2020 Old Lancastrian Club - Lancaster Royal Grammar School
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
LOREM IPSUM DOLOR O L
Old Lancastrian Club
NEWSLET TER
2020
CONTENTS O L
From the Editorial Committee 2 School News 24
From the OL President 2 School Development 36
From the OL Secretary 3 Farewell to Staff 40
From the OL Treasurer 5 OL Sixth Form Awards 42
Profile of the OL Sixth Form Representative 7 The Dowager Countess Eleanor Peel 45
Trust Awards
From the Headmaster 7
From The Lancastrian 47
Founders’ Weekend 2019 8
From the Archive 50
Minutes of the 2019 AGM 10
Identification Parade 2020 60
OL Calendar 2020-21 11
Obituaries 62
OL Branch Dinners 12
OLC Committee and Branch Secretaries’ 68
News about OLs 18 Contact Details
1
O L From the EDITORIAL COMMITTEE
After a few years during which the Old Lancastrian Club on course to ensure that this self-imposed deadline was
Newsletter was edited by the Development Office, staffing met, but what we could not have been foreseen was the
requirements there led them to request volunteer help from Covid-19 crisis which severely disrupted the all-important
the Old Lancastrian Club, and after consultation it was final stages of its production: scheduled meetings, both
decided that responsibility for its production would revert on- and off-site, had to be cancelled; the selection of
to the Club, and an Editorial Committee was duly formed. photographs, and all the associated work in scanning them
and enhancing them, often had to be arranged by phone
We are very grateful for all the work which the Development and by post, and we were unfortunately unable to obtain
Office has done for us in recent years, and this change will a few we had hoped to include; and the proof-readings of
enable them to concentrate to a greater extent on the the text at its various stages could only be done on-screen
School’s ambitious three-year appeal to commemorate and over the phone, rather than by checking hard-copy
the 550th anniversary of the Gardyner Endowment, the material and by face-to-face discussions.
success of which will enhance the facilities of LRGS for
decades to come. Although this year’s edition is mainly the A conscious decision has been taken not to make any
work of OLs, the continued assistance of Jenny Cornell, substantial changes to the format of the Newsletter, apart
Emma Jones, Lorna Lightfoot and Anna Sainsbury has from giving greater prominence to School news, and we
been invaluable. We are also grateful to everyone else, too hope that you will enjoy reading it. We would welcome
numerous to mention individually, who has helped us. your comments, and very importantly any news and articles
you may wish to send us for possible future publication; in
The publication date for this edition of the Newsletter particular, contributions from younger OLs, who make up an
was scheduled for mid-May at the latest, and we were increasing percentage of members, would be gladly received.
From the OL PRESIDENT
I am writing this during the sixth week teaching staff are rapidly developing in the third week of March with the
of the nationwide lockdown in response online skills whilst grappling with pupil imposition of lockdown. The first and
to the global Covid-19 pandemic. LRGS assessment in place of cancelled GCSE immediate casualty was Ted Barlow’s
is outwardly closed although much and A-level examinations. They are ever popular Cornwall weekend, sadly
innovative online teaching is now at the same time planning the major followed by the East Lancs, Oxford
taking place. Children of key workers changes necessary for the eventual and Cotswold dinners as well as
continue to be taught in school and reopening of the school. Founders’ Weekend itself.
thanks to the generosity of the Head
and Governors vacant boarding As with almost everything else the The highlight of the year came in early
accommodation is being used to house OL Club year has fallen into two very October with the announcement that
health workers who are altruistically distinct parts, before and with Covid-19. OL Sir Peter Ratcliffe FRS had been
self-isolating. The highly committed The first part kicked off well with a jointly awarded the 2019 Nobel Prize
splendid dinner at the Midland Hotel in Physiology or Medicine for his
Morecambe, successfully transferred work in discovering the mechanism
to the Friday of Founders’ Weekend to by which cells sense and adapt to low
avoid clashing with the school lunch on oxygen levels. This is a physiological
Saturday. Regional dinners followed in process vital for survival and almost
Manchester, London, Durham, Leeds certainly now being observed in
and Cambridge. My sincere thanks patients with severe respiratory
go to the local organisers Geoff Ellis, failure caused by the new corona
Steve Aughton, Mike Barton, Darren virus. Clinicians treating these
Marchment and Simon Sherratt, patients have remarked that many
strongly supported as ever by Jenny of them have survived profoundly
and the Development Team. It was reduced oxygen levels that would
good to welcome to Cambridge Lorna normally have been thought to be
Lightfoot, the team’s latest recruit. incompatible with life.
The second half of the year I recommend catching up with an
commenced abruptly and brutally interview Sir Peter gave to Jim Al-
2
From the OL PRESIDENT O L
Khalili in his Radio 4 series The Life
Scientific, still available as a podcast
on BBC Sounds. Peter stresses his
belief in the fundamental importance
of education and of the two people
he names as having been most
influential in directing his career
one is John Loraine Spencer who
suggested he read Medicine at
Cambridge rather than his chosen
subject of Chemistry.
John Spencer’s time as Headmaster
at Lancaster and his earlier life as
an officer in the Essex Regiment
at the time of the D-Day landings
are vividly chronicled in the highly 1939-40 Day-Boys’ XV
recommended new book A Head
of his Time jointly written by Martin most of which he spent working as and Treasurer Simon Corless for their
Alexander and Chris Critchlow. a chemist at Storey’s, latterly in their very proactive and genial work on
new laboratory on Meadowside. behalf of the Club and its Committee.
My father Russell (34-41) was a pupil
at LRGS at the outbreak of war and I would like to credit Paul Andrew It has been a huge honour to be
seen here in a recently rediscovered for the remarkable work he has President of the Old Lancastrian Club
photograph of the 1939-40 Day- done with the School Archive, following retirement from a fascinating
Boys’ rugby team (back row third enthusiastically assisted by several and fulfilling career in surgery. That was
from the right immediately behind Sixth Formers and supported only made possible by the inspiring and
Bob Howat, later a distinguished by Stephen Clarke’s painstaking broadly-based education which I was
GP). The same age as JLS, Russell digitisation and restoration of many of very fortunate to experience at LRGS
enlisted with the Lancashire Fusiliers the photographs, and Clive Holden’s and which continues to be offered by
in 1941 and shortly afterwards joined dedicated and continuing work to put successive generations of highly skilled
the Long Range Desert Group names to faces on photographs. and devoted practitioners of the art of
(LRDG), seeing action behind enemy great teaching.
lines in Italy and also the Balkans. My thanks go to our Chairman Martin
In 1946 he returned to civilian life, Alexander, Secretary Chris Balmer Ian Weir (61-67)
From the OL SECRETARY
As I write this Covid-19 has had a huge circumstances, but the Club is here to March. If you have the opportunity, do go
impact upon the School, its pupils and support them and to ensure they feel and see the memorial which is located
staff, and OLs themselves. Pupils have part of our School family. near the food technology building.
graduated without exams and without
celebration. They have left their friends Reece Holt Memorial
behind and move on to an uncertain The OL Club was very pleased to have
future. Staff have seen pupils leave been able to contribute to the Reece Holt
for the last time without being able Lakeland Viewfinder. The Club had been
to commend them for work well done involved for some time on the setting
and wish them encouragement for up of a memorial and have worked in
the future. The OL Club is mindful of conjunction with the School and the
this situation and we are committed Friends of LRGS to see its completion.
to offering whatever support we The Club’s Chairman, Martin Alexander,
can. A new generation of OLs might represented the OLs at the memorial’s
have been created in unprecedented formal dedication on Tuesday 10th Reece Holt Memorial
3
O L From the OL SECRETARY
The 2020 Sixth Form Awards Head of Sixth Form, who managed the
The recent change from the OL Travel application process for us. All Sarah’s
Awards to the OL Sixth Form Awards hard work in support of the awards
has allowed the Committee greater is appreciated. We look forward to
flexibility in the use of the funding to refining the application process with
support non-travel requests, such as Sarah for 2021 and beyond, aiming to
work experience, vocational training and ensure that girls also apply for grants.
sponsorship. This year we had slightly
fewer applicants than in previous years Regional Dinners
and disappointingly no applications The regional dinners continued
from girls. We aim to change this next throughout 2019 and were well attended
year with further improvements. overall, despite a change in how meals
are subsidised by the Club. We have
This year’s awards were as follows: spent a considerable amount of time
Jake Dibden: London, IEA Sixth Form debating how to increase attendance golfers (with a couple of exceptions)
course - £300 and attract the younger generations took to Lancaster Golf Club on 4th
Thomas Fort: India, Frontier Volunteer to them. To that end, the Committee July to compete for the OL Trophy.
Group - £300 would welcome your input. What do The Stableford format was used to
Adam Parkinson: Spain, Arabian you think would improve them? Would score the competition, along with
Influences study - £500 an informal drinks reception or a an award for Nearest the Pin. Ian
James Weir & Callum MacFadyen: networking event be of more value? Whitehouse won the Trophy, and Will,
Spain, Santiago de Compostela - a Year 10 pupil, won the Boys’ Cup
£200 each Your ideas and suggestions on how with a round of 74! (net 71). Andrew
Matthew Wilson, George Thomson & we can improve and develop them Jarman dramatically snatched the
Remi Boynton: Uzbekistan, Cultural would be very welcome. Contact can Nearest the Pin Award, playing in the
tour - £300 each be made via email: ol@lrgs.org.uk or last group of the day.
via twitter @oldlancastrian
As an example of how the pupils A few drinks at the 19th late in the
apply for the awards please see Adam The School Archive afternoon rounded off an excellent
Parkinson’s (L6SEO) application If you haven’t been to see the School day’s play. Many thanks to Chris
for a grant to help fund his trip to Archive you really should. It is a Critchlow for opening the event. All
Spain. Adam is reading Spanish for cornucopia of School memorabilia. the photos of the day are here:
A-level and this trip will assist him in If you haven’t the time for a visit in
completing a research project that person, do try and find yourself in one https://www.amazon.co.uk/photos
contributes to his A-level result. His of the school photos which have been share/2SP4a5Q3MmY69B1pqjqwOM
application can be viewed here: uploaded. Click on the link to have a 3zf00EZJnbKCoXlhbSOCu
look: https://www.flickr.com/photos/
https://documentcloud.adobe.com/ oldlancastrian The 2020 Tournament will take place
link/track?uri=urn%3Aaaid%3Ascd this year on Friday 7th July. If you wish
s%3AUS%3A6085f30d-af5b-4ab0- Founders’ Weekend Golf Competition to participate, please let the Alumni
abd2-6626f9005cb9 Founders’ Day 2019 was a huge office know. The cost is £45 for 18 holes,
success. One event that saw a including tea/coffee and bacon baps.
The Committee would like to recognise renaissance was the OL Golf
and thank the hard work of Sarah Haigh, Competition. 15 keener-than-talented Chris Balmer (83-88)
Ian Whitehouse Will Andrew Jarman
4
From the OL TREASURER O L
OL CLUB ACCOUNTS 2018-19
OLD LANCASTRIAN CLUB
INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT
Year to 31st August 2019
Year to Year to
31st Aug 2019 31st Aug 2018
GENERAL FUND
INCOME
Annual subscriptions 21,724 21,710
Bank interest 33 17
Donations 305 50
Raffles 997 -
23,059 21,777
EXPENDITURE
Newsletter 4,247 4,685
Merchandise - net of sales (278) 690
Book - A Head of His Time - net of sales 3,070 -
Subsidies branch dinners etc. 681 891
President’s travel subsidy - -
Printing and stationery 167 -
Deficit on Annual Dinner 90 -
Founders’ Day golf 45 -
Administrative support 5,000 5,000
Sundry 158 328
Grants to Pupils and School
Rugby bags for South Africa Tour 2,000 -
Prefects’ ties 360 -
Cricket Tour to Barbados - 1,000
Expedition to Nicaragua - 1,000
RGS Schools’ Cricket Festival - 3,000
Sixth Form Awards 2,135 1,000
Corporation tax 3 -
17,679 17,594
Surplus for the year 5,380 4,183
5
O L From the OL TREASURER
BALANCE SHEET as at 31st August 2019
2019 2018
CURRENT ASSETS
Yorkshire Bank investment account 9,427 9,394
Yorkshire Bank current account 27,280 22,347
Sundry debtors 414 -
37,121 31,741
ACCUMULATED FUNDS
GENERAL FUND
Brought forward 31,741 26,599
Surplus for the year 5,380 4,183
Transfer from OL Travel Fund - 959
Carried forward 37,121 31,741
OL TRAVEL FUND
Brought Forward - 959
Transfer to General Fund - (959)
Carried forward - -
TOTAL FUNDS 37,121 31,741
A grant of £6,000 has been approved towards the refurbishment of the Memorial Library.
This grant has not yet been drawn down.
The accounts for the year to 31st enabling it to continue growing. The
August 2019 show a surplus of £5,380 Club continues to contribute £5,000
compared with an overall surplus per annum towards their running costs.
in 2018 of £4,183. Subscriptions in
2019 totalled £21,724, only slightly This year the Club supported the
up from £21,710 the previous year. production of the book A Head of His
One fantastic result was the uplift in Time with a one-off payment. After
income of almost £1,000 from raffles, the initial sales this outlay stands at
which helped the income to rise to £3,070, but as sales continue this
£23,059 from £21,777, an increase of will be an income stream in future
well over 5% year on year. account periods. The book can be
obtained by contacting the Alumni &
Subsidies to Branch Dinners Development Office; hardback copies
continued to drop to a manageable are priced at £25, and paperbacks at
£681, from £890. Branch Dinners are £15 (+£3.50 UK P&P).
variety, and as such the Club provided
still well supported although there
£2,135 in awards which is more than
may be some work to do to try and The Club provided grants to pupils
twice that of the previous year. Long
focus on student attendances which to the value of £2,360, with £2,000
may this continue.
have appeared to drop latterly. being spent on rugby bags for the
tour of South Africa.
Altogether, a successful year.
The Development Office has continued
to provide excellent support for the The Sixth Form Award applications
Simon Corless (78-83)
Club throughout the year and is continue to amaze in quality and
6
Profile of the SIXTH FORM REPRESENTATIVE O L
Patrick Bishop, a Deputy Studying Economics, Geography, and Business and Management
Head on the Senior Prefect at A-level, Patrick intends to read Geography at university. He is
Team, has been co-opted in the Economics Society and is also part of the Green Team
to join the Old Lancastrian which works to make the School increasingly eco-friendly.
Club’s Committee as its first
Sixth Form Representative, It is particularly appropriate that Patrick should be our first
an annual one-year post Sixth Form Representative given that his family connection
which has been created to with LRGS extends back through at least seven generations,
help further the link between which is perhaps a record.
the Club and the current
students at the School. Commenting on his appointment, Patrick said: “I am thrilled to
have been asked to fulfil the role of Sixth Form Representative
As a Deputy Head of School for Charities and Events, Patrick for the OLC. I view myself to be very lucky to have been at LRGS
helps and encourages everyone to maintain the School’s for the last seven years and to have benefited from the School’s
tradition of raising significant amounts of money for the academic, boarding and extra-curricular opportunities which
charities which the pupils choose to support each year. A have provided me with a platform to achieve, thanks to help
boarder since the age of 11, he is also Head of Ashton House. from current students, former students and teachers, for all of
which I am grateful. I have witnessed the positive contribution
Patrick is currently in his third year of playing First XV rugby, the OLs make to the School, and look forward to contributing
which this year he captained. He has represented the North to the Committee in the coming months and to continuing
of England and the Lancashire Under 18s, as well as Sale the family tradition by joining the Old Lancastrian Club after
Sharks Academy. He is also Captain of the Second XI. leaving LRGS following my A-levels.”
From the HEADMASTER
Sir Peter Ratcliffe’s Nobel Our other key development this year has been the fabulous
Prize for Physiology or renovation of Old School House, creating outstanding
Medicine is an extraordinary History rooms, much-needed Sixth Form study space and
honour, and the School and a top floor café.
the Club will take great
pride in his recognition. It is a wonderful new chapter for that much-loved building at the
He said this in a recent heart of the school. To former School House boarders, however,
BBC interview: “Education I should mention that the builders did find some interesting
is undervalued by society, contraband stashed beneath the floorboards of the old dorms!
and if there were a single
message I would like to put The academic and extra-curricular life of the school has
across, it is the importance continued with as much energy and success as ever. Our
of teaching and teachers.” cricketers won the Royal Grammar Schools’ festival (the
only state school to have retained that trophy) and the
My line to our pupils, of course, is not that Sir Peter is First XV were convincing winners of the Lancashire Cup.
the school’s only Nobel Laureate, but that he is the first.
No pressure! An ‘Outstanding’ boarding inspection was another
highlight. Ofsted inspectors wrote: “One boarder said: ‘It’s
Our coeducational Sixth Form has added an exciting not the building that makes a home – it’s the people in it
new dimension this year, and we have been delighted to and I wouldn’t want to stay anywhere else.’ This is a school
welcome over 30 girls from 16 schools. As they make their that creates extraordinarily positive experiences.”
mark, we are also very much looking forward to admitting
our first Sixth Form girls as boarders in September. It is excellent to meet so many OLs at reunions across the
country. We would love to welcome you back to LRGS, either
One Old Lancastrian wrote: “What a great pleasure it is, for an event such as Carol Service or Founders’ Day, or at
65 years after leaving LRGS, to be able to say: ‘This is my another time when you are in Lancaster. Do come and visit!
school’s netball team.’ The girls' presence can only further
enhance an already excellent school.” Dr Chris Pyle
7
O L FOUNDERS’ WEEKEND 2019
Founders’ Weekend, 2019, was blessed by excellent weather. As always, the School’s musicians and singers provided an
The Annual Dinner was held in the splendid setting of uplifting accompaniment to the occasion.
Morecambe’s art deco Midland Hotel on Friday 5th July, with
the floor-to-ceiling picture windows affording an excellent Following the Service, OLs and guests gathered in the
view of the bay and the evening’s spectacular sunset. After School Dining Hall for a much-appreciated lunch prepared
an enjoyable three-course dinner, the outgoing President, by our caterers from Chartwell’s, under the manager Steve
Chris Critchlow (62-69) spoke. There were also speeches Keane. Afterwards, a number of OLs visited the Archive
paying tribute to Douglas Cameron (Staff, 53-90) from a Exhibition in the Rigg Room and the Miller Room in Old
number of grateful OLs who, as young LRGS cricketers, had School House. They were particularly interested to see
been coached by him over many decades. The CCF’s newly some of the digitised whole-school photographs from
commissioned Standard, accompanied by representatives 1896 to 1969 which had been skilfully enhanced by Stephen
from the CCF, was exhibited at the dinner; you can read Clarke (66-73), and to view the displays which were largely
more about it in an article elsewhere in this Newsletter. centred on the era of John Spencer (Headmaster, 1961-72).
The traditional Founders’ Commemoration Service was Further highlights of the weekend were a successful Golf
held in the ancient Priory Church on Saturday morning. An Tournament held at Ashton Hall, referred to elsewhere in
OL, the Rev Steven Hewitt (90-97), the Pastor of Stanley the Newsletter, and the Boat Club’s Regatta & Barbecue
Road Baptist Church, Morecambe, was the guest preacher. at the River Lune.
Rear: Stuart Westley, Brian Ashton, Alan Snowball, Rear: Wendy Critchlow, Jeremy & Debbie Duerden,
Mark Robinson, Simon Corless, David Dunderdale. Mike Barton, Paul Fitton. Front: Lesley Harris, Chris Critchlow,
Front: Howard Thomas, Jenny Cornell, Bob Reeves. Nick Preston, Maggie Barton.
Rear: Chris Gregson, Peter Dyer, Tony Whiteway, Philippa Wood, Rear: Philip Turner, Margaret & Hugh Kennon.
Graham Davies. Front: Neil Vaughan, Geoffrey Hamilton, Ian Gibbs. Front: Sarah Gray, John & Val Leake, Don Gardner.
Rear: Stephen Clarke, Tim Burrell, Ian Weir, Martin Alexander, Rear: Ian Whitehouse, Christopher White, Amos Daw,
John Sunderland. Front: Peter Sampson, Stephan Harker, Oliver Wilson, Craig Atkinson. Front: Barbara Glover,
Brian & Marilyn Bateson. Mandy Whitehouse, Angela & David Rowe.
8FOUNDERS’ WEEKEND 2019 O L
Rear: Kay Leach, Robin Jackson, Will Burrow, Lewis MacPherson, Debbie Duerden, Rosalie Alexander, Lesley Harris.
Mike Barker. Front: Mark Leach, Chris Pyle, David Heald.
Geoffrey Hamilton, Tony Whiteway. Paul Fitton, Tim Burrell. John Batty, Nick Preston, Graham Davies,
Stuart Westley.
Chris Critchlow, Ian Weir. RQMS Christopher White, WO1 Oliver Wilson, Brian & Marilyn Bateson.
Lieut.-Col David Rowe, CSM Amos Daw.
Val Leake, Rosalie Alexander, Stephan Harker. Keith & Thelma Fisher, Stan & Hazel Blacktop.
Alma Gardner, Linda Altham.
9O L FOUNDERS’ WEEKEND 2019
Clive & Val Holden. Stuart Westley, Tim Burrell.
Martin Alexander, Chris Critchlow.
Editor’s note: if you would like to
purchase a copy of A Head of His
Time, written by OL Chairman, Martin
Alexander (68-73), and last year's
OL President, Chris Critchlow (62-
69), please contact the Alumni &
Development Office. Hardback copies
Lewis MacPherson, Will Burrow, Will Fergie, Mark Chambers, are priced at £25, and paperbacks at
Ian Whitehouse, Rosalie & Mark Burrow. £15 (+£3.50 UK P&P).
MINUTES OF THE 2019 AGM
Minutes of the AGM Minutes of the AGM 2018:
The 2018 AGM minutes were accepted. Proposed M S
The meeting was held on Saturday 6th July 2019 in the Alexander; seconded W I Weir.
LRGS New York classroom, opening at 12.15pm.
Matters arising:
Attendance List: Congratulations conveyed to the School First XI squad on
M S Alexander (Chairman), C Balmer (Hon Secretary), M their second consecutive victory in the six-schools RGS
Barker, T Burrell, M Burrow, W Burrow, S G Clarke, T Collinson, Cricket Festival.
S Corless, C A Critchlow (Hon President), P V Dyer, P W
Fitton, D G R Gardner, W J Harris, R Jackson, D S R Kingston, Treasurer’s report:
J Leake, G Parker, M Robinson, P W Sampson, A Snowball, D The accounts were printed in the OLC Newsletter (2019)
R Stackhouse, A Stanning, P Sycamore, P A Whiteway (Hon and presented by P A Whiteway. Subscriptions for the year
Treasurer), W I Weir (Vice-President), A Wilson. ending August 2018 £21,710. Overall surplus of £4,183 for
the year. The accounts were approved by the AGM.
Apologies for absence:
Steve Aughton, Rod Burgess, Francis Buttle, Kenneth Cliff, Secretary’s report:
Michael Duerden, Dan Large, Colin Povey, Kenneth Vanner, The report was printed in the OLC Newsletter (2019).
Alan Varley. The Club wished its congratulations to be passed to Ian
10MINUTES OF THE 2019 AGM O L
Whitehouse, on the success of winning the recently re- Investiture and acceptance of President:
established Old Lancastrian Golf Competition. The formal handover of the Chain of Office to Ian Weir
(61-67) was deferred until a suitable moment at the
Election of Committee Members and Officers: Luncheon.
Committee members re-elected. Proposed M S Alexander;
seconded J Leake. Members of the committee co-opted Committee members’ matters:
in September 2018 re-coopted pending incorporation Approval of S Corless to succeed P A Whiteway as
into full committee membership (S Aughton, S G Clarke, Treasurer. Regional Dinner sub-committee proposed the
J Duerden). Club should continue to support students at the dinners.
Approved by the AGM.
Election of Vice-President:
Alan Snowball was approved as the next Vice-President. Date of next AGM:
Proposed M S Alexander; seconded C Balmer. Saturday 4th July 2020. New York Classroom.
PROPOSED OL CALENDAR 2020-21
Manchester Dinner: Friday 9th October 2020
Hong Kong Dinner: Monday 19th or 26th October 2020 (tbc)
London Dinner: Thursday 5th November 2020
Speech Day: Saturday 14th November 2020
Durham Dinner: Friday 27th November 2020
Carol Service: Monday 14th December 2020
Leeds Dinner: Friday 5th February 2021
Cambridge Dinner: Friday 5th March 2021
Cornwall Weekend: Friday 19th March 2021
East Lancs Dinner: Friday 26th March 2021
Oxford Dinner: Wednesday 5th May 2021
Cotswolds Dinner: Friday 4th June 2021
Founders’ Weekend: Friday 2nd - Sunday 4th July 2021
11O L OL BRANCH DINNERS
Oxford
The dinner was held at Vincent’s Club on 2nd May 2019.
Everyone enjoyed the evening, finally leaving close to
midnight. Alan Sagar talked about Roger Ainsworth (63-
69), the Master of St Catherine’s College, who had died
in February; Andrew Jarman about the School and a little
about his own time at Oxford; and Chris Critchlow spoke
about the OLs and his time at LRGS.
The following attended the dinner: Amro Ahmed Ebbiary
(97-02), Martin Alexander (68-73), William Burrow (11-18),
Chris Critchlow (62-69), Josh Hothersall (12-16), Scott
Houghton (04-11), Andrew Jarman (Former Headmaster,
01-12), Tony Joyce (Former Headmaster, 72-83), Peter Kirby
(68-70), John Lee-Allen (01-03), Andrew McMahon (06- The 2020 dinner was cancelled because of the Covid-19
13), Richard Phillips (06-13), Alan Sagar (61-69), Hamish epidemic.
Smeaton (15-16), Philip Turner (63-70), Thomas Weald (08-
15), Solomon White (11-16), Barry Wild (62-69). The 2021 dinner will be held on Wednesday 5th May 2021.
Cotswolds I must thank Tony Heaford for his guidance as this was
my first dinner as secretary, and I was also very pleased
Graham Davies writes: The dinner was held on 14th June to catch up with Phil Walker for the first time since 1967.
2019. Poor weather prevented our usual pre-dinner drinks
being taken on the lawn, but we were soon in full flow at the The following attended the dinner: Graham Davies (60-
Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester, who provided us 67), Pat Davies, Tony Heaford (46-53), Chris Critchlow (62-
with an excellent meal. 69), Wendy Critchlow, Michael Till (50-57), Chris Knowles
(53-60), Michael Wrigley (52-59), David Bishop (55-62),
On a sad note, we were sorry to hear from Mike Till that the Janne Bishop, Pete Baddeley (59-65), Teresa Baddeley,
founder of our branch, Richard Long, was seriously ill, and Phil Walker (61-67), Pam Wall, Barry Wild (62-69), Fiona
we asked Mike to convey our best wishes to him. Wild, Richard Randall (72-76).
Our President, Chris Critchlow, revealed to me over dinner The 2020 dinner was cancelled because of the Covid-19
his love of rock and roll music, and with the wine flowing I epidemic.
completely forgot to take any photographs. Chris handed
out a custodial sentence, but with good behaviour I will be The 2021 dinner will be held on Friday 4th June.
out in time for the next dinner.
Manchester In more positive news our Branch Secretary also reflected
on some other key 2019 milestones including his joining
Twenty-five of LRGS’s finest once again gathered at the OL Committee, England winning the cricket World Cup
Barca, in Castlefield, for the 2019 dinner, held on 11th (clearly not equivalent) and that Liverpool still hadn’t won
October. In comparison to previous years we were the Premier League. Hopefully next year humble pie won’t
down on numbers (OLs, staff, and students alike) which, replace the traditional dessert.
whilst disappointing, was more than compensated by a
tremendously sociable evening. We welcomed Ian Weir as this year’s OL President and for
what was the President’s inaugural speech. Ian reflected on
We reflected on some of the big changes since last year’s his time at LRGS and the remarkable career that followed
dinner, including the admission of girls to this year’s Sixth as a consultant cardiac and thoracic surgeon after reading
Form which will hopefully see new recruits at the OL Medicine at Cambridge.
dinners in a couple of years’ time. The School seems to be
getting things done and being progressive in its approach My thanks to Ian, to Chris Pyle our Headmaster for an
which is as always reassuring even if the wider political ever-positive update from the School, to Anna Sainsbury
environment seems to be going in the opposite direction! in the Development Office for her assistance, and a
12OL BRANCH DINNERS O L
Group photograph
Steve Aughton, Ian Weir, Feeling hungry!
Martin Alexander, Chris Pyle.
Included are: Chris Balmer, Looking at you! OL ties
Peter Davies-Colley, Stephen Clarke.
belated thanks to Fiona Alderson-Beeching who in a Easton (83-90), Adam Gardner (07-14), Alex Gardner (06-
bizarre twist is now working for a local girls’ school (good 13), James Gibbs (08-15), Stephan Harker (58-64), Andy
luck and thanks!). Irvine (83-90), Calum Kyle (07-14), Darren Marchment (83-
88), Alex McKay (10-17), Chris Pyle (Headmaster), Andy
The following attended the dinner: Martin Alexander (68- Robertshaw (86-93), Nadia Robertshaw, Peter Sampson
73), Paul Andrew (69-76), Craig Atkinson (Staff), Steve (Former Staff, 61-91), Billy Swarbrick (12-14), Joe Sykes (10-
Aughton (83-90), Chris Balmer (83-88), Robert Benson 12), Ian Weir (61-67).
(65-72), Alex Briggs (12-14), Simon Carr (87-94), Stephen
Clarke (66-73), Peter Davies-Colley (65-72), Jonathan The 2020 dinner will be held on Friday 9th October.
Hong Kong
On 21st October 2019 the Hong Kong Old Lancastrians held their
annual dinner at the United Service Recreation Club. Dr Pyle
and Mr Atkinson were Guests of Honour, and the proceedings
kicked off with words of welcome from Chris Percy. Various of
the OLs present had assisted the School by attending the UK
Education Expo at the Hong Kong Convention Centre where
LRGS was in high demand among the Hong Kong parents
and their children – there was particular interest amongst
parents with girls who would be able to attend the Sixth Form
boarding house once those facilities become available. Edgar Lau, Eric Luk, Henry Kam, Chris Percy, Craig Atkinson,
Chris Pyle, Patrick Dransfield, David Chan, Ricky Chow, Richard Oliver.
If there are any OLs moving to Hong Kong and the Far East, or
who might like to attend future events in Hong Kong, please Dransfield (75-80), Henry Kam (03-05), Edgar Lau (03-
get in touch with the branch via Jenny, Lorna or Anna in the 05), Eric Luk (97-00), Richard Oliver (84-91), Chris Percy
Alumni Office. We are always keen to welcome new members. (96-03), Chris Pyle (Headmaster).
The following attended the dinner: Craig Atkinson (Staff), The 2020 dinner will be held on Monday 19th or 26th
David Chan (00-04), Ricky Chow (03-05), Patrick October (tbc).
13O L OL BRANCH DINNERS
London Generous contributions to the raffle raised £560 which will
go towards funding a specific School project and the Sixth
The dinner was held on 7th November 2019. Once again Form Awards.
we met at the RAF Club in Piccadilly, thanks to the
continuing auspices of Larry Lamb (34-41). Unfortunately, The formal part of the evening concluded and guests
Larry was unable to join us but he sent his best wishes for adjourned to the bar where the conviviality continued. It was
a successful evening. a most enjoyable evening and sincere thanks are extended
to those who made it possible and to those who attended.
There were 61 guests with a mix of ages from 18 to 80+
representing every decade in between. One considerable The following attended the dinner: Graham Allen (76-83),
change to the evening was the decision to try out a new Arijit Bhattacharyya (11-18), Peter Bolton (98-05), Will
menu from the traditional soup, steak and kidney pie and Buck (08-10), Adam Buckland (09-16), Aditya Chakravarty
sherry trifle. Otherwise the evening ran just as it has done (10-17), Peter Charlton (49-54), Stephen Clarke (66-73),
for very many years. Tony Collinson (61-67), Jenny Cornell (Dev Office), Chris
Critchlow (62-69), Peter Davies-Colley (65-72), Tom
The Churchill Bar was very lively before dinner with much Diamond (05-12), Peter Dornan (51-58), Ed Duffy (09-16),
catching up. Geoff Ellis, Branch Chairman, gave a warm Paddy Earnshaw (91-98), Geoff Ellis (72-79), Adam Gardner
welcome to guests and speakers, and after the meal Ian (07-14), Nick George (82-88), Martin Gibson (83-85), David
Weir, this year’s OL President, gave a light-hearted but Gleasure (75-82), Paul Guénault (76-83), Stephan Harker
sincere speech about his time as a cardio-thoracic surgeon. (58-64), Brooklyn Ho (15-17), Nick Holland (56-63), Martyn
The Head followed Ian, reporting on events in School and Howie (84-88), James Huber (09-16), Tony Joyce (52-58),
of successes and achievements over the past year. Richard Kingsbury (76-83), Doug Kopcke (01-03), John
John Lee-Alan, Doug Kopcke. Paddy Earnshaw, Mike Knott, Craig Preston. Neville Upson, Ian Park.
Ian Weir, Geoff Ellis, Chris Pyle. Duncan Wilkinson, Chris Critchlow, Stephen Clarke, Peter Davies-Colley.
Stephan Harker.
Brooklyn Ho, Ed Duffy, James Huber, Adam Suleman. Facing: Jack Vaughan-Jones, Adam Gardner, Tom Diamond,
Griff Lewis, Larry Wong, Nick Phillips.
14OL BRANCH DINNERS O L
Lee-Allen (01-03), Adam Leech (11-18), Griff Lewis (06- (98-05), Richard Salmon (82-89), Peter Sampson (Former
13), Tony Lunt (65-72), Robert Mackenzie (58-65), Bob Staff, 61-91), Timothy St Ather (52-58), Adam Suleman (11-
Middleton (56-62), Max Mortimer (08-15), Chris Palmer 18), Nick Townend (78-85), Neville Upson (47-53), Jack
(00-07), Ian Park (49-53), Michael Pearson (41-51), Nick Vaughan-Jones (08-15), Ian Weir (61-67), Duncan Wilkinson
Phillips (08-15), David Philp (59-66), Craig Preston (91-93), (65-71), Larry Wong (09-15), Ashley Wright (98-05).
Chris Pyle (Headmaster), Paul Richardson (76-83), Barrie
Roberts (49-56), Lachlan Rurlander (12-19), Jake Ryan The 2020 dinner will be held on Thursday 5th November.
Durham window to remember the second OL killed in HM Forces
during the 1939-45 war, Pilot Officer John Musgrave. An
The Durham and North LRGS wreath was laid at exactly 80 years to the minute of
East 2019 dinner was his fatal plane crash.
held on Friday 29th
November at the Garden Jay Rayner had recommended the cuisine at the Garden
House Inn, which nestles House and the food did not disappoint. Next year's dinner
in the wooded slopes of will be at the same venue on 27th November 2020, for
the North Road out of those wishing to visit Durham City's World Heritage Site.
Durham. A stone's throw
from the railway station, The following attended the dinner: Martin Alexander
it allowed four Newcastle (68-73), Rosalie Alexander, Mike Barton (68-75), Maggie
students to augment the Barton, Paul Bradburn (58-65), Angela Bradburn,
impressive turn-out from Christopher Bradshaw (15-17), Chris Critchlow (62-69),
Durham University. Wendy Critchlow, David Fairbairn (65-72), Paul Fitton (61-
67), Felix Freudmann (17-19), Ian Gibbs (68-76), Ismaeel
The President and Head Haq (10-17), Leslie Harris, Henry Higginson (12-19), Sam
spoke to the 35 diners Jeffrey (09-16), Ethan Kidd (12-19), Will Littley (17-19),
(one of whom is the latter's Adam Long (10-17), Isaac Medhurst (09-16), Sean Milligan
eldest son, reading English (10-17), Patrick Procter (11-18), Chris Pyle (Headmaster),
and History at Durham). Tom Pyle (12-19), Jack Robinson (12-19), Matthew Ruscillo
The following day saw (12-19), James Smith (15-17), Ian Weir (61-67).
LRGS Wreath for Pilot Officer a poignant service at
John Musgrave. Durham Cathedral's RAF The 2020 dinner will be held on Friday 27th November.
Do we need refills? Jeremy Duerden, Paul Bradburn, The Musgrave Trophy & Wreath.
Chris Critchlow.
Martin Alexander, David Fairbairn, Ian Gibbs, Mike Barton, Paul Bradburn, Martin Alexander.
Maggie & Mike Barton, Ian Weir, Chris Pyle.
15O L OL BRANCH DINNERS
Leeds
On Friday 7th February 2020, some hardy souls braved
the infamous Yorkshire weather to attend the second
dinner since the re-birth of the OL Leeds event at Castle
Grove Masonic Hall, Headingley, Leeds. This year the
visitors came from all over the county, including Sheffield
and Harrogate.
The evening commenced with informal drinks in the bar,
and then it was on to the dining room for an excellent
three-course dinner. Formal proceedings began with
Jenny Cornell delivering the Headmaster's report, followed
by an entertaining speech by OL President Ian Weir. After
the speeches and toasts, the bar area became the focal
point for reminiscing, networking and catching up with again be held at Castle Grove, Leeds. We hope to see faces
friends old and new. old and new continuing to develop this OL branch.
The dinner is an ideal point of contact for OLs of all ages The following attended the dinner: Martin Alexander (68-
living in Yorkshire, particularly for students around the 73), Rosalie Alexander, Steve Aughton (83-90), Chris
Headingley area. Added to this, the city of Leeds and its Balmer (83-88), Ian Bargh (73-81), Paul Bradburn (68-75),
vibrant night life being so accessible from the venue, there Angela Bradburn, Jenny Cornell (Development Director),
is a good opportunity to extend the gathering into the Jeremy Duerden (68-75), Paul Fitton (61-67), Ian Gibbs
early hours if so desired. (68-76), Stephan Harker (58-64), Matt Lumb (87-94),
Darren Marchment (83-88), John Preshaw (57-64), Alan
In keeping with good old Yorkshire customs, the dinner will Sagar (61-69), Andrew Sherratt (74-76), Ian Weir (61-67).
continue to offer traditional food, fine ales and wines, great
company and incredible value for money. The next one will The 2021 dinner will be held on Friday 5th February.
Cambridge Following the dinner, Ian Weir, Club President, proposed
a toast to the School, and reminisced about LRGS and
On 6th March 2020, four students and nineteen others previous years’ dinners in Cambridge. In particular, Ian
enjoyed an excellent dinner in the elegant surroundings of recalled memories of John Spencer and his influence
the Wordsworth Room in St John’s College, Cambridge. As on so many Old Lancastrians who attended the School
ever, the catering team served lovely food, with more than during John’s time as Headmaster, and commended the
a nod to the North West of England, accompanied by a continuing standards of teaching from which pupils of
great selection from the College wine cellars. LRGS benefit to this day.
16OL BRANCH DINNERS O L
Peter Wild, Stephen Tunnicliffe-Wilson, Rear: Lorna Lightfoot, Peter Wild, Rear: Simon Sherratt, Alan Snowball.
Chris Pyle, Adam Harrison. John Leake. Front: Adam Taylor, Front: Paul Andrew, Peter Davies-Colley,
Tony Lunt, Graham Dransfield. Stephan Harker.
Responding to the toast to the School, Dr Chris Pyle, The following attended the dinner: Paul Andrew (69-76),
Headmaster, updated all present on the latest news from Harvey Binnie (51-58), Stephen Clarke (66-73), Jenny Cornell
LRGS, and a particular highlight was the recent awarding (Development Director), Chris Critchlow (62-69), Peter
of a Nobel Laureate prize to Sir Peter Ratcliffe, the first OL Davies-Colley (65-72), Graham Dransfield (67-73), Stephan
to receive one. Harker (58-64), Adam Harrison (07-14), John Leake (50-
57), Lorna Lightfoot (Development Assistant), Tony Lunt
Following an inspection by Ofsted on the boarding (65-72), Joseph Pritchard (10-17), Chris Pyle (Headmaster),
at LRGS, the School again received a report of Krishnan Ram-Prasad (07-14), Peter Sampson (Former
‘Outstanding’, branding it a very happy school. Dr Pyle Staff, 61-91), Simon Sherratt (71-76), Alan Snowball (61-69),
advised that LRGS continues to excel in all aspects of Alex Taylor (92-99), Stephen Tunnicliffe-Wilson (83-90),
sport, mentioned members of staff who have recently Andrew Ward (84-91), Ian Weir (61-67), Peter Wild (12-19).
retired, and closed by toasting the health of the Old
Lancastrian Club. The 2021 dinner will be held on Friday 5th March.
Cancelled Events
Owing to the Covid-19 outbreak, the following 2020 The Oxford dinner due to be held on Wednesday 6th
dinners and events were cancelled: May 2020. The 2021 dinner will be held on Wednesday
5th May 2021.
The Cornwall dinner due to be held on Friday 20th March
2020. The 2021 dinner will be held on Friday 19th March. The School and Club also cancelled the July 2020
Founders’ Weekend events.
The East Lancs dinner due to be held on Friday 27th March
2020. The 2021 dinner will be held on Friday 26th March.
17O L NEWS ABOUT OLs
availability; he is the first OL to be They established the basis for our
awarded a Nobel Prize, one of about understanding of how oxygen levels
133 people in the UK to have achieved affect cellular metabolism and
this distinction since 1902. physiological function. Their discoveries
have also paved the way for promising
At LRGS he achieved outstanding new strategies to fight anaemia, cancer
A-level results in Mathematics, Physics and many other diseases.”
and Chemistry, and was awarded an
Open Scholarship to Gonville and Sir Peter Ratcliffe was also
Caius College, Cambridge. The prize featured on Radio Four’s The Life
has also been awarded to William Scientific in February, and his
Kaelin Jr and Gregg Semenza. fascinating interview included a
snippet about his time at LRGS.
Oxygen is essential in helping us Peter recalled how John Spencer,
convert food into energy. This year’s the Headmaster, came into a Sixth
three Nobel Laureates have received Form Chemistry lesson in his gown
their award for discovering how cells one day, and after taking him out
sense and adapt to changing oxygen of the room went on to suggest
availability and identifying molecular that he should read Medicine at
machinery that regulates the activity university. Discussing the influence
© Nobel Media. Photo: A. Mahmoud. of genes in response to varying levels Peter hopes to have as Nobel
of oxygen. Laureate, he also highlighted the
Sir Peter Ratcliffe, FRS (65-71) value of schools and education,
According to the Nobel Prize website, saying: “Education is undervalued
In 2019 Sir Peter Ratcliffe was jointly “The seminal discoveries by this by society, and if there were a
awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology year’s Nobel Laureates revealed single message I would like to
or Medicine for discoveries of how the mechanism for one of life’s put across, it is the importance of
cells sense and adapt to oxygen most essential adaptive processes. teaching and teachers.”
Jason McCartney, MP (79-86) Transport Select Committee, and the
1922 Executive Committee.
In the General Election held on 12th
December 2019, Jason McCartney was A Yorkshireman, Jason served as an
elected as the Member of Parliament RAF officer for nine years in Las Vegas,
for Colne Valley. Originally elected for Turkey, Gibraltar, Germany, Cyprus
the constituency in 2010 and then again and Iraq. After leaving the RAF he
in 2015, Jason was narrowly defeated went to university to study broadcast
in the 2017 General Election, but retook journalism, worked for BBC Radio for
the seat with 29,482 votes, the most a year, and then obtained a job with Geoff Boycott and Dame Kelly Holmes.
ever for a Colne Valley candidate. A ITV Yorkshire where he became the He is a father-of-two, a keen
Conservative Party politician, he has weekend presenter for Calendar News Huddersfield Town fan, and Honorary
in the past served on the Culture, & Sport. Among the sports personalities President of the Royal Air Force
Media & Sport Select Committee, the he interviewed were David Beckham, Association in Huddersfield.
Peter Dyer (68-75) today's 'new' technology. I took along some examples
of toothbrushes from the British Dental Association’s
Peter writes: I was delighted to take part in an episode museum, as well as a giant model of the mouth and brush,
of the BBC programme, Origin of Stuff, with Katy Brand, to help explain the best way to brush.
looking at the evolution of tooth-brushing through history,
and to help highlight the importance of regular brushing to Public historian, Greg Jenner, of Horrible Histories
look after your teeth. fame, gave a great overview of the history of dentistry
and early toothbrushes, which were just sticks. I talked
The programme took a light-hearted look at the evolution about the early usage of the Miswak, a stick made
of the toothbrush, from the earliest known 'brushes' to from the Salvadora persica tree, and which is still used
18NEWS ABOUT OLs O L
today in Muslim cultures to avoid swallowing water Turning to the more modern style of toothbrushes, Sophie
during Ramadan. Thomas, a designer who collects those she finds on beaches,
discussed the environmental impact of plastic toothbrushes
We also looked at the impact of the introduction of sugar and the issues with those being manufactured today. She
into people's diets, around the time of Elizabeth I (who pointed out that many are not recyclable, due to the mixing
famously was known for her love of sweets and her bad of plastics in their production and I suggested that bamboo
teeth), but that it wasn't until the 19th Century that the toothbrushes are now being produced as a more sustainable
connection was made, and that reducing sugar and tooth- material, but we still have some way to go.
brushing were essential to keeping your teeth healthy.
Finally, Katy asked us what we would do if we end up overnight
Greg talked about the first mass-produced toothbrush, at someone's house and don't have our own toothbrush
similar to the one we know today, and the story of William with us. Would we a) use someone else's toothbrush, b) use
Addis, who while doing a stint in prison, had the idea of sugar-free gum, c) eat an apple or d) use a stick! I asked for
putting some brushes from a broom into some bone to be a fifth option and said that it's probably best to put some
able to clean his teeth! Greg noted this wasn't really a 'new' fluoride toothpaste on a finger and use that.
invention, as the Chinese had been making toothbrushes
from c.620. We looked at the range of brushes produced,
and the different kinds of hair being used, including bristles
from hogs and badgers.
The idea that everyone should be brushing regularly took
off after troops returned home from World War I with
brushes they had been given in their kit (although many
had just used them for cleaning their boots!). I made the
point that teeth need to be brushed twice a day, and
that the most recent adult dental survey revealed, rather
shockingly, that 23% of adults said they only brushed
once. Clearly, we have more work to do to get the
messages out there. Peter Dyer, Katy Brand, Sophie Thomas, Greg Jenner.
Will Fraser-Gray (10-17) Formers that wearing a seatbelt didn’t really occur to him,
and that he thought he was invincible, and that something
Miles Davis, of the Lower Sixth, writes: In December, LRGS like this could not happen to him. This was where the first
welcomed back one of our most fondly remembered OLs, message Will wanted to convey really came across, the
Will Fraser-Gray, to share his recent experiences. Dr Pyle importance of thinking before you act and making sensible
described Will as “one of the most talented sports people decisions. This message was especially well received by an
the school has produced” and an “all-round good guy.” audience that are either currently driving, or are about to
After leaving LRGS, Will took up a football scholarship at a start learning to do so. It showed how easy it is for things to
university in Georgia. go badly wrong, how something that seems as trivial as not
wearing a seatbelt can have life-changing consequences.
Everything was going well for him until a car accident in
March 2019. He and his team-mates had headed into town
after a game earlier that day, and the evening progressed
no differently to any other until eight of them were involved
in a crash when heading home. Although the driver was
not over the legal limit, he had, unknown to his passengers,
drunk some alcohol. Their vehicle flipped over seven times,
and Will was thrown from the car; he suffered severe brain
trauma, a broken neck, a lacerated spleen and liver, and a
punctured lung, and was rushed to hospital. His parents
immediately flew to America, unsure whether Will would
still be alive when they landed.
Five of the passengers were not wearing seatbelts, given
that it is not a legal requirement for back-seat passengers Jamie Reynolds, Will Fraser-Gray, Sarah Haigh,
in Georgia to do so. Will said to the audience of Sixth Richard Askam, Chris Pyle.
19O L NEWS ABOUT OLs
Due to the swelling of his brain, Will had to have half of his was further impressed upon us by Will’s story about Greg,
skull removed and replaced with metal plates before his an ex-LRGS pupil and Will’s close friend, who tragically
recovery could begin. After the operation he was unable took his own life. It’s important that as a community we do
to eat, breathe, or walk on his own, and was completely as Will said: “talk to each other, trust each other and look
reliant on his family and the staff at the hospital for after each other.”
everything. However, little by little, Will began to recover
and tried his best to remain positive. He said: “at no point Fortunately, Will’s recovery is well under way and it is
did I entertain the thought of not playing football again.” hoped that he will soon be able to play football again.
He did admit that it was a very tough time for him mentally,
but again he stayed positive, telling us that “whatever The twenty minutes Will spoke to us were a roller-coaster
you’re going through, however hard it is, you can still emotionally. The assembly was incredibly moving and hard-
achieve the unthinkable.” I think this really resonated with hitting but also so inspiring and so unbelievably positive
the audience; I know it did with me. You hear messages given everything he has been through. I think it is fair to
like this all the time, but I guess it hits differently when say that Will Fraser-Gray, and the assembly, is absolutely
it comes from someone like Will, someone we can really the embodiment of what LRGS is all about: being positive,
relate to and learn from. The importance of this message never giving up, and the power of a strong community.
Ken Cliff (46-57) families who own the business,
undertook extensive research
The longest surviving hatters to into those many customers of the
trade in the United Kingdom, Lock company who served in the army
& Co., has its famous double-fronted and navy at Trafalgar, Waterloo and
shop in St James’s Street, in the West elsewhere, including over two dozen
End of London, close to St James’s holders of the Victoria Cross.
Palace, in the heart of London’s
clubland. Founded in 1676, Lock & Ken’s research, which includes details
Co. has been in its current location of the war service and hat orders of a
since 1765, and its premises are large number of naval and military men
Grade II* listed. The shop is a Royal over a 140-year period, has recently
Warrant holder. been published in a hardback book,
The Home of Hats: A Brief History of
Given its location and reputation, Some Famous Customers, 1780-1919.
Lock & Co. has served as hatters to Also illustrated with photographs and
many of those who helped make drawings of hats, and of some of the
the nation’s history, including Lord medals awarded to those who fought,
Nelson, for whom James Lock II a copy has kindly been donated to
designed a hat with a green eyeshade the School Archive.
worn at the Battle of Trafalgar.
On being told that one of the School would also be interested to hear
After a medical career, Dr Ken Cliff, Archivists has bought his hats from of other OLs who are, or were,
a senior member of one of the two Lock’s for the past forty years, Ken customers there.
Peter Thompson (46-53) The title of this book derives from He later set up a charity, PhysioNet,
the fact that no more than 1,000 which sends therapy equipment and
There must surely be only a small graduate agricultural scientists wheelchairs to places abroad where
number of current OLs who were ever appointed to the Colonial such equipment is in demand.
spent a significant portion of Agricultural Service.
their working lives in the Colonial An early chapter in the book is
Service, and fewer still who have Peter joined the CAgS in the late- focused on his schooldays as a
published their memoirs, so it 1950s and spent half of his working boarder at LRGS in those austere
was a pleasant surprise when the life in Fiji, before going on to work on years following World War II. Peter
School was recently presented development projects in the Middle started in the Second Form a term
with a copy of Peter Thompson’s East, Burma, China, Bangladesh, and later than the other new boys,
autobiography, One of A Thousand. many other places across the globe. and he remarks how this was a
20NEWS ABOUT OLs O L
disadvantage, as was his coming “sadly inadequate” attempts at sex
from India. No-one, he writes, “was instruction are also recounted: “At
impressed by my skill at marbles, the end of our last term he called the
tops or kites, although I did gain a leavers together and, after urging
little kudos from the python skin us to uphold the best traditions
secreted in my tuckbox. Similarly, of the school, felt obliged to say
it was a long time before I could something about sex in general and
contribute to group discussions of prostitutes in particular... ” saying:
the prowess of Blackburn Rovers ‘Frankly chaps you would not want
or the latest set of toy soldiers or to use someone else’s handkerchief
model aeroplanes.” would you?’”
He recalls the beatings by prefects, Peter’s 343-page book is illustrated
the cross-country running, the with many black-and-white and
amateur dramatic performances, colour photographs, and the copy he
and the boarding fees of £32 per has donated is available for members
term. The then-Headmaster's of the School to read in the Archive.
In Brief of admirers and friends, along with will also perform at the main stage at
the greetings of those who attended Lancaster Music Festival in October.
Congratulations to Doug Cameron at Williamson Court: Jeremy and
(Staff, 53-90) who celebrated his Debby Duerden, Jackie and Barry Sam Jordison (88-95) is the co-
90th birthday on 14th May 2020. At Hayes, Ian and Mandy Whitehouse, founder of Galley Beggar Press,
11:30 on ‘The Big Day’ a surprise was Trevor and Barbara Glover, John an independent publisher based
sprung for Doug by OLs and former and Carol Batty, Martin and Rosalie in Norwich. One of its most recent
staff who had secretively gathered Alexander. publications, Ducks, Newburyport,
in the car park at his Williamson by Lucy Ellmann, has enjoyed
Court residence in Greaves. Mike Barton (68-75) was appointed much success and was awarded
Standing beneath his apartment CBE in the Queen's Birthday Honours the prestigious Goldsmiths Prize in
at approved ‘social distance’, they list in 2019, the day before he retired 2019. Incidentally, although the novel
held aloft banners and bunting from his position as Chief of Durham missed out on winning the Booker
before serenading Doug, who’d Constabulary. Mike, who also made a Prize, it was the clear winner in
been summoned to his window by a recent appearance on The One Show, LRGS's own Booker Prize Challenge.
’phone call, with Happy Birthday and says his retirement plans include
He’s a Jolly Good Fellow. Throwing reading and spending more time in Following a suggestion made by
open his rear window, a grinning the greenhouse. Chris Balmer (83-88) at a recent
Doug looked down and waved, meeting of the OL Committee,
before retreating into his ‘pavilion’ David Eastham (11-18) was the latest Throwback Thursday has been
for birthday cake provided by OL to appear on one of the BBC's introduced. Photographs from past
Mandy and Ian Whitehouse. Doug most difficult quiz shows, University years are published on the alumni
was delighted to get many cards Challenge. David, who is reading website on Thursdays, by Jenny
from his world-wide ‘tourist party’ Archaeology, represented York and Lorna in the Development
University in 2019. Office, with the aim of rekindling
memories, and this has led to many
Austin Woodcock, Will Eagles, OLs, both former pupils and staff,
Evan Butcher (12-19), and current sending in further photographs and
pupil Jonny Procter, won Lancaster's reminiscences. In the few weeks
Search for a Star contest at the Grand since this innovation, there has
Theatre with their band, Gloria. been a great response to the initial
The band was formed at LRGS and themes of School trips, the CCF and
the group have played at various the Duke of Edinburgh Award, and
events at LRGS, including last year's the photographs and any associated
Strolling with Shakespeare, and Band recollections can be seen on the
Geoff Foster, Douglas Cameron, 2019. Night at Lancaster Brewery. Gloria alumni website.
21You can also read
