The Bugle - Autumn 2024

Old Boltonians’ Association 1895 - 2024

THE BUGLE

Development Team

Rebecca Brayshaw

Head of Development

Lorraine Dewhurst

Development Assistant

Laura Firth

Director of Development, Alumni Relations and Marketing

Frances Johnson Development Officer

Rebecca Kendrick Development Assistant

Emma Metcalfe

Development Manager

Mia Wild Development Officer

Stay Connected

We hope you enjoy being kept up-to-date with what is happening at School and within the Old Boy community as much as we value the opportunity to stay connected to you. If your contact details have changed, or if you have not yet let us know your communication preferences and wish to continue hearing from School, then please contact the Development Office as soon as possible, or complete the Alumni Communications Update form found in the ‘Alumni and Giving Back’ section of the School website, www.boltonschool.org

www.boltonalumninetwork.com

Bolton School Merchandise

A variety of merchandise, including our popular hoodies, priced at £25 each and available in black or burgundy, is available from the store on the School’s website – please visit www.boltonschool.org/our-community/commercial-services to see the full range and details of how to order.

All profits made from the sale of merchandise go directly to the Bolton School Bursary Foundation which helps to make a Bolton School education open to all academically gifted pupils, irrespective of their families’ financial situations.

WELCOME FROM THE PRESIDENT

I am honoured to be serving you as your President for the coming year and would like to thank the Association’s members for electing me.

I am very proud of this appointment. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Bolton School and am forever grateful to both my father, Jack, and mother, Shirley (now both 85 years old), who believed in the value of education. I am equally grateful to all the teachers and friends who taught and guided me during those seven formative years. (Some of you may know me as ‘Morph’, the nickname I acquired at School and by which many friends still address me!)

Given my role as OBAFC Chairman I am looking towards the year as a special opportunity to replicate the successful camaraderie and resolve of the football club in the Old Boys’ Association as a whole.

I have decided to continue Richard Washington’s theme of a ‘three-point’ focus during my presidency and to highlight the importance of ‘commitment’. Commitment is something we all learnt about at this wonderful establishment and is the root to all success. I would like to see everyone in the OBA embody this principle and contribute to the Association’s growth.

I hope to inspire commitment in three areas:

1. Commitment to the Bolton School legacy by encouraging Old Boltonians to make a difference by raising funds for the School’s bursary scheme;

2. Commitment to deliver growth by reconnecting with Old Boltonians via different sports (golf, rugby, water polo and cricket) – as we do at the Football Club – to increase involvement and thus boost attendance at the various Alumni events organised by the Development Office;

3. Commitment to provide guidance to current pupils via inspirational talks in School and to fellow Alumni via motivating mentoring and coaching sessions.

A final word on commitment and why it is my focus: I believe that if we achieve the three points listed above, an inner positive belief will be ignited within us all. This belief will drive us toward something good happening, and, when it does, it will be because we made it happen.

I hope that you will support me in this quest during my presidential year and I look forward to serving you with passion and enthusiasm.

On a personal note, I have recently undertaken a 600km, 51-day running challenge, raising almost £12,000 for Maggie’s, a beautiful and calm safe haven at The Christie in Manchester for those being treated for cancer and for their supporters. Details can be found here https://bit.ly/BBP_Maggies

Richard Morris (Class of 1986) Old Boltonians’ Association President, 2024-2025

A MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF BOYS’ DIVISION

The start of a school year is always a whirlwind of activity with staff welcoming in the latest generation of Bolton School boys alongside preparing the older boys for their imminent common tests and mock examinations. The time always seems to go so quickly, a fact that was made particularly clear to me when I saw the graduation photos and updates of boys who were in my very first class when I joined the School nine years ago!

This Summer we celebrated excellent results at both A Level and GCSE, a real testament to the hard work of the students during some disruptive earlier years, but also to the staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure the boys had everything they needed to succeed. It was great to celebrate the achievements of our A Level students and to send them off to a wide variety of destinations, including the traditional universities, but a greater number of degree apprenticeships and international courses.

The school sports season has once again begun well, with our rugby and football teams all progressing onto the next stages of their competitions. It was wonderful to celebrate two cup wins for the football teams last year after several seasons of near misses, and the U13 and U14 squads enjoyed a successful tour abroad for the first time since the pandemic. I know that the various sport updates in The Bugle bring back happy memories for many of you, but the star letter featured in this edition really illustrates the influence boys can have (or not in this case) on each other.

The report on our Prizegiving speaker’s presentation highlights that this generation of students is, as Barry Nightingale called them, the ‘Network Generation’. And once again this edition

highlights how the community of Old Boys are helping this generation through their committed involvement in mentorship and careers guidance. The current students and recent leavers gain so much from the involvement of Old Boys, and the Alumni network is an important part of School life. We are always keen to develop this, so please do consider becoming an Alumni Ambassador if you can help us strengthen the network even more.

I also particularly enjoyed the features on the evolution of the buildings of Bolton School and the 60th anniversary of the Boys’ Division being completed, and the reflections of Martin Wadsworth who celebrates his 50th year of involvement in School life. The history and traditions remain in place and the boys take great comfort in belonging to a School that not only looks fantastic, but has an enduring ethos that transcends generations.

Nic Ford Head of Boys’ Division

FOUNDATION NEWS

A Message from the Head of Foundation

As I write, the Primary Division, our newest, has just had its third birthday. The Girls’ Division is 147 years old (put 2027 in your diary for some 150th celebrations) and the Boys’ Division moves into its 508th year.

At School we remember our history formally twice a year: in September, to mark the birth of William Lever, and at our Founders’ Day in May, which is around the anniversary of his death. Next year there will be some special events to celebrate his life a hundred years on.

In September I relay various aspects of Lever’s life, choosing a different theme every year, from his time as a politician, his impact on the profession of advertising, art collecting and obviously business. Founders’ Day has a wider scope and focuses beyond Lever to the early founders of the schools that became Boys’ and Girls’ Divisions. This year at the Girls’ Prize Giving we remembered our links with the Bank Street Unitarian Chapel, inaugurating a new prize and bursary supported by their generous gift. It was amongst that congregation that the roots of Girls’ Division were first imagined. We remember our history because it informs the present and shapes the future, showing us how an enduring sense of purpose shapes itself to the demands of the age.

Two examples of this come to mind. One is how the Governing Body has approached the proposed impact of the addition of VAT to school fees. They began by thinking what the School was all about and resolved that they should be prioritising

inclusivity in whatever financial path they took. That we start such discussions in this way is a tremendously healthy sign for our Foundation.

The second is to reflect on the changing approaches and investment in pastoral care. Our ethos has always been about developing young people, but our response in modern times leads us to a much more resourced and proactive approach. The Boys’ Division inspection report noted how the many activities and outdoor learning promoted mental wellbeing. We now have two handfuls of non-teaching pastoral support workers across the Foundation, including a counsellor. The ‘Hive’ in Girls’ Division provides a space where girls can find a way through whatever is challenging them. I have no doubt that previous generations would find this rather new in School: some may wish such an approach was more overt in their time at School, others will wonder what the purpose is. To those who do wonder I would argue strongly there is nothing new in what we are doing: we have always looked after people and thought of people first. In our modern age that needs a different shape and style. An enduring ethos, shaped to the challenges of the age.

Philip Britton, MBE Head of Foundation

Head of Foundation Receives Honorary Doctorate

Philip Britton MBE, Head of Foundation at Bolton School, has been made an Honorary Doctor in Education by the University of Bolton for his outstanding contribution to education.

A delighted Mr Britton, who attended the student graduation ceremony at Bolton’s Albert Halls, said: “A proper well-founded education can create social mobility, can create choices in life and can create opportunity and that is what we come to celebrate today.”

Mr Britton has recently been announced as the 2025-26 Chair of HMC (The Heads’ Conference), a professional association of heads of the world’s leading independent schools.

Adiós! to John

Colleagues from across the Foundation wished John Newbould well as he retired from his position of Head of Marketing after 18 years.

Philip Britton thanked John for promoting Bolton School, acknowledging his tenacity and adaptability in responding to a diverse array of requests to report on and photograph events both on and off site.

John and his wife, Kay, are planning to spend as much of their newfound time as possible in Spain.

Following John’s retirement, Laura Firth will now direct the School’s marketing and communications activities, in addition to her existing role as Director of Development and Alumni Relations.

In September the Development Office welcomed a new team member, Mia Wild, following her appointment as Development Officer.

Mia has previously worked as a Primary School Teacher and will be responsible for the department’s day-to-day gift processing and donor stewardship procedures.

Mia joins the team from a Bolton School background – her Mum, Dad, Aunties and Grandpa are all Alumni, and her younger brothers are pupils in Year 8 and the Nursery.

Join the Bolton School Alumni Network

DID YOU KNOW

The 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.

3,079

Registered users, spanning the UK, the USA, Australia, Canada, Asia and Europe –offering a truly global community of Old Boys and Old Girls across a wide variety of sectors

1,637

Are willing to offer advice

1,262

Have offered to help review CVs

Alumni Business Directory

As part of the Bolton Alumni Network, the free online Business Directory offers self-employed Alumni the opportunity to promote their businesses and services to a community that spans the globe.

60%

Are open to offering internships or work experience to Alumni

1,795

Are willing to answer industry specific questions

1,499

Are willing to introduce other Alumni to their connections

Bolton Alumni Business Directory – over the previous six months 35% of those who have visited the Business Directory page have gone on to click on the offer page, while 19% of those have gone on to interact with the offer.

With over 3,000 registered users in the UK, Europe, Australia, the USA, Canada, the Far East and beyond, the Bolton School Alumni Network offers a diverse spectrum of support for Old Girls, Old Boys and Former Staff in a variety of sectors.

The use of the Bolton Alumni Business Directory as a free tool to showcase services to an active network has proved very

popular, as has using the platform to offer benefits directly to members. The network of registered users can also be used as a free recruitment tool and we actively welcome any members of the Alumni community who work within, or are responsible for, recruitment to make use of the varied and engaged pool of potential candidates.

For advice on how to advertise a vacancy or search for a mentor within the network please see the informative ‘How to’ videos in the Resources tab. We also welcome any Alumni who are keen to post a careers skills video specific to their industry to contact the Development Office.

If you are not yet a member of the Bolton Alumni Network, you can join today and create a profile by signing up at www.boltonalumninetwork.com with your LinkedIn, Facebook or Google Account or with an email address. Explore

Financial Adviser Jaiminee Patel (Class of 2011) has taken the opportunity to feature her business, Twelve Wealth Management, on the Bolton Alumni Network. She says: “I chose to share my financial advisory services with fellow Alumni because building and fostering lasting relationships is at the core of what I do as a financial planner. I’ve been able to meet fellow Alumni and grow my business, grounded in shared experiences from Bolton School which is always a pleasure.”

To feature your business here please contact the Development Office.

Annual Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Report

Bolton School has released its latest Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Report, which covers the 2023-24 academic year. It is the final report in a series of five which the School committed to compiling after the death of George Floyd and the testimonies published by Everyone’s Invited, events that prompted many schools and institutions to re-examine their approaches to inclusion and diversity.

As a result of its focus during that period, Bolton School has better integrated DEI into learning across the campus and,

where appropriate, partnered with external agencies, working constructively with its former pupils in ensuring that its actions have been proactive, sustained and meaningful. The Girls’ Division, Boys’ Division and Junior Schools have all been commended on their inclusivity and approach to DEI in recent inspection reports.

As it focuses on the next five years, the School – through a DEI Committee – will continue to monitor diversity, equity and inclusion across all its settings, ensuring the changes it has made remain embedded in the School’s culture and practices.

Scan here to read the full report.

THE MAIL BAG

A selection of emails and letters received since the last edition of The Bugle was published.

Star Letter

Athletic

Inspiration

The photo of the 1954 athletics team featuring Chris Goudge (Class of 1954) in the previous edition of The Bugle reminded John Boulter (Class of 1959) of his first day at Bolton School –he writes:

“It was the beginning of Summer Term 1953. My father had moved to Farnworth earlier that year and I had, in a modest way, imitated FRP by moving from Colchester Royal Grammar School to Bolton School, Boys’ Division. It was Sports Day and Chris Goudge won everything I can remember. Later, he ran in the 400m Hurdles at the Rome Olympics. And later still, when I was just beginning to look like a promising runner, he advised me to learn to hurdle as it was easier to reach the top in that event than in ordinary running. I didn’t take his advice. I probably should have!”

Nevertheless, John went on to compete in the 800m in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics!

Cross Country Team, 1959 Standing, L-R: RK Patterson, I Evans, M Crompton, LN Rudd, B Riley Seated, L-R: AA Taylor, FJ Benson, JP Boulter

The School Magazine

The Boltonian remains the premium magazine for the Boys’ Division. As an Old Boy it is possible to become a subscriber to The Boltonian and have a copy mailed directly to you each year.

The magazine costs £15 per annum for UK subscribers and £20 per annum for non-UK subscribers. All prices include postage and packaging. Single editions (including some earlier editions – subject to availability) are also available. Any profits made from the sale of the magazine will go towards the running of the Old Boltonians’ Association. For details of how to subscribe, please contact the Development Office.

Corrections

In the feature on Lord Haslam in the archive section of the Spring edition it was stated that Bob Haslam was born in February 1923 and that he entered Bolton School in September 1923. Clearly this was not the case: he actually joined the School

Bolton School v Cambridge Falcons

Geoff Ogden (Class of 1959) sent in this photograph which was taken in 1958 in the newly-opened sports pavilion. Old Boy Duncan Gorton (Class of 1956) had just gained his Blue playing for Cambridge University against Oxford University at Wembley in early December 1958. He was playing for Cambridge Falcons against the School team and this photograph appeared in the Bolton Evening News

After leaving School Geoff himself also became a Cambridge Blue, along with the late Peter Jarvis (Class of 1959), (see obituary on page 37), and both enjoyed the privilege of playing against Oxford at Wembley.

in 1934. Apologies for the mistake – and thank you to those eagle-eyed readers who spotted this error.

The Spring edition of The Bugle also contained news of the visit of Martin Poskitt (Class of 1962) to School during a trip from his home in Kuala Lumpur. Martin currently lives in Canada – we apologise for getting this wrong.

Athletics team, 1954 – Chris Goudge is front centre

CONTINUING SUPPORT

Bolton School is a national leader in bursary provision and fundraising. We are hugely grateful to all of the Alumni and Former Staff who have supported our bursary scheme over almost three decades, and whose generous philanthropy has enabled that to be the case.

During the 2023-24 academic year, the School spent £3.59m on bursary grant awards, supporting one in five pupils to attend the Senior School on a funded place. Of these, 25% were full fee bursaries and 57% were significant bursaries of 80% or more.

The Impact of VAT on Bolton School’s Bursary Scheme

In its first King’s Speech in July 2024, the new Labour Government set out its intentions to add VAT to independent school fees from January 2025, a change which will have significant implications for Bolton School in the coming years.

We know that Alumni, Former Staff and other members of the School community share the School’s view that it must remain inclusive – as has been the case throughout the past century – with a pupil community which includes those who can comfortably afford VAT on fees, those who require bursaries and, crucially, those in the middle ground.

In order to ensure that can be the case, the School must continue to be very careful with its annual fee rises. To that end, the Governors have made a public commitment that the School will share the burden of VAT with its parents, mirroring its approach during the Covid pandemic. This will be achieved by ensuring that fees will not rise by more than 5% per year inclusive of VAT, for as many years as the adjustment to VAT requires it, with no in-year fee rises at any point.

By taking this approach, the School hopes it will allow current and prospective parents to plan ahead with reassurance that the School will remain affordable for their families throughout their child’s time at the School.

To afford this approach, the Governors have chosen to redirect part of the surplus from fee income that they would usually reinvest in bursaries, in order to reduce the level of the School’s overall annual fee. Regrettably, this means that, whilst the

School will not move backwards from the current level of bursary support it is able to offer – which currently stands at one in five of all Senior School pupils – sadly, it will not advance towards its long-stated ambition of increasing the level of support to reach one in three pupils as quickly as we would wish.

We will of course wish to mitigate this delay as far as is possible, and in the new year intend to launch a significant philanthropic giving campaign in support of our bursary scheme as we continue to work towards that goal.

Alumni and Former Staff will be reassured to know that, given our bursary funds are held separately to the School, by the Bolton School Bursary Foundation, the annual grant which funds our bursary awards will not be subject to VAT, and that therefore, no donations the School has received to date, or will receive in the future, will be used to fund the payment of VAT to HMRC by the School.

We hope it is a point of pride to the School community that our approach has been so carefully considered, in order that the School’s ethos, of which we are all so rightly proud, might endure.

This is a challenge, but the School has worked through many such moments during its long history. With the continued support of our community, and guided by our strong collective sense of purpose, we are certain that the School will continue to thrive throughout this next century, and beyond.

If you would like to learn more about supporting the School’s bursary scheme, 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 the achievement of our ambition to further expand our bursary scheme.

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

SCHOOL NEWS

Students Look Ahead to Bright Futures

Grey skies could not dampen spirits at Bolton School on A Level Results Day! There were celebrations in both Divisions as Year 13 returned to collect their grades.

As well as super results (one quarter came away with all A* or A grades), students take away much more than that from their time at Bolton School and it is this that is key as they leave ready to make a difference to the world.

Summer Festival Success

The inaugural Bolton School Summer Festival was a resounding success!

Thank you to the Parents’ Associations and the Friends of Bolton School for organising this event, the profits of which have been split between supporting Bolton School Bursaries and the Malawi school charity Great Minds Bright Futures

Football Focuses on Portugal

The U13 and U14 Football Squads travelled to Portugal over Easter, winning all six matches against some of Lisbon’s top clubs. They visited SL Benfica, watched FC Porto play, explored Lisbon and Cascais, and enjoyed beach football, table tennis, and bowling. AO.com sponsored the tour, providing kits for all and grants to enable bursary pupils to participate.

Soccer Success

Congratulations to the U12s and the U13s football teams who have won their respective Town Cups!

The U12s overcame Turton High School 5-0 in the final. Head of Academic PE in the Boys’ Division, Mr Matt Johnson, said: “The lads have had a very successful season and this was a great way to end. This team are the most talented group of footballers that we have had for quite some time.”

The U13 team also won their Town Cup final, beating St James’ High School 3-0.

Coach Mr Craig Hunt said: “Both sides should be congratulated for the spirit in which the game was played.”

The victorious U13 squad

The U12 team with coaches Tom Procter (Class of 2019) and Mr Johnson

Little Shop of Horrors

Over three nights in March, Senior School pupils delivered a stunning performance of Little Shop of Horrors

Directed by Miss Sarah Talbot, Director of Theatre Studies in the Girls’ Division, and Mr Peter Lovatt, Foundation Director of Music, the cast brought to life the story of Seymour and his bloodthirsty plant, accompanied by a live band, offering a fresh take on the Faust legend.

Scan here to read a review of the performance

Tracy’s Super Shift

Launch of Bolton Butch

Bolton Butch, a brand-new rescue powerboat which will support Patterdale Hall’s activities in the Lake District, has been purchased following a fundraising campaign.

The rigid inflatable boat (RIB), named ‘Butch’ in honour of the late former Boys’ Division teacher Clifford Ingham, was officially launched in June by Barbara Laycock (née Ingham, Class of 1960), the daughter of Clifford; Barbara has since sadly passed away: please see In Memoriam, page 39. Attending the ceremony were individual donors to the appeal, and representatives from the Clifford Ingham Fund, the Friends of Bolton School and the Scott Trust.

School’s £60,000 for Malawi Street Children

Mr Armstrong (centre) receives a cheque for £60,000 from representatives from across the Bolton School Foundation Bolton School has raised £60,000 over several years to support street children in Malawi, inspired by Hesketh House teacher Mrs Julia Marsden’s 2017 trip. The funds will benefit Great Minds Bright Futures, a charity founded by parent Dave Armstrong, providing education and safe spaces for vulnerable children. All Divisions of Bolton School participated in a charity walk, with 1,200 Senior pupils hiking to Rivington Pike, while the Junior and infant pupils and Nursery children walked around the School campus. Mr Armstrong expressed gratitude for the contributions, emphasising the impact of education in combating poverty.

Tracy’s dedication was celebrated in the Boys’ Staff Common Room

Old Boys who attended School during the last four decades will join us as we congratulate Tracy Peacock on 40 years’ service to Boys’ Division catering. Catering Administrator Tracy has seen many changes during her time at Bolton School, and is still a welcoming presence in the Dining Room!

Celebrations for GCSE Students

Bolton School’s Great Halls were buzzing with excitement as Year 11 gathered to collect their GCSE Results.

This year group went into lockdown in March of Year 7, had Year 8 in bubbles and began Year 9 in masks, yet have shown resilience and determination to put the Covid years behind them. In addition to their excellent academic achievements, they have blossomed into national level athletes, top musicians, award winning debaters and terrific actors – all of which will provide an excellent platform for their Sixth Form studies.

Tim Taylor, Manager of Patterdale Hall, Peter Laycock (1958; BD Staff, 1961-1965), Barbara Laycock, Philip Britton

Inspiring the Next Generation

Perspectives

The Perspectives Lecture series invites a panel of Old Boys and Old Girls 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 Computer Science and Coding

Niall Woodward (Class of 2016)

Niall took A Levels in Maths, Physics and Electronics and studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Imperial College London. He is the Co-Founder and CTO of SELECT, a business to business software product which helps customers optimise and monitor their Snowflake cloud data warehouse.

Prior to starting his own business Niall worked as a data engineer for a number of organisations and for an analytics consultancy. Being a little impatient, he enjoys the quick feedback time involved when working in computer software!

Asked why young people should consider a career in the field, Niall noted the flexibility to work on a variety of problems with a wide range of companies, that the sector pays well and that there are lots of flexible benefits. He advocated needing problemsolving skills in general and that any engineering background is good; however, it is not necessary to have been to university to work in the sector.

Freddie Higham (Class of 2022)

Freddie is currently studying for a degree in Computer Science at the University of York, having enjoyed his A level in the subject. He also developed an early love of programming and using Python when he was a Junior School pupil.

Freddie enjoys the practical software development side of his studies, but noted that there is also a lot of theory. However, university has been a great chance to further his knowledge of the subject and begin to understand what he wants to do in the future. Game development has always been a big passion for him and he has enjoyed being the chair of the Game Development Society at York. He is confident that there will be a wide variety of career possibilities, be that in academia, software design or development, cybersecurity, AI or many other fields. Considering what skills are needed to succeed in this field, Freddie believes that, alongside a passion for the subject, soft skills such as communications and teamwork are important alongside technical hard skills.

Neil and Freddie were joined by Old Girls Emma Arandjelović (née Shepherd, Class of 1999), a Senior Software Engineer for consultancy firm Observatory Sciences, and Rosie Dandy (Class of 2019), a Business Analyst at AstraZeneca

Perspectives on Law

Matthew Ashforth (Class of 2003)

Matt took an AS in Law at school, which whetted his appetite. He started his career in private practice in Manchester and is now an in-house lawyer who has worked in a variety of organisations, including property developer and leisure operator Dubai Holdings, Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai, and as Head of Legal at Everton Football Club. He recently took up the position of Senior In-House Counsel at Aston Villa Football Club.

Matt believes that a career in law offers an intellectual challenge that is not found in a lot of other jobs; in order to succeed in the field it is essential to be on top of the subject that you are specialising in. Other key requirements are adaptability, proactivity and hard work. Considering how his own career has evolved, Matt recommended looking out for opportunities – and to try to enjoy yourself!

Andrew Lee (Class of 2017)

Andy studied Classics at the University of Oxford, before going on to complete an MPhil in Classics at the University of Cambridge. Having really enjoyed participating in the Mock Law Trials at School, he decided to explore a career in law by taking part in several mini-pupillages and vacation schemes. He completed a law conversion course last year, and recently completed the Solicitors Qualifying Examinations, before moving to London to begin a training contract with Eversheds Sutherland.

Having considered a career in academia, Andy decided that law would allow him to work with other people and make an immediate difference in the world. He believes his Classics degree has helped develop his problem-solving skills. His advice to current students is to gain that all-important work experience.

The panel also included Old Girls Angeli Kapadia (née Vadera, Class of 2007), a Construction Claims Specialist at AXA Insurance based in New York, and Christie O’Connell (Class of 2016), a Barrister in London specialising in matrimonial finance.

Each Lecture hears from four Alumni working in a particular field who offer their ‘perspective’ on that career. To date there have been XX Lectures in the series; all are available to watch on the School’s YouTube channel.

Perspectives on Politics and the Civil Service

Richard Walker (Class of 1985)

Richard developed his interesting politics while reading Geography at St Catherine’s College, Oxford. He completed an MSc in Urban Planning at Oxford Brookes University and joined a town and transport planning consultancy, spending time in China working on the Shanghai transport plan. Having seen the ambition of the Chinese for the 21st century, Richard went to work for the Greater London Assembly as a Transport Policy Officer. He became involved with Regional Plans and the Strategic Rail Authority. As well as developing rail plans for the South East, he was part of the team which wrote the transport strategy for the North, forming part of the Northern Powerhouse Plan. He was also instrumental in creating Transport for the North, based in Manchester, which is still in existence.

During the run-up to COP26, Richard spent a couple of years at the University of Leeds, working as part of the DecarboN8 team looking at decarbonising transport in the north of England, before returning to the Department for Transport helping to deliver the National Bus Strategy for England.

Alex Waudby (Class of 2012)

Alex studied French and German at the University of Bristol. After graduating he spent two years in Hong Kong teaching English. Thanks to his language skills, he joined DG Interpretation in Strategic Communications and Outreach, which gave him the opportunity to see how government works through a multilateral lens. In 2019 he was offered a role under the Civil Service Direct Appointment Scheme in the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, communicating policy and regulatory changes to businesses to help them get ready for the UK’s exit from the customs union. In early 2020, his remit changed and he became involved in disseminating pandemic-related information to businesses.

Alex Motivates MedSoc

Alex Turner (Class of 1993) gave an inspirational and fascinating talk to Medsoc. He outlined his impressive 21 years of training, described his role as a Robotic Paediatric Urology Surgeon in Leeds and encouraged the students to follow their passions, work on their emotional intelligence and, most importantly, to take every opportunity.

Alex attributes his successful career to his time at Bolton School. He reminded students that there are multiple ways to achieve their goals and that resilience would be key to success in their medical journey.

Alisha Inspires at Hulton Lecture

Alisha Whitehead (née Patel, Class of 2011) was the guest speaker at the second annual Hulton Lecture, held in the Girls’ Division Great Hall.

Since leaving Shool Alisha has completed a BSc in Psychology at Sheffield Hallam University and an MSc in Clinical Neurology at the University of Sheffield. Her career has centred on neurological research and has ranged from delivering clinical trials and managing large grant-funded trials to setting up and managing 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.

He then moved into private office, joining one of the teams that surround ministers and senior civil servants, and was involved energy systems and networks, trade and international engagement, business frameworks and labour markets. The work was hard, and often involved weekends, but gave Alex the confidence to take on bigger challenges and he is now a Senior Nuclear Policy Advisor at the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

Alex relishes the fast-paced nature of the civil service and the opportunity to make a difference – resilience, strong communication skills, a proactive and inquisitive nature, flexibility and a willingness to take opportunities when they arise are essential to succeed.

Richard and Alex were joined by Old Girls Nina Menezes (Class of 2002), Lead Software Developer in the Incubator for Artificial Intelligence in the Cabinet Office, and Beth Warke (Class of 2014), Engagement Officer at Policy@Manchester, The University of Manchester’s sector-leading policy engagement institute.

Alisha shared her fascinating career in a way that was really accessible to the young audience of Primary Division pupils and visiting primary school pupils, and even included a simulated ‘double blind clinical trial’ to show everyone how these work in the real world.

The Hulton Lecture, held annually at the beginning of May, is the Primary Division’s counterpart to the Boys’ Division Tillotson Lecture and the Girls’ Division’s Platt Fisher Lecture.

Inspiring the Next Generation

World of Work

The World of Work talks aim to encourage current pupils to broaden their horizons via a series of Zoom sessions by a range of inspiring Old Boys. We asked recent contributors to reflect on who and what had inspired them during their time at School.

Austin Harris (Class of 2001)

Austin is a highly qualified and experienced sports professional who has combined a 20-year FE teaching career in Sport with professional football academy coaching at four professional football clubs. Since 2019, he has been an FA National Coach Developer, training football coaches and NGB Level 1 to 3 Coach Developer tutoring on behalf of the English Football Association (The FA). His love of football was sparked at Bolton School where he represented both the Junior and Senior Schools as part of competitive house and school fixtures.

Austin shared his journey in football coaching with current students, emphasising the importance of being ‘trainable, teachable, and coachable’. He highlighted the value of following one’s dreams but also having a backup plan. He reflected on his School days, fondly recalling Mr Freem and Mr Hiepko who inspired him to study German at St Andrew’s University. During this time, he also worked in the US coaching football. His coaching career began after a stint as a German teacher in London, where a connection with Portsmouth Football Club led him to become an Academy Lead Coach. Following the club’s collapse, he transitioned to coaching roles at Aldershot Town, Crystal Palace, and Brighton & Hove Albion. Austin’s journey highlights resilience and adaptability in pursuing a fulfilling career in sports while balancing family life.

Simon Turner (Class of 1989)

Simon read Law at Oxford, going on to a brief career as a barrister. He then became a solicitor, working primarily on financings for international projects and company acquisitions, as well as corporate restructurings.

His career path changed completely when he was invited to set up a UK charity and work with a non-UK philanthropic foundation. He is now Chair of The Camellia Foundation, an organisation which strives to remove barriers that prevent local youths from accessing needed mental health services.

Simon discussed his transition from law to leadership in the charity sector. Reflecting on resilience, he quoted Mike Tyson’s saying, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth”, illustrating how early career setbacks shaped his flexibility and humility.

He emphasised the importance of perseverance, adaptability and developing personal traits valued by employers, such as intellectual humility, ethical integrity and compassion.

Simon encouraged students to have courage in their convictions, pursue excellence and seek mentors for guidance. He concluded by answering questions about his career in law, charity work and gave advice on developing soft skills.

Sixth Form Entrepreneurship Scheme

During the last academic year Year 12 pupils from both Divisions were invited to take part in the Sixth Form Entrepreneurship Scheme established by Old Boy Rob Dobson (Class of 1982). The scheme looks to develop the business and entrepreneurial skills of students through mentorship from Alumni, with skillsbased and founder experience presentations to shape the trajectory of the pupils’ research, culminating in a Dragon’s Den-style pitching event.

Throughout the Autumn Term pupils were invited to hear from Rob, Juhi Gore (Class of 1993) and Rik Thwaites (Class of 1977) about their founder and business experience to gain a foundational understanding of entrepreneurship.

After these sessions, the pupils who wished to progress to 1-2-1 mentoring submitted their applications, before being matched with mentors Rob, Juhi, Rik, Ingrid Murray (Class of 1984), Charlotte Morley (née Maddrell, Class of 1999), Shweta Sharma (Class of 2001) and Simon West (Class of 1996). Once matched, the students worked with their mentor to develop their business plan: building a model and exploring ideas that had been discussed at the group sessions to bring improvement or opportunities to their passions. We are immensely grateful for the time that the seven mentors have given to the scheme and students this year.

Careers Inspiration for Juniors

Year 6 pupils enjoyed an afternoon with former pupils and friends of the School, learning about a range of careers.

Paul Johnson (Class of 1985), a partner at Manchester law firm Ward Hadaway, gave an interactive presentation in which he asked the pupils about their understanding of the law and how it effects our lives.

Krish Patel (Class of 2010) talked about his StoryOak and Tales to Inspire creations. Real-life stories from all around the world which help inspire individuals and communities can be found on his website and YouTube and in his podcasts.

Veterinary surgeon Sophia Saunders (Class of 2007) described how a typical day in her life might involve routine visits, conducting emergency visits and operations and being on call, reflecting that the best bit of her job is being with the animals.

Dr Richa Sharma works at a dental practice in Chorley. She got the boys and girls to work in pairs to restore a cavity in a tooth using white tack to represent filling material and was very impressed to see so many well-carved fillings!

L-R: Richa Sharma, Philip Britton, Paul Johnson, Krish Patel, Sophia Saunders

Students with L-R Rob, Rik, Ingrid, Shweta and Juhi at the pitching event

The Network Generation

Barry Nightingale (Class of 1979) gave the keynote address at this year’s Prizegiving Evening.

From a multi-generational Bolton School family, Barry was an A-grade Economics student who went on to gain a degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Sheffield. He has since worked with many successful entrepreneurs and businesses, including Betfred, TRG plc, WeBuyAnyCar, Airtours plc, easygroup, wejo and Dare.

Barry’s main message in his speech was that today’s students are the ‘network generation’ and, as such, should focus on building and leveraging their networks for success. He emphasised the importance of taking advantage of accessible connections, joining platforms like LinkedIn, and seeking mentoring opportunities. He also highlighted resilience, learning from failure and maintaining a positive outlook as keys to success.

Barry’s Journey From Bolton School to Boardrooms

Sixth Form student William Martin spoke to Barry about his career and how his Bolton School background helped to shape his future.

From his early days at Bolton School, Barry Nightingale had his eyes set on a career in finance. Studying Maths, Economics and Geography in the Sixth Form, he had fond memories of his favourite teachers: the ‘geography trio’ of David Allen, Derrick Shaw and Harry Jackson, whom he described as ’a force to be reckoned with’, as well as economics with Robin Mathieson and Martin Wadsworth.

He was a keen member of the School Scout troop, which was hugely influential in developing his character and was one of the best parts of his School life. Not only did Scouts give Barry a zest for travel and exploring, but it also gave him considerable leadership skills that could not be gained in the classroom, with a great buzz and camaraderie, all run by his massive inspiration and uncle, Roger Kirk. He relished the continental trips and the vast personal development which he gained from them.

After leaving Bolton School, Barry headed to the University of Sheffield, where he studied Accounting and Finance. He advises students to study what they enjoy, for with hindsight, Barry wished he had studied Geography. His advice was not necessarily to do the course you want to take up as your occupation, as you get more personal worth from doing what you enjoy; you have the rest of your life to study for your chosen career. However, his degree provided the foundation stone for future learning during his professional studies.

Barry took the traditional route into accountancy, undertaking his professional qualifications at Deloitte in Manchester. Whilst he describes it as a massive shock to the system in the change from university life, he recognised the prize at the end. Following his qualification, Barry continued to work at Deloitte and gained some great on-the-job experience and training that he could always fall back on before moving into corporate treasury. He spent a few years at Kellogg’s and then Airtours plc, which later became Thomas Cook.

During his 11 years there, Barry rose to the top of the business and his profession. He recalls a conference where he made a

pitch with none other than Justin Welby, who would go on to take a very different career path. It was during these days at Airtours that Barry learnt how to cope with the pressure of large financial deals, by forgetting about the noughts, though still being conscious of doing the right deals, for it was most of the time somebody else’s money. While doing lots of overnight shifts to conclude deals throughout his career, Barry enjoys the buzz he gets from business that he had never got from doing sports.

Following his time at Airtours, Barry returned to a broader finance role as Chief Financial Officer, having built up his reputation and experience in financing, funding cash-flows, and debt and equity solutions. It was at this point that he was sought out by easyJet founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou, and he worked for him for two ‘tempestuous’ years. After this, Barry continued as CFO in a myriad of businesses: Betfred, webuyanycar and The Restaurant Group, to name a few. At Betfred, his career highlight occurred when he had the opportunity to assist with the buyout of the Tote. Leading the advisory team, he saw off the competition and finished the deal. Barry explained how he was continually learning throughout his career and that it was during his time helping and advising struggling businesses that he learnt the most.

After a bustling and energetic career, Barry has opted to move towards a slightly quieter life, doing some consulting work while also keeping up with his love for travel. He is also dipping into the gaming market in India with a non-executive chair role. His involvement with Bolton School has, however, continued, and he continues to give career advice and guidance.

For Barry, a crucial part of success comes down to interpersonal skills and that, for him, it is always people first, finance second. If you surround yourself with the right talent and nurture it, your business and people will succeed. Barry also emphasised the fantastic opportunities available with apprenticeships and the importance of networking with others through LinkedIn and the Alumni Network. Barry’s last piece of advice: ‘Follow your passion and don’t get bogged down with the economics of life too soon’.

William Martin (Year 13)

Inspiring the Next Generation

Old Boys in Engineering

Duncan Cameron (Class of 1981)

Duncan is the owner of Energuity Ltd, a provider of engineering inspection and energy services.

“I decided that I didn’t want to follow the conventional post-Sixth Form route to university and thence one of the professions: I rather fancied going to sea – my Father (Donald, Class of 1954) had left in the Fifth Form and gone to sea on deck, finishing as Master before changing his career and becoming a teacher. Mr Baggley, Headmaster at the time, was an ex-Royal Navy Officer and fully supported my career path.

“Having a mechanical bent I decided to apply for a cadetship with BP Shipping as an Engineer Officer Cadet and spent two years at Greenhithe, a year at sea on two tankers, then a further year at South Shields College. At the time the Merchant fleet was rapidly contracting and I was made redundant – fortunately, I secured a position with Andrew Weir’s Bank Line where I stopped for four years, gaining a Class 2 Motor Certificate.

“The fleet contraction continued apace and, with ships being sold and no promotion, I shifted to P&O Containers where I stayed for another four years, gaining a Class 1 Steam and Motor Certificate. Most of P&O’s trade was down to Australia/New Zealand and I found I loved New Zealand – P&O entered into a joint venture with Swire’s China Navigation and asked for volunteers to go on the ship running between New Zealand and the Far East. (Here we have another Bolton School connection – one of the Masters, Dudley Groves, is married to Ann Tillotson, Marcus’ daughter!).

“Swires were expanding and P&O at best stagnant and I was offered promotion to, as it were ‘jump ship’ – so I did so. That was the best move at sea I ever made, rapidly being promoted to Chief Engineer.

“The winds of change were still blowing in the industry and the number of Europeans employed shrinking. Sensing the writing on the wall, I took a year off to do the Engineering Council Examinations at Glasgow College – I was the only UK candidate to pass all six examinations at one attempt that year. Independent study, encouraged at Bolton School, was essential as the course was largely self-taught

“I returned to sea for a couple of years, but the rot had really set in, so I moved on to a consultancy firm doing Energy and Environmental work – Bolton School had given me an analytical mind so I could get my head around the legislation (much to the detriment of the Environment Agency and the benefit of my clients!). I remained there for eight years; however, the company got sold three times with two management buy outs, and the last sale reached a new low in management quality, so once again I decided to move …

“I was offered a job doing engineering inspection in Leeds on a self-employed basis, so I set up my own company and made some contacts. Fourteen years on, I’m still here, mostly doing inspection for the oil industry (most of the equipment is destined for foreign companies who don’t wish to fly over and so employ UK engineers to do the inspections for them), cruising towards retirement, having enjoyed all my life in engineering.

“Have I changed my career? I don’t think so, more developed my role within the greater engineering world using the essential skills of an open and enquiring mind and practical ability (taught by Mr Stables and Mr Whitmarsh).

“Would I do it all again? Yes, in a heartbeat, from the day I took the entrance examination to now!”

Richard Cooke (Class of 2006)

Richard is a Principal Engineer with AtkinsRéalis, a global engineering consultancy.

“I have fond memories of my time at Bolton School and am grateful for how I was encouraged to strive for excellence in areas I am passionate about while also being curious about a wide range of subjects and extracurricular activities. Engineering requires much more than just crunching numbers; it involves a broad range of skills, including project management, communication, leadership, creativity, contract law, teamwork, finance, health and safety, ethics, and more.

“After leaving School, I pursued a degree in General Engineering at Durham University.”

“While I initially focused on mechanical engineering, I discovered I had a stronger aptitude for structures and graduated with an MEng in Civil Engineering. Engineering develops many transferrable skills, making it relatively easy to switch disciplines or take your career in a different direction.

“After graduating, I joined a bridge team and designed several structures for the extension of the Manchester Metrolink. I followed the Institution of Civil Engineers training scheme and became chartered in 2015. When taking professional responsibility for the safety of structures, I often reflect on my time at School, where I learned the importance of rigour, hard work, and the value of thorough checking.

“In 2017, I joined the design team for Bolton Skylink footbridge, connecting the bus and railway stations. At AtkinsRéalis we work on projects worldwide, but it was particularly exciting to contribute to a project with a local connection. Sharing knowledge between projects is crucial at a large company; we adapted the methodology developed for our Dubai Metro footbridge designs and applied this in Bolton.

“I have always had an interest in computing: encouraged during wet breaks at Park Road when we could play the video game Paperboy on a 5 1/4 floppy disk!”

“Recently, I have shifted my career towards software engineering, developing apps that can reduce design time from weeks to minutes. I have also created software for the structural assessment and asset management of the M60 Barton Bridge.

“Engineering is a fantastic career choice that opens many opportunities. My advice to pupils considering it is to work hard at the core STEM subjects, but not exclusively. Be curious about subjects and extracurricular activities that might seem unrelated to engineering. You will often develop valuable skills and discover what truly motivates you, helping you find a rewarding career path.”

A career in engineering can take many different routes, as demonstrated by the four Old Boys featured here.

Richard Hodgkinson (Class of 2007)

Richard is Head of International Projects and Sales for a large US-based electrical manufacturer.

“My time at Bolton School has shaped me in many ways. I have gone on to get a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Leeds and a Master’s in Business Administration from Imperial College London. I have had a varied career in engineering – from a technical and commercial role at a large German manufacturer to a ‘start-up’ in the hydrogen industry. I have also worked in the automotive industry helping a supplier move into new sectors and clean energy.

“Bolton School has had a huge influence on my professional career – in some obvious ways and also in some less obvious ways. The obvious ways are the academic side and the extracurricular activities which the School has to offer. I still catch up with friends I have known since I was four, reminiscing about rugby, water polo or trips and experiences we had at School.

“Then there are less obvious influences. The first thing to say is that I am dyslexic, and I say this only for the reason that I never felt like I was going to be a lawyer or journalist. I could do Mathematics and Science, but my reading and writing was never good. At my time in education there were not the same processes in place as there are now to help children with dyslexia.

“I never got good grades in English until I was in Mr Shewan’s class. I only found out a few years ago that my mum went to see him after I was diagnosed with dyslexic at 12 and apparently all he said was: ”It’s fine, I will sort it” – and he did, without me knowing or realising what was going on. Looking back, I understand now that he was an exceptional teacher. I was never made to feel embarrassed by reading aloud in class as he would always ‘miss me out’ when everybody had to read a section of the book out loud – he must have ‘forgotten who was next’ every time it came to my turn. He took time out to see me individually, he recognised my issues and tailored his teaching to fit what worked for me as an individual and what would get the best outcome. I came away with an A and B in English Language and Literature – without a good home environment, a drive to do well and the brilliance of the teaching at Bolton School I could and probably would have failed.

“It was the little things that make Bolton such a good school and the little things that make teachers so exceptional in life. When asked how Bolton School helped me to be successful in my engineering career, it is obvious that it nurtured my strengths in Mathematics and Science, but without passing my English GSCE I would never have had a chance to go on and complete degrees or have career achievements and success. It is because of the little things at Bolton School that I can sit here today and have a successful career in engineering.

“Finally, for any want-to-be engineers out there – engineering or problem solving is not about looking at what you can see, it is about looking at what you cannot see; it’s about looking at situations from a different point of view or in a different light. Although I was probably always going to be an engineer with a Mathematics and Science background, it is actually the English teaching at Bolton that ensured I could become an engineer and gave me the confidence to use my skills to the best of my ability and help businesses bring value to the wider world.

“I am not sure how many English teachers can say they have moulded a career in engineering, but I think it will be more than people think. So thank you to Bolton School and to Mr Shewan for helping me reach my potential and mould a successful career in engineering!”

Stefan Kukula (Class of 1983)

Stefan is Chief Executive at The Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association.

“At School, my interest in Maths and Physics, bolstered by inspiring teachers like Mr Hannah and Mr Taylor, led me to engineering. I chose Cambridge for its general course, unsure of my specific path.

“There, I discovered caving through a school trip with Mr Frost. To get fit for caving, I took up rowing, which eventually became my main passion. This blend of academic and extracurricular interest shaped my future choices.

“After a brief stint in the nuclear industry, I pursued a Masters in Composite Materials at Imperial College, followed by a PhD. My rowing experience influenced this decision, but I found genuine enjoyment in the field.

“My career then took me to Kobe Steel in Japan for six years. Despite challenges like being rendered homeless by an earthquake, I had unique experiences such as representing Japan in the World Club Crew Dragonboat Championship in New Zealand.

“Returning to the UK, I worked for various companies including Dyson, a materials company, a gas detector manufacturer, and an advanced materials startup. These career changes were driven by interest, sometimes following redundancy.

“Currently, I lead an international non-profit membership body for industrial asset owners and operators. We provide training, guidance publications, and represent members to standards bodies and regulators. While I do less hands-on engineering now, my background is crucial for understanding complex issues and communicating effectively.

“Outside my main role, I’m proud of helping establish the ‘Innovation4All’ Award as a trustee of Tech4All and liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Engineers. Earlier in my career, I contributed to designing a low-cost lower limb prosthesis for mine victims, demonstrating how engineering can make a real difference.

“Throughout my journey, I’ve been fortunate to pursue what I enjoy, despite occasional challenges.

“When mentoring, I advise students to choose options they enjoy most, as engineering careers are diverse and rapidly evolving.

Bolton School instilled in me the confidence to follow this path.”

Thank You!

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

Alex Turner (Class of 1993) presented to MedSoc about his career as a Paediatric Urologist and Surgeon.

Pranjal Arya (Class of 2011) presented to Boys’ Division Economics students about his time studying the subject at Cambridge and his career to date.

Luke James (Class of 2019) presented to Art students about his career as a graphic designer.

Staff in the Spotlight

Mick Duxbury (Boys’ Division Staff, 1996-2024)

A true Bolton School legend, countless boys have been influenced by Mr Duxbury’s dedicated approach, both on and off the sports field.

“I feel I have been very lucky in the workplace – 20 years playing football and then nearly 30 years teaching, coaching and watching sport! Some people have said I’ve never done a hard day’s work in my life …

“After playing my last game of professional football in Hong Kong (where we were working and living at the time) against England at the age of 35, retirement loomed. What was next?

“After sending my CV out to various clubs, I got a phone call entirely out of the blue from Chris Rigby, who many people will remember, a Geography teacher and Master in Charge of Football in the Senior School. I knew Chris previously from when we played for the same Blackburn and Darwen U15 town team. He wanted to know, did I fancy coaching football at School on a part-time basis? I was delighted to have been asked and, after going in to meet Chris and Alan Wright, the Headmaster at the time, I started in November 1996.

“The Sports Department, as is now, was based down at the Tillotson Pavilion and included, amongst others, Trevor Pledger and, let’s say, a younger Paul Fernside! At that time, we had our lunch delivered down to the pavilion and, to my regret, I didn’t enter the Common Room for a good 12 months! I’m not great initially in new environments, especially in somewhere as daunting as the Senior School, but when I did pluck up the courage, I realised what I had been missing as it was – and I am sure still is – a font of knowledge, warmth and definitely not lacking in humour!

Indi Tranter

(Boys’ Division Staff, 2015-2024)

Indi joined the Boys’ Division in September 2015, teaching Chemistry, initially on a fixed-term contract and was pleased to be offered a full contract in her third year.

“I found the colleagues warm and welcoming and I settled in very quickly. Teaching boys was such a different experience, having spent 13 years teaching at Manchester High School for Girls!

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time teaching at Bolton School, especially being part of a vibrant and fun department under the leadership of Dr Mike Yates who

“Over the course of the next eight years, part-time became full-time, football became the whole of the PE curriculum. I became a form teacher which was great as I got to know the boys away from Sport and, when Chris Rigby left for pastures new, Master in Charge of Football.

“There are some wonderful traditions across the whole Divisions, but the one that stands out for me was Saturday morning fixtures. What a wonderful, wonderful spectacle to see the Levels full of pupils playing sport and being encouraged to do so.

“Then once again a surprise phone call asked if I would like to be head coach of Manchester United Soccer Schools out in Hong Kong, a place we had fond memories of. I took up the post, but who realised that, after a call from Paul Fernside, I would be returning to Bolton School again as PE teacher at Boys’ Juniors, where, despite numerous staff changes, I spent 16 wonderful years. Park Road had so much to offer and I loved the assemblies, carol services, Patterdale and more besides. I was allowed to go part-time and was so grateful as this certainly eased my way towards retirement, which I took in July this year.

“Along the way I met some lovely people- both inside and outside the Foundation, including a plethora of boys and parents, and felt honoured and privileged to work at such a special school.

“What does the future hold? Hopefully more time to go fishing, trips in the motorhome and, who knows, even a trip abroad out of school holidays.”

introduced me to the joys of the Whoosh bottle demonstration and methane bubbles; the latter was excellent as an epilator for arms! I have enjoyed arriving in School at 6.45am for a refreshing early morning staff swim. I have accompanied numerous year groups to Patterdale and watched them develop skills in an informal outdoor environment – so much so that I am now an enthusiastic member of Friends of Patterdale Hall, helping out with various tasks accompanied by hearty food.

“There are numerous traditions I have enjoyed that are unique to Bolton School, but my favourite is staff singing Christmas carols in the Dining Hall on the last day before term ends.

“On leaving Bolton School, we intend to travel more without being confined to school holidays. In fact, by the time this is published, I should be enjoying a four-week trip to New Zealand, visiting our youngest, with a short stopover in Singapore. This trip will also allow me to indulge in my love of photography, having bought a telephoto lens for my SLR camera. In my last year I joined the Lowry Theatre as a volunteer and during retirement will continue to see as many shows as possible.”

This time the spotlight shines on Mr Duxbury and Dr Tranter who are now enjoying retirement, and to Mr Brown and Miss Roddy who have moved to pastures new.

Hamish Brown (Boys’ Division Staff, 2014-2024)

Hamish joined Bolton School in September 2014 as what was known as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT), having completed his PGCE in Liverpool where he worked at Rainhill High School and St Edward’s College respectively.

“It is difficult to pin down what the best part of working at Bolton School is, but I would say it is the opportunity to share my love of History in the classroom and Rugby on the Levels with young men who are engaged, interested and goodhumoured. I have a few standout memories from my time at Bolton School. My most vivid memory is scoring an own goal in the Staff vs 3rd XI match, which Mr Chilton was not best pleased about! I also have wonderful memories of working with the boys and, particularly, great memories of wonderful conversations with my colleagues in the History Department and the wider School. Perhaps my best memories will be the ones I have of working with my best mate, Mr Wyatt, who has made me laugh every day I have worked here.

“There have been a few structural changes in my time at Bolton School, but, generally, things tend to stay very much the same, with teachers teaching lessons and the boys, for the most part, engaging positively, though there is always the odd hiccup –it was ever thus in every school! My favourite Bolton School tradition would be House Day. I have enjoyed countless activities of lots of different types on the Levels and in classrooms. The boys, particularly the younger ones, love it, and I know that Old Bolts remember those days incredibly fondly, even if it was purely because they did not have lessons on those days!

Katharine

Roddy (Boys’ Division Staff, 2019-2024)

Katharine started working at Bolton School in 2019, as a Newly Qualified Teacher. She was instantly welcomed by staff and students alike, and it didn’t take long at all for her to feel completely at home.

“There are so many wonderful things about working here, but the best is, of course, the people. I feel exceptionally lucky to have started my career in a place where there is a real sense of camaraderie, where the students are respectful and engaged, and where I’ve been given a huge amount of professional freedom. There is never a dull day here, and most days have been filled with laughter and excitement.

“I have lots of fond memories of my time here, but one standout memory is doing the first ever International Women’s Day Assembly in Boys’ Division, in 2022. Standing on that stage

“I will be forever grateful to Miss Burgess and Mr Britton for giving me the opportunity to work at Bolton School. I took to the School like a duck to water, as the staff and boys share my values and I always felt very much at home here, perhaps because I went to a School like this one: Manchester Grammar. Don’t worry, MGS does not lay a glove on Bolton School, in my opinion, due to the nature of the boys here: they might make the odd mistake and get things wrong from time to time but the downto-earth approach of the boys and their wonderful sense of humour is something I will always value and never forget.

Burgess and Mr Brown

“I leave Bolton School to take up a Teacher of History post at Appleton Academy in Wyke, south Bradford. I am looking forward to this exciting new challenge, but in reality my hand was forced; I live in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire and the commute was not sustainable long term. I look forward to working closer to home and to spending a lot more time with my fiancée, Rachel, and our two young daughters, Dorothy and Nora.”

in the Great Hall in front of over 1,000 people is an incredible feeling, and the reactions which I received from colleagues, students and parents were really moving. I initially wanted to go into teaching because of my passion for equality, so it’s a day which will stay with me for a very long time.

“My five years here have been packed with so much, and I have always been supported to pursue my interests and to challenge myself. Some other highlights were passing my Rock Climbing Instructor qualification and the subsequent Wednesday afternoon outings with students for Senior Sport. Running the Rhineland trip in 2023 was another proud moment, and I will always be grateful to my outstanding colleagues in the MFL Department for supporting me then and throughout my time as a new Head of Department.

“My favourite Bolton School tradition is when the staff band plays for the boys during Christmas lunch, and staff get up to sing carols. It’s chaotic and noisy and utterly joyous, and gives you an amazing sense of the community here.

“I am leaving Bolton School to go travelling and climbing around the world with my husband. When we return, I will definitely continue my career in education. I am the third generation of the Roddy family to teach in Greater Manchester – what a joy and a privilege.

Miss

Alumni of the Year Awards

The Alumni of the Year Awards, introduced in 2022, recognise Old Boys and Old Girls 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, those who embody the School’s ethos of producing people who go out into the world and make a difference for good.

Junior boys and girls joined pupils from both Senior Schools to vote for one Old Boy and one Old Girl who they deemed to be worthy winners of the two Awards: we are pleased to announce that this year’s Old Boy of the Year is Frank Yates (Class of 1952)

Qualifying as a Doctor in 1957, Frank opted to undertake National Service in Nigeria, with the goal of gaining surgical experience. Between 1958 and 1962 he worked in basic and challenging conditions in some of the most remote parts of Nigeria, travelling in a battered jeep or on horseback and covering an area the size of Britain. At base, he radically reformed the hospital and converted the mortuary into a useful laboratory. He was amongst the first to treat Trachoma, saving the sight of hundreds of locals. Many of his other patients had life-threatening diseases because they were in advanced stages from being untreated and they required complex surgery, such as hemicolectomy, maxillofacial reconstruction and amputation. On occasion, he made prosthetic limbs following amputations. In those days, he administered anaesthetic by covering the face with a cloth soaked in chloroform. He says that one of his most difficult surgeries, removing a retained placenta, was to save the life of his wife, Doris.

Frank returned to the UK to join a small GP practice in Adlington. During 33 years of serving the NHS, he developed and modernised the practice: introducing an appointment

system and designing a new health centre in Granville Street, which is still in use today. He took the lead role in obstetrics, supervising the delivery of 2,000 babies. His dedication and his support of the families in his care through their life events earned him great respect as a family doctor.

Frank is pleased that his experiences in Nigeria are inspirational to current Bolton School pupils. He notes that it was his education, and his involvement in sports and Scouts, that gave him the confidence to face challenge with 100% effort.

“Throughout my career, I have striven to improve myself and working conditions for the benefit of my patients. Life in Nigeria in the 1950s was fascinating for me, but very hard on my young family. I’m incredibly grateful for the unwavering support of my wife.”

The other shortlisted candidates were the Pickup brothers, Tom (Class of 2001), Matthew (Class of 2003) and Harry (Class of 2006), and Michael Noone (Class of 2003).

Avid supporters since their School days, Tom, Matthew and Harry became local heroes as they resurrected their local football club, Bury FC, buying the ground and assets from administration and working with the community to bring the club under control of the official supporters’ society.

In 2019, after watching Bury FC being thrown out of the English Football League after accumulating millions of pounds worth of debt, with no team to play and supporters divided as to the best way forward, the brothers believed there was an opportunity to try something new. They established the ‘Est. 1885’ Group and, with the support of several benefactors and countless fans, their hard work has now begun to pay off: the team played its first competitive game in July 2023, and the future looks bright in Bury once more!

In 2021, Michael visited Tanzania with intentions of volunteering and travelling around the country, but it was immediately clear to him how many of the children he encountered were footballmad.

Having worked as a football coach for over a decade, he began coaching in the villages he visited. Realising that his expertise and their passion could develop into a sustainable academy, Michael established Route One Soccer and began fundraising

for malaria treatments, food supplies and a water tank, alongside coaching football for the children of Madale.

Now, with seven competing teams, a girls’ squad and players trying out for professional clubs, Route One is working to ensure the wider community has the support of the charity – aiming to provide clean, running water and electricity –through the transformative power of football.

Habibunnisha Patel (Class of 1997) was voted Old Girl of the Year. After a successful career as a corporate lawyer, Habi’s lifelong motivation of working towards achieving greater equity and justice saw her move into the not-forprofit sector and she is now General Counsel and Company Secretary of Cancer Research UK. She is also a Board Trustee for the World Humanitarian Action Forum, has been named in this year’s The Lawyer’s ‘Hot 100 Lawyers’ and she is a regular contributor to Radio 2’s ‘Pause for Thought’ segment.

Frank feels immensely proud at being nominated for an award at 91 years old

Michael finds his work in Tanzania is both challenging and rewarding

Bury FC has been a constant in the lives of the Pickup family and they set out to do all they could to bring it back!

‘4’ Class Reunion

Bolton School, Saturday 20th April 2024

Record numbers of Old Boys and Old Girls attended their year group reunion, enjoying emotional catch-ups and seeing what has – and more importantly, what has not –changed since their schooldays.

1. Steve Gorski (1969), Liz Gorski, Jenny Gorski (née Smith, 1968), Chris Gorski (1964) 2. Allan Eaton, Adam Britton, Jeff Smethurst (1974) 3. Nigel Hacking, Rick Timmis (1974) 4. Richard Crompton, Mike Dillon, Ivan Stafford (1984) 5. Andy Openshaw, John Whitaker, Richard Worrall (1984) 6. Andy Openshaw, Rick Sharples, Mark Bisson, Gary Rowson (1984) 7. Alex Armstrong, John Hull, Maurice McLoughlin (1994) 8. Shoaib Amaan, Amir Khan, Philip Brickell (2004) with Dave Rogers (BD Staff, 1981-2014) 9. Back: Philip Brickell, Sam Pepper; Front: Mark Charlson, James Hodgkiss, Alex Hilton, Dan Tanham (2004) 10. Himanshu Valji, Zuhayr Adia (2014) 11. David Lee, Jack Hodson, Ajay Ballani, Zuhayr Adia, Alex Myatt, Himanshu Valji (2014) 12. Zack Howarth, Luke Brabbin (2014) with Naomi Lord (1998; BD Staff), 13. Matty Allan, Waqqas Patel, Billy Morrison, Andrew Wilson (2014)

Old Boys’ and Old Girls’ Scottish Dinner

University of Edinburgh, Friday 3rd May 2024

Once again, the University of Edinburgh provided a stunning venue for Old Girls and Old Boys to reunite in the beautiful Scottish capital.

1. Rebecca Whyte (2004), Laura Henthorn (née Carless, 1977; OGA Chairman, 2010-2024), John

2. Lynne Kyle, Valerie Stevens (née Deans, 1958), Malcolm Stevens (1957) 3. John (1956) and Helen

(1993; OBA Chairman, 2023-24) 5. Peter Nightingale (1961), Benjamin Fletcher (2020),

Markland (1966), Carol Haslam (née Bonser, 1966; GD Staff, 1987-2009)

Ratcliffe 4. David Jenner (1960), Rob Blagg (1961), Richard Washington

Thom Noneley (2016), Stuart Brooks (1966)

David Dunn (1979;

Foundation Former Staff Lunch

Bolton School, Wednesday 5th June 2024

There was a fantastic turnout at the annual lunch for Former Staff. Colleagues who have worked across the Foundation welcomed the opportunity to return to School to catch up with each other and with current staff members

1983-1992), Alison Hind (GD Staff, 1981-1993) 2. Rosemary Artley (GD Staff), Alan Prince (BD Staff, 1966-2002) 3. David Dunn (1979; BD Staff, 1983-1992),

(BD Staff, 1974-2006), Alan Prince (BD Staff, 1996-2002), Colin Chambers (BD Staff, 1969-2000), David Rogers (BD Staff, 1981-2014),

Staff, 1979-2010), Janet Thatcher (BD Staff, 1977-2011), David Shaw (BD Staff, 1964-2002), Hilary De Maine (BD and GD Staff, 1967-1975 and 2005-2009)

Alumni Cumbria Lunch

Lindeth Howe Country House Hotel, Windermere, Friday 21st June 2024

There was an excellent turnout for this year’s Cumbrian gathering, hosted, as is tradition, by Old Boy Stephen Broughton (Class of 1970) at his delightful hotel in Bowness-onWindermere.

1. Emma Warburton (GD Staff, 2009-2016), Stephen and Helen Critchlow

2. Valerie Fisher (née Broughton, 1967), Stephen Broughton (1970) 3. Elaine (née Lee, 1981; Former BD Staff) and John Greenhalgh (1971; Former Staff)

4.

Alumni Ambassadors

Are you a proud Old Boy with a passion for staying connected to School and engaging with others?

Our Alumni Ambassador role is perfect for those who want to volunteer to make a difference without a regular time commitment. You will be called upon from time to time to make contact with your classmates and peers and to encourage them to attend our wide range of events and activities, thus ensuring that our vibrant Alumni community remains strong and connected. Your involvement will have a significant impact: join us in fostering a stronger, more connected global Bolton School Alumni network! We look forward to hearing from you!

Please scan the QR code to learn more and to register.

1.

BD Staff,

Martin Wadsworth

Hugo Schenk (BD

4. Martin Wadsworth, Andy Compton (BD Staff, 1985-2013), Paul Fernside (BD Staff, 1992-2023)

Richard Morris (1986), Stephen Parry (1974) 5. Rodney Ward (1962), David Jenner (1960) 6. Yvonne (née Conroy, 1955) and David Lowe (1954)

Recent Leavers’ Reunion

Bolton

School, Monday 24th June 2024

The Class of 2023 returned to School to offer advice on university life and the world of work to current Year 12 students before catching up with each other and with their former teachers.

Farewell to Year 13 Students and Parents

Bolton School, Wednesday 26th June 2024

Year 13 students from both Divisions, along with their emotional parents, said ‘Au revoir’ – but not ‘Goodbye’ – to Bolton School as they left to take the next step on their life journeys.

‘5’ Class Reunion

Calling all Old Boys who left in 1955, 1965, 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2015!

We will be holding a Reunion at Bolton School on Saturday 20th September 2025 for these year groups – Former Staff are also very welcome to attend, as are Alumni from other years.

We hope to see as many of you as possible, so please get in touch with your classmates and make sure you all have this date in your diaries!

1. Harry Laithwaite, Finn Flanagan, Evan Dare 2. Daud Khan, Mahmoud Alzubaidi, Ketan Dhokia, Omar Al-Falahi, Muhammad-Mustafa Patel, Bilal Sardar 3. Will Pearce, Toby Yates 4. Priyesh Fernando, Alex McKie, Zain Mehraj, Veer Patel, Luis McPherson, Jacob Audley, Ben Rimmer 5. Mrs Roadnight (BD Staff), Ben Rimmer, George Houghton 6. Josh Dickens, Lewis Pierson, Jack Dickinson, Jonathan Brennan, Noah Nethercott 7. Billy Burrows, Krupa Patel, Elliott Rigby, Fletcher Mellor-Brook, Maryam Ali, Eve Blackmore, Charlotte Preston, Felicity Field, Ruby Smith, Liv Hextall

1. Kelly Chae, William Garlick, Rishi Narla 2. Oliver Leahy, Muhammed Akhtar, Mr Butchart (BD Staff) 3. Hashir Sapra, Mohammed Ahmed, Rayyan Patel, Zaid Yusuf, Ali Jiva 4. Sahil Arjan, Miss Wrathmell (BD Staff), Mark Liu 5. Callum Cavanaugh, Marcus Ng, Robert Murray

Alumni London Dinner

House of Lords, Friday 28th June 2024

Following the sell-out success of the March London Dinner, a second event was organised and was enjoyed just as much as the first one!

1. Brian Darbyshire (1965), Martin Thompson (1973) 2. Nic Ford,

Tillotson Lecture

Trauma and Orthopaedics surgeon Mobeen Qureshi (Class of 2009) will deliver the 52nd Tillotson Lecture on Thursday 28th November Mobeen graduated from the University of Glasgow in 2015 and has been in training since then, having experienced various branches of medicine before settling on becoming a surgeon. His current role involves diagnosing and treating conditions of the musculoskeletal system including bones, joints and structures that enable movement such as ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves. More recently he took time out of training to take part in BBC’s Race Across the World where he competed with his wife against four other teams.

The event (which is free of charge) will take place at 7pm in Boys’ Division Great Hall, with refreshments afterwards in the Leverhulme Suite. Tickets will not be issued; however, it would be helpful in assessing seating requirements if those wishing to attend would RSVP to Michelle Sisson-Schofield, School Office Manager, at: MSisson@boltonschool.org

Alumni Events Calendar

Old Boltonians’ Association Annual Dinner

This year’s dinner will take place in the Arts Centre here at School on Friday 6th December, 6.45pm for 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £39 or £29 for students and Alumni under-25.

The Dinner is always an extremely popular event – to book your place please phone the Development Office on 01204 434718, register online at www.trybooking.com/ uk/DWNG or scan the QR code here.

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.

Sunday 3rd November

Friday 8th November

Monday 11th November

28th November

Friday 6th December

Monday 16th December

Friday 7th February

Monday 24th February

Friday 7th March

Monday 28th April

Friday 9th May

Saturday 17th May

Monday 19th May

Friday 6th June

Friday 20th June Alumni Cumbria Lunch

Monday 23rd June

Thursday 26th June

Leavers’ Reunion: ‘Class of 2024’

MCC Match

School, 12 noon

School, 12 noon

Howe Hotel, 12 noon

School, 2.30pm-5pm

Bolton School, 11am onwards

Robin Ali (1984), Rob Dobson (1982), John Craven (1982)

3. Andrew Palmer (1977), Paul Wolstenholme (1989) 4. Jess Melling (2015), Nick Thompson (2016), Paul Greenhalgh (2015) 5. Natalie Dilworth (2009), David Griffiths (2009), Erik Johnston 6. Eric and Deb Fairweather, Sally Richards, Chris Fairweather (2009) 7. Tom Ghee, Laurence Britton, Luca Kelly (all 2023)

SPORTS

Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come …

Sadly 2023-24 proved not to be quite the season to which the more confident of us aspired.

The First Eleven and the Reserves, both in a state of flux, completed difficult seasons having survived in their divisions –flirtations with relegation having been overcome! The veterans had a considerable churn of personnel, but ultimately had an enjoyable season, finishing third in their second tier, a division which well suits their standards and attitude. The Ladies also consolidated with a run of injuries precluding any later season successes.

Remembering times gone by is well-nigh a prerequisite for any OBAFC former player and this year’s major memory fest was the inaugural Bill Stevenson Memorial match. Stalwart of the lower teams and former Chairman, Bill was perhaps as much remembered for his wit and storytelling as skill on the pitch, but nonetheless a major figure in any history of the club. Some 30-plus players were, as ever, well supported, and managers Dave Shoesmith and Harry Lane juggled their squads to cajole many eye-catching cameos from the ageing limbs –Dynamos beating Heroes 7-4 in a match and day worthy of a fine Old Boltonian.

As well as looking back, there persists the never-ending need to find new blood, so the club has undertaken two major initiatives, hoping to brighten the way ahead and rekindle those

aforementioned aspirations.

Boltonians Youth has been resurrected, but this time with a mix of two groups of youngsters run for many years by two club stalwarts – consequently they have a squad of both good quality and quantity, well-versed in the Boltonian way; they will play in the local U18 league, with the best also available for the Saturday teams.

In mid-July, we enjoyed a festival of six-a-side football. In a huge push to reconnect School leavers from the past decade, several recent past captains and star players were contacted and their squads played alongside two teams from the noughties. With the club and the youth sides also represented, the 100+ players were completed by a team from the School staff! The inaugural Summer Sixes comprised some 16 teams and nigh on 60 games and was won by A Drop of Teachers! It was another thoroughly enjoyable Saturday at School and we look forward to a possible influx of players into the Saturday set-up. Indeed, anyone interested in accessing our latest news or joining the club in whatever role should initially visit the club website: oldbolts.co.uk

As ever, the writing of this piece precedes the start of our various seasons. Its publication will hopefully see us thriving on half a dozen fronts, whispering it will be happier.

Martin Wadsworth (Boys Division Staff, 1974-2006)

Old Boltonians’ Golf Society Report I AUTUMN 2024

Despite a mixed Summer weather-wise, the golf section has enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence this year.

In May a team of Mark Millhouse, Norman Fletcher, David Johnson, James Chadwick, David Crammant and Nick Baxter went to Huddersfield Golf Club to attempt to qualify for the Grafton Morrish Finals at Hunstanton and Royal West Norfolk. In spite of a somewhat below par performance the team did manage to qualify for the finals in September. This was a very good achievement, given the standard seems to get better every year.

The Taylor Trophy was resurrected in June at Bolton Golf Club with a slight difference this year whereby current pupils were encouraged to attend. We had an excellent turnout of 27 golfers on the day ranging from age 13 to 80! The event was won by Joe Riding with an excellent

40 points on what was a very windy day.

The season closed with The Grafton Morrish Finals over the weekend of 27th September in Hunstanton. Bolton were drawn against Oundle who have previously had an excellent record at the finals and we were narrowly edged out 2-1 by a strong Oundle side in some very brutal winds. I would also like to mention that it was great to see a stalwart of the society and long-time Grafton Morrish participant Andrew Fletcher make a surprise visit to support the team.

We will be arranging The Taylor Trophy again next June and details will be circulated shortly across email and social media channels. Any Old Boy or Old Girl wishing to get involved in the society can do so by contacting The Development Office or me directly at markm@pmdbusinessfinance.co.uk

Mark Millhouse (Class of 1994) Golf Secretary

The Bolton team at Royal West Norfolk Golf Club, L-R: Richard Sellers (1998), James Chadwick (1998), David Cramant, Mark Millhouse, David Johnson (1976), Guy Haynes (1995)

Andrew Fletcher (1974) made a welcome surprise appearance

Bill Stevenson Memorial Trophy Match

In 2023 it was agreed that future reunion matches of Old Boltonians footballers should celebrate the dedication and humour of former President Bill Stevenson (Class of 1958) to Old Boltonians AFC.

Bill is fondly remembered by many former players for his work in many roles at the football club, his sharp sense of humour and many witty comments from pitch-side aimed at both Old Boltonians and their opponents. In May 2024 we gathered to remember Bill, and Harry Lane (Class of 1964) gave a superb tribute to Bill which captured Bill’s spirit wonderfully.

The inaugural Bill Stevenson Memorial Trophy was deservedly won by David’s Dynamos despite the best endeavours of Harry’s Heroes. On a damp pitch the match was evenly contested for the first hour before David’s Dynamos came through with a 7-4 victory.

A splendid gathering of fans took shelter in front of the Lee Pavilion and enjoyed an entertaining end to end match.

Ryan Hardwidge opened the scoring with a header and this spurred Harry’s Heroes into action. Two goals from Stewart Williams (Class of 1994) and a goal from Robert Taylor (Class of XXXX) put Harry’s Heroes in front 3-1, but a fortunate goal by Nick Luke brought the score back to 3-2 at half time.

David’s Dynamos then struck the equaliser before taking command of the match. Two more goals for Ryan Hardwidge along with goals from Craig Jolley (Class of 1999), Morgan Barlow and Chris Mitchell gave David Shoesmith (Class of 1984) his first victory as team manager. Gaz Pedan pulled a goal back for Harry’s Heroes.

Man of the Match was Dave Lee (Class of 1967): without Dave there would have been no pitch, no ref, no balls, no kits and no refreshments. Thank you, Dave – what would the Old Bolts do without you?

Freemasonry

The Old Boltonians’ Masonic Lodge, No 5814, meets regularly in the Senior Library at School throughout the year. In line with the charitable intentions of the society, each year the Lodge provides support to both Divisions of Bolton School, in the form of pupil bursaries and scholarships.

Miss of the Match: so many to choose from, but the early miss from (sorry, readers, the miss was so, so bad that we cannot shame the player in this match report – he knows who he is!) must be favourite for the award.

Header of the Match was Kris Nuttall’s outstanding goal line clearance which ended the comeback hopes of Harry’s Heroes

David Shoesmith and Harry Lane were joint winners of Manager of the Match; it isn’t easy juggling 18 players into 11 places with rolling substitutes, and both ensured every player got a fair number of minutes on the pitch.

We look forward to our next reunion in 2025!

Whilst membership of the Lodge has been opened up to other Freemasons, the majority of its members are Old Boltonians, providing a unique way of keeping in touch with fellow Old Boys. Members range in age from their 20s to their 80s, providing friendship to fellow Masons of all generations.

If you would like to hear more, please contact: David Poppitt – The Lodge Secretary Email: DPoppitt@aol.com Tel: 07785 728700

Harry Lane (right) presents the Bill Stevenson Trophy to winning captain Ian Thomasson (centre) with Club Chairman Richard Morris

The Return of Old Bolts Rugby

The Old Boltonians rugby team assembled to play their first game in eight years over the Easter weekend. Over 20 Old Boys turned out to battle against a strong Bolton Rugby Club President’s XV, which also contained several Old Bolts in their ranks.

The team spanned several generations of Bolton School rugby, with veterans from the mid-1990s playing alongside recent school leavers and everything in between. The match referee was Old Boy Danny Taylor (Class of 1997) and there were several retired luminaries of Bolton School rugby on the sidelines, including Mr Joseph and Mr Fernside, the latter being the current President of Bolton Rugby Club.

A large crowd gathered at the ‘Theatre of Trees’ in glorious sunshine and were treated to a hard-fought game of fast, freeflowing rugby. The home team eventually ran out 59-50 winners, as both teams showcased their offensive powers in a high-scoring spectacle.

The Old Bolts set the tempo early on in the first half with some powerful forward drives that tested the home defence. The pressure eventually told and the Old Bolts were rewarded with the first try of the game. The President’s XV were quick to strike back

with a try of their own and the remainder of the half was played out in a similar fashion with tries being exchanged back and forth between both teams. The game was delicately poised at half time with the score line reading 35-28 in favour of the home team.

The second half continued in much the same rhythm with the crowd roaring in approval of the calibre of rugby on display. With the clock ticking down and the scores evenly matched, the youthful President’s XV seemed to find an extra gear and ran in a couple of late tries to take the eventual victory.

In true rugby tradition, the Old Bolts managed to rally for the third half and claimed a moral victory in the after-match festivities. A great day was had by all with old and new friends catching up and sharing stories well in to the evening.

Anybody who is interested in getting involved in any future fixtures should get in touch with Sam Hilton (Class of 1996) on samuelhilton@hotmail.com

1. Back, L-R: Alex Brodie (1996), Adam Arif (2003), Jimmy Sinar (2000), Ben Price (2022), Rory Pixton (2023), Jack Stevens (2024), James Brodie (2001), Phil Summers (2005), Tom Platt (2021), Cameron Matthews (2021), Rick Sandbrook (2005) Front, L-R: JP Hardman (1996), Stuart Dixon (2003), Sam Hilton (1996), Georgio Arnetoli (2015), Nick Sandbrook (2005), Matt Boyers (2015), Dan Aspinall (2019), Luke Bagnall (2020)

2. Dan Taylor (1997), JP Hardman (1996), James Brodie (2001), Sam Hilton and Alex Brodie (both 1996)

3. Ben Price (2022) shows a clean pair of heels supported by Matt Boyers (2015), Adam Ariff (2003), Rick Sandbrook (2005) and Cameron Matthews (2021)

4. Dan Aspinall (2019) forces his was over for a try supported by Jimmy Sinar (2000), Jack Stevens (2024) and Ben Price

Fifty Years On!

December 2024 will see the 50th Anniversary of one of the School’s victories in what was then called the ‘Public School’s Six a Side’ competition and it seemed too good an excuse not to try to make contact with the rest of the team to catch up and share memories of that day. The squad which travelled to London with staff members John Taylor (Boys’ Division Staff, 1971-2011) and Eric Dawber (Boys’ Division Staff, 19922011) contained only two players with previous experience in the competition, but despite that the team triumphed.

As I remember it was a popular victory as our opponents in the final, Wolverhampton Grammar School, were strong favourites and had an England schoolboy international and future top flight professional leading their side; indeed, they had swept aside all in their progress to the final with Eves’ pace being a key factor. The final was a very tight affair, but we managed to nullify Eves and take the game to penalties after a 0 - 0 draw. I missed the first penalty, but others kept their nerve, with Rob Redgate scoring the decisive final kick. The cup was presented to us by Sir Andrew Stephen, Chair of the Football Association, and, in a gesture I will always remember, he removed his FA tie pin and presented it to me for my performance in the game.

Much credit for our success must go to John Taylor and Eric Dawber who thoroughly prepared us, despite themselves being fairly new to coaching the First XI. The players who shared this experience were Mitch Hassall, Paul Sweeney, Stephen Ball, Rob Jefferies and Tim Wild along with Rob Redgate and me. If any of them are interested in making contact and sharing their memories of our success, they can contact me via the Development Office.

Steven Capstick 1969-1976

Taylor Trophy

A very enjoyable day was had by all 22 players who competed for the Taylor Trophy in June.

Joe Riding (Class of 2017) was victorious and was presented with the trophy by Frank Millhouse (Class of 1961), former OBA Golf Secretary.

Joe Riding receives the trophy from Frank Millhouse

Three generations of the Millhouse family: Frank, Joshua and Mark (Class of 1994 and current OBA Golf Secretary)

Back, L-R: Mitch Hassall, Lyndsey Donald, Steven Capstick Front, L-R: Tim Wild, Paul Sweeney, Stephen Ball, Rob Jefferies, Rob Redgate

OLD BOYS’ NEWS

Class of 1950-1959

Geoff Hampshire (Class of 1959)

Old Boys live all over the world now, but Geoff wonders if he can claim to live farthest away from the School as he is based on the North Shore in Auckland, New Zealand. He retired in 2000 and emigrated the following year. He and his wife, Hazel, have two daughters, Sue and Jeni. Jeni went to New Zealand in 1999 to work as a nurse in Auckland hospital. She met a young Kiwi man at a local church three days after she arrived and is now married to him with three children. Sue and her husband and their three boys were left behind, but after much prayer and two visits for holidays they joined the rest of the family. So Geoff and Hazel feel very fortunate to have all of their family (now including a great-grandson) living in the immediate vicinity.

Geoff and Hazel have travelled all over the North and South Islands and have stayed several times at Blanket Bay Lodge where they were interested to see on the wall a sketch made by Sir Ian McKellen, whom Geoff knew through the miniature theatre (previously called Hopefield Theatre), which brought back happy memories. The couple are now 84 and live in what is called a ‘Lifestyle Retirement Village’ where they have an indoor swimming pool, a gym, a cinema, bowling and croquet greens and a restaurant and bar – it is a bit like a resort. Nearly 50,000 people live in many hundreds of similar establishments in New Zealand.

Geoff would be keen to hear from any other Old Boys who are living in New Zealand or even Australia and would be happy to share memories, renew friendships and make new ones. He and Hazel would love to share experiences of emigrating late in life – there may also be others considering a move who might want some help. Geoff can be contacted via the Development Office.

Class of 1960-1969

Harry Lane (Class of 1964)

The Old Boltonians AFC play in the Lancashire Amateur League which is 125 years old. To commemorate this, a book is being written about the league’s history by Alan Thompson, a

veteran league official.

As Alan knows, Harry will be starting his 60th season with OBAFC this year and has had a long involvement with not only Old Bolts, but also as player and manager of the inter-league representative team, and has been invited to contribute to the book. There will be one chapter about how tactics have changed from the early 1960s, when all teams played the same formation, to the present day where many different formations are used. Another will be about experiences both playing and managing the LAL representative team. Harry hopes it will be worth reading!

Mike Hancock (Class of 1968)

Mike regularly plays walking football at Bolton Arena, but he had no idea that England had a full 11-a-side Over-75s running football team until he saw a news item on the BBC featuring a local radio celebrity, Mike Sweeney, who had been selected to play in an international match.

Out of curiosity, Mike went down to St George’s Park to watch the match against Wales. After chatting to the England manager, Mike was invited to a trial match in Bourne which led to a call up for the England squad for the World Cup.

The competition took place in Cardiff from 20th to 23rd August, with league games culminating in a semi-final and a final. In the tense final against the hosts, Wales, England were 3-0 up in the first half, only to be pegged back with only seconds to spare. So, to the dreaded penalty shootout! At four goals apiece, the Welsh player missed his penalty and Mike struck home the winner, much to the disappointment of the large partisan crowd!

Mike now hopes to continue his England career with further Internationals planned. This will come as a big surprise to those of his fellow Old Boltonian footballers with whom he played for six decades!

Mark Doel (Class of 1969)

Mark was invited to spend three weeks on sabbatical at Tbilisi State University, Georgia, where he holds an Honorary Doctorate for services to social work education in Georgia. It was his first return to Georgia since the pandemic. He and colleagues, led by Professor Iago Kachkachishvili, are putting together a project to research Youth Radicalisation in Georgia. It was a tumultuous time to be in Georgia as Opposition to the Georgian government’s repressive ‘Russian law’ mounted, resulting in daily demonstrations and clashes with the authorities.

Class of 1970-1979

Canon John Walsh, OBE (Class of 1970)

Congratulations to John who has been appointed as Chairman of the Manchester Diocesan Board of Finance, the senior lay office in the Diocese. John was honoured to be invited by the Bishop of Manchester to take up this post and is delighted to have this opportunity to work with others, laity and clergy together, as the Diocese moves forward. As a Churchwarden John knows only too well the challenges faced by our parishes, and his aim is to ensure that the Diocese is financially stable so as to focus on being mission led, not finance driven.

John’s one regret in taking up this role is that he must step down as Chairman of the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the Care of Churches, a role he has greatly enjoyed, but he could not resist the opportunity to help take the Diocese forward!

Mark with the TV crew outside the Georgian Parliament during one of the demonstrations

Peter Acton (Class of 1971)

Lesley was thrilled to meet HRH Princess Anne

While representing the Logistics Leaders Network Peter had the honour and privilege of introducing Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal to his wife, Lesley. The Princess Royal was visiting the Multimodal Exhibition at the NEC in her capacity as Patron of Transaid, the International Transport Development Charity for which Peter was a previously a Trustee and is now an Honorary Ambassador.

Peter is also a Director of the Community Interest Company, Business on the Move, which has created a global logistics board game. The Princess Royal was delighted to receive a copy of the New Humanitarian Logistics edition of the game, which she said ‘would create a lot of interest with her grandchildren’.

Andrew Walker (Class of 1973)

When Andrew moved to Portsmouth in 2022 and another 100+ miles from School, he imagined he would be in touch even less frequently than previously. However, while visiting Portsmouth Harbour recently with his wife and three-year-old grandson he was amazed to spot Tenacity of Bolton – the vessel built by boys and staff several years ago. You never know where connections with Bolton School will appear!

Alan McNaughton (Class of 1977)

Alan retired this Summer from a 43year career as a Chartered Surveyor dealing with every aspect of property in Bolton. He and his wife, Nancy, have

sold their survey and valuation practice and are buying a house near Broadway, fulfilling a long-held ambition to live in The Cotswolds. He credits Bolton School for preparing him both for life and for a long and fulfilling career.

The decision to sell and relocate arose following Alan’s diagnosis with prostate cancer in May 2023. Thankfully, after surgery and a long recuperation he received the ‘all clear’ – and his message to all gentlemen of a certain age is to get checked, know your numbers and seek advice; no one is guaranteed a tomorrow, but awareness and regular testing can improve the odds. In his retirement Alan plans to raise funds for Prostate Cancer Research.

Alan and Nancy will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary in December with a holiday in Oman and then to Dubai to share the time with their children, Lucy, Amey and Ross, their partners and three grandchildren.

Alan was delighted to bump unexpectedly into Peter Roscoe, Peter Walton, Peter Speak, Simon Hewitt, Graham Pendlebury and Paul Rushton at Wembley in May whilst following Bolton Wanderers. The former classmates had spent many happy years on the terraces at Burnden Park!

Class of 1980-1989

Peter Leather (Class of 1980)

In June of this year former OBA President Peter and his brother David (Class of 1982) were key members of a daunting cycling challenge in support of Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

They rode 550 miles with 50,000 feet of ascent, departing from Venice and riding through Austria and Slovenia before returning to Venice Lido eight days later. With ‘insanely’ steep climbs, poor visibility, wind and rain, and disintegrating front disc brake pads their journey was a challenge in every

sense of the word, but the brothers completed it in good spirits and can look back on it with fantastic memories. And they raised in excess of £11,000 plus Gift Aid.

Charles Cowling (Class of 1981)

Congratulations to Charles who was ordained on 29th June by Bishop Rob Saner-Haigh as a priest in Kirkby Stephen Parish Church.

Neil Edwards (Class of 1984)

Neil is still in France after five years where he gigs as a saxophonist with the local fanfoire and as part of the ‘Roasfrog pop’n’roll’ combo Pig Shop Pedestrian (as singer/songwriter/ guitarist with a 2m tall semi-retired punk rocker from Besançon). Watch out for the upcoming album, Passage Clouté. He hasn’t given up the day job. La vie est toujours belle on the 87/19 border!

Ian Wright (Class of 1987)

At the end of this academic year, Ian stepped away from the role of Headship (a role he has thoroughly enjoyed for 20 years at three schools) to return to subject leadership, as he returned to the UK to join Hallfield School, Edgbaston, Birmingham, where he is Head of Science. The past four years have seen Ian and his wife live and work at St Andrew’s School, Turi, an international boarding school in Kenya. They return with so many incredible memories, both of successfully seeing the school return to normality postCovid, and of exploring that beautiful country.

Peter (left) and David at the summit of Monte Zoncolan

Charles (left) at his ordination

Class of 2000-2009

Jonny Ashton (Class of 2005)

Jonny was the Series Director for Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams on Tour which was recently shown on BBC1 and is available on iPlayer. Jonny had a couple of trips to India as part of the research for filming before the tour was filmed in March this year.

Thomas Relph (Class of 2005)

After losing his dad, Mark, to cancer in Summer 2023, Thomas set out to honour him by raising funds for The Christie Charity, which had supported Mark’s care. In October 2023, he began running six halfmarathons across Six Nations rugby cities – Paris, Florence, Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff and Manchester. He was joined in Manchester by his brother Oliver (2008), Daniel Caulfield, Ben Jackson, Jane Booth (all 2005) and Marcus Halstead (2008). Serena Othick (née Salim) and David Burrows (both 2005) came to support on the Florence and Belfast runs respectively.

To support Thomas’s cause, visit www.justgiving.com/ fundraising/6halfsfordad

Class of 2010-2019

Daniel Hyams (Class of 2011)

Since his School days, Dan has continued his travels worldwide and his experience has taken him on a journey which has led to the creation of a successful, luxury, tailor-made travel business. Drawing from a passion for exploring the world and a keen eye for detail, Dan now specialises in crafting unique and unforgettable travel experiences. Whether it’s an expedition cruise to Antarctica, a Rocky Mountaineer adventure across Canada or a safari to the heart of the Masai Mara, each itinerary is personalised to

create a seamless but unforgettable experience.

Backed by Travel Counsellors, a global leader in bespoke travel services, Dan has access to extensive resources and support, ensuring award-winning service and exclusive opportunities for clients. This partnership allows him to stay ahead of travel trends and provide the most up-to-date advice and recommendations.

Joshua Polding (Class of 2012)

Josh (middle right), Nick (middle left), and six other friends and members of Turton Golf Club toasting the day in memory of his uncle and grandpa, on the first tee before the final 18 holes

Back in June Joshua completed a 72hole golf challenge at Turton Golf Club in memory of his uncle and grandpa, both of whom had Parkinson’s. His uncle, Terry, died from the disease on 17th January 2024, at 77; coincidentally his grandpa, Bill, had been the same age when he passed away on the same date in 2005. Accompanied by his dad, Nick (Class of 1977), and friends, Joshua played through 11 hours and 23.5 miles, scoring 127/144 points with four birdies. To date, the fundraiser has raised over £2,200 for Parkinson’s UK. Donations can be made at https://bit.ly/47q1qex

Piers Crowther (Class of 2013)

Congratulations to Piers who married Amelia Cocker on 1st June at Finca Son Mir Mallorca. Piers met Amelia through a mutual friend, fellow Old Boy Nathan Stansfield, after meeting at the Sir Harry Kroto science lecture at Bolton School in 2009. Amelia, of Bury Grammar School, was invited to the lecture with her fellow students, and she and Piers have been inseparable ever since. The wedding was attended by fellow Old Boys Nathan, William Doyle, Joseph Beavis and Hayden Smith (all Class of 2013).

Hadley Stewart (Class of 2014)

Hadley was invited by Old Girl Christie O’Connell (Class of 2016) to The Inner Temple and LGBTQ+ Society Dinner in June. As features editor at Vada

magazine, an LGBTQ+ digital publication, Hadley interviewed Christie earlier this year about her career as a family law barrister in London and LGBTQ+ visibility at the Bar. In addition to her work as a barrister, Christie is also a committee member of FreeBar, a network aiming to foster inclusion and support for LGBTQ+ people working as and with barristers.

Alex Johnson-Ormston (Class of 2015)

On 12th August 2023

Alex married Imogen Ormston (Class of 2015) at Astley Bank, Darwen. A number of

Old Boys and Girls were amongst the guests celebrating with them on their special day. Florence Wu (Class of 2015) was one of the Bridesmaids.

Alex and Imogen met at Bolton School in 2012. They now live together in Hertfordshire where Alex is an engineering project manager and Imogen is a principal statistician in the civil service.

Sam Richards (Class of 2015)

Sam married Rebecca Clarke on 3rd September 2024 at Salford Register Office. It was a small personal wedding, witnessed by just two people, Sam’s mum and Becky’s eldest brother, and was followed by a family evening meal in Manchester. The couple met over two years ago and got engaged after four months, knowing their future was together.

Sam is taking Becky’s family name and Mr and Mrs Clarke headed to Crete for their honeymoon.

Sam’s sisters, Sarah (2015) and Rebecca (2013), joined the family celebrations and a number of Old Boys and Old Girls attended the celebratory party held the next day: Ben Warner (2015), Mehul Malhotra (2015), Alex Greenhalgh (2014), Richard Bromilow (2016), Bayley Brigg (2017) and Eleanor Gibbons (2019).

Hadley and Christie attended the The Inner Temple and LGBTQ+ Society Dinner

Mr and Mrs Johnson-Ormston on their big day

Thomas, Jane and Ben celebrate completing the Manchester half-marathon

Tom Wright (Class of 2016)

Congratulations to Tom and his partner, Claudia Turner (Class of 2015), who welcomed Zachary Joseph Wright into the world on 13th December 2023.

Claudia, Tom and Zac on Christmas Day when Zac was just 12 days old!

Luke O’Donoughue (Class of 2019)

In the Spring of this year Luke was nominated and subsequently elected to the Board of Directors of Salford RD Holdings, the holding company of the Salford Red Devils – the first community-owned Rugby League Club in the Northern Hemisphere.

Mini Reunions

L-R: Andy Yates, John Myles, Phil Redding

Poole Reunion

Andy Yates (lives in St Albans), John Myles (Poole) and Phil Redding (La Coruña), all Class of 1997, met up with their families for a long weekend at John’s house in February this year. The three regularly get together to catch up and reminisce about their time together at School.

Luke invites all Old Boys to get involved and to follow his journey over the next two years – he is on Linkedin (@Luke O’Donoughue), on Tiktok and X (@LukeODx) and on Instagram (@Luke. OD). He would love to hear from Old Boltonians and explore opportunities to work together.

Class of 2020 onwards

Luca Kelly (Class of 2023)

Rt Hon Chris Philp, Conservative MP for Croydon South, Shadow Leader of the House of Commons, held his seat against all odds and national polls. Luca helped to run his election campaign and took on increased responsibility in the running of a Parliamentary office.

John Oxley-Harrison (Class of 2023)

John is studying Geology and Earth Science at Newcastle University where his faculty (SNES – School Natural Earth Sciences) presents one first-year student with an award for excellent academic achievement. John was the proud recipient of this prestigious award which was presented to him by the Dean of the Faculty during the graduation ceremony for final year students this Summer.

L-R: Joanna Binns (née Chant), Miles Lord, David Bridgford, Adam Crook, Louise Whittock (née Whitelaw), Julie Scott (née Heaton), Andrew McKenzie, Abha Larsen (née Mangrolia)

Andrew (left) and Dave had plenty to talk about!

Class of 1992 Reunion

During the Summer John placed in the National Showjumping Championships at Stoneleigh and went on to achieve greater success at Chepstow International, placing second and sixth out of over 100 international riders.

After months of planning by several members of the Class of 1992, the much-anticipated reunion of that year group took place in May.

Over 70 Old Boys and Old Girls gathered in Manchester under the pretext of celebrating their 50th birthdays, but the focus was definitely on reuniting with classmates and reminiscing about their days at Bolton School. Despite 32 years passing since their School days, everyone had a great time sharing old memories and rekindling old friendships – so much so that they have committed to arranging future get-togethers every four to five years.

If you are a member of the Class of 1992 and would like to be included in future reunions, please contact the Development Office to be connected to the organisers.

Before the big night, a group of 1992ers kicked off the trip down Memory Lane with a visit to School.

Old Boys in Oz

Dave Hodson (Class of 1971) recently enlisted the help of the Development Team in a search for Old Boltonians in Perth (the Australian one!) and met up for a coffee with Andrew Sculthorpe (Class of 1983). The pair had a great time comparing notes about their schooldays and plan to get together again soon.

Dave and Andrew would be delighted to hear from other Old Boys in the Perth area –please contact the Development Office if you would like to be put in touch with them.

Graduations Galore

Congratulations to all Old Boys who have graduated this Summer, and best wishes to all of you as you take the next steps in your careers.

Hamzah Babaria (Class of 2020)

Hamzah has graduated with a First Class Master of Engineering with Honours in Industrial Design from the University of Liverpool. During his studies, he worked as a design engineer as part of the University of Liverpool Motorsport team, annually competing in the Formula Student competition for engineers. Hamzah’s future plans are to pursue a career as a design engineer at a leading automotive company.

Jamie Gregson (Class of 2020)

Jamie has graduated with a First Class Honours degree in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering from the University of Warwick. He was also awarded the IMechE Best Project prize for the highest mark in his cohort for his fourth year masters project

After a Summer of travelling, he is now pursuing a career in finance as a Commercial Banking Graduate with NatWest Group.

Praharsh Parikh (Class of 2020)

Praharsh has graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Manchester, where he was particularly drawn to Forensic and Organisational Psychology— perhaps it’s the Gujarati business mindset in him!

His dissertation, ‘Understanding and Applying Behaviour Change Techniques in Everyday Life’, examined how people use Instagram to modify their walking habits, with insights that extend to strength training and other behaviours linked to mental and physical health— this research helped him to improve his app, 4improve. Balancing his studies while building a business was tough, but incredibly rewarding.

Praharsh is now channelling his love for sports and psychology into 4improve, the world’s first 360° holistic lifestyle app, designed to boost overall wellbeing through mudras, meditation, exercise and nutrition. He is deeply grateful to Bolton School for the incredible support with his cricket, which taught him the balance of sport and study—a lesson that continues to shape his journey today.

Thomas Whitehead (Class of 2020)

Tom has graduated from Aston University with honours in Chemical Engineering. After a quick career break in the USA, Tom has resumed his role as a Financial Coordinator at deVere Acuma in their Dubai Marina office.

Lucas Appleby (Class of 2021)

Lucas has graduated from the University of York with an Upper Second Class Honours in History and Politics. He is considering joining the Civil Service – after first enjoying an extended interrailing trip travelling around Europe!

Abdullah Arshad (Class of 2021)

Abdullah has graduated from Lancaster University with a BA Hons in Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

He is now pursuing a Master’s degree at King’s College London.

Jake Baker (Class of 2021)

Ben Stone (Class of 2021)

Jake has graduated from Newcastle University with a Bachelor of Arts History Degree from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Ben has graduated from the University of Liverpool with an Upper Second Class Honours BA in Geography and Planning. In September he joined Thomasons as an apprentice Building Surveyor, alongside which he is studying for a Master’s degree in Building Surveying at the University of Salford.

Joseph Walker (Class of 2021)

Joe has graduated from the University of Liverpool with Upper Second Class Honours in BA Geography and Planning. He is now studying for a PGCE in Secondary Geography at the University of Manchester.

ARCHIVES

How did the Boys’ Division buildings evolve?

The New Lever Trust was established by William Lever (later Lord Leverhulme) in 1913 to administer his endowment for the amalgamation of the Bolton Grammar School with the Bolton High School for Girls.

Depression (1929-1931). In the UK sterling had been devalued in 1931, many parents were unemployed and there were problems collecting fees. This made for a very challenging financial background for Lester Haselden who proved to be a prudent and cautious steward of the School’s resources. It had been agreed that the Girls’ West Wing (completed in 1935) should be the next priority, but that this, and any further building, should only be undertaken when it could be done so without compromising on quality standards and when the work could be funded without any recourse to an overdraft.

After the Manchester architect Charles T Adshead won the open competition for the design of the new school in 1917, William Lever’s nephew, Lester Haselden, was given responsibility for the building project. He was a New Lever Trust nominated Governor from 1st April 1915 when the new Bolton School came into existence and later became Chairman of Governors from 1926 until his retirement on grounds of ill health in 1939. When construction of the new Bolton School began in 1924 the Boys’ Division still occupied the large house known as Westbourne and the Girls’ Division was still based in the Park Road premises that now house the Boys’ Junior School. The Great Hall and South Wing of Girls’ Division were completed in 1928 and the girls were thus the first to move into their new premises. The boys followed in 1929, but by this time only the Great Hall and Library had been completed. The Great Hall was formally handed over at the 19th September 1929 Prizegiving (Lord Leverhulme’s birthday anniversary) which was presided over by the 2nd Viscount Leverhulme. Miss Barlow (Governor, 1915-1941) presented the organ built for her brother, J R Barlow and Mr F L Tillotson (Governor, 1905-1958) donated the bust of Lord Leverhulme by Sir William Goscombe John that may still be seen at the foot of the stairs to the Memorial Window. The Gymnasium came into use soon afterwards. At this stage there was no provision for new classrooms and teaching continued under difficult conditions in Westbourne, part of which had to be demolished in order to clear the footprint for the Great Hall. To compensate for the lost classrooms some classes were held in The Grove, a large property on the Girls’ Division side of the main driveway. The Boys’ South Wing was opened in January 1932, after which the residue of Westbourne was demolished, with all signs of the old School having gone by early 1933.

There was certainly a need to continue the building programme, but many countries of the world had just been through the Great

Charles Adshead did submit plans for the remaining two wings of Boys’ Division in August 1939, but within two weeks war was declared and the plans came to nought. In the post-war years the costs of building soared with red sandstone becoming scarce and extremely expensive. Successive Trustees nevertheless continued to delay further building rather than borrow or compromise on quality. As a consequence, it was 1957 before the Boys’ East Wing was completed.

The final piece of the original jigsaw was only completed in 1964 with the opening of the North Wing. This was the one time when the Trustees did have to compromise slightly on their quality stance in that the inner wall of the North Wing is built of brick with stone dressings rather than red sandstone.

As we now celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Boys’ Division being completed, we should be grateful that the Trustees retained their commitment to such a high-quality construction – otherwise we would not be able to enjoy such splendid buildings today. The big regret is that Lord Leverhulme, who died in 1925, did not live to see any of the buildings completed.

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

Building work 1928, with residue of Westbourne

Centre Arch, 1928

Great Hall, 1930

Building work 1929

Construction of North Wing

Memories

Bolton School Scout Camp Wiltz, Luxembourg, July 1955

Ivan Leigh (Class of 1962) was recently moved to re-read Robin Howarth’s fine article in the Autumn 2022 edition of The Bugle regarding the memorable excursion to Wiltz, in Luxembourg, for the annual 19th Bolton Scout Group’s Long camp of that year.

“Robin’s excellent description of his memories of that epic adventure, for those of us who previously had not gone further than Blackpool, brought back very vivid memories.

“In addition to Robin’s memories, which I fully endorse, I can add a very poignant memory of the place where we were camped, in the middle of what had been a furious battlefield, between the American and German armies in the second world war Battle of the Bulge.

“Despite it being some ten years after cessation of hostilities there were many pieces of battlefield detritus and equipment to be found in and around the local villages and indeed on the campsite itself. The area had supposedly been cleared of any ordnance, but we soon found out that this was not the case. It was extremely exciting for 12-year-olds, collecting fire wood, to come across shells lying amongst the forest trees. A few moments were spent insanely throwing rocks at these items, whilst trying to protect ourselves by hiding behind trees as we did so. Being Bolton School students, we were supposed to be generally of a slightly higher than average IQ. I shudder as I recall this stupidity!

“Other less volatile items were collected: a German helmet, an English style helmet and a spent rusting machine gun bullet belt. It was at this time that we were absolutely forbidden to touch or collect any other such items that we might find. It was, apparently, not unknown for such items to be booby trapped by retreating armies, to catch out the unwary.

Strength of Spirit

“It was with some trepidation, as a 10-year-old scholarship boy from Oxford Grove, that I walked across Chorley New Road and over a wooden footbridge on my first morning at Bolton School in 1943. The quadrangle had only two sides, South and West, and the North wing was just a partly excavated site. Behind me, electric tramcars trundled along cobbled streets set with steel rail lines. The scene was vastly different from now.

“At that time, the Second World War was raging across Europe and North Africa, and rationing dominated every aspect of life. Supplies of food, clothing and other essentials were scarce, and Bolton School students were not exempt. After lessons, we made regular visits to second-hand exchange rooms set up by mothers in classrooms along the lower corridor. Here, old and new blazers, sports and gym kits and books were sold at low prices. We ‘made do’ with what we could, handing down items until they were outgrown or worn out.

“Despite these difficulties, life at Bolton School continued as normal. Academic classes, sports, and swimming went on, and the friendships, skills and knowledge we gained during those years shaped our futures. By the time I left in 1951, I was well-prepared for university and life beyond. I went on to Sheffield University to study Metallurgy, a choice that proved timely. The UK government had decided to build the world’s first nuclear power station, Calder Hall, and recruitment was underway to gather experts

“Following the strict instruction to be extremely cautious of anything we might encounter, it was a surprise to find, buried in the grass of the grub tent, another unexpected item. The daily duty patrol from each section of the Troop had, for about two weeks, been happily tramping around inside the tent, as we collected the day’s rations. The funny little lump buried in the grass, on further examination, turned out to be an unexploded hand grenade of the Allied variety!

“A suitable cordon around the grub tent was established, whilst the intrepid Scout leaders investigated! I recall vividly the excitement we felt, as we all lined up along one of the tracks through the camp site, to watch the proceedings. I think it was RC Kirk (Recce), who bravely tied a very long piece of sisal to the pin of the grenade and from what he hoped would be a safe distance, proceeded to drag ‘the pineapple’ bouncing along the rough track away from the grub tent, to the delight of all those watching! Fortunately, it did not explode and I am uncertain what actually became of it. Rumour had it at the time, that it was placed in some sort of receptacle, snuggly surrounded by suitable padding, and was brought back to the UK. I cannot vouch that this was the case, but recently talking to David Butcher (Class of 1959), he, too, remembered the incident, so I am sure my advancing years have not invented the story!

“Perhaps other old Scouts of that vintage may also recall the incident?”

from universities across the country. I was fortunate enough to be selected to join the metallurgical research team for this groundbreaking work in an unknown field.

“Looking back, I now realise that my years at Bolton School and Sheffield University provided me with the foundations I needed to succeed in my career. The lessons in persistence, hard work, and dedication were invaluable and carried me through. I had the honour of attending the opening ceremony of Calder Hall, performed by the young Queen Elizabeth. Eventually, I left the Atomic Energy programme and transitioned into lecturing and consulting, where I built a reputation as an expert witness in Lancashire’s courts, solving complex problems in my field.

“Throughout my career, I maintained a strong friendship with Stuart Cumming (Class of 1951) who pursued an illustrious career in ophthalmics in California. Despite the distance, we have kept in touch throughout our working years, sharing memories of the excellent start we got at Bolton School. Teachers like Mrs Saxelby and Eddie Gwynn Jones come to mind frequently—teachers who, even 80 years later, left a lasting impact on us. They instilled in us the importance of doing our best, persisting under difficulty, and applying ourselves fully to any task ahead. For those Old Boys who studied alongside us or before, these names and lessons will surely resonate – Stuart and I still talk about them each year around the festive season.”

Ray Doldon (Class of 1951) was motivated to recall his time at School and how it influenced his later life.

Just for the Record

Writing as the fiftieth anniversary of his arrival at Bolton School approaches, Martin Wadsworth has been Schoolmaster, Sergeant and Sports Assistant, as well as being active in many roles in the OBA and OBAFC, but here expands on a favourite and ongoing role …

The School’s quincentennial history is diversely and well represented in a variety of artefacts, books and documents, but there is one item which has particularly interested me for many a year. It is reaching its 130th year of age and usage. It contains roughly ten thousand names, indeed signatures, from generations of Old Boltonians.

The Chained Library, the Headmaster’s Chair and the Nuremberg Chest are magnificent evocative pieces of furniture going back far further.

Bill Brown’s History, David Shaw’s and Charles Winder’s pictorial School in Pictures and, more recently, The Best of Both Worlds are a trio of formidable comprehensive publications on my bookcase that come to mind, but it is The Bolton Grammar School Old Boys Record Book for which I have a particular liking.

This single volume dates from 1895 and, to paraphrase a much more recent catchphrase, it does what it says on the frontispiece. It has recorded, indeed is still recording, varying meetings and reunions of members of the School, be they governors, heads, masters, mistresses and of course former pupils, primarily and predominantly in the form of more than a hundred annual dinners.

Compared to present day, the School of the last decade of the 19th century was small and not all that strong. Nonetheless, in the Autumn of 1894 the previously informal nature of meetings of Alumni by way of cricket matches was upgraded and not just via a cricket club, but also the launch of an annual reunion.

FH Matthews, the then Headmaster, promised ‘every assistance to further such a laudable effort’. Some 290 circulars were sent out and some 63 attendees were the inaugural names recorded as attending the Commercial Hotel on 21st March 1895. Thus started this tome’s life. The reunion dinners were regular if not always annual in those formative years, but the recording of names, along with other traditions, began. As well as The Loyal Toast and one to founders William Hague of Wigan and Robert Lever of London – still a feature of our modern dinners – local clergy and ministers of all denominations, the Army, Navy and Reserve forces and The Good Old Town of Bolton were toasted in those days. Cuttings of the manifold local papers’ reports of the reunions pepper the early pages as do a number of photos of the School buildings and even, as it were, a team photo of the gathering at Whitehill, the Sharples residence of one T Wilkinson, Esq.

Numbers fell to as few as 30 just before the hiatus of The Great War. The reconstituted OBA of the 1920s saw numbers rise to 190 in 1928. The potential clientèle was, of course, increasing rapidly and spreading. The book records London dinners in the mid-1930s, including at the Waldorf in 1938. The 200 barrier was passed in 1948, astonishingly in the Gymnasium, and ten years later 268 signed in at The Pack Horse.

My specific involvement beyond 45 years of attending dinners and thereby signing in came when, on becoming Sergeant after retiring from teaching, I inherited the role as overseer and guardian once a year. Inexplicably, but pleasingly, I have kept the role, despite retiring from sergeanting over ten years ago. The lure of the Record Book has grasped me … and it is the names that enthral.

The inaugural meeting generated contact with one William Bewick, who left School in 1823 – the start of one of the great Bolton School dynasties as great great great grandson Jimmy’s signature appears as late as 1991.

Many surnames recur throughout the decades – were they too dynastic or just recognisant of those that abounded in the aforementioned dear old Bolton town? Moving into renowned names from my time I see many esteemed sportsmen and colleagues, plus half a century of boys I taught, managed in various elevens, or with whom I trekked around Europe and beyond. There appear those familiar not just to me from those myriad roles but to many, be they as occasional or regular attendees. I spot Duncan Worsley in 1959 then Clifford Ingham in 1960. Regular attendees from those aforementioned strands are such as Peter Nightingale, there in 1961, Harry Lane spotted in 1967, Michael Griffiths in 1975, Phil Riding in 1980, former teaching and Trek colleagues David Dunn, Alan Prince and David Rogers in 1990. Familiar Bolton School names of Myers, Monks and Moores are to be seen in 2000 and on and on it goes.

And so, as the new century dawned, the Bolton Grammar and High Schools’ Old Boys Association continued recording its annual reunion dinner and a line through history was instigated. Over the next century, venues included such as the aforementioned now demolished Commercial Hotel on Victoria Square, The Swan, The Mayor’s Parlour, The Pack Horse, still in use in the town centre, as well as numerous venues within School – the Great Hall, the Library, the Gymnasium, the Dining Hall – featured until finding its current home in the Arts Centre some 30 years ago.

The Record Book’s annual appearance fast approaches as plans are in full swing for the 2024 Dinner – those of you attending this year’s laudable effort will be adding your particular jot of history to this monument to the longevity, camaraderie and strength of indefatigable generations of Old Boltonians.

Martin Wadsworth (Boys’ Division Staff, 1974-2006)

Martin ensures everyone attending the Annual Dinner signs in

Martin and the treasured signing-in book

LIVES REMEMBERED

(Leonard) Michael Berry (Class of 1956)

Michael passed away on 6th March 2024 surrounded by friends and family. A much-loved husband, father and grandfather, he is survived by his loving wife Anna, children: Eliza, Mark (Angela) and Kathryn (Carl), brother Stephen, grandchildren: Mika, Kylia, Madeline and James, stepdaughter Rina (Garry), stepgranddaughter Amahra, nephews: Darren (Wendy), Louigi (Rosie), Carmen, and nieces: Daniella (Ozzie), Hannah (Wil) and Gina. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Leonard and Margaret (née Wynne), and his first wife, Linda (née Randal), and brother, Rodney.

Michael and family emigrated to Toronto from Bolton, Lancashire, in 1954 at the age of 16. He worked for Avro Canada and Procter & Gamble before entering McGill University in 1957. A keen cricketer from his Bolton School days, he played for the Toronto Cricket S & C Club first team (1955-61) and on various UK tours. In the Canadian Club Championship final in 1957 against the Montreal Adastrians he shared in a record batting partnership of over 300 runs. He also represented Ontario in the interprovincial competition. In later years he played in Ottawa, Berlin, London, Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok and Australia, making many good friends along the way.

At McGill he was a regular on the University soccer team, Producer of the 1961 Red and White Revue Oh Kennedy We Stand On Guard For Thee and graduated with an Honours degree in Economics and Political Science. He then joined the Department of Finance in Ottawa before becoming an assistant to Justice Minister, E Davie Fulton. In 1963 He returned to McGill for post-graduate studies in international relations and became captain of the University soccer team. In the following years he entered the Canadian Foreign Service in which he served in various capacities and locations

for 35 years. His first foreign postings were to Berlin and London, followed by senior assignments in Ottawa, including as a ‘Sous Sherpa’ to PM Trudeau at the London G-7 Leaders Summit in 1983 and to PM Mulroney at the 1984 Bonn meeting. His Head of Mission appointments were as High Commissioner to Singapore (1979-82) and later to Australia (1991-95) and as Ambassador to the OECD in Paris (1988-1991). His final task in Ottawa was that of co-ordinating Canada’s role in the re-construction and governance structuring of Bosnia.

actively participated in a wide range of extracurricular activities, including the Philatelic Society, the Film Society, the Railway Society, the Savings Group, the Choral Society, the Literary and Debating Society and the Dance Club. He was also a member of the School’s Military Band. Neville’s dedication to service was evident in his roles as Secretary of the Dance Club, School Monitor and House Physical Training Instructor. In his final year at Bolton School Neville was School Captain.

In 1997 he and his first wife, Linda, moved to BC to undertake a two-year assignment as Diplomat-in-Residence at Vancouver Island University, and retired from the Foreign Service in 2000, settling in Qualicum Beach. In BC he served on the Boards of the BC Centre for International Education, the Nanaimo Port Authority and the Pacific Pilotage Authority.

Michael was a dear and loving husband, father and a good friend to many, especially his golf group. He will be greatly missed. In accordance with his wishes, there will be no funeral service, but a gathering will be held to celebrate his life.

Mark Berry

Neville’s pursuit of knowledge led him to Downing College, Cambridge University, where he initially studied law, but eventually found his true passion in modern languages. He graduated with a talent for languages, becoming fluent in nine different tongues. He later shared his love of language with students as a teacher at Bolton School and as an Assistant Master at Bolton County Secondary School. His passion for education led him to pursue a Graduate Certificate in Education at Leeds University, ultimately resulting in a position as a Lecturer in Modern Languages at Bolton Institute of Technology.

Neville James Collier (Class of 1957; Boys’ Division Staff,

1959-1964)

Neville James Collier, a remarkable individual whose life was deeply intertwined with Bolton School, passed away on 11th August 2024. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, dedication and unwavering spirit. Born on 16th October 1937, Neville’s journey began in Bolton, where he quickly blossomed as a student, demonstrating both academic prowess and a genuine passion for athletics and rugby.

After obtaining a scholarship to Bolton School, Neville thrived, leaving an enduring mark on the institution. He excelled in both rugby and gymnastics, earning full colors in both sports. Neville also

Throughout his life, Neville’s dedication to service and his unwavering kindness touched the lives of countless people. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, always ready with a helping hand and a listening ear. His memory will forever inspire those who knew him to live their lives with warmth, generosity, and an appreciation for the simple joys of life. His legacy as a valued member of the Bolton School community will endure, serving as a reminder of the impact a dedicated individual can have on the lives of others.

Andy Collier, David Collier and Elizabeth Collier Grainger

Peter Terry Crowley (Class of 1950)

When Peter left Bolton School in July 1950, the family travelled to Brisbane in Queensland, where his father was an inaugural member of the Queensland Coal Board. Peter worked at several short-term jobs before starting his studies in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Queensland.

He (naturally) joined the Athletics Club, competing in longdistance running. In 1955 he went to the Inter-Varsity Athletics meet in Adelaide. It was there that he met his future wife, Lucy, who was at Sydney University. They married two years later in Sydney where Peter continued and finished his engineering studies. Lucy had not finished her Science degree as five children were born in the following years. When the youngest was at school Peter suggested she complete her studies, and she finished with a PhD in one genus of Australian freshwater fish. It was during this time that their eldest son died as the result of a road accident. Peter worked at BMC for several years then finally moved into an architecture office where he learned the vagaries of city councils. He finally went out as a Project Manager, designing units but specialising in factories.

In 1993 Peter and Lucy decided to move out of Sydney and return to Queensland, where they bought 160 acres in Warwick. Peter designed a steel-framed house which they built – apart from the roofing and internal plastering. They lived there (with cattle) until drought forced them to sell the cattle (no water in the stream, tanks or dams). They continued to live there until 2021 when they moved into town when the workload became too much for Peter; he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer when he was 79, had a prostatectomy and was on hormone therapy for many years. Finally the cancer had spread throughout his body

The church they attended in Warwick –St Mark’s (which was old, although not by English standards (c 1880s)) had a major problem with termites in the floor so a remedy was needed (Baltic pine does not withstand the ravages of these insects!). Peter got a team of men together and they rolled back the carpet to examine the situation. He then designed flooring which would overcome the termite problem – this entailed steel beams and joists covered by ‘Termiflooring’. They finished the work, a carpet layer replaced the carpet and all was well. His very last work for the church was to convert the old rectory (1892) into offices. As both the church and the rectory are ‘Heritage’ listed this required permission from the Heritage people. He got his trusty team together again to remove the flooring and again termites were found. Peter designed the new layout for a disabled toilet, ordinary toilet, new office room etc, but became too ill to carry on. A delightful builder was called in and the work has recently been finished, although Peter never lived to see it. He died on 18th April this year; he was 91 years old. He always looked forward to receiving The Bugle and enjoyed reading about the School, photocopying bits he found of

particular interest. He then passed it on to another Old Boy, Timothy Williams, who is our dentist. Tim was at Bolton School many years after Peter, and enjoys getting the magazine.

Lucy Crowley

(Raymond) George Deans (Class of 1960)

Born in April 1942, from the age of about four he was known – at his own insistence – as George.

His sister, Valerie, preceded him, entering Bolton School in 1951. They grew up in the village of Egerton, a few miles north of Bolton, which at that time was a cotton bleaching and dyeing centre.

Their father, with his brother, ran Deans Brothers Motors, at the top end of the village, and from an early age George took every opportunity to use all the tools concerned with servicing and repairing cars. At School, his favourite place was the woodwork workshop, where he made a wardrobe that he still had in his house when he died. He qualified as a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, became a member of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, and was skilled in turbine maintenance and performance. He married a Bolton School girl and they had two children, first living in Manchester, and then back in Bolton at Barrow Bridge. Eventually he worked as a manager for British Nuclear Fuels at Warrington, heading the department responsible for the design and production of the steel flasks that transport nuclear waste on the railways. This job took him several times to Japan where he could commission the highest quality steel. When BNFL needed to cut the workforce, he took early retirement with what seemed at the time a handsome redundancy package.

He loved the Lake District and most weekends could be found with his walking group tackling High Street, the Old Man of Coniston, or any other of those inspiring fells.

His other passion was motorcycling and restoring vintage bikes, often even making the tools required to create the parts no longer available to buy. With friends he toured Scotland by motorbike and skied in Austria or Switzerland. In later life he purchased a kit-car and joined the local enthusiasts’ club.

daughter and her husband through these last years of illness.

Valerie Stevens (née Deans, Class of 1958) Brian Farris (Class of 1954)

Brian was born on 2nd January 1938 and entered Bolton School in 1948, having previously attended Devonshire Road Primary School.

Apart from spending his National Service (Royal Air Force) in the late 1950s, on Malta, he lived his whole life in Bolton. He thoroughly enjoyed his School days, and recalled them vividly throughout his life –actively participating in gymnastics, drama, rugby, swimming and scouting, in addition to a number of the societies then available. In 1953 he met Josephine, marrying her in 1960, and having three children: Alison, Andrew and Simon.

Having spent six years serving in the local police, he trained as a teacher, and in 1969 began teaching biology at Westhoughton High School. He remained there until he retired in 1989.

Alongside his teaching career, he developed an early interest in all aspects of the computing ‘revolution’, and maintained this for the remainder of his life. He was always the ‘go to’ source of help and guidance. Throughout his retirement he spent a great deal of time researching ancestry and burial records (both local and national) for anyone he could help.

The primary Farris household hobby of the 1970s and 80s was dinghy sailing, based at Delph Sailing Club. He built a number of dinghies, which were raced regularly (a number of times every week) throughout the season. They were also used for leisure and holiday purposes, both inland and at sea, around the UK. Typical of him, the sailing club attracted Brian because it could be shared by all members of the family. Wonderful family times!

He found great joy in his two granddaughters and had the support of his

In addition to the sailing club, he had many other interests: as a member of a folk band, an avid reader (he subscribed to New Scientist from the mid-1960s!), bell-ringing and drone-flying, to list a few. Everything he was involved with was done ‘full on’, with 100% commitment! Never one to do things by half, he was an inspiration to those around him.

Brian died peacefully on 3rd September 2024.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and recently a great grandfather.

A life well lived. He will be sorely missed. Simon Farris (Class of 1982)

Rev J Howard Gray (Class of 1958)

Howard was born in Bolton and attended St Michael’s Junior School in Great Lever where he was in the same class as Fred Dibnah, the famous steeplejack. In the late 1940s he became a pupil at Park Road where I was later to join him and it was the start of a friendship lasting well over 70 years.

Howard was a very good all-round sportsman, playing football, cricket and tennis – in the latter managing to reach the final of the Junior Bolton Charity Tournament. He was also a fine swimmer and represented his house in the annual boxing competition where Archie Sayer, the PE Master, famously announced that: “Gray in the red corner would fight Green in the blue corner,” much to the amusement of the spectators.

In the Sixth Form Howard talked seriously of going to Loughborough College to study sport, but was very much influenced by Dr Spinks, Vicar at St Michael’s Church, Great Lever, where Howard was a server. After leaving School at 18 and serving two years national service, he decided to train for the Ministry at Durham Theological College and St Aiden’s College, Birkenhead.

Howard’s first job was as an industrial chaplain at Trafford Park before he was appointed curate at St Clement’s, Urmston. He then moved to St Thomas’, Moorside, Oldham where he was very popular and stayed for almost 35 years. In semiretirement he moved to Brompton Regis in Somerset before eventually retiring, fully almost, in the Devon village of Chillington. Howard was the most humble, selfless person, delightful company, kind and thoughtful. He could be stubborn, for he was basically a man of principle, but he was always very popular.

He is survived by his second wife, Susan, and their five children and stepchildren. He will be greatly missed by them all, his wider family and many friends.

Geoff Ogden (Class of 1959)

Frank

Green (Class of 1946)

Frank was born in Bolton on 28th November 1928.

He was admitted to Bolton School on a scholarship and proceeded to pursue his successful academic career until he was awarded another scholarship which

enabled him to be admitted to HMS Conway as a Maritime Cadet. There he was equally successful in obtaining the skills needed by aspiring mariners and frequently reminisced about the work which he thoroughly enjoyed in the fields of navigation and general seamanship. In his final year he was appointed Cadet Captain. From HMS Conway he entered The Royal Navy as a Cadet and served in the ‘Evacuated’ HMS Britannia where he was educated in the theory and practice of all that was necessary to be a successful and authoritative Naval Officer both at sea and ashore until he gained admission to HMS Terror which was the Royal Naval School of Engineering at Keyham in Devonport. There he was trained as an engineer in marine and aeronautical technologies; it was at this time that he obtained his flight pilot’s licence. After passing out he was appointed to a series of Royal Naval vessels and thus served in UK and overseas waters.

Although a dedicated Engineering Officer he retired from The Royal Navy and became the Chief Engineer of a Central London hospital group where he served for several years until being approached by Shell Mex to act as a Regional Manager where he participated in many R&D programmes. It was during this period that he exercised his development skills and he obtained several process licences which brought him into contact with many other aspects of engineering and economics. These projects he continued after his retirement from the Shell organisation. He often spoke very fondly of his School, his life’s activities and his many friends with whom he kept in touch right up to the time of his passing.

Frank passed to Higher Service on 10th October 2020.

Roy Rowe

Geoffrey Hind (Class of 1955)

Geoffrey was born on 7th April 1937 in Farnworth, the only child of Bessie (née Bell) and Gerald Hind.

After leaving Bolton School he attended the University of Cambridge and earned a Master’s degree, followed by a doctorate from Queen Mary University of London.

He began his career at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, where he worked as a postdoctoral researcher from 1962 to 1963. He then joined Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton and served as a senior scientist from 1964 until his retirement in 2004.

His interests included early music, playing the piano, organ, and harpsichord, singing in choirs, and gardening.

Geoffrey died on 18th April 2024, aged 87. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie (née Hulse) Hind, and his UK-based cousins, Yvonne Bryce who lives in Bolton and Jonathan Brown of Westhoughton.

Based on a tribute which appeared in the New York publication Riverhead Local.

Gerald Howarth (Class of 1950)

Gerald always said he was greatly indebted to Bolton School for his start in life, the camaraderie and ethos of the School following him throughout his life.

He particularly had fond memories of George Higginson with his quirky stories and, on one occasion, when returning from lunch break, every boy found a drawn portrait of themselves left on their chair. Woodwork lessons with no wood available due to the shortage as it was war time, turned into lessons on antiques and church architecture. The Model Aeroplane Club was a great joy and ladles of sarsaparilla and lemonade eagerly looked forward to from the tuck shop. Gymnastic Club, swimming and cross country running kept him fit, along with the hundreds of miles he would cycle at the weekends. Gerald was not the most angelic of pupils and did his fair share of ‘a bucket of 100 weeds’ dug from the Levels as a punishment from the ‘Sarge’ for minor misdemeanours.

After leaving School Gerald had an apprenticeship with United Ebonite and Lorival, learning all about rubber and plastic technology. Being at the forefront of a then new industry, he found his skills were very much in demand. He travelled extensively, working in Newcastle upon Tyne, London, South Wales, Buckinghamshire, France and Portugal.

In 1975 he had a total career change and bought and ran a restaurant in Dartmouth. He soon took his Master’s in sailing and enjoyed many hours on his yacht, having some memorable voyages with Chay Blyth and other sailing friends.

1980 saw another change of direction when Gerald developed his own forge and tinplate sign industry in Herefordshire. Using the skills learnt in the plastics industry, he made many thousands of farm and house signs, modelling the different characters required for each individual farm himself. He was particularly proud to supply all the signs for the Duke of Lancaster and Duchy of Cornwall estates.

During his retirement Gerald enjoyed going to his house in France, sailing, wood turning, singing in the village choir, painting watercolours and many trips away in his camper van.

Gerald married Sheila at a young age and they enjoyed 62 years of marriage during which time they had three daughters and one son who have in turn produced 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren who are variously spread around the world.

Gerald was very proud of his Lancastrian roots and regaled all generations with many tales of his boyhood and school days.

Virginia Haggett

Peter Jarvis, CBE (Class of 1960)

Peter was born in Bolton on 1st July 1941 and attended Plodder Lane Junior School. Born during the middle of the Second World War, life was not easy in his early days and as a young boy he contracted polio and spent some weeks in an iron lung where his parents could only look on through a window. He was very fortunate to make an almost complete recovery from this terrible illness and go on to become both academically and physically gifted. He joined Bolton School in September 1952.

Peter was a very talented all-round sportsman who excelled particularly at football and cricket. From the age of 15 he developed rapidly as a goalkeeper, representing School teams before being selected at the age of 17 for Lancashire and Cheshire Grammar Schools. The following year he did even better, representing the England Schools Under-18 team against Scotland at Celtic Park. He also played an important role in the Bolton School six-a-side team which won the public schools’ competition in 1959 and 1960.

At cricket he was a genuine all-rounder who bowled fast right arm and batted

aggressively. Having played very well for the School 1st XI he was selected to represent the Lancashire Federation Under-19 team in 1959 and 1960. At club level he first played for Bradshaw CC Juniors before joining Farnworth CC in the mid-1950s where he teamed up with School friends Geoff Ogden, Duncan Worsley, Roland Gee and Peter Boardman. Peter’s successes included winning the Bolton League bowling prize in 1961 and playing a significant part in the Farnworth side that won the Championship in 1959, the League and Cup double in 1960 and the Hamer Cup in 1961.

In 1961 Peter was offered a place at Christ’s College, Cambridge, where he studied Geography. He continued to play football and won a Blue in three successive years playing against Oxford University at Wembley. Cambridge won all three encounters and he was Captain in his final year.

In the Summer term Peter decided he would not play cricket as it was more important to concentrate on passing his exams. Although university cricket was much stronger in those days, including future Test players such as Tony Lewis, Mike Brearley and Richard Hutton, many wellrespected cricket judges feel that Peter would also have been good enough to gain a cricket Blue.

After gaining his degree Peter spent 12 years in sales and marketing with Unilever before moving to Whitbread in 1976 where he was appointed Chief Executive from 1985 to 1997. Under his guidance Whitbread was transformed from its origins in brewing into a most successful leisure and hospitality company with a well-respected beer business. After leaving Whitbread, Peter went on to become Chairman of Debenhams for a number of years and also took on a few non-executive directorships before he finally retired. He was made a CBE for his services to brewing and catering in 2000.

He had a very close family life; he was married to his wife, Judith, for 56 years and they had two children, Emma and Edward, and three grandchildren. He took enormous satisfaction from watching his family grow and develop and loved spending time with his children and grandchildren.

Peter always valued highly his time at Bolton School where he learned to understand and communicate with people from many different walks of life. He always felt Bolton School enabled him such lifechanging opportunities and nothing gave him more pleasure than serving the School as a Governor from 1994 to 2002. He will be deeply missed by all his family and friends.

Geoff Ogden (Class of 1960)

Christopher Morris (Class of 1964)

Christopher was born 26th August 1946 in Kearsley. He was among the fortunate few who survived polio at the age of five, albeit with lifelong damage to his right leg.

Chris was a student at Bolton School from 1957 to 1964. He then attended Bristol University, earning a degree in Mechanical Engineering. With a wife and two sons, aged one and four, Chris moved to the United States in 1977 to work for Chloride Batteries. After a fiveyear stint, he relocated to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to work for Exide Batteries as Vice President of Engineering.

Chris ended up moving the family to Austin, Texas in 1987 to work as Chief Operating Officer for a cutting-edge alternative power automotive battery company. Chris was issued multiple US patents for his inventions and innovations in Lead-Acid Battery technology.

Chris’s two sons finished out their childhood in Austin. The elder has enjoyed a successful career in the tech sector, with a heavy focus on servers and storage, cloud computing and network security. He is a current Vice President of Sales for a multi-billion dollar data security firm. The younger has enjoyed a long career as a real estate agent, and co-founded a company in 2017 focusing on real estate investment finance. The company employs 65 people in the US and another 35 abroad.

Chris discovered a new side of himself as he became a grandfather. While a parsimonious penny pincher for himself, he loved to dote on, and spoil, those near and dear to him. Living as a quasi-pauper, only buying potato chips on sale, Chris ultimately amassed a tidy sum over the years and, upon his death, left his estate to this five grandchildren in a trust, earmarked specifically for their university tuition. His focus on education was evident to his sons at an early age, and the scholarship he was awarded at Bolton School allowed him a lifetime of success, much of which can be attributed to the financial aid he received in order to be a student at the highly acclaimed institution.

Chris passed away in Austin, Texas in September of 2023, succumbing to injuries sustained from a house fire.

He fought the good fight for seven days, still charming the nurses with his

sharp wit and crisp British accent. He spent his final days flanked by his sons and his younger daughter-in-law, for whom he had the greatest fondness, perhaps the daughter he never knew he wanted. In his final hours, his sons held his hands as Handel’s Messiah played in the background. By all measures, Chris lived a successful life, both professionally and personally, and his family and friends will miss him dearly. His sons are eternally grateful for all that the Bolton School afforded him in the way of friendships, education, personal growth, exposure to the arts, choir, athletics and all that contributed to shaping the courageous and curious young boy who grew to be a wonderful man, father, father-in-law and grandfather.

Rich and Alex Morris

Richard William Orrell (Class of 1976)

Richard died unexpectedly on 26th May 2024, aged 64, while travelling in South Korea.

Richard grew up in Worsley, with his brother, Julian (Class of 1979), and sister, Yvette (Class of 1983). He went to St Mark’s Primary School, jumping an academic year before attending Bolton School, following in the footsteps of his dad and uncle.

Richard took part in many activities at Bolton School, including the swimming and hockey teams; playing the clarinet in the School orchestra; serving as the treasurer of the Photographic Society and enjoying many diverse School trips from the Saundersfoot camps to Russia! He continued to thrive academically at Bolton School and was put in the express stream to O Level, meaning that he jumped yet another year group. He therefore had only just turned 17 when he started medical school at Manchester University. After graduating and trying different areas of medicine in Leeds and Lancaster, Richard settled on a career in Neurology and migrated to London and began his MD research work at Charing Cross Hospital, on the genetics of Motor Neurone Disease (MND). A lifelong interest in MND was sparked and Richard continued to research in this area, with an emphasis on neurogenetics and clinical trials. He wrote well over 100 research papers, review articles and book chapters. Richard’s MND research paralleled his commitment to patient care. He was successful in marshalling the resources of a general hospital to this end, including collaborating with respiratory and gastroenterological

teams, nutritionists and therapists.

Richard’s skill in neuromuscular diseases extended beyond contributions to MND research and care. He spent a year as a fellow in Rochester, New York, as foundation for an enduring concern for adult patients with muscular dystrophies. Richard had been working for more than 25 years as consultant neurologist at the Royal Free Hospital, the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, and Queen Elizabeth II Hospital, Welwyn Garden City. He was Associate Professor of the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and President of the Clinical Neurosciences Section of the Royal Society of Medicine. Richard had many interests outside Medicine. He took advantage of living in central London: he had a close circle of friends and loved going to dinner, the theatre, ballet and opera, and visiting art galleries, particularly to view and purchase modern art, even delving into the mystery of fungible tokens. He regularly joined the Bolton School reunions in London, most recently at the House of Lords Dinner earlier this year.

He was fascinated by his own family history and the genealogy of the Orrell family and Turton Tower, the historical family home, an obsession that continued throughout his life.

He was also an intrepid voyager. In the past these were more strenuous tours, such as hiking to Everest base camp, climbing Kilimanjaro, Guatemala, North Korea, Venezuela, Rwanda, Myanmar, Mongolia and so on. He also combined exploration travel with academic meetings, thinking nothing of long-haul flights to more conventional places such as America and Australia.

South Korea was Richard’s final trip and he died doing the thing he loved best, exploring the world and meeting new people.

Richard’s untimely death has been a huge shock to his family, many friends and colleagues around the world. He was a very kind, funny and endearing man, loved by so many.

Yvette Sargood (née Orrell, Class of 1983)

David Ridyard

(Class of 1977)

Dave was born on 14th May 1959 in Bury. His family was rooted in Lancashire, with branches in India, Lebanon, Sri Lanka and Argentina: spinners and weavers, farmers and pharmacists, butchers and entrepreneurs.

In 1980, Dave graduated from Durham He was raised by his parents, Joe and Lesley Ridyard, in Bolton, and was fortunate to get a scholarship to a solid grammar school education at Bolton School.

In 1980 Dave graduated from Durham University at the top of his class with a degree in Applied Physics and Electronics. In addition to his class work, Dave deejayed the Students Union ‘Miasma’ disco.

After graduating, Dave planned to finance a year off to travel the world by working in the geophysical industry, prior to returning to Durham to do a PhD. The PhD never happened. After five years working offshore for GSI in the North Sea, South East Asia, East Canada, West Africa, Brazil and the Gulf of Mexico, Dave had become an expert in marine seismic data acquisition. Dave moved to Dallas in 1984, and settled in Houston in 1986.

After GSI, Dave’s career spanned a modestly successful entrepreneurial adventure with QC Tools, as well as executive roles as President of Oslo Bourse, listed EMGS, and Senior Vice President of NYSE, listed ION Geophysical. Throughout his career, Dave prided himself on remaining current with new technology while bridging the gap between scientists, engineers, executives and managers. One CEO wrote of Dave in a performance review, “Dave’s greatest ability is his ability to think outside the box … it would just be nice if he could remain within sight of the box that the rest of us work within.” Dave’s greatest achievement was to secure and execute a $300M+ contract with PEMEX. Dave ‘retired’ to Novato, in the San Francisco Bay area, in 2016. Three months later, he was bored and co-founded ACTeQ, a small geophysical software company. Dave made numerous lifelong friendships with classmates from School and university as well as colleagues, partners and mentors within the geophysical industry.

Outside work, Dave was a keen wildlife photographer and hiker, and he loved to watch and play sports. He was a terrible golfer, and an even worse tennis player. He was less incompetent at chess, squash, racquetball, soccer, table tennis and skiing. His real passion was cricket. In his early career, he was a medium-pace bowler, but in his early thirties he turned to spin – delivering a mixture of mystery spin, quicker balls and nothing balls. His signature delivery was an excruciatingly slow, high, looping ‘googly’. This was delivered perfectly and captured on video at the 1994 Victoria International Six-aSide tournament on Vancouver Island. The ball pitched so wide off stump that the umpire signalled a wide, and the batsman shouldered arms only to watch in shock

and awe as the ball turned back and clipped the leg bail.

Dave inherited his mother’s mistrust of extremism in any form, and was a great believer in compromise and moderation in all things. He was immensely frustrated with today’s polarised and uncivil politics.

Throughout his long series of painful surgeries, including double lung and aortic valve transplants, a triple bypass, a sternumectomy, and many more, and all the ensuing indignities, Dave retained a positive outlook, largely as a result of the incredible support of his best friend, part-time nurse and wife, Pauline. They were married in 1994, and worked as a team to raise Joe (born 1996) and Josh (born 1999). He loved grappling with Pauline at their nightly fullcontact Jeopardy games.

Dave had no belief in a supreme being or an afterlife, but would be happy to be proved wrong. He left this world happy and confident in the knowledge that in Joe and Josh he has raised two equally fine, though very unique, individuals who are the best legacy a man could possibly have.

Pauline Ridyard

Alec David Robinshaw (Class of 1949)

Alec attended Bolton School as a scholarship pupil and particularly enjoyed the Scout Troop and music in his extracurricular activities.

In Memoriam

After obtaining a degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Manchester and completing national service in the Royal Engineers, Alec went on to follow a highly successful career specialising in

foundation engineering. He is survived by his wife, Joyce (née Richardson, Class of 1953), two daughters, grand and great grandchildren. An ardent Methodist, Alec was regarded as one of nature’s gentlemen by all who knew him. Geoff Robinshaw (Class of 1954)

Sir (George) Malcolm Williamson (Class of 1957)

George Malcolm Williamson, known as Malcolm, was born on 27th February 1939. His early education was at Werneth Primary School, Oldham, and County Primary School, Westhoughton.

His primary school headteacher gave him a glowing report when he took the Bolton School Entrance Examination. He was said to be very conscientious, a popular member of the class, anxious to succeed and evidencing very good intellectual ability. He played for the primary school football team and was a Boy Scout with the 1st Deane Troop.

Malcolm’s main extracurricular interest was chess, which he played throughout his time at Bolton School, being a member of the Junior Chess Team in 1952 and 1953 and later a member of the Senior Chess Team. He was also a member at varying times of the Film Society, the Photographic Society, the Dance Club, the Handicrafts Society and the Orchestral Society – he played the violin in the School Orchestra. He was not particularly a sportsman, but did represent Wigan House at PT at both Junior and

Jean Aldred (Beech House Staff, 1984-1992) - Died 17th April 2024

Ross Alergant (Class of 1990) - Died February 2024

Gregory Carr (Class of 2009) - Died May 2024

Graham Frederick Chesters (Class of 1957) - Died 24th September 2024

John Clegg (1943-1953) - Died 8th May 2023

Senior level and was a member of the Cross Country team in 1956. He was appointed a Deputy Monitor in January 1957. Outside School he enjoyed walking and was a member of Manchester Pedestrian Club. On leaving School Malcolm joined Barclays Bank, working at their branch at Whitworth Street, Manchester. After a year he was called up for National Service. He volunteered for the Royal Air Force and was put on a radar course at RAF Yatesbury in Wiltshire. He passed out as an aircraft radar fitter and was posted to RAF Leeming, near Northallerton which, among other things, was a Mountain Rescue Centre. His time was split between being part of the Mountain Rescue team and continuing to work as a radar fitter. He was transferred to the Bank’s first computer centre in London in 1963 and from then on he enjoyed a distinguished executive career in the financial sector, working for organisations including Girobank, Standard Chartered (latterly as Group Chief Executive) and as President and CEO of Visa International from 1998-2004.

In his subsequent career he chaired several companies, including Friends Life Group, CDC Group plc and NewDay. He was a nonexecutive director of many others, including Aviva, JP Morgan Cazenove Holdings, NAB and G4S.

Sir Malcolm brought his financial experience and passion for supporting young people to a number of philanthropic ventures. He was the driving force behind Youth Business International (YBI), a global youth entrepreneurship network empowering underserved young people to start their own businesses. As the founding Chair of the Board of Trustees, Sir Malcolm took YBI from a fledgling project to an independent organisation, now active in 50 countries.

He was knighted by the Queen in 2007. Malcolm always embraced life to the fullest. He had a huge influence on many lives and will be missed enormously.

Jamie Fernandes (Class of 2018) - Died 11th July 2024 (obituary to follow in Spring edition)

Peter Gilbert (Class of 1958) - Died 13th August 2024

John A Leather (Class of 1962) - Died 23rd June 2024

(Dorothy) Barbara Laycock (née Ingham, Class of 1960); daughter of the late Clifford ‘Butch’ Ingham (Boys’ Division Staff, 1942-1970), and wife of Peter Laycock (Class of 1958; Boys’ Division Staff, 1961-1965 - Died October 2024

Philip Lowe (Class of 1960) - Died 18th July 2024

Brian McKenzie - Died 22nd October 2023

Arthur Morris (Class of 1957) - Died 8th October 2022

Andrew D Park (Class of 1966) - Died 19th January 2023

John Sawyer (Class of 1969) - Died 21st September 2024

Gordon Seymour (Class of 1968) - Died 21st September 2024

Peter Voce (Class of 1955) - Died 5th September 2024