Old Rossallian Magazine - September 2014 by Rossall School

The Old Rossallian September 2014

Your Rossallian Club Magazine

ROSSALLIAN CLUB

In Memoriam

Stephen Winkley 1944-2014

A Memorial Service for Stephen will be taking place at Rossall School on Saturday 18th October at 3.00pm. As this is a ticketed occasion, anyone wishing to attend should contact Sharon Potts at s.potts@rossall.org.uk There will also be a Memorial Service for Stephen at Uppingham School on Sunday 21st September. Anyone wishing to attend should contact http:www.uppingham.co.uk/Memorial-Service-Dr-Stephen-Winkley or by calling 01572 820623.

In this Issue 4

President’s Message

A word from The Head & The Secretary

Branch Reports

Memories of Rossall (by Ros Koch)

Lest we forget

Old School Ties

OR Weekend

Where are they now?

Memories of Rossall (by Chris Butterworth)

All in a Good Cause

More OR Gatherings

Memories of Rossall (by Andrew Nicholson)

Announcements - Congratulations

In Memoriam

Dates for your Diary & School Sports Fixtures

‘The Rossallian’ Headlines 100 years ago • ‘We are ready to serve our country if need be’ • Major Trist took part in the famous retreat from Mons and is now lying wounded in London • A fire broke out in the buildings generally known as the Servants Quarters, thought to have been started by a defective flue • The Corps – all members over 17 are embodied in the Instructional Class in an effort to bring their activities as near to service conditions as possible • GB Davies played for Essex all through August. His averages in first-class cricket were: batting 21.30, bowling 19.72

Our telephone number is 01253 774286

President’s Message

I seem to have been rather busy over the last few months. The Old Rossallian Weekend in March was a great success. An exciting programme of events took place over the three days and I would just like to mention three. The AGM followed its usual course with some 30 members attending. All the proposals put forward were approved by those present. The Chapel Service was reasonably well attended and, as usual, those present helped to raise the roof of the Chapel with their singing. The Dinner which followed saw 150 ORs and guests enjoy an excellent meal. It was so pleasing to see so many young ORs there. Ross Hockey is still alive and well, although some ORs looked a little less so after their time on the sands on Sunday morning! Early May saw us gathering at Radley for the Oxford Dinner, which was, as usual, an excellent event. On behalf of all Rossallians I have to sincerely thank Hamish Aird,who stepped down at the dinner, for his many years of unstinting service as Secretary of the Oxford Branch. We welcome Simon Barlass as the new Secretary. A week later, some 50 members and guests gathered in the Lakes at the Lindeth Howe Hotel for a very enjoyable lunch. Full credit must be given to Edna Fayle

and Gill and George Scarlett for organising everything. The 8th June saw 33 Rossallians and guests meeting at Ilkley Golf Club. We are looking forward to the Late Summer BBQ in London on the 19th September followed by the Manchester Lunch on the 28th September. The Birmingham Dinner on 14th November will round off the year. You will receive details of these events nearer the time. Please come and join us. We were saddened by the news of Dr Stephen Winkley’s death earlier this year. A tribute to him was published in The Horizon, the School’s new-look magazine, which I would urge you to read. He was a great man and Rossall and all Rossallians will always be in his debt. At the Prize Day and Graduation Ceremony in May, Aimee Hindle, School Captain, referred in her ‘Reflections of School’ to Dr Winkley’s wonderful influence on her and how indebted she was to his wisdom and understanding. It was very moving. It was my pleasure at our last Committee Meeting on March 22nd to propose, and have accepted, Simon Thomas’ name to join the Committee. Simon is a qualified accountant, lives in Blackpool and I feel sure will be an asset to the Club. I know that many members are not aware of who is on The Committee. Below is a list of committee members: Roger Walker (M 57-61) President and Manchester Branch Secretary James Preston (MF 93-04) Vice President and Secretary Cricket Tour Jim Cowpe (J & DC 49-56) Secretary Rossallian Club Elaine Purves Head

Phil Brown (JS & Fn 70-83) Treasurer Jonty Arundel (J & A 72-79) South & South East Secretary Simon Barlass (JS & Fn 75-85) Oxford Branch Secretary Charles Crossley (JS & Pe 77-87) Isle of Man Branch Secretary Ben Griffiths (Pe 01-07) Scottish Branch Secretary David Holroyd (R 55-58) Yorkshire Branch Secretary John Whitlock (R 84-89) Birmingham Branch Secretary Roger Eaves (JS & F 58-67) Rossallian Masonic Lodge Liam Morrow (O & Pe 88-95) OR Cricket Ian Preston (J & Pe 66-73) Ross Hockey George Ayres (M 50-55) Past President Hazel Trapnell Honorary Life Vice President Simon Thomas (JS & MC 95-06) Co-opted Lastly I must say thank you to three people who all left Rossall at the end of last term for pastures new and we wish them well in the future. Firstly to our Bursar, Stephen Palmer, who has done a wonderful job for the School and has worked so well over the last nine months with our Club. To his wife Jane, in the Foundation Office, who has been so supportive of the Club. Finally, to Anton Maree, Deputy Head, for all the effort he has put into researching Rossallians and WW1. He has uncovered some very interesting facts which hopefully will be put into book form in the future. We need an Archivist to ensure this information is catalogued correctly. Is there anyone who can help? I look forward to meeting you at future OR events. Roger Walker (M 57-61)

“He was a great man and all Rossallians will always be in his debt”

A word from The Head, Elaine Purves As my first year at Rossall speeds towards completion, it is a pleasure to be writing to you no longer as the ‘new girl’! There has been a lot to take in and I have to admit to still being very hazy on the rules of RossHockey, but I do feel very much at home already. Indeed, as I mentioned on Prize Day, I have already gone native with my football allegiance and am a very happy Fleetwood Town FC supporter! It has been a most enjoyable year and a pleasure to meet so many ORs, both former staff and pupils in a wide variety of contexts. It has been great to see so many of you back at Rossall for events and special occasions such as the Carol Service, Rededication of the newly restored Archway and our very successful OR Weekend back in March. Sharon and Jane did a marvellous job with the organisation for the weekend and plans are already underway for 2015 and beyond. It has also been lovely to welcome back so many ORs to share their expertise in school, for example talking about their

professional life and careers. I have also thoroughly enjoyed meeting ORs at regional dinners as well as when I have been ‘out and about’; I don’t think I have been to a single event yet where there hasn’t been at least one person with a direct or close connection with Rossall – and this includes conferences and meetings in London, Windsor and Glasgow. Work has begun over the summer half term on our new MUGA – a multi-use games area which will be used primarily for netball, tennis, basketball and football. The MUGA is due to be completed in time for the start of the Michaelmas Term. We are enormously grateful to the family of the late Douglas Peters (MC 44-48), whose generous donation has enabled us to create this new facility. Work also continues on the restoration of our external stone and brickwork – the south side of the Square, the Gymnasium and Dragon are currently shrouded in scaffold. I do wonder whether there will ever be a time when there will be no

scaffolding at Rossall – it is a very positive sign though that we are both investing in and preserving our beautiful heritage. I hope that you are all enjoying a good summer. I have to say that the Summer Term at Rossall is superb – we have had some glorious weather and what a treat to live less than fifty meters from a cricket square and rounders’ pitches. Please do feel free to come and visit; summer or winter, a warm welcome awaits.

A word from The Secretary, Jim Cowpe I am delighted to report that the Club continues to flourish in a most satisfactory manner. Our Management Committee has met on a regular basis and keeps a close watch on everyday affairs. Since the last magazine, the highlight has been our first ever Old Rossallian Weekend which was brilliantly organised and managed by Sharon and Jane. Well over 200 people returned to the School and participated in a host of activities. On Saturday evening we enjoyed a superb dinner in a resplendent and warm Dining Hall; seventeen banqueting tables

were hired in for the occasion and a red carpet ran the length of the Hall. For me, with my long connection with Rossall, the most satisfying aspect of recent events is the attendance of so many younger ORs who attended Rossall within the last 20 years; they appear to take great delight in coming back and meeting up with their peers. This certainly wasn’t the case several decades ago and we hope that this trend continues. To finish on a personal note, it is wonderful to see Rossall looking so good today. It is a great testament to all those people who are charged with the running of the School. More and more people are returning to their Alma Mater and all their comments are very favourable. If you have not been back for some time, why not make the effort? You will be made most welcome.

“We are both investing in and preserving our beautiful heritage”

Branch reports Oxford Dinner (by Simon Barlass) As regular and committed readers of this column will already know, Hamish Aird has organised the Oxford branch dinner for more than 33 years. The Rossall/ Radley connection is strong and has many origins but no-one can take as much credit for the sustained and mutually beneficial ties between the two illustrious schools as Hamish. His flair for making people feel welcome and comfortable, his gift for entertaining and for remembering names and faces, and his sustained belief that such events are hugely important have helped to give the dinner a broad and consistent fan base. It was my pleasure to present Hamish with a lovely framed print of Rossall School. Having observed his inimitable style for 22 of those years, it was a great pleasure to take over responsibility for the event this year. We were all delighted to see a large and distinguished turnout, on a disappointingly chilly May evening, of 44 ORs and their partners. I think our most senior guest was Peter Esnouf (JS and F 1938-48) and our most recent OR was Mimi Avery (W 87-88). It was wonderful to welcome a wide range of loyal supporters of the Club; Roger and Christine Walker, Hazel Trapnell, Steve James and Chris and Pimm Holt, and to meet some first time buyers who, I very much hope, will come back in the future. We were also delighted to welcome Elaine Purves who gave an eloquent and encouraging account not only of her initial impressions after two terms as Head, but also of the ethos and atmosphere in the School and how smoothly things seemed to be going on so many fronts. The refreshments were very well received, merriment prevailed and I would like to thank Kirstie Matthews and the Barlass clan for all their help with the organisation and smooth running of the evening.

Special thanks must also go to John Harrop who has been Treasurer for over 40 years and who, along with his wife Liz, has been a staunch supporter of the dinner. Please get in touch if you are interested in next year’s dinner (sb@radley.org.uk) The following ORs and guests attended: Hamish Aird, Robin Aird, Carol Aird, Mimi Avery, Simon Barlass, Norman Barlass, Ann Barlass, Nigel Barlass, Helen Barlass. David Bell, Antoinette Bell, Dick Bland, Peter Esnouf, Richard Farrell, Michael Guilbride, Janet Guilbride, Tom Gover, John Harrop, Liz Harrop, John Hickie, Chris Holt, Pimm Holt, Gyde Horrocks, Steve James, Clive Littler, Brian Midgley, John Milne, Peter Moffatt, Richard Parry, Keith Pawson, Annie Plant, Sharon Potts, Elaine Purves, Glyn Rees, Theresa Rees, Alf Tansey, Sandie Tansey, David Tonks, Daphne Tonks, Hazel Trapnell, Tony Westhead, Roger Walker, Christine Walker and Ian Whittle.

Lakes Lunch (by Roger Walker) Another year has flown by and 49 Rossallians from all parts of the country gathered at the Lindeth Howe Hotel near Windermere on Saturday Lunchtime to meet, chat and eat. The weather was not very good but that did not dampen the enthusiasm of those present. The meal was up to its usual high standard. After lunch The Head, Elaine Purves, spoke about her impressions of the School and her vision of the future. Her enthusiasm was tangible to all present. OR Nick Hadfield then shared his experiences of his daughter Emily’s time at Rossall. Finally Roger Walker, President of the Club reported on the progress being

“No-one can take as much credit for the ties as Hamish”

Branch reports made by the Club with the School and also the great success achieved in March with the OR Weekend. The proceedings finished with everyone singing The Carmen, accompanied by James Garnett on piano and John Marshall on the violin. Those attending were Jim Atkinson, Patti Bennett, Martin and Joan Brown, Anne Brown, Bill Bowker, Andrew Cadman, Betty Cormack, Jim and Moira Cowpe, David Croft, Edna and Sally Fayle, Ken and Keira Fayle, Peter and Marilyn Frost, James and Glenny Garnett, Nick and Maureen Hadfield, Nancy

Hallam, Pauline Hargreaves, Linda Hastings, David Hjort, Simon and Sarah Hockings, Vivienne Ivell, Katie Lee, Peter and Marjorie Madge, John Marshall, Richard and Sue Newbold, Elaine Purves, Richard and Stephanie Rhodes, George and Gill Scarlett, Anne Shepherd, David and Judith Shingler, Alf and Sandy Tansey, Allan Townsend, Nanette Trueman, Roger and Christine Walker and Paul Warren. Finally, a big ‘thank you’ must be given to Edna Fayle and Gill and George Scarlett for organising another very enjoyable occasion.

Yorkshire Lunch by (David Holroyd) It was another glorious sunny day for the gathering of ORs, wives and friends for the Branch Lunch at Ilkley Golf Club. It was a thoroughly successful and happy occasion arranged by David Holroyd, ably assisted by his wife Sue. Thirty four members and guests sat down to a splendid lunch and we were delighted that the new Head, Elaine Purves, who was completing her first full year at School, was able to give us a positive talk on Rossall 2014. She was well received by all those present. Stephen Palmer and his wife Jane together with son James, who is studying at Leeds University, were present prior to Stephen and Jane’s retirement in August. Hazel Trapnell who had experienced an injury whilst attending the Lakes gathering some four weeks earlier made a brave effort in attending. James Garnett said Grace. Peter Crabtree proposed the Loyal Toast. Elaine Purves gave her report on School and finally Roger Walker gave us an informative address relating to the Rossallian Club in 2014. In conclusion the Carmen was heartily sung by all those present accompanied by John Marshall on his violin. The lunch confirmed that better days for both the School and the Rossallian Club are with us. Those present were David and Angela Aspinall, Mick Brown, Richard Clark, Jim and Moira Cowpe, Peter and Peggy Crabtree, Nick and Michelle Ellaby, Andrew Forman, James and Glenny Garnett, Philip Garnett and his fiancée Lauren Allen, David and Sue Holroyd, Richard and Dot Marriott, John Marshall, Ross Newton, Stephen and Jane Palmer, James Palmer, Elaine Purves, Bruce and Audrey Raper, Neville and Elizabeth Sheard, Alf Tansey, Hazel Trapnell and Roger and Chris Walker.

For a list of forthcoming events, please see the back page of this magazine. All Old Rossallians and their guests are welcome to join us.

Contacts: Jim Cowpe, Secretary T: 01253 774286 E: cowpejim@uwclub.net Sharon Potts, Alumni Officer T: 01253 774288 E: s.potts@rossall.org.uk

“It confirmed that better days for both the School and the Club are with us”

Sports report Golf The 2014 Midlands Public School Golf Society meeting took place at Little Aston Golf Club on Wednesday 25th June. Rossall have had a team in the event every year for the more than 60 years The Society has been meeting. This years team came a creditable fifth out of the thirteen schools competing, behind the overall winners Wrekin. The day consists of 36 holes of golf on the wonderful Little Aston course, punctuated by an excellent lunch and the opportunity to catch up with friends from Rossall as well as other competing schools. The Rossall team has been organised in recent years by David Wilkinson (F 65 – 69) but in the best interests of the team in the future this should now pass to a younger generation. James Woods (P 83 – 88) accepted to take on the organisers role for 2015. MPSGS is a handicap event so any Rossallian with a handicap of 18 or below

can participate. The team is always looking for new members so if you would like to take part (provisional date for 2015 is Wednesday 24th June) please contact James at jmgwoods6@gmail.com David Wilkinson (F 65-69)

OR Cricket Tour The 2014 Tour began with our 45th fixture against the Old Hurstjohnians at Hurstpierpoint College. The ORs lost the toss on what is renowned to be a strong batting wicket; soon the OHJs amassed 320-5 dec from 54 overs. Four hours of fielding in the heat had taken its toll on the OR top order as we slumped to 22-4. The situation looked bleak until Jonty Arundel steadied the ship with an excellent 80. Despite Jonty’s innings, the ORs succumbed and lost by 60 runs. The next day saw the ORs travel to the picturesque Sheffield Park to play the Old Amplefordians on what was once Lord Sheffield’s private cricket ground, set inside a National Trust park and previously host to a number of Australian touring XIs and greats (excluding the OR top order) including WG Grace. Again the ORs lost the toss and were invited to take to the field. Christo Arundel made early inroads into the OA top order, and at lunch the ORs had a firm grip on the match. Some late hitting brought the OAs to a respectable total before Rob Dingle mopped up the tail. The run chase started in a good manner with the ORs coasting to victory with contributions from all the top order, however some choice umpiring late in the afternoon sun resulted in a series of dubious decisions and put pay to the OR hopes, and handed to OAs their first victory in a number of years. The third and final match was against the Cryptics at Ardingley College. The ORs batted well on what was a tricky pitch. Two early wickets fell before a

cameo Arundel father and son partnership saw the completion of the innings change with a quick fire 50. An excellent 60 from Simon Thomas followed and some aggressive batting from Josh Manning down the order saw the ORs post 235-9 dec from 52 overs. The ORs once again proved too strong with the ball reducing the Cryptics to 66-5 and 84-7, with wickets from C Arundel, L Williams and J Manning. Despite some strong batting from the Cryptic’s tail, Christo Arundel was able to take the 10th wicket, concluding an excellent match and rounding the tour off in style. Tourists included H Green, A Green, J Arundel. C Arundel, M Arundel, J Preston, R Dingle, H Fajemirokun, S Thomas, M Dryden, J Morrison, L Williams, G Emmett, B Cooke, S Edwards, J Manning, M Laverty, T Wilson and G Barber. We would also like to thank ORs D Taylor, C Holt, M Craven and I Lundberg for their support during the week.

It is the oldest cricket tour in the country

Memories of Rossall whom we competed against, and beat, in order to get to the final. Even the Headmaster himself, who had followed our progress and journeyed with us to Cannock for the National Tournament, shed tears of pride at our achievement as runners-up.

Having spent my entire first year at Rossall trying to be ‘the same’ in order to survive, it became easier in my later years to be different and to indulge in ways of discovering my own individuality. I’m sure that’s partly as a result of everyone simply ‘growing up’ and ‘getting on’. But it was also due to the vast number of opportunities afforded by Rossall life and to the staff members committed to bringing out the best in us. One day I could be dressed up smart, playing my cello in the orchestra, imagining I could be the next Jaqueline Du Pré. The next day I was covered in ‘cam cream’ as an NCO, leading my army section across Holcombe Moore in the dead of night, soaked to the skin and sleep-deprived, but high on the adrenalin of hunting down an enemy gun. Whichever way you turned, effort, enthusiasm, commitment and excellence were encouraged. On the hockey field, I was privileged enough to play alongside players who were capped for their country; players who led us to the National Hockey Championships in Birmingham where we were cheered on by all

There are too many memories to fit onto this one page and do justice to the influence Rossall has had on my later life. But, if I were to sum it up, I would have to say that, above all, Rossall taught me both how to adapt to my surrounds and also how to stay true to myself. Since leaving Rossall I have had the honour of dining with both princes and paupers. Not only have I experienced the heady heights of academia, reading law at Oxford University, but also the opportunity to be taught by the most inspirational young people in some of the poorest, most disadvantaged communities in South Africa. I have had the privilege of flying solo, high and free above the mountains of the

Western Cape; but I have also felt the suffocating claustrophobia, danger and depression that lie inside one of the most overpopulated prisons in South Africa. I have lived in bustling, colourful cities in the midst of upheaval and change. And I have lived on a remote wine farm, where I had to teach myself how to farm, fight fires and even how to catch the occasional snake! Sure, I have had to make some sacrifices along the way; leaving loved ones and dreams behind. But, in doing so, I know I have gained more loved ones - created my own family, even - and built on new dreams. It is by facing up to these challenges, armed with the grit and determination I developed on those distant shores of Lancashire, that I have had one hell of a good adventure in this life. I can only hope that what years remain are just as full of excitement and adventure. Ros Koch (nee Avery) (Wr 89-94)

“There are too many memories to fit onto this one page”

Lest we forget Born in Rock Ferry on the Wirrall in 1888, Old Rossallian William Reid ( Anchor 19031905) was working as a Civil Engineer in Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada at the outbreak of WW1. He enlisted in the Canadian Army and returned to England, where he joined the newly formed Royal Flying Corps and learned to fly. Posted to Lille with Squadron 2, he was shot down and badly wounded by the German Air Ace, Max Immelmann in 1916; he was Immelmann’s first combat victim, this feat earning him the Iron Cross. War was apparently far more civilised then, and Immelmann dropped a note over British lines to the effect that Reid had been shot down and taken prisoner. The message landed in the very trench

where his brother Alec was stationed. His left elbow was very badly damaged by two or three bullets and he always said that a British doctor would have amputated his arm but the German surgeons saved it. Deemed by the Germans to be unfit for further combat, he was interned in Switzerland where he went on to marry his Swiss nurse and seemed to have a not unpleasant war. On his return to England he taught The Queen’s father to fly at RAF Cranwell. His daughter Joan, now aged 94, lives in Anglesey and was introduced to Prince Charles when he was visiting William and Kate, William being stationed then at RAF Valley. Joan mentioned this to Charles and he promptly replied, “I never knew the old bugger could fly!” William died aged 88 in 1976. His son Philip, born 1925, followed in his father’s footsteps and attended Rossall, initially in Anchor and latterly in Pelican, when the School decamped to Naworth Castle during WW2. He left in 1943 to join the RNVR. Philip died in 2012 aged 86. Grandsons AP Smith, AW & JD Reid also attended the School, again in Anchor House.

Pupils from Rossall recently undertook a trip to Ypres and the Somme as part of their History syllabus, visiting tragically historic landmarks such as Tyne Cot, the Menin Gate, and a cemetery, Canada Farm, where the grave of OR Gwynne Lewis Broadhurst James (MC 1905-10) lies. Whilst there, pupils set a wreath down in remembrance of him. He came to Rossall in 1905 and, although not a scholar, he made his mark with his sporting prowess. As a gymnast, he twice represented the School at Aldershot, having previously won the Championship. He gained his cricket colours in 1909, featuring top of both the batting and bowling averages. He then went on in 1910 to captain one of the finest cricket sides Rossall had seen for years. But perhaps his most notable feat was in athletics when, in 1910, he beat two previous school records, winning the long jump and the weight. He also secured the 100 yards, quarter mile, hurdles and high jump. When war broke out he was teaching in Canada, but soon found his way home and obtained a commission in the Irish Guards. In June 1916, he was injured when 3 sandbags, flung up by a shell, fell on his back. He remained on duty until the doctor found him and promptly sent him home. He was by now a full Lieutenant and, despite his injury, returned to the Front and, after only one week, was killed on 18th July 1917 by a shell falling on the top of his dug-out.

On his return to England he taught The Queen’s father to fly

Old School Ties No one really leaves Rossall. You may have completed your education and taken off you blazer for the last time, but Rossall is with you for the rest of your life. You become part of a network that is truly ‘worldwide’. Whether you are a recent leaver looking for help to get on the career ladder, part way through a career and perhaps looking for a change of direction or simply wanting to grow your business and promote your services, help and support is out there. The Club is therefore holding a

Business 2 Business Networking Event on

Thursday 27th November, 3.00pm-7.00pm at

Rossall School, Fleetwood Networking with fellow Rossallians can be a catalyst for business growth. Talking to like-minded individuals who share the same ambitions can be fruitful in developing business partnerships and beneficial long term relationships. If you would like to exhibit your business at this event, there will be a charge of £20 to cover the cost of equipment and refreshments. If you wish to attend this event, entry is FREE to all Old Rossallians and parents of current pupils. For further details and to book, please contact Sharon Potts, Rossall School T: 01253 774288 E: s.potts@rossall.org.uk

Rossall CCF needs you! We are looking for OR support for our cadet force to help out on Mondays between 3.30pm and 5.20pm. If you have time to spare and would like to share your skills and experience, please contact Ian McLeary or Emma Williams at Rossall School for further details. Tel: 01253 774201.

Visitors to Rossall We have, once again, been delighted to welcome Old Rossallian visitors back to Rossall, including: Hyla Holden (P 65-70)

Melanie Atwell (nee Wilson) (R 84-94)

Anthony Petch (P 56-61)

Rachel Foster (Dn 84-96)

Mark Dearden (R 81 – 86)

Mike Openshaw (DC 45-49) Simon Elliott (SE 58-67) visited with his wife, Susan, after previously attending the OR Weekend in March.

Tim Worrall (O&DC 73-80) visited from Australia with his daughter, Emma. Tim now lives in Victoria, Australia, and would love to hear from other ORs who might be interested in meeting up. Contact Tim at worralltim@gmail.com

Networking with fellow Rossallians can be a catalyst for business growth

OR Weekend Over two hundred guests joined us for the first ever Old Rossallian Weekend, held at the School in March. During the three day event, visitors were treated to an exciting programme of activities including a CCF Display, wine tasting, a WW1 Seminar, tours, Social Media Workshops and a dedicated Chapel Service and Dinner on the Saturday evening. Sunday’s activities were dominated by sporting events including an early game of RossHockey on the shore (for those who were brave enough), a ladies’ hockey tournament, a men’s hockey match and an impromptu Fives session.

It was delightful to see so many ORs of different ages (ranging from 18 to 81) back at the School and both pupils and ORs enjoyed sharing their Rossall experiences. Our thanks to all those involved in organising this event, particularly Sharon Potts, Alumni Officer and Jane Palmer, Foundation Officer. Following the huge success of the weekend, we are already planning next year’s event which will take place in March 2015. We hope that many of you who missed this year’s weekend will be able to join us then.

“Over 200 guests joined us; we hope that many of you

u who missed this year will be able to join us next yearâ&#x20AC;?

Where are they now? We are often asked by Old Rossallians what happened to former members of Common Room, so Jim Cowpe, Rossallian Club Secretary, has kindly provided an update on some familiar names: John Goode - after retirement, John moved to an apartment just outside Lancaster where he lived a very active life until his death a couple of years ago.

Hugh Crust - retired to live in North Wales, near Wrexham. He maintains contact with the School and former colleagues.

Andrew Cadman - lives in the village of Upper Kellett (just off the M6 at Carnforth). He is still very active and pursuing his life-long hobby of bird-watching. He was at Rossall for the 2013 OR Carol Service and is in regular touch with the School and former colleagues.

Bob Clapp - Left Rossall in the 1990’s to take up another teaching post. Contact is maintained through his daughter, Catherine, who is an OR.

Peter Frost - re-married after the death of his wife, Kay, and lives in Ambleside. He maintains contact with several former members of Common Room who also live in the Lake District. Aerwyn Watson - left Rossall in the late 90’s. He remained in the locality of the School for several years and was much involved with Fleetwood RUFC. George Scarlett (and Gill) - live in Ambleside. They organise the annual Lake District Gathering for ORs, together with Edna Fayle (widow of Cyril). They play an active role in life in and around around Ambleside.

Alan Clube - after leaving Rossall, Alan went on to teach for a short while in Australia. He now lives in Northamptonshire with his wife, Gillian. He still keeps in touch with former colleagues and the School. Rev. Graham Canham - now lives in North Wales and maintains contact with many Rossallians. He has hosted several OR gatherings at his home. John Broadbent - sadly died in 1994, shortly after organising the Royal Visit of the Queen and Prince Phillip to celebrate Rossall’s 150th Anniversary . He worked tirelessly and organised many events including balls and fetes and also played a major part in saving the Grand Theatre, Blackpool.

This picture was kindly sent in by OR Simon Elliott

Can you name the Rossall Masters in this photograph, taken on an annual school cruise circa 1965? (answer on page 17).

Memories of Rossall My memories of what I had for lunch yesterday are foggy, at best, so how I get on with what occurred nearly 4 decades ago will be sketchy, but the headlines are that I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of my school days at Rossall. Pre-Prep was ably led by Mrs Kirk-Smith who was a very fair and lovely lady. Mrs Ivell was, and still is I am sure, a unique teacher and even now, when I meet her at OR do’s, she manages to name my peers and ask after their welfare. I don’t remember doing any ‘work’ stuff in the Pre-prep and it was a whole load of fun. Something mildly academic must have gone in though as, when I left at 8 years old, I was sufficiently proficient in the three R’s to gain a place at the Junior School. This was a great time and the School was headed by Mr Gordon-Jones. The sports field was where I enjoyed myself the most and I tolerated class to play sport. This was mainly rugby, hockey, cricket and tennis but Marling Waldron and other such games were also enjoyed with enthusiasm. The one thing I have learnt since leaving was that when we were 8 years old, a damp sodden tennis ball was struck into the air and your name was called out. If you caught it, you were in the A team for everything; if you didn’t you played Marling Waldron and Rounders with the girls. One of my good friends didn’t catch the ball so didn’t play first XV rugby from the age of 8 to 18. He did however go on to captain Grey College at Durham and also played for Durham University so maybe he wasn’t too bad! My Mum, Aisha Butterworth, was very much involved in the accompaniment of drama and musical productions at the JS. Unfortunately, I inherited the artistic genes of my Dad, John, so rarely performed ‘with’ my Mum. I managed to pass the Common Entrance and left the Junior School after the Lent Term of 1984, joining Falcon House in the Senior School in April 1984. If the Junior School fuelled my appetite for competitive sport then the Senior School added napalm to it (that analogy doesn’t really work but you get the drift). Being a day pupil at what was a predominantly boarding school was, in my opinion, the perfect combination. I was generally at school for over 12 hours a day but could return to my parents in the evening to the home comforts that Rossall mimicked but could never replicate. My parents were relatively strict but we had a very good understanding of each other and I was afforded a lot more leniency than my boarding friends. A number of them used to come for Sunday lunches or stay over on Saturday nights after we had played various sporting matches - Rugby XVs, VIIs, Fives, Tennis, Squash, Hockey or Ross Hockey. At the end of Senior School, I managed to achieve sufficient O Levels (although that dates me - we were the last year of O Levels!) to carry on and complete 4 A Levels. All in all, Rossall was a fantastic 14 year education for me. Because there was so much going on; you could never be bored and in my opinion everybody excelled at something. This meant they went to the next stage of their academic career with an innate confidence which will no doubt have helped them in later life. I had my bumps and scrapes through school but I don’t think my teachers would say I was naughty. Mischievous, adventurous, hedonistic; but not naughty. Not a lot has changed really! Chris Butterworth (Pre Prep, JS and FN 75 - 89)

“All in all, Rossall was a fantastic 14 year education for me”

All in a Good Cause It is always a delight to hear of the passion our Old Rossallian community displays when it comes to helping others. Here are a few examples of some recent fundraising activites. Chris Heaton (JS &R 67-76) Ran 30 marathons in 30 days, alternating between the Windermere Marathon course and the Great Langdale Marathon course. Both are regarded as difficult courses, with the Great Langdale course billed as the toughest in the world. Chris admits that he was not noted as an athlete of any kind during his time at Rossall but, on reflection, thinks that Rossall cross-country just wasn’t long enough! The purpose of this mammoth challenge was to raise £30,000 for Brathay Trust and therefore ‘Challenge 30’ began. It was extremely physically and mentally demanding and Chris picked up several injuries along the way. In total, Chris raised £53,594 which means that many disadvantaged children will now be given life transforming opportunities. Chris is especially grateful to fellow ORs for support and sponsorship including Nick Spaven (JS&SE 63-73), Jonathan Spaven (JS & SE 66-76), Bill Gott (JS&R 66-76) Nigel, Ross and Nick Oldham (all J&A) Jamie Boot (JS&SE) and Mark Towers (O&R 70-78). Mark also cycled alongside Chris for the final miles of day 30. For further details please visit www.challenge30.net. Congratulations Chris!

In September, Nick Young (Pe 82-89), is attempting to swim the English Channel to raise money for his niece, Bel. Bel is now 12 years old, but just one month before her 9th Birthday, she fell from a climbing frame and was left with severe spinal injuries. This has left her paralyzed from the neck down, confined to a wheelchair, reliant on a ventilator for much of the time and requiring 24 hour care. Despite this, she is a brave and inspirational little girl and endures up to two hours a day of tough physiotherapy. Nick has set himself the goal of raising £50,000; enough money to fund a hydrotherapy pool for her at home. Swimming has never been Nick’s thing; he normally runs a mile from cold water, so the prospect of a 21 mile swim in choppy waters, whilst dodging jelly fish and crosschannel ferries, does not excite him. However, he knows that a big target requires a big challenge. He has been training for over 12 months, swimming at his local pool during the evenings and weekends. If you would like to know more about Nick’s challenge, please visit www.nickyoungchannelswim.com Good luck Nick!

Jake Thompson (MC 00-09) was recently amongst the only British team this year to complete a trek to the North Pole to raise money for his chosen charity, The Colourful Life Foundation. So far, Jake’s efforts have raised over £27,000 and already benefitting children living in Arusha, Tanzania. To find out more please visit www.colourfullife.org. Jake was also kind enough to take a Rossall flag to the North Pole for a photo opportunity as well as singing The Carmen in sub-zero temperatures! Well done Jake!

Swimming has never been his thing; he normally runs a mile from cold water

More OR Gatherings Earlier this year there was a reunion of a rather unusual group of Old Rossallians. Almost 45 years to the day after producing two short musical plays in the Museum Theatre – ‘Cox & Box’ and ‘The Prodigal Son’, former mathematics master and gifted musician Douglas Butler (CR 68-69) and his wife, Margaret, hosted the three lead performers at their home in Oundle: Roger Curtis (JS & MC 59-69), Russell Kett (JS & R 61-71) and Ken Sykes (A 64-69), unsurprisingly known as Eric whilst at school. It was a joyous occasion, marred only by the failure to be able to recall the names of some of our contemporaries as we studied various photographs of the production, the Rossall choir and other groups. Our other regret was not to have held the reunion sooner.

Photos show L-R: Roger Curtis (‘Cox’), Ken Sykes (‘Bouncer’, the landlord) & Russell Kett (‘Box’);

As a memento of the occasion, Douglas kindly presented us with our original copies of the musical score, complete with annotations and rehearsal schedules, as well as an electronic copy of a sound recording of both plays which he had made on a reel-to-reel tape recorder at the time, and which had lain undisturbed for nearly half a century. It sounded like only yesterday... By Russell Kett ( JS&R 61-71)

L-R Peter Walsh, Norman Williams, Peter Rollason and John Jowett It is perhaps quite appropriate that the email address reads ‘@ rossall.org.uk’ because the ‘org’ bit has worked quite well. Visiting Ireland in September to attend a conference and having the chance to visit Eire for the first time, I realised that I knew no-one there. So a quick appeal to the School’s Foundation Office brought forth a contact or two; the result was a most enjoyable lunch at a

delightful hostelry in the company of 3 ORs, John Jowett (M 45-48), Norman Williams (SE 46-51) and Peter Walsh (R 45-54). The most extraordinary thing is that we really didn’t know each other that well before hand! Of course they were all younger than me, but that simply led to even more reminiscences that brought back war time memories as well as life at Rossall in those days. It was particularly good to meet Norman who, through inability with Parkinson’s, rarely gets out; but with the able assistance of his daughter, Judy, made great efforts. His loyalty to Rossall and his vast collection of memorabilia are a testament of what the School has achieved. It was a very memorable occasion – you should try it sometime! By Peter Rollason (MC 43-45) Since this article was written, we received the sad news that Norman Williams passed away in February 2014.

Dr Peter Nightingale (JS &R 60-69) sent a letter of apology for not replying to one of our recent letters a little more promptly – his home in Somerset had been under water for 8 weeks! His predicament had come to light from a communication from Philip Corran (JS &M 60-69), who had seen Peter on TV surveying his flooded estate from an airplane. Where are they now? Answer: Messrs Gill, Owen and Self

“A quick appeal to the Foundation Office brought forth a contact or two”

Memories of Rossall Everyone remembers the first time they walk up the main drive into school, past the Museum Theatre and then the Archway comes into view. As a 3 year old this was a particularly daunting experience. Rossall was very different in 1990 to how it is today. The Nursery (where I started) was in what is now the Rosshop. Pre-Prep was located in what is now part of the Astronomy Centre at the back of the Hall (the current Pre-Prep building wasn’t finished yet). Rossall is so much more than a school. It is a way of life, and for 15 years, it was my life. Perhaps the biggest event of my early time at Rossall was in 1994 when The Queen visited the School. I was in Year 2 at the time, Mrs Ivell’s Violet Class. It was the day I danced for The Queen. Many people don’t believe me when I tell them about it; that is until my Mum gets the photos out! Some people talk about the day Mrs Ivell met The Queen. I correct them on this point, as it was the day that The Queen met Mrs Ivell! Away from the classroom, my time was spent either on the sports field or in the Music School. On the rugby pitch after playing in the age groups, my senior time (despite a handful of appearances in the Red 1st XV jersey) was spent in the 2nd XV. This was often challenging (albeit enjoyable) as the 2s was made up largely of ISC students who hadn’t even seen a rugby ball before, never mind played the game. A particular highlight was having to translate lineout calls into German so that our 6’5” lock forward Jonas knew whether to jump. I may joke about it, but Jonas went on the following season to play in the 1st XV. We struggled results wise but the undoubted highlight was going to Merchant Taylors (where we had been on the wrong end of many a hiding) and beating them. On the cricket pitch my 1st XI debut was made in Year 10 against the MCC and I was lucky enough to go on 3 cricket festivals; Lorretto, Cranleigh and Merchant Taylors Northwood. The undoubted highlight however was the 2003 tour to South Africa. This is something that I will never forget. Throughout my time in senior school I was also a member of the School Choir and in my U6th year was Head Chorister. We performed at York Minster, Durham Cathedral and toured Prague. Since leaving I have made several guest appearances with the Choir, which is always enjoyable. There was therefore only one choice of venue for my wedding last year. I first showed my then Fiancée around the Chapel when I was playing cricket for the Northern Nomads against the School. She instantly saw why it was such a special place to me. A number of OR friends joined us on our special day, along with several former teachers. Stuart Corrie played the organ. Margaret Young organised a Chamber Choir to perform and former School Chaplain Helen Houston officiated. I now live in Stone, Staffordshire and, after graduating in Biology and International Relations at Keele University, I am working as an In-play Sports Trader for bet365 in Stoke on Trent. I still visit my parents in Fleetwood regularly and I will always look fondly on my time at Rossall; it took me all over the world. From singing on the Steps of St Thomas’ Old Town square in Prague, to the stalls of York Minster. From the cricket pitches of Cape Town and Durban to the Ski Slopes of Mont St Anne in Quebec; even just a normal school day often started with a swim at 7am and ended in my study doing prep at gone 8pm. To many people school is somewhere you arrive at 8:30am, leave at 3:30pm and don’t think about it in between. Rossall is different. As I said earlier it is a way of life and as the saying goes, Rossall really will be what you make it. Andrew Nicholson (JS&Pe 90-05)

“The biggest event of my early time at Rossall was when The Queen visited”

Announcements – Congratulations To Laura Hignett (Dn 97-03) and her partner Daniel on the birth of their daughter, Poppy. To Jake Thompson (MC 00-07) and Hannah Bennett (R 05-09) on their recent engagement. To Jessica Craine (O 94-95) who married Martin W Hill on the 21st June at Lincoln’s Inn (where they were both called to the Bar). To Harry Davies (SE 98-07) and his band JamJar, who have been signed up by Pete Waterman and have been recording their first album in London. To Joshua Lee (JS & MF 98-12), elected Captain of Aberdeen Universities’ Polo Club. To Ben Griffiths (J & Pe 01-07) who has joined Cornelian Asset Managers as Investment Manager. Based in Edinburgh, Ben will be looking after portfolios for private clients, charities, trusts and pension funds. He would be delighted to hear from ORs – ben.griffiths@cornelianam.com or 0131 240 2768. To Dave (Stitch) Taylor (DC 80-89) who, after 22 years of dedicated service in the Royal Artillery (RA), has been granted a Queen’s Commission and is now a Battery Captain, Second in Command of 1st Battery, 14 Regiment RA, Larkhill. To Julian Anderson, a member of the Thompson Dynasty (Blackpool Pleasure Beach) who attended RJS in the 70’s, received critical acclaim for his opera ‘Thebans’, which he wrote for the English National Opera and premiered at The Coliseum earlier this year. It took Julian 3 years to complete and the three-act ‘Thebans’ combine all three plays of Sophocles. It is his first opera. To Rev. Ian Faulds (SE 62-66), who is a minor canon and Precentor of Peel Cathedral, Isle of Man, He is also Vicar of Peel. To Janine Schofield (R 03-11) who has recently been offered a 3 year training contract with PwC in Guernsey. Having been job hunting for the past year, she saw a post on the Rossall Alumni Facebook page by OR David Davies who was recruiting for positions with PwC. Janine is looking forward to starting her new job in Guernsey and hopes that one day she will be able to help other ORs out. She said, “I will be ever indebted to Rossall for the wonderful start it gave me.” To Alex Andrejevic (MF 03-05) who is now a Gynaecologist in the Delivery Suite of Bürgerhospital in Frankfurt, Germany. If any ORs would like advice on entering the medical profession, contact Alex at alex@andrejevic.de To Jennifer Cooper (Dn 00-08) who will be taking up a new position of English Teacher at Lord Wandsworth College in Hampshire (whose Head is Rossall’s former Deputy Head, Fergus Livingstone). Jennie also played the lead in a production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s ‘Ruddigore’ in May at The Wilde Theatre in Bracknell.

To David Ferguson (JS & SE 91-99) who married his girlfriend of 7 years, Becky, on 26th April in Kent. His brother James (JS & SE 92-01) was best man and they were joined by OR friends including Francis Woods, Tom Bruck, Charles Ingham, Richard Pilling and James Barrow. They are currently living in Wandsworth, L-R James Barrow, Richard Pilling, David Ferguson SW London, and would love to hear from any ORs living in the & Charles Ingham area. Contact David on fergie@mail.com

If you have any announcements, please email s.potts@rossall.co.uk

In Memoriam Michael Melluish OBE (SE 40-51) Michael Melluish was born in 1932; the family moving to Shropshire shortly after the outbreak of war. From there, he went to school at Rossall. Excelling at cricket, he scored in his last term the highest recorded run total of any public school boy in one term (this record stood until 2004). His captaincy of the 1st XI and also the School instilled in him his outstanding qualities of leadership, encouragement of the young and his delightful sense of humour. From Rossall he was commissioned into the Royal Artillery as a national service officer; his ability at cricket probably keeping him from being posted to the Korean War. Then on to Cambridge, where he read law and was selected for the University XI for each of his 3 years as wicket keeper and, initially as opening batsman and being captain in his last (the summer of 1956). Also In that year, he played for the Gentlemen of England against the Players, both at Lord’s and at Scarborough. He played one County Championship match for Middlesex in 1957 and he regularly represented the MCC, captaining the Club on a tour to the Netherlands and Denmark in 1963.

Captain of the Rossall 1st XI, 1951

On moving from Cambridge, he joined Arthur Brown and Company, a small oil company with which he had family connections. After several years, which included early business trips to China, Michael moved to the investment management arm of Singer and Friedlander, a City of London Merchant Bank. Here he made many friends and enjoyed a most successful career, finding time however to serve on the committee of MCC from 1974 until 2002. He was President in 1991/92 and, in the same year, president of the ICC, then a trustee of the MCC Foundation. He was awarded an OBE in 1999 for services to cricket. Work with schools was for him another abiding passion, governing for many years Rossall, Radley and Hazelwood prep school. He also loved theatre, music and all sorts of entertainment. He enjoyed life hugely with a wonderful ‘glass half full’ way of looking at the world. He died in February 2014, leaving the world a poorer place.

Michael, pictured left, with Jim Parks at the opening of the Dick Richards Pavilion

“He scored the highest recorded run total of any public school boy in one term”

In Memoriam John Pickering (MC 52-57) John Pickering, who died on 6th December 2013 after a long illness, was one (his brother David joined him in 1955) of a gang of Cheshire farmers in Maltese Cross House (known as Claytons in those days) in the 1950’s. Life in the house was as it must have been at Rugby School at the time of Tom Brown, for its Housemaster, Alan Clayton (Cloggy) was very ‘old school’, and believed that the old adage ‘that you can take a horse to water, but you cannot .......’ was utter nonsense. Every boy, he thought, could be made to work and play very hard indeed by forceful means if they dared to challenge his belief! John Pickering and his great farming friend, Edward Fearnall, were two such boys, and in constant trouble for it! However, at age 16 they were both much too big and strong for him to dare tangle with, and they proved a worthy pair of guardians, and counter balance for the younger boys in the house. John, always affectionately known as Picko, was never going to reach academic stardom at Rossall. We were all very sad when he left before starting his sixth form year and returned home to help his father on the farm at Rough Hill, Chester. Had he remained at school, he would certainly have played the rest of his years in the school 1st XV. As it was, Rossall’s loss was Chester’s gain - where he played at prop forward for the 1st XV for many years and was later a generous benefactor. All those who propped against him, including some famous Welsh Internationals, always knew they’d been in a scrap! Having left Rossall and qualified as a Chartered Accountant, John’s brother, David (MC 55-60,) joined him in the business in the mid 60’s and they worked together for over 50 years, expanding their dairy farm into a multi dairy product business - Bodfari Foods which they sold to Northern Foods in the early 90’s. But there was no resting on laurels; they were quickly up and running again and with another close friend and business associate, started another business, Meadow Foods, which they expanded successfully to become the largest, independently owned dairy business in the UK. While busy with all this, John also set up Bell Meadow, a residential building business, which enabled him to indulge his flare and talent for building beautiful houses, mostly in the Tarporley/Manley area of Cheshire. But really, John was a farmer and family man at heart. He married his gorgeous wife Joey in 1969 and their children Chrissie and Alec followed soon afterwards, and subsequently their four grandchildren. Their many dogs (as shooting in winter months was his great pastime) completed John’s infectious happiness; especially when at Dulas, their wonderful Anglesey estate, where he was recently able to rebuild the original estate hall and make a magnificent job of it too. John was a true gentleman, with an irrepressible appetite and enthusiasm for life. He was successful in all his many endeavours, but never took himself too seriously. He was extremely generous and kind and always considerate of those less fortunate than himself. He enjoyed life to the full and did his utmost to help all those around him to join in the fun. He was a great supporter of Rossall and served on the Council for five years in the 90’s before retiring to become a very distinguished High Sheriff of Cheshire in 1995. It was a great joy to him when his son Alec, who was also in MC at Rossall, became a very powerful and popular prop in the successful 1st XV of 1988/1989. John will be greatly missed by all who knew him. By Arthur Stephenson (MC 54-61)

“A true gentleman, with an irrepressible appetite and enthusiasm for life”

In Memoriam Margaret ‘Margie’ Byers (Dn 97-00) Margie, who sadly passed away on the 21st January 2014, aged 34, spent her early years in Seattle, USA, before moving to the Fylde Coast and joining Rossall School in January 1997. She completed her studies at Rossall and was then accepted to study oboe at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. After a year and a half, she left RNCM and went to work in food testing and merchandising for the Co-operative Group. After several years, she finally decided that nursing was her chosen career. She attended the School of Nursing at the University of Manchester and received her Diploma in Professional Studies in Nursing. She lived with her family in Haslington, Cheshire and is survived by her parents, William and Charlotte, husband Marc and young daughter Mathilda. Antony Cooke (JS & Pe 51-62) Antony Tillard Cooke (1943 – 2013) attended the Junior School 1951-57 and Pelican 1957-62, and was Head of School in both instances. He captained a very successful Rugby 1st XV and was, in Roy Woodcock’s words, a ‘lively opening bat’ for the 1st XI. After coming down from Oxford, he began a highly successful career in education as a stop-gap teacher of French at Charterhouse - where he remained for 24 years, the last twelve as a well-respected housemaster. In 1990, he was appointed Headmaster of Kamuzu Academy, Malawi, followed by positions of responsibility with the Aga Khan Education Service in East Africa for ten years. Finally, he was Founding Principal at Riviera High School, Rwanda. Enormously hard-working, he gave unstintingly of his time, energy and encouragement to others and is remembered by pupils, colleagues and employers alike for his calm, unassuming, common sense leadership, humanity, helpfulness and sense of fun – and above all, as a wise, considerate and supportive friend. Amongst his many interests were vintage cars, motorbikes and motor- racing, about which he was extremely knowledgeable. A good mechanic, he maintained his own vehicles, including his beloved Velocette TT Replica motorbikes. Antony was robbed of a long overdue and richly deserved retirement by cancer of the oesophagus, to which he succumbed after a gruelling 9 month battle. He retained his concern for others, sense of humour and above all the courage that had been so conspicuous a feature of his whole life, to the bitter end. He leaves four children by his first marriage, and a widow, two step-daughters and a son in Kenya. Charles Anthony Smith (F 48-52) Although Tony came to Rossall a year later than I, he soon caught up with the 1947 intake and we were in the same form together for the rest of our time. Tony was, of course, a rebel and spent many a Ted Harrop lesson outside the classroom for misbehaving; it was there I had someone to talk to and we were often also joined by Richard Shepherd. Tony was also well known for being at the top of the Common Room Smokers’ list! Despite this, he enjoyed two years in the Cricket XI as an opening batsman, partnering Michael Melluish on a regular basis and getting the innings off to a good start. In 1952, he was the senior colour and captain of the side. His family business was the manufacture of children’s knitwear, but in later life Tony joined an engineering company as purchasing manager. We enjoyed noisy Saturday evening dances at The Bell Hotel in Leicestershire. The last time I saw Tony was shortly before his stroke; he was with his wife and another lady at a service station on the A1. His sense of humour was still to the fore as he explained to me that he liked to travel with a ‘spare wife’! Sadly his health deteriorated in his final years and he passed away on 31st January 2013. By Roger Fewkes (F 47-50) and Robert Benbow (F 48-52 )

“He was a ‘lively opening bat’ for the 1st XI”

In Memoriam Peter Anthony Webb (Pe 55-58) Peter, who died on the 14th December 2013, aged 72, was one of the many regular 50’s intakes from Red House, Moor Monkton; one of the many ‘feeder’ prep-schools for Rossall. He worked for BOC for most of his career, finishing as the Manager of their St Helens operations. He was a keen and competent sportsman, gaining his school boxing colours and playing for most, probably all, of Pelican House first teams. When working in London shortly after leaving Rossall, he played for one of the Wasps subordinate teams, then later for Eccles RUFC. He was also a member of Lancashire CCC and avidly followed the sport. Happily married to Barbara since 1956, they had two children, Andrew and Sarah (who very sadly predeceased him). A lifelong personal friend, he was also good company. A modest and unassuming Rossallian gentleman. By Richard Bland (Pe 54-58) Christopher Bradley ( M51-56) Christopher Bradley arrived at Rossall as a scholar from Arnside and left as School Captain in 1956. He must rank as one of Rossall’s best mathematicians and he always gave Keith Melluish much of the credit for his scholarship to Clare College, Cambridge. He was an outstanding sprinter; his School Record of 53.7 seconds for the 440 yards was outstanding, especially as it was achieved on grass. He also bowled wickedly tantalizing leg breaks for the 2nd XI. At Cambridge, Christopher achieved a First with Distinction in Part II of the Tripos. He won the Mayhew Prize for what he described as a “stout performance” in Part III. He migrated to Oxford for his DPhil in 1963 and was eventually elected a fellow of Jesus College, as well as achieving a university lectureship. He became Senior Tutor at Jesus and then moved to teach at both Christ’s Hospital and Clifton, where he became Head of Mathematics. He also found time to compete in Maths Olympiads in Moscow, Istanbul and Toronto. The UK Mathematics Trust published a number of his books and there can be no doubt about his considerable contribution to the world of mathematics. Christopher passed away on the 11th July 2013. By Tom Gover (SE 50-55 )

Anthony Edwin Uttley (R 43-45)

G D K Cheall (M41-44)

James Salmon (MC 32-35)

Mark Hamer (Pe 42-48)

John Hardiman (R 62-67)

Norman Williams (SE 46-51)

George Worthington (DC 45-53)

Suren Rampal (SE 51-53)

G L Shottin (MC 48-51)

Coyle Marl (MC 53-57)

J A Kelly (SE 52-55)

Dr Richard Robinson (MC 54-59)

Roderick Keay (Pe 60-65)

Tim Roper (F 47-52) (CR)

George Lucas (M 44-46)

Meyrick Finch (Pe 51-57)

William Walker (F 53-57)

Robert (Bob) Johnston (DC 37-48)

NOTE FROM THE EDITOR: We aim to print all announcements as accurately as possible, based on the information provided. Any omissions or errors will be amended and re-printed in the next edition.

“He arrived at Rossall as a scholar from Arnside and left as School Captain”

School sports fixtures

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2014

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Friday 12th September

Farrell Society Book Launch - The Murder of Patience Brooke, (Featuring Charles Dickens) by Jean Briggs Rossall School