A CHRONICLE OF THE OLD BRIDLINGTONIAN CLUB
NUMBER 53 • AUGUST 2018 - JULY 2019 2 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
Old Bridlingtonian Club 2019
President ...... Tim Kench
Roddy Watson 56 St Aidan Road, Secretary/Chairman...... Bridlington YO16 7SN Tel: 07710 413975 Email: [email protected]
Jim Ezard Assistant Secretary...... Email: [email protected]
Daren Wilkinson Treasurer ...... Tel: 07879 490500 Email: [email protected]
Susan Shilladay 99 Marton Road, Archivist ...... Bridlington YO16 7PX Email: [email protected] Assisted by Garth Blackburn
OB Editor ...... Vacant
Martin Barmby Marketing Officer ...... Email: [email protected]
Kate Parker-Randall Senior Staff Member ...... Bridlington School Old Bridlingtonian Club – 3
Old Bridlingtonian Club 2019
Alan Fumagalli Golf Secretary ...... 17 Bladon Road, Bridlington YO16 7DY Tel: 01262 678409
Paul Gibson 13 Beaulieu Court, Hillcroft Crescent, Membership/Subscription Secretary...... London W5 2SL. Tel: 020 8998 6044 Email: membership@ oldbridlingtonianclub.org.uk
Independent Examiner...... Douglas Robinson
School Liaison Officer ...... Vacant
Committee: Barry Back, Mike Eveleigh, Todd Johnson, Neil Kitching and Mark Parker-Randall
The Secretaries of the Branches will be happy to supply information on request.
Cambridge Branch Roddy Watson, 56 St Aidan Road, Bridlington YO16 7SN Tel: 07710 413975. Email: [email protected]
London and District Branch Paul Gibson, 13 Beaulieu Court, Hillcroft Crescent, London W5 2SL Telephone: 020 8998 6044. Email: [email protected]
Sheffield and District Branch Eddy de Brouwer, 9 Den Bank Close, Crosspool, Sheffield S10 5PA Telephone: 0114 230 8691. Email: [email protected]
North West Branch Andrew Calvert, 1 Anson Croft, Hambleton, Selby YO8 9QW Telephone: 01757 228156. Email: [email protected] www.oldbridlingtonianclub.org.uk 4 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
OB Number 53 August 2018-July 2019 CONTENTS
Editorial: Tributes to Mike Mortimore 5 Headteacher’s Report 8 Professional/Personalia 9 School Remembrance Service 10 CCF Signals Report 2019 10 CCF Report 2018/2019 12 RAF Window at Trinity Church 15 Robin Roe 16 Informal Reunion in France 18 Rock of Ages: Bridlington Spa 19 Spring Reunion Lunch 20 Annual General Meeting 21 Annual Dinner 24 Now No More (2018 version) 29 New OB Club polo shirts 31 Letter from Norman Feather 31 Old Bridlingtonian Notes: Births, Marriages, Deaths 32 Sheffield Branch Report 2018 35 London Branch Report 38 Manchester and NW Branch Report 42 Sheffield Branch Report 2019 44 Faces from the Past 48 Dates to Remember 50 Old Bridlingtonian Club – 5
Editorial
Most of you will know that Mike Mortimore retired last year as Editor of this magazine, and many will have learnt with sadness of Mike’s death earlier this year. An appreciation of Mike appears beneath, alongside shorter tributes contributed by members of the Club. This, then, is the first time for 22 years that the OB magazine has not been produced under Mike’s stewardship, so on this occasion more than ever we are grateful to the professionalism and skill of our publishers, Positive Action Publications, and in particular to Sarah Dove, for guiding the magazine from a collection of disparate pieces on the editing team’s hard drive to the finished product you have before you now. Any errors or omissions remain, of course, entirely the responsibility of the editing team. IRW
Mike Mortimore
Sadly I was never taught by Mike, but my first close encounter with him was when Desmond Charlton used to regularly invite him to the CCF Adventure Training Camp in the Lake District – a little place called Lorton near Keswick. This took place during half-term holiday in the summer term. Cadets slept in old army bivouac tents, Jack Hargreaves slept in the back of his Bedford van – EHDC called it the ‘tin tent’. Mike and other adults had slightly larger tents. There were no toilets only the woods. Mike would shave and comb his hair with the aid of the wing mirror on the landrover. He wore some enormous boots, a safari-type jacket and was topped off with a large tropical-type helmet. Lunch was always sandwiches and the only drink was a swig of metal-tasting water from a WW2 water bottle. Desmond made us walk up a peak each day and I was not a very fit 14 year old. My legs ached! Evening meal was heated-up army compo rations – everything came in tins. The top of the tins were pierced and then placed in boiling water heated by a gas stove. Jack Hargreaves then gripped the rim of the very hot tin with a pair of pliers and thrust it at you, where you had to be ready with your mess tin. Mike always made jovial remarks about being served his evening meal with a pair of pliers. After leaving school I continued to see Mike at countless OB functions and often gave 6 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
him and Cynthia lifts to these. Latterly Mike kindly delivered some wonderful talks to our church group in Harpham. His talks on a wide variety of subjects, including some well- known Old Bridlingtonians, became an annual event. He was due to give us a talk and tour of his beloved church at Boynton, in June of this year. Unfortunately, this was not to be. God Bless you Mike, we will miss you.
John F. Wresdell (64-72)
Further tributes to Mike Mortimore
I was very sorry to read of Mike Mortimore's death. Please give his family my condolences. Peter Adamczyk-Haswell (1950)
I was very sad to hear of MJAM’s passing and so glad I had a last chance to speak to him recently at a reunion. He taught me History for my entire seven years at School and was my form master as well. In truth I owe my nearly 40-year career in archaeology to his teaching: for that and much more I will forever be grateful to him, and to Bridlington School. Trevor Brigham (70-77)
So sad to hear about Mike. He never taught me but always had my greatest respect for what he did for the school and the OBs. Please pass on my regards to his family for his tenacity and legacy. David Browning (66-73)
Sad news. He was revered by many and will be sorely missed by all. Andrew Calvert (57-63)
I have just received the OB email about the reunion in France, and with it the sad news of the death of Mike Mortimore. Mike was the teacher that I knew best from my three years at Brid School (62-65). Later, I went to his old college at Oxford to study history, and I owe it not only to his teaching but also his personal encouragement that I even considered applying there: I will always be very grateful to him. We kept in touch for a few years and I came across him again later in the ‘80s when I lived in Scarborough. And I’ve always enjoyed what he has had to say in the OB magazine. Ted Crofton (62-65)
Old Bridlingtonian Club – 7
I’ve just read your very sad note about Mike Mortimore. What a great shame. He was a lovely man for whom I had a lot of time. He was my form teacher in, I think, form 3. I came across him quite a lot more recently since we were both involved in the Bridlington Talking Newspaper. Please pass on my condolences to Cynthia and the rest of his family. Stephen Davison (65-72)
It was a pleasure to work with Mike on the production of the OB magazine during the last 10 years and I looked forward to his visits to our Driffield office immensely. We always had such interesting conversations, particularly on the subject of grammar and the demise of the apostrophe! He is truly missed. Sarah Dove, Positive Action Publications Ltd
A great sadness for a wonderful man, who was and will continue to be a great inspiration for so many. David Evans (66-73)
Very sorry to hear of the death of Mike Mortimore. He made such an excellent job of editing the Old Bridlingtonian that he will be hard to replace. He arrived at the school just as I was leaving and as the school has gone through its ups and downs and really become totally transformed in recent years, he has been a reminder of those earlier grammar school days. Like others on the staff, he was a breath of air from the south [not to disparage we northerners] and I hope that his widow, whom I believe came from the leafy environment of Windsor, will have support from Bridlington friends as well as the OB Club. John Metcalfe (49-57)
Firstly, I would like to say how sorry I am to hear that Mr M.J.A. Mortimore has died. Now that he is sadly no longer with us, I feel I can safely begin a sentence with ‘firstly’. Over 50 years ago I presented him with what I thought was a well-written history essay which fell at the first fence. He pulled me up for writing ‘firstly’, rather than ‘first’ in the sequence of points I was making. “Spurr,” he said, “‘firstly’ (which he’d underlined in red) is bad English. You must always use ‘first’ then ‘secondly’ and ‘thirdly’ and so on.” I got no further in history than an O Level, although I’ve had a lifelong interest in the subject, and I chair an all-Ulster history body here in Ireland. The history ‘Jammy’ was obliged to teach us was too ‘political’ for me. I preferred the more social sort – what people were eating, wearing, reading, building, singing, and writing, rather than what kings and lawmakers were doing. Now I can’t get enough of politics. I’ve grown up at last. So, secondly, I hope Jammy had a peaceful end. He’s one of the last masters I would recall. Thirdly, I came back to Brid for the reunion in 2012. Mike Mortimore was there at the AGM, but I didn’t 8 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
speak to him. I should have, and told him: “Firstly, I’d like to say that you were a far better teacher of history than I was a pupil!” J. C. Spurr (62-68)
I was very saddened to hear of the passing of Mike Mortimore. He was such a stalwart of the OB Club and was a wonderful teacher of history. Mike Taylor (64-71)
Headteacher’s Report: July 2019
Bridlington School has shown a continuous commitment to learning both in and out of the classroom with an approach that celebrates community, respect, teamwork, well- being and opportunity. As Results Day commences, both students and teachers across the school are beaming with pride as they celebrate a great set of results. As you know, being a Young Bridlingtonian is about so much more than exam results. We have flown the Young Bridlingtonian Standard with pride once again this year locally, nationally and internationally. Our joint charity work with the Old Bridlingtonians saw us: open the second phase of Hope School in Kenema, Sierra Leone; support the work of the Royal British Legion nationally and locally; support the work of The Hinge and our SEWA pioneers completed a community litter pick. We enjoyed many fantastic creative art, drama and music events ranging from the Art & Design Exhibition at the Spa in Spring to the Musical ‘Rock of Ages’ in the Summer, to most recently participating in the Sand Art British record attempt. Our CCF cadets have done us proud once again, as have our Sports Team with students bringing home national and international winning trophies. This year as we hand on the Torch of Life, we reaffirm our TORCH values as a community. Finally I would like to thank the Old Bridlingtonians for their unwavering support of the school once again and look forward to our joint ventures during this next year.
Kate Parker-Randall Old Bridlingtonian Club – 9
Professional/Personalia
Grant Bayne (85-92) attended the BridKids ‘Children Are The Future’ revival at the Spa Royal Hall on 30th September 2018, 30 years after being in the orchestra for its original performance. There was, he said, ‘some very ropey viola playing from me during a fun reunion’.
At the Local Government Election in May, Mike Cockerill (58-63) successfully defended his seat as an Independent Member representing Filey on Scarborough Borough Council. Since 2011 Mike has been a member of the Cabinet with the remit for Major Projects, mainly Coast and Flood Protection schemes. These multi-million pound projects have included the stabilisation of the cliff behind the former Futurist building at Scarborough, the refurbishment of the Piers at Whitby, the cliff stabilisation behind the Spa Complex at Scarborough and the Filey Flood Alleviation Scheme. The value of these four schemes alone are over £32 million. Mike also topped the poll for election to Filey Town Council.
Aaron Graham (00-05) is a Corporal in the Army Air Corps. He was posted to 9 Reg at Dishforth until it was disbanded and was then transferred to 1 Reg based at Yeovilton. He is now currently posted to the Army Training Centre at Pirbright as an Instructor. He has served in Afghanistan and Iraq. He has been very active and taken part in the following: British Army Under 21 Alpine Ski Champ 2009; AAC Under 25 Orienteering Champ x6 times; Joint Helicopter Force Orienteering Champ 2015; AAC Orienteering Corps Colours; Great North Run 1:45:10; Man vs Lakes 2017 5:54; Pirbright Adventure Race Champ; 7k canoe 26k mountain bike 13k run over Pen y Fan; Old Bridlingtonians Cross Country champ, 5/6 times (back to back maybe). He was selected to take part in the Nijmegen March in July this year, and recently attended a Queen’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace with his wife Laura.
Alistair Watson (62-70) has retired from his role at the City Law Firm, Herbert Smith Freehills and now focuses on the voluntary sector. He is, amongst other things, a governor of St Marylebone CE School in Westminster, a Trustee of the Royal British Legion Industries (a sister charity of the Royal British Legion) and a Pilotlighter. He is also a member of Surrey County Cricket Club (with a pang of conscience, having been a junior member of YCCC many years ago). 10 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
School Remembrance Service
The School Service of Remembrance was held on 12th November. As the platform party entered the School Hall, sixth-form students Ffion Hutchinson and Tia Mainprize sang ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon. The Headteacher, Kate Parker-Randall, welcomed everyone to the Service, and eight Year 8 students read extracts from ‘Nothing More to Say’, Topham Hough’s letters from the trenches of WW1. This was followed by the hymn ‘O God, Our Help in Ages Past’. Accompanied by music, four students then processed slowly from the rear of the Hall to the stage to conduct a moving re-enactment of a wartime firing squad. In his sermon, Mark Parker-Randall focused on the recent Remembrance 100 event, where three months of reflection and prayer had marked the centenary of the period between the fourth anniversary of the start of WW1 on 4th August and the signing of the armistice 100 days later on 11th November. Mark concluded his talk with the Prayer of St Francis of Assisi. The Rev Matthew Pollard then performed a dedication of the Young and Old Bridlingtonian Standards and a new Union flag. The Old Bridlingtonian Standard was carried by Martin Barmby. Following the bidding, students Jack Shepherd and Alfie Robson laid flowers at the Book of Remembrance, and Cadet Pilot Officer Sarah Green read Laurence Binyon’s poem ‘For the Fallen’, before the Last Post was sounded by bugler Wendy Brayshaw. After the two-minutes’ silence and reveille, Sarah Green read the epitaph attributed to John Maxwell Edmonds, ending “For your tomorrow, we gave our today.” A number of pupils situated in different parts of the Hall then performed a tribute to Bridlingtonians who had been killed in WW1, reading out their names and regiments and their ages at the time they had fallen. The Lord’s Prayer and the hymn ‘Praise My Soul, the King of Heaven’ concluded the proceedings.
CCF Signals Report 2019
You may remember my disappointment over the withdrawal of the Morse practice oscillators, well I am pleased to report the issuing authority has relented and allowed us to keep them. This is good as the cadets enjoy using them. The small hand-held radios are being put to good use in Radio User training and on exercises. I am also delighted to report the new HF radio has arrived. That’s the good news; the bad news is we are the only CCF in the country to have one, i.e. we have no one to talk to! Some ACFs have received them but as they parade in the evenings activity is not coordinated yet. I was determined to get CCF on the air nationally and our Old Bridlingtonian Club – 11
Cadets operating in the ATC radio exercise called Cadets receiving their Radio User certificates in ‘Blue Ham’ in March 2019. May 2019.
Cadets using the Morse training oscillators.
CO F/Lt Matt Broadley arranged a training day at school on Saturday 16th March, this coincided with RAF Air Cadets radio exercise ‘Blue Ham’. The cadets helped me erect a temporary aerial mast and we made contacts with ATC units and radio amateurs all round the UK. The best contacts were with Denmark and Germany. Operators on this exercise included the following cadets who had done the Cadet Radio User course with me and the results were: • Cdts Paris Berriman-Taylor, Jacob Egerton, Amy Friberg and Lillie Smelt – Passed with Distinction. • Cdts Jack Coulam, Skye Shippey and Bailey Firat – Passed with Merit • Cdt Millie Gladstone – Pass The powers that be at Blandford (Royal School of Signals) have indicated that the ACF/CCF national signals competition may be reinstated in the future, now the new sets are being issued. With this in mind, the next practical task is to erect some permanent wire aerials to give us all-round UK coverage.
John Wresdell (64 -72) CFAV 12 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
CCF 2018/2019
This academic year has been a very busy and productive one for our Unit. Our cadets have paraded at Remembrance Sunday, the School’s Remembrance Service, D-Day Memorial, the Old Town Festival and Armed Forces Day. They have also sold poppies worth £1500 for the annual Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, alongside military veterans in the town centre. The Unit hosted a successful Signals day with the help of our Civilian Instructor John Wresdell, where the cadets learnt how to use Morse code and also used the radios to make contact with people as far away as Norway! Several of our new cadets also completed their basic Signals course. In December, a Staff member in the RAF Section, Sarah Green successfully completed her Initial Officer Training at RAF Cranwell, and graduated as a Pilot Officer. Pilot Officer Green has since taken over as Officer in Charge of the RAF Section, whilst Flight Lieutenant Matt Broadley remains Commanding Officer of the Unit. In March, our Unit held their annual Nighthawk Exercise on the Training Area at Driffield, where cadets took part in various activities including Camouflage and Concealment, preparing Camp, movement in the field and a Section Attack. For some cadets, this was their first camp and a very enjoyable one. In April, Cadet Corporal Isobel Waldie was chosen to be the Mayor’s Cadet for Bridlington Town Council for the year 2019/20, escorting the Mayor at many public events in the local area. So far, she is doing a great job representing the Unit and the School at many functions with the Mayor. In May, our cadets completed their annual Adventure Training Camp at Halton Camp near Lancaster, where they took part in hill walking, Old Bridlingtonian Club – 13
mountain rescue training, rock climbing, mountain biking and kayaking/canoeing and had a very enjoyable week. After passing her selection, Cadet Corporal Molly Green successfully completed her Air Cadet Pilot Scholarship (ACPS) at Tayside Aviation in Dundee, which included two weeks of intense pilot theory training, a written exam and a number of flying hours with an Instructor. She thoroughly enjoyed this experience. In July, after a successful selection, Cadet Sergeant Keane Heslop completed his Air Cadet Leadership Course (ACLC) at RAF Cranwell. This course included a timed run and several Leadership Command Tasks. Keane performed very well and received a special Certificate as he was part of the highest achieving Flight on the course. Also in July, cadets from both Army and RAF sections completed their Annual Camp at Warcop Camp, with the Army Cadet Training Team from the Yorkshire Regiment. They had a very busy week, with various training exercises which they gained great experience from. At the end of the school year, two of our longest serving Army cadets left the Unit as they finished School at the end of 6th Form. Cadet Corporal Samantha Downsworth will now go to Northumbria University to study Sociology and Cadet Sergeant Oliver Snowden is hoping to go to Sandhurst and train as an Army Officer. The Unit thanks them for their contribution over the years and wishes them both Good Luck! Sarah Green Trout Inn
Wansford Near Driffield Free House Lunches: Served Tuesday to Sunday Evening Meals: Tuesday to Saturday Bar Meals also available lunch and evening Now open for Sunday lunches Functions: Up to 80 Specialities: Local Trout, Fresh Duck and Steaks John Smith’s Beers Large Selection of Wines Telephone: (01377) 254204 Old Bridlingtonian Club – 15
The RAF Window at Trinity Church, Bridlington: A Memorial to Charles Stanley Read, OB
The RAF window at Trinity Church was installed after the Great War as a memorial to Charles Stanley Read, 2nd Lieutenant in the Royal Flying Corps. He made his last flight on 6th December 1917 and was reported missing in action. He was only 19, and although he had no known grave, he is remembered on the Arras Flying Services memorial at Faubourg d’Amiens cemetery in France. He left £213 and his medals were given to his father. The window was fitted by Heaton, Butler and Bayne. As the Royal Flying Corps had merged with the Royal Naval Air Service on 1st April 1918 to form the RAF, they have incorporated this onto the Flying Corps badge at the top of the window. The window, which has recently been restored, is exquisitely beautiful, especially the red and blue stained glass which are deep and intense. The saints George, Michael and Nicholas are portrayed. It is said that the central figure of St Michael bears a resemblance to Charles Read. They are surrounded by a wealth of intricate detail: flowers, shields and even a small dragon, perched on St George’s helmet. The inscription at the base of the window reads:
TO THE GLORY OF GOD & IN PROUD & LOVING REMEMBRANCE OF 2ND LIEUT CHARLES STANLEY READ ROYAL FLYING CORPS. AGED 19 YEARS HE MADE HIS LAST FLIGHT IN FRANCE DEC 6TH 1917. REPORTED MISSING. THIS WINDOW IS ERECTED BY HIS PARENTS HENRY CHARLES & BLANCHE READ & BY HIS TWO SISTERS
The Read family lived at 2 Park Avenue, close to the church, and Charles’s parents served on the PCC. There are no family members now living in Bridlington but a few years ago 11 relations travelled from London to view the window: they said that his parents were so proud of him and that after his death were never the same again. Charles Read attended Bridlington School, coming from Hymers College and going on later to Rossall School. His years at Bridlington School are not known, but are likely to have been in the period 1909 to 1913. He has an entry in the OBC RAF Register, which is available to view on the OB Club website.
16 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
Robin Roe (49-55) Some Reminiscences
It is sad to report the passing of my friend Robin Roe, who was at School 1949-55. We met on the school bus in Driffield in 1949 and remained firm friends for the whole six years and never had a cross word. A more loyal friend one could not have wished for. He was very athletic. I remember one afternoon when leaving the rugby field I hid a half brick under an old school cap on the drive and, unfortunately, the first person to come round the corner was Robin who couldn't resist a flying kick at the cap. He limped severely for several days and promised Armageddon to the brick culprit once discovered. I never owned up. One Wednesday the Regular Army crew, who were to give us a work-out in the CCF, left the ignition keys in their Jeep over the dinner hour and Robin and I decided to go for a run around Brid in it. We were about to leave the bottom of the drive onto St. John's Avenue but ran into Les Suggitt coming in on his bike. Chas Coomber gave me three of the best and I think Robin got two as he wasn't driving. I wet my short trousers which were flannel. I think Robin's were worsted and, being thinner, wouldn't quite absorb the sting as well. He didn't wet his trousers being made of the right stuff! Around bonfire night one year he produced a banger on the Driffield bus and, being short of a volunteer, I agreed to throw it. Robin lit it as we approached the Bessingby bus stop where several female potato pickers from Hull, most of whom I knew, were waiting for the Hull bus. The firework fell on a chicken, on the lap of one of the ladies, which she had bought from the farmer where she had been working. The explosion virtually plucked the chicken as Mighty Atoms were good value at 2d each! Sadly the lady thought the chicken had exploded and ran out into the road and got knocked down by a car. Peggy Mount, the conductress, went hysterical. I owned up to the misdemeanour under severe interrogation in George Street Bus Station as the remaining boys were not to be allowed off without a nominated culprit. The silence of the top deck contingent was steadfast and I admired their loyalty at the time but realised it wouldn't hold out if they were going to miss their connections. I had to apologise to the lady who came in on the next bus. She had a badly bruised leg and gave me a telling off. We had picked spuds together several times at Middleton. That should have been it but the East Yorkshire Inspector was out for blood and promotion and sent for the Police who made a case of it. I got a good hiding when the summons arrived and another hiding when my father had to pay the 30 shillings fine and also lost half a day's pay to attend court. Somehow Chas Coomber got wind of it and my trousers got another soaking. Old Bridlingtonian Club – 17
I also remember Robin was remarkably good at ‘gurning’ and spent quite a bit of waiting time on the top deck, before the bus left, pulling some remarkable faces at a pretty girl on the footpath from the High School. Later she married my cousin in Market Weighton. Small world. Robin moved to Quebec in 1967 and got a teaching job as head of Physical Education in a local High School. From there he moved to a Vice Principal's position at the elementary level and finally accepted a Principal's position. After 10 years he moved to Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick as Supervising Principal of three different schools. After 10 years he moved to Richibucto in New Brunswick as Superintendent of all schools in a larger District. After a few years in the area the N. B. Government restructured the Districts making them much larger. Robin was made Superintendent of one of these super Districts. After a number of years he was presented with the opportunity of a lifetime and became Assistant Deputy Minister for Education for the entire Province, before being appointed Deputy Minister for Education for New Brunswick. This was the highlight of his career as this post usually went to someone who was politically affiliated with a specific party. He held the position through two separate governments and had no special affiliation with either. What a fellow. He did Bridlington School proud. Colin Burnett (49-56) 18 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
Informal Reunion in France
Following the connection established by Tim Kench, John Wresdell and Richard Markwell it was suggested that the Club hold a lunch in France. The problem was where to hold such an event; France being such a vast country. An obvious choice was Bridlington's twin town, Millau, in the Tarn Valley, where students from Bridlington School have benefitted from exchange visits. However the beauty of Aveyron is offset by its remoteness. Another option was Chantilly, a delightful small town north of Paris, well served by the main road and rail transport arteries. Also, as Chantilly is twinned with Epsom, my home town, I was familiar with the locality. Several Old Bridlingtonians were known to live within easy reach of Chantilly. I had already dined at an excellent restaurant near the town centre, l'Auberge de Vertugadin. There were hotels nearby and the restaurant was a short walk from the railway station. A date was selected, Saturday 15th September, being between the end of the French Summer Holidays and the Old Bridlingtonian Lunch in Sheffield. Fourteen of us attended the lunch. On the day the sun shone and it was very warm. We had been invited to eat outside in a walled courtyard, in true French fashion. The ambience of the restaurant was wonderful; the food was excellent and beautifully served. Michael, who owned the restaurant, was a delightful host. Speeches were kept to a minimum. There was another surprise. I had invited a friend, Marie-Claude Fontaine from the Chantilly Twinning Association. Marie-Claude was no stranger to the Yorkshire Coast Old Bridlingtonian Club – 19
having spent two years as a language student in South Yorkshire. Thanks to the initiative of John Blythe and others, Marie-Claude was presented with a framed photo of the School and a large bunch of flowers. In return each guest received a gift from La Ville de Chantilly; a wonderful reminder of the day. Peter Hardy (55-61)
Rock of Ages: Bridlington Spa
The school musical ‘Rock of Ages’ was performed at the Spa Theatre in early July 2019. The show was amazing. Some great comments were received about how professional and how much energy there was on stage. Three evening shows were performed Monday-Wednesday and one matinee to the local primary schools. The live band was made up from teachers and students and special mention must go to the two Year 10 students who played the lead guitar and bass. The leads were phenomenal with Molly Green as Sherrie and Jamie Mckellar as Drew. These parts are extremely technically demanding and they made it look easy. Nathan Turner played Lonny who narrated the show and played the part brilliantly bringing so much comedy to the stage. Supporting roles were all played by Year 13 students who are about to head off to university to do Performing Arts or Music, apart from the part of Franz which was played by a Year 7 student Kaiden Hardy. He is definitely one to watch in the future as he did an amazing job. All together there were 72 cast members and five backstage crew. I am really proud of what they have achieved and hope that we have created a memory that they will cherish forever. Nina Hardy, Head of Performing Arts, Bridlington School
NB. The ‘OB Roving Group’ attended in good numbers. This informal group met for a meal at the nearby Rags Restaurant on the Harbour Top and then walked down to the Spa for what has become an excellent annual event. If you would like to join them next year please contact the OB Secretary Roddy Watson.
20 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
Spring Reunion Lunch
The Old Bridlingtonian Club Spring Reunion Lunch was held for the fifth year in succession at Bridlington Rugby Club on Saturday 30th March. There was a somewhat lower turnout than usual with 36 members, friends and families attending. However, many OBs commented on how much they had enjoyed this relaxed, informal occasion in the excellent surroundings of the Rugby Club. The Function Organiser, Mike Eveleigh, welcomed the Bridlington School Headteacher, Kate Parker-Randall and the OB Club President, Tim Kench. After an outstanding buffet lunch, Mike Eveleigh took the opportunity to thank Helen Owen for the catering arrangements, and Jane Eveleigh for her leading role in organising the event. Thanks were also given to Garth Blackburn for providing numerous photos from the Club Archives showing School Staff from the early 20th Century to the present day.
Attendees Bruce G. Allison, Judith Allison, Thomas Bean, Garth M. Blackburn, Ann Blackburn, John C. Blythe, Trish Blythe, Andrew E. Calvert, Hilary Darley, Mike Eveleigh, Jane Eveleigh, James R. Ezard, Gill Ezard, Jim Garton, Alison Harvey, Graham D. Housam, Tim R. Kench, Steve Kitching, Michael J. A. Mortimore, Cynthia Mortimore, Kenneth Nixon, June Nixon, Kate Parker-Randall, John Richardson, Michael Stark, Tony Sugdon, Heather Sugdon, Gordon Sutton, Margaret Trow, Sean Walters, I. Roddy Watson, Bob Wilson, Malcolm E. Wilson, Anne Wilson, John F. Wresdell, Yvonne Wresdell.
Apologies Martin Barmby, Stuart A. Blackwell, Eddy de Brouwer, Andrew Dismore, Peter Elliott, Ted Fox, Ian Graham, Peter Hardy, Nicholas Johnson, Neil Kitching, David Lakin, Steve Pace, Alec Scotter, Sue Shilladay, Brenda Sturgess, Neil D. Warwick. Old Bridlingtonian Club – 21
Annual General Meeting
The 106th Annual General Meeting of the Club was again held in the main School Hall, at 3pm on Saturday 8th December 2018. I. R. Watson was in the chair and the customary silence was observed for deceased members, remembering particularly Kerrigan Redman, Headteacher from 1989 to 1994, who had died the previous week. Apologies for absence were received from Mike Eveleigh, Nick Foster, Jim Garton, Michael Gough, Ian Graham, Mike Mortimore, Neil Warwick, Jürgen Werner and Malcolm Wilson. The minutes of the 105th AGM were taken as reported in the OB Chronicle, on a proposal by Pippa Warcup, seconded by David Lakin. There was only one Matter Arising from the Minutes. J. F. Wresdell reported that the list of the Heads of Corps was now complete and had been produced at a reasonable price and with very good results. The finished boards were shown to the meeting, and will be mounted on the wall in the Cadet Force building at School. The President gave a brief report on his year in office, saying that he had had a great year, having attended all the Branch reunions and all events with the School. The Secretary gave a report on the main activities of the Club during the past year. These included the publication of the RAF Register, for which particular thanks were expressed to Mike Eveleigh, Peter Elliott, Mike Gething, Mike Horah and Sue Shilladay; the presentation by the President of OBC prizes to three students at the School’s Celebration of Achievement in July; the superb School production of Oklahoma! at the Spa Theatre in July, which had been attended by 15 OBs and their guests; the reunion in France in September, the first in the Club’s 115-year history, which had been organised by Peter Hardy and attended by 14 members and guests; the BridKids Reunited event at the Spa in September, which had received a donation from the Club and which had raised a considerable sum for Myeloma Research in memory of Jodie Cappleman; the completion by Chris Thomas of the OB Standards, which were dedicated by the Rev Matthew Pollard at the Remembrance Service in November and paraded through the streets of Bridlington on Armistice Day; and the continued development of the Club website and Facebook pages by Jim Ezard, Pippa Warcup and Martin Barmby. The Treasurer reported on the financial state of the Club and presented the Annual Statement of Accounts. The accounts were approved unanimously on a proposal by Tony Sugdon, seconded by Tim Kench. The Membership and Subscription Secretary, Paul Gibson, announced that membership stood at 517. Responding to an enquiry from David Lakin, Paul stated that there had been no student memberships for the last two years. It was announced The Magazine Editor, Mike Mortimore, was retiring after 21 years in the post. The Chairman, on behalf of the assembled company, thanked Mike for 22 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
producing such a consistently accurate record of the Club’s activities and an informative and interesting journal. The Marketing Officer, Martin Barmby, reported that the Club’s Facebook page was continuing to expand and develop. The Archivist, Sue Shilladay, reported that it had been a relatively quiet year, with few queries for assistance with family history. There had, however, been an increasing number of enquiries from writers researching local military history. There was no Senior member of the School staff present. Branch Secretaries: Paul Gibson stated that the London Branch reunion would be held on Saturday 16th February 2019. Mike Eveleigh confirmed that the Spring reunion would be held on Saturday 30th March, as usual at the Rugby Club. The cost would be about £12. Andrew Calvert, North West Branch Secretary, noted that the 2019 reunion would once again be held at Grange-over-Sands, on 18th May. Roddy Watson, Cambridge Branch Secretary, announced that in order to avoid the crowds of summer tourists and to take advantage of lower hotel rates in the autumn, the Cambridge Branch reunion would move from July to October. It would therefore be held on 19th October 2019, at Peterhouse. To allow this change of date, Eddy de Brouwer, Sheffield Branch Secretary, had kindly agreed to move the Sheffield Branch reunion, previously held in October, to the summer. The Sheffield Branch reunion would therefore be on 20th July 2019, as usual at Tapton Hall. Trustees’ Report: Peter Thompson reported that total assets, including the Wilfrid Parkinson Memorial Fund, currently stood at £36,537.23. Thanks were expressed to Peter
D. Dunk, Lewis & Graves Chartered Valuation Surveyors & Estate Agents
RICHARD DUNK F.N.A.E.A., RICHARD J. GRAVES F.R.I.C.S. SALES & VALUATIONS OF ALL TYPES OF PROPERTY PLUS THE RICS HOMEBUYER REPORT
3/5 Chapel Street Tel: 01262 672576 Fax: 01262 400009 Bridlington Email:[email protected] East Yorkshire www.ddlgestates.co.uk YO15 2DR www.surveyorsbridlington.co.uk Old Bridlingtonian Club – 23
for his sterling work in sorting out the Trustees’ financial situation and for producing the annual statement of assets. It was announced that Dave Smith had resigned as Trustee and that the Committee had elected in his place Paul Gibson. Dave was thanked for his work with the Trustees. Confirmation of President 2018/19: Tim Kench was formally confirmed. Election of President Elect 2018/19: Paul Gibson proposed Alec Scotter. This was seconded by Tony Sugdon and unanimously approved. Election of Officers: It was noted that one long-serving Club officer is stepping down, namely Mike Mortimore as Magazine Editor. Mike was thanked again for his hard work and dedication. There was a Committee nomination for the post of Magazine Editor, namely Pippa Warcup. Following a proposal from David Lakin, seconded by Sam Velickovic, Pippa was elected unanimously. It was noted that two positions were currently vacant, namely Assistant Secretary and School Liaison Officer. There was a Committee nomination for the post of Assistant Secretary, namely Jim Ezard. Following a proposal from Paul Gibson, seconded by David Burnett, Jim was elected unanimously. There were no nominations for the position of School Liaison Officer. The rest of the officers were unanimously re-elected en bloc. Election of Committee: Three of the six Committee members, namely Mike Eveleigh, Neil Kitching and Mark-Parker Randall, all within their three-year term, remained on the Committee without re-election. Of the remaining three Committee members, Paul Atkinson had, with regret, resigned and because of their election as officers of the Club, Jim Ezard and Pippa Warcup were now ineligible to remain as Committee members. There was a nomination from the Committee for another Committee member, namely Barry Back. Following a proposal from Paul Gibson, seconded by Daren Wilkinson, Barry was elected unanimously. Following this, Todd Johnson was proposed for Committee member by Peter Thompson, seconded by Pippa Warcup, and elected unanimously. Election of Examiner of Accounts: This position had become vacant owing to the death of Brian Taylor earlier in the year. Barry Back had agreed to take on the role but his election to the Committee had made him ineligible. Douglas Robinson kindly offered to take up the position, and after being formally proposed by Tim Kench and seconded by John Richardson was elected unanimously.
Votes of Thanks: Grateful thanks were expressed to those who had contributed to the success of the afternoon’s activities. These were: members of the caretaking staff and PFI for use of the School; David Evans and Andrew Tiernan for organising the chess competition; Martin Barmby for the Act of Remembrance; Jan Elmhirst for the conducted tour; and Jan Elmhirst and Mary Norris for providing and serving refreshments.
There being no further business, the meeting closed at 4:10pm.
24 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
Annual Dinner
The Annual Dinner was held, once again, at the Expanse Hotel on Saturday 7th December 2018. Ninety-five members and guests were present. Peter Thompson presided, and Roddy Watson undertook the duties of toast master. Following grace from the Rev Mark Parker-Randall, the President introduced the guests as follows: • Kate Parker-Randall – Headteacher • Sarah Birkbeck – Head Girl • Louis Garland – Head Boy • Molly Green – Deputy Head Girl and Senior Cadet • Keane Heslop – Deputy Head Boy and Senior Cadet • John Blythe, who retired in September 2018 from the offices of Assistant Secretary and Chairman after many years’ service. • Mike Mortimore, who retired after 21 years as the editor of the OB Magazine. • Clive Thompson who had retired in December 2017 from the office of Club Treasurer. Before the meal, the President made various announcements including the news that after the successful launch in 2017, there would again be a disco following the evening’s formal proceedings. There was then a presentation of special copies of the RAF Register, with a copy going to the school, accepted by the Head and two copies to the School CCF accepted by the two Senior Cadets, Keane Heslop and Molly Green. The RAF Register was published in the summer of 2018, in time for the RAF centenary, owing to the magnificent efforts of Mike Eveleigh, Peter Elliott, Mike Gething, Mike Horah and Sue Shilladay. This is an ongoing project listing all OBs who have served in the RAF or its antecedents. As is customary, during the meal, the President took wine with various groups of individuals. These included: • Past Presidents. • Guests. • The Headteacher. • All current and former members of the teaching staff. • All current and former Branch Chairmen. • All those who walked to the Sanatorium for music lessons with Les Suggitt. • All those who were at School for any part of the same time as the President, whether as pupil or staff (reminder: September 1963 to July 1970). • All those who went to Moorfield School. • All those who at any time rejected Frank Watson’s teaching. • All those who attended at least two of the four Branch lunches during his year (London, North West, Cambridge, Sheffield). After an excellent meal, the Loyal Toast was proposed by the Hon. Secretary Roddy Watson. So as not to be asking himself to speak Roddy was invited to propose the toast Old Bridlingtonian Club – 25
to the President and the OB Club by Paul Gibson. Roddy referred to his long friendship with Peter, having first met in 1957 at Moorfield School. They then both went to Bridlington School in 1963. He referred to Peter’s sporting prowess, where he was excused rugby, being a spectacles wearer, instead was a cross-country runner. This was the only alternative at the time. Roddy and Peter’s school careers followed a similar path, taking O Levels, then A levels, and being taught Chemistry by John Blythe. They left the school in 1970, when Frank Thompson was their form master. Peter went to Royal Holloway College, part of the University of London, and the start of a distinguished career. He attended his first branch function, the London Branch Reunion, in 1983, held at the Royal Scot Hotel in the salubrious surroundings of King’s Cross. The President responded by thanking Roddy for his kind words. He commented that he had made a speech six times as President and topics included school meals, language, Garlands, school reports and speech day programmes. He talked about his year in office and made a special mention of the Remembrance Service, describing it as moving and powerful. He also made a point of thanking the Head. Following this, the 2018 version of ‘Now No More’ ably penned as always by John Lepper, was sung by Ken Nixon and (as an innovation, probably just for this one event) the President, taking alternate verses. They were ably accompanied by Todd Johnson. The President then invested Tim Kench as President for 2019. Tim reciprocated by presenting Peter with his Past President’s Badge. The new President proposed the toast to the School and Staff. He pointed out that he was unique in being the only Old Boy from Wetwang to be elected President of the Club, an honour not afforded to Sir John Huggins, a former Governor General of Jamaica, and from the same village. Tim recalled some memories of Bridlington School, including glass blackboards and purchasing the regulation blazer, short trousers and long socks from Carlton’s in King Street. He made mention of Des Charlton’s play productions and Madge Batty’s chips, cooked in a vat of oil. Tim had taken some time to prepare for his speech by looking at the School’s website, commenting on the Rules, Code of Conduct and general political correctness. The Headteacher, Kate Parker-Randall, responded, the start of her speech being delayed however by having to raise the microphone to an acceptable height following its use by the previous speaker. Many statistics were referred to: the average A Level grade was A minus and 10% achieved Grade 9 at GCSE. A major change was the move from Headlands to Bridlington School of the 6th Form College. She referred to several events that had been held during the school year including 600 students going to Flamingo Land for a ‘Rewards’ trip. As always, the Remembrance Service was a significant event, and in 2018 included the dedication of the new OB and YB standards. The continuing excellent work for the school’s charity in Sierra Leone was about to culminate in a visit in April 2019 by the head and her 26 – Old Bridlingtonian Club Old Bridlingtonian Club – 27 28 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
husband, Mark, to open phase 2 of the building of Hope School. Finally, she thanked the OB Club for its ongoing support. Everyone was stood down at 10.32pm, but the bars remained open, and the disco commenced.
Those present were: Barry Back (94-00), Diane Barmby (Staff 08-15), Martin Barmby (79-85), Grant Bayne (85- 92), Sarah Birkbeck (Head Girl), John Blythe (Staff 67-02), Roger Brocklesby (68-75), Ron Brown (68-76), David Browning (66-73), Stewart Burdess (57-64), David Burnett (59-67), Thomas Burton (37-43), Andrew Calvert (57-63), Bill Chilton (Staff 83-17), Sam Clare (Staff), Steve Collinson (68-75), David Court (71-78), Eddy de Brouwer (69-76), Andrew Dismore (66-72), David Dunn (65-72), Gary Dunn (70-77), Howard Eeles (45-55), Peter Elliott (67-74), David Evans (66-73), Jim Ezard (66-73), Jon Ezard (69-76), Chris Fisk (81-88), Ted Fox (59-66), Alan Fumagalli (Staff 79-11), Chris Garbutt (65-72), James Garbutt (05- 07), Louis Garland (Head Boy), Paul Gibson (66-73), Mark Goodson (70-77), Brian Gowthorpe (66-73), Jacob Green (02-07), Sarah Green (Staff), Alan Hardacre (85-93), Neil Harkin (72-78), Nigel Harrison (68-75), John Harvey (48-53), Philip Hawkins (59-67), Ben Henry (94-00), Keane Heslop (Deputy Head Boy and Senior Cadet), Graham Housam (50- 58), Nick Johnson (67-74), Todd Johnson (98-05), Michael Jones (70-77), Molly Keane (Deputy Head Girl and Senior Cadet), Tim Kench (63-70), Neil Kitching (64-71), Steve Kitching (62-68), David Lakin (59-66), Anthony Lewis (70-77), John Lowther (64-71), Richard Markwell (64-71), Will Milnes (76-83), Mike Mortimore (Staff 57-88), Colin Naylor (66-73), Patrick Newton (61-69), Susan Nicholson (Staff), Ken Nixon (Staff 64-93), Tim Nixon (85-92), Steve Pace (67-74), Kate Parker-Randall (Staff), Mark Parker-Randall (Staff), Simon Parker (85-92), Simon Pick (Staff), Douglas Robinson (59-64), Alec Scotter (58-67), Ian Stark (71-78), Michael Stark (44-53), Peter Stark (66-73), Tony Sugdon (58-66), Gordon Sutton (59-65), Jo Thomassen (85-92), Clive Thompson (46-54), Mike Thompson (62-67), Peter Thompson (63-70), Andrew Tiernan (Staff), Steve Tinegate (69-76), Sam Velickovic (98-05), Sean Walters (69-73), Pippa Warcup (98-05), Alistair Watson (62-70), Roddy Watson (63-70), Martin Wharrie (69-74), Carolyn Widdowson (51-56), John Widdowson (46-54), Daren Wilkinson (94-01), Stephan Willers (58-63), Malcolm Wilson (48-54), Charlie Wray (68-74), John Wresdell (64-72), Holly Wright (98-05).
RJB
Old Bridlingtonian Club – 29
Now No More 2018
Now no more through Hall and Dormy Now No More will Peter Thompson, Rings the sound of clatt’ring feet. Rising from his Flambro’ days Now no more the noises bore me Be presiding at this function, And I find the silence sweet. King of all that he surveys. Why this absence of all clamour? First he conquered London city – Why does not my pencil firm As musician knew the score. Mark, as usual, Latin Grammar Celebrated in this ditty, Papers? ‘Tis the end of term. Here’s his verse in Now No More.
Now no more is upward flying Now No More will Alec Scotter Kept for CCF alone, Host his latest birthday bash. Brid School’s name is still undying, To the race-course OBs totter, In top ten percent we’re known. Where the bookies took their cash. School and OBs work together, Others went to Hull for culture As the OB Mags reveal. In Jim Ezard’s tender care – Find a cap to place a feather Started from a well-known sculpture, For the Kenema Appeal. But they went downhill from there.
Now No More named Local Hero, Now No More will Michael MJAM Liam Dealtry’s prize is won. Ply his busy pen for us. Peter Shaw’s spare time is zero Brid School’s History his grand slam, As his many tasks are done. All accomplished without fuss. Sam Velickovic (returning Modesty makes him deceiver – On his patriotic way), P’raps because he’s from afar? Martin Barmby, (not for turning), We should rate him an achiever, Make the Brid Armed Forces Day. Always Masters Concert Star.
Now No More by long-term workers Now no more through Hall and Dormy Our traditions are maintained. Rings the sound of clatt’ring feet. Their successors are not shirkers, Now no more the noises bore me Great new volunteers we’ve gained. AND I FIND THE SILENCE SWEET. Roddy Watson’s i/c all things – All the jobs which John Blythe had. Daren Wilkinson holds purse strings, Taking time from Branwell’s pad. Old Bridlingtonian Club – 30
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The park has a well-designed infrastructure with maintained roadways and parking adjacent to each static caravan and wi-fi internet access throughout. In addition, each holiday home is surrounded by green space to ensure your privacy and our open period from March to October gives you a wide choice of seasons to enjoy. Wayside Holiday Park Wrelton Pickering Tel 01751 472608 North Yorkshire www.waysideholidaypark.co.uk YO18 8PG
Note: We do not hire holiday homes, static caravans or mobile homes and unfortunately, we cannot take tents. Old Bridlingtonian Club – 31
New OB Club polo shirts
Starting this year, no Old Bridlingtonian’s wardrobe will be complete without the new Club Polo Shirt. In navy blue, with embroidered Club badge and motto in full colour, these cost £20 and are available in a range of sizes – please see the Annual Circular for further information.
Right, OBs Paul Gibson, Mike Eveleigh, Jim Ezard and John Blythe on a ‘cultural tour’ of Leeds in March 2019, impeccably dressed in their new polo shirts. Above, detail of the badge embroidery on the shirts.
Letter from Norman Feather
Norman Feather, a pupil at Bridlington School from 1914 to 1922, was a distinguished nuclear physicist, who amongst other things conducted research which assisted in the development of nuclear fission in the 1940s. He studied at Cambridge University, gaining a BA degree in 1925 and his doctorate in 1931. His research was conducted at the old Cavendish Laboratory in Free School Lane, where from 1936 he was also a lecturer. His teachers Norman Feather in May 1945, and colleagues included Ernest the year he left Cambridge for Rutherford, who in 1911 had Edinburgh. The photograph is discovered the atomic nucleus, and in the National Portrait James Chadwick, who discovered Gallery in London. the neutron in 1932. Feather was elected Fellow of the Royal Society in 1945. For most of his time at Cambridge Feather was a Fellow of Trinity College, where he used to host the OB Cambridge University Branch reunions. He was Club President in 1947. He left Cambridge in 1945 to become Professor of Natural Philosophy at Edinburgh, and died in 1978. The letter shown here was written in August 1945, a few weeks before Feather left for Edinburgh to take up his 32 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
professorship there, and was addressed either to Robert Horspool, who was Art Master at the School when Feather was a pupil, or possibly to D. M. Horspool, a younger contemporary of Feather’s during his School years. Feather had been at the School the previous month to present the prizes at Speech Day. The ‘AT’ referred to in the letter is Arthur Thornton, the first Headmaster of the School and who had been Head in Feather’s day. Thornton was a distinguished mathematician and scientist, who when Feather entered the sixth form in 1919 taught him Physics. ‘Warner’ is A. C. Warner, who had been Second Master from 1912 to 1942.
Old Bridlingtonian Notes
Announcements are published in this Chronicle on the basis of information supplied to the Committee of the Old Bridlingtonian Club on forms circulated among members or by personal contact. Neither the Editor nor the Committee can accept responsibility for inaccuracy, error or mis-statement in the information accepted and published in good faith.
Change of address
50-50 P. R. Adamczyk-Haswell 9 Princess Royal Apartments, 19 Royal Crescent, Whitby YO21 3EJ 57-64 S.B. Burdess Calderwood, 15 Stanbrook Close, Bradfield Southend, Reading RG7 6EW 49-56 C. Burnett 24 Scarborough Road, Filey YO14 9EF 76-83 A.M. Dixon 89 Kingsgate, Bridlington YO15 3NQ 77-82 Caroline Dixon 89 Kingsgate, Bridlington YO15 3NQ 41-51 Dr P.J. Duke Flat 3 Ashley Court, Chapelfields, Frodsham WA6 7BG 52-57 M.C. Gough 2 Meadow Drive, Scruton, Northallerton DL7 0QW 58-65 E.S. Harness 66 Queensgate, Bridlington YO16 7LN 62-70 D.A. Lewis 17 Charles Square, Norwich NR2 4BE 77-84 Dr Melissa J. Mayo Flat 6, 2D Shui Fai Terrace, Wan Chai, Hong Kong 59-65 T.W. Roberts 24 Doxey Road, Stafford ST16 2EW 73-78 N.J. Robinson 23 Church Street, Filey YO14 9ED 53-58 D.M. Shipley Buckton Barn Cottage, Scarborough Road, Bridlington YO16 6XJ Old Bridlingtonian Club – 33
54-62 Dr M.A. Taylor 6140 Young St, Apt 1803, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada B3K 0G2 65-72 H.D. Thompson 204 Seddon House, Barbican, London EC2Y 8BX 79-86 C.J. Walker 15 Rickards Close, Surbiton KT6 6RN
New joiners/rejoiners
81-87 C.B. Fisk 18 Pinfold Meadows, Bridlington YO16 7GT 69-74 C.S. Foster 12 The Chase, Driffield YO25 5FJ 00-05 A.L Graham 26 Herons Way, Pirbright GU24 0NS 02-07 J. Green 31F Marton Road, Bridlington YO16 7AQ 68-75 N.J. Harrison 32 Victoria Road, Sheffield S10 2DL 70-77 A.R. Lewis 7 Florin Drive, Knaresborough HG5 0WG 77-84 R.W. Milnes Fairview, Beverley Road, Driffield YO25 6SA 69-74 M. Wharrie 3 Kestrel Close, Driffield YO25 5JX 63-70 C.J. Wood 32 Aspin Avenue, Knaresborough HG5 8EJ
Deaths
Roger John Ackroyd (50-53) Peter Dowson (42-48) Alan Howard Dutton (49-55) Gerry Everett (CCF) Gordon Edward Gresham (38-46) Geoffrey Thomas Grimshaw (47-52) Charles Richard Harrap (66-72) Nigel Howard (70-75) Michael John Anthony Mortimore (57-88 Staff) Anthony Rex Peace (41-45) Robert Augustus Pearce (44-49) Thomas Trevor Pickering (39-47) William John Pudsey (54-60) Kerrigan John Redman (89-94 Staff) Darrell Hugh George Sedman (50-55) Malcolm J. F. Varley (59-64) Geraint Thomas Ward (50-58) Roger Alan West Jean Wilson (46-51) Brian Wright (47-?)
Old Bridlingtonian Club – 35
Sheffield Branch Report 2018
On Saturday 20th October 2018, twenty-two people turned out for the Old Bridlingtonian Club Sheffield Branch Reunion Lunch, which once again was held at Tapton Hall, Sheffield. The event was organised by the Branch Secretary, Eddy de Brouwer. After the customary superb meal, Alison Harvey proposed the loyal toast and then invested the new Chairman, Douglas Robinson, with the Chain of Office. Alison then proposed the toast to the School and Staff. She gave thanks to the organisers and said that she always enjoyed coming to Sheffield – good food and people in lovely surroundings. Alison has had connections to the School for a long time through her mother and father but, as she had not attended the School as a pupil or teacher, she found it difficult to know what to say. She had been looking for a photo or document that would give her inspiration. She did find a photo of Les Suggitt and the CCF marching down Bessingby Hill and saluting at the garage that was flying a Union Jack. She found two menus from the 37th and 38th Sheffield Branch reunion dinners – 1974 and 1975. In 1974 the people on the menu were plain ‘Misters’ but by 1975 they had been promoted to ‘Esquires’. One of the people giving a speech that year was Michael Mortimore and it was good to see him and Cynthia at the dinner today. Alison attended the High School and was happy to leave! She never went back and never thought to join the Old Girls Association. When speaking to John Wresdell, she found that he was still enthusiastic about the School and Club. She wondered what it is about Bridlington School that people are still coming back after all these years. She thought that the ethos of the School can be traced partly back to Arthur Thornton who had been concerned about pupils fighting in the Great War, and friendships formed at the school continued to this day. She had read the 2017 short OFSTED report and noted it was full of admiration for the Head and Staff. In response, Glenda de Brouwer read out an update provided by Kate Parker-Randall. The toast to the Old Bridlingtonian Club was proposed by Douglas Robinson. He had been shocked to receive the invitation to become the Chairman of Sheffield. He didn’t think he was very well known to enough people. He would do his best to make sure people did know more about him during his time in office by attending as many reunions as he could. He had joined the Club later in life after finishing his main working role. He had been an accountant in the city of Leeds for much of his career. He had also been working in Beverley and one of his jobs was to go down to Grimsby Docks on the ferry. Douglas made a few comments about HMRC, saying their computer system was built on the principle of rubbish in, rubbish out. Since he retired, he has been enjoying himself doing many things including being part of a walking group and going to the theatre. He has also managed to acquire the role of treasurer to five different groups and was on the Charity Council. He considered himself lucky in that he did a job that he enjoyed and earned him money. 36 – Old Bridlingtonian Club Old Bridlingtonian Club – 37
The Club President, Peter Thompson, responded to the toast. He was coming to the end of his year as President and had been to all the events so far. He felt that although it is a different school nowadays and with different challenges, Kate Parker-Randall and her team were doing really well in meeting and overcoming the difficulties. Peter’s brother had been on a French trip with Snorker Brown where the behaviour of the pupils was somewhat lacking. However, Andrew Calvert, who was also on that trip, said this was probably something to do with the 30-40 girls from Wilmslow who were also on the same visit. Peter had attended the Celebration of Achievement at the Spa Royal Hall in July. He remembers that at one point there was a school pop group on the stage and wondered how Coomber would have reacted to that. Peter presented various prizes to pupils, including the Jodie Cappleman and Des Charlton awards for good service to the school. One of the recipients, George Hughes had sent a thank-you card to Peter. Peter said that one of the unique things about the School is the OB Club – it is really unusual for a state school to do this and have an alumni organisation. So, he called upon OBs to look after and cherish the Club. He had two Masters Concert programmes from 1967 and 1968 and went through a few of the highlights from these: Corps Blimey – An Exercise of Entertainment, the Les and Chas story; he sang a few lines from ‘What a Shambles’ and two verses from the 1968 Now No More which included references to Messrs Kench and Wresdell who were present today. Peter ended up by exhorting everyone to raise their glasses to the OB Club. After Eddy de Brouwer’s concluding remarks, the menu changed from food and speeches to drink and chat.
Attendees: John and Trish Blythe, Andrew Calvert, Eddy and Glenda de Brouwer, Jim Ezard, Jim Garton, Paul Gibson, Alison Harvey, Graham Housam and Anna Colbourn, Tim Kench and Lindsey Ratcliffe, Mike and Cynthia Mortimore, Harriet and Mike Newman, Douglas Robinson, Peter Thompson, John Wresdell, Malcolm and Anne Wilson.
Apologies: Nigel Barr, Stuart Blackwell, Andrew Dismore, Peter and Gill Elliot, Ted Fox, Peter Hardy, Mike Dosser, Mike and Jane Eveleigh, David Lakin, Ken and June Nixon, Kate Parker-Randall, John Richardson, Ian and Wendy Sharpe, Sue and Chris Shilladay, Tony and Heather Sugdon, Clive and Annette Thompson, Roddy Watson, Neil Warwick and June Johnston. Eddy de Brouwer
38 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
London Branch Report
The 94th annual reunion of the London Branch was held at the RAF Club in Piccadilly on Saturday 16th February 2019, with a very respectable turnout of 51 OB members and partners. After preprandials in the bar, guests were ushered into the dining room where Branch Secretary Paul Gibson welcomed everyone, including the headteacher Kate Parker-Randall and her husband Mark, as well as three people attending Standing l. to r.: Paul Gibson, Tim Kench, Kate a London Branch reunion for the first Parker-Randall. Seated: Mike Gething, Luke Moreland, Andrew Dismore. time: former teacher Neil Kitching and his wife Gill, and Matthew Woodhouse. Paul also thanked Sue Shilladay for stepping in at short notice to act as host so we could hold our reunion at the RAF Club. Following a minute’s silence, Mark Parker-Randall was invited to say Grace. During the meal Branch Chairman Andrew Dismore took wine with a wide range of people, including those who had never been in the CCF, those who had been beaten by Chas Ball (one or two of those present did stand up) and all those who had joined Bill Shipley’s 6th form golf group to get out of playing rugby. Following the Loyal Toast and a 15-minute break, Andrew then invested Luke Moreland as the new Chairman of the London Branch. In proposing the toast to the OB Club Luke gave a highly entertaining talk which involved everyone taking a swig of their drink every time he said the words ‘OB Club’ during his speech. After leaving school in 2006 Luke had been kept in touch with what had been happening in the CCF by John Wresdell, who had exerted a constant level of friendly pressure for Luke to come along to one of the reunions. After a move to Surrey Old Bridlingtonian Club – 39
in 2012 Luke decided to bite the bullet and attended his first OB reunion at London the following year. He’s never looked back and has been to every London reunion since. Luke noted that the oldest attendee at the lunch had started at Bridlington School in 1943, the same year that Mussolini’s government had fallen and Mick Jagger was born. This was in stark contrast to 1999 when Luke had started at the School, the year when Bluetooth technology was introduced and Hendricks gin was launched. Luke concluded by saying that through all the stresses and changes of life it was good to have something constant in the friendship and fellowship of the OB Club. And with that final mention of the OB Club we all took our sixth swig of wine. The Secretary then invited Tim Kench, Club President, to respond. As usual, the entertainment factor of Tim’s speech was in inverse proportion to his height and he had us rolling in the aisles – or maybe that was due to all the wine supping of the previous speech. The first London Branch reunion Tim had attended was way back in 1971 at the Mandeville Hotel when G.H. Templeman was President. It was an evening do so Tim had had to hire a dinner suit from Moss Bros in Covent Garden and being a Wetwang Methodist boy it was at the dinner that he was introduced to the delights of red wine. On his way home walking back up Harley Street Tim met what he thought were lots of interesting people – which in those days were called parking meters. It was another 10 years before Tim had sobered up sufficiently to attend another London Branch reunion and this time it was at the Royal Scot Hotel near King’s Cross. He has been a regular attender ever since. Tim had looked up the definition of a ‘club’ and had found it was a ‘group of people who meet for a common purpose to share activities and reminiscences’ and he thought the OB Club did that very well. He urged those present to try and encourage other OBs to attend and support events, particularly younger members who would be the future lifeblood of the Club. In this regard Tim concluded by thanking the headteacher for encouraging the idea of ‘Young Bridlingtonians’ while students were still at school as they too would play a part in the future of the Club. Next to speak was Mike Gething, in his capacity as Chairman-Elect, who proposed the toast to the School and Staff. Mike started by recounting his own education, which had been rather fragmented in that his father had been a shopkeeper and had only ever 40 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
stayed in one place for a few years before moving on to the next. After a spell in Bridlington and some time away, the family had returned to sunny Brid at Easter in 1961, with Mike now attending Brid School. He was there for three years until the family was on the move again. Despite his relatively short time at the School it had made a lasting impression on Mike. Some of his relatives had also attended Brid School: his maternal grandfather and his uncle, so Mike had links to the School even before he went there. But that was not Mike’s only connection with the School: his Auntie Joan used to ‘walk out’ with Charlie Ball and they used to go dancing at the Spa. On arriving at the School Mike was rather bemused by the fact it had boarders. Was this some sort of minor public school, he wondered? And the masters wore black gowns. As Mike was by no means an athlete he fondly remembered Chippy Wood’s ‘50 twelve- letter words by nine in the morning’. After he had done his homework Mike used to retire to his room and make model aircraft so it was a no-brainer that he joined the RAF section of the CCF. And it was through the CCF that on 13th October 1963 Mike had his very first flying experience, in a de Havilland Chipmunk from RAF Dishforth. Barely a month later the family was on the move again, this time to Bournemouth, and Bridlington School was but a fond memory for Mike. One of those memories was the Masters Concert, where he learned that members of staff did have a sense of humour after all. After completing his education in Bournemouth Mike initially joined a bank but then worked his way into aviation journalism via the Royal Aeronautical Society. From there he moved into a tri-service magazine called Events for 17 years, and then to Jane’s Information Group, where he stayed for 22 years until retirement. But it was his time at Bridlington School that introduced Mike to the Air Cadets, the RAF and military aviation, this being the catalyst for his entire career. Mike concluded by appreciating that Bridlington School today was vastly different to the one he attended but as he had discovered since joining the OB Club the ethos and values of the School remained, and the staff appeared just as keen and enthusiastic and retained that most important aspect of humanity – a sense of humour! Replying to the toast to the School and Staff, the headteacher Kate Parker-Randall said she was delighted to be invited to speak at the London Branch reunion and went on to talk about what had been happening at the School, including its academic successes, all of which are described elsewhere in this magazine. After the speeches were over and the formal proceedings concluded, OBs and guests continued to chat and reminisce in the dining room, many eventually descending to the Running Horse Bar until long into the evening. Old Bridlingtonian Club – 41
Next year’s London Branch reunion will be on Saturday 15th February 2020 at the RAF Club. I look forward to welcoming as many new and old faces as possible.
Those attending John and Trish Blythe, Dick Boustead, Roger Brocklesby, Stuart Burdess, Andrew Calvert, David Court, Mike and Angela Davies, Andrew Dismore, Tim Drey, David and Shirley Evans, Jim and Gill Ezard, Wilf Firth, Neil Flather, Mike and Carol Gething, Paul Gibson, Peter and Daphne Hardy, Mike Horah, Graham Housam and Anna Colbourn, John Hunter, Mike and Julia Jackson, Tim Kench and Lindsey Ratcliffe, Neil and Gillian Kitching, David Lakin, Luke Moreland, Kate and Mark Parker-Randall, Tim Roberts, Sue Shilladay, David Simms, Peter Stark, Philip Stark, Tony Sugdon, Zbigniew and Rosemary Szpakowski, Mike Tallentire, Jo Thomassen (née Blythe), Dominic Thompson, Peter and Sue Thompson, Alistair Watson, Matthew Woodhouse.
Apologies John Armstrong, Tony Atkinson, Stuart Blackwell, Eddy and Glenda de Brouwer, Peter Elliott, Mike Eveleigh, David Featherstone, Neil Harkin, John Heald, Chris King-Smith, John Metcalfe, Mike Mortimore, Ken Nixon, Tony Potter, Ian Sharpe, Kathryn Taylor, John Thirsk, John Thompson, Neil Warwick, Roddy Watson, Daren Wilkinson, Malcolm Wilson.
PMG
From the archives
A Lynx Helicopter in the school grounds in 1989. Visit by Commander Jeremy Parker RN (at school 58-65) to present a plaque to the Head Kerrigan Redman (89-94). Also pictured are S/Ldr Susan Shilladay OC CCF and F/Lt Peter Myehill head of RAF Section. The man in the suit is Cdr Parker’s brother. Pupils are: Anne Yardley, Katie Hall (later married Chris Barry), Chris Barry and in the cockpit Adam Vickers. 42 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
Manchester and North West Branch Report
The 59th Annual Reunion of the Manchester and North West branch was held on 18th May at The Netherwood Hotel, Grange-over-Sands. Twenty-four OBs and their partners attended. Among the attendees it was a delight to see that four were attending a Manchester and North West Reunion for the first time. Following an excellent lunch in beautiful surroundings overlooking Morecambe Bay at high tide during which he took wine with a goodly number of those present, including the newly-wed couple from London, retiring Chairman John Blythe invested new Chairman Jim Ezard with the chain of office. This completed the full set of Branch Chairmanships for Jim. It was also good to see that John once again had with him the JCB travelling tankard which must have been put to good use as the Secretary received an email from the hotel advising that it had been left behind in the function room! Jim then proposed an excellent toast to the OB Club, which was responded to by Club President Tim Kench, whose socks this year equalled the splendour of his blazer. In his reply, Tim had much to say about youth and the need for the Club to work hard to recruit younger people, so that they could follow in the footsteps of London Chairman Luke Moreland who was present. He also commented on the fact that all four branch chairs were present, a rarity for the Manchester and North West branch. Peter Elliott, Chairman-Elect, then proposed the toast to the School and Staff which was heartily drunk to by all present. Unfortunately a response had not been received from the Head, however those present were able to say much about what was happening in the school. After the formal proceedings were concluded, the company adjourned to the bar and magnificent terrace in the spring sunshine, where conversation continued until well into the evening including an earnest discussion on whether the small object on the horizon was actually Blackpool Tower some 31 miles distant. Peter Hardy advanced the thought that as the hotel terrace was elevated and so was the Tower, it might just be possible. We continue to ponder on that issue.
Attending: John and Trish Blythe, Andrew and Hazel Calvert, Peter Elliott, Jim Ezard, Paul Gibson, Peter Hardy, Graham Housam and Anna Colbourn, Tim Kench, Luke and Lucy Moreland, Tim Roberts, Douglas Robinson, Chris and Sue Shilladay, Clive and Annette Thompson, Roddy Watson, Bob Wilson, Malcolm and Anne Wilson, John Wresdell.
Apologies: Stuart Blackwell, Eddy and Glenda de Brouwer, Mike Eveleigh, Brian Hinvest, David Lambourne, Mike Mortimore, Ken Nixon, Kate Parker-Randall, Alec Scotter, Tony Sugdon, Brian Ward, Terry Warwick, Jürgen Werner.
AEC Old Bridlingtonian Club – 43 44 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
Because the Cambridge Branch reunion swapped places with Sheffield in 2019, Cambridge moving to October and Sheffield to July, two Sheffield reports appear in this issue of the magazine: the first for October 2018 (on page 35) and the second, which appears below, for July of this year. The report of this year's Cambridge reunion will appear in the next issue.
Sheffield Branch Report 2019
On Saturday 20th July 2019, twenty-three people turned out for the Old Bridlingtonian Club Sheffield Branch Reunion Lunch, which once again was held at Tapton Hall, Sheffield. The event was organised by the Branch Secretary, Eddy de Brouwer. After the customary superb meal, the Chairman, Douglas Robinson, proposed the loyal toast. This was the first time that the Sheffield Reunion has been held in July which meant it was only nine months since the last Sheffield Reunion and, to give Douglas the chance to attend all reunions as the Branch Chairman, there was no investing of a new Chairman this time. Douglas Robinson then proposed the toast to the School and Staff. In response, Eddy de Brouwer provided an update of things that had happened at the School just in July this year. These included: the Boys Drama Club writing, directing and making a hard- hitting video about bullying; Sports Day; the Careers Fair; Outdoor experiences with the Dalby Forest visit for Y7’s; Y8’s enjoyed a talk from entrepreneur Amrit Singh – a great insight into his journey which was very motivational and inspiring; 10 cadets from the RAF section took part in an Air Experience Flight in a Grob Trainer aircraft; the 6th form leavers party; Rock of Ages show at the Spa; two pupils, Ruby and Lily went to Nashville with the Bridlington Gymnastics Club for the World Championships and were highly ranked; the Y11 Prom night. There are many other events and achievements happening at the School all the time and the students are to be complimented on their hard work and dedication. Also, a big thank you to the wonderful staff who are committed to the learning and development of the students and work incredibly hard all the time. Glenda de Brouwer proposed the toast to the OB Club. The Club President, Tim Kench, responded to the toast. Tim thanked the Sheffield secretary for organising the reunion and also praised all the branch secretaries for all they do for the Club. Tim talked about why people come to the reunions and about trying to encourage younger people into joining the Club. As President, he had attended all the reunions. Unfortunately, he hadn’t been able to make it to the Spa performance of Rock of Ages but did get to the Celebration of Achievement evening there on 11th July. Tim presented various awards and was astounded by the confidence of the pupils in speaking and presenting themselves. Tim handed out Amazon vouchers of £150 each to the recipients of the Club prizes and he also gave them a copy of the book by Michael Mortimore – Bridlington School: A History – and encouraged them to read it as it was the foundation of the Old Bridlingtonian Club – 45 46 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
School today. Tim compared these vouchers to the book token he received for the Harland Memorial Essay Prize at Speech Day in 1970 with which he bought the book Mary Queen of Scots by Antonia Fraser. He also gave Club badges to the Head Boy and Girl and encouraged them to join the Club. Tim talked about the upcoming French Reunion in Saint-Germain-en-Laye which is in the north western suburbs of Paris. This year it is being organised by Matthew Woodhouse who left school in 2000 and now lives in Paris. Tim encouraged people to attend a splendid occasion. Tim then referred to some emails he had received from Neil Warwick and recited a few lines referring to a simpler life that would be relevant to people of a certain age.
Back in the days of tanners and bobs, When Mothers had patience and Fathers had jobs. When football team families wore hand me down shoes, and TV gave only two channels to choose.
Back in the days of threepenny bits, when schools employed nurses to search for your nits. When snowballs were harmless; ice slides were permitted and all of your jumpers were warm and hand knitted.
Back in the days of hot ginger beers, when children remained so for more than six years. When children respected what older folks said, and pot was a thing you kept under your bed.
Back in the days of Listen with Mother, when neighbours were friendly and talked to each other. When cars were so rare you could play in the street. When Doctors made house calls; Police walked the beat.
Back in the days of Milligan’s Goons, when butter was butter and songs all had tunes. It was dumplings for dinner and trifle for tea, and your annual break was a day by the sea.
Back in the days of Dixon’s Dock Green, Crackerjack pens and Lyons ice cream. When children could freely wear National Health glasses, and teachers all stood at the FRONT of their classes. Old Bridlingtonian Club – 47
Back in the days of rocking and reeling, when mobiles were things that you hung from the ceiling. When woodwork and pottery got taught in schools, and everyone dreamt of a win on the pools.
Back in the days when I was a lad, I can’t help but smile for the fun that I had. Hopscotch and roller skates; snowballs to lob. Back in the days of tanners and bobs.
Tim rounded off by saying he had enjoyed himself today and hoped people would stay around for more convivial conversations.
Attendees: John Blythe, Eddy and Glenda de Brouwer, Peter and Fiona Elliot, Mike Eveleigh, Jim Ezard, Ted Fox, Paul Gibson, Tim Kench, Luke and Lucy Moreland, Ken and June Nixon, Douglas Robinson, Alec Scotter, Clive and Annette Thompson, Stephen Traves, Sean Walters, Roddy Watson, Malcolm and Anne Wilson. Apologies: Nigel Barr, Stuart Blackwell, Trish Blythe, Andrew and Hazel Calvert, Mike Dosser, Jim Garton, Peter Hardy, Graham Housam and Anna Colbourn, David Lakin, Cynthia Mortimore, Harriet and Mike Newman, Lindsey Ratcliffe, Sue and Chris Shilladay, Tony and Heather Sugdon, Neil Warwick and June Johnston, John Wresdell. Eddy de Brouwer
Anyone for cricket?
An old photo of a school cricket team.
It is thought to be from the late 1920s or 1930s and was found during a house clearance in the village of Leven.
Does anyone recognise any of the players? 48 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
Faces from the past
Can anyone help us fill in the missing names?
Masters 1959
Back row: ?, ?, Jack Wood, ?, John Coulson, Eric Kennett, ?, ?, ?
Middle row: Hugh Jones, Mike Mortimore, Desmond Charlton, Ivor Chapman, ?, ?, ?, Bill Shipley, Deryck Davison, Les Suggitt, Glyn Jones
Front row: Frank Thompson, Tom Donnelly, Frank Watson, ?, ‘Bam’ Bampton, CAC, ?, Charles Ball, Ken Burkitt, Bill Brown, ?
And can anyone identify the pupils in these form photographs on the facing page from the 1950s and 1960s?
1 Form J1, 1959 2 Form 3B, 1961 3 Form 5A, 1963
If you know any of the names, please contact the Hon. Secretary: [email protected]
Old Bridlingtonian Club – 49
1
2
3 50 – Old Bridlingtonian Club
Dates to Remember
Please note: it is recommended that members consult the Annual Circular to confirm details, which may on occasion have been amended later.
Friday 6th December 2019 Informal Gathering in the Marine Bar, Expanse Hotel, from 8pm.
Saturday 7th December 2019 War Memorial gathering; School tour etc; Annual General Meeting (all at School) Annual Dinner (Expanse Hotel)
Sunday 8th December 2019 Service of Thanksgiving and Fellowship (at School)
Saturday 15th February 2020 London Branch Reunion (RAF Club, Piccadilly)
Saturday 4th April 2020 Spring Reunion (Bridlington Rugby Club)
Saturday 16th May 2020 Manchester and North West Branch Reunion (Netherwood Hotel, Grange-over-Sands)
Saturday 18th July 2020 Sheffield Branch Reunion (Tapton Hall)
Saturday 12th September 2020 Reunion in France
Saturday 17th October 2020 Cambridge Branch Reunion (Gonville Hotel)
4-6th December 2020 Annual Reunion weekend
Published by Positive Action Publications Ltd, PO Box 4, Driffield, East Yorkshire YO25 9DJ, UK. Tel: +44 1377 241724 Fax: +44 1377 253640 Email: [email protected]