Where Are They Now?

Emma Hargreaves, Class of 2013

“I am living in York with my partner of six years, also a fellow Old Peterite.

I have taken on the role of Financial Director in our family business, a civil engineering firm based just down the road from St Peter’s School at No 90 Bootham. Together my partner and I run a Portuguese-inspired restaurant, Frango Eduardo, also based in York. We are currently looking to open two new outlets which is exciting and our annual pop-up will be returning to The Principal Hotel with Thor’s tipi over summer. I like to give some of my time as a trustee of the ‘Three Bears Foundation’, a charity founded by a group of Old Peterites, raising funds for both Pancreatic Cancer UK and York Against Cancer. In my spare time, you’ll usually find me with my friends, in the gym, or walking our puppy! When I think back to my time at St Peter’s, one of my fondest memories would have to be our art lessons with Mr Hall!”

Russell Broadbent, Class of 1982

My fondest memory of St Peter’s was playing rugby. My parents thought I was no good on the football pitch as I was too slow and sluggish and so, because my Dad played rugby at school, I tried that instead.

The coaches Mr Ratcliffe and Mr Scott thought I had certain qualities which were good for the game and I made friends. It was when I was playing that I found a force. It was an energy which came from the others around me which meant I could do things in the field that I could not have done elsewhere. It often took me a long time to recover afterwards. Even if I didn’t do well in the other areas I could shine on the rugby pitch and I was awarded my colours. To me, rugby is more than a sport, it’s a philosophy.

I honestly can’t remember what it felt like not to know what life looks like in the Netherlands as I’ve lived here for more than 30 years in the city of Haarlem. I’ve a beautiful 12 year old daughter Day, who’s fanatical about football and playing for the local team. I’m still very much involved in sport and education, working as an English teacher, giving golf lessons, fitness lessons and running my own self-defence business.

I love the Netherlands, offering a new perspective on tradition and culture, with stunning outdoors (but also great city life too) and often a more liberal approach to law. It took me only a couple of months to master the language.

My mum and my twin bother still live in the UK and I always make a point of visiting York with them, in particular the school…a trip down memory lane.

In this issue of Cross Keys you will find a postcard on which you are invited to write how St Peter’s gave you the Keys for Life and the confidence to turn them.

Please use the stamped addressed envelope supplied to return your cards. We look forward to hearing how St Peter’s unlocked your potential.