Old Girls' Newsletter - Spring 2024

SHARED MEMORIES AND CONTINUED SUPPORT

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WELCOME

From the Old Girls’ Association

Spring has finally arrived, as the beautiful magnolia trees in the Riley Quad attest!

School continues to be as lively as ever, with pupils making great impressions in their fundraising, drama and sporting endeavours. This passion clearly remains long after leaving and it is wonderful to see so many Old Girls returning to share their experiences and enthusiasm with the next generation – thank you to all of you who have contributed to the School’s expanding programme of careers and enrichment activities. If you think you could offer your expertise to current pupils, please get in touch with the Development Office.

We are seeking nominations for this year’s Alumni of the Year Awards. If you know of an Old Girl – or an Old Boy – whose accomplishments are particularly noteworthy or who are an inspiration to others please put them forward for consideration. Details of the Awards, which are now in their third year, and how to propose your nominee can be found on page 13.

From the Head of Girls’ Division

Welcome to the Spring Edition of the Old Girls’ Newsletter

The Spring term is always a busy one, both in and out of the classroom. The External Examination year groups have entered the final stretch to their upcoming assessments in May and June (with some of their practical assessments having already taken place), and there has been lots going on elsewhere in School, too, with this term’s production of the Little Shop of Horrors and the Spring Concert at Bolton Parish Church, to name just a couple. There has also been a range of trips going out; over half term we had climbers in Spain, creative writers in Patterdale and artists in London, along with a number of day trips taking place during term time in addition to these residential trips. Year 7 went to Skipton at the beginning of March to look at the Castle and museum there as part of their History curriculum, for example; I hear that it was a cold and wet day over in Skipton, but I believe a good time was had by all.

At the end of last term, Kath Heatherington retired from teaching after almost 30 years of service to Bolton School. I am sure that many of you will have memories of her, whether that’s because you were a keen netballer or simply that you remember her encouraging you to stay cheerful out there in the wind and rain when you might have preferred to be inside! Kath has made an enormous contribution to the life of the School, including, most recently, as Foundation Director of Sport – please see the feature on page 20. At the time of writing, I am looking forward to the celebration event for Kath on Saturday 23rd March and to seeing some of you there.

You will also find reports of some of our Old Girls’ events in this newsletter, including the annual Alumni Dinners held around the country. It is always fascinating to hear about what our Old Girls are up to and you will find a news sections towards the end of the magazine, together with various features in the earlier pages. The Alumni of the Year Awards have become a highly anticipated event in the School calendar; do remember to cast your vote!

Our Alumni events continue to grow. If you have not yet attended a Reunion at School or one of our Regional Dinners I can highly recommend you take the opportunity to do so – with so many shared memories of School there will be plenty to talk and reminisce about! Old Girls are also very welcome to attend School events, such as special assemblies and the May Serenade. Please see the calendar on page 10 – I look forward to seeing you!

A huge thank you to all the Alumni who give their time in order to provide careers guidance to our current pupils, it is much appreciated. You will find examples of a huge range of careers represented in the pages that follow. A special thank you must go to all those Alumni who donate to the School in one way or another; you will find a report on page 5 which highlights our fundraising work. On that note, some of you may have seen School in the new Netflix drama, Fool Me Once, the monies from which also go to the School’s bursary scheme.

Please do contact us if you have news to share, or indeed it would be a pleasure to see you if you are able to attend one of our Alumni events.

Very best wishes

Lynne Kyle Head of Girls’ Division

Laura Henthorn (née Carless, Class of 1977) Chairman – Bolton School Old Girls’ Association

FOUNDATION NEWS

A Message from the Head of Foundation

The entrance exam for Senior School has taken place, the interviews are at an end and the offers have been posted. Over coming weeks, the 2024 intake will accept their offers and in September will embark on their Bolton School journey. We have designed an entrance process that looks for potential and aspiration and that seeks to identify those with the character attributes that we know we can develop so they leave as young women and men ready to go out and make a difference for good in the world. This year for the first time we were able to survey Year 13 leavers to see if those attributes we had sought to identify seven years earlier had been developed and whether the young adults heading to their next steps felt we had made a difference to them. The results of that survey were uplifting. It is far more difficult, but far more important, to shape character than it is to pass exams and it was good to have some evidence that we excel. The inspections of the Girls’ and Boys’ Divisions in the past 12 months confirm this view.

A key feature of this success is how inclusive the School is. The Governing Body has recently been focused on how it might steer Bolton School through the possible imposition of VAT on school fees. That they began this process by thinking what sort of school we are and want to be, rather than with a financial spreadsheet, is enormously important. The top priority is to be an inclusive school, with fees that make us accessible to a wide range of those with decent incomes, but who are by no means wealthy – teachers and nurses, shop owners and bank clerks. As has always been the case there will also be families who can comfortably afford fees and those who can’t, who need bursary provision. To control fee rises whilst accommodating VAT is a challenge we can meet. The most immediate impact is that our nationally leading bursary provision will not grow as quickly as we would like it to. Even this is being treated as a call for action, with a campaign planned to raise more bursary funding to maintain our ambitions. If we don’t act to try to ensure our School is what we wish it to be now, then generations to come may wonder why. Success will hinge on the participation of the many, and we would welcome support from all Old Boys and Old Girls who share our intention that the School should remain

as inclusive as it has always been. To learn more about our ambitions for the bursary scheme, and the ways you could support their achievement, please follow the QR code to the School website. Certainly, these will be interesting times. For that reason, I am pleased that I have been elected as Chair of the HMC (the organisation for the leading independent day schools) for 2025-26 and will begin as chair elect this September. This will place Bolton School at the centre of charting the course of the independent sector, articulating its moral purpose and ensuring our future. Mr Baggley was Chair of HMC in 1978. Dr Spurr and Miss Hincks were both President of the Girls’ School Association. The School is no stranger to taking a lead on important national debates and I look forward to following in their footsteps.

Philip Britton, MBE Head of Foundation

This FREE Business Directory offers the self-employed Alumni the opportunity to promote their business and services and presents a networking community which spans the globe.

3,049

REGISTERED USERS, SPANNING THE UK, THE USA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, THE FAR EAST AND EUROPE – OFFERING A TRULY GLOBAL COMMUNITY OF OLD BOYS AN OLD GIRLS ACROSS A WIDE VARIETY OF SECTORS

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ARE OPEN TO OFFERING INTERNSHIPS OR WORK EXPERIENCE TO ALUMNI

1,784

USERS ARE WILLING TO ANSWER INDUSTRY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS

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BOLTON ALUMNI BUSINESS DIRECTORY – OVER THE PREVIOUS SIX MONTHS, OF THOSE WHO HAVE VISITED THE BUSINESS DIRECTORY PAGE, 36% HAVE GONE ON TO CLICK ON THE OFFER PAGE, WHILE 20% OF THOSE HAVE GONE ON TO INTERACT WITH THE OFFER.

CONTINUING SUPPORT

During the 2022-23 academic year, the School community made pledges and gifts in support of the School and its pupils totalling an astonishing £2.39 million.

Within that total, an amazing £2 million was given in support of the Bolton School bursary scheme, including £47,000 donated by 191 families of the Class of 2022, who gifted their children’s deposits for bursary funding; and a further £638,000 bequeathed by eight Alumni and Friends of the School, who remembered the School in their wills and whose legacies collectively provided in-year funding for 64 bursary recipients.

As a result of this generosity, last year the School spent £3.5 million on means-tested bursary funding, enabling 356 pupils – one in five across the two Senior Schools – to attend the School when otherwise they would have been prevented from doing so.

In addition to this transformational sum, an additional £140,000 was gifted to the School to provide hardship funding for pupils with families experiencing financial difficulties, and another £252,000 donated to provide extra-curricular support and ancillary costs for bursary pupils, university scholarships for recent leavers, academic prizes for pupils in both Senior Schools, the continued development of Patterdale Hall, the development of the School’s Music and Design Technology facilities and the expansion of the School’s bursary outreach programme.

“ I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to my benefactors for having faith in my ability and investing in me from such a young age. I hope one day that I will be in a position where I get to pay it forward to the young minds of the next generation. ”

Class of 2023 Leaver and Bursary Recipient

Last year, 54 members of the Class of 2023 had their aspirations raised and their opportunities for success increased, thanks to the bursary support they received. In the A Level results published in August 2023, 63% of those bursary recipients achieved grades A*-B, with 37% of those pupils securing grades A*-A. 39 of those bursary pupils left the School to study at university, including 23 pupils who are now studying at one of the prestigious Russell Group universities, including Oxbridge, whilst a further four bursary pupils secured places on highly-competitive Degree Apprenticeship schemes with a variety of national and international businesses.

A Bolton School bursary can transform the trajectory of a child’s life forever

Popular University Destinations of Bursary Recipients, 2023

For over a century, Bolton School has driven social mobility in communities across the town and beyond. The Governors are determined that, by the end of this decade, the School’s bursary scheme will have expanded to support one in three pupils joining the two Senior Schools, a long-standing ambition to which we know the School community shares our commitment. Regrettably, the expected change in Government next year, and the legislative changes anticipated thereafter, will place the achievement of these ambitions under significant threat.

Bolton School is a special place, and an education here can be life-changing. Whether your time at School was made possible by a funded place, or you had friends whose time here was enabled in that way, we hope you agree that our diverse pupil body has always been fundamental to the special atmosphere that endures here on Chorley New Road.

It has been the generous support of the School’s supporters that has made the success of our bursary scheme during the past quarter of a century possible. If we are to ensure that this vital work continues, and that the expansion of our bursary scheme is not derailed, then we will need to rely upon the sustained generosity of the whole of our School community in the years ahead. If you feel able to do so, please do consider pledging your own support to our bursary scheme, so that we can, together, ensure that the School remains open to all who would thrive here, irrespective of background or position.

If you would like to learn more about supporting the School’s bursary scheme, and how you can play your part in paving the way for the next generation of Boltonians to join us, simply scan the QR code on the right. Whether you are considering making a one-off donation, establishing a regular gift or remembering the School in your will, your support could make a real difference to our ambitions to expand the bursary scheme.

If you would like to discuss your intentions in more detail, please contact Laura Firth, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, by calling 01204 434718 or by emailing development@boltonschool.org

School Celebrates its Cultural Diversity

Bolton School’s inaugural Culture Festival, held during October, celebrated the rich tapestry of cultures within the Girls’ and Boys’ Divisions.

Pupils enjoyed activities including dance, art and comedy workshops, cooking sessions, a visit to the Whitworth Gallery, musical evenings and community theatre enrichment and community arts collective studio sessions, and were encouraged to share their personal culture on non-uniform days during the festival.

The Festival, overseen by Naomi Lord (Class of 1998), Foundation Director of Creative Learning and Partnerships, aimed to promote respect and cultural curiosity and to instil in students the value of embracing and learning from diverse cultures.

‘Butch’ Launches at Patterdale

Throughout the 2022-23 academic year, the team at Patterdale Hall has successfully undertaken a fundraising campaign to enable the purchase of a brand new Rescue Powerboat (RIB) to support the Centre’s activities on Lake Ullswater.

Tim Taylor, Manager of Patterdale Hall, said:

“ We have been blown away by the support that we have received from the Friends of Bolton School, the Scott Trust, the Clifford Ingham (CHI) Fund, Governors, Parent Associations and a number of individual Alumni. Their generosity has meant we have raised £35,000 to fund the cost of the new RIB, which we have been able to order far sooner than we had hoped. ”

The new boat will be named ‘Butch’, in honour of the late Former Boys’ Division teacher Clifford Ingham and in recognition of the generous grant received towards the boat from the CHI Fund. It will be launched in early Summer, when, along with supporting rafting, sailing, canoeing and stand-uppaddleboarding, it will provide a superb platform for the remote supervision of groups undertaking their Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award expedition along the Ullswater Way.

School Stars in Major TV Drama

The New Year had many of us hooked on the eight-part Neflix drama Fool Me Once, starring Michelle Keegan, Joanna Lumley, Richard Armitage – and Bolton School! Old Girls and Old Boys were thrilled to spot The Riley Centre, the Levels, the Great Halls and many of the corridors masquerading as the Franklin Biddle Academy as the story unfolded.

Bolton School is a popular filming location with the income generated supporting the School’s bursary scheme.

#HelloYellow Fundraiser

Girls’ Division pupils raised funds for the young people’s mental health charity, YoungMinds, through taking part in #HelloYellow day.

The ‘wear something yellow’ day on 10th October proved popular and, along with the sale of yellow ribbons and sweet sales, raised almost £1,500.

Around the World in 80 Days

This year’s joint production showcased an outstanding collaboration of pupils from Years 8-13 in a mesmerising performance of Around the World in 80 Days.

The classic narrative was skilfully interwoven with the remarkable true story of Nellie Bly, the pioneering journalist who completed a global circumnavigation in an astounding 72 days. The show, which combined pace, action and a plethora of great performances, featured Japanese floating gardens, storms at sea, transcontinental train rides assailed by bandits and, of course, an elephant.

The Very Best Start in Life

The recent annual Department for Education report on assessments of children’s development in the Summer term of their Reception year shows that at Bolton School 91% of children make the top grade, called a Good Level of Development (GLD). Nationally this figure is 67.2%.

A delighted Mrs Jo Field, Head of the Infant School, said: “The high GLD figure at Bolton School has been achieved by experienced, highly-skilled and dedicated teachers creating learning opportunities to engage and excite our youngest learners from the moment they arrive at Beech House. Baseline assessment data at the start of Reception, daily interactions, observations and planned assessments throughout the year lead to targeted teaching and interventions to ensure our children make excellent individual progress.”

Mr Radcliffe and Mrs Pritchard oversaw the fundraising for #HelloYellow

Alumni Oxford Dinner

Balliol College, Friday 17th November 2023

Old Girls and Old Boys from across the decades gathered in the beautiful surroundings of one of Oxford’s oldest colleges for an enjoyable evening of dining and discourse.

1. Sarah McKeown, Laurence Britton (2023), Tom Boardman (2023), Hannah McKee (2023), Arsh Pantankar (2022)

2. Roger Smith (1979), John Craven (1982), Nancy Craven (née Gaskell, 1983) 3. James Hopkinson (2022), Thomas Britton (2021), Charlotte Rumney 4. Amanda Valentine (1983), Chris Hopkinson, Jack Toner, Alex Hopkinson (2016), Ursula Newton (née Farrell, 1983), Jeremy Newton 5. Rachael Regdate (2008), Rachel Britton, Roger Smith, Laura Henthorn (née Carless, 1977; Chairman of the OGA), Catherine Springett (née Redgate, 1976) 6. Gwithian Bowness (née Doswell), Janet Edwards (née Griffiths), Anne Galloway, Judith Peel (née Dean), Catherine Kneafsey, Rosemary Claxton (née Lunn), Elizabeth Newton (née Whyatt), Peter Knowles (all 1979) 7. Jack Toner, Alex Hopkinson, Lucy Nolan (2010), Duncan Leary, Charlotte Rumney, James Hopkinson 8. Khadijah Ali (2019), Millie Wood (2019), Lisa Jones (GD Staff)

1. L-R: Ruth Davies (née Harrison, 1985), Pat Harrison, Margaret Schofield (née Sykes, 1963)

2. Carolyn Radcliff (née Garrett, 1975), Allan Eaton (1974) 3. Michelle Slater (née Toudic, 1971), Anne Lucy (née Armstrong, 1975), Gwynneth Nightingale (née Kirk, 1958)

Joint Old Girls’ and Old Boys’ Lunch

Bolton School, Tuesday 16th January 2024

Many Old Girls and Old Boys made it to the joint lunch despite a heavy fall of snow that morning – proof that the tenacity, grit and determination instilled at School endure for life!

Alumni Cambridge Dinner

Clare College, Friday 2nd February 2024

Clare College, the University of Cambridge’s second oldest college, provided a stunning venue for Old Girls and Old Boys to get together over dinner.

Alumni London Dinner

House of Lords, Friday 1st March 2023

The atmosphere was buzzing in this prestigious venue and those who were lucky enough to obtain a ticket to this sell-out event had a fabulous time!

1. Shivam Patel (2019), Anika Patel (2018), Sam Wellwood, Priya Guhathakurta (2018), Hannah Daley (2018), Maisie Camm (2018), Jack Diggle (2019), Isabelle Pearce (2016), Alex Hopkinson (2016), Jack Toner 2. Nadine Ng (1984), Ingrid Murray (1984), John (1984) and Kathryn Whitaker 3. Timothy (1982) and Clare Stott, Nancy Craven (née Gaskell, 1983), Adam Hall (2018) 4. Jack Diggle (2019) and Karen Diggle (1976) 5. Lydia Riding (2014) and Phil Riding (1978) 6. Louise Nightingale, Laura Henthorn (née Carless, 1977; Chairman OGA), Yusra Razzaq (2005)

1. Peter Counsell (1976), Richard Washington, OBA President (1993), Sarah Banks (2008) 2. Francesca Adams (2017), Ben Wilson, Kirsty Fielding (2017) 3. Graham Pendlebury (1977), Philip Britton, Ananya Ajit (2023), Krishnan Ajit (2020), William Miles (2022) 4. Ann Bailey (1981), Jill Pendlebury

Alumni Events Calendar

To reserve your place for any of our Alumni events, please call the Development Office on 01204 434718, email development@boltonschool.org or visit the ‘Alumni and Giving Back’ section of the School website (www.boltonschool.org) where you can book online.

2024

Friday 19th April OGA 135 Anniversary Assembly

Saturday 20th April ‘4’ Class Reunion

Thursday 2nd May May Serenade

Friday 3rd May Alumni Scottish Dinner

Tuesday 7th May Hulton Lecture

Wednesday 5th June Foundation Former Staff Lunch

Thursday 13th June Old Girls’ Lunch and AGM

Friday 21st June Alumni Cumbria Lunch

Monday 24th June Recent Leavers’ Reunion: Class of 2023

Hulton Lecture

This year’s Primary Division lecture, named in recognition of the Hulton Charity Trust, will be given by Alisha Whitehead (née Patel, Class of 2011), Manager of the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre in Salford.

The lecture, which will take place at 5pm on Tuesday 7th May in the Girls’ Division Great Hall (and will also be available to view online), is aimed at pupils in Year 6 and above and their families, and complements the Boys’ Division’s Tillotson Lecture and the Girls’ Division’s Platt Fisher Lecture.

Summer Fun

The Bolton School Summer Festival will take place on Sunday 23rd June 2024. It will be an afternoon of activities for all ages, open to all Bolton School families as well as the wider community.

If you or your business would be interested in sponsoring an element of the Festival or donating prizes for a Grand Raffle, please get in touch by emailing bsbdpa@gmail.com

Class of 1992!

Can you believe it’s over 30 years since you left School?

As you are all contemplating turning the big FIVE O you now have the opportunity to celebrate this milestone with a blast from the past!

Members of the Class of 1992 are arranging a reunion on Saturday 18th May 2024. This will not be a School-organised event, but will take place at Seven Brothers in Ancoats, Manchester. It will be a fun night of reliving old memories and creating new ones. Over 50 have bought tickets so far, and we are still actively looking to get in touch with lots of ‘lost’ 1992 leavers.

Please register your interest at www.avinitagain.com, request to join ‘Avinit again! 2024 on Facebook or email: avinitagain2024@gmail.com. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible!

Girls’ Division Great Hall, 8.30am

Bolton School, 11am-4.30pm

Bolton School, 7pm

University of Edinburgh, 7pm

Girls’ Division Great Hall and Online, 5pm-6pm

Bolton School, 12pm-2pm

Bolton School, 12pm-2pm

Lindeth Howe Hotel, Windermere, 12 noon

Bolton School, 2.30pm-5pm

The OGA is 135!

Old Girls and Former Staff are warmly invited to attend a special Celebration Assembly on Friday 19th April to commemorate 135 years of the Old Girls’ Association, followed by refreshments. Please contact the Development Office to register to attend. The Development Team would also love to hear from you if you have any photographs or memorabilia to contribute to the marking of this anniversary.

Do You Live Down Under?

We are planning a virtual catch-up for Old Girls and Old Boys who live in Australia, New Zealand or South East Asia. If you would like to join our Australasian Zoom, please contact the Development Office.

Inspiring the Next Generation

A-Z of Careers

F is for Fashion

With over 20 years’ experience working in the fashion industry, Jo Czutkowna (Class of 2000) has led innovation and product development teams for world-recognised companies. Working directly with the factories gave her hands-on experience in revealing how processes and products could be developed more efficiently and sustainably, especially with ever-emerging future tech solutions. She is the Managing Director of 5Thread, a fashion consultancy supporting brands with sustainable product development through supply chain innovation.

G is for Graphic Design

Toni Pilling (Class of 2012) gained a degree in Industrial and Product Design from Northumbria University before starting up TeePee Creations in 2017, designing and selling witty greeting cards and gifts. She spoke to pupils across the Divisions about her time at Bolton School, starting and running a small business, and gave some tips for any budding entrepreneurs considering turning their passion into their full-time work.

H is for Hospitality

Olivia Henthorn (Class of 2008), the owner of the Yew Tree Inn at Anglezarke, delivered an engaging talk about her unexpected and unplanned passion for the hospitality industry. She gave a terrific insight into her work as a solo female restaurant owner and business woman and the skills required to build relationships to thrive in such an unpredictable industry.

J is for Journalism

I is for Investment Banking

Stuart Yardley (Class of 1993) works for the global investment bank Nomura, based in Sydney. Having started his career in London in management consulting, he moved to Sydney to do a full-time MBA in 2004; he has subsequently spent the last 18 years working in advisory and investment banking, with a focus on the power, utilities, clean energy and infrastructure sectors in Australia and New Zealand. Before Nomura, he was previously a Managing Director at Scotiabank and Barclays in Sydney.

Abbie East (née Jones, Class of 1994) is a four times Royal Television Society award-winning investigative journalist, working across local and national TV, radio and online at BBC News. She is currently Social Affairs Correspondent at BBC North West Tonight. Abbie shared some footage from her reports exposing everything from care home abuse to poor social housing, and which have forced changes to the law and resulted in criminal prosecutions.

L is for Law

Amanda Nuttall (née Pinkerton, Class of 1991) presented to pupils about her career as a Fraud Solicitor and her current role leading a national team of Complex Injury lawyers, where personal injury claims are valued from £100k to £Ms, as well as the Keoghs’ Crime and Regulatory team. Amanda talked pupils through the current routes of qualification and offered her advice on the opportunities available.

N is for Neuroscience

Alisha Whitehead (née Patel, Class of 2011) works at the Geoffrey Jefferson Brain Research Centre in Manchester, which aims to improve the lives of patients living with neurological conditions, including brain tumours, strokes, and Parkinson’s disease, through research. Alisha’s career has centred on neurological research and has ranged from delivering clinical trials, managing large grant-funded trials to now setting up a centre dedicated to brain research and the discovery of new treatments to improve patients’ quality of life.

Perspectives

The Perspectives Lecture series invites a panel of Old Girls and Old Boys to speak to an audience of pupils, staff and parents of both Bolton School and other local schools, Alumni and members of the local community.

Perspectives on Life as an Entrepreneur

The first Perspectives lecture of the 2023-24 academic year heard from four Alumni who have started their own businesses – and, despite the risks, made a success of them.

Charlotte Morley

(née Maddrell, Class of 1999)

Charlotte studied Geography at Cambridge before developing numerous work and life skills during ten years working in Intelligence. However, unable to shake the belief that sustainability was where she could have the greatest impact, and motivated by doing her best for her children’s future, she founded thelittleloop, a sustainable childrenswear rental brand. She explained that the ability to be innovative and creative, as well as huge self-drive, are essential as only 10% of start-ups succeed. In 2022, Charlotte appeared on the BBC’s Dragon’s Den with her proposition and became the first contestant to come away with double her investment request.

Katherine Swift (née Conlon, Class of 1990)

Katherine explained that being an entrepreneur is all about belief and passion. She studied Modern Languages at university, but decided a career in this field wasn’t for her. She felt compelled to move to the Third Sector when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She became fascinated with the potential that green tea, which is full of antioxidants, had to fight the disease and it was then that she discovered matcha. Katherine explained that she felt so passionate about matcha that, five years after her mum’s diagnosis, she launched OMGTea, a specialist matcha green tea company. Almost 10 years on and they are now stocked in Holland & Barrett, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Ocado and many more stores.

Katherine and Charlotte were joined by Rob Dobson (Class of 1982), an engineering graduate, tech entrepreneur and one of Scotland’s most active angel investors, and Krishnan Patel (Class of 2008), founder of Tales to Inspire and StoryOak which capture people’s life stories to inspire change.

Perspectives on a Career in Science

November’s Perspectives Lecture focused on the wide variety of career opportunities under the science umbrella – with the four panellists joining based across the world, it truly demonstrated the international power of science.

Grace Ball (Class of 2017)

Grace left Bolton School to study Chemistry with Medicinal Chemistry at the University of York and is now in her third year of her doctoral studies into Chemistry at the University of Birmingham researching Silica Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery. Explaining her studies, Grace said she is working with dentists on an interdisciplinary project – focusing on nanoparticle application, silica nanoparticles for antimicrobial release and detection of drug release by luminescence. Whilst appreciating that her PhD has been hard work, Grace noted that it has allowed her to travel for business and pleasure.

Julia Miskelly

(née Gorski, Class of 1995)

Joining the call from Northern Ireland, Julia is the Genomics Core Technology Unit Manager at Queens University Belfast, working with biotech companies and the NHS to improve diagnostics across Ireland, allowing her to work with scientists across the globe. After citing that many doors have opened during her career due to the world of science being ever-changing, Julia has led a varied career, fuelled by ambition set by her Bolton School Form Tutor Mr Henderson: always to take up the challenges you’re dealt and to make the most out of them.

The panel also included Old Boys Andrew Markson (Class of 1981), who works within organic chemistry and industrial lubricants, and Andrew Bird (Class of 1989), CEO of a global pharmaceutical company.

Each Lecture hears from four Alumni working in a particular field who offer their ‘perspective’ on that career. To date there have been 16 Lectures in the series, with two more planned for this academic year; all are available to watch on the School’s YouTube channel.

Alumni of the Year Awards

Bolton School’s Alumni of the Year Awards seek to honour Old Girls and Old Boys who have made an outstanding contribution to society through their voluntary service, academic achievements or professional success, or whose behaviour and values inspire others – in short, Alumni who embody the School’s ethos of producing people who go out into the world and make a difference for good.

Finalists Fêted

The shortlisted candidates for the 2023 Alumni of the Year Awards were delighted to return to School to enjoy a lunch held in recognition of their achievements.

Angela Rowley (née Hadcroft, Class of 1969), a committed volunteer who has supported communities in Kenya and in her hometown of Bramhall, joined Boys’ Division finalists Norman Longworth (Class of 1953),

founder of the Lifelong Learning Initiative, and David Seddon (Class of 1971), co-founder of the Old Boltonians’ Association’s Find Your Path Mentoring Scheme at a special gathering to celebrate their contributions to ‘making a difference for good’. Jane Boland (née Connell, Class of 1983), Head and Clinical Lead of James’ Place Liverpool, which offers free, life-saving treatment to suicidal men, was also shortlisted for the Old Girl of the Year award.

Animal Advocacy

Head Girl Phoebe Chuck had the pleasure of speaking to Lauren Mee (Class of 2006), winner of the 2023 Old Girl of the Year award. Lauren reflected on her experience at Bolton School and discussed her career successes, in particular her current role as the founder of the charity Animal Advocacy Careers.

Lauren’s interest in and passion for utilitarianism began at School where her favourite subjects were Religious Studies and Philosophy which she continued to pursue alongside History at university. Studying Philosophy challenged her view of the world and influenced her career choice in the charity sector. “I was constantly searching for a job that has meaning and purpose and that’s why I kind of ended up doing what I am.” Her favourite teacher was Mrs Greenhalgh who taught RS: she was extremely supportive and kind, but always firm, which Lauren really appreciated. Lauren believes Bolton School helped her reach success by instilling a good work ethic. The high standards and great foundation of skills which the School develops set her in good stead as she entered the ‘real world’.

Lauren’s role in Animal Advocacy Careers is very varied; as well as managing her team, she also works on fundraising and strategy, which includes things like new programme ideation, and evaluation of the charity’s current programmes. When asked about the biggest challenge she faces, she responded “Trying to do all the things that I do”, explaining that, unlike businesses with lots of money for large teams, charities need to consider how their money can make the most impact it can.

Lauren began her career in marketing, and then transitioned into client management. She founded the effective altruism community, discovering like-minded individuals who care deeply about the world, and realised her skillset could make a difference. Her passion for her work shines through, and is rewarded by positive feedback

L-R:

from clients. “I can see the change happening: we’ve helped people secure careers that help an animal advocacy organisation” – they are happy in their roles, allowing their organisations to work even more effectively because they have the right candidate and talent.

This transition involved a huge risk. “I had to quit my very wellpaid job, which I was quite good at, to try out a charity incubator programme.” The programme received 3,000 applications each year, so Lauren was surprised when she got the job which gave her “the potential to do a huge amount of good in the world”.

In addition to founding her own charity, Lauren has also been appointed to the board of directors at another charity, and she would like to become a grant-maker in the future. She is a huge advocate of the difference education can make, and acknowledges how lucky she has been to attend Bolton School. To that end, she donates a percentage of her salary to charities every year to benefit those less privileged.

Phoebe asked Lauren if she had any tips to share with current pupils before they embark on their own career journey. In addition to developing a mindset of wanting to improve to be as great as you can be, Lauren advocated studying for additional qualifications –not only are they useful additions to an individual’s CV, they also benefit the organisation as a whole. She encourages her staff to take different courses and she herself endeavours to take a different one every year.

Asked what advice she would give to pupils who are interested in working in the charity sector, Lauren replied: “I think the thing they can do the best is to volunteer in different areas that they might be interested in and excited about.” For example, she had done a stint as a teaching assistant, and, while she realised that this was not a career for her, she really enjoyed working in an under-privileged school. Likewise, she did not enjoy working in an old people’s home – her message is therefore to try different things and see what works for you and what doesn’t work for you: “By the end of it, you’ll have a really clear image of the things you do actually want to carry on with.”

Who Will You Nominate This Year?

Members of the School community are invited to nominate Alumni (including themselves) whom they feel are deserving of the 2024 Old Girl of the Year and Old Boy of the Year Awards by 12pm on Friday 17th May

The winners of the two awards will be announced in July.

For further details, including the Awards’ rules, and to make your nomination, please visit the ‘Alumni and Giving Back’ section of the School website or scan the QR code here.

Peter Greenhalgh (1964), Norman Longworth, Pauline Winn (GD Staff, 1979-1985), Angela Rowley, Philip Britton, David Seddon

Women of Work

The Women of Work talks aim to introduce pupils to the variety of career opportunities available to them, and to a range of inspiring Old Girls. These short Zoom sessions take place during Form time and incorporate a brief presentation followed by a Q&A session.

Never Stop Learning Along the Way

Anisha Rymer (née Mohammed, Class of 2009)

A Life Working in Veterinarian Medicine

Charlotte Bentley (Class of 2012)

Learning about MedComms

Laura Johnstone (née Grace, Class of 2009)

Anisha took A Levels in English Language, History and Spanish and went on to study English Language and Linguistics at Queen Mary’s in London. She worked for The British Council in Madrid, then returned to the UK to take a Master’s degree in International Relations at Cardiff University.

Working in Vendor Management at Amazon, Anisha decided that she wanted to do the selling not the buying and moved to toy company Hasbro as an E-Commerce Manager.

After spells with Charlotte Tilbury and Revlon, she moved back to Manchester from London and is now Head of Partner Success with Swedish online financial services company Klarna.

Anisha has learned a number of lessons along her way: don’t underestimate volunteering, internships and work experience while you are at School; developing soft skills is important; you don’t have to have a plan, you can figure it out as you go; always learn from those around you whatever level you are at; never stop learning; network and seek guidance along the way.

Year 10 and 11 recently heard from Charlotte about her education journey and work as a Vet at Chester Zoo covering clinical medicine, disease surveillance, population management, research and conservation.

During her talk, Charlotte told the pupils how she knew, from a young age, that she wanted to be a vet and that such a passion helped drive her through the extensive education that followed. Armed with her determination, Charlotte sought work experience across a range of animal-related workplaces throughout her time at School and university.

Charlotte’s passion for veterinary medicine and the contributions that modern zoos make to in-situ and ex-situ conservation shone through as she weighed up the pros and cons of her career for the girls.

Laura spent much of her later years at Bolton School considering a career in Medicine, but, after struggling through A Levels and her UCAS application, went to read Biomedical Sciences at the University of Newcastle. After a scholarship allowed her to spend a Summer in a microbiology lab, Laura found her calling and went on to gain a PhD in Medicine, studying bacteria and its links to rheumatoid arthritis.

Laura now works as a Scientific Director for the Healthcare Consultancy Group, specialising in medcomms within the pharmaceutical industry – educating healthcare professionals on the benefits and risks of medicines and products.

Laura’s closing, and incredibly valuable, advice to Year 10 was to search for a job that you love: you do it for a long time so you want to enjoy it!

Please scan the QR code for details of how Old Girls and Old Boys can offer support to Bolton School pupils and to fellow Alumni. If you would like to volunteer your time to help, please contact development@boltonschool.org.

Studying for a Degree

Apprenticeship

Rosemary Dandy (Class of 2019)

When Rosie joined the Sixth Form, she wanted to be a lawyer; however, after a stint of work experience in this field, she changed her mind.

Studying A Levels in Psychology, History and Business, she applied for a number of degree apprenticeships. The MMU’s ‘Aspire, Apply, Achieve’ programme of workshops aimed at supporting Sixth Form students through the application and selection process for degree apprenticeships gave her a great grounding and, in a very competitive field, she managed to secure an (IT) Degree Apprenticeship at pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca.

During her four-year apprenticeship Rosie rotated through several roles across the business, including a period as a Project Manager in cyber security, the area on which she focused for her dissertation. Having recently graduated with a first-class degree from MMU, Rosie has recently taken up a permanent role as a Business Analyst in AstraZeneca’s Agile Technology and Delivery Team.

Rosie’s advice was ‘to jump at every opportunity’ – she is now undertaking a Level 7/ Masters course and will go into university three days a month.

Don’t Just Survive, Thrive!

Théa Gibson (née Georgiades, Class of 1998)

Théa a former Deputy Head Girl, is now a Chartered Accountant and Director at Deloitte. After leaving Bolton School she went on to pursue a Degree in French and Spanish, then a Master’s in Translation Studies, from the University of Leeds.

During her presentation to Year 10, Théa reminisced that receiving a full assisted place and being a pupil at Bolton School was a privilege and noted that, despite many positive memories of her time at School, she regrets not having taken advantage of more opportunities.

Considering what advice she would give herself at the girls’ age, Théa encouraged them to learn from their mistakes, be kind to everyone, study hard and celebrate their individual quirkiness.

Alongside her varied work at Deloitte, Théa runs a Monday morning ‘feel positive’ session to invigorate her team and wider circle of colleagues for the week ahead, and the girls certainly felt the impact during Théa’s Women of Work session!

Thank you!

We are very grateful to all Old Girls who have given their time to support current pupils through a variety of careers and enrichment events and opportunities!

Junior Doctor Alisha Maini (Class of 2017) spoke to the joint Medical Society about her medical school journey and passed on some advice that she wished she had received before applying.

Helena Bird (née Read, Class of 1995) supported a Year 13 pupil during her EPQ investigation into how the thalidomide tragedy affected modern medicine.

Recent leavers Faye Clarkson and Jasmine Shum (both Class of 2023) and Chloe Wynne (Class of 2013) all gave their time to support National Apprenticeship Week by discussing their experience of their apprenticeship with our students.

HR specialist Anna Herko (Class of 1995) hosted a CV masterclass for Year 12.

Luci Baldwin (née Fish, Class of 2010) and Holly Holt (Class of 2014) offered 1-2-1 advice and guidance on their careers in acting and music, respectively, to individual pupils considering those careers.

Two Old Girls from the Class of 2023: Hannah McKee and Ananya Ajit, alongside 2022 Leaver Amerleen Hundle, spoke with Year 12s who are considering applying to Oxford or Cambridge about their experience to date: imparting words of wisdom!

Doctor and Anaesthetics trainee Scarlett Tankard (Class of 2014) and third-year Dental Surgery student Fiza Ahmed (Class of 2020) were joined by Old Boys, former and current parents for an afternoon of mock medicine and dentistry multiple mini-interviews for Year 13 applicants.

Year 4 pupils at Hesketh House enjoyed a talk by dentist Samira Mohamed (Class of 2008). They learnt about the different types of teeth and the importance of a healthy diet. They looked at the amount of sugar in various drinks and were very surprised at the outcome!

Solicitor Hannah Miller (née Bradley, Class of 2006) ran a mock mediation (a form of dispute resolution) for a THRIVE session for Year 11.

There are many ways to support School’s careers and enrichment activities – please do get in touch with the Development Office for further information.

Old Girls Thrive in the Third Sector

Habibunnisha Patel (Class of 1997)

Habi is General Counsel and Company Secretary of Cancer Research UK.

“I fell into the not-for-profit sector in 2012 as a volunteer for Islamic Relief Worldwide, a grassroots faith based international NGO that started up in Birmingham in the 1980s to help those affected by the famine in Sudan. What started out as volunteering ended up being a springboard into what has been a purpose-filled career for me motivated by trying to make our world a fairer and more equitable place for everyone that protects and maintains everyone’s fundamental human rights and freedoms. I ended up spending a decade in international development and humanitarian work, including three years as General Counsel at Save the Children UK, a few years at Plan International (a child rights based international NGO that focuses on girls’ education) and at Islamic Relief, as well as becoming a board trustee of Muslim Aid. I’m now a trustee for the World Humanitarian Action Forum, was named in The Lawyer’s ‘2024 Hot 100’ and I am a regular contributor to Radio 2’s religion slot ‘Pause for Thought’. “I tell people my career has been a tale of two halves. On leaving Bolton School, I went onto study Law at the University of Cambridge and completed my training contract to become a qualified lawyer 20 years ago in the City of London, at Slaughter and May. I became a corporate lawyer, working on corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions for a broad range of clients, from Arsenal to the Government of the Republic of Botswana. In my ten years at Slaughter and May, I lived and worked in London, India, Singapore and Dubai. I loved the firm, the calibre of people I worked with and the international experience, but I knew I wanted my work to be more linked to purpose and so left in 2012 to explore what that may be. It was speaking to Dr Hany, one of the founders of Islamic Relief, that was the tipping point for my joining the international aid sector.

Katherine Stybelski (née Howell, Class of 2004)

Katherine is a Therapeutic Counsellor and Wellbeing Coach and is currently studying for an MSc in CBT at the University of Salford.

“After leaving Bolton School and completing my university education, I became very aware of the privilege I experienced having access to such an exceptional education. This powered my interest to work with people facing challenging circumstances, inspiring me to make a positive impact. In the early stages of my career, I worked for several organisations supporting young people, including Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service and Bolton Lads and Girls Club (BLGC). Interestingly, it was at BLGC that I met my husband, Old Boy Henry Stybelski (Beech House and Park Road, 1993-2000). After this I moved away from direct support roles into income generation and fundraising, working for national charities such as Marie Curie and, more recently, The British Heart Foundation.

“Becoming a parent to my two boys, William and Thomas, reignited my passion for direct support, leading me to pursue a career as a Therapeutic Counsellor, and I achieved my diploma in June 2023. In September 2023 I decided to take this one step further and began a MSc in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and have now recently taken the leap from my career in fundraising into mental health and am now a Wellbeing Coach at Lancashire Mind. Juggling studies alongside pregnancy, a new baby and a toddler has proven challenging, but immensely rewarding. My fascination with mental health and dedication to learning has been a driving force.

“ I loved School and a wide range of subjects. I loved English Literature, with Miss Johnson, Mrs Millington and Mrs Sowerby, Maths with Mrs Robinson and I was always fascinated by History; I took all three at Sixth Form. ”

“I’ve also always enjoyed learning new things, variety and experience, and it’s that which has led me to what others would call a squiggly career.

“I always tell younger students to study what they love or enjoy, and the rest will, with grit, resilience and determination, fall into place. It’s far easier to do well when you enjoy what you do and, whilst it’s not as simple as this, there is some truth in the saying ‘Do what you love and you’ll never work another day’.”

“During my School days, English Literature held a special place in my heart, with Gothic literature during A Levels leaving a lasting impression. Mrs Sowerby’s lessons, where she taught me to ‘suspend my disbelief’, remain etched in my memory. History was another passion, leading me to pursue an undergraduate degree in Ancient History and Archaeology at Liverpool University. Although not the most academically inclined, my fondest memories are of teachers like Mrs O’Kelly and Mrs Greenhalgh, whose passion for supporting the underdog and dry sense of humour left a lasting impact.

“Reflecting on my time at Bolton School fills me with precious memories, and the friends I made during that period remain some of my closest to this day – notably, Old Girls Natalie Chatburn (née Cox) and Alexandra Beech (née Clough) (both Class of 2004) were my bridesmaids when I got married in 2016.

Katherine (centre) with School friends Natalie (left) and Alex

“ The most significant takeaway from School has been the cultivation of confidence to make my voice heard. The years spent there equipped me with the ability to speak up and assert myself as a contender in any room. ”

Charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups require a range of skills to deliver essential services aimed at improving health and wellbeing, and to raise awareness of and funds for projects – as these Old Girls can testify, a Bolton School education is the perfect foundation for a fulfilling career in the third sector.

Kerry McMillan (Class of 1984)

Kerry is the General Manager of UK Sail Training/ASTO which takes more than 10,000 young people on exciting, life-changing voyages each year.

“This year I’m really excited to be back at School celebrating 40 years since leaving and am looking forward to catching up with lots of people from across my year.

“My favourite subject at School by far was Geography, which I went on to study at degree level. A huge part of enjoying it so much were the staff – particularly Mrs Davis and Mrs Hughes who both encouraged me to take Geography further. I liked the combination of practical and theoretical and loved the field trips.

“After a varied management career involving the wine trade, retail management and HR I left my role with Unilever and moved to the charitable sailing sector in 2005. I now head up UK Sail Training (ASTO) which is an umbrella organisation for over 30 UK charities taking young people and those with additional needs sailing to build life skills and help them to develop their full potential.

“My career wouldn’t be described as linear, and I’ve made major switches twice. I moved from retail to HR Management in my late twenties by means of a Postgraduate Diploma in HR and then turned a hobby into a job by completing the courses and exams required to sail professionally in my late thirties. But there is a ‘red thread’ that I can follow which is that all my roles have involved problem-solving, people and developing expertise in an area. To succeed in my current role, I’m using skills from every element of my career so far.

“I loved skippering a 72’ yacht with 12 young people and five staff onboard, but after ten years at sea was ready to be back ashore full-time. I set up a new base for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust in Scotland and now have a UK-wide role supporting and promoting the whole of the UK Sail Training sector. I took this role in April 2023 and the biggest challenge will be building a bigger voice for the sector ensuring that more decision-makers understand the benefits that come from investing in a residential experience in a unique setting.

“Bolton School gave me the confidence to speak to people from any walk of life, which has always been an asset in my career whether talking to senior people, those in a position to provide funds or the young people and Group Leaders on voyages I’ve led. School also gave me the opportunity to love the outdoors, particularly the annual trips to Cautley.

“ Seeing the positive impact of your work for the beneficiaries is both rewarding and hugely motivating. ”

“In terms of advice, I would say that the third sector is not a soft option. Like any organisation they need to be run cost-effectively and to a budget. Many skills are transferrable in both directions between the third sector and for-profit businesses.”

Michelle Alston (née Cain, Class of 1995)

Michelle is Chief Executive of the Forces in Mind Trust

“Working in the third sector was not something I envisaged but I was always very interested in politics at School, jointly chairing the Literary and Debating Society, and the Sixth Form Committee, and I was fortunate to secure a school work shadowing placement with a local MP who was a junior minister. It was fantastic to bump into him four years later when I got my first job as a press officer at the political party’s HQ – this wouldn’t have been possible without this amazing and privileged opportunity from School.

“History was my favourite topic at School and gave me the thirst for analysis, which has been the bedrock of all my public and third sector employment. This skill set was particularly key when I was a civil servant and when the policy director at a charity, as I had to quickly assimilate information, identify the key themes, and use these to influence policy change or translate those into options for decisions by government.

“Whilst I enjoyed working in politics and the civil service, my career took a turn when I married a serving Army officer, which meant frequent moves around the UK, usually every two years. I was therefore an early pioneer of the portfolio career! Being an Army spouse who moves frequently and trying to pursue a career has been very challenging, but the determination and ‘can do’ spirit imbued from School helped me persevere and find a way to progress.

“My real passion for the last ten years has been the Armed Forces community, and I had the privilege of supporting Army partners and families – often the unsung heroes of the support the military provide – as the policy director at the Army Families Federation. I now support the community as the Chief Executive of Forces in Mind Trust, a military charity that funds research and informs policy development to improve outcomes for ex-Service personnel and their families, ensuring they make a successful return to civilian life when they leave the military.

“ Working in the third sector isn’t always easy, with increasing pressure for support, but is hugely rewarding to give something back and support others, especially a community I am passionate about. I would strongly encourage pupils to consider this – it may not be the highest paid but the contribution you can make is significant and worthy of a Bolton School girl. ”

Sarah Knowles (Class of 1995)

Sue Lewis (Class of 2005)

Sarah is Chief Officer of Healthwatch Blackburn with Darwen.

“ I’ve worked in the not-for-profit sector for over ten years in a range of roles and love the challenges, connections and moments of true joy it brings. ”

“I studied French, Latin and Greek at A Level which provided me with a fantastic grounding in the use of language, essay writing and critical thinking, with Mrs Partington and Mrs Garthwaite offering fantastic support and encouragement. These skills have proved essential to the fundraising bids, reports and presentations that form a key part of my role in both maintaining the sustainability of our organisation and in making recommendations for improvement within health and social care services to better meet the needs of our local residents.

“After studying French and Italian at Cambridge University, I came back to Manchester and became a Chartered Accountant, working in audit at PwC. This gave me a fantastic understanding of the world of business, but I was always drawn to the importance of people rather than figures and processes. I took the plunge and handed in my notice without a job to go to. It turned out to be one of the best risks I’ve taken – the rewards I gain every week from helping people to get the support they need cannot be quantified. After leaving my job, I saw a news article about an organic farm in Shropshire, run by a young brother and sister, which needed to raise £500k, becoming the first community-owned farm in England. I rang them and asked if they needed some help and have never looked back!

“ The work I do now is very much about people and their lives. ”

“Having been a mentor at both Bolton Lads and Girls Club and Blackburn Youth Zone, I was extremely proud to ensure that young people were at the centre of redesign of children’s and adolescents’ mental health services in Lancashire and South Cumbria, and that I was able to give them a voice at the same level of clinical directors. I sincerely believe that Bolton School instilled that drive, moral conscience and tenacity to help me make changes to our health and social care system, however big or small. Helping a homeless man get some dentures and see him turn his life around completely made my week last week!

“I would encourage any pupils interested in roles in the not-forprofit sector to gain experience volunteering with local charities, exploring what roles exist within the sector whilst capitalising on the skills and knowledge Bolton School gives them.”

Sue is Culture Development Lead at British Red Cross.

“My time at Bolton School gave me the foundations and inspiration to grow a successful career in the charity sector and I’m forever grateful for the experiences and opportunities which have been so formative.

“The first of these foundations is a love of learning; a necessary attribute in charities because the external and internal environments are always changing, demanding the ongoing development of new knowledge and skillsets. The subjects which had the most influence on this for me were Maths and English; I adored Mrs Kyle’s Maths lessons. I use Maths, specifically Statistics, every day, as I’m responsible for assimilating and analysing thousands of data points to make data-driven decisions for leaders at British Red Cross. I also loved English and Drama, which made me proficient in the written word and helped me speak with confidence and conviction – skills I use in articulating complex problems, and influencing and inspiring others to take action for good. Studying Law at University and then achieving an MSc in Human Resource Management and Development have equipped me in areas such as Employment and Charities Law, and Organisation Culture and Development, for which I am now a respected thought leader and speaker.

“The second of these foundations is resilience. At School, I remember being pushed hard, I remember failing and I remember being trained to get back up, to dust yourself off and to try again. This is the most powerful tool in my toolbox. Life throws many curve balls. Some of them bounce off you like a Gladiator! Others take you to your knees. But with inbuilt resilience you can always get back up. Developing and continually practising this skill is vital in my work and it’s also inspired and equipped me to offer psychosocial support to others. A notable example of this was when I was deployed by British Red Cross in the immediate aftermath of the Manchester Terrorist Attack, supporting families of loved ones being held in a secure location, who were waiting for news and DNA results. On my shifts, eight families got bad news. My team and I held safe spaces for their shock, anger, and devastation, receiving the prestigious Henry Dunant award (founder of the Red Cross Movement) for our work.

“The third gift from my time at Bolton School is the resolute determination to make the world a better place: from my vast experience volunteering throughout School; the focus of our attention on understanding the issues in the world around us and ‘doing our part’ to make a difference; to my time as Charities’ Prefect. This has been the biggest influence on my career choices and continues to be the reason I get up every morning and do what I do. It’s also the biggest challenge, because that level of emotional investment in your work can be physically and mentally demanding.

“ The reward is that I feel purposeful and fulfilled every day. ”

I have the confidence and conviction to live my values and I have become a specialist working with charities to develop and embed their own values and behaviours frameworks. At British Red Cross that means leading the organisation to be Courageous, Compassionate, Inclusive and Dynamic, to best support those in crisis.”

Sarah engaging with women from South Asian heritage communities on the uptake of cervical screening

The Healthwatch team supporting Blackburn’s first Pride event

Alumni Authors

Moving On

by Bolton Carers Support and Gwen Riley Jones, with contributions by Melanie Bainbridge (née Iyengar, 1970-1977)

Melanie came into contact with Bolton Carers Support when caring for her husband and recently become a trustee of the charity. The organisation provides carers with invaluable advice, support, respite activities and a 24-hour helpline. Moving On was the end result of a project in which a small group of people shared experiences of life as a carer or cared for individual during the Covid 19 pandemic.

All profits from book sales are donated to support the work of the charity. Copies cost £7.50 (+ P&P, or may be collected) via 01204 363056 or info@boltoncarers.org.uk. Please visit www.boltoncarers.org.uk for further information about the charity’s work.

Boltonians Ladies Football

The Boltonians Ladies’ team has made a solid start to their return to the Greater Manchester Women’s League Premier Division following their promotion after last season’s success. While it would be safe to say they are unlikely to win the League, they have established themselves as a team which plays good football and can compete with any of the teams in the division. They continue to develop and to integrate new players into the Club as they consolidate the side.

The cup results haven’t favoured the team this year, going out in the second round of both the League Cup and the Lancashire Challenge Trophy to teams from clubs at a higher level in the football pyramid, but as always they hope to have built on the experience and the challenges of cup matches.

Judith Turner (Class of 1973) recently joined our Alumni Authors review panel and has appraised Moving On:

First of all, I never knew that all eyes were on Bolton in May 2021. But maybe that was because as, with many people, one’s own challenges due to Covid took precedence. I am also totally ignorant about the Worktown archives and Bolton Carers Support. It was very interesting to hear the varied account of this time ranging from Joe with his issues and Cynthia with her devastating loss. I found Joe’s portion extremely moving and beautifully written. I don’t respond so much to poetry, so the poems did not resonate quite so much as the prose sections, but they obviously portray the struggles and worries of being a carer and provide a different way of expressing carers’ feelings.

I loved the idea about doing things while there was a lull in social integration, such as finding a birth family and enjoying the woods and wild creatures with the slowing down of activity. The book clearly demonstrates the kindness of people during the pandemic and it was pleasing to hear about the helpful medical staff, but sad to hear the limitations of visiting sick loved ones in homes or hospital at certain times.

Overall, the book gives a varied interpretation through diaries, photos, poetry and observation of a most difficult time borne with fortitude by all carers.

on a day-to-day basis and making sure all goes well with fixtures and on match days, while still contributing on the pitch. Sadly for the Club she has recently relocated to Cornwall making travel back to the Ladies a little difficult! We owe her tremendous gratitude for all the work she has done and wish her well for the future. She leaves the team in the capable hands of their coach, Tony Berry, and the captain, Michelle Ryan. As always, thanks are due to both of them in making sure that the players can all enjoy the game we love.

Training continues on Tuesday evenings under the floodlights at Ladybridge FC, and home games are at the Old Boltonians AFC ground in Turton on Sunday afternoons. New players or helpers are always welcome. Please contact Tony on tonyberry@pwbuk.com

Staff in the Spotlight

This time the spotlight shines on Mrs Heatherington, who is now enjoying her well-earned retirement, and on Mrs Mees, who has moved across Dobson Road from Beech House to take up a new role in the Senior Schools.

Jane Mees (née Davies, Class of 1987)

After teaching for a decade in Beech House, Jane recently took up the newly-created post of Outreach, Partnership and Liaison Coordinator.

Kath Heatherington (Girls’ Division Staff, 1994-2003)

At Christmas the Girls’ Division said farewell to Mrs Heatherington, who hung up her tracksuit after 29 years in the PE Department. Here she reflects on the changes she has seen during her three decades at Bolton School.

“In 1989, my journey in teaching began at Stockport Grammar School. I applied for this role against the advice of my university tutors, who said an independent school would not consider employing me as a newly-qualified teacher – how wrong were they, and how glad am I that I took a risk!

“Stockport Grammar was a fantastic place to start my career and, with five years under my belt, I started to look for opportunities to broaden my experience. As luck would have it, a job at Bolton School came up which offered different challenges –an all-girls environment along with a chance to teach Infants and Juniors. The things that

“I began my career at Bolton School in 2013 as a teacher in Beech House. I started as an Early Years teacher in Reception and progressed to Deputy Head, where I loved all aspects of the role. I am now the School’s Outreach, Partnership and Liaison Coordinator based in the Riley Centre. This is a new role, created this school year, and a significant part of my job is supporting bursary pupils and their families to thrive here at Bolton School.

“I have really fond memories of my time in the Girls’ Division. Lessons in the Junior huts, theatre productions and the noise of hundreds of girls standing on chairs in the Hall waving jumpers above their heads to celebrate the retirements of favourite teachers!

“My intention when I left Bolton School was definitely not to become a teacher! I loved my A Levels, especially Geography with Mrs Davies and Art with Mrs Fisher. I chose to study Management Studies at Cardiff University; I think probably with no firm idea

struck me instantly when I arrived in April 1994 were how calm the corridors felt without boys and that there were only three male members of staff. It was certainly very different to the mixed environment I had left behind!

“In September 1995, I was appointed internally to the role of Head of PE which was an exciting, albeit dauting, prospect, given I was the youngest Head of Department on the staff by some margin, at the age of 28.

“I have been really fortunate over the years to have been involved in a number of amazing trips and tours, both at home and abroad, including netball tours to Malta and Barbados, lacrosse and netball tours to Canada and endless ski trips to France and to America. I was lucky enough to have a sabbatical in 2005 when I spent a year teaching at Kristin School in New Zealand. This experience gave me an insight into the differences and similarities in how school sport is delivered in the southern hemisphere. It was the most awesome experience and something I would highly recommend to anyone looking for professional development.

“I have loved the pastoral side of being a teacher and particularly enjoyed being Head of Years 10 and 11 between 2010 and 2014. However, my favourite time has been the last ten years as a Sixth Form tutor; it was a privilege to support pupils though their UCAS journey.

“I am proud to have led the Department through many changes and challenges and to have implemented so many opportunities for girls to enjoy sport. The introduction of football, hockey, cricket, water polo and outdoor learning means that girls in Year 7 now have the benefit of trying 13 different sports/outdoor learning activities in their PE lessons. How lucky are they?!

“My standout moments include organising and hosing the GSA National Sports conference, ‘Girls Go Gold’, in 2014 and again in 2018 – I can honestly say those events tested me in ways I hadn’t thought possible and definitely broadened my skillset! Winning the National Schools netball competition in 2004 with the most awesome set of girls was also a particular highlight.

of where this might lead, if I’m honest. On leaving university I secured a Graduate Management Trainee position with Nationwide Building Society. I had 19 interesting years in financial services in many different roles across different areas of the country. I always gravitated to positions where I had the opportunity to work alongside a wide variety of people, often creatively. Towards the end of my career with Nationwide, based back in Bolton, I volunteered as a counsellor with Childline which ultimately led me into a career teaching young children. Aged 40, I seized the chance to take voluntary redundancy and fund a complete change in direction and applied for a part-time PGCE course at the University of Cumbria, then based in beautiful Ambleside.

“In my role now I get to use all the skills and experiences I have gained over the last 30 years to help support and guide new pupils and families as they begin their journey at Bolton School. I feel incredibly lucky and know that my time as a pupil here gave me ambition and resilience, but also the knowledge that whilst I should

“Navigating the Department through Covid and home learning presented its own particular challenges and we certainly had to do a lot of thinking ‘outside the box’ to come up with novel ways to engage and motivate the girls to be active whilst they were not in School.

“Thirty years at Bolton School have flown by; I consider myself privileged to have worked alongside colleagues who strive to make a difference for good – the pupils are very lucky to have such caring and dedicated teachers who are willing to go above and beyond. I will miss all of my colleagues in School and especially want to thank my dedicated and hardworking PE Department members Miss Donaghy, Ms Farrimond-Goff, Mrs Walters, Miss Lindle, Mrs Hetherington (cover supervisor) and Miss Heaton for their unfailing support. I am secretly pleased though there will still be a Mrs Hetherington remaining in the department!

“Top of my retirement ‘to do list’ is to spend more time with Mr Heatherington and our son, Tom. My passion for travelling remains strong and, in between trips to warmer climes, I plan to enjoy the opportunity closer to home to be away walking, cycling and kayaking whenever I can.

“I have loved every minute of my time at Bolton School and am excited for what the next stage of my journey brings. There are lots of things I will miss: people, and the traditions, like Sports day, the Ceremony of Carols and singing Jerusalem. What I won’t miss is taking the borrowed PE kit home every weekend to wash or picking up lost property off the changing room floor each morning – definitely two responsibilities I don’t mind passing on!”

feel proud to have been educated here, I should also feel extremely grateful. It was instilled in us by Mrs Spurr that we should value our place at Bolton School and make the very most of it, but not show off!

“The sense of tradition at Bolton School now mixed with the innovative and new cannot be underestimated. As I look out of my office window in the top floor of the Riley Centre and look over levels and playgrounds where I played and made memories with school friends, life has definitely come full circle!”

Netball Ditty

The news of Mrs Heatherington’s retirement prompted Maxine Maden (née Birch, Class of 1967) to recall a song her form made up about netball some 60 years ago. It was sung to the tune of the hymn Brightest and Best of the Sons of the Morning and went as follows:

Brightest and best of the forms of the Bolton School, Brightest and best of the forms of the third. Third form Miss Morley, surrounded in glory, Netball’s the subject, 3M is the word!

Maxine admits this is not exactly Shakespeare, but explains that it was composed because she and her friends wanted to celebrate that they had won some sort of netball tournament – the victory clearly meant a lot, as she can still remember the words after so many years!

Old Girls Go Global

Roxanna Azimy (Class of 2012)

“I’ve lived in Alicante, Spain, since Summer 2020. After living in Brussels the two years prior, this was initially to be reunited temporarily with my Spanish partner during the pandemic. But after my job as a Consultant for NGOs turned into a fully remote role, I decided to stay. The ability to continue to work in my field, and yet live a quieter, sunnier life, going on walks along the beach between meetings – not to mention living with my partner after being long-distance for five years – made the decision easy!

“I had studied in Alicante back in 2015 as a part of my Spanish and French degree so I was already well-acquainted with the city and language was not a barrier. Although Spain is not so far away from the UK, the culture and lifestyle differ in many ways: from meal times to Spanish people tending to be much more candid and direct in the way they interact. However, it’s the emphasis on leisure and working to live, not living to work, that I’ve found the most transformative.

“ It’s the emphasis on leisure and working to live, not living to work, that I’ve found the most transformative. ”

“Now, living right on the coast, the best things are the climate and spending so much time by the sea – even being able to gaze at it while I work. But if there’s anything I miss about the UK, it’s the small things: cosy rainy evenings, the TV shows, the sarcasm, social awkwardness being the norm, Boots and M&S ... some things, Spaniards will never understand!”

Jessica Gregori (Class of 2017)

“Living in Madrid for the past two years has been an exciting chapter of my life. The decision to move was prompted by the aftermath of the Covid era. I had a desire to immerse myself in change, and since moving I have experienced a new culture, and of course, finally begun to conquer the difficulties of the Spanish language. I’ve found myself engaged in a unique balance, teaching English in a school whilst also working in Digital Marketing remotely in the UK. Since I moved, I have met so many people and learned a lot about myself! What attracts me most to this city is, of course, the continuous sunshine that graces Madrid – but also the diverse mix of people from all corners of the globe whom I meet every day!

“ I would recommend to everyone to spend some time living abroad, it comes with its challenges, but Madrid has become a cherished place to me and somewhere I’m lucky to call home! ”

April Pilling (Class of 2008)

“I currently am living in Düsseldorf, Germany and have been there for four years now; prior to this I lived for 3½ years in Basel, Switzerland. I’m working as a Design Manager at C&A, where I am responsible for the design concept strategy and managing a design team through the collection building process. Whilst my career was going quite well in the UK, I decided that it was time to experience something new. Moving to Europe was great, and although very different to what I was used to, I love a challenge, and working with different people from different cultural backgrounds, in a new environment, was very exciting to me. I wanted to broaden my horizons, and see how other companies operated.

“ There are many things about living in Düsseldorf that differ from my life in the UK: firstly, I have to communicate as best I can in German, of course the weather is a lot better … and I love how well-connected living in Europe can be via public transport. ”

“The best thing about the move I made is that I met my husband whilst in Basel, and we now live together in Düsseldorf - he is Austrian (to add another string to the bow!). The things I miss most about the UK are my family and friends, but I’m not so far away and I make time to visit home as often as I can.”

“There’s honestly not much I miss, except, of course, my family and friends and Yorkshire tea!”

Roxanna with her husband, Miguel, at a Flamenco party

Jessica enjoying the sunshine in Madrid’s Retiro Park

April has embraced life in Europe

The Old Girls’ Association has 5,400 members living and working not just in the UK, but across the globe. Here we catch up with five Old Girls who have relocated overseas, find out what motivated them to move abroad, what they enjoy about their lives there … and what they still miss about the UK!

Barbara Vosnakis

(née Leather, Class of 1984)

“I have lived on the beautiful island of Kefalonia for around 30 years. In 2001 my Greek husband and I opened the Pelagos Bay Hotel, situated opposite an idyllic cove in Scala. We work mainly with tourists from the UK and I have been visited by many Old Boltonians over the years.

“ Island life is very different to life in the UK. During the long hot Summers we look after our hotel guests which is incredibly rewarding as we have made lifelong friends with people from all walks of life. ”

“In the Winter we have time to relax and recover, take the ferry to Athens to do jobs and visit our children who are studying on the mainland. They have grown up bilingual so have the best of both worlds and enjoyed many Bolton Christmases when they were young. There are no direct flights from Kefalonia in the Winter to the UK, so it’s a two-day trip for me to reach Manchester to visit family! Winters can be tough as most villages become ghost towns after the tourists leave, bad storms cause power outages and ferries are cancelled due to rough seas. However, all of this adds to the charm of living in Kefalonia! I appreciate the simple things: feeling close to nature and enjoying an outdoor lifestyle with both the sea and mountains on our doorstep. We started rescuing animals during the Covid lockdown when our

hotel had to remain closed and we now have two donkeys, four goats, two sheep, several geese, ducks and chickens and many tortoises. In the Summer the Caretta Caretta loggerhead turtles come to nest on a local beach and it is amazing to watch them hatch out and run into the sea.

“I don’t miss anything about the UK really – I’m lucky that I have so many friends from the UK who visit and always bring me a little something from back ‘home’! I’m also lucky to have kept in touch with my best friends from School and have regular zoom calls with them. I hope to see more Old Boltonians in Kefalonia soon – you are welcome to come for a swim at Pelagos Bay!”

Patricia Hutchison (Class of 1980)

“44 years have flashed by since I left Bolton School, and I am just starting a new career!

“Two years ago, my husband retired, we moved to the historic city of Carcassonne and I took a course in nature and environment photography. We love it here, and I am setting up a company to do nature tours and photography for tourist boards.

“I have come full circle. I come from a family of photographers, so although I studied Law with French at Birmingham University, graduating in 1984, I then moved to France to work for an international photo agency as a sub-editor and translator.

“I loved living in Paris and met my photographer husband there, but itchy feet and professional opportunities took me to London, and through various picture editing roles in the national press to become Picture Editor of The Scotsman newspaper in Edinburgh.

“Following the birth of our children we returned to Paris where I combined teaching English and translating – mainly legal work - until a three-year stint in Los Angeles gave me a new lease of life and I took up photographing wildlife in California.

“The thing I miss most about the UK is my children, who live there! However, my parents live near us in Carcassonne.

“ I have learned over the years always to make the most of where I am. ”

Barbara (far right) at her hotel with friends from Bolton School, L-R: Catherine Bisson (née Rushton), Alison Smith (née McGuffie) and Janet Marshall (née Fairbank) (all Class of 1984)

Story of a Gown

The Prefects’ gowns are one of the enduring symbols of the Girls’ Division, and the Gowning of the Prefects, held in the Great Hall each May, has become one of its most special traditions. Here Charlotte Prescott (née Bleasdale, Class of 1999) and Fiona Hazlitt (Class of 2017) describe wearing their gowns with pride.

What was your favourite moment whilst wearing your gown?

Charlotte: I have no single stand-out moment, but I do remember the pressure of walking into assembly the first time with everyone watching. It was so high-speed! I also always thought there’d be some sort of musical chairs-style situation at the end where one person gets left without a seat.

Fiona: Open Day was one of my favourite moments. Although I often took part in Open Day whilst at School, the final year was a very proud moment for me. I was at Bolton School from Reception to Upper Sixth so being able to show off the School to prospective parents and pupils was a great event to be part of.

What were your hopes and plans for the future, as you passed on your gown?

Charlotte: Probably looking forward to going to university and all the independence that comes with it.

Fiona: When I passed over my gown, I had accepted an offer from the University of Nottingham to study Architecture. They had given me two offers, AAA or A*AB. I was nervous for the future, but knew I would work my hardest to get the best grades I could. Although I didn’t achieve these grades, I was accepted on to the course with A*BB.

What did you do after leaving School?

Charlotte: I did a BA in Philosophy at the University of York followed by an MA in Advertising and Marketing at Leeds University Business School. I’ve worked in the industry ever since.

Fiona: I went to the University of Nottingham to study Architecture in September 2017 and finished with a 2:1 BArch in 2020. The ceremony was delayed until 2022, by which point I had taken a year in industry at Cassidy and Ashton in Preston. In 2021 I started my Master’s in architecture back at the University of Nottingham and graduated again in 2023 with a 2:1 MArch.

What are you doing now?

Charlotte: I am Copy and Content Director at a design and marketing agency in Manchester, which is a fancy way of saying I get to write for a living. Pretty much what 18-year-old me would have wanted, assuming the dreams of being a rock star or radio DJ didn’t pan out.

(They didn’t, although I do still play bass in a metal band). I’m happily married, and I have an awesome daughter.

Fiona: Since graduating from my Master’s, I have been working at UMC Architects in Newark and started my Part 3 course with the University of Nottingham. This will allow me to qualify as an architect hopefully at the end of this year.

What one piece of advice would you give to this year’s Year 13 pupils?

Charlotte: Follow your passions. It turns out that if you can construct a convincing philosophical argument, you’re pretty well placed for being able to write convincing ad copy.

Fiona: If you choose to go to university the one you pick doesn’t determine your future, it’s what you make of it. Enjoy the societies as much as you did at School because you never know what opportunities they may bring you – they are as much a part of your university experience as your course and grades.

Are you still in touch with friends from School?

Charlotte: Yes, I still see Caroline Jip, who was a bridesmaid at my wedding, Kate Downes (née Feeney), whose daughter was born the day after mine, and Claire Whittaker (née Mooney) (all Class of 1999). I think when a friendship has lasted this long it’s set for life.

Fiona: Up until recently I had only kept in touch with a few friends from Sixth Form. However, since moving to Newark I have coincidently started playing netball in the same league as another Old Girl, Rachel Metcalfe (Class of 2017). This was a blast from the past, having played netball with Rachel for both School and Rivington Netball Club. In addition, through Rachel I found out that Zoe Stirzaker (Head Girl of my year) lives within a 10-minute walk of my house. All three of us have met up with our partners a few times now and have more planned soon. Moving to a new town over 100 miles away from my family was a daunting experience, but finding people from School here has been a lovely addition to my new adventure.

Prefects 2016-17 – Fiona is entre, middle row

Fiona wearing her Prefect’s gown with pride

Fiona at her BArch graduation with her sister, Emily (Class of 2012)

Charlotte (left) with Claire Mooney

Charlotte (centre) in an A Level French lesson with Mrs Garthwaite

Charlotte and her husband, Arron

Inspired by the invitation in the previous edition for Old Girls who have competed in high level sporting events to get in touch, Angela Dunn (née Smith, Class of 1963) proudly tells us about her successful participation in the World Transplant Games.

A Large Bagful of Medals – but no World Titles!

“In 1978 the first World Transplant Olympics were held in Portsmouth. Five nations competed: UK, France, Germany, Greece and the USA. I was never very sporty, but did like swimming, so was persuaded by my nephrologist to compete. I had received a new, my only, kidney in 1970 and was lucky enough to have Professor Sir Roy Calne doing the operation. Sir Roy, a veritable pioneer of transplant surgery, very sadly died in early January at the age of 93.

“ The Transplant Olympics were started to encourage patients to exercise, but also to demonstrate to the public that organ transplantation works and can return people to happy, healthy lives. They also offer the camaraderie of being with people who have experienced and overcome the same health problems. ”

“So, after a little training, I and three other patients from Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge went off to Portsmouth. We did well. We won medals. And we were hooked.

“The following year was also in Portsmouth, but then we were told that the 1980 Transplant Olympics would be in New York. Who could resist? I started training with enthusiasm and was selected at the British Games in Manchester to swim and run for Great Britain. The opening parade of athletes took place along the Avenue of the Americas with people cheering us from the pavement. The 3km ‘mini marathon’ was run round Central Park! I won my class.

“Two years later we were in Athens, where the now 5km mini marathon was run through the rush hour traffic. I somehow won my class – probably the police motorbike just behind me helped. Then, truly memorably, the track events were held in the original 1896 elliptical Olympic Stadium. I came second in the 1500m. By now the World Transplant Olympics had changed their name to the World Transplant Games, under pressure from another Olympic organisation.

“Amsterdam hosted the World Transplant Games in 1984 and again I won my class in the mini marathon and a swimming event.

“At the Games in Innsbruck in 1987 I was made Captain of the British team, a very proud moment. Again, I won medals in my class, but it was to be my last World Games as a new job gave me little time to train. I continued successfully at the British Games for some years, but moving to France in 1996 brought an end to my ‘sporting career’.

“Since then, the World Transplant Games have been all over the world – from Argentina to Australia, Japan to Canada, Singapore to South Africa. Over 70 countries are now members of the World Transplant Games Federation.”

“ For my part, it was the best thing I ever did, enabling me to have the courage to push myself physically, becoming much fitter, making friends and collecting a large bag of medals! ”

Angela taking second place on the podium

The GB team at the World Transplant Olympics in New York – Angela is far left on the front row

OLD GIRLS’ NEWS

Class of 1970-1979

Joyce Tyldesley, OBE (Class of 1978)

Congratulations to Joyce who was awarded an OBE in the King’s 2024 New Year Honours List.

Joyce is Professor of Egyptology at the University of Manchester where she teaches students worldwide on a suite of online courses ranging from Certificate to Masters level. Her research interests include Egyptian historiography, and the role of women in ancient Egypt. Joyce has published a series of books and articles on ancient Egypt, including Cleopatra, Last Queen of Egypt, which was a Radio 4 Book of the Week. Her book Tutankhamen: The Search for an Egyptian King won the Felicia A Holton Book Award from the Archaeological Institute of America.

School uniform! Waheda’s husband, Nick, played the Sultan of Morocco, but sadly they did not end up together at the end of the pantomime!

Class of 2000-2009

Karen Greenhalgh

(Class of 2000)

at the University of Leeds. Danielle graduated with distinction in December, and is now looking forward to finding her next opportunity to keep learning and growing her career in the arts and charitable sector.

Class of 1980-1989

Hayley Moore (Class of 1988)

Congratulations to Hayley who has graduated from Keele University with a Masters in Adult Safeguarding: Law Policy and Practice with Distinction.

Class of 1990-1999

Waheda Hales

(née Mughal, Class of 1996)

Last Christmas (2023) Waheda appeared in her local adult-oriented pantomime, which was a fundraiser for their forthcoming village festival in May. She played a pizza entrepreneur (in Dick Whittington!) called Ma Fitzwarren, and was amused to see that her costume resembled a mature version of Bolton

Having been heavily involved in its creation in 2018, Karen continues to serve as a Trustee of Hidden Treasure Trust, based in Partington. Over the last year Karen has seen their unique educational play space moving to become Britain’s first ‘Pay-What-You-Can’ play centre. This unusual equitable model ensures families who wouldn’t otherwise be able afford it can access all of the groups, support and services available, relying on the generosity of those who can to help cover the costs. Alongside the Hideaway, Hidden Treasure Trust also runs The Hope Centre which provides a community food pantry, advice and advocacy for people in the local community. This month The Hope Centre has moved into its own dedicated premises in the heart of the housing estate to ensure this support is fully accessible to those who need it most. Karen is now involved in developing the previous pantry space into a unique educational provision for young people who are struggling to access school.

Danielle Fearnley (Class of 2002)

Danielle has worked in various roles across the arts since 2007, most recently in fundraising and development. She is currently on the Senior Management Team at The Octagon Theatre, Bolton. She is passionate about the civic role of arts organisations, and the impact creativity can have on towns, communities and people of all ages and backgrounds – especially young people. She loves working in a role that contributes towards enabling organisations like The Octagon to flourish.

Danielle was recently one of ten industry professionals from across the country to be accepted onto the national Arts Fundraising and Philanthropy Senior Fellowship, part of which included completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Arts Fundraising and Leadership

Class of 2010-2019 Jessica Shaw (Class of 2013)

Jess left the Girls’ Division in 2011 to complete her A Levels at Runshaw College. Since then she has worked her way up in the NHS where she is currently the manager of an extremely busy 40 and 8 bedded critical care unit within the Northern Care Alliance.

Since leaving School Jess has also become a fiancée to her other half of 11 years and a mum to her beautiful little girl who is now three years old. She will be celebrating her 30th birthday this year – if anyone had told her all those years ago of all that she would achieve before she turns 30 she would not have believed them!

Jess notes that the memories and knowledge she gained during her time at Bolton School have shaped her into the woman she is today and she will always be grateful to the teachers and friends she met along the way.

Louise Fairclough (Class of 2016)

Louise has been a leader at 1st Culcheth Brownies in Warrington since September 2021. In January 2024, she was presented with her Queen’s Guide award by Girlguiding North West England Region Commissioner Julie Walton after completing her award the previous year. The highest award in Girlguiding, the Queen’s Guide award requires participants to set personal challenges centred around teamwork, leadership and service in Guiding. As part of her award, Louise volunteered as a leader with her local Rainbow and Brownie units, helped to organise events for other Guiding members and also led a region international opportunities trip to Canada in the summer of 2023 and a pack holiday for her Brownie unit in 2022. Louise is extremely grateful for the opportunities afforded to her through completion of her award, and has found it

Ma Fitzwarren and the Sultan of Morocco, aka Waheda and Nick

particularly rewarding to be able to offer opportunities to younger members of Girlguiding.

Ashna Patel (Class of 2017)

Congratulations to Ashna who has graduated with a Masters of Science in Law, Business and Management (LPC MSc) from the University of Law. This is part of her qualification route to becoming a solicitor. Ashna is currently working as a trainee solicitor, having secured a training contract with CMS, and is based across the Manchester and Sheffield offices. She is currently working in a Real Estate Planning seat.

Antonia Jameson (Class of 2019)

Congratulations to Antonia who has graduated from the University of Oxford with a BFA Fine Art (First Class). As an Oxford student, Antonia was fortunate to have access to Crankstart’s

Steps to Success

internship bursary. She used her final bursary to fund an internship at Rebecca Camhi gallery in Athens, Greece. Since September she has been supporting the gallery in their ongoing Alexandros Giorgiou exhibition. It has been a great experience so far, and Antonia feels very lucky to be documenting and working with such an inspiring artist. She has been taking Greek classes during her BFA and it is fun (and challenging!) to put this into practice. She plans on living there for a few years to achieve fluency. Athens has an amazing art scene, and Antonia is looking forward to getting involved more with artist-led projects and exhibitions.

Class of 2020 onwards

Kate Couriel (Class of 2021)

Kate joined the ‘Seb Lowe’ band, who have since completed a sold-out UK headline tour, whilst also supporting huge artists such as The Charlatans, Blossoms and Richard Ashcroft.

Established to support the development of young Old Girls as they enter and navigate the world of work, the Steps to Success mentoring scheme continues to deliver on its promise.

The scheme has seen almost 20 Old Girls take advantage of the support of their fellow Alumnae and have gone onto develop their attitude to work, gain valuable experience in the relevant industry and receive job offers in their chosen field.

“ My enthusiasm for joining the mentoring scheme was fuelled by the willingness to learn about my future career pathway. Having undertaken my undergraduate degree in Urban Planning and my Masters in Real Estate, I have found my passion in Commercial property surveying. This isn’t a career pathway I knew much about whilst at school or university, so having the opportunity to speak to a professional in this field has been really eye-opening.

After studying Law for two years at the University of York, Kate realised that music was the career that she wanted to pursue. She explained that the last couple of years have been utterly lifealtering, as she has achieved things that she never could have imagined herself doing. The variety of gigging, studio recording and touring has allowed Kate to meet hundreds of people that connect with the music that the band create, which is an experience “like no other”. With another UK headline tour on the way in April, where the band are headlining the O2 Ritz in Manchester, alongside another busy festival season, Kate is extremely excited to see what is yet to come in her music career.

Jasmine Shum

(Class of 2023)

Jasmine was recently recognised in Forbes as a ‘Teen Titan’ for her achievements as a young businesswoman, content creator, advocacy for career opportunities and advocacy for mental health awareness. She is extremely driven and set on working to get herself opportunities and into spaces that age would have otherwise hindered her from to prove that it should not ever be a barrier. After leaving School she completed a triple Business BTEC extended diploma at college and now works at Amazon as a Marketing Apprentice in London.

“I approached my mentor about interview and career advice for graduate programmes. The insightful advice in which Sian shared helped me in the graduate scheme process which involved countless assessment days and interviews. In all I received two offers for graduate schemes and have taken up the Gerald Eves Commercial Surveying graduate programme.

“I would recommend the mentoring scheme to anyone who wants to learn more about the professional environment! ”

Vanessa Azavedo (Class of 2019)

If you are considering your first, or next, professional steps and would welcome the support of a mentor, please contact development@boltonschool.org

Destinations of Leavers

Rumaysa Ahmed Gap Year

2023

Khadijah Ahmed University of Leeds Medicine

Ananya Ajit University of Cambridge

Law

Yaqeen Alkaabi Cardiff University Dentistry

Rukaiyya Anas Gap Year

Hollie Asquith Gap Year

Alicia Backhouse Newcastle University Linguistics

Mariyah Bax Cardiff University Dentistry

Molly Bell Durham University

Philosophy and Theology

Emily Bilsborough University of Liverpool Classics

Martha Brennan Gap Year

Ruby Broughton Gap Year

Lauren Bunting

University of Strathclyde

Summer Burke Fashion Retail Academy

Kelly Chae University of Dundee

Grace Chan University of Liverpool

Amelia Charova Nottingham Trent University

Cynthia Cheung Lancaster University

Faye Clarkson

Amelia Coll

Jessica Crompton

Rosemary Crowther

University of Salford

University of Leeds

Jasmine Curtis-Walker Loughborough University

Aisha Darsot

Ella Davey

Charlotte Davies

Aston University, Birmingham

University of Warwick

University of Aberdeen

Ketsia Diakabana University of Manchester

Lucy Dixon University of Liverpool

Jessica Dixon York St John University

Politics and International Relations

Buying and Merchandising for Fashion

Dentistry

Law with Accounting and Finance

Real Estate

Computer Science

Degree Apprenticeship – Weightmans (Law)

Construction Project Management

Degree Apprenticeship – Fletchers Solicitors

Fashion Marketing

Geography and Management

Pharmacy

English Literature

Economics and Psychology

Pharmacology

Anatomy and Human Biology

Interior Design

Sacha Doyle Nottingham Trent University Economics

Amelie Duncalf University of Liverpool Engineering Foundation

Helena Flanagan Employment

Isabella Grainger University of Nottingham Medicine

Sarah Habbab University of York

English/History

Carol Habib Kings College London Medicine

Sophie Hackwell Gap Year

Martha Halford Flagler College, Florida, USA Psychology

Safa Hasan Gap Year

Isabel Heaton Manchester Metropolitan University

Beatrice Hughes

University of Manchester

Umamah Ifkar Gap Year

Fiza Imran University of Salford

Aakifah Ismail Gap Year

Kheshayna Jadwa University of East Anglia

Emily Jefferson University of Liverpool

Business Management with a Modern Language

Mental Health Nursing

Law with Foundation Year

Engineering with a Foundation Year

Medicinal Chemistry with Pharmacology

Ayesha Jiva Newcastle University Dentistry

Georgia Johnston Manchester Metropolitan University Fashion Marketing

Megan Jones University of Nottingham

Divya Kallat Gap Year

Eiraj Kayani

Charlotte Kennedy

Safa Khan

Saima Khan

University of Leeds

Keele University

University of Central Lancashire

Criminology

History and Philosophy

Law with Politics

Physiology and Pharmacology Foundation

University of Liverpool Law

Khadija Khattak University of Leeds Dental Hygiene and Therapy

Mia Kitching University of Sheffield Psychology

Alice Leary Leeds Beckett University Criminology

Isabella Li University of Manchester Optometry

Grace Lyon Royal Holloway, University of London Economics with Political Studies

Olivia Maguire University of Liverpool Economics

Anika Maini Gap Year

Maryam Maka University of Liverpool Politics

Rahmeen Malik Hull York Medical School Medicine

Katy Malley Newcastle University Law

Jessica Martin Newcastle University Business, Accounting and Finance

Georgia McGinty Gap Year

Hannah McKee University of Oxford Chemistry

Zena Miller Liverpool John Moores University Marketing

Bipisha Mistry University of Manchester Philosophy and Religion

Khadija Mogradia University of Central Lancashire

Accounting and Financial Studies

Isabella Morgan Sheffield Hallam University Business and Management

Martha Morrow Sheffield Hallam University Graphic Design

Kiana Murray Lancaster University Human Geography

Halimah Natha University of Salford Law

Mia Niell Gap Year

Blake Owens Escape Studios

The Art of Computer Animation (3D)

Sophie Patel Degree Apprenticeship – IBM

Safaa Patel The University of Law Law

Shriya Pindoria University of Liverpool Aerospace Engineering

Millie Price University of Leeds Biological Sciences

Alicia Quinton-Taylor Newcastle University Computer Science

Kaamilah Rafai Gap Year

Teja Reece University of Liverpool Chemistry

Ruby Rimmer Sheffield Hallam University Business Studies

Elizabeth Rogers Newcastle University Modern Languages

Lucy Sackfield Lancaster University Mechanical Engineering

Saba Salim Gap Year

Henna Sarwar Kings College London Philosophy, Politics and Economics

Mariam Seedat University of Salford Accounting and Finance

Evie Sells Degree Apprenticeship – BAE Systems

Hamna Shafiq University of Birmingham

Dental Hygiene and Therapy

Fatima Zahra Shahzad University of Huddersfield Science Extended Degree

Emilie Sham University of Liverpool Marketing

Kate Shanley Gap Year

Taanya Shenbaga Kumar Lancaster University Biomedical Science

Avneet Singh Aston University, Birmingham Biomedical Science

Kareena Singh University of Birmingham Pharmacy

Violet Summerville University of York Biology

Indira Tailor Leeds Beckett University

Law with Criminology

Humairah Thagia University of Sheffield Dental Surgery

Alara Unsal Newcastle University Law

Alexandra Vincent University of Manchester English Literature

Francesca Williams-Denton Loughborough University

Ella Worsley University of Sheffield

Sports Science, Coaching and Physical Education

Biomedical Science

Aisha Yaqoob Cardiff University Medicine

Zahra Yousaf Queen Mary University of London Medicine

Matches and Hatches

Lizzy Dillon Blackwell (née Dillon, Class of 2015)

Congratulations to Lizzy who married Myles Blackwell (Class of 2015) on 29th July 2023. The couple, who met in the Riley Centre when they were 14, got married in Tockholes, Blackburn, and many Bolton School friends joined the celebrations.

Mini Reunions

Laura Hudson (née Marginson, Class of 2008)

Congratulations to Laura and her husband, Sam, who welcomed Aurora Rose Hudson into the world on 14th November 2023. Laura and Sam are besotted with baby Aurora!

Students Take a Break in Windsor

Back in the Autumn, Summer Kay, who is studying at the University of St Andrews, Taya Panter, who is at Royal Holloway, and Amerleen Hundle, from Balliol College, Oxford, met up in Windsor. The trio, all from the Class of 2022, enjoyed Thai food, shopping and drinks while catching up and hearing all about each other’s university lives. Summer, Taya and Amerleen took advantage of the Development Team’s offer to contribute to University Drinks – see page 10 for details

Coffee Catch-Ups in London

Kopal Matanhelia (Class of 2001) had a weekend of fond memories of School back in January – not only did she enjoy seeing the beautiful grounds on Netflix’s Fool Me Once, she also had a wonderful time catching up with Shiva Kant (Class of 2000) and meeting her beautiful family and children.

Kopal (left) and Shiva had a lot to catch up on

Friends Meet Up in Fanny’s

A group of friends from the Class of 2014 met up in that favourite haunt of Bolton School Alumni, The Victoria Inn, aka Fanny’s L–R: Emma Spenceley, Jess Ryan, Waqqas Patel, Andy Wilson, Zuhayr Adia, Isi Ogbo, Ellie O’Connell, Emma Metcalfe, Zack Howarth

Happy Hikers

December saw Jo Wells, Liz Bottomley (née Wilding) and Ritu Wickremasinghe (née Sahni), all Class of 1990, meet up in New Zealand to hike the Milford Trek. The friends all still share a love of walking fostered during their time at Bolton School when a group would head to the Lake District every holiday on a hiking and Youth Hostelling expedition.

Sharing a dorm and carrying a significant backpack over multiple days was certainly reminiscent of their Youth Hostelling days! It was great to spend quality time together whilst appreciating the stunning scenery of the South Island. The icing on the cake was Jo and Liz (plus Liz’s hubby, Al) making a stopover on their return home to the UK at Ritu’s home in Melbourne to spend time with her family, get a taste of Aussie life and extend the reunion for a few more precious days!

L-R: Richard Humphrey (2015), Antigone Blackwell (2020), Swathi Saravanan (2015), Lizzy, Myles, Holly Bakker (2015), Polly Hughes (2015), George Blackwell (2017); James Titterington and Amy Bannister (both 2015) were also in attendance

Lizzy and Myles on their big day

Ritu, Jo and Liz at the finish, having thoroughly exercised their walking and talking muscles

L-R, Liz, Jo and Ritu had a wet start to the trek, reminiscent of the Lake District!

L-R: Amerleen, Taya and Summer

FROM THE ARCHIVES

What was the ‘Past and Present Club’?

“ The 1905 Girls’ Division Magazine gives a good description of the rationale for the Past and Present Club as they saw it themselves. It stated that the object of the Club, formed in 1889, was ‘particularly to promote interest between the Past and Present Girls, by providing various entertainments. In the Winter lectures, social gatherings or plays are arranged; by holding a public performance money is raised for a local charity. Shakespeare readings are also held in the Winter to encourage intellectual pursuits. Interest is maintained in the Summer by means of picnics, tennis tournaments or excursions which should prove both interesting and useful.’ ”

In the early years there would normally be three meetings a year. These would be the Annual Meeting, a Summer meeting and an Autumn meeting. Until the Summer trips began in 1905, the Summer event would generally be a tennis tournament. The Autumn meetings, by contrast, might have a lecture, such as ‘Ireland Today’, ‘A Visit to America’ or ‘Life in a City’, illustrated by lantern slides. On other occasions the Old Girls would act a play with the proceeds going to a charity. For example, a performance of Sheridan’s The Rivals in 1897 raised funds for the Bolton Society for Befriending Young Servants. The following year a performance of Dickens’ Cricket on the Hearth was in aid of the Poor Protection Society and in 1899 they acted Thackeray’s The Rose and the Wing to raise funds for the Queen’s Mission and the District Nursing Association.

The Autumn meetings might also include play readings, including The Merchant of Venice, Pride and Prejudice, Macbeth, Much Ado About Nothing and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. The evening would generally end up with entertainment, such as a piano recital, singing, a violin rendition, or a performance by the School choir. Similar entertainment would also bring the Annual Meetings to a close. The annual Summer meeting invariably involved a picnic trip by train to destinations such as Bolton Abbey, Poynton Park, Sawley or Clitheroe. One such trip was to Stonyhurst College when eight members went by train to Whalley where they were met by a ‘wagonette’ for the hour’s drive to Stonyhurst. These trips would normally go reasonably smoothly – but not always. On one occasion 20 members had booked in for a train trip from Bolton to Chorley, whence they would walk the 2½ miles to the Yew Tree Inn at Anglezarke. Unfortunately, three members got on the wrong train at Bolton and ended up in Wigan!

“ From the earliest years the Old Girls were active in helping those in need and, apart from raising funds for charities, members regularly helped at the Girls’ Recreation Club, which provided recreation and instruction for the working girls of the town every evening in the week except Friday. Other members went to the Workshops for the Blind and read to the people who worked there. ”

When war broke out in 1914, the planned Autumn meeting was cancelled and ‘members were asked to contribute one pair of socks or a body belt to the Queen’s Fund.’ The appeal led to 110 pairs of socks and 100 body belts being donated. A similar appeal on behalf

of the Belgian soldiers generated a further 134 pairs of socks. Further help came after the 1915 Annual Meeting when it was decided ‘that thirty shillings out of the funds of the Club should be expended on socks for the Belgian soldiers, the order to be given to an invalid man who makes them with a knitting machine and that a further thirty shillings should be given in aid of the St. John’s Field Hospital in France.’ Then in 1916 it was decided to send the 10s 6d normally spent on refreshments at the Winter meeting to St Dunstan’s Hostel for soldiers and sailors who had been blinded in the war.

As no magazines were produced between 1916 and 1920 there is no reference to the Club’s activities during this period. In 1922 several members suggested having brooches for Old Girls. A design was chosen which incorporated the School badge and all were sold at the May meeting. Whether or not further supplies were ordered is not mentioned.

Later in 1922 saw the last trip organised by the Past and Present Club. It came in October when 20 members met in the Town Hall Square for a picnic before taking ‘a very enjoyable ride on a motor bus to Adlington for tea at the Yew Tree Inn, before walking back through Anglezarke and Rivington to Horwich’

We do not know how many members there were when the Past and Present Club was formed in 1889, but we do know from the first Girls’ Magazine that there were then 69 members in 1894, rising to 98 in 1903, 120 in 1908 and over 350 when it was replaced by the Old Girls’ Association in 1926.

“ The archives refer to a number of Bolton School girls being active in the two World Wars. If any readers recall being told by family members about such activities, the Development Office would love to hear from you! ”

Meet the Archivist

Eric Fairweather

If you have a question about the School’s history or would like to donate to the Archive any photographs or artefacts from your time at School, Eric would love to hear from you.

E: development@boltonschool.org.

Looking Back

A nostalgic trip down Chorley New Road – photographs from across the decades.

1 Mendip House, 1948-49

2

June Mellor (née Allen, Class of 1954) sent in this photo from c. 1952 – L-R: XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, Mary Monks, Christine Williamson, XXXX, June Mellor, XXXX, Pauline Hark, Sylvia Thornton – if anyone can identify the unnamed Old Girls in the picture, June would be thrilled!

3 Gymnastics class, 1957

4 Miss Groser’s Second Form expedition to Doffcocker Lodge, May 1959

5 Final of Senior Lacrosse Tournament, 1966

6 Netball, 1987

7 Ski trip, 1997

8 Senior Badminton Squad, 2000-01

9 Miss Panton, Mrs Richards and Mrs Spurr, 2006

10 Tanzania, 2013

LIVES REMEMBERED

Pat Bellis

(née Hilda Patricia Topping, 1937-1945; Girls’ Division Staff 1964-1984)

Pat began her long connection with Bolton School in 1937. Her twin brother, John, started at the same time and Pat was fond of telling how, in the early days of her school life, she was summoned to the Headmistress’s study as she had been seen committing the horrendous crime of walking up Chorley New Road in the company of a BOY! The partner in crime was, of course, her brother. Pat was accustomed to being ‘one of the boys’ in youthful games and could hold her own easily, being known as a tough cookie. John used to bet his friends that they could not beat Pat in a fight. As predicted, they couldn’t, and John walked away with his winnings. Pat got nothing but respect from the boys, but when she got wise to what was happening she soon put a stop to it and would not fight any more.

Alongside the normal timetable at Bolton School Pat was an enthusiastic member of the lacrosse, netball, rounders and cricket teams and later played lacrosse for Lancashire. She was eventually to become President of the All-England Women’s Lacrosse Association, and was successful in petitioning the Princess Royal to become its patron.

Pat trained as a teacher of Home Economics, which was known as Domestic Science in those days (or, in schoolgirl vernacular, ‘Domsci’), and she joined the staff of Stand Grammar School for Girls as a newly qualified teacher. Pupils and staff loved her, especially when she joined in extracurricular activities such as the staff skits presented to the whole school from time to time.

Pat married local businessman Ronald Bellis and a year later their first child was born. The early years of family life were irrevocably marred, however, by the death of this first daughter at a very early age, but three more daughters were born to Pat and Ron and her grandchildren give testimony to her participation in their lives.

Pat returned to Bolton School to teach in the mid-1960s and remained there until she retired. She enjoyed her time teaching there very much. It gave her a purpose and she had many friends there. Apart from teaching and bringing up her family, Pat had a very wide range of interests, sometimes following an unusual track as her enthusiasm led her. She and I met in the Girls’ Division staffroom in the 1960s and one of our chats led to the suggestion that I should give Pat German lessons and she should teach me cookery. We had some jolly sessions together when Pat made good progress with the intricacies of the German language, but I have no clear memories of my cookery skills improving –those rather got left by the wayside.

Pat was indeed a woman of many interests. As a birthday treat one year her daughter, Penny, bought her a flying lesson. She went through the training then flew to somewhere in the Midlands before flying back and enjoying a cup of tea. She was very proud of the certificate which proved this. She was a member of the local golf club, played bowls, was a volunteer at the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, was a member of Bolton Choral Union, attended Christ Church Heaton regularly and was for many years the Chairman of the Old Girls’ Association committee. She was wellknown for her organisational ability and was a regular leader at Cautley.

Despite some hard blows she had to sustain through life, Pat always seemed to rise above circumstances and manage to smile.

Being able to keep positive is, of course, a great gift, which Pat certainly possessed. One very dear friend also describes her as being warm and thoughtful, with a great sense of humour, cheerful, tough and determined – a person of many attributes and an inspiration.

Her grandchildren have many fond memories of her as someone who joined in their activities with energetic enthusiasm. Perhaps Pat can best be summed up by one granddaughter’s comment: “She loved me and made me feel loved.” What else need one say?

Elsie Peel (née Addison, Class of 1956; Girls’ Division Staff, 1962-1970)

Pat was a true stalwart of Bolton School and a lovely friend.

I first met Pat when I attended the School for an interview as Head of Home Economics in 1984; she was so welcoming and made me feel completely at ease. It was a daunting experience visiting the School for the first time, but we chatted about our love of cooking and gardening and hit it off immediately.

Pat introduced me to the running of the department when I arrived in September and showed me how much she loved teaching the Third Form, Lower and Upper Forth while I grappled with the Lower and Upper Fifth and the Sixth Form. In the Home Economics department on the top floor (now science rooms) she helped me with the many tried and tested recipes that were the foundation of the lessons at that time. These recipes were foolproof and I still have paper copies and make them today – most notably the gingerbread cake, scones and Christmas pudding. Pat was full of fun, a very kind colleague and extremely firm and fair with the girls who left no mess at the end of her lessons.

It was a very happy time working with Pat until her retirement. She taught me so much about the ins and outs of Bolton School, most notably what to do when lining up in silence in the corridor and walking in for Speech Day and the Ceremony of Carols! Pat was also a dear friend out of School and always referred to as Aunty Pat by my family.

Ilona Smalley (Girls’ Division Staff, 1984-2018)

Pat on her retirement as Chairman of the OGA in 2002 with Miss Panton Pat (right) with Pam Johnson (GD Staff, 1963-1998) and Emma Foxall (1987)

LIVES REMEMBERED

Nina-Jayne Birley (1994-2001)

Nina-Jayne was born in March 1983, the first daughter of Harold and Elaine and a younger sister to her brother Adam.

Even as a young child Nina had a good-natured, likeable and enthusiastic personality. Family members were always keen to take young Nina on adventures due to her amiable and attentive nature.

As expected, she excelled at primary school with her first teacher saying she was an authoress in the making. Sports day and Christmas nativity plays were a joy to watch for her parents. Nina wanted to take part in everything from ballet, gymnastics, athletics and fell running.

Nina joined Bolton School in 1994 and many lifelong friendships were forged in IIIB. Her gymnastics ability was put to good use as we used to do group handstands against the wall in the classroom. Those early attributes continued into secondary school and there wasn’t a department that didn’t know Nina. She was known to the PE Department for her ability in Athletics and made incredible achievements in Music, achieving Grade 8 piano within four years of starting the instrument. More importantly, though, she was known to her friends as a fun-loving, kind and loyal friend with an infectious smile and a wonderful sense of humour. There were many evenings spent at each other’s houses (involving hours preparing to go out) and then going on to dance at local venues.

Nina achieved exceptional A Level results and went on to study music at Oxford.

Before this next chapter, though, she decided to take a gap year on a short-term commission in the Army at Thorney Island.

This took her on exercise to Germany and Gibraltar where she presented a radio broadcast. Oxford presented another exciting time, immersing herself in her studies, meeting new acquaintances and making lifelong friends. One of her friends even referred to her as the Baroness of Blackrod. As anticipated, Nina met all the challenges with much determination, perseverance and diligence.

Her time at Oxford was industrious and she was part of the rowing team as well as of the University weight-lifting team. Following Oxford her musical achievements included some notable performances in choral and instrumental activities at different venues and festivals around the country. Nina was also involved in the composition of a song for the Falkland Community Choir to mark the 25th anniversary of the Falklands War.

After Oxford, the values she had from her family and her time at Bolton School were put to use and she pursued activities in the voluntary sector including working with disadvantaged young people. Her curious nature and enthusiasm for learning and new challenges lead to her studying Spanish at Manchester Metropolitan University and spending a year in Seville. It was during her time at Manchester Metropolitan University that she established some strong friendships and these friends brought her to the Catholic faith. This faith provided great comfort during her cancer illness in 2008 and again at the time of her second diagnosis.

With true determination and an unfaltering appetite for adventure and learning, Nina attended Bath University and completed a Masters in Interpreting and Translation. Following this degree she became an ambassador for Wigan Council and spent a year in France. In the years following this, despite the adversities caused by her declining health, she was appointed a Councillor for Blackrod Town Council, set up her own business and carried on teaching music.

Nina-Jayne packed in a tremendous amount of living in her forty years. This was undoubtedly down to her steadfast determination, enthusiasm for new challenges and her hardworking nature. She will be forever remembered by her family and friends for her generosity, caring personality, sense of humour and just her fun company.

Mrs Elaine Birley, Catherine McCoy, Katie Quick (née Burton), Deanne Cunningham, Jane Lucas, Anna Harris (née Foster) and Carolyn Bandari (née Brennand) (all Class of 2001)

Kathleen Frances Bulmer (née Denmark, Class of 1969)

My lovely friend Kathleen sadly lost her very courageous fight against Parkinson’s and numerous other health conditions on 28th November 2023.

She had bravely lived life to the full, coping with her deteriorating health for over ten years, and still managed to paint with real flair, sing in a choir, dance and enjoy social outings.

Kathleen had two sons who spoke bravely and with deep affection at her funeral service, which was attended by so many friends and relatives that an extra annexe had to be used.

When a pupil at Bolton School Kathleen was quiet and sensible. She enjoyed the company of her friends and was always kind and compassionate – traits which continued throughout her teaching career and for the rest of her life. She enjoyed fashion and loved bright colours and even wrote a rousing song, hilariously called From me to you – Pork Pies!, which was played at her funeral service.

Kathleen, who lived in Leeds, received excellent care from the Sue Ryder Hospice, and really enjoyed all the activities they offered.

Nina-Jayne and Catherine McCoy ready to attend the Upper Sixth Ball – Nina’s grandmother made her dress inspired by Pride and Prejudice

After hours of getting ready to go out! L-R: Deanne Cunningham, Catherine McCoy, Carolyn Brennand, Philippa Cunningham and Nina-Jayne

Kathleen at School

Nina and her infectious smile at an 18th birthday celebration

She was a real pal; we had been friends for 66 years. I will miss her so much, as I’m sure will her boys and all her many friends, especially Kathleen Ducker (née Clegg) and Alison Morgan (née Bleakley) (both Class of 1969).

We have had the privilege of knowing and caring for Kathleen not only during the happy, carefree days at School, but also over the past difficult years when Kathleen’s character and bravery shone through.

Anne Mullineux (née Dyche, Class of 1969)

Barbara Mitchell (née Halliwell, 1961-1968)

Barbara passed away peacefully with her family at her side on 5th November after a long illness. She went to London University and had a very successful career in Information Technology. She worked for the Metropolitan Police, British Aerospace, the FI group, Equfiax and, latterly, Volt. She was a very vibrant woman with an individual personality and always led life to the full.

Barbara will be sadly missed by her two sons, James and Nicolas, and her sisters Susan, Shirley and Jane.

Shirley Wilkinson

Christine Williams (née Whittle, Class of 1948)

In Memoriam

Christine Whittle was born in Burnley and moved to Bolton when her father became the minister at Delph Hill Methodist Church, Doffcocker. She attended Bolton School during the war years, followed by a Modern Languages degree at Birmingham University and a teaching qualification at Cambridge. This led to a year teaching in France before her marriage to Peter Williams in 1955.

Settling in Hereford, in the house where she remained all her life, Christine held posts at Hereford High School for Girls and Belmont Abbey School. A keen and talented musician, she obtained additional qualifications as a music teacher, resulting in many private pupils as well as roles accompanying local choirs and instrumentalists.

For many years Christine sang with Hereford Choral Society and the Three

Choirs Festival Chorus, also playing in several bands and orchestras. Even when dementia affected her in more recent times she was still able to play the piano for the enjoyment of her many visitors.

Christine is survived by Peter, her husband of 68 years, two sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her funeral was held at St John’s Methodist Church, Hereford, on 15th September 2023.

Pauline Powell (née Fletcher, Class of 1965)

Eric Aldred (Girls’ Division Staff, 2000-2007) - Died 3rd January 2024

Marion Blackburn (née Lomax, 1960-1967) - Died 23rd May 2023

Margaret Dewhurst (née Armstrong, Class of 1945) - Died 13th February 2024

Margaret Krawec (née Hurst, 1942-1947) - Died 13th December 2023

Pamela Marilyn Powell (née Bishop, Class of 1965) - Died 26th January 2024

Helen Wales (née Kelly, Class of 1977) - Died 25th December 2023

Myra Williams (née Cooke, 1942-1949) - Died January 2024

Claire Winnick (née Warburton, 1952-1962) - Died 14th November 2023

Old Girls Association Spring Newsletter 2024