The magazine for LGS, LGHS and GSAL alumni issue 07 autumn 2019

Haaris and Shaan Laura Ashe Brothers’ inventive approach Helps Danny Dyer to property investment trace his Right Royal Family Tracey Jennings Shares her love of ocean And now for spaces and animals in something the wild completely Barry Cryer different... Four alumni on Keepsake marks emotional changing careers return to school 19 Reunions Hundreds of OLs and OGs have been reunited this year

4 The Ahmed Brothers Brothers Shaan (right) and Haaris Ahmed’s inventive approach to property investment is bringing the dream of home ownership within the grasp of more people… particularly millennials. 20 Alumni making headlines 6 13 Catch up with Tracey Jennings Bursary success alumni news Offers a stunning glimpse GSAL in line for top award into an unknown world,

10 Trip back to Welcome to Memento

Stromboli It’s been another terrific summer her own diligence and drive, and the So to everyone out there, I echo the Class of ’69 return to 14 for the school! Yet again, excellent support of the school in supporting call; you may not appreciate how Stromboli to mark results in public examinations, some academically able children through much you could influence the lives 50th anniversary Leeds Luminaries 24 of the best ever, with a third of the centuries, regardless of ability of the young people at school now, Awards 2018 Old Girls’ A-level and IGCSE students gaining to pay. even beyond donations. There are The celebrations: in words Club news a clean sweep of A and A* grades – a all sorts of ways to leave a legacy, However, we talk to the pupils all the 8 12 and pictures terrific achievement. In light of this, personal as well as financial, and we time about the importance of the I would like to take this opportunity value the relationship with every one And now for Laura Ashe wider skills necessary to succeed in 25 to say a very special thank you of our ‘old’ boys and girls. Thank something Laura helps Danny Dyer life, skills that go beyond any set of Events to everyone who contributes you for the support you give to completely trace his Right Royal family examination grades, helpful though Your guide to what’s on towards our bursary programme, the school and please know that a different... guaranteeing us a diverse pupil they undoubtedly are. In preparing warm welcome always awaits you our students for the future, we are Four alumni on body and creating opportunities for if you are interested in meeting our also preparing them for jobs that changing careers 26 children from across Leeds. Of the students today – I can promise you Fond farewells many bursary student successes this do not yet exist, and a requirement would be inspired by them, and year, one stands out. Operating in to show flexibility in the workplace would be of greater help to them her second language after arriving as they navigate their careers. than you might realise! 18 The Grammar School at Leeds in the country a few years ago, Julia Therefore, it’s wonderful to read in PS: read more about Julia’s 100 years lunch Alwoodley Gates achieved 5 A* grades at A-level this edition about former pupils who incredible achievements in the Harrogate Road (including the prestigious EPQ) and have changed or diversified their celebration Leeds LS17 8GS enclosed leaflet. is heading off to Cambridge to read professional lives; what great role 0113 229 1552 Lunch for senior OLs at medicine. This is a real testament to modelling for the children of today. Weetwood Hall Editor: Alison Knight Design: Sue Woodroofe, Principal Update your details, contact preferences or unsubscribe at The Union Advertising www.gsal.org.uk/alumni/update-my-details or [email protected] Agency (Leeds) 02 03 UOWN proves a hit Shaan (GSAL09), who studied Shaan said: “We saw a lot of barriers to environmental policy and economics at entry between everyday investors and the London School of Economics, and opportunities in the property market – one Haaris (GSAL11), who studied economics of them being the very high cost of entry. with property investing and management at Oxford, were brought “We break up property investments into up in the family property business, shares valued at £1, so this means that a Parklane Properties. property investment valued at £100,000 After university they both worked in is sold in 100,000 individual shares, millennials London – Shaan with Abraaj, a private which immediately makes the investment equity company and Haaris at Rocket affordable to anyone. Hundreds or Internet, a German start up factory. They thousands of people can have a share in Brothers Shaan (right) and Haaris Ahmed’s inventive approach were inspired to set up UOWN to make the financial gain.” property investment affordable to more Haaris said: “I think most people are really to property investment is bringing the dream of home ownership people, returning to Leeds to establish frustrated with the way banks behave. their business as a sister company The web means that we can take on big within the Parklane Group. within the grasp of more people… particularly millennials. financial institutions. We can democratise things and beat the big players at their own game.”

With their business, UOWN, the The brothers’ innovative business was entrepreneurial duo is leading the way recognised by school alumni when in property crowdfunding where the they were presented with the Rising under-thirties, who struggle to get a foot Stars award at the inaugural Leeds on the traditional property ladder, are Luminaries awards dinner. The awards becoming the largest group of investors. were introduced by GSAL to mark the achievements of alumni from LGS, Property crowdfunding is appealing to LGHS and GSAL (see centre spread young, tech-savvy people attracted by for full report). the ease with which they can make their investment in an environment which they understand, with half of UOWNers (54 per cent) aged between 18 and 30. UOWN is described by Shaan and Haaris as a ‘disruptive new crowdfunding platform which helps everyday people save by investing money together in properties which they own collectively.’ The brothers have coined the term ‘proven performer’ to describe their innovative business model which provides access to previously off-market rental properties. The properties have yielded strong returns for a minimum of 10 years and they believe that UOWN is the first crowdfunder to give investors access to these ‘proven performers’ as well as to properties wholly-owned Shaan (left) and Haaris receive their Rising Stars award from by the crowdfunder. This allows the Barry Cryer company to pay out rent to investors before the property has been purchased by the crowd. UOWN enables investors to buy a share in a house from as little as £20, earning them a proportion of the rental income and the capital appreciation of the property. For many people, it is an excellent investment opportunity: for others, it is a first step to property development or ownership. The platform, which launched in February 2017 with an initial user who had £50 to invest, has grown into a thriving business with 3,000 UOWNers and half a million pounds of investments, delivering a 12 per cent return over 12 months to September 2018.

The brothers with their family

04 05 Tracey spends her working life in the On leaving LGHS, Tracey oil and gas industry and her spare completed an honours degree time as a wildlife photographer. She in civil engineering at Edinburgh cares deeply about the environment University, followed by a masters in and believes that her images have a petroleum engineering at Heriot- Tracey shares job to do. Watt and a postgraduate diploma in development management from She said: “I may work within the the Open University. She joined oil and gas industry but I strongly the oil and gas industry after her believe that I can effect change masters, working primarily offshore better from within than from outside. in the North Sea. She then joined BP her love of I want to share images of the and worked overseas in Venezuela, underwater world as I believe that Algeria, and Singapore, finally moving people have a tendency to protect to management consulting and then what they know and love.” risk. She is currently based in Malaysia where she works as an advisor for the Tracey’s passion for diving and country’s National Oil Company. photography is winning her ocean spaces accolades too. Her proudest moment Tracey has been diving as a hobby came last year when she became for more than 20 years and, when the first woman to win the Australian she took up photography five years Geographic Nature Photographer of ago, she was able to combine two of the Year 2018. And, her work is being her greatest passions. published worldwide: including high She said: “When I had my own and animals profile use of an image by National consultancy I used to dive six to Geographic in Times Square, New eight weeks a year, but at the York, to advertise a new exhibition moment it’s about two to four weeks. and another used to illustrate an I do intend to partially retire at 50, article about ocean acidification in and will then have more time to Nature magazine. devote to photography. in the wild As well as underwater photography, “It is difficult to make a living from Tracey’s catalogue of work also photography, but the plan is to includes breath taking images of exchange free diving and trips for animals on the African plains, in free images, which is much easier South East Asia and Finland. now with the rise of social media.”

Her underwater images offer a stunning You can view more of Tracey’s images on www.instagram.com/scubabunnie and www.traceydjennings.com glimpse into an unknown world, but Tracey Jennings (OG90) hopes that they will also help to protect endangered species.

Tracey Jennings Photography © Tracey Jennings swimming with a whaleshark

06 07 behavioural coaching, motivational On the face of it the two jobs interviewing, positive psychology could not be more different as she and mindfulness. combines life as a police officer in And now for something Birmingham city centre with running The importance of wellbeing to the Lifebox Food Co, a business which success of a business is also a key supplies monthly food boxes full of element so embracing the great healthy and nutritious snacks, drinks outdoors is often included in the mix. completely different… and ingredients to a growing number She said: “We now know that there of subscribers. are significant positive links between But, for Jenny, they complement physical activity, stress management, Career changing is not as rare as it used to be and each other perfectly. Kirsty goes mental health and wellbeing. For this gone are the days when employees (and employers) reason, I incorporate active group She said: “Both aim to help people expected a job to last for life. Nowadays, more from HR to coaching and coaching whilst walking but in very different ways. My police Chris Royle and more people choose to change direction after in nature in my professional practice. role is customer facing and very full on whereas Lifebox is interest-based However, his studies soon went “Even in the largest cities, parks, one successful career and look for fresh challenges coaching and much more relaxed!” from being an interesting diversion in another. riversides and roof gardens can make to a fascination with the law and The decision to move from perfect venues for outdoor coaching.” Jenny joined the police force in 2006 Chris found himself giving up his IT following a degree in physiotherapy Some are hoping for a better work-life balance, while She attributes her love of being business for life as a barrister. working in HR to running an at Birmingham University. others may be tapping into the gig economy or executive and professional outside to her Yorkshire upbringing IT had always been his passion and, choosing the opportunity - and variety - of working coaching consultancy seemed and her ability to work in teams to “I didn’t want to pursue a career in following a degree in computer her education at LGHS. physiotherapy however, it had to science from Cambridge University, in multiple roles. like a natural transition to be something that was going to be “I was involved with various sports he returned to Leeds and set up an Kirsty Wells (OG85)…but different everyday. With the police Here, we look at four alumni who decided to do teams at school, and I am sure IT business. you literally never know what each not before she returned that helped me develop a range something completely different and the reasons why. day will bring and I need that to keep He said: “I literally hopped in the car to education. of skills including co-operation, motivated and interested,” she said. the day after my last finals paper, communication, confidence and drove home and by 1pm that same resilience.” The idea for Lifebox came while she afternoon was sitting in what became was having a career break from the Helen swaps business www.jkexecutivecoaching.com my office for the next few years.” police to travel. She had always loved food and, after becoming interested That was in 1996 and he sold the wear for pyjamas in fitness, discovered how crucial business in 2006 by which time he Jenny nutrition was to her energy levels, was immersed in his law studies. Helen Brimacombe, née collection, MyJamas, a range of training and progression. And he has no regrets despite the Garrett (OG99), had her organic pyjamas, later in the year. combines She set the business up in 2014 pressure of the early days when he family in mind when she “The business is a real family affair,” during forced sick leave following was juggling a business with his gave up a demanding job said Helen, “with all the children a back operation. From the early studies and the demands of a being the guinea pigs for our lifestyle young family. in marketing to run her days of packing boxes in her garage, collection and also featuring among Jenny now has investors, a team Chris is now based in Enterprise own business. the models on our website. of staff and a collaboration with Kirsty Wells business with Chambers in Leeds, part of a national “We are passionate about ethical Amazon – and she’s just had her Kirsty’s decision to study for the set that has its headquarters in manufacturing so all our pyjamas first baby. Professional Certificate in Coaching policing the Lincoln’s Inn, London, with premises are made from 100 per cent organic at Henley Business School after She said: “With Amazon now on in Bristol and Newcastle too. cotton with no nasty chemicals – and board, I would love to see Lifebox 19 years in HR, coincided with her streets of His work takes him all over the that goes for the dyes too.” grow further with an increase in children leaving home for university. country, although he is frequently in our numbers of subscribers and The pyjamas also help children court in London, practising mainly in “That was a definite catalyst,” she Birmingham expansion into the corporate learn to dress themselves. Instead chancery litigation, which covers real said. “I realised that I would like to do wellness market. It would be great of a potentially scratchy label at the property, wills and probate and trusts, something different and challenging, to see mini Lifeboxes on flights neck to indicate the back, MyJamas together with an unusual practice in yet still relevant to my former career. and trains.” feature a large image on the front the law of enforcement. plus clever right/left matching ankle As well as the coaching qualification, www.lifeboxfood.com and wrist cuffs. she studied psychology and neuro- So, what advice would Chris offer to Helen Brimacombe linguistic programming, and began anyone thinking of changing careers? The business is doing well online offering pro-bono coaching to people After almost 15 years working in and the range is also stocked in a He said: “If you’ve found something in her network. Chris gives marketing agencies in London and number of independent stores. It has you’re passionate about that gets Yorkshire, Helen wanted to spend been shortlisted for best children’s “I enjoyed it so much that the obvious up IT business you up each morning, that is worth more time with her two young sleepwear brand in the 2019 Junior next step was to set up my own a great deal. But the later in life children. Her sister-in-law Claire, who Design Awards and a range of business!” she said. you do it, potentially the more risky worked in advertising and events, had matching baby sleepsuits will be for life as it is, so always have a plan B. Mine In her HR career she developed a also become a mum and both agreed launched at the end of this year. was teaching!” that they could use their experience coaching oriented management Jenny Sleath a barrister of working with big brands to create Helen said: “The dream is to be the style, focusing on performance, organic children’s wear brand of giving constructive feedback and their own business and improve their When the time felt right for work-life balance. choice for parents – we want to be team development so, in some ways, Chris Royle (OL92) had no available on every high street in the transitioning into coaching felt natural. a change of career for Jenny thought of a second career In early 2018 they set up Lister UK and hopefully exporting across She set up JK Executive Coaching Sleath (OG01), she made the when he decided to study & Bruce (their mothers’ maiden the world.” names) to produce quality products just over a year ago, using a variety bold decision to run the new a law conversion course in for children, launching their first www.listerandbruce.com of approaches including cognitive one alongside the old one. the evenings. 08 09 Geographers take unforgettable trip back to Stromboli

OLs from the class of ’69 have returned to Stromboli to mark the 50th anniversary of their geography field trip to the volcanic island.

The original trip is still regarded group, Andrew Morgan, describing However, the sight of the Sciara del as one of the most ambitious ‘awe-inspiring showers of molten Fuoco (stream of fire) down which ever conducted by a school as 24 rock and ash, together with the lava and rocks tumble to the sea, still A-level geography students visited ominous bass-note rumblings, like a appeared as primeval and unnerving the volcano, which has erupted huge Underground train, emanating as ever, he said. continuously for over 2,000 years, from the crater.’ Days later, after the group had left making it one of the most active and Fifty years later they found much Stromboli, the volcano exploded dangerous on earth. had changed. Nowadays guides are with the biggest eruption since 1930, The return to Stromboli, part of the essential to climb the crater and firing out lava-bombs and sending The 2019 reunion group Aeolian Islands, north of Sicily, was ‘decent fitness’ is required along with a mushroom-cloud of ash five the idea of John Bibby, who rounded appropriate clothing. kilometres into the sky. up 11 of the original 24 to make the Andrew recalled the original visit: The driving force behind the The expedition led to the publication Over the next few years, some The reunion dinner was an emotional trek, via hydrofoil, to the island. This “Ascents were made wearing a flimsy original adventure was Marshall of a landmark book on social aspects students returned and updated experience for Andy Grainge, time they were accompanied by T-shirt, trainers and carrying a bottle Grainge, geography master at LGS, of the island, as well as patterns of aspects of the original work, reading out a letter full of memories wives, children and even, a great- of water. Now hard-hats and dust- who enlisted the help of fellow lava emerging from several vents in confirming it as an exceptional from Ken Standring, who lives in grandchild. masks are supplied - back in the geographer, Ken Standring, and the crater. publication, regularly consulted by Lancashire, and made more poignant Once there, they made the arduous day, it was just the Yorkshire spirit of languages teacher, John Edwards. university lecturers. following Marshall’s death 30 climb to the crater, with one of the taking it all on.” years ago. Making a sentimental return to the island was Andy Grainge, Marshall’s Stromboli’s eruption a few days later son, who made the journey from his with its greatest force in 90 years home in Melbourne, Australia, with seemed apt, said Andrew Morgan, his wife, Irena. Other members of the or perhaps it was just a roar from Grainge clan also there were Andy’s Marshall Grainge, signalling his son, Michael, living in southern Spain, approval of the reunion to record and his young son, plus Andy’s the landmark trip. daughter, Sophie, currently working in London, and his sister, Alison. Other veterans from the 1969 field- trip were Bob McNaughton (with his wife Rachel, a former pupil at Leeds Teachers on the 1969 trip are (L-R): Girls’ High School), Tim Charge, Ken Standring, Marshall Grainge Mike Bradbury (who produced some drawings for the original book and and John Edwards is now an architect in Cornwall), Malcolm Padgett, David Pickard, Adrian Turner and Graham Hustwitt (who came with his wife, Judy, an LGHS class-mate of Rachel). John Pickard and his wife, Ann, travelled from their home in Norway to join the group.

Strombolli Cloggers FC 1969

Stromboli from the sea

10 11 Laura helps Danny Dyer trace his Right Royal Family Professor Laura Ashe (OG96) has appeared on the BBC1 series Danny Dyer’s Right Royal Family to help the actor trace his noble roots. GSAL in line for top award after Laura, who is a professor of English quickly of ways we might get there, campaign raises funds for 11 literature at Oxford University, used by the anecdotes and stories we her expertise in medieval history, do have from the chroniclers, or literature and culture, to bring the the stray comments in sources I’m past to life for Danny, who is a normally using for other purposes. new bursaries descendant of Edward III. It brings it to life, and reminds me why I’m doing it.” She appeared in the first episode GSAL is in the running for a prestigious accolade in recognition of the two-parter, meeting the Another reason is to challenge of a campaign run during its 10th birthday celebrations in 2018. Eastenders actor at Dover Castle perceptions of what a professor to build a picture of life inside a should be like. The school has been shortlisted for an Independent It exceeded all expectations, with over £900K being royal court. “I’m not really what even my Schools of the Year 2019 award in the Marketing Award raised which will provide 11 new means-tested bursaries. Laura, an experienced broadcaster, colleagues expect from a professor,” for Effective Brand Communication category. Sue Woodroofe, Principal, said: “These new bursaries are who is a regular on BBC Radio 4’s she said, “so I’m very aware of being The birthday campaign’s objectives were twofold – a birthday present that will keep on giving, opening up In Our Time and has also appeared part of a long-term change, away on Cunk on Britain and a Time Team widening access to GSAL by creating 10 ‘birthday the life chances of young people from some of the most from the old-fashioned image of deprived areas of Leeds. special on the Battle of Hastings, the middle-aged white man in bursaries’, and increasing stakeholder engagement is all for this new approach to tweed. But I just trust I’m there for through a series of events, PR initiatives and awards for “We are immensely grateful to our alumni, parents and sharing history. what I know.” notable alumni, all supported by birthday branding. staff for their generosity.” She said: “I think it’s easy for people On leaving LGHS, Laura studied to have a vague sense that there English at Gonville and Caius are some things they ‘wouldn’t be College, Cambridge, and was Making your mark on the future interested in’, and programmes a Kennedy Scholar at Harvard like this break through that with a University for a year after Each year, GSAL students leave crucial role in the development of nominating the school as a beneficiary different angle – the humour, or the graduating. She returned to celebrity – in a way that then allows a lasting mark on the school as The Grammar School at Leeds, of a pension fund or life insurance Cambridge to do a Master’s degree people to let their guard down a they head out into the big world of ensuring an exceptional education policy. Alternatively, charitable gifts and doctorate, which was followed bit. It also matters that someone university and careers. But, for many, is open to talented pupils who don’t can be made during your lifetime. by a junior research fellowship in absolutely not associated with, that would not have been possible have the financial means to access it. Cambridge and an appointment as Call Fiona Ross, head of development say, medieval history, like Danny without the generosity of alumni and a lecturer in English at Queen Mary, There are many different ways on 0113 228 5115, for a confidential Dyer, should be on telly saying ‘this friends of the school. University of London. to leave a legacy to the school, discussion or email [email protected] stuff is amazing’; it instantly makes Gifts and legacies have played a including making provision in a will or people think again.” She moved to Oxford in 2008 where Laura also thinks it is snobbery she was promoted to full professor at Worcester College in 2018. It matters that when such programmes are Ishak’s story criticised as being ‘dumbed down’ Despite a heavy workload of someone not versions of history. They are, she teaching and research, Laura is a says, as thoroughly researched and regular contributor to specialist associated with, Ishak Rouf (GSAL19) joined The Grammar but I soon available at his primary school. carefully presented as any straight publications and has published a School at Leeds in Year 7 on a partial started to make friends Ishak has now completed his A-levels and documentary. number of books on the history, bursary. His potential had been spotted say, medieval by his headteacher at Manor Wood and the House started a degree in medicine at Hull York literature and culture of England in “I love teaching, and it feels a Primary School, in Moortown, Deborah system helped Medical School in October. the high and later Middle Ages, as natural extension of that, to make history, like Danny Kenny, a governor at GSAL a lot.” As a final gesture before leaving the history make sense in ordinary well as broadcasting commitments. Ishak’s parents were keen for him to Another aspect school, he set himself another huge terms,” she said. “Often a question “TV is utterly exhausting – a three- Dyer, should be personal challenge – a 212 mile bike ride is very hard to answer, because attend but, ultimately, the decision was of GSAL which minute segment translates to about down to him. helped Ishak from London to Leeds to raise money what interests most of us is the kind eight hours of filming, standing on telly saying for the school’s Malawi project. raising of personal detail that historical to settle in around, doing things multiple times ‘this stuff is amazing’ He said: “I did some research and was the huge almost £1,000. records - at least for my period - and waiting while things are set up,” realised what the school could do for aren’t very good at giving us, such choice of co-curricular clubs and sports Looking back on his time at GSAL, he she said. “But it is also exciting, and me academically and how well it could as what was he like, did he love on offer. He joined the debating society, said: “I couldn’t have achieved any of this it feels important to reach a greater support me, so it seemed like a good describing it as ‘a great way to help his wife, what did he believe? choice for me. without the bursary. GSAL helped me audience beyond my own students build confidence and presentation skills’. to grow as a person - both academically “When I’m asked questions like and fellow academics. And it makes “At first I found the change from my He also took the opportunity to play and personally - in an environment where that I have to think very hard, very my mum proud!” primary school to GSAL quite challenging rugby and cricket – sports which weren’t I felt comfortable and at home”.

12 13 Keepsake marks emotional return to school for Barry

Barry Cryer, the school’s funniest his report cards, school tie and school days and early career. old boy, was delighted to receive a review of one of his school He said: “This has been a a memento of his days at Leeds performances. Grammar School at the Leeds wonderful evening. I have so Luminaries 2018 awards. Before presenting the awards to the many fond memories of my time seven winners, Barry had amused at Leeds Grammar School and The writer and performer was guests with an after dinner speech being here tonight has been presented with a framed set of in which he reminisced about his really quite emotional.” And the winners are… Congratulations to the winners of the inaugural Leeds Luminaries Awards 2018.

Alumni from the last seven decades were honoured at a and CEO of Springfield Healthcare Group and pioneer gala dinner and presentation hosted by comedy legend of the ‘care village’ concept Barry Cryer (OL53). Charity and community: Barry Brindley (former teacher The writer and performer was guest of honour at the at Leeds Girls’ High School and GSAL), founder and awards dinner which was held in recognition of the head of the Zikomo Trust which has raised over achievements of former pupils from its founder schools, Barry with his school keepsake £426,000 to help impoverished communities in Malawi Leeds Grammar School and Leeds Girls’ High School, as well as more recent leavers from The Grammar School Sport: Lucy Harris (GSAL14), netball player for England at Leeds. and Superleague club Wasps Netball The Leeds Luminaries awards were launched to mark Arts and humanities: Lady Solti (OG55), musical patron, the 10th anniversary of the merger of LGS and LGHS to create the coeducational GSAL in 2008. who founded the Solti Foundation with her daughters The achievements of alumni from all three schools were Rising stars: Shaan and Haaris Ahmed (GSAL09/11), celebrated alongside those of a former teacher. The entrepreneurial brothers who founded innovative winners were: fintech property company, UOWN

STEM and medicine: Zoë Hudson (OG84), leading Lifetime achievement: Baroness Pauline Neville-Jones sports physiotherapist and polar explorer (OG58), cyber security expert who has held many Business and enterprise: Graeme Lee (OL83), founder distinguished roles in politics, defence and media

Lucy Harris Zoe Hudson

The awards recognise and honour To find out more about the alumni whose achievements in awards go to www.gsal.org.uk/ Call for their chosen field, professionally alumni or personally, inspire others to Nominations can be submitted nominations succeed and demonstrate the online, or contact the alumni school’s core values of excellence, relations officealumni@gsal. Nominations are invited from members inspiration and citizenship. If this org.uk or 0113 228 5115 for a of the alumni community for the Leeds strikes a chord and a certain alumni nomination form to be sent to Lady Solti Shaan (left) and Haaris Ahmed Luminaries Alumni Awards 2020. springs to mind, please let us know. you by post.

14 15 Nora wins OG News the OG OGC round-up: Judith, who has served as a Labour councillor in Leeds for 21 years and from memories been awarded a CBE in recognition annual golf of her services to local government, of a Headingley said that her time at the school competition childhood to a life drew her to politics. She told her audience: “I don’t think in politics we realise what an influence the Nora Perry, née school had on us. The kids that I Pickard (OG64), The London branch of the Old Girls’ grew up with in my community, on Club continues to thrive with this the edge of Harehills, didn’t go to was this year’s The ‘happy trio’ in Cornwall for their last reunion. year’s autumn and spring meetings the high school and didn’t have the They are (L-R): Mike, Bob and David playing host to two speakers same opportunities. That stayed winner of the OG from LGHS. with me forever and that’s what golf competition at First up was actress and author got me interested in politics.” Jane Bowers (OG73), who recalled Admitting that she was a rebel in Wetherby Golf Club. her childhood home in Headingley her school days, Judith said she in a talk entitled Sandstone in Schoolboy friendships doubts her teachers would ever my blood. have earmarked her as a future Ashwood, where she spent the leader. 1960s, was once the home of poet “I remember being told off by Mrs stand the test of time Alfred Austin, who grew up there Millburn who said: ‘You really need in the 1830s and 40s, and Jane to pull yourself together. Don’t you began her talk by reciting one of 2B with Wilf Batty as form master. year National Diploma in hotel know we’re grooming the future School means his poems. The house was situated All admit that it was a shared love of management. After running the family leaders of Leeds in this school?’ sport, swimming in particular, that hotel and a cafe in Dartmouth, he across the road from LGHS but different things to hidden from view behind a wall with Well, it obviously registered,” first brought them together. David had a career change, becoming a she said, laughing. different people was awarded full school colours for swimming professional for the next hedges, shrubs and trees which preserved its secrets. but one word which swimming, while Bob received them 28 years. During this time he became Judith also talked about the for excelling at both gymnastics and a Fellow of the Swimming Teachers Jane’s description of the influence importance of empowering girls crops up regularly swimming. Mike, who claims to have Association, ASA teacher and coach of her childhood home was a to embrace science, technology, been the least sporty of the three, and grade 1 examiner for the Royal powerful one and she concluded engineering and maths (STEM) is friendship. represented the school in swimming Lifesaving Society. With another that she had become a writer and subjects. and also played rugby and cricket. career change, he became a golf author because she felt that ‘maybe She said: “When I was growing up Lifelong friendships are often cited Their friendship endured throughout professional at the Palace Hotel in something steeped into me from it was just accepted, going to an all by alumni when asked to describe school and continued while they Torquay until his retirement. the house’. girls school, that studying science She won with 34 points, while Sally what they took from their schooldays established their careers, got married Despite the distance and different was part of what everyone was able Cottle, née Hainsworth (OG76), was at LGS, LGHS and GSAL. And At the second meeting, Judith and had families. career paths, the three kept in touch, to do. I think we all have a huge second and Sue Jacklin ,née Gray epitomising that cherished legacy Blake, née Parsons (OG71) credited David worked for the National Coal attending each others’ weddings - responsibility to make sure that we (OG70), won nearest the pin. of friendship are David Schofield LGHS with propelling her to be the Board, as a trainee mining surveyor, Bob and David were each other’s get more young women going into (OL66), Bob Bradbury (OL65) and first ever female leader of Leeds Paddie Breeze, née Hogan (OG64), before joining Leeds City Council as a best man - telephoning, writing those subject areas.” Mike Stephenson (OL65), who met City Council. arranged a walk for non-golfers trainee public health inspector. Finally and meeting up on a regular basis. at school in 1960 and have been firm during the day. In the evening more he became a police officer, serving a So what has made their bond such OGs, including Joanne Pellow friends ever since. full term of 30 years, starting on foot a lasting one? (OG82), president of Old Girls’ Referring to the group as the ‘happy patrol in Chapeltown before going on committee, joined the walkers and trio’, David said: “None of us was Bob said: “Our friendship has endured to serve in road traffic, the firearms golfers for dinner. a high achiever but we all regard instant response team, and latterly because of shared experiences such ourselves as well grounded and happy. the community involvement unit at as swimming, fishing, mountaineering Alumnae, former staff of LGHS We believe that LGS gave us all an Killingbeck police station. and water-skiing, to name a few. Also and GSAL, or parents of the school our wives tell us that when we are excellent start in life, teaching us Mike spent some time in the Merchant and their guests, are welcome to together, we revert to being the young manners, politeness, right from wrong, Navy as a cadet engineer, then as an play and attend the annual event. LGS boys we once were!” and how to behave. engineer with the Central Electrical To register interest for next year, “Someone once said that knowledge Generating Board. He became a Mike added: “Bob and Dave have been contact [email protected] is knowing that a tomato is a fruit: sales engineer for a couple of years good friends through all the years. wisdom is knowing not to put it in before starting his own engineering Long may it continue.” the fruit dish! I believe that Leeds business at Thorp Arch Trading Estate, And the last word on the friendship Grammar School taught us wisdom in near Wetherby, eventually selling the goes to David: “We achieved a bond abundance.” company when he was 65. of true friendship which has stood the The trio met on their first day at senior After school Bob moved to Torquay test of time, and we have all found school when they were put into in with his family where he did a three- happiness in our lives.” Judith is pictured (right) with Lady Solti, who hosted the event at her home

16 17 Reunions Golden girls celebrate 50 years since LGHS

OGs from the class of ’69 gathered at GSAL to celebrate Some of the group had kept in touch over the last 50 50 years since leaving school. years and reunions were held after 20 and 40 years. However, many of the women had not seen each The reunion was held in the aptly named 1876 room other for half a century, creating happy and emotional (dedicated to the year LGHS was founded), where 27 moments when they met again as well as unexpected alumnae celebrated over lunch. cries of ‘You look just like your mother!’ Organisers Viva Baillie (née Bolster) and Ann Starkey Alumni travelled from all over the UK, including three (née Anderson) spent eight months planning the event from the south coast. Furthest travelled was Helen and tracking everyone down. Huntley (née Brown), who came all the way from Mexico.

The photo shows Michael Hann (second left) with the LGS tennis team on winning the Youll Cup in 1953, a knockout competition open to all independent schools Wimbledon serves up a treat for alumni

Alumni and guests had a sneak The event was co-hosted by GSAL the AELTC. He later moved to the preview behind the scenes of the Principal Sue Woodroofe alongside Rugby Football Union (RFU) as revamped All England Lawn Tennis former tennis player Michael Hann chief executive and is the current OGs from 1969 Barbara Melrose (née Southworth) and Sylvia Levi (pictured right) find their names on the honours boards Club (AELTC) ahead of this year’s (OL56) and Ian Ritchie (OL72), the chairman of Premiership Rugby. championships. club’s former chief executive. The school’s links with Wimbledon Guests at the sell-out event enjoyed Michael was the Wimbledon junior continue to be upheld with two 25 years on... a private tour of the club, which this singles champion in 1955, while still alumni playing at the championships year unveiled a new £70m retract- a pupil at LGS, and later presented this year. Luke Johnson (GSAL10) Memories of schooldays at Leeds able roof on No 1 court – identical a young Roger Federer with the made his Grand Slam main draw Girls’ High School came flooding to the one that has covered Centre same accolade in 1999. He has had debut after receiving a wildcard for back for alumnae of 1993 when they Court since 2009 and put paid to so a lifelong association with the club the men’s doubles. Naiktha Bains held a reunion in the 1876 room at many rain delays. and has been the honorary secretary (OG06), who moved to Australia as GSAL, which features displays of of its croquet section for a number an eight-year-old, has returned to photographs, old school magazines, As well as seeing the immaculate year books and the school uniform. grounds and iconic courts, guests of years. represent GB and also made her enjoyed a drinks reception in the Ian had a successful career in first appearance at the tournament, The idea for the 25th anniversary club’s museum and dinner in the media before moving into sport playing in the women’s doubles. celebration came from Rebecca Rolex Suite. and becoming chief executive of Bell (née Cruickshanks), who flew in from New York to attend. She was joined by more than 30 former pupils who enjoyed catching up with all the news of their former Lunch celebration marks 100 years of OLA classmates. Four of the girls’ teachers also A lunch for senior OLs was held at Weetwood took the opportunity to meet up. They were Barry Brindley, who Hall to commemorate the OLA centenary. was head of business studies and economics at LGHS; Pam Hutley, head of drama; Christine Jagger, From left to right: Neill Hargreaves head of science; and Judith Kerr, Enjoying the silver celebration are alumnae from 1993 and some of their teachers (former LGS staff and school head of English. archivist), Kathleen Grainge (widow of LGS geography teacher Marshall Grainge), Tristram Hope (OL81), Will 2020 be a special celebration We are particularly looking for Matthew Ridley (OL92), Ivor Shaw Planning a for you and your former year group? alumni of LGS and LGHS who (OL51), Kathleen Bell, David Bell school reunion If so, we can help you track down left in 1960, 1970, 1980, 1990 and (OL49), Richard Rutter (OL65), John your school friends and plan the 2000 so please get in touch with Sleightholme (OL61), Kathleen Davis perfect reunion. Anna White at [email protected] (OG49), Jo Shaw, Julian Creasey in 2020? and let’s see if we can make it happen. (OL69), Geoffrey Wilson (OL40).

18 19 100th birthday celebrations for Sefton Debbie’s

Walter Sefton Suffern (OL36) paediatrics before joining the Royal Hospitals, moving to the Harrogate, contribution to celebrated his 100th birthday… Army Medical Corps. Ripon and Knaresborough Group of London life is with no fewer than five parties. Hospitals in 1959, where he worked By this time Sefton had met Alison until his retirement in 1984. After The retired doctor, who until four Palmer (OG38), a former head girl marked with that he did medical tribunal work years ago was still driving a car and of LGHS and a medical student. and continued his private practice Freedom of the City a golf ball, was guest of honour They married on December 30 1942 at celebrations with his family of for several years. and, a few days later, he set off for Debbie Wosskow (OG92) was among children, grandchildren and great- Algiers on an Atlantic convoy. Sefton and Alison had 74 happy more than 100 women who received grandchildren, as well as his many Sefton spent the rest of the war years of marriage until she died in the Freedom of the City of London friends and neighbours. in North Africa and Italy, treating 2017. During retirement he enjoyed to commemorate the centenary of Sefton (as he was always known) Allied casualties and using some fly fishing, golf and playing bridge. female suffrage. was born in Belfast on 26 January of the first batches of the newly He and Alison travelled extensively and their home was always full of 1919 and attended Belfast Royal available penicillin. She received the honour at a guests and visitors. Academy until the age of 11. When After being demobbed in August ceremony in Guildhall this year after his family moved to Headingley in 1946, he began work as a medical The couple lived in Harrogate for the Court of Common Council, the 1930, he joined Leeds Grammar registrar at Leeds General Infirmary many years and, after Alison’s death, City of London Corporation’s top School where he became a house (LGI), gaining his MD in 1947, and his Sefton moved into a residential decision-making body, agreed to prefect and was a keen and able home in the town. Steve Boothroyd with his highly commended award MRCP the following year. bestow the Freedom on 106 women sportsman. While at LGI, Sefton received At the time of going to press we to mark the Representation of the He left school at 17 to begin his were informed that Sefton had Steve honoured for his services to scholarships to study cardiology People Act 1918. medical degree at Leeds University passed away peacefully at Hampden in Stockholm and in Pennsylvania. school sport (1936-1942). After graduating, he House Care Home. He leaves two The women were drawn from all walks spent six months as a house In 1955, he became consultant daughters Hilary and Diana, a son Steve Boothroyd (OL73) has been Throughout his teaching career he of life - but all with a connection to the physician at St James’ Hospital in physician to the Bingley, Keighley, Richard, grandchildren and highly commended at this year’s coached teams in his own schools City. Debbie has lived and worked in Leeds doing general medicine and Skipton and Settle Group of great-grandchildren. prestigious Leeds Sports Awards in as well as Leeds and Yorkshire London for many years. In 2011 she set the special contribution category. representative sides at U13. up Love Home Swap, an international During this time he coached future home-swapping website, and in 2018 The retired head teacher was Sefton is pictured celebrating his 100th Super League stars like Danny she opened the first female-only birthday with birthday cards from the shortlisted for the Service to PE and McGuire, Jamie Jones-Buchanan, private members club in the UK, the Queen and Amber Rudd, the Secretary School Sport Award in recognition Chev Walker and Andy Lynch. Allbright, based in Bloomsbury. for Work and Pensions of his dedication to school sport. He received his commendation at the Since his retirement as head teacher awards event at Leeds Direct Arena. of Adel Primary School in 2014, Steve’s main involvement in the sport Steve has devoted his life to coaching is as secretary of Leeds & Hunslet sports, particularly rugby league, but Schools’ RL and as English Schools’ also cricket, football, athletics and representative on the Rugby Football hockey. His coaching career began League Council - although he can in rugby union, when, as a sixth occasionally still be seen refereeing former at Leeds Grammar School, at primary school level! he coached the Nevile House middle school team to an unexpected victory over Sheafield in the house final. Gordon takes gold Diver Yona wins and silver historic silver for

Triathlete Gordon Benson (GSAL12) Jamaica led a British one-two to secure the Diver Yona Knight-Wisdom (GSAL13) has gold medal in the men’s race at the won a historic silver medal for Jamaica European Sprint Distance Triathlon in the men’s 1m springboard competition Championships in Kazan, Russia. at the Pan American Games. Gordon edged out fellow Brit Sam Dickinson in a sprint finish at the end His win was Jamaica’s first ever medal Debbie Wosskow, who has received the of the race, which included a 750m at the Games, which were held in Peru Freedom of the City of London swim, a 19.2 km bike and a 5km run. in August. Yona, whose achievement Benson crossed the line in 52min coincided on the day Jamaica celebrates 03sec, just a second ahead of Sam. Emancipation Day, marked the moment Honour for James by tweeting: “A great day for it.” A golden year for GSAL DofE CBE for OL Robert Heslett He followed this with an impressive Marshall performance at the ITU world This is just the latest in a series of wins Five alumni joined a record number of 27 GSAL pupils who Congratulations to Robert Heslett (OL62) who has been Triathlon Mixed Relay Series in Tokyo, for Yona since he started representing James Marshall (OL98) has been achieved the much-coveted Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award made a CBE in the 2019 New Year’s Honours list, for winning a silver medal as part of the Jamaica. He became the first Jamaican awarded a CBE by ex-Prime Minister this year. services to self-represented litigants. mixed relay triathlon team. to participate in diving at the Olympic Theresa May in her resignation Games in 2016 and has also won double honours list. Eric Rodriguez Boidi (GSAL18), Daniel Saveliev (GSAL18), Robert was president of the Law Society from 2009-10 and GSAL likes to think we helped in some gold in the 3m springboard and 3m Lucy Poskitt (GSAL16), Nick McLean (GSAL15) and Aditya is a former partner at DAC Beachcroft. He receives the CBE small way - we had the privilege of James is the former director of the synchro at the Scottish Nationals. Tamba (GSAL17) were invited to a gold award ceremony for services to access to justice and litigants in person. He is welcoming the team to train in the pool Prime Minister’s No. 10 policy unit at Buckingham Palace along with current pupils, where the a former chair of the Personal Support Unit, a charity that at school while their usual pool was Yona, who was born and brought up in and receives the award for political Earl of Wessex presented the certificates. helps unrepresented parties through court proceedings. undergoing maintenance this summer! Leeds, has a Jamaican father. and public service. 20 21 Mark upholds royal tradition with new appointment Travel entrepreneur sets his sights on Far East

At just 28, Mark Scott (OL08) has politics and economics at Mansfield Order of the Garter ceremony when A travel app launched by Jack which provides Eurail passes for become the youngest herald at the College, Oxford, has been interested the Kings of Spain and the Nether- MacHugh (GSAL12), which helps non-Europeans; and Japan Rail College of Arms, part of the Royal in heraldry and genealogy since his lands, the Marquess of Salisbury and travellers plan European Interrail Planner, providing Japan rail passes Household. school days. So, when he saw that Lady Mary Peters were installed as trips, has been expanded to take in in partnership with J Rail Pass. the College of Arms was looking for Companions of the Order.” the Far East. He was appointed Bluemantle Based back in Leeds since research assistants, he applied and Pursuivant of Arms by the Queen, The heralds marshal this event, as Jack, who developed the app with graduating in 2016, with a degree got the job. becoming the 77th known holder well as the State Opening of Parlia- his business partner Jack Cowell in international management and of the title since its creation in 1414. He said: “I thought it would be ment, and as the junior officer of while they were both still students German, Jack’s plans for the future As one of 13 officers of arms who agreeable to do something that in- arms Mark led the procession. at Bath University, is aiming to make include extending coverage to travel make up the College of Arms, Mark terested me as my day job. For two As for the ceremonial dress which travel easier to Japan to coincide in China and South Korea as they spends much of his working day in years I worked as an assistant to is worn for these special occasions, with major sporting events like the become more popular with western the City of London on the creation one of the heralds, and I then spent Mark believes it still has a purpose. Rugby World Cup this year and the travellers. of new coats of arms, genealogical some time working for most of the Olympic Games in Tokyo next year. He said: “There are a lot of exciting and historical research and official other ones, so they could all get an “We need the colourful attire to Japan Rail Planner is the latest avenues we could explore and go work for the British and Common- impression of my work.” make up for our everyday greyness,” addition to the Interrail Planner down in terms of the travel planning wealth governments. he said. “Everybody thinks of us That led to his current appointment. as these magnificent creatures platform, a free app which space. In the medium term, we However, for ceremonial duties he Mark’s final interview was with the in tabards but that only happens maps out routes, keeps track of want to consolidate our position as swaps his suit for breeches, stock- Duke of Norfolk, who nominated about twice a year. pass requirements and books experts and the go-to websites for ings, buckled shoes and the him to the Queen for appointment. accommodation for users. The idea rail planning. This means exclusively “When that is all over the breeches colourful tabard of the Royal Arms “After various warrants and patents for the initial business came as Jack focusing on multi-journey trips that which is handed down from one and stockings go back in the drawer and his co-founder were planning involve the use of rail networks, of appointment were all signed and Jack MacHugh generation of herald to the next. and we return to our grey suits and an Interrail trip around Europe with so we will begin to look at other sealed,” he said, “my appointment our offices in the City.” Mark, who studied philosophy, occurred in June, just in time for the some friends and found the process entrepreneurs have been updating countries or areas that offer rail extremely stressful. it ever since. The business now has passes and go from there.” They decided to create a website three different platforms - Interrail Jack also runs 50 Pound Social, a which would make the experience Planner, which provides Interrail social media agency, and plans to easier and, having launched a passes for Europeans travelling expand that over the next few years, basic version in 2016, the two across the continent; Eurail Planner employing people in the process.

Calling all overseas alumni…

The first in a series of international while students received practical with this year’s A-level politics trip alumni receptions has been held in advice and gained an insight into led by Andrew Stodolny. They are the USA, with three more events how careers can develop along planned before the end of October. on Tuesday 22 October in NYC and exciting and unexpected paths Friday 25 October in Washington. US-based alumni met up with GSAL by taking opportunities to switch students in Washington DC and New professions or locations. The Singapore alumni event will take York during their politics study tour, The receptions were held at the place on the evening of Wednesday which was led by head of politics Ludlow Hotel in the Lower East Side 23 October during the STEM trip Andrew Stodolny earlier this year. of Manhattan and at the Washington led by John Bagshaw, head of design During the two events, alumni and Plaza Hotel. technology at GSAL. students found plenty to talk about. More receptions are planned Anyone interested in attending Alumni shared their experiences for Washington, New York and any of these events, contact of living and working overseas and Singapore throughout October. enjoyed reminiscing about their [email protected] former teachers and school days, The two USA events will coincide

Pictured at the New York reception are: (L-R): GSAL students and teacher Andrew Stodolny are pictured Ramone Param (OL03), John Conrad Slater (OL91), at the Washington DC reception. John Bates (OL67), Andrew Stodolny, head of politics at GSAL, They are (L-R): David Bush, Sam Slater, James Coulson, James Appell (OL03), James Gordon (OL97), Alan Lyons (OL89), Joel Rivlin (OL97) Andrew Stodolny, Dan Coultas (OL94), Mark Scott Rebecca Bell (OG93) and Tim Jarvis (OL83) Matthew Winter, Ben Whittaker and Lauren McGaun 22 23 Events 2019-2020 Fond farewells For more details on all our events and reunions please visit www.gsal.org.uk/events or Danny Brady (OL75) then until 2018 and was chair from 2006 to 2008, the New Testament in Greek until the day he died. contact [email protected] overseeing the merger of LGS and LGHS to create 1957-2018 At his requiem mass, the eulogies of loving the co-educational GSAL. During his time at the friends recalled his wry, self deprecating and Danny “DOPPER” Brady died at home on 21 school, he was heavily involved in the business mischievous wit, his humility, his vast stock of October 2018 aged 61. OLA Centenary Dinner Remembrance Service Farewell to Rose Court and management committee. obscure knowledge, his wilfully oblique opinions Date: Friday 18 October Date: Sunday 10 November 2019 After an education at Leeds Grammar School, he He was born and educated in South Yorkshire and the fearlessness which led to the freedom of Date: Friday 15 May 2020 returned as a teacher of French and German from Venue: The Lost and Found Venue: The Grammar School at Leeds and, after three years at Loughborough University, his thinking, his poetry and his art. Come and see a typical afternoon 1981 to 1990. became a sports master at Dunsmore School Leeds Club Time: 10.30am – 12 noon Of his speaking Russian with an English accent, at Rose Court, our nursery and Danny was sociable and affable, able to talk to for Boys in Rugby (now Ashlawn School) Time: 7pm but impressively sophisticated syntax and pre-prep school. anyone and particularly keen to do so if that where, as a keen sportsman, he played rugby Tickets: £45 vocabulary, his friend’s Russian landlady described broke a language barrier. A natural linguist for Rugby. In 1970, he moved to the USA to it as ‘like talking to Tolstoy.’ Date: Saturday 16 May 2020 with an astonishingly keen ear, he boasted 12 study at the University of California (UCLA), A black-tie event to commemorate Yvette Cooper MP - The His legacy includes a waistcoat impeccably sewn languages and added a smattering of Urdu where he graduated with a BSc, an MSc the OLA Centenary with speaker, All alumni welcome to join our of cigarette butts in herring-bone array and Power of Women’s Voices learned from his neighbour in a hospital bed. and – after an interlude teaching at St Mary’s Professor Mark Bailey. celebrations of over 100 years of presented as of great philosophical significance, Date: Thursday 21 November 2019 Danny suffered for many years with bipolar College of Education in Twickenham – a PhD. perfumes smuggled as mnemonics into history Ford House and more recently disorder but he retained many fond memories His academic interests were on children with Venue: The Grammar School at Leeds exams, “Chessophony,” an algorithm for Rose Court. of the school. He set up the first representative learning difficulties, in particular, on children with Time: 7.30pm - 8.30pm converting a chess match into a string quartet, International Alumni school football team with John Barclay, a then difficulties in motor skills. During his time in Tickets: £14/£10 concessions from Please email [email protected] and a collection of more than fifty of his water controversial breach from the tradition of Rugby California, he worked in a variety of schools and Receptions 2019 www.ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk to register your interest. colours. Union only. An accomplished hell fire musician clinics, and alongside therapists from the Martin

New York: Tuesday 22 October Yvette Cooper MP tells the story himself, he conceived Bands Night. With just Luther King Hospital, with children with learning

Singapore: Wednesday 23 October of 30 inspirational speeches given cause, the management were anxious but the or movement difficulties, visual disorders, and Gareth Dunn (GSAL09) Washington DC: Friday 25 October by women, from Boudica to LGHS 40th reunion students totally approving. behavioural issues. He also worked with children on different points of the autism spectrum. 1991-2018 Alumni are welcome to join our Margaret Thatcher and from Date: Saturday 12 September 2020 He successfully arranged many foreign visits, Malala Yousafzai to gun-control Venue: The Grammar School at Leeds exchanges and tours. To his students, he was a Throughout this time, David continued to play After a brave and courageous fight with visiting staff and students at a hero because with him education and recreation competitive rugby, and also established and secondary cancer, Gareth Dunn passed away on drinks reception. activist Emma Gonzalez. Organised with the help of Louise were always one and the same. coached the first women’s Rugby Union team in 29 October 2018, aged just 27.

Doran (OG80). He is remembered with affection and a smile. California, at UCLA. After graduating from university with a degree zalez. In 1977, David was appointed lecturer in physical in history, followed by a Masters in European OG Club London branch LGS reunion – OL71 education at the University of Leeds. He politics, his ambition was to join the Foreign and event LGS 50th reunion lunch moved to the School of Education in 1981, and Commonwealth Office (FCO) as a diplomatic Date: Saturday 8 February 2020 was promoted to senior lecturer in 1985, to a officer - but not before first serving a stint in Date: Saturday 9 November 2019 Venue: The Grammar School at Leeds Date: Saturday 19 September 2020 readership in Motor Development and Impairment the Army, for which he was accepted for officer Venue: York Room, Lancaster Hall Time: 12pm to 4pm Venue: The Grammar School at Leeds in 1991, and to a developmental chair in Special training at the Sandhurst Military Academy. Hotel, Craven Terrace, Organised with the help of Nigel Needs in Education in 1992. Almost immediately after being accepted, he OLs from the 1971 cohort are London W2 3EL Gravells (OL70). David retired from the university in 2010. was diagnosed with Sarcoma in his foot, a rare welcome to attend this alumni and aggressive form of cancer. His right leg was Time: 1pm – 1.30pm reunion organised by Roger Stead. amputated from the knee within weeks of the

Guest speaker is cyber security Danny is pictured (back left) with the school’s Dominic King (OL92) diagnosis, cutting his Army career short before consultant, Dr Robert Nowill (OL73). first football team LGS 60th reunion lunch 1974-2019 it started. He was then only 23, but Gareth was determined Please contact Jackie Chalmers to OLA London Dinner Date: Saturday 14 November 2020 Dominic King died at home on 12 April 2019 David Norton Laurence not to let this inhibit him. He applied to join the book [email protected] Venue: The Grammar School at Leeds aged 45. Date: Friday 6 March 2020 (OL47) 1929 - 2018 UK Paralympics Team, and was accepted to train Venue: The Savile Club Organised with the help of David Born in Indonesia, he always said that his first in five disciplines in preparation for the 2020 David was born in Leeds and attended LGS Walton (OL60). language was Bahasa. Tokyo Olympics. However, in January 2017 he Time: 6.30pm before going to Leeds University and Leeds In 1979 the family moved to Nyeri in rural Kenya contracted secondary cancer of the lungs and his General Infirmary to train as a doctor. LGS Back to School Day Save the date for the annual OLA and Dominic and his brother Benedict became dream of becoming a Paralympian was cut short Date: Saturday 9 November 2019 London Dinner. His early years as a doctor in National Service boarders at the Dragon School, Oxford. too. Shortly after that, the FCO offered him a LGS 20th reunion dinner were in Chester. He then spent several years as Venue: LUBS, Moorland Road In 1985 the family moved to Leeds and Dominic position as a trainee diplomat, an opportunity he a GP in Lincoln before moving to Tynemouth. Time: 9am – 4pm Date: Autumn 2020 - date tbc joined LGS in 1987, followed by Jesus College, was sadly unable to accept. From 1965-1967 he was a GP in Wellington, Venue: The Grammar School at Leeds Oxford, in 1992 to read history. Gareth then embarked on a cancer awareness New Zealand before returning to live and work Take a trip down memory lane at the LGS 30th reunion – OL90 programme to raise £100k for Cancer Research Organised with the help of Richard in Yarm, Cleveland. He was a lifelong supporter In 1996 he won a place at Lomonosov former LGS site in Moorland Road, UK, a hugely ambitious target which he reached Date: Saturday 21 March 2020 Turney (OL00). of Leeds United. University, Moscow, to study Russian Church in just 14 months. (See Memento 2018 for full enjoy a day of lessons, an assembly, Venue: The Grammar School at Leeds history. Achieving a first in his Master’s, but in David was married for 40 years to his wife story). a tour and a traditional school lunch. disagreement with the Marxist-Leninist professors Time: 7pm Mavis who died in 1994. He is survived by his over his unorthodox PhD, in 2001 he returned Gareth was an extremely bright, intelligent and three children, Duncan, Janet and Clive, seven Organised with the help of Nick Allen home to pursue his philosophical and religious highly motivated individual, always polite and grandchildren and three great grandchildren. (OL90). ideas. He started painting water colours of Leeds, courteous and had such a loving and positive LGS reunions – OL79 becoming a familiar figure in Headingley. attitude to life, even in the face of adversity, which he lived with for so long. and OL99 Professor David Sugden His ecumenical approach brought experience Despite his deteriorating health and condition, Date: Saturday 9 November 2019 OG Annual Golf Day 1945-2019 of many denominations before he converted to Catholicism. he managed to participate in, and complete, the Two groups of OLs are planning to and Walk Professor David Sugden, who served as a London Marathon in 2018 - a truly astonishing Between 2006 and 2018 he was diagnosed with governor of LGS and GSAL for 21 years and was a achievement. attend the Back to School day and Date: Friday 1 May 2020 ME, MS and eventually motor neurone disease. former chair of governors, died on 13 March 2019. then hold reunions in Leeds later that Venue: Wetherby Golf Club Despite impaired co-ordination he continued to His loss will be felt deeply by everyone who evening. Antony Drake (OL79) and He was a former Professor of Special Needs in knew him. All old girls of LGHS and GSAL and paint, specialising in computer designed cartoons Rob Manson (OL99) are organising Education in the School of Education at Leeds to convey philosophical and religious ideas guests welcome. Organised by Sue the reunions. University, and former Pro-Vice-Chancellor. humorously. He attended St Anne’s Cathedral in Jacklin (OG70). David’s son and daughter, Chris and Rachel, his electric wheel chair and enjoyed his family and attended LGS and LGHS. In 1997 David was friends, communicating in writing on a reporter’s appointed as a governor at LGS. He served from note pad. He read Dostoyevsky in Russian and 24 25 George Elwen (OL46) James ‘Jimmy’ Dodman Margaret Mary Dodgson Peter Sparling MBE (OL51) Sheldon Bonner William (Willy) Brown 1929-2018 (OL91) 1972-2018 (née Chessex) (OG58) 1933-2019 1962-2019 (OL63) George Elwen was born in Egypt at a time when James Dodman was a consultant in anaesthesia 1941-2018 Both Leeds Grammar School and The Sheldon Bonner, former head groundsman of LGS 1945-2019 Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) owe Peter and GSAL, and subsequently of St Peter’s School his family were stationed overseas and his father and intensive care medicine at Pinderfields Margaret was the only child of Ernest and Marjorie Willy Brown was an expert in industrial relations, Sparling enormous gratitude for his heartfelt York, died peacefully in Wheatfields Hospice on 20 was a serving officer in the RAF. The family General Hospital, Wakefield, from 2007 until his Chessex and lived in Adel, Leeds. She attended holding chairs in the subject at both the University commitment to the life of the schools over March 2019 attended by his wife Vikki and family. returned to England when George was three, death from oesophageal cancer on 26 December Leeds Girls’ High School from 1950 to 1958 where of Warwick and the University of Cambridge. and eventually moved to Leeds in 1943. George 2018, aged just 46. many years. Sheldon acquired his perfectionism as an early she achieved eight O levels, however it was sport He was a founding member of the Low Pay attended Leeds Grammar School from 1943 to As chair of the governors for 18 years, his protégé of legendary Headingley groundsman After attending LGS, Jimmy studied medicine where she excelled, captaining the netball team and Commission (LPC) which introduced the national 1946, where he obtained his school certificate. vision and inspiration played a huge part in Keith Boyce for whom he had a lifelong admiration at Newcastle University, qualifying in 1996. also representing the school at tennis. minimum wage in 1999. He played a central role in the successful merger of the boys’ school with and upon whose advice and standards he forever According to Dr Terry Thomas, the headmaster at He returned to Yorkshire in 1997 as a trainee On leaving LGHS, Margaret attended Yorkshire the LPC, designing and implementing the policy Leeds Girls’ High School to form GSAL in 2008. drew. Sheldon’s pride in a good job found him that time, George was a boy “of good ability and anaesthetist at hospitals in Scarborough, Ladies Secretarial College, later becoming secretary and acting as a mediator. excellent character”. York, and Harrogate. He then spent time at Peter was born in Leeds on Christmas Eve, 1933. often taxed by the mutually exclusive demands to Jim Crowther, chairman of Charlton and He was also an academic administrator who Birmingham Children’s Hospital before joining Following his education at Leeds Grammar of school needs for track, field, pitch and court. George wanted to stay on at school to achieve his Crowther Architects in Leeds until 1962 when she took up senior positions in scholarly associations, the registrar rotation in West Yorkshire in 2001. School he went on to qualify as a solicitor, later At St Peter’s, where he quickly won hearts in the higher certificate and go to university, however married Joseph Dodgson. governmental bodies and at Cambridge, including Jimmy rotated through the hospitals of Yorkshire, becoming a senior partner at Blacks. latter part of his career, the school won national family finances precluded this, so he took a Margaret and Jo settled in Cookridge before being Master of Darwin College. including Pinderfields Hospital, where he was acclaim for the standards of its estate and, for variety of clerical jobs and studied in his own time moving to Hampsthwaite, near Harrogate, for ten His was a life of traditional public service with later appointed as a consultant anaesthetist. He Sheldon personally, tributes from his professional His mediation skills were also often used by the to become a chartered secretary. years, then returning to Bramhope in 2001. They the best of motivation. He moved into local passed his final FRCA in 2002. After completing association Pitchcare. Sheldon was proud to share Advisory Conciliation and Arbitration Service, on He joined the bursar’s office at the University had three sons, Paul, Robert and Nicholas. politics in the 1960s, and served as a councillor his registrar training, Jimmy spent 16 months at mutual respect with his counterparts at Lords, whose council he served. of Leeds in 1964, where he stayed for 30 years for Moortown ward from 1968-1987, when he Barnes Jewish Hospital in St Louis, Missouri, USA, Margaret returned to her career in 1985, part-time Wimbledon and Twickenham. Although much of his research was informed by until his retirement. Outside work, he took a was appointed an Honorary Alderman. working as an attending anaesthesiologist. at first, as a fines enforcement officer in Leeds His powerful singing voice made him first a fieldwork case studies, he was the driving force in keen interest in the Air Training Corps and He was a well-regarded Conservative politician, Magistrates Court where she quickly gained a hero of the working men’s clubs and of school launching large-scale, representative employment was Squadron Leader of the Air Cadets in Following his appointment as a consultant, taking over as party leader of Leeds City reputation for taking a no-nonsense attitude and productions. He was the front man in his band relations surveys in the UK, which led to the Knaresborough for many years. Jimmy also developed a career as an educator, Council when the then leader Irwin Bellow being dreaded by the defendants. playing frequent charity gigs. Famously in the government’s flagship Workplace Employment rising through appointments as college tutor and joined Margaret Thatcher’s government in 1979. He was married to Muriel for 62 years and After leaving the Town Hall, Margaret became PA 2007 edition of X Factor, he achieved promotion Relations Study and to similar surveys in Australia training programme director for the Yorkshire He served as council leader until Labour won had four sons and a daughter. Two of his sons, to the head of the school of maths at the University to boot camp and was rewarded with appreciative and Canada. School of Anaesthesia. He also became an back control in May 1980. He held many offices Bernard and David, attended Leeds Grammar of Leeds where she was also the administration and appreciated criticism from Simon Cowell. adviser on the General Medical Council’s fitness within the Conservative party, including chair Willy was born in Oxford, before moving to School. manager for the whole school until her retirement to practice panel. and later president of the Elmet and Rothwell Sheldon was diagnosed with a brain tumour for Leeds. After attending Leeds Grammar School in 2001. Jimmy leaves his wife Joanne and three children, constituency party. which he had surgery twice whilst conscious, on a scholarship, he went to Wadham College, Margaret and Jo were keen travellers, which they advising his surgeon of sensation. Throughout his Oxford, where he studied philosophy, politics James Albert (Jim) Horrox Mabel, Alice and Edward, who are pupils at GSAL, In 1980 he was appointed as a governor of LGS, often combined with their love of sailing and illness, his courage and determination to work and and economics. He was on the staff of Warwick his parents, Barbara and Ed, and two brothers, becoming chair from 1988 until 2005. He was (OL39) 1923-2018 yachting, They also enjoyed many safaris on the live life to the full were wondrous; and in pursuit University between 1968 and 1985, and was Andrew and Daniel. vice-chair of GSAL from 2005 until 2015, retiring Jim Horrox died, aged 95, on 28 December 2018 African continent and spent time in Australia and of his bucket list, he succeeded in paragliding Montague Burton professor of industrial relations from the school in 2016. During that time he after a short spell of ill health. the Far East, North America, Alaska, Russia and from the summit of Mount Babadag, swimming at Cambridge University from 1985 until his was a member of a number of committees - He was the eldest of four brothers and was named throughout Europe. with dolphins in Cozumel, and diving through retirement in 2012. business and management, external relations, Albert, just as the eldest of each generation had the Mallorcan caves. These experiences were Margaret leaves her husband Jo, her three sons corporate governance, GSAL enterprises and Willy is survived by his second wife, Jackie been since A Horrox & Sons, Estate Agents, had surpassed only by marriage to his beloved Vikki in nd four granddaughters. She was a wonderful the foundation. Scott, a professor, whom he married in 2017, four been founded in the 19th century. mum and doting grandma to her granddaughters, July 2018. stepdaughters, six grandchildren; and his older He was also one of the founding board Jim joined LGS in 1932. All his brothers, father, Olivia, Thea, Eva and Clara and is greatly missed brother Henry. members of what became Opera North and uncle and brother-in-law were also alumni. by them all. chaired its Friends organisation for 20 years. Stephen Maude (OL36) Instead of joining the family firm, Jim gained He was a non-executive director of the Leeds professional qualifications that launched a career 1919-2018 Dental Health Authority from 1992 to 1997, and a in advertising and marketing, first at the Yorkshire Patricia Ann Cox CB (OG49) Stephen Maude attended Leeds Grammar School director for several years of the West Yorkshire Post and later at department store Brown, Muff’s 1931-2018 from 1927 to 1936; loving and excelling in art, music Playhouse board. In recent years he was an of Bradford, where he became a director. and sport, especially cricket. He played in the 1st Patricia Ann Cox (Pat to her friends) was a active governor of Bardsey Primary School. For many years, from the early 1950s, he actively devoted and punctilious civil servant. Her whole XI and went on to play in and captain the Old In his leisure time he was a keen football promoted the marketing profession, serving career was spent in the Scottish departments, Leo’s XI, taking over 1,000 wickets as a wily supporter and for many years was a season as secretary of the Leeds Publicity Club and apart from a three-year secondment to the leg-spin bowler. ticket holder at Leeds United. chairman of the Leeds branch of the Institute Treasury. Stephen was a choral exhibitioner (with not so Peter was appointed MBE in 2014 for his of Marketing. The Institute recognised his She came from a distinguished academic family, fond memories of the stiff Eton collar he had to contribution to the arts, education and the ‘outstanding service’ with its President’s Award in both her father and her brother being Fellows of wear for the two Sunday chapel services) and an community. His wife, Bettie, daughter Helen, 1989 and later its Gold Medal. the Royal Society of London. She was educated accomplished viola player in the school orchestra and son James, survive him. After Brown, Muff’s was bought by House of at Leeds Girls’ High School and Newnham College which his father, Edward Maude, trained and Fraser, Jim left to set up his own printing business Cambridge, from which she graduated in 1953. conducted. He particularly enjoyed playing in Bradford, where he remained until retirement. In the same year she entered the Department string quartets and was also a member of Leeds Music Club. He married Margaret Cooper in 1948; his son was of Health for Scotland as an assistant principal, at LGS, his daughter (like her mother) at LGHS. In becoming a principal in the Scottish Home and During World War Two, Stephen was a cipher retirement Jim and Margaret moved to Nidderdale Health Department (SHHD) in 1959. operator and served in Iceland, Normandy, and in September 2018 they celebrated 70 years The rest of her career, apart from three years in Belgium, the Netherlands and the Middle East, taking part in the 1944 Normandy landings for of marriage. James ‘Jimmy’ Dodman HM Treasury and nine as an Under Secretary in the Scottish Education Department, was in SHHD. which the French Government awarded him the At its conclusion she was appointed a Companion Legion d’Honneur. Michael Harland (OL50) of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath (CB). Returning to civilian life, he set up his own 1931-2019 She contributed much to the improvement of package design art studio in Albion Place in Leeds, legislation of mental health in Scotland and was designing for many local firms such as Morrisons Noel Michael Harland retired as a GP in 1996 instrumental in tackling the Aids crisis in the supermarket and Rakusens. after many years in practice at Featherstone, country in the 1980s, along with Dr McDonald, He moved to Wetherby in 1972, with his wife Jean, near Pontefract, Yorkshire. the chief medical officer. where he became a full time landscape artist, He trained at Leeds Medical School before In her private life she was devoted to the arts specialising in winter scenes, and painted over spending two years in the army as a medical and was a lover of opera, a fine needlewoman 750 pictures of the Dales and North Yorkshire. officer with a Scottish regiment during National and a painter. These were sold through local galleries and often Service. He returned to Yorkshire where he As a consequence of developing Parkinson’s reproduced as calendars and Christmas cards. He met his wife Patricia whilst working at Leeds disease she became actively involved in the was also president of the local Art Loan scheme. General Infirmary as a junior doctor. Parkinson’s Society of Edinburgh. In retirement he lived in York, where he died after a long illness, on 2 January 2019. He is survived by his wife, children and James Albert (Jim) Horrox grandchildren. Peter Sparling 26 27 Make your mark. Your legacy. Their future. Inspiration, mentor, benefactor, friend - what will your mark on GSAL be?

Gifts and legacies have played a crucial role in the development of The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) since the foundation of Leeds Grammar School and Leeds Girls’ High School.

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