Keeping alumni in touch with Grammar School and each other Clocktower Winter/Spring 2017 Issue 11

JACK LAUGHER: ‘The passion Teachers that and former classmates drives recall the boy me’ who grew up to be BRITAIN’S GREATEST DIVER OF ALL TIME

The making of an Olympic champion

Also inside: Miss Mac’s Rio report, reunions, school news and more1 R G S ALUMNI A letter from the Headmaster Where are they now? Have you ever wondered what happened to those old friends you lost touch with? We find out what some former RGS students and staff are up to now

(Left RGS 1968) impression on me. I went on organised long walks Paul Binding in the Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors with pupils, and I also arranged weekly folk-dance I was assistant English teacher at Ripon Grammar sessions. School from September 1966 to July 1968, so even when I left (I'd then be 25) not significantly I lived just outside the city, along with some Happy memories: older than the sixth-formers. Paul Binding, other teachers, in Quarry Moor House, which provided a dependable home for me. One of bottom right and One reason for my applying for the job at RGS those living there too, Ben Smith, organised a was that, many years before, my mother (who below, pictured trip in summer 1967 to Poland. This is still one had died in 1965) had been at Ripon High School, in 1966 of the outstanding experiences of my whole life, as its school for girls then was called, and been and I’d imagine of the boys and girls who went very happy there. I too was for the most part with us. very happy at RGS. Poland was then an authoritarian Eastern bloc country, regulating its visitors’ movements, but even so we succeeded in having meetings with ordinary Polish people and in visiting parts of the beautiful southern Polish countryside that were Dear former students and friends of RGS, Jane Barrett (Elliott) not tourist-orientated. (Left RGS 1987) New book out in My greatest friendship of my Ripon years was Welcome to this issue of the Clocktower; January: Jane Despite my legs turning a mottled purple with the head of the English department, Ethel another packed edition highlighting the Barrett, right and fantastic achievements of students, both in colour due to the cold, I loved hockey Allison, a keen intellect with a particular feeling at school and was a protégée of the above, pictured in for Gerard Manley Hopkins and T.S. Eliot, and school and after they have left. I am incredibly inspirational Barbara Holland. the 1987 Under 16 a perceptive, lively, humorous individual with proud of what they are able to achieve whilst whom I was in very regular contact after leaving hockey squad maintaining excellent standards in their Sadly my hockey skills declined when I got the school. Her death from cancer in 1971, after to the University of Reading to read land The sixth form I took right through to A-level academic studies. a painful illness, and in comparatively early management and I only managed the Third English literature was a singularly pleasant middle age, was a great sorrow for me – and for XI. group, and two members of it, David English and Whilst it is invidious to single-out one many others,I know. Bruce Oldfield, I have seen with real enjoyment individual, it would be difficult not to My claim to fame is that I tried in recent years, and I have followed their (unsuccessfully) to copy from Kath Viner’s Since the 1960s I have not pursued a school highlight ’s achievements in interesting careers keenly. the Olympics. To win two medals in the Rio answers in history tests – she was very teaching career but politically aware then and super clever have worked largely Olympics is an exceptional achievement I also have very good memories of reading with so no surprise she’s now editor of the as a freelance but what I believe is more important is how Guardian. lower forms books for the young that were then writer, faithful, I grounded, modest and unassuming Jack was new, and are now classics – those of Alan Garner, hope, to the love whilst he was at school. He never sought I left at 16 to board at Repton School, for instance. of literature I was the limelight and just let his success do the as my parents divorced and my father there to stimulate moved to Hong Kong. Geography was my The atmosphere between teachers and pupils talking. It is clear that he showed tremendous best subject so I decided to study land at RGS. resilience by overcoming injury setbacks as management. was one of a friendliness I had not known in well as a disappointing Olympics; my own school, and that made a very great RGS is tremendously proud of him. After qualifying as a commercial property surveyor I decided I liked people more talking about taxation, income inequality and than buildings and so switched to Chris Snowdon (Left RGS 1994) advertising. I very much enjoyed being part of the recent recruitment to help people get jobs. reunions this summer and meeting many After a year in work I went to Lancaster I write about a range of issues for Spectator former RGS students for the first time who left After essentially a sales job for a University to read history. After graduating I couple of years, I retrained as a career Health, City AM, the Telegraph and Spiked, and in the 1960s. Their gratitude to and affection stayed in Lancaster working for an internet publish several pieces of original research with coach to try and help the people I had start-up company, becoming managing for was palpable and, been trying to recruit. I worked for the IEA each year. as Head, it was extremely humbling to realise director in 2001. After the company was sold PricewaterhouseCoopers before setting up off I went into digital media in the regional what impact the school has had on their lives a career coaching business, working mainly My first book for the IEA, ‘Selfishness, Greed press, first in Darlington and then in Brighton. and how much they enjoyed their time here. with business schools in Europe. and Capitalism’, was published last year and can be downloaded for free from www.iea.org. The second edition of my book ‘How From 2006, I gradually moved into uk. I look forward to monitoring the progress to Take Charge of Your Career’ will be journalism. My first book, Velvet Glove, Iron today’s students will make once they leave published by Bloomsbury in January 2017. Fist: A History of Anti-Smoking, was published Another, as yet untiled book, is scheduled for school and I am sure there are many more After stints in the US, Hong Kong and in 2009 and was followed by The Spirit Level next year. Delusion (2010) and The Art of Suppression success stories waiting to be written. London I returned to Yorkshire with my husband and we now live in with (2011). I ended up at an economic think tank via a our son. I have very fond memories of RGS circuitous route so am the last person to ask Despite announcing my retirement at the and still keep in close touch with several Having found a niche as a critic of the ‘nanny for careers advice but I would encourage end of the year, the job remains as busy as of my friends from those days – strong state’ and a debunker of bad statistics, I any students who are considering studying ever. I am looking forward to reflecting on bonds formed eating biscuits on a bench in became the head of lifestyle economics at economics at university to look into the IEA’s my 13 years at RGS in the next edition of the the freezing playground. the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), a free- intern programme. market think tank, in 2013. Clocktower. I live in West Sussex with my wife and daughter. Critic of the nanny state: Chris Having been one of only a handful of pupils I continue to support Middlesbrough FC and Best wishes, Snowdon, right, and, far right, as a to have taken an economics A-level in my enjoy playing snooker, badly. Martin Pearman year, I now visit schools around the country schoolboy at RGS Chris pictured in his first year at RGS, left, and today, right CONTACT US WITH YOUR NEWS AND VIEWS ON: [email protected] EDITOR: RUTH SAVAGE DEPUTY EDITOR: NICOLA WOOLFENDEN 2 3 Where are they now? R G S ALUMNI Elaine Bamford (Jackson) Abigail Scott Paul (Left RGS 1994) (Left RGS 1989) I am deputy director of communications at the Joseph I would like to volunteer my story as I feel less successful Rowntree Foundation (JRF). I oversee all JRF’s external students deserve some recognition too, and to show how communications, promoting policy recommendations fragile everything can be in this life, despite the great and practical solutions to solve poverty in the UK. This education given to us by RGS. involves taking complex messages, translating them into comprehensible copy and accessible content, and After leaving RGS, I spent two years at Harrogate College disseminating them to stakeholders who have the power to gaining the NNEB Diploma, becoming a nanny before deliver lasting social changes. moving to Portsmouth with my then fiancé from 1992 to 1996, where I worked as a nursery nurse and then a I oversee all JRF’s content production, media relations, deputy play leader. digital communications and stakeholder management within the Communications and External Affairs Department of My history of accidents caught up with me and, after JRF’s HQ in York and my work involves communicating and falling over at football, breaking my knee and destroying engaging with government, both national and local: MPs, civil servants, parliamentarians, business and employers, as all the ligaments, I ended up in hospital for eight days, well as a whole host of other people. permanently disabled with osteoarthritis.

My career in communications has been via the traditional I lived in Harrogate from 1996-2002, working as a route of starting at the bottom — making cups of tea—and teaching/special needs assistant, then with profoundly working my way up. When I graduated from Cambridge disabled adults, a job I really loved despite suffering University (MA in modern languages) my first job was as additional injuries there. a ‘runner’ for a TV production company in London. This involved delivering VT tapes to the now defunct Television I studied for a university certificate in care management, Centre on Wood Lane and tending to the every need (mainly was forced out of my job and won an unfair dismissal finding the nearest bottle of Chardonnay) of producers and case. Anxiety and depression set in. directors of shows like ‘Later with Jools Holland’. I quickly decided TV wasn’t for me (too many egos!) but I did want to I went on to work in a care home before getting married work with journalists so I applied for a job as press assistant in 2006 to Julian, a manager for a big company in at luxury interior design business Colefax & Fowler. My Bradford. Depression increased on discovering we could languages proved useful when I helped to launch wallpaper not have children. Now also suffering with dystonia, I and fabric collections in Milan and Madrid. I then moved from suffered a further injury, leaving me with chronic pain interiors to exteriors, working as a press officer at the Royal and fibromyalgia, alongside back pain and coccydinia. Institute of British Architects (RIBA) (highlighting at interview my knowledge of classical architecture gained through my Two years of hospital treatments meant I was unable classics A-level – thanks Miss Richardson). I loved my three to work and I gained weight. In 2011 I won my case years there and ended up as head of press at the time when for a gastric bypass, lost nine stone and dropped six Channel 4 first started broadcasting the Stirling Prize live. dress sizes. I live in Otley, in constant pain, on lots of I was able to rub shoulders with all the greats of British architecture, including a very surreal afternoon tea with medication, visiting hot places just for a bit of pain Zaha Hadid at the V&A. relief.

In my late 20s I decided to have a bit of a break and went Achievements: Married my husband; published Vortex travelling round South America for three months, before Manor, a children’s book, in 2008, selling around 350 ending up in where I got a job as communications copies; write poetry and have had several poems manager for international architects Denton Corker Marshall. published; won Radio 2’s Popmaster quiz twice; adopted I ran the public launch of the Manchester Civil Justice Centre our lovely dog, George, from the Dogs Trust; travelled – the largest civil law courts in Europe – as well as project to Australia, Florida (where we own a timeshare), Las managing a major monograph and exhibition of the practice Vegas, Mexico, various areas of Europe and the UK. as part of the Melbourne Design Festival. Abigail Scott Paul in the tennis team, bottom left and in school uniform, top right. Looking forward to Graceland, Tennessee, with future You can take the girl out of Yorkshire, but... after five years Above, more recently outside Ten Downing Street. Elaine Bamford, right, pictured plans for Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and California. and with a small boy in tow, I decided to move closer to when she was at school. Former mayor of Cheltenham John Rawson, bottom right family. I identified JRF as a potential place of interest to and below, pictured with fellow RGS prefects in 1967 It would be great for anybody to get in touch and say work and I was lucky enough to get a temporary contract in hello, as chronic pain is a very lonely existence: the press team. Seven years on, I am still here and loving it. [email protected] With 13 million people living in poverty in the UK, there’s never been a more important time to be working to influence social change. John Rawson (Left RGS in 1967) I have very fond memories of my time at RGS. In 2013 I I was born in Ripon and was a pupil at the school from organised a reunion for my year (1987-1994) and was thrilled 1960 to 1967, during which time I did quite well at to catch up with so many old faces. exams and abysmally badly at games.

I was awarded an open scholarship in modern history at St John’s College Oxford in 1967 and graduated in 1970, after which I also studied for and gained a doctorate.

I have worked in marketing for the past 43 years and started my own business in 1995.

I have lived in Cheltenham since 1973 and served as a local councillor there for 33 years, including terms of office as chairman of Gloucestershire County Council and mayor of Cheltenham.

My current voluntary roles include president of the Cheltenham Festival of Performing Arts. I am married with Before and after: Elaine Bamford lost nine two daughters and now semi-retired. stone and dropped six dress sizes

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADVERTISE YOUR COMPANY IN THE NEXT EDITION OF CLOCKTOWER MAGAZINE, PLEASE CONTACT RUTH SAVAGE ON [email protected] 4 5 R G S ALUMNI  Margaret and Tony pictured centre back row with Julie in front at the opening of the Lichfield Changing Place in Heathrow’s Terminal 5, bottom right. Margaret at RGS, below, pictured in 1964 ‘A mother can only take so much’

argaret Clough did not set out to has over 700 and the US has no Changing Places change the world. But having a Ruth Savage discovers Come on ,America.’ I got a standing ovation. disabled child led this junior school teacher to launch a campaign which how a former junior school “But our ultimate highlight was our invitation has challenged business leaders and to the European Parliament. Hopefully a law politiciansM all over the globe. teacher, who left Ripon will be passed that will require these specialist toilets, needed by one in 284 people, to be Her daughter Julie is profoundly mentally Grammar School in 1968, installed alongside ordinary toilets. This would and physically handicapped after being brain mean disabled people could travel to wherever damaged at birth and, following years of has helped improve they wish. A quarter of a million people in the putting up with appalling facilities for the UK need these facilities to enable them to severely disabled in public places, Margaret conditions for disabled get out and about and enjoy the day-to-day finally snapped 14 years ago. people all over the world activities most of us take for granted.” The turning point came when, humiliatingly, After her horrendous airport experiences with she was forced to change her then 29-year- forefront of my life,” explains Margaret. “Just Julie over the years, Margaret is particularly old daughter in a body bag storage room at a think what a difference it will make for stroke delighted at their success in establishing major international airport because there was victims, MS sufferers, injured war veterans, three Changing Places toilets at Manchester nowhere else available. When she complained and all other disabled people confined to and Heathrow airports, two at Gatwick next time it happened, they were moved to a wheelchairs.” and Standsted and one each at Newcastle, strip and search room in the security area. Birmingham, and East Midlands airports. Modest and softly spoken, Margaret, 69, is “I was so hurt people could treat my daughter not a naturally feisty person. But her resolve “In addition, there is a beautiful lounge in like that,” says Margaret, who is originally to help improve the lives of the disabled has Heathrow’s Terminal 5 for people with reduced from Ripon and used to teach at Ascham House forced her into the spotlight. She has argued mobility, which includes a Changing Place. It is School in Newcastle until she retired six years her case, face-to-face, with the heads of major named the Lichfield Suite after where we live ago. international companies and given talks and now, in recognition of all the work we have presentations to a range of organisations. done and we are very proud of this.” The shocking treatment Julie received drove Margaret to start her campaign for more She and Tony, who has undergone successful Last year, Margaret and Julie helped Virgin accessible toilets and changing places for treatment for a brain tumour, have even been Airlines and British Airways trial a new hoist for disabled people in 2002. invited to appear in front of the European transferring disabled passengers into an aircraft Parliament: “Tony and I together make a seat: “Rather than being manhandled and “Wherever we went Julie had to be laid on formidable team. It is very frustrating when thrown into a seat, the Eagle Hoist can easily toilet floors to be changed because she cannot businesses say they can’t afford to install a lift a disabled person and can be completed stand or walk to sit on a toilet. Would you lay a Changing Place when you know they can or in the allowed timeframe of seven minutes loved one on a dirty toilet floor with their head should do. We keep contacting them and saying to ensure there are no delays. Now most UK next to a toilet bowl where someone has just ‘One day you may need this facility’ and often, airports are using them.” urinated? in the end, it works.” On a return visit to her home city of Ripon “A mother can only take so much, and after Their campaigning work, which is all voluntary, recently, she noted that more could be done lying her on the floor of some horrendous has taken them all over the world, including for the disabled here: “The city centre and places including wet and smelly toilet floors in Chicago, Frankfurt and Vancouver: “We have Fountains Abbey definitely need Changing hospitals, arenas and shopping malls, I decided given a talk to the International Air Transport Places for local people and visitors. This would enough was enough. Association in ,” says Margaret. “And allow more people to visit this beautiful city.” we are hoping to persuade Orlando Airport “Nobody should have to go through the in Florida to put Changing Places in, as many But she reflected on how far she has come: unnecessary indignity and difficulties we face, disabled children travel there. “When I left Ripon Grammar School in 1968, I just to visit the toilet.” never dreamed that one day I would have the “At one event, I spoke to a crowd of more than honour of talking to distinguished directors and Working alongside her 38-year-old son, Tony, 200 people from different American airlines executives of well-known companies. who has just been appointed an MBE for his and airports. My final sentence was ‘The UK work on the campaign, called Space to “The greatest recognition is my son Change, Margaret has helped establish receiving his MBE. I am very proud and proper disabled changing areas in high excited to be going to Buckingham profile venues such as Arsenal and Palace with him. It’s just a pity they Manchester United football clubs, the O2 don’t have a Changing Place there.” Arena and the National Exhibition Centre Following Margaret’s visit, of course, as well as in airports, hospitals, theme that could soon be about to change... parks and shopping centres. www.changing-places.org But she wants to see specialist facilities, known as Changing Places, with space for *Margaret (nee Humpleby) would the user, their carer, a changing bench love to hear from old friends on and a hoist, in more public places: “Julie [email protected] was brain damaged through neglect at birth and my determination to achieve what is needed for severely disabled people such as her has since been at the Main photograph by SARAH FRENCH 6 7 R G S ALUMNI School news Mr Pearman Rave reviews set to retire for Billie’s after 13 years at RGS HEADMASTER Martin Pearman will be retiring from debut album his post at Ripon Grammar School in August 2017. Mr Pearman, who has overseen a series of major ipon Grammar School sixth former and Juggling school work with a developments at the school, from the building of talented singer-songwriter Billie Marten the new sports hall and humanities block to the has received rave reviews in the national extension of the boarding houses, alongside RGS’s and international press for her stunning music career isn’t easy but debut album, recorded while studying for continuous impressive rise up the national and her exams. Billie Marten has still managed regional school league tables, said it would be a R wrench to leave. says Billie’s Writing of Blues to stun the critics with her first and Yellows is not just an excellent debut for a 17 He and his wife Fiona moved to Ripon from Leeds -year-old: “It’s an excellent debut, period.” album. Ruth Savage talks to the with their three sons, Tom, Alex and Joe, who Critics on the Irish News and Les Echos are also full all attended RGS. They now plan to enjoy the of praise and The New York Times advises Billie’s talented rising star opportunity to travel and spend more time as a album is one not to miss: “This 17-year-old British family, he said. songwriter harks back to eras before she was born come, praises her rich and nervily self-analytical on her quietly striking debut album.” lyrics: “Her vocals are a whisper in a world of clamour.” “I feel that the time is right, both for school and Billie, born Isabella Tweddle, recorded the album in myself, to seek new challenges and a different London and Ripon and wrote all 13 tracks, including The Evening Standard, another newspaper which pace of life. It has been an absolute privilege to her recent single Milk & Honey, herself. Some of compares Billie to Kate Bush, says she creates all be Headmaster at such an inspiring school and to the songs were written when she was only 14. sorts of beguiling textures with songs that take time have worked with so many talented students and to yield their secrets: “Marten fashions her own staff,” said Mr Pearman, who was deputy head at Now in the middle of A-level courses in art, English world of fragile darkness.” literature and French, she says it’s surreal to think Woodhouse Grove School before taking up his post she has released an album: “I find it super silly. Not Digital music magazine Never Enough Notes says it at RGS. many humans get to do it, so I’m eternally grateful. cannot find a flaw in Billie’s truly outstanding album: The record has had some ridiculously nice reviews, “In the age of curated playlists, algorithms and “I have enjoyed seeing the school develop and have I keep telling people I don’t understand it.” streaming, we have forgotten the joy of discovering an enormous and enduring affection for it, which will something new that genuinely takes your breath stay with me long after I have left. The Sunday Times Culture section review predicts away.” we will still be listening to Billie’s songs in 20 “This post is a tremendous opportunity for the right years’ time, going on to compare her to Nick Drake, And the Financial Times gives the album four stars person to lead a superb school into the next exciting John Martyn, Kate Bush and Joni Mitchell, both out of five, saying: “The atmospherically worked Rising North Star: Billie Marten is impressing the critics in the UK and abroad with her first album, ritingW Blues and Yellows stylistically and in terms of the emotional pull she mood of introversion is all the more impressive stage of its development. I am sure RGS will go from can apply with just a few piano chords and subtle considering Marten’s youth.” strength to strength in the future and will continue vocals. mock exams and in the photo of me signing you can to serve the local community successfully.” actually see my maths revision on the floor.” From a musical family, Billie’s breakthrough came The rest of the British press appear to agree Billie after she was discovered on YouTube when she was Billie was soon shortlisted for the prestigious BBC School is in the spotlight is one to watch. The UK’s leading music magazine only 12 years old. Having turned down the chance to Sound of 2016 music industry poll, previously won Mojo puts her at number eight on its playlist, appear on the big TV talent shows, she eventually RIPON Grammar School has been reports. And BBC’s Radio 5 Live “Throughout the debates that describing her as ‘a preternaturally talented 17- by Adele and , and was praised by Ed signed to Chess Club Records, a division of Sony Sheeran as ‘stunning’. at the centre of national debate show with Adrian Chiles did a have raged over grammar schools, year-old’ who has left a trail of ‘glassy-voiced folk Music, in 2015. We’re on a roll lullabies’ on the internet. following Prime Minister Theresa live broadcast from the school. I wish people on all sides of the Having performed at 11 festivals, including RGS has, for the first time, got more than “I signed on January 5 and I remember because it Bestival, Secret Garden Party and Latitude over the May’s announcement that she wants argument would visit Ripon,” he The Sunday Express gives Billie’s album five stars, was the day before my to create more grammar schools. Headmaster Martin Pearman’s said. “Amid all the arguments, 900 students, including ten who joined the while , sure there is even better to summer, Billie’s first headline tour took in London, Manchester, and Leeds: “This summer’s views featured prominently in Ripon surely stands as a model of school in third form. The total on the school festivals were the most gigs I’ve done consecutively, roll is now 920, including 81 boarders, which which has helped my confidence.” Both ITV Tyne Tees and BBC’s Look both The Yorkshire Post and The secondary education that works, North camera crews came into Northern Echo regional morning and works for all. is also the highest number for some time. Writing of Blues and Yellows For the rest of this year she will be combining her RGS to interview students and film newspapers. academic studies with performing. “I’m very lucky to “The city has two state secondary be doing both.” schools and both have been judged WITH a voice as rich and smooth as honey, Billie Clocktower But it’s not always easy: “I will often be doing exams Goodbye, Mrs Lofthouse by Ofsted to be outstanding. Our Marten’s dreamy, beguiling songs are sure to get or revising at the same time. I ruined several hotel two types of school have slightly under your skin. Writing of Blues and Yellows is an review rooms with oil paints in the sink. MANY students will have fond memories of German teacher Nicola different offers appropriate to the Careers event album you want to listen to again and again, and Lofthouse, who has left her post as head of German after 26 years at and Joni Mitchell “I keep the mentality that everyone has RGS. children who go there. Combined, CAN you help with the next RGS careers and each time you notice something new. commitments outside their job and this just happens and there are the academic results we produce higher education evening to be held on March to be mine. I’ll always keep school as a priority. She came to the school in 1990, having studied German and French at as two schools are exceptional.” Billie writes about wilderness and nature, along certainly touches of both, but Durham University. 8, 2017? This year the focus will be on the arts, with her upbringing in Ripon, her touching, Billie is, most of all, herself. In Lionhearted, “But I don’t bring music into school, I tend to stay languages, law, business, public sector and she sings of her desire to be braver: ‘I’ve never quiet about anything music-related so my friends find This was Mrs Lofthouse’s first full-time job and during her time here As a boy from a council estate reflective lyrics grappling with themes of loneliness out from or something. They’re all hugely media in order to raise our students’ awareness and longing. She might sing about typically been too bold...What would life be like/With a she organised a number of foreign exchange trips as well as work whose life was enhanced after nice and proud of me and school has been incredibly of the wide range of career and educational teenage insecurities and adolescent doubt but lionheart inside’. But what could be braver than supportive.” experience programmes, helping students forge long-lasting links with winning a place at grammar school Germany. there is an underlying darkness and depth which presenting the world with such a deeply personal himself, Mr Pearman added: “I opportunities that lie ahead. makes it hard to believe she is only 17 years old. debut album as this? As for the future, she says she has no definite plans: “I’m off on a tour to celebrate the album, which will For the past six years, she has worked part-time and now plans to have written to to be beautiful. As always, I’ll keep writing songs and tutor individual students and small groups in German, English and say I am pleased she has taken We would be very grateful to anyone willing to With gentle guitar playing and subtle, sensitive Writing of Blues and Yellows comes straight from singing them.” literacy. Her time at RGS, she says, has shaped both her professional the brave decision to propose an share their knowledge with students and parents the heart - Billie’s lionheart. RS arrangements, her songs are delicately crafted, and personal life. increase in selection to improve at the event. If you feel you could help with this, not overproduced to the point where they lose their Her advice to other students looking for a career in music is: “Trust your gut. Put your music everywhere the life chances of disadvantaged freshness. She has been compared to Kate Bush Mr Pearman added: “Mrs Lofthouse has achieved outstanding results in practice interviews or work experience, please on the internet, even if you think it’s shoddy. It’s young people. I believe grammar probably not.” her time and has kept German on the curriculum when many schools contact head of careers Jill Locke on have decided to dispense with it.” schools can aid social mobility.” [email protected]

8 9 R G S ALUMNI

time for training to missing out on the had major setbacks, from breaking bones to birthday parties of some of my closest bad competitions. For me it was about trying friends. to find the positives of those and training myself to not make the same mistakes again. How many hours a week did you devote to while also studying for GCSEs and What is the most pressure you have been A-levels? under?

I was training a full schedule as well as being The Rio 2016 Olympic synchro final, ‘THIS HAS at school. Roughly 25 hours of training each definitely. The final dive to be specific. week with one hour of travel either way to Nothing can prepare you for being in first Leeds and back too. place going into the final round of the Olympics. What sacrifices did your family have to make? How do you stay calm and focussed during competitions? My family were put under strain. Mum had to drive me to Leeds and back every day and I like to stick to a routine. It’s something I’ve BEEN MY Dad had to learn to cook for us. Ha! been doing for years now. Focussing whilst listening to music is the main key to it. What do you wish you’d known when you were 16? So what do you listen to on your headphones in between dives? That all the hard work was going to be worth it. There were many times when I was Mostly Drake and other similar artists. Music thinking the opposite! with words to concentrate on at the same time as not being too distracting. LIFELONG Who inspired you? What drives you on? I have always had previous Olympians and successful divers who have inspired me. Being My passion for this sport and the success I’m able to compete against some of my diving having with it. idols such as Alex Despatie was a pleasure. How do you relax in your free time? What did you enjoy most about your time at RGS? I play a lot of PlayStation. I also like to hang DREAM’ out with friends and my girlfriend. I have I enjoyed the friendships I formed and what a fair bit of down time after the Olympics they’ve evolved into now. The teachers so It’s about doing the things I never could After so badly breaking his arm in training it had to be put were fun, the lessons were great. My school before. experience was a lot of fun. What are the benefits of being so famous back together with a metal plate and screws, Jack Laugher What did you like least? now?

was told he might never dive again. But after triumphing at Doing homework when I had been at school I wouldn’t say I’m famous, but having nice 9am to 4 pm and diving until 7pm, then things said about my performances by people the Olympics, he is now the greatest British diver of all time. having to get it all done after that! who watched has been fantastic.

He tells Ruth Savage about the passion that drives him You’ve had some major setbacks. How What are the drawbacks? did you cope? Now that I’m allowed to go out partying, hat was going through your mind streets, saying that their son or daughter has Of course I’ve being noticed and possibly judged is probably when you realised you had won started diving or they want to start diving and it a downside. If I do something silly, people Britain’s first diving gold medal has been fantastic. will know! at Rio? How has your life changed since winning gold What are your plans for the future? It’s extremely hard to explain and silver at Rio? Wwhat was going through my head. Pure elation and To continue with my diving but happiness really. Realising a lifelong dream at the My life has changed in a brilliant way. I’m seeing only after a long rest first. I have age of 21 was surreal. things I didn’t think I’d given up a lot of things over the see and meeting people years and sacrificed so much I What happened between I never thought I’d just want to see my friends, the 3m springboard semi- meet. Being invited have a takeaway if I want final in Rio, when you just to present awards and do all the things normal scraped through in 12th at events and things people do. I need to let my place, and the final, only too is really cool. body and mind recover hours later, when you blew after such a peak of my us all away and won silver? What age were career. you when you My semi-final was the started diving What advice would performance that was and what you give to any young unnatural for me. I just put attracted RGS athletes who far too much pressure on you to it as a dream of becoming myself to make the final sport? a champion, like and got myself nervous for yourself, one day? no reason. Once I was in the I was seven final, it became easy. years old That no matter when I how hard it Were you aware of the pride started. is trying to and excitement felt back Jack had already been diving four Diving balance school home? years when pictured setting off for is a and sport, you his first day at RGS with sister Katie brilliant can find a way I tried to stay as far from to do it to social media as I could before I competed. I got a combination of swimming and pursue your new phone with a phone number that nobody knew gymnastics, it’s just so much dreams in so I could only have specific people contact me (not fun to do. both. even my parents had this number). It was only after I turned on my other phone and went on What were the hardest things etcetera that I realised the overwhelming support you had to give up in order to Main I had throughout the Games. I’m truly grateful. commit to diving? photo by When I got back, I tried to keep celebrations quiet, Press but I can’t thank people enough for the support I made many sacrifices Asso- I’ve had in Yorkshire and Ripon. It has just been throughout my school career, ciation sublime. I’ve had people coming up to me in the from dropping a GCSE to make

10 11 R G S ALUMNI

occasion when Britain wins gold, but when you know RGS PE teacher and the winners, it is mind-blowing. We sang our hearts out to the National Anthem – loud and proud. Jack Laugher family friend Helen blew his mum a kiss and then started the many interviews. We threw them our Union Jacks.

Mackenzie flew to Rio along That night, after the boys did their press interviews Our rising stars and went through doping control they caught a with Jack’s mother and sister service bus to come and see us. Two Olympic gold Ruth Savage looks at just a few of the names to watch out for as medallists jumping on the Rio National Express – to watch the competition from because what’s the only thing you want to do when Jack Laugher’s success inspires our sporting students more than ever you’ve won Olympic Gold? Hug your mum and sister of course. TED Wainwright, 15, stood out as such the Under 19s national netball squad. She the poolside. She tells us This was a private moment and I didn’t want to an obviously talented rugby player when plays premiership netball and northern what it was like to be there intrude, but I did capture it on my phone so that he first joined RGS that he trained with league for Leeds Athletic, having also been Jackie would have it forever — that first moment as our upper sixth players while he was in selected for their senior squad despite only she hugged her champion boy. “Where’s Miss Mac?” second year. Already playing recently turning 16. said Jack, and then it was my turn. Hugs and medal for Yorkshire Under 16s, he swapping and photos and more hugs. has just signed to Yorkshire SOLA Sowole, 15, is a talented hree years ago I had a registration plate That gold was fifteen years in the making and worth Carnegie Rugby Club (Under 100m sprinter, selected to made for Jack’s 18th birthday. It said RIO every second. The disappointment of London 2012 18s) in Leeds, one of very few represent the county at the GOLD. I have followed his career for years no longer the elephant in the room, completely and believed in him as long as I have known behind him now. Because he never gave up. He has schoolboys in the country to English Schools’ National him. be offered an elite academy Athletics Championships. mental toughness, resilience and stickability. Jack T Laugher was, is and always will be an Olympic gold player contract. Now here I was with Jack’s mum Jackie and sister medallist. And I think all of us there realised nothing TOBY Osman, 16, has been Katie, all decked out in our Team GB caps, flags would ever be the same again. ANNA Marley, 15, holds the title placed on the elite British and T-shirts as we arrived at the Maria Lenk Aquatic of English 100m Backstroke Triathlon Talent Identification Centre to watch Jack and partner in the But Jack was the only one not drinking that evening 3m springboard Olympic synchro finals. Champion for her age group programme, which involves as he had to focus on his individual event. He sat following the Amateur Ted: rugby training and racing with elite next to his mum and chatted excitedly with her The first people we saw as we walked through the all night, laughing at his dad’s TV interview back Swimming Association’s youths from all over the UK in door to the pool were Jack and Chris on the 3m home where their dog Alfie’s nose appeared on highly competitive national the Super Series. He achieved board. This was a warm up session just prior to the screen searching for a biscuit. He watched in mock championships in August. his first Super Series podium final. horror at a video of Katie and I running through and position when he came third Teacher who witnessed swimming in a fountain. If anyone has any qualms Jack always dives on the left hand board, Chris on about how Jack and Chris will cope with the fame MARIJKE Booth, 13, a in the Windsor Duathlon and the right. Their hurdle steps are the same, their successful national rock that is coming their way, forget them. They are both secured fourth position in his take off height is the same, their speed of rotation as easy and as natural as it’s possible to be. You climber, who trains three times final competition of the series is the same. It’s incredible to watch such precision would never know we were in the company of two a week and has been coached this year at the Commonwealth at such speed. Olympic champions. by former GB competitor Games venue in Strathclyde. history in the making Jack and Chris nailed their final practice dive and Jack’s individual 3m springboard semi finals turned Ellie Howard and UK lead Next year Toby moves up a left to prepare for the walk on ceremony. I was so and boulder champion Dave category to Juniors, when out to be nail-biting stuff. His last dive just scraped excited to see them process around the pool, but forgot the Chinese pair still had to dive. “They’ve him into the final, in 12th spot. Phew. Back in our Barrans, finished runner up distances are doubled to include so nervous for them. What a weight on such young won, they’ve won,” he cried, with tears streaming seats for the final, we had my dad’s lucky hanky, in the Under 14s UK Rock a 750m swim, 20km bike ride shoulders. down his face. He then realised his mistake. Nobody Katie’s St Christopher, her Christ the Redeemer Climbing Championships in and 5km run. Toby has also had ever knocked the Chinese off the top spot in keyring, and Jackie’s lucky hare badge. We left As the boys walked on and were announced we the Olympics. They could not be written off. They Glasgow and 13th in the Euro competed at national level in nothing to chance. Plus we had all of Ripon behind cheered like crazy, wanting them to know we dived; it was good, but it was a lower tariff than us. Youth Colours in Austria. Sola: running cross country running. were there. Jack gave us a wink and a nod of Jack and Chris’s dive and they only scored enough acknowledgement. for third place. Now we really had won the gold. But in the final, Jack was amazing - the difference HARRY Cosham, 13, has ANIKA Schwarze-Chintapatla, Pictures of Jack and Chris hugging, crying, high between the morning’s performance and the been skiing since he was 18 14, has been picked for the Around the pool the audience were on our side, fiving were on the screen. The British team went evening’s was unbelievable, coming from 12th to months old and, aged nine, Under 16s orienteering buoyed by our exuberance and excitement. Ever the berserk. second to achieve a world class score and claim teacher, I shushed everyone every time Jack and trained with World Cup coach squad and has also competed the beautiful Olympic silver medal that he totally Chris took to the board. I didn’t want distractions, The tiny village of Littlethorpe had an Olympic gold deserved. Alfons Schmid in Austria. He in the English Schools’ Cross no noise in the crowd to make the boys lose their medallist. Ripon Grammar School had an Olympic has recently been selected for Country Finals. She is the North focus. Once they hit the water though, we were so gold medallist. Madness. The next few minutes were I travelled half way round the world to support this the British skiing squad, Ski Yorkshire 800m champion, with ridiculously loud, getting rid of the tension that we a blur. Lots of tears and hugs. Our phones went mad. boy. Was it worth it? Too damn right it was. England, another step towards an impressive personal best of had held within while they executed the dive. We We were ushered over to where the medal ceremony breathed again, said a prayer of thanks and willed was to take place, everyone making way for us as his dream of winning Olympic 2:26.9. the judges to score in our favour. though we were royalty. Gold star: Helen Mackenzie pictured left with gold. Jack and with his mum and sister, below. Main Oscar: diving IMOGEN Vollans, 12, who has Jackie, Katie and I held hands every time they The medal ceremony – oh such magic. A joyful photograph, Jack and Chris on the podium CHRISTA Wilson, 13, has won been trampolining for seven dived, hardly daring to look, urging them to nail the gold and silver medals in years since starting, aged five, dive. By the third round – out of six - they were in prestigious national swimming with Northallerton Gliders, has first place, the pair to beat. The crowd was buzzing. They could sense a medal – possibly gold – was on competitions and has been reached the national trampolining the cards. selected for the elite British finals. Swimming Development We could see Ady, Jack’s coach, giving his That’s my boy Pathway, a national talent AMELIA Borchard and LUCY familiar two fingered whistle. We could see the PROUD mum Jackie, pictured with Jack, below, gives us her reaction to her son’s success: development programme. Williams, both 15, have been commentator, , becoming agitated. Having nailed their nemesis fifth round dive, they “We are incredibly proud of Jack’s achievements this summer in Rio. His determination and selected for the elite Tier 1 entered the last round. One dive to go. They needed dedication to his sport was evident from an early age. He competed at the Commonwealth GEORGIE Borchard, 12, has England Hockey development to land on their heads. This is a diving expression— if Games in Delhi aged just 15 whilst studying for his GCSEs and in the 2012 London Olympics been picked for the elite path. They were both part of the a diver lands on his back, or feet first, or completely whilst studying for his A-levels. British Gymnastics Tumbling Under 14s RGS netball team fluffs the dive, it is classed as a ‘failed dive’ and scores zero. A poor dive, but landed ‘on the head’ “His determination showed through after he broke Development Pathway. At the which won a place in the school’s his arm aged 14 ,resulting in a plate and seven national qualifiers in Barnsley history books when they became will still actually score. screws in his arm and the prediction that he may in March, Georgie won first the first squad to make it into the No GB athlete has ever won a diving Olympic gold never dive again. But after just six weeks he place. national finals last year. medal. The boys were in first place. Could they hold was competing at an international competition in Toby: triathlon on? Only time would tell. The American pair nailed Barcelona, in a ‘feet first’ dive list (to protect his HARRY Fearn, 15, has OSCAR Groundwater, 11, is their final round with the dive of the competition, arm), and still managed to come fourth! competed in the British International Open another of RGS’s talented divers and has taking them into first place. Jack and Chris could not afford a mistake. Their last dive was OK, not Karate Championships. just finished fourth in his age group in the The support and mentoring that Ripon Grammar perfect, both divers landing a little short. We held School gave Jack was invaluable, it allowed him to national finals. our breath, eyes fixed firmly on the score board. AMY Mackenzie, 16, has been selected for That magic ‘1’ appeared – the boys were in first focus on both his sport and his academic studies.” place. Paul Mears, Chris’s dad, was so excited he

12 13 R G S ALUMNI

Classmate Toby Kinread: Jack’s Olympic success Headmaster Martin Pearman: I do remember was phenomenal and the gold ribbons on display him doing back flips from a standing start to get in shops and houses in Ripon are testament to a higher place in the lunch queue. (I don't think how proud everyone is of him. I drew him a little his coach would have been impressed). His ability sketch to congratulate him. He put it on his as an athlete was apparent from an early age but Twitter and I witnessed the flurry of approving Jack Laugher was a Jack was always very modest about his success and messages from female (and some male) fans. I was let his actions do the talking; as a consequence in Jack’s class from the start of RGS and will never he was very popular with both staff and students. forget his jaw-dropping superiority in our first Everyone is so proud of what he has achieved and gymnastics lesson. I also remember him leaving star in the making he fully deserves his success, which I am sure will school early to be interviewed by the BBC as inspire our next generation of students to be the well as arriving at school with two hours training best they can be. already under his belt. The theme in all this from the day he first comes down to one word: dedication. He would Biology teacher Keith Miller: Jack was always not be where he is today without it and I think his modest beyond belief and very popular with his dedication is something we can all commend. arrived at Ripon peers. He was a mature individual and very well organised regarding his academic work. Above Deputy head Marita Murray: I remember Jack’s all he had a wry sense of humour which was very GCSE year group celebrating their time at RGS Grammar School. endearing. with a traditional leavers’ assembly. After Jack was presented with a certificate for being an Maths teacher Greta Hills: I remember him being outstanding sportsman, his peers called for him to very focused on his diving. I was on the edge of my perform a back flip. Myself and Mr McGrann looked Former teachers and seat for the whole time he was on the TV in Rio, at each other in horror at the back of the hall. wishing him well. I never thought that I could be I think we nearly had heart failure as the future so hooked on diving. Olympic prospect, wearing full school uniform, classmates recall the performed to the tumultuous applause of his Classmate Hannah Hickingbotham: He was year group. Jack, the commensurate professional always so much fun to have in a form and never landed safely, grinned and waved to us. No harm SO PROUD OF boy who grew up to let on to how much training and hard work he was done. doing. It was amazing to get to see him competing and doing so well in the Olympics. Classmate Sian Avery: Watching live as Jack be the greatest British achieved his second , it was PE teacher Siobhan Gilfillan: Jack was an impossible not to feel the force of the whole year, extremely modest and humble student; he was and the whole school, willing him to succeed. I diver of all time—and always very controlled even when approaching can't imagine how proud Jack himself must have competition. He certainly demonstrated a steely felt when he did, given the sense of pride and determination, which all successful sportspeople excitement it generated in everyone who could lay seem to have, during the two years I taught even a little claim to him. explain how they felt him. Without arrogance, Jack was able to bring a tremendous insight into our sports psychology PE teacher Helen Mackenzie: When his friends OUR lessons. We all learnt a great deal about the were all going out enjoying themselves, like most watching him win psychology behind elite performers and the teenagers, Jack was training six hours a day, support network required – he certainly made six days a week. When Mr Pearman read out his our lessons very real and interesting. I have successes in assembly, Jack would slide down gold and silver nothing but admiration for the way he was able his chair, not wanting the limelight. A champion to balance a successful full time diving career he may be, but a normal, kind, modest, caring with his A-level studies; he remained completely unassuming Yorkshire lad he most definitely is. medals in Rio grounded. Balancing the demands of training, travel to all corners of the world, competing in Classmate Ben Blakey: He was destined to top competitions and fitting in the odd essay achieve great things, the way he dedicated JACK and assessment must have been tough but he himself over the years. Although a gold medal is didn’t complain or make excuses too often. Jack an astonishing achievement, those who knew LJ deserves the amazing success he has enjoyed; he (his nickname in his younger school years) aren't was always able to take success and the odd set surprised as it’s something he strived for every day back in his stride and learn from it, always coming of every week. The whole of RGS has followed his back stronger – it was an amazing sight to see him diving career and will continue to do so. celebrate in Rio. Rio Olympics. I can also say how organised Jack Chemistry teacher Richard Grime: I recall Gymnastics teacher Mike Garvey always enjoyed was. He planned his work around his competition when aged 14 how Jack would leave my lessons reminiscing how, in his first gym lesson in first and training schedule, and he would complete at 11am, a few minutes early, to rush into Ripon form, Jack caused Mike great panic when he work while at events around the world and always centre to catch the bus to Harrogate to go and immediately came in and started somersaulting – be back in lessons when he said he would. train at the Hydro. I was seriously impressed Mike was totally unaware that he had a young star with how he managed this himself at a young age in the making! I remember him but also how he was keen to miss as little of the Maths teacher Gillian Cutress: on stage in his Speedos during Charity Week. He chemistry lesson as possible. I also recall at GCSE was also in a video with dancing to discussing how he had 'only' got an A on a test, but On top of the world but with his feet 'I'm sexy and I know it.' It went down a storm in I understood that all his training etcetera made it school. firmly on the ground: Jack with team difficult to get an A* . He was very disappointed mate Chris Mears and their gold with the A and told me he would ensure he got an He was always A* on the next test - impressive commitment from French teacher Anne Swainston: medals in Rio, left. Above, diving in such a friendly, personable and charming young someone determined and destined to be a winner. the individual 3m springboard final in man, ever cheerful and with a great sense of I recall several meetings, well before London Rio. Far left: Toby Kinread’s sketch. humour. He was conscientious, quietly determined 2012, during the sixth form with Jack, his mum and resilient yet completely modest and and his coach (Ady Hinchliffe) where we looked at unassuming and he had such an easy manner with how we could fit his education around his training those around him. and competitions around the world. I recall vividly All Rio pictures courtesy of the Ady saying it was all about Jack medalling at the PRESS ASSOCIATION

14 15 R G S ALUMNI Alumni news Hugh lands job in the Treasury

IT WILL come as little surprise to those who knew her medical training in Oxford: “It’s difficult to Hugh McHale-Maughan during his time at RGS believe three years have passed so quickly,” says that he has landed a job at the Hugh. Treasury. “It seems only a matter of weeks Hugh, who achieved six A*s at since Georgi and I were sitting A-level and was head boy at RGS, together in Ripon Grammar School recently graduated with first class hall, listening to the College honours in politics, philosophy and schools officer speak about Oxford economics (PPE) from Brasenose and Brasenose. College, Oxford. Passion and commitment: Wilkinson “I was particularly grateful to He has taken up the post of policy have Georgi also at Brasenose for advisor, working in the financial the last three years. Particularly services wing of the Treasury. when leaving one of the warmest, Green award happiest communities at Ripon, Based in the Treasury’s main it was invaluable to have one of FORMER student Phil Wilkinson, who left RGS building on Parliament Square, my best friends always around the in 1989, has won a prestigious environmental next to the Houses of Parliament, college, ready for a hug, a cup of award in Australia. Hugh explains: “Specifically, I’m tea and a chat. looking at the impact of Brexit on Having taken maths, physics and chemistry at the secondary financial markets “It was striking to me how much A-level, Phil studied mechanical engineering (stocks, shares and bonds). All Georgi and I had enjoyed our at the University of before moving quite technical and ludicrously time at school compared to to Australia, where he has been working in complicated—but certainly a very other students at Brasenose, an the refrigeration and air conditioning industry interesting time to be entering the experience replicated for RGS since 1995. policy world.” alumni across other universities. His Bob Brown Foundation Deni Greene Award It is also very telling that school First class: Hugh, top, is presented annually to an Australian who Hugh attended Brasenose with friendship groups continue to and above, with Georgi has made a significant contribution to energy former head girl Georgina flourish, even as we disperse efficiency and environmental sustainability. Sanderson, who studied medicine on graduation day geographically around the country. and also achieved a first class honours degree. It is a true testament to the extraordinary nature AMAZING GRACE For the past 14 years, Phil has worked in a She will be continuing with the clinical phase of of the school.” variety of high profile roles for the Australian alented past pupil Grace Lancaster has Institute for Refrigeration, Air-conditioning secured a coveted acting role after Ruth Savage catches up with a former student making a and Heating (AIRAH) and is currently executive graduating from the Rose Burford College of name for herself in the competitive world of musical theatre manager in government relations and technical One of the world’s top brains Theatre and Performance with a first class services. honours degree in actor musicianship. A FORMER RGS student has been named among Ian, who left RGS in 1968, studied at King’s College T many skills: acting, musicianship, singing and creating A founding member of the Green Building the top one per cent of scientists who are ‘the London and is married to Imelda, another former RGS Grace, who left RGS in 2010 and took part in many a character, and Grace’s singing and musical ability Council of Australia, Phil has been instrumental world’s most influential scientific minds’ and whose student who has just retired as chief inspector for the school productions, starring in The Rise and Fall of was outstanding. She moves well too.” in bringing people from a range of disciplines publications have been deemed as having exceptional Care and Social Services Inspectorate for Wales. Little Voice, Hairspray and Rent, plays Wendy in across academia, industry and government to impact. Underneath a Magical Moon, a reimagining of J M Grace, who was a leading member of RGS’s Big Band, work together on improving sustainability in the built environment. Dr Richardson’s work in meat research spans over Barrie’s Peter Pan through the eyes of Wendy Darling. was particularly attracted to the musical nature of Dr Ian Richardson, senior lecturer in animal sciences The national tour of York playwright Mike Kenny’s the production: “The songs and dancing are so much 25 years and aims to improve the quality of red Environmentalist Bob Brown, founder of Tutti Frutti production, aimed at young children and fun. We do hip hop, some robot and ballet, it’s just at the University of Bristol’s School of Veterinary meats with particular emphasis on post-slaughter the Bob Brown Foundation, said: “Phil is a their families, starts at York Theatre Royal and runs a whirlwind of music and dance.” She plays the Sciences, was listed on the Thomson Reuters highly technologies that enhance eating quality and mechanical engineer who has demonstrated ukulele, accordion and clarinet as well as the tenor cited researchers’ roll, which recognises leading composition. Latterly his work has concentrated on until December 31. an amazing ability to achieve regulatory and academics in the sciences and social sciences from understanding the interaction between composition, saxophone: “I’m an accordion playing pirate at one behavioural change in an industry that has around the world, last year. antioxidants and packaging systems with the aim of Grace, a gifted singer and saxophone player, was point,” she laughs. the potential to contribute significantly to reducing waste through the food chain. delighted to land her first professional stage role, reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. although she had to miss her graduation as it clashed During her degree course, Grace performed with rehearsals, so enjoyed a mock ceremony with throughout the UK and abroad with the popular Thomson Reuters identified the best and brightest “His courage and tenacity, underpinned by DR PAUL Hullah, who friends and family in York instead: “I finished in June New York Brass Band, which features other former scientists by analysing highly cited papers in science great communication skills and a strong featured on the cover and had a few auditions, then this job came up in my RGS students and is in demand at music festivals, technical background, have resulted in journals during the 11 year period 2003-2013. of the last issue of home town of York, where all my friends and family including Glastonbury and Bestival. They have practical outcomes with far-reaching impacts. Clocktower, has had can come and see me fresh out of drama school. It’s also played at a number of celebrity wedding and PARIS BIKE RIDE: Past pupil Lewis Veakins, 23, two new books incredible.” private parties, entertaining stars including McFly’s “Phil is a rare find—the combination of cycled 300 miles from London to Paris in four days published by Danny Jones, Jamie Oliver, Liam Gallagher and Ellie technical expertise, a passion for effective communication and a deep commitment Partridge Books. to raise thousands of pounds for a homeless charity. She is enjoying the whole experience, she says: “The Goulding, as well as being picked to support Van play has very strong visuals and a lovely script, with Morrison when he came to Harrogate. to improving sustainability of the built Climbable, his Lewis, who studied law at Liverpool after RGS, is lots of physical action. Kids love hearing the story environment is a boon to us all.” seventh collection of currently working in a law firm and completed the trip with university friend Alex Ferguson, stopping of Peter Pan told in a different way that’s funny and Grace was one of just 15 students accepted on the poetry, and We Found AIRAH CEO Tony Gleeson added: “Phil has been in hostels along the way. They raised more than new and fresh. Hopefully there are some moving bits highly competitive actor musicianship course at Her Hidden: The as well for grown-ups to reflect on.” Rose Burford, which has one of the highest rates of a champion of the industry for many years and £2,000 for the Whitechapel Centre, a homeless Remarkable Poetry of employment success after graduation. She was signed his zest, tenacity and collaborative approach shelter in Liverpool. Lewis was vice president Christina Rossetti are Director Wendy Harris said Grace stood out at the by the Narrow Road Company, a leading theatrical have been tremendously effective.” now available from good booksellers. and co-founder of Liverpool University’s Help the workshop auditions: “You always get a couple of agency based in London and Manchester, in her final Homeless Society. people who shine out because you’re looking for so Shone out: Grace above and on stage as Wendy year.

16 17 R G S ALUMNI

s a boarder at RGS, dancer Tim Casson recalls listening to the sound of the clock in the clock tower creaking and chiming: “The first thing that springs to mind when I think of RGS is the clock tower. That’s a vivid memory.”

He started as a weekly boarder in 1996: “This was quiteA an adjustment for me, especially as an only child, to be suddenly living with other people for most of the time.

“I didn’t really feel I fitted in, growing up there. There was no serious bullying, but at RGS there were broadly two types of student, the academic ones, and the sporty ones. At lunchtime it was either studying in the library or playing football on the sports field and neither of those was really for me.” DANCING IN THE STREET: Tim Casson performs in London about something that makes them happy, and then We see about 500 young people in ‘experience But Tim’s view of the world and how he fitted into it turn it into a series of dance moves in front of workshops’ – a bit like auditions – and recruit was soon to change. them. Then I put all the moves I’ve gathered into 30. Then the company creates a show that tours one performance, representing everyone who’s nationally. My job is to support this process and help “Ashley Casey started at the same time as me, as contributed. I’ve had great feedback, people say it’s develop and signpost the young people into the right the boarding house master, geography teacher and changed their day, and opened dance up for them.” career for them when it’s finished.” assistant to Mr Garvey in games. He was tall and From the delight and joy on people’s faces displayed imposing, with an ear-piercing whistle which he in films of the dances, Tim hopes that more would employ if we were talking after lights out. which can be viewed talent from home will on YouTube, it clearly come forward. “NYDC “I was terrible at games but always tried hard and so works. isn’t just for seasoned I got quite generous reports from him. ‘RGS’s pride and experienced young Since starting in 2012, dancers. Anyone aged “And we did do some brilliant musical theatre The Dance WE Made has 16-18 can come along productions at school. One year I was Willy Wonka been performed at over in its school to a workshop, whether in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. RGS is known 50 locations, but it was they’ve been doing for its academic prowess, but its pride in school at the London Olympics ballet since they were productions – with all the acting, dancing, and music that Tim earned himself four, or if they’ve that’s involved – is terrific. a world record. By productions recently picked up chance, a representative breakdancing moves “I used to go to dance classes on a Saturday morning from the Guinness World from the internet. I’m and Mr Casey noticed that I would practise in the Records heard about Tim as Willy is terrific’ still very connected to boarding house during the week. One day, he casually his work and when 152 Wonka at RGS Yorkshire and I’d love mentioned that there was a school for dancing in people contributed to see more young Croydon – the BRIT School, with such notable alumnae dance moves from 20 people here engage as Adele, Jessie J and Amy Winehouse. The impact different locations, the with dance and realise this sudden knowledge had on me was massive. I resulting performance claimed the record for the their potential. There are also an increasing number suddenly discovered that there was a school for doing most choreographers for a single dance piece. of opportunities in the North for people to get into the thing I loved, with other people who love it too – dance at any age via organisations such as Yorkshire and that I could do it as a job. The work continues to develop and recently Tim and Dance.” his friends created The Dance Leeds Made, which “I will always feel so grateful to Mr Casey for that. built on the original idea and went a bit further. “This And Tim’s message to young people at RGS now is: He saw my potential and cared enough to point me one was slightly different,” says Tim. “Instead of just “Don’t worry about not fitting in. There is so much in the right direction. I still see him sometimes – he’s me working at an event out there to do that you a doctor of physical education – and we always talk like Glastonbury or the may not even know is about dance.” London Olympics, three an option for you yet. other dancers from There’s a big world of Having left RGS in 2001, after BRIT School Tim Yorkshire Dance joined opportunity. Find what followed his dream all the way to a degree in musical me and we put all of you like doing, and don’t theatre at Bird College and an MA in contemporary the sequences together let the struggle stop you dance at London Contemporary Dance School, going at the end, performing from doing it. Take it on to perform all over the world, including on New to an ‘accidental from me – your hobby York’s Brooklyn Bridge, while also enjoying a stint audience’ of shoppers can be your career. on Broadway. He’s been in commercials, music in the Trinity Shopping videos, the Hollywood blockbuster World War Z and Lord of the Centre in Leeds.” What’s “And trust the teachers performed for established dance companies such as next for The Dance – they can see your Jasmin Vardimon, as well as playing Puck in Opera WE Made? Abroad, Tim potential, even if you North’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. says. “I’d like to take it can’t. You might be A course leader for a prestigious national dance to different countries surprised at how much company, Tim also choreographs for the stage and now to work with local you can do – but they television. dancers there to see probably won’t be.” how people respond, and Alongside all this, with his company Casson and link them with their own ‘A big world of opportunity’: Tim Casson Tim’s website, which Friends, he’s on a pioneering mission to change the accidental audiences.” showcases his career, forthcoming projects and links way people think and react to dance, by bringing to the Sadler’s Wells National Youth Dance Company it to people who wouldn’t normally watch or take Tim Casson struggled to fit in at school as a teenager. He tells Rebecca DANCE Alongside developing his groundbreaking public opportunities can be found at: www. timcasson. part. As part of this, his project The Dance WE Chamberlain how he discovered the world of professional dance and about the performance pieces, Tim has taught young dancers flavors.me Made wowed crowds during the Cultural Olympiad for the last 15 years, and he is currently the course (part of London’s Olympic Games). “I believe there inspirational teacher at RGS who pointed him in the right direction leader for the National Youth Dance Company at You can also discover more about The Dance We Made is untapped creativity in everyone,” says Tim. Sadler’s Wells in London. “This really opens up an at this website, which includes links to the videos on “All I do is ask ordinary members of the public opportunity for young dancers across the country. YouTube: www.thedancewemade.co.uk

18 19 R G S ALUMNI

It has been a summer of reunions at Ripon Grammar School. We report on three fun-filled gatherings which rekindled old friendships and stirred many memories

Stephen and Richard study photos All smiles (l to r) Dan Friday, Sam Sladen, Sam Bland, Aaron Fincham, Matthew Binks and Ben Evans catch up with head of sixth form, Terry Fell. Miranda Lockyer, Ashleigh Messenger, Mariah Rogers and Chelsea Brown with headmaster Martin Pearman. The whole gang, below t had only been a matter of months since the RGS leavers of 2015 had By Nick Edwards been out of school but in July we had first step in our involvement with the Old the chance to go back and catch up Rips community and I personally hope there with our year group to discover how will be as much interest in a reunion of our everyoneI was finding the daunting leap age group in 50 years’ time (possibly for the to university or the world of work, or to school’s 500th anniversary in 2055). hear stories about our friends’ exciting gap years. The Parents’ Association set up There was a good turnout within our year a bar in the foyer, and it was the perfect group of nearly 50 former students, which BACK TO opportunity to get back in touch with demonstrates the value of the friendships Back together again: some of the former students in the school library, left to right, Susanna Bettley, people we may not have had time to see and community atmosphere we experienced Stephen Orton, Ricky Chatto, Philip Jackson, Richard Barnett, Philip Curry and Jacky Tarleton since results day. during our time at the school. There was of ast pupils, including a world renowned cellist course an equal, if not better, attendance By Ruth Savage Also taking place in the school hall and and the daughter of the former headmaster, at Wetherspoons in Ripon afterwards. The library was a reunion for the RGS students came from as far as Japan and the Canary Tokyo, was one of the driving forces behind the reunion. evening really went to show how keen of the Sixties, which allowed us to compare Islands to gather at their old school again for He said: “I am amazed how many people we managed to people were to stay connected to RGS and the first time in 48 years. the experience of school life then to how it get together.” their fellow students. PRipon Grammar School welcomed back the class of About 20 former students, who also came from all over is nowadays, and to see how strongly people 1961-68 for a tour of their old classrooms, assembly the UK, including , Somerset, Surrey and London, SCHOOL still felt about the school fifty years after Photographs by hall, dining room and even the dreaded examination enjoyed a three course dinner at Ripon’s Spa Hotel in the graduating. The evening felt like a great NICOLA WOOLFENDEN hall. evening, followed by drinks at the One Eyed Rat. They The former students, who also got to see the new met up again at Fountains Abbey the following day. sports hall and humanities and sixth form blocks, One of the organisers, Jacky Tarleton, who went on enjoyed tea and cakes in the library, where they to teach in Zambia and Kent after reading English at looked through old photographs and were joined by Durham University, said: “From the tea and cakes in their former chemistry teacher, David Postlethwaite. the library, the welcoming banner, photos and other The group included the acclaimed cellist Stephen memorabilia, to the fascinating school tour, it was a Orton, who studied at the Guildhall School of Music wonderful trip down memory lane.” and Drama after RGS and went on to play all over the Jacky, who brought along some of her old school exercise world, including Sydney Opera House and New York’s books, including some from Mr Postlethwaite’s chemistry Carnegie Hall. lessons, said: “People are taking many fond memories Former Susanna Bettley, daughter of the then headmaster, Mr back to their far-flung homes.” teacher Atkinson, studied Russian at Durham University after She added: “Stephen Orton proposed, at the end of the and Old Rip RGS and travelled from Fuertaventura for the get dinner, that we should all meet again in Ripon in three Greta Hills together. years’ time – a proposal that was heartily endorsed.” looks through Colin Yarker, who has lived and worked in Japan since exercise 1979 and runs the International Business Bureau in Photographs by SANDRA MORGAN books with Jacky

Stephen and Philip Happy delve into the sports memories: Philip Familiar faces: Ricky and Philip archives and Jacky linger over the whole school photo More pictures overleaf

20 21 R G S ALUMNI A summer of reunions

Tong yi Chan, Max Johnston, Mr Margerison, Ed Returning to our alma mater: Vicky Trayer, Tyler Johnson, George Foster, Aiden Johnstone, Jane Geldard Robinson, Mr Pearman, Sam Bland and Sam Sladen Going back to the Sixties: Tim Wray, Jill Moss and David Gibbon

RGS school rules One former Sixties student brought along his original old school rules book which included these stern directives Former teachers and the boarding house cook joined past pupils for a • Boys are strictly • The throwing vehicles, which is transactions with forbidden to mount of stones or a most dangerous one another, nostalgic Sixties reunion. Report and photographs by Sarah French or dismount from other missiles is practice and now except under the tudents of the Sixties took a O’Donoghue, who worked for the United who grew up at the school, together trip down memory lane when Nations as a peace development officer with her old French teacher Therese Catching up in the dining hall: Josh Bligh, left, and buses whilst the absolutely forbidden illegal Mattie Haynes, right, with friends supervision of a they returned to their old in post-conflict Bosnia-Herzegovina. Howstan, who was there from 1958- vehicles are moving and snowballing school, five decades after Professor Alan Plumb, a world renowned 1984. Master leaving as pupils. They travelled expert in meteorology and atmospheric “Miss Howstan inspired me to do may be indulged • Boys are strictly fromS across the dynamics, based at the Massachusetts A-level French and become a teacher, • No boys are in only when forbidden to smoke country for the reunion, with two flying Institute of Technology, travelled and a lot of my teaching methods • Disorderly or in from the United States. from the US, as did Ralph Waggitt, echo hers. Of all the teachers here I permitted to be permission is given or have tobacco in For students who used to board, it was who moved to the semiconductor remember Miss Howstan, and I hadn’t unmannerly conduct a chance to recall tales of derring-do industry in Silicon Valley in 1978. After seen her for 40 years,” said Andreina. in possession of their possession and attempts to hide their mischievous studying geology at Oxford University, The reunion was co- organised by fireworks, firearms, • Boys are forbidden of any kind and schoolboy antics Dave Cotson, a loitering in the from masters. former teacher airguns, air pistols, when cycling to • Boys are not Jamie Simpson and and head of or any dangerous hang on to motor allowed to barter streets or in public Paul Morris, who fundraising for boarded in the late the North West weapon lorries or other or have money places is forbidden 1960s and early Air Ambulance. 1970s as sons of He said: “We’re Cheers: (L-R) Tong yi Chan, Sophie Charlton, Jane forces families, delighted that Geldard, Ed Johnson and Lauren Langham found their old so many people bedrooms during a were able to tour of School House, come along.” which remains a Current pupils boys' boarding house took the Old today. Paul, who, Rips on tours with Jamie, was a of the school, first XV rugby player, including the said: "Once, we new sports brought in loads of hall, sixth form tadpoles, which of centre, course grew into humanities frogs and escaped. block and School diners: former students enjoying the meal in their old school dining hall There were dead extension to frogs all over the boarding house. It was Gareth Allinson joined the oil industry, the girls’ boarding house, before many horrible. spending eleven years as an exploration stayed for dinner with last year’s “We used to get away with murder, or manager, while John Rawson studied leavers. Headmaster Martin Pearman at least we thought we were pulling history at Oxford and went on to be said: “It was an absolute pleasure the wool over the eyes of the masters mayor of Cheltenham. to welcome so many Old Rips back but, looking back, they probably knew Retired teachers also joined the to Ripon Grammar School. Much of exactly what we were up to." reunion including Ben Smith, who the school was familiar to them but Many of the school's Sixties alumni taught geography for 25 years, David they also enjoyed seeing how recent have gone on to achieve at a high Postlethwaite, who taught chemistry investment has extended the school level including Stephen Swindells, who and was deputy head for 26 years, facilities for boarders and day pupils became a consultant anaesthetist in and wood and metalwork teacher to ensure the best possible education the liver transplant unit at St James’s John Chambers. Ella Benigno was the here for years to come.” Hospital in Leeds before using his boys’ boarding house live-in cook for Three cheers for the Parents’ Association, who set up a bar in the foyer: left to right, Ben Evans, Aaron expertise in Iraq and Afghanistan with more than 30 years. She was joined by Fincham, James Walker, Georgina Hudson-Moore, Joel Thornton, Matthew Binks, Will Dunn and Dan Friday Lynda Milner, John Pettman and Susan Jones in her old school blazer the Royal Air Force, and Carolynne daughter Andreina Benigno-Thomas, More pictures overleaf

2222 23 R G S ALUMNI A summer of reunions

Rebecca Simpson and Maureen Mence with former boarders Jamie Simpson and Paul Morris, who Sharon Thomson, Christine Whittaker, John Kershaw and Carol Starbuck recall bringing tadpoles into the boarding house, which resulted in it being overrun with frogs were among those examining displays of old photographs in the library Current students Roscoe Savage and Zoe Langham with Alistair and Sue Sedman Contact us if your year group is having a reunion and you would like to go back to school: [email protected]

Remembering the old days: Ruth Ferguson and Julia Whitbread Governors Caroline Bligh, left, and Ruth Campbell, right, with guests at the reunion

Carolynne O'Donoghue, Julia Crossland and Dave Perkins

Organiser Dave Cotson with Robina and Adrian Morgan and Ralph Waggitt and Alan Plumb, who both flew over from the States for the occasion

Jane Leney, Ella Benigno, Ben Smith, Therese Howstan and Andreina Benigno-Thomason. Below, the Former deputy head David Postlethwaite, Suzette Finch former boarders gather for a photograph after their tours round School House and Johnson House and former wood and metalwork teacher John Chambers Nicola Woolfenden (Old Rips), Stephen Swindells and John Rawson

Derek Crookes, Martin Hutchinson, Dave Richardson and Chris and Janet Tasker with Jane-Riley and Murdoch Old school friends: Sue Potter, Margaret Clough, Chris Marshall and Sharon Milestone Malcolm Duckworth at the gathering in the library Gillespie catching up on old times back at their old school

TO VIEW MORE PHOTOGRAPHS, PLEASE VISIT THE ALUMNI SECTION ON THE SCHOOL WEBSITE. DON’T MISS OUR DEC 17 WINTER REUNION REPORT IN THE NEXT ISSUE

24 25 R G S ALUMNI Tributes Music industry pays tribute to top events

Railwayman: Geoff Bird producer Record breaking A passion sportsman iona Haycock, one of the British music industry’s most highly regarded events Fiona Haycock helped raise MICHAEL Newport attended Ripon Grammar managers, who worked on a wide millions for charity through School in the 1950s where he excelled in sport. range of prestigious galas and awards In 1957 he broke the record for the half mile for steam ceremonies including the BRIT, MOBO and her work in the music in an impressive time of two minutes and 9.06 Sony Radio Awards, has died aged 51 following a seconds. The school magazine singled him out GEOFF Bird, who died aged 88, was a railwayman F for special mention: “In his fine effort in the whose career spanned wartime, nationalisation, battle with cancer. industry. She will be half mile, apart from running a powerful and dieselisation and electrification. well judged race, he broke a record which Fiona, who left Ripon Grammar School in 1983 remembered for her superb stood since 1936.” His railway career began during the Second World to read communication studies at Lanchester Polytechnic, helped raise millions of pounds for War and lasted 40 years, through nationalisation to organisational skills, as well music business charities. the infamous Beeching cuts and the introduction of as her sense of humour 125mph services. She was executive producer of the annual Music Enduring legacy: Fiona Hayock made a huge impact on the music industry Industry Trusts (MITS) Award and had been with Fiona’s family and friends at this sad time. Born in Essex, Geoff’s family moved to Harrogate worked for the charity —the largest independent at the record industry trade group, the British working on the 2016 event, honouring The Who’s music therapy charity in the UK —for many years She will be remembered by the team here for Phonograph Industry (BPI) from 1996 to 1999 and when war broke out and he attended Ripon Grammar Roger Daltry, until shortly before her death. as a highly respected producer, PR and events her kindness, calmness and her gorgeous smile,” as events head at Phonographic Performance School until July 1944 when he left to work as a Previous recipients of MITS awards, which Fiona manager. added Jo. Limited from 2009-14. metal-flame cutter and welder constructing rapid worked on for more than 24 years, include Annie assembly temporary Bailey Bridges, made of lattice Lennox, Gary Barlow, Kylie Minogue and Sir Tom Her work had raised millions for this charity Chris Hodgkins, who worked with Fiona for Gennaro Castaldo, BPI’s director of steel, for the war effort. Jones. alone, she said: “The Nordoff Robbins team are several years on the Parliamentary Jazz Awards, communications, told Clocktower: “Fiona was so sad to have lost such a fantastic colleague and said: “Fiona was a superb organiser, utterly loved and respected by the huge number of The following year, he got his first job on the Her work on the Nordoff Robbins charity’s Silver friend. Fiona’s work on the MITS Award as well as unflappable and, when all around her were losing friends and colleagues she worked with across Michael pictured in the RGS 1956-7 Rugby team railways, as an LNER apprentice in Darlington where Clef Awards, presented to stars including David on the Nordoff Robbins events team has allowed their heads, Fiona, like a stately galleon, piled on the music industry over the years, and we are all he started his mechanical engineering training in the Bowie, Eric Clapton, Sir Paul McCartney and The us to change countless lives through music the canvas and moved onward. profoundly saddened by her passing. Michael, who was from Harrogate, also played for the school rugby team, where his fitting and cylinder sections. Rolling Stones, helped transform the lives of therapy.” passion for the sport began. He played for thousands of vulnerable and isolated children and “Bound up with her impressive organisational “Fiona helped to raise millions for music charities adults across the UK through music. Harrogate Rugby Football Club from 1959 and, He had moved on to the drawing office when Fiona also helped raise money for the BRIT Trust: skills was her sense of humour and her endless through the events she organised, not least for when National Service took him to London the railway was nationalised. After a series of “The impact that her death has had on the wider patience in handling people with egos.” Nordoff Robbins music therapy, and she leaves an and the Coldstream Guards, he played for Director of fundraising and communications promotions, in 1965 he was appointed shed master music industry is testament to her character, enduring legacy that will benefit many families Brigade Guards, London District and London for Nordoff Robbins, Jo Carter, said Fiona had at York where he was in charge of 1,000 men and 40 professionalism and kindness. Our thoughts are Fiona also worked as director of PR and events for years to come.” Irish. Over the years, Michael also played for steam locomotives, also going on to run Harrogate Moseley and Richmond before returning to Harrogate where he played until the age of and Scarborough depots in 1970. 53. From March 1969 to April 1972 he played Author shed new light on past 118 consecutive games for the Harrogate 1st While at York, he oversaw the end of steam as the JOHN Holt was born in April 1930 Having restored a 1929 Morris A creative life XV. He began and ended his career as a prop old locomotives were replaced by diesel trains. He in Skelton-on-Ure, the son of the Cowley saloon over seven years, JOHN Constable, born forward and was Harrogate club captain from famously borrowed the inside connecting rod from headmaster of the village school. he attended rallies each year with in 1947, was Ripon 1969 to 1971. Michael’s love and passion for one of the old Class V2 steam trains, which were He attended Ripon Grammar School the Bullnose Morris club. Grammar School’s head the game continued throughout his life as he boy in 1965 and went built between 1936 and 1944, to use as a footrest from 1941 to 1948. took on the role of membership secretary and on to read classics at club chairman during the 1980s. under his desk at home. John, pictured in the RGS 1947-8 Wadham College, Oxford. After RGS, he did two years rugby team, right, published After university, he had a Michael married Jennifer in 1965 and had two In 1985, after being in charge of drivers for 33 years, national service at RAF Ballykelly books about life growing up in happy and creative life in sons, James and Nicholas. He was also a proud Geoff retired from the railways. His final post was and then joined Lloyds Bank. He the Thirties and Forties in Skelton Germany teaching English Grandpa to Spencer, who now attends Ripon in Doncaster, during which time the southern part of worked at several branches, finally and his father's experience in the and latterly as a translator. Grammar School. Michael died peacefully becoming a branch manager in First World War. Profits from his He made many very good the line was electrified. at the age of 77 on August 12, 2016. His Farnborough. major work, about the history, of friends who supported him funeral, at Stonefall Crematorium, Harrogate, Skelton-on-Ure, helped fund the in his fight with cancer. on August 31, was a tribute to a fantastic Geoff volunteered at the National Railway Museum, His interests lay in gardening, restoration of the Skelton First John is pictured, right, in sportsman, respected by all he met. providing them with a wealth of knowledge and caravanning and in old cars. World War Memorial. fifth form in 1964. experience over many decades.

WE HAVE JUST LEARNED OF THE SAD DEATH OF FORMER HEADMASTER ALAN JONES (RGS 1992-2004). TRIBUTE TO FOLLOW IN THE NEXT EDITION OF CLOCKTOWER

26 27 CONGRATULATIONS on a great edition Were you in a band at of Clocktower. RGS? Please write and tell us I certainly found the articles about about it, and send us some people I knew from my time at RGS photos. FEEDBACK in the 60s fascinating—particularly as I recently met up with Stephen Orton during his recent concert tour Your news and views in Japan. GOLD Write to the editor at: [email protected] Colin Yarker STAR CONGRATULATIONS on the beautifully CLOCKTOWER looks fantastic. I Summer/Autumn 2016 Issue 10 produced Clocktower which must especially loved reading about my surely be one of the very best alumni Clocktower Latin teacher, Mr Lister, and what he’s magazines in the country. Keeping alumni in touch with Ripon Grammar School and each other up to now. DO RGS and Old Rips plus the City Council have any plans yet Would it be possible for anyone to The Thank you, to celebrate our RGS diver Jack orphaned identify all the staff members in the schoolboy Laugher after his momentous gold who found and silver medal achievements in photo at the top of the article on solace in Becky Chamberlain pages 24-25 in issue 10 please? poetry Rio? Suggestions, to be added to, The power of CLEARLY a lot of hard work and include: I recognise Messrs Kempster, research goes into producing so much Sherwood, Budden, Shaw, Burton and WORDS content. Amazing. A new diving pool at RGS or Sixties Ripon Baths the headmaster, but not the others. reunion Sports I spotted Mr Garvey’s retirement— Very best wishes, reports reminds me of a ‘This is Your Life’ we A lifetime member certificate School leavers did on Garv for charity week years ago. from Old Rips, as part of a big RGS John Jammes celebration day We had some projected slides that BEST IN I JUST want to thank you for a YORKSHIRE: Photoshopped Garv into various famous A special achievement board in RGS’S IMPRESSIVE school fantastic edition of Clocktower. I SUNDAY INSIDE: an Oscar winner, French situations—the first space travel, TIMES Resistance fighter, martial arts thoroughly enjoyed the read and great AWARDS stars, London Met police officer, political scenarios etcetera. A real HAT TRICK ozone scientist and more I’m sure there will be local Old Rips breadth of news of past pupils. You 1 novelty back in those days! covered those I’d heard of, but never Thanks again, who would love to sort this out and met, those I was at school with, those Clocktower issue 10 featuring show everyone’s appreciation of I taught and some from my children’s Dr Paul Hullah on the cover Mark Hills Jack’s commitment and dedication era. and for it to act as a shining THANKS for my issue of Clocktower, example of what hard work and Many thanks, I love the way the pages look. I don’t it looks really good. Paul Hullah was commitment can achieve and act deserve such support, but I feel closer in the same class as me and we were as a model for future generations. Anne Harrison than ever to RGS as a result of it. briefly in a spectacularly awful band together. It seems that he has done I was at RGS from 1957 to 1962. I HAVE never been so flattered! With gratitude, well for himself. Whoever designs/does the layout for Chris Barber Clocktower is something of a genius. Dr Paul Hullah Mike Burnett

RIPON GRAMMAR SCHOOL Helping shape the future since 1555

Boarding places now available at Yorkshire’s top state school

Find out more about boarding at RGS on www.ripongrammar.co.uk/boarding or contact Marita Murray on [email protected] T: 01765 602647

28