London we would be delighted to see you at the next
reunion……
Leavers of 88/89 Reunion
Year Groups mainly consisting of 88 and 89 Leavers met up at Hollins Hall in Baildon on Friday 27th June. This follows recent reunions in 2011
and 2012 for the 89 year group. The event was advertised widely and generated a lot of interest and the group who met are committed to
annual catch ups, and are open to other year groups joining.
Particular thanks to Becky Lyons for organising the event and location, and Sam Cadman and Kath Dawson for their support through the Old
Grovians.
Amid reminisces about very happy times at the Grove discussions ranged from the sporting life at the Grove, the great strides the school has
made with its facilities and sporting partnerships, the 2012 bicentennial event that most had attended, who sees who these days, and will your
children be attending the Grove too…….
All in all the event was well attended and enjoyed by all. Next year’s event will also coincide with the annual School Summer Reunion.
(featuring left to right Dean Watmough, Darren Gray, William Clark,
Guy Williams)
Attendees / year left:
Rebecca Lyons 87
Andy Kippax 89
David Palmer-Barnes 89
Sara Harrison 89
Mike Atack 89
Simon Berry 88
Claire Garratt 89
Scott Foley 89
James Lee 88
Claire Carlile 02
Andrew Garratt 89
Dave Pearson 88
Dean Watmough 89
Darren Gray 88
Gregg Holmes 88
Guy Williams 89
William Clark 89
Simon Lund 89
Andy Rhodes 87
Catch up in Sydney….
“Having lost touch with Chris English (86-93) over the last 4/5
years, I heard via facebook that he was teaching in Sydney. I already
had a month's holiday to Oz booked for Easter, so I managed to get
back in touch with him while I was out there and we arranged to
meet up by the Opera House on Good Friday and caught up on a
few years of each other’s news!” Vicky Credland (92-96)
With thanks
David Palmer-Barnes 89
5
Summer Reunion Sunday 29th June
This year we decided to do something a little bit different for the summer reunion and we made it into a Family Funday! The annual cricket and tennis
matches against the school were played as usual but we also had an outdoor stage which hosted a variety of musical and dance performances
throughout the afternoon.
The addition of a Bouncy castle for the smaller children and an inflatable assault course for the older ones, combined with a face painter and ice cream
van meant the children had a fantastic afternoon. The bbq and bar kept all visitors fed and watered throughout the afternoon and many stayed until the
end of the cricket.
We were delighted that so many Old Grovians came back for the day and that our 2014 Leavers (our newest OGs) were also able to spend an enjoyable
afternoon at the school following their leavers service in the morning.
Due to its great success we will be holding the same event next year on Sunday 5th July from 1.30pm.
Tennis
Old Grovians v School Tennis Report 29th June 2014 | Final Result: OG won 6 ½ - 2 ½ rubbers
The School was represented by Robert Bickerton (Captain) and Dominic
Williams, 1st pair; Amelia Lancaster and Richard Zhang, 2nd pair, and
George Wilkinson and Kobe O’Brien, 3rd pair.
Robert Bickerton and Dominic Williams, North of England Schools
Champions, showed their worth too by winning 2 out of their 3 rubbers –
only narrowly missing out to Steve and Rob in a very close match.
While the Old Grovians were represented by the Father and Son pairing
of Simon and Matthew Bickerton at 3rd pair, Steve Moore and Rob
Jackson, 2nd pair, and Ashley Weir and Joe Gowon, 1st pair.
It was pleasing to receive support from many OGs prior to this fixture;
expressing a wish to play or indeed to be in attendance. Notably, I’d like to
thank Ted Palm for his presence – providing wonderful encouragement and
much needed refreshment, as well as good cheer, to both teams throughout
the afternoon.
The weather and playing conditions were ideal for tennis, making a
pleasant welcome for Steve Moore who had travelled from Hong Kong
to take part. Those with less of a distance to cover equally rose to the
challenge. However, it was a dominant display by Steve and Rob that
anchored an Old Grovians win. They secured 3 rubbers to nil.
Inevitably, hitting against such accomplished players will benefit the Grove’s
tennis team and I look forward to seeing improvements from a number of
promising players next year.
Joe Gowon (79-86) Old Grovian Tennis
Old
Grovians
Cricket
Team
June 2014
6
Netball
Old Grovian and School 2nd VII
Winning Old Grovian netball representative
Emma Humphreys
Rugby
Old Grovian and Staff teams
The winning Old Grovian Captain, Dean
Hogg with David Dickinson
Player of the match, Nathan Barr
Jonathan Robb with Becky
Eastwood-Smith
The November Reunion 2014
The November reunion always begins with the Remembrance service in chapel where Old Grovians young and old remember those who gave their lives
in the two World Wars. The sermon delivered by the School Chapel, David Bonny, made specific reference to World War I, as we commemorate its
centenary. He talked about the 71 Old Grovians who gave their lives in the first World War and Thomas Varey, the one Old Grovian whose name is
missing from our board of honours, a name that we will be adding shortly.
Following the service refreshments were served in the Hastings-Long Gallery and those who wished to attend the OGA AGM headed for the meeting in
the seminar room. David Dickinson was inducted as Chairman of the OGA by the retiring Chairman, Peter Heyes. We thank Peter for his year in office
and the enthusiasm he has brought to the association, and all the reunions he has driven and attended in the past year. The full minutes from the AGM
can be obtained from the OGA Secretary Heather Garner.
The netball started straight after lunch with a very strong Old Grovians team taking on the school 2nd XII. Following a relatively close start the Old
Grovians got in to full swing to beat the school team 49-17.
In a slight change to the Windle Cup this year it was decided to hold a Sevens Tournament on the Grainge Pitch , thus hoping to attract more players,
and some of different ages. Unfortunately the turnout was not as good as we hoped but still allowed for a Staff VII’s team to play an Old Grovians team.
The Old Grovians team won in the last play of the game 63-61. The player of the match was awarded to new member of staff Nathan Barr and the “Spirit
of the Game” award in memory of Scott Eastwood-Smith was awarded to Jonathan Robb (staff).
We will be holding a Sevens Tournament again next year and would like to encourage different year groups to get a team together to enter. If you
would be interested in playing in the event next year please get in touch with Anthony Cadman (OG 87-95) [email protected]
7
Harry Whitwell (2000-2007) married Isis Redford at St Mary’s Church, Clyst St Mary, Devon in
August. Best man should have been Jack Harder (2000-2005) but he was unable to attend due to
early arrival of his daughter, Rebecca, the day before the wedding. The Ushers were Jonathan
Whitwell (1997-2003) and James Houghton (2000-2007). Other Old Grovians present were Alec
Pue (2000-2007) and Sean Richardson (2000-2008).
James Wroe (1989-1996) married Denise
Walsh on 23rd August at St Wilfred's Church
The reception was held at Escott House, Ottery St Mary and they honeymooned in Turkey. Harry and
Isis met whilst at York University where they both obtained degrees in biology. Harry is now working
towards a PhD at Southampton University. The couple are currently living in Fleet, Hampshire. Whilst
at the Grove Harry started fencing and his enthusiasm has never waned he is now fencing at National
level and for the past five years he has organised the York Open Fencing competition.
Brian Greenwood (1934-45) and his wife Enid received a letter from the
Queen this summer in celebration of their 65th wedding anniversary.
They celebrated with a small luncheon at the Sawley Arms with family
and their bestman Dennis Greenwood (1934-1943) and groomsmen
Vernon Whitfield (1934-1943) and Dennis (Dick) Atkinson (1938-1945)
South Kilvington. The reception was held at
the Allerton Court Hotel in Northallerton and
they honeymooned in Playa Del Carmen in
Mexico.
Classmates
Geoffrey Newton (1938-1947) and his wife Maureen celebrated their
Diamond Wedding Anniversary on the 24th July 2014. They were
married at the Congregational Church, Sefton Road, Morecambe. The
Best Man was Dr Eric J Roebuck (1941-1946) and a Groom was John K
Rhodes (1941-1947).
John H Robinson (1951-1959 and former Governor) received the CBE in
the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for services to Engineering and
charity.
Nigel Haslam (1964-1971) and his wife have just retired to the South of
France, although he will be returning a couple of days a month to
continue running training courses in special needs.
Philip Thickett (1964-1975) is Professor and Head of School, Birmingham
School of Media at Birmingham City University. His working background
has been in BBC TV.
John Milner and David Vasey (both 1965-72) want to get in touch with
any Old Grovians who were at the school at this time to organise a
reunion. Please contact the school if you are interested.
William Howarth (1968-1974) owns the Aphrodiles Lodge and
Windermere Boutique Hotel in Cumbria and he says he often has Old
Grovians staying. William would love to hear from anyone in his year at
school.
John Redding (1981-1988) graduated with 1st Class Honours in Public
Services Management from Bradford College in May 2012. He was
awarded the Bradford College award for academic achievement on an
honours degree course. He is currently studying to become a primary
school teacher on the School Direct programme and will be taking up a
place at a school in Bingley next September.
Caroline Priestley (1985-1991) has been working in Marketing in Germany
for over 14 year and lives in Frankfurt. Caroline married Stefan Aust at
The Mansion, Roundhay Park, Leeds on the 20th September 2014. Her
sister, Claire Hart (nee Priestley, 85-92) was present. They now live in
Frankfurt, Germany together with their son, Finlay, who is 16 months old.
8
Toby Henry (2002-2004)and Lucy Fox (1998-2005)were married on 14th
December 2013 at Strawberry Hill House in London. Bridesmaids included
Old Grovians Emma Davidson (1998-2005), Jessica Cholmondeley
(1998-2005), Zoe Connell (1993-2005), Rachel Oxtoby (1998-2005) and
Thea Henry (2003-2008). The two best men were Old Grovians Thomas
(2001-2003) and Dominic Henry (2003-2007). Other Old Grovians present
were Oliver Fox (1991-1998), Kathryn Hutchinson (1998-2005), Simon Gayle
(1998-2005), Sam Pearson (1998-2005), Kyle Bussey (1998-2005) and
James Henry (1998-2000).
Will Johnston (1991-2002) 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
William Watson (1992-2003) graduated from Cambridge University in 2010.
He is currently working in the cardiology and transplantation department at
Addenbrookes Hospital as well as teaching and researching for Cambridge
University.
Emma Waller (2006-2013) was presented with her Gold Duke of Edinburgh
Award by Prince Edward on 29th April at St James’ Palace.
Obituaries
We regret to record the following deaths
Peter K Griffiths (1934-1941) – informed by his
son Richard Griffiths
Peter Croft (1952-1959) – informed by Tony
Bramwell (1952-1959)
Michael Reuben Alfred Harwood (1947-1953) –
informed by his brother-in-law Julian Royle
Peter died on 22nd August 2014 aged 91, whilst
at school he played in both the lacrosse and
rugby teams.
Sadly Peter collapsed and died in his garden in
Virginia USA on 2nd June. Tony and Peter have
been friends since their school days and were
Best Man for each other. Peter’s son Paul is also
an Old Grovian.
Michael died on 28th July 2014. After leaving the
Grove Michael joined the RAF and worked in
Radio Intelligence playing in the RAF Band
whilst stationed in Cyprus. Due to illness he had
to leave the RAF and he had a number of
different jobs including working as a salesman
for a number of northern companies, as a
European Holiday executive with LunnPoly
Travel, Tour Manager with Thomas Cook,
managing Royle Publications travelling picture
showroom and owning and running The
Pheasant Inn at Gestingthorpe he finally settling
in Grassington.
He continued to play lacrosse for Heaton Mersey
Lacrosse Club in his home town of Stockport for
almost 60 years culminating in participating
throughout an entire game arranged to
celebrate his 80th birthday. His exuberant
character was expressed in his lifelong
enthusiasm for the game.
He was a raconteur and would fondly recall his
time at the Grove with tales of minor adventures
and mischief, often involving his close pals Harry
Dunwell (killed in WWII) and Ron Gelsthorpe.
The PE teacher in his time at School was an
ageing ex-army officer affectionately known to
the boys as Daddy Brown. One of their pranks
was to hide boys in the wooden vaulting box in
the gym when Daddy Brown’s back was turned.
Poor Daddy never understood how boys would
disappear from his lesson, then re-appear
moments later.
Peter was no academic, but his Woodhouse
Grove education, with its rigorous traditional
teaching methods, instilled into him a knowledge
of classical quotations and verse which stood
him in good stead for his renowned
performances of northern monologues in later
life.
In his final year at School he was made Head
Boy and gained the only prize of his School
career – for service to the School. After leaving
the Grove he joined the merchant navy as a
wireless operator with the Blue Funnel Line. In
February 1943 his ship, the Rhexenor, was
torpedoed by a German U-Boat, and Peter,
together with 15 crewmates, spent 18 harrowing
days in a lifeboat exposed to the elements with
little food and water until they finally arrived at
Antigua in the West Indies.
After the war Peter ran the sales for the family
textile business. Family life was important to
Peter with two children and later six
grandchildren and one great granddaughter.
Family holidays were often spent with the family
of his old school friend Ron Gelsthorpe at their
home in Jersey. At the end of each holiday
Peter and Ron would give a heartfelt rendition of
Xaipete as they parted once again, nostalgically
recalling their happy times at the Grove.
Richard Griffiths
Michael Lancaster (1944-1953) – informed by
his widow Mrs Lancaster
Michael a much loved husband, father and
grandfather sadly passed away on 11th October
2013. He still had his school blazer of which he
was very proud.
Paul Shepherd (St1986) – informed by David
Wilberforce (St1980-1999)
Former pupils and staff in the 1980’s and early
1990’s will remember Paul Shepherd, especially
those involved in the Music Department. A
Lancastrian by birth, he trained at Trinity College
of Music in London.
Paul had played the violin from an early age and
was a most proficient performer. He also
showed a talent for conducting, winning the
Ricordi Conducting Prize at Trinity College.
He taught at Bretton Hall, Wakefield and later
became Head of Music at Trinity and All Saints
College, Horsforth. At Woodhouse Grove he
involved himself in the musical life of the school
teaching violin, playing in the orchestra and
singing in the Choral Society.
He was also conductor of the well known
Chamber Choir – The West Riding Singers –
which gave concerts all over Yorkshire and
beyond. After retirement he became involved
with Ripon Cathedral running the Golden
Wedding services each year and participating in
the life and events of the Cathedral.
Paul also conducted the annual Nidderdale
“Messiah” for many years until very recently, and
his many musical talents were widely
appreciated.
He married his first wife Yvonne in 1972 and their
son was born in 1973 but she died later that year.
Michael leaves his son Mark and grandson Oscar.
Julian A C Royle
Frank Laycock (1938-1944) – informed by his
widow Mrs P M Laycock
Frank died in 2010 aged 79 he always enjoyed
reading about the Grove.
Gareth David Huntley (1991-1998) – informed
by his brother Chris
Gareth tragically died in Malaysia earlier this year.
Charles Stuart Starkey (1941-1944) – informed
by his widow Barbara Starkey
Charles died on 7th July 2014.
David Charles Willcock (1934-1940) – informed
by his daughter Louise Callan
David passed away on 22nd June 2014 aged 89.
He maintained a lifelong friendship for over 80
years with Ted Bell in Sydney and Gordon Caird
and always spoke very fondly of the Grove.
He displayed a great sense of humour and
generosity of spirit, and as an excellent teacher
he was a great inspiration to his pupils. We
extend our sympathy to Ann, Margaret, his three
sons and their families. He died on 10th July,
2014 after a long illness. His funeral took place
at Ripon Cathedral prior to burial at
Hampsthwaite. David Wilberforce
9
Dr. Henry Mendel
By Roger Davy
I am absolutely certain that we are educated at the wrong age. During our younger years we are often so busy growing up and our bodies and brains
are continually bombarded by internal chemicals and physical changes that, although most of us conform to a strict school timetable, we learn
because we have to and not always because we want to. Some teachers are able to convey a love of a subject to a receptive young mind but some fail
because the young minds are not willing to listen and learn. As I look back almost sixty years I am ashamed to say that I wish I could apologise to one
man for not taking advantage of the knowledge he tried to give me. I can honestly say that I was not one of the instigators of being unruly, it was not
in my nature, but a number of my school contemporaries made one teacher’s life difficult to say the least.
Dr Henry Mendel was born in 1898 in Wustdorf, a small town not far from Hanover, in north east Germany. He was given an English name long before
anyone knew he would one day live in England and become a British citizen. The small town was a largely Protestant community but with a small
number of Jewish families, the Mendel family being one of them. In those far off days the two communities co-existed in close harmony.
Henry had a happy uneventful childhood long before the country was taken over by an evil regime. His grandfather had a drapery shop in the town
and Henry was encouraged to go into the family business when he left school. Henry's daughter Rachel has told me that one of the things she has
remembered about her father was his complete honesty, 'Some might say almost excessive'. This trait manifested itself early on in young Henry's
business career because with his naive honesty he could never come to terms with charging customers a higher amount for cloth compared to that
which he knew his grandfather had paid the wholesaler. Grandpa Mendel said 'This boy will ruin me' and eventually he let him do what he wanted and
go to Gottingen University to study mathematics. He served in, and survived, the First World War and was demobbed in 1919.
Henry Mendel's university course was enhanced through one of his tutors being Albert Einstein. He took his doctorate in meteorology, wrote a
dissertation on seismology and later taught in Cologne where he married a young lady who taught in the same school.
In November 1938 when the Nazis increased their tactics of terror Henry was arrested but
somehow was released four weeks later and, encouraged by his wife, immediately fled to
England. His mother-in-law, his wife and his daughter Rachel managed to escape to
Switzerland hours before the war broke out and were sheltered by another relative and
allowed to stay in that country until 1946 when they joined Henry in England.
In 1938 Henry Mendel initially went to Newcastle to stay with a professor with whom he had
been in correspondence. After a little while he left to live in a hostel with other refugees
including other Germans, Austrians, Czechs and Hungarians and, with them, he was
interned as an 'enemy alien' at Whitsun 1940. He spent over a year in some privation in a
special camp on the Isle of Man until his release in October 1941.
I do not know the circumstances that brought him to Yorkshire but in 1943 after he had had
an initial teaching position in Sandbach in Cheshire he was appointed by the then Head, Mr
Towlson, and arrived at Woodhouse Grove School to teach physics and chemistry.
I arrived at the main school in 1949 after two years at Brontë House. Dr Mendel was not a
tall man but quite stocky and always wore a grey suit. He had a soft German accent, not
always getting the boys’ names correct: John Whitehead was always 'Whitfield!' and he had
the unfortunate task of trying to instil in my B set of unresponsive students some scientific
knowledge. Sadly we did not adequately respond or appreciate what was being offered to
us in the classroom but I shall always remember two examples of his teaching. Dr Mendel
regularly smoked a pipe and on more than one occasion he was able to smoke in front of us
to demonstrate convection. He did this using a large cigar box standing on its side with a
glass lid for observation and with two holes drilled through the wood. Beneath one hole
there was a lit candle and our imaginative teacher lit his pipe and through the other hole
blew copious amounts of exhaled smoke. We could see the fumes pass along inside the
box, and the hot air rising, creating a current which carried them away. This demonstration
always pleased our teacher who would chuckle with delight with its success. It was a very
simple demonstration but very effective for our young minds.
On Saturday evenings during the winter months Dr Mendel would occasionally give lectures
in the chemistry laboratory on ‘Flow Temperatures'. The lecture, which was repeated several
times over the years involved a container of liquid nitrogen into which he plunged tennis
balls and on retrieving them with metal tongs from the smokey, icy liquid, our intrepid
teacher would smash them on the bench with a hammer into hundreds of pieces. About
fifty young boys would be sitting closely around his bench as he did these experiments,
none of us wearing safety glasses. Those were the days!
Dr Mendel was a gentle man but we must have sorely tested his patience as he struggled to
keep order with our particular class. Now in much more mature days I regret we did not
have more respect for a man who could, if we had given him more opportunity, have shared
so much more with us. We were not really bad but in our unruly young days we did not
appreciate what knowledge he was offering us. He retired from the Grove in 1959 but
continued to teach at Leeds Polytechnic and still later taught maths to the sixth form girls
at St Mary's College in Leeds.
Henry Mendel died in 1968.
I am glad to have paid this tribute to him and now, from memories from over sixty years, I
hope I have made some amends.
10
Roger Davy (47-57)
Brontë House Celebrates its 80th
Birthday in Style....
On Saturday 26th April Brontë House pupils started off our birthday
celebrations with a performance of “80 Years of Entertainment” in the
Woodhouse Grove theatre. All pupils in Years 3 to 6 contributed to produce
musical performances from the different decades of music. It was a fantastic
night and parents and staff joined in as the iconic songs of the eras
were re-told through the pupils.
Tuesday 6th May saw the more formal
side of our celebrations. We buried a
time capsule in the school grounds
which contained memorabilia to show
to future generations what life was like
at Brontë House in 2014. This occasion
was then marked with a release of
labelled balloons and our Head
prefects cutting a birthday cake.
Following this we held a Founders’ Day
service in the school chapel with
Preacher (and Governor) Rev Peter
Whittaker.
Then it was the time to let our parents and staff celebrate at a dinner dance on Saturday 10th May, held in a marquee on the Brontë House front lawn.
Our 250 guests were welcomed to a champagne reception in the school library and were then led to the marquee for a sumptuous 3 course dinner,
followed by lots of dancing. The final celebrations were marked by a firework display over the school at midnight.
Alan Wintersgill
British Empire Medal for Chair of Governors
Chairman of Governors Alan
Wintersgill, was awarded a BEM in the
recent Queen's Birthday Honours list.
Alan has raised thousands of pounds
for Rotary and other charities through
after-dinner speaking and his
company, Naylor Wintersgill supports
national and local charities, sports
clubs, including junior sporting
sections for which it won the
community category at the Bradford
Chamber of Commerce Raising the
Bar inaugural awards.
Alan said: “Having grown up in
Bradford and worked and lived
in and around Bingley, it’s a
great honour and humbling to
be recognised for work in my
local community. Over the years
I’ve been very fortunate to
become involved in a range of
different types of charity work. I
hope this accolade can
continue to help raise the
profile of these worthy causes
and promote the valuable work
of all those involved."
11
Use it or Lose it....
Former Chairman of Governors and now Honorary Life President
of the school, Brian Greenwood (OG 1934-1945) has become
something of an author. His book of memoirs- “SHOP”- with its
several anecdotes of W.G.S. during the war years was found very
enjoyable reading by numerous OG’s as well as the wider world.
Incidentally that book is available via Kindle or from the
publishers -(The Memoir Club ) -who still have a few copies
available at a discounted price of £10.00 inclusive of P & P.
He has completed two detective stories -one of which -"A Level
Murders" is set in a school which is remarkably similar to The
Grove! He is presently seeking a commercial publisher for these
thrillers.
The book he has just completed and which is now available is
-"Use it or Lose it" with the explanatory sub-title -"How to live
longer and happier". Brian decided to write the book after
noting how so many of his contemporaries and other older
people vary dramatically in their current capabilities. His point is
that with both body and brain you must continue to use them
whatever your age group or almost certainly you will lose the
ability to do so.
Many months of research have gone into "Use it or Lose it" and
the result is an easily read handbook for a longer and happier
life. The book is aimed at both men and women whose youth is
behind them but who can have -if they're sensible -very many
years of happy and productive life ahead of them.
The book has been warmly endorsed by Lord Norman Tebbit,
our Headmaster David Humphreys, the eminent Cardiologist Dr.
Paul Silverton and retired GP and WGS Governor Dr. Georgina
Haslam.
As a life-long sportsman who only recently gave up such tough
sports as deer stalking but who as an 87 year old continues
playing tennis and golf regularly, together with a busy social and
family life, the author does seem to be a proof of the validity of
all the advice and information with which "Use it or Lose it" is
packed.
As a soft-back the book is inexpensive -£7.95 per copy with a
special offer of 3 copies for £20.00 inclusive of P&P. It makes an
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ideal small gift so buying 3 or more copies makes good sense.
Brian is also currently writing the memoirs of a well-known
Yorkshire wool merchant and sportsman but that book -"
Woolman" will be for private circulation only.
All of which seems to suggest that our elderly Hon. Life
President is certainly using it and has not yet lost it!
The book can be ordered by:
Post: The Memoir Club, Jasprint, 12 Tower Road, Washington,
NE37 2SH Cheques payable to The Memoir Club
By phone: 0191 4192288 By email: [email protected]
12
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2 RIDERS 17 DAYS 1700 MILES 2 GREAT CAUSES
Ride 4 Care was created out of the desire of Old Grovian Paul Sampson
(84-96), a retired professional Rugby League, Union and Sevens player,
who wanted to undertake a physical and mentally demanding
challenge to raise funds to honour two causes that he is very close to in
Marie Curie Cancer Care and the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.
The boys were fresh back from the challenge. The school heard of the
challenges the boys faced and how their determination to succeed and
raise funds for such worthwhile causes got them through some difficult
times. They faced rain, snow and sun along with breaking bikes and
illness but reached the Rock 17 days after leaving Bradford.
A group of ex-athletes, current para-cyclists and lady elite cyclists, a
number of cyclists from the Armed Forces (predominantly the Marines)
and a group of fit / insane / determined members of the public cycled
1700 miles in 17 days from Yorkshire to the southern tip of Spain in May.
The school held a non-uniform day to support the Ride4Care challenge
and we were delighted to present Paul and Darren with a cheque for
£1000 from the school for Marie Curie.
On the last day of the Summer term the school were honoured to
receive a visit from Paul and his cycling partner Paralympian cyclist
Darren Kenny OBE.
Well done Paul we are incredibly proud of what you achieved and look
forward to hearing about your next challenge soon.
England Calling...
Joe Bedford, Old boy and current PE teacher at Brontë House was selected to play rugby for England Counties in their tour of Georgia last June.
He played 2 matches against Emerging Georgia which is Georgia's 2nd XV. The first game on the Wednesday night was against a mainly Under 25s
squad which was won 48-23. On the Sunday they played their full 2nd XV with the addition of some players who play in the French professional
leagues. This match was won 15-14 with a last minute try. Joe started both matches and played 60 minutes in the first game and the full 80 minutes in
the 2nd match.
Joe said “It was an amazing experience playing against a very physical
and committed team but also visiting a country that you would never
choose as a holiday destination. They were so passionate about Rugby
and it was strange to see so many ‘purpose built’ rugby pitches in areas
that you would least expect to see them. For example, at the top of a
mountain, where we coached rugby to some local children or in very
poor communities on the out skirts of town, where we trained every
day”
Old Grovian Rugby Club
update…
The 2014/15 season has started in winning style for the OGRUFC. At the
time of printing they sit top of Yorkshire 3 having made a strong
mid-table showing the previous season.
The ranks of the team have been bolstered by several new recruits
including Christian Baines (99-06) and Scott Dickson (99-06). The
coaching and management team has also grown with DOR Martin
Whitcombe and coach Dan Nulty (90-97) being joined by Dave Lister
and Rick Emmott (76-86).
These, along with other new player additions, have continued the
fantastic Grovian team spirit that the existing players always had,
resulting in OGs having only lost 1 game (by 1 point) from 10 so far this
season, recording victories over clubs including Baildon, Aireborough
and Castleford.
The off field support this season has also been impressive and a great
help to those on the field with OGs, OG’s parents and locals all coming
to watch both home and away games alike! If you are in the area on a
Saturday afternoon please come and lend your support to the team. A
full fixture list is available on the website www.oldgroviansrugby.com
where you can keep up to date with the club or @oldGroviansRUFC on
twitter.
These are exciting times for the club’s future and any new players,
supporter, sponsorship or offers of help are always welcome – so please
get in touch.
Dan Gullick (94-01)
OGRUFC Chairman
13
Woodhouse Grove Host their first
Careers Fair
In March we held our first Careers Fair at the Grove when the school entertained 33 exhibitors representing a number of diverse careers from
the armed forces through to the law and publishing.
Students and their parents from Years 9 to 13 were given the opportunity to come and talk to members of the professions about what it was like
to work in that area as well as what qualifications they needed. It helped those students who already knew in which careers they might be
interested as well as those who came with little idea about what they wanted to do in the future. Some of our students used the opportunity to
gain links with various companies and have obtained work experience placements as a result.
The Careers Team received some really positive feedback on the night from both parents and students and many of the exhibitors were impressed
by how professional the event looked in the school marquee. We hope that this will be a regular fixture in the careers calendar and that in the
future we will be able to secure representatives from an even broader range of careers.
We are celebrating after winning the National Schools Twenty20
competition on finals day at Arundel to end an outstanding season of
cricket. In becoming English Schools national T20 competition winners,
we have ended a 13-year monopoly held by the south. Prior to this
year’s tournament, the prestigious competition had been without a
northern winner with private school Millfield bidding for their fifth
success in 2014.
The 1st XI have won all 18 of their matches this season, this includes
all regular school matches and T20 games and to top off an already
outstanding season they beat the highly rated Millfield School from
Somerset by 57 runs in the Twenty20 final.
The finals day format is identical to the county Twenty20 finals day
in that there are two semi-finals and then the final all on the same
day. In being crowned champions, we have seen off around 300
other schools competing in the prestigious competition.
Our Captain Dylan Budge and batsman Patrick Dixon played the
decisive stand as we reached a demanding 178 for four in their 20
overs. Budge, who made 81 before he was caught on the long-off
boundary off the last ball of the innings, put on 107 in 13.2 overs with
Dixon, who was stumped on 54. Then George Styles hit 22 off 12
balls, including one six and three fours.
Millfield were in trouble at 44 for four and 70 for five and they
finished on 131 for nine with slow left-arm bowler Larry Edward
taking four for 11.
To get to the final we beat Tonbridge by 55 runs in the semi-final
with Budge again showing good form with 61 while slow left arm
bowler Ahmed took three for 18 and right-arm pace bowler Jibrael
Malik four for 18.
“Woodhouse Grove School are celebrating a landmark national
success in cricket that has made them the toast of Yorkshire and the
North of England” - Yorkshire Evening Post
14
Congratulations go to Dylan and his team and their coaches
Mr Frost and Arnie Sidebottom.
Pictured: Our Host, Harry Gration
The Biennial
Sports Dinner
Pictured above: Guest Speaker, Stuart Lancaster
In March, the school was delighted to host the biennial Sports Dinner which was held to raise funds for the WGS Sports Club.
The evening was a great success and we were honoured to welcome a number of sporting celebrities to the dinner including Yorkshire cricketers
Ryan Sidebottom, Jonathan Bairstow and Jack Brooks, former England Footballer Nigel Martyn and former England Rugby players Peter
Winterbottom and Paul Sampson. The evening was compéred by BBC Look North presenter Harry Gration who was clearly impressed by the
school and delighted to have been asked to host such a prestigious event.
It was a privilege to welcome guest speaker Stuart Lancaster and his wife Nina back to the Grove. Stuart gave us a great insight as to what lies
behind the successful development of the England XV and how he combined his own technical expertise and passion for attention to detail to
restore patriotism and self belief in his squad. It was also a more than useful opportunity to re-live memories of 2 unforgettable matches where
the all conquering Grove squads of 2000/2001 vintage triumphed against his all star Leeds Academy teams on the only occasions the club and
school have played against each other! Stuart remains a true friend to the school and he is assured of our best wishes and support in all his future
challenges!
We thank all parents, Old Grovians and friends of the school who supported and attended what was a superb evening.
Netballers take on the Caribbean
A group of nineteen players and three staff spent two weeks touring the
Caribbean islands of Grenada, Union Island, and St Vincent, playing
fixtures against some of the best teams the Caribbean has to offer. After
undertaking some training sessions in an attempt to acclimatise to the
heat, both the U17 and U18 teams competed very successfully playing 5
matches each with the 1st VII winning 3 out of the 5 games and the 2nd
VII 2.
The girls had an amazing time; as well as representing WGS on the court,
they had the opportunity to explore the islands, visiting places such as the
iconic Grand Anse Beach, snorkelling with the abundant marine life that
frequents the Caribbean waters and seeing the island from a catamaran.
RAF Band Visit
We were fortunate to welcome the RAF Band to school on 12th
February who came in to play for Years 7 and 8, to selected
musicians in the school and those members of staff who were able to
attend.
The band performed a variety of well-known compositions with great
enthusiasm which kept the audience fully engaged and entertained
throughout. The performance demonstrated to those who thought
that it might be seriously boring, that music and the military also
involves having great fun!
15
Your gift securing their future
We are delighted that we now have 16 founding members of Fidelis so the society can be officially launched to the whole Grovian community.
Leaving a legacy in your will is one of the most effective ways of helping the school in the future; it will cost you nothing whilst you are alive and
may reduce your family’s liability to tax because all bequests to the school, as a registered charity, are exempt from inheritance tax.
By joining Fidelis you will join the faithful benefactors that in various ways have sustained the school you know today. We hope that your
connection to the school in whatever way prompts you to support Grovians of the future. There is no discrimination in Fidelis between major
and minor donors, though the current range among founding members is £5000 to £350,000. When joining Fidelis you do not need to commit
to a specific amount.
All money generated from Fidelis will be used to establish a long term investment fund to generate income to support bursaries.
If you would like more information on Fidelis or would be interested in attending the annual Fidelis event in the spring, please contact- Sam
Cadman, Development Manager [email protected]
Old Grovians Diary
2015
Your School Needs You...
We are looking for Old Grovian “Ambassadors” to host reunions and
promote Woodhouse Grove across the UK and the World!
Friday 20th March – Old Grovians Lancashire and Cheshire
Reunion (venue tbc)
Would you like to help organise reunions in your area?
Sunday 5th July- Old Grovians Summer Funday
Do you live in a different country and would like to meet up with any
other OG’s who live there or visit?
Thursday 10th September- Old Grovians London Reunion
(venue tbc)
If this is something you may be interested in we would love to hear from
you.
September – Celebrity Golf Day @ Bradford Golf Club
(date tbc)
As usual if you have any news you would like to share for future editions
of Xaipete then please send to:
Sunday 8th November – Old Grovians Winter Reunion
Heather Garner, OGA Secretary, Woodhouse Grove School, Apperley
Bridge, BD10 0NR or by email to: [email protected]