Summer/Autumn 2017 Issue 12

Thank you for the music Pearman’s progress Our link with a world famous Thirteen rock star momentous years

RGS’s got TALENT INSIDE: RGS retains top school title. Plus, meet the new headmaster, our rugby Lions hero and a giant among journalists Where are they now? WE CATCH UP WITH SOME FORMER RIPON GRAMMAR SCHOOL STUDENTS AND STAFF AND DISCOVER WHAT THEY ARE UP TO NOW

Frost and Emmerdale as well as braving surprisingly, perhaps, Easy Money For MAGGIE COBBETT Anne Robinson’s withering sarcasm on The Writers And Wannabes is my best seller to Left RGS 2001 Weakest Link. These days I work mainly date. Still living in Ripon, I always enjoy first arrived at RGS in 1989 to cover a for Emmerdale, in which I am classed as a catching up with former colleagues and maternity leave in the modern languages ‘village regular’. pupils and can be contacted through my Idepartment, and became a fixture from website 1992 to 2001. During that time I taught With all the sitting around in between www.maggiecobbett.co.uk mainly French with a little German when scenes and inspiration from the many required and the occasional foray into different people encountered along the Novel career: way, I find it a perfect job for the writer Grateful: Dr Peter Mason general studies. Some of my happiest Maggie pictured memories are of accompanying exchange that I have always wanted to be. Shadows with her form, 2D, groups to the Institution Saint-Louis of the Past, a novel, based to some extent in 1996, below in Pont l’Abbé d’Arnoult and second on my own experiences as a teenager left, and working A letter from form visits to the Château du Molay in in France, might raise a few eyebrows as an extra in Normandy. amongst my former pupils. I doubt if any Emmerdale, of them would recognise my seventeen- below. Some of our chair of Having hung up my board marker for the year-old self as the girl in the framed her book covers, last time, I took a completely different photograph on the front cover. including path and became a film/television extra. In addition, I have written many short Shadows of the stories and articles as well as a handbook governors Creative spirit: Karen Marshall pictured top I have made many appearances in shows Past, right such as Heartbeat, The Royal, A Touch of on how to earn money from ‘fillers’. Not row, left, in 1973 and left, as she is today Dear former students and friends of RGS,

Schools are accustomed to change – they take it in their stride, but when it arises from a change in headteacher it is time to pause, reflect and, most of all, be grateful. Martin Pearman retires in summer after 13 years as Headmaster; leadership of the highest quality that has enabled RGS to become the outstanding school it is today.

Those readers who were at RGS during his tenure will have their own memories of the MLP era, and central to those memories will be Martin’s detailed knowledge of each and every student, and his uncompromising commitment in wanting the very best education for all. Full tribute will be paid to Martin (and his constantly eventually a curacy in West Leeds, followed supportive wife, Fiona) at various KAREN MARSHALL by a time as a priest-in-charge in East Leeds. GARETH ALLINSON events before the summer but for now: Nee Cooper. Left RGS 1977 I’m now vicar of two churches in North West Left RGS 1971 our sincere thanks for a fantastic job Manchester. Of course I always work on Sundays well done, farewell (but do keep in aving mistakenly left school at 16 to do and most other days of the week as well, and he son of John Allinson, who taught maths, and touch) and our very best wishes for the a pre-foundation course at Harrogate Art am involved in an incredible range of activities Win Allinson, who taught biology, I studied geology most active of retirements. HCollege, I came back to school disillusioned from working with children in schools, school Tat St John’s College, Oxford, after leaving RGS. and confused about what I wanted to do. governance, church projects, preaching, drama And from a fond farewell to Martin productions (Calendar Girls) and contributing From 1974 to 1992 I worked for British Petroleum, with to a warm RGS welcome to Jonathan After a rather unconfident time reading for more widely to the work of the diocese as well postings including Aberdeen, London, Singapore, Oman, Webb, who was appointed as the next a degree in English and art, I trained as a as choreographing liturgy. Priestly ministry Tunisia, Great Yarmouth and Glasgow. Headmaster from September this nurse and over the next 25 years got a lot of takes me to places that once I might only have satisfaction working in a variety of areas of the year. You will find some background imagined and with some very interesting people, From 1992 to 2015 I worked for the large Norwegian oil health service, though I desperately missed more especially when it comes to funeral ministry. In details on Jonathan in this edition of company Statoil and was based in London working for 11 artistic and literary pursuits. amongst all of this I still have time occasionally Clocktower but suffice it to say that years as exploration manager - managing explorations in to keep up with the art and design, textiles governors are delighted he will be A BSc in community health and a master’s degree (thank you Tony Smith/SAS, Tim Proud and Les the UK, Ireland, Faroe Islands, Greenland and Denmark - joining us and have no doubt he will in child protection took me into a specialism in Smith for the inspiration) and also creative and three as a senior advisor. build on the outstanding strengths child safeguarding during the time of the Climbie writing, though it’s mainly through holiday of RGS and lead the school to even Inquiry, and also gave me opportunities to journals and making clothes these days. I am now retired and married to Jess, with four grown- greater success. develop skills in training and development. up children. We live in Peaslake, a village in the Surrey I haven’t quite left Yorkshire though, as I am Hills. With best wishes, However, the winds of change were blowing back and forth to my home near Ripon whenever and a call to ordained ministry resulted in I get the opportunity, and I’m still always open to Gareth pictured right, front left, next to Bill Petchey in Dr Peter Mason theological studies at Durham University and new possibilities for my creative side. the RGS RAF cadets, and left, at a recent RGS reunion Cover photo by DAVID HARRISON To advertise your business in the next edition of Clocktower magazine, please contact Ruth Savage on: [email protected]

2 RGS ALUMNI 3 Where are they now?

It was an amazing experience ANDREINA JAYNE DALE and I was lucky enough to visit BENIGNO-THOMAS Nee Kitching. Left RGS 2000 many places, including the Great Left RGS 1976 Wall of China, the Taj Mahal and n 2004, I graduated from Jerusalem, but living out of a Loughborough University, with suitcase gets old after a while. studied modern European a BEng in chemical engineering studies (French, German and I and a diploma in industrial Ten years ago I returned to the I economics) at Loughborough studies, having completed a year’s UK and have spent the time University from 1976 to 1979. industrial placement in Chicago, since working in the nuclear and Illinois. defence sector for an engineering After finishing university, I design company as a process worked for Sainsbury’s as a I returned to Chicago for eight engineer. I work with some graduate manager in London months, before starting work great people and the variety of for one year before doing a ‘on the road’, travelling to oil projects is challenging, interesting Postgraduate Certificate in refineries around the world for and rewarding. I am a Science Education in French and Physical more than two years, installing Technology Engineering and Education at the University of and commissioning commercial Maths (STEM) ambassador and Keele. ‘Parex’ units in South Korea, member of the Nuclear Institute, China, India, Israel and parts of promoting Women in Nuclear (WiN I have been teaching for 35 years Europe. UK) and taking part in their annual now in various senior schools conference in Westminster. in Worcestershire, Shropshire, Busy mum: Jayne with her Dudley and as deputy head of a boys, left, and fourth from I have been asked countless times girls’ private school. left in second row, below left. the question ‘Why did you choose During sixth form leaving engineering?’ by both students I am now working in my final week with maths teacher Mr and peers, perhaps because many people don’t see me as a typical year as a classroom teacher Saul, below engineer – I was brought up in before retirement. Grewelthorpe, near Ripon, with no family background in engineering, I am married with two children. I like to bake cakes, I love clothes and shoe shopping and am My 23-year-old daughter works currently training for the Tough at Charing Cross Hospital as Mudder mud run and the Great a genomic coordinator on the North Run in 2017. 100,000 Genomes Project. My answer is that my RGS My son is in his first year at the sixth form chemistry teacher, University of Bath, studying Dr MacMillan, suggested it – mechanical engineering. her selling points were that there would be lots of boys on the course, it would give me Follow RGS on Twitter opportunities to travel and I would odds-on be guaranteed a good job @RiponGrammarSch Teaching for 35 years: Andreina pictured right in the front row with teacher at the end of my degree, which Miss Denton and, top right in sixth form. Above, today all sounded like good reasons at the time. I can only thank the RGS teaching and In all seriousness though, a IAN SEDMAN school regime for eventually bringing degree in chemical engineering Left RGS1966 out the best in me; without doubt the allows you to build a wide variety best years of my life. adly I missed the Sixties reunion of skills and opens up a very wide range of potential careers through illness and read with great I was captain of rugby First XV, prefect and opportunities and I would interest the articles in Clocktower. and flight sergeant in the RAF cadets S encourage anybody to study where I won the Northern Command When I left RGS I went to Southampton 500 yard Shooting Championship with engineering. to study business studies and an old wartime Enfield 303 rifle, computing, a very rare programme in beating cadets from most public My parents and family have been those days. After a few fill-in jobs I schools in the North. We used to have hugely supportive in my career founded and ran a registered housing shooting practice in the newly built 25 choices, even sending care association in Leeds and Bradford as yard range kindly run by Mr Petchey, packages of winter clothes to chief executive. In the years before my but no long range shooting practice China to help keep me warm on early retirement due to ill health I saw on proper ranges, unlike those public 12-hour night shifts. growth from zero to more than 1,400 schools. mixed tenure dwellings, mostly for key Eight years ago, I married Nick workers who could not find suitable I tried last year to contact those ex- Dale (RGS class of 1987-1992). We alternative dwellings and had no place pupils who played in the 1965/66 First live on the outskirts of Ripon and on local authority waiting lists. At XV, which I captained, realising it was have two boys, Tom and Jacob. that time a worthy cause I thought. some 50 years since we played in that I now balance working three Gradually I managed a less frantic work team. I managed to get in touch with a days a week as an engineer, with pace and I took a two year part-time good few by email. home commitments and doing the master’s degree in housing studies accounts for Nick’s business, there at York University, and even lectured ■ If you are interested in organising is never a dull moment in our about it at Castleford Technical College a school reunion, or were in the same household. Tom is six and wants for a short while. rugby team as Ian, please contact the to be a gold miner in the Yukon in Are you in this 1965-66 Rugby First XV photo? Captain Ian Sedman, pictured right with wife Joyce at Saltburn Pier editor on [email protected] Alaska. I can’t wait to see if his dream comes true. CONTACT US WITH YOUR NEWS AND VIEWS ON: [email protected] EDITOR: RUTH SAVAGE DEPUTY EDITOR: NICOLA WOOLFENDEN

4 RGS ALUMNI 5 Where are they now? RGS SPORTING HERO

in Westminster as an administration VICKY COWIE officer before I went to work for Siemens Left RGS1994 Business Services/UK Passport Services as an executive officer. In 2007 I joined a large aerospace defence company where I fter school, I studied international worked in quality assurance and gained an hotel management at Manchester HNC in project and quality management A Lion’s pride AMetropolitan University. During at the University of Central Lancashire. I the second year, I worked at the Carlton then moved into internal audit as a head As the British Lions tour New Zealand this summer, Peter Squires recalls his time Inter-Continental Hotel in Cannes, South office and international audit manager. of France, on industrial placement. After I now work in head office as a project as part of the elite rugby squad. He tells Ruth Savage how, as a schoolboy at graduating from university I went to manager. work for the Savoy Hotel Group at the RGS, he never dreamed he would go on to play for his country Berkeley Hotel in Knightsbridge where I am an associate member of the s a schoolboy at Ripon I worked in a variety of roles including Association for Project Management (APM) Grammar School, Peter reception shift leader and acting night and Chartered Quality Professional (CQP). Squires never dreamed manager. Whilst working at the Berkeley I am also a Science Technology Engineering he would play rugby for Hotel I also studied part-time in the and Maths (STEM) ambassador. I live in his country. When he won evenings at Birkbeck College, University Hampshire and like swimming, reading, his first England rugby of London, for a master’s degree in going on cruise holidays and visiting my cap, he thought it was the highlight of international business. After leaving the family in North Yorkshire in my spare time. hisA career. Berkeley Hotel I worked as an assistant Project manager: Vicky Cowie at temporaries recruitment consultant for Email address: But that was before he was selected for Adecco in Knightsbridge. I then worked [email protected]. school, right, and as the British Lions tour to New Zealand, at the Department of Trade and Industry I am also on LinkedIn. she is today, above the ultimate rugby union accolade, four years later. It was an experience that surpassed all his expectations. Then and now A talented all-rounder, he was lucky enough, he says, to be able to play both Pictured then (right) county cricket and rugby for Yorkshire: Some of those who attended the Class of ‘77 “But playing for the Lions is one of the reunion (recounted below right) include head things I am most proud of.” girl Tracy Watson: front row, fifth from left; Chris Francis: front row, fourth from right; Rosie He made 49 first class appearances for Mcgilvray: second row back, fifth from right; Yorkshire County Cricket Club in the Inspired: Peter Squires pictured when he was captain of the RGS 1968 rugby team, centre front Rachel Wade: second row back, sixth from right; Seventies, just as the side was on the Lisa Chambers: fourth row back, fourth from left; wane and racked by divisions between the competition back in 1977, following Still, it’s in the record books and that’s try was probably in an international Weem Whitaker: back row, fourth from right those who supported captain Geoffrey New Zealand’s defeat by the Lions all that counts. It was some party against Argentina in 1978 when I Boycott and those who didn’t. in 1971, was fierce. Having pulled a afterwards. It’s a miracle we all made stepped past several defenders on my And now (below) hamstring during the tour, Peter battled the flight back home the following way to the line.” Pictured in the One Eyed Rat, l to r, Weem Being a professional cricketer meant injury: “We were playing twice a week morning.” Whitaker, Adrian Stockill, Alexa Stott, Rosie he missed selection for the 1974 Lions for three-and-a-half-months against He also played in England’s 23-6 victory Mcgilvray, Chris Francis, Anjie McGhie tour but Peter, who first started playing sides who were out to beat us or beat Peter had made his England debut over Australia at Twickenham in January rugby at RGS before joining Ripon and us up,” he says. six months before, against France at 1976. Harrogate Rugby Union Football Clubs, Twickenham in the Five Nations. In front of the Obelisk (bottom) was one of only five Englishmen to tour The Lions lost the series 3-1: “It was “I don’t think I ever anticipated “Another memorable moment was l to r, Adrian, Simon Lewington, Rachel Wade, New Zealand with the Lions three years New Zealand’s wettest winter for 20 going on to play for my country; I’d arguably beating JJ Williams to the ball Alexa, Lisa Chambers and Weem later. years, it was a real slog, grind and never even made it into the Yorkshire in the in-goal area to save what Welsh battle. But, even though I didn’t play Schoolboys set-up and, as a club player fans must have thought was a certain As the Lions prepare to tour New as much as I’d hoped, it was still great at Harrogate, I used to play fly-half not try in the 1974 Five Nations. We went Do you remember the Zealand again in July, watching the to see the country and the passion its wing. on to beat Wales that day and we were class of 2017 in action is sure to bring people have for rugby.” all pretty euphoric afterwards as they back memories of his own exploits “It was only really by accident I ended had some of the best players in the laundry bag sack races? in 1977: “It was a great tour to be Peter had played in New Zealand up there. Yorkshire favoured a counter- world in their team at that time.” involved with, but it was a hard slog. In four years before as a member of the attacking style and had a preference for ifteen of us who started few pauses before recognition at The Unicorn Hotel thanks Having gone into teaching after leaving school in 1977 got together dawned. Many a photo was to resident Fiona. It was a RGS, Peter went on to work in sales Ffor an informal reunion scrutinised over a few beers gathering that drew people from and marketing for Theakston, Scottish last year in the One Eyed Rat in and we had a lot of stories to all over the country and beyond. ‘Playing for the Lions is one & Newcastle, John Smiths, Caledonian Ripon, prompted by the fleeting exchange, from memories of A few of us, on the other hand, and Heineken breweries until his return to the UK of Adrian different teachers, to the girl have either stayed put, or retirement in 2016. Stockill, who emigrated to New boarders’ recollections of using realised the merits of the Ripon of the things I am Peter Zealand years ago, and the laundry bags for sack races to area and moved back. today, left, and He finished playing international rugby fact that we are all turning 50. relieve the tedium of life in playing for for England in 1979 but continued Almost half of the D form were Johnson House in those days. We all much enjoyed renewing most proud of’ England, centre playing club rugby for Ripon until there, as well as a number of As well as talking over shared old friendships, and have very front, right his early 40s. He ended his county people from other forms—quite experiences, we caught up on loose plans to do the same again cricket career for Yorkshire in 1976 but an achievement after so many the many different directions in June in York this summer. those days Lions tours to New Zealand England team that became the first ball players out wide. It was me on one continued to play league cricket until years. Quite a few of us had not we have all taken since leaving lasted for over three months in their nation from the Northern Hemisphere wing and Ian McGeehan on the other. three years ago. winter months.” to beat the All Blacks on home soil in Eighteen months later I was playing for seen each other since leaving RGS. The evening was rounded Weem Whitaker and Lisa a Test. England.” Still living in Ripon, his advice to RGS more than thirty years ago off with a pizza at Mario’s. Oh Chambers He reflects on how times have changed. budding cricketers and rugby players and in some cases there were a and more after-hours beers Unlike today, he and his team mates “Scrum half Jan Webster was man of Peter had been inspired at school at RGS today is: “Nowadays there are were all amateurs with jobs and he the match and put me in for a try but by teachers John Chambers, David even more opportunities to take up a Have you met up with old school friends recently? had to request permission from his the back row of Uttley, Ripley and Dixon Postlethwaite and Ken Locke: sporting career but it can end abruptly employers Harrogate Grammar School, weren’t far behind him, they were a “They all helped me up the sporting due to injury, lack of form or fortune. We would love to hear more about your RGS reunions. where he was teaching PE, to take pretty formidable unit. ladder through their enthusiasm and It is important to gain your academic Please contact the editor Ruth Savage on [email protected] three-and-a-half months off work. expertise.” qualifications, in case you need to fall “I’d love to say my try—my second in back on them. Remember the saying New Zealand is the most intimidating three games for England—was a classic He went on to win 29 caps for his ‘Always work hard and play hard’.” FOLLOW RGS ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/RiponGrammarSch destination for any team to tour and but it was from about two yards out. country and scored six tries: “My best

6 RGS ALUMNI 7 Thirteen momentous years ‘Ripon Grammar School is an Goodbye, inspiring Mr Pearman community and As Martin Pearman bids a fond farewell after thirteen years as headmaster of place to work’ Ripon Grammar School, Ruth Savage seeks out his views on education and more

What kind of education did you have and I don’t think the government has not fulfil me as a career. So I went What were the main challenges you and how did it affect your future? worked that out yet. into teaching, a decision I have never faced when you arrived at RGS? My father worked nights and my regretted. In 2004, facilities were in mother stayed at home to look after What sort of student were you? considerable need of upgrading and myself and my brother and sister, At primary school my report said I was Why did you want to become a I had reservations about showing both of whom are now in the USA. a ‘chatterbox’ and I used to finish my teacher? prospective parents to any room other We lived on a council estate and I work too early. At secondary school, Working with young people is than the library. We had sixteen was fortunate enough to pass the I had to work hard to achieve success incredibly motivating and inspiring. temporary classrooms and the labs 11-plus. I know I benefitted from a and behaved myself. The cane was I also wanted to put something back dated back to the 1950s. The overall grammar school education, coming still used in my day but I avoided into the system which gave me so appearance of the school suggested from a family where nobody had it, I am pleased to say. Whilst at much. Selection worked for me and much needed to be done to bring it up been to university before. We moved Bournemouth School a few friends raised my aspirations. to date. Academic standards lacked from London to Bournemouth and the had motorbikes so, whilst in the sixth a little in ambition, so I focused on boys’ grammar school there was a form, we would go to the beach at What made you want to be a these two areas and have continued typical all-boys school in many ways, lunchtime, go for a swim and then be headmaster? to do so during my time here. with a very competitive element back in time for afternoon school. I have always loved teaching, to every activity, both sporting and something I have looked forward to What inspires and motivates you? educational, which encouraged me to What would you like to have done if every day as I have come into work. Committed colleagues and try hard and do my best. I enjoyed you hadn’t gone into teaching? I didn’t set out to be a head; it was outstanding students inspire and my school years a lot, particularly the I must admit I would have liked to a natural progression as my career motivate me to do the job. sixth form, and was fortunate enough have been a professional sportsman developed. The job of headmaster to go on to read chemistry at Oxford, but sadly I lacked the talent in is totally different from any other What has been the most difficult an inspiring place to study. whichever sport I chose! After job in the school and nothing you do part of the job? university, I applied to several beforehand prepares you for what it It has been very enjoyable here but Do you think grammar schools management consultancy firms is actually like. I certainly wanted to any management job can have its should change admissions in London. Deloitte’s and Arthur be a head because I wanted to try to frustrations. I simply accept that as procedures to favour children from Andersen did offer me jobs but I create a school which reflected my part of the role and just get on with disadvantaged backgrounds? decided at the last minute that would beliefs for education. finding a solution. Fortunately there Grammar schools should be engines of social mobility. I would like to see Continued over as many children from disadvantaged backgrounds as possible at RGS. The issue is how we measure deprivation

School’s out for ever: Martin Pearman in the grounds of RGS

8 RGS ALUMNI Photograph by ED KNOWLES kpsmedia.co.uk 9 always is one. Being a head means at a school on the banks of the River Photograph by ED KNOWLES kpsmedia.co.uk RGS worldwide you become detached from the staff Thames; to demonstrate sodium to a large extent and I have enjoyed reacting with water on a large scale, the social side of being part of a the chemistry department would take staff room in my previous schools. a class and a large piece of sodium Unfortunately the role of head means to the banks of the river! We had that you have to keep a distance. I to shoo away the swans first before never quite realised that I would miss throwing the sodium into the river. It’s a big, wide this aspect quite so much. Quite a memorable explosion but it didn’t do much for water quality! What is the thing you are most proud of? If you were education secretary, At Ripon Grammar School, I have what three changes would you aimed to create a school which introduce tomorrow? world out there encapsulates many 1. I would of my beliefs of Rolling back fund schools Chris Barber talks to past pupils for our new column about those who what education appropriately have made a new life abroad. Chris, who left RGS in 1962, worked in the should be about— the years and ensure the construction industry in Dubai in the Seventies then moved to Zambia not collecting minimum Age certificates and Martin Pearman is the 30th Weighted Pupil Unit and finally Tanzania, before returning to Yorkshire 30 years ago. He says: getting numbers Headmaster of RGS since the funding a school “If you get the chance to work overseas, take it.” and letters; it school's refounding in 1555. such as RGS would is much more More recent names may ring a receive would be in Sarah Mackley, pictured below, left Ripon Grammar School in 1998 and has been important and bell with many of our readers: the region of £3,800 bigger than that. 1935-1957 W J Strachan per student. running her own translation and interpreting business in Lyon since 2010 I have aimed 1957-1974 Robert Atkinson 2. I would re- to create a 1974-1991 Brian Stanley introduce module Why did you decide to work abroad? attached you can become to the country you have left community which 1992-2004 Alan Jones examinations at Having been fortunate enough to spend a year studying behind, to which, over time, you no longer fully belong sets its aspirations 2004-2017 Martin Pearman A-level and abolish in France during my degree, on an Erasmus exchange, I either. This can be hard to come to terms with. high in terms of the linear system, initially decided to return to my adoptive country just for encouraging and which I feel does the excitement of trying out life abroad, being immersed What do you miss most about home? And nurturing each other, and working not prepare students for life beyond in another culture and language and, as is often the case, least? together with both staff and students school or for a university experience, for the sake of a Frenchman I had met! There’s so much I miss about the UK. Apart from the to ensure that every individual despite what Mr Gove said. obvious decent supply of tea, Indian takeaways and a who comes to RGS can enjoy an 3. I would abolish Ofsted for a period How did you go about getting a job? good roast dinner, there’s the humour and the ability outstanding education and develop to allow a new system to emerge I opted for a reasonably easy way in initially, choosing to not to take yourself too seriously which I long for. More teach English. At the time, a simple Teaching English as a fundamentally, there is a sense of identity which you their character, confidence and which would hold schools to account New facilities, better results and more students: RGS has been transformed over the past thirteen years resilience to face the world. more effectively. Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification was enough to walk lose once you have left your country of origin, and that and the need to work collaboratively able to spend more time with them. to reading more in retirement and I into most training centres and obtain a contract. is something which is sometimes hard to come to terms RGS is an inspiring community and What makes a successful school? with other schools, whilst ensuring Fiona, who has embraced whatever enjoy the theatre and cinema. with. Of course, I miss dear place to work and I am proud of the An absolutely superb sense of that RGS remains the best school it being the wife of a headmaster has This gave me a real taste for friends and family, but I transformation over the last thirteen community, such as the one we have can possibly be. This is going to be entailed over the past 13 years, has What is your favourite film, your teaching, and a few years ‘I have the Alps on my am fortunate only to be a years. at RGS. The students reflect the a very difficult juggling act for my been a tremendous support and has favourite book, record and TV down the line I went back to Eurostar away. ethos in everything they do and are a successor. a genuine fondness for the school. It programme? the UK to retrain, spending doorstep. I do still get What has been your biggest mistake joy to teach. We are also incredibly will be wonderful to be able to spend Film: Love Actually. several years teaching French There are so many joys to or regret? fortunate to have such committed Do you have any plans for your more time with her. Book: Bird Song by Sebastian Faulkes. in secondary schools. the feeling compensate for all of that As a headmaster and teacher you teaching staff, with a real passion retirement? I can also hopefully catch up with Record: London Calling by The Clash however, and I certainly inevitably make mistakes but I am not for their subjects, who ensure My wife Fiona and I intend to stay in friends I have not managed to see TV programme: anything by David The pull of mainland Europe I’m on holiday’ enjoy living in warmer sure I have any major regrets. I have students receive the best all-round Ripon. It is a city we have grown to very much over the last thirteen Attenborough was still strong, however, climes, in France’s capital of enjoyed my career enormously but education possible, given the financial love and we have a lot of friends in years, so it looks like I will be very and I came back to France in gastronomy, with the Alps on have had many ups and downs, and constraints. the area. busy. What three things might surprise 2010 when I set up my own my doorstep! there have been some students for But I have always enjoyed people about you? business here as a translator whom the education provided at RGS What are the biggest challenges RGS experiencing different cultures and How do you like to relax? I was very ill when I was born and and interpreter. Generally What advice would you has not quite worked out for them, so faces over the next thirteen years? am looking forward to travelling I have a wide range of interests, many was not expected to survive. My speaking, the French job give to others? in a sense I regret that, as I want all There is a need to develop facilities more; we are planning a holiday in of them sporting, such as football mother called the hospital chaplain to market is not particularly My viewpoint is quite students to achieve their very best. further, particularly the dining Italy in September and a visit to the and cricket, running and cycling, and administer last rights! buoyant, and finding naturally biased, but room. There are certainly financial Antipodes next year. am an avid birdwatcher. I have also Whilst at university and during the employment is not easy. I’d I genuinely believe What’s the funniest experience restrictions ahead, especially in the Although my sons Tom, Alex and Joe - followed AFC Bournemouth for nearly holidays, I used to teach foreign be more than happy to offer experiencing life in another you’ve had in your teaching career? short term, and we need to be aware all former students of RGS - are now 50 years and it is a golden period for students English. any help or advice I can to country can broaden your In my early days of teaching I worked of the formation of academy trusts grown up, it will be excellent to be the club. I am also looking forward My parents ran a hotel in anyone looking at France as whole outlook, help you Bournemouth when I was growing an option. understand the world in more up. When I returned from university real terms and offer a type of learning and experience ■ RGS marks 450th anniversary of ■ RGS ranked in the top four per one summer, I found they had let my What are the advantages and the which cannot be replicated its refounding with the launch of a cent of schools in the country for bedroom for the summer! disadvantages? by other means. Whether major fundraising campaign, aimed at Pearman’s progress exceptional progress at GCSE in 2014 Living abroad offers a whole for a few weeks or a few What will you miss most when you improving facilities, in 2005 ■ New £1.5m two-storey, eight- stop work? host of opportunities. It years, if you are offered the Ruth Savage looks at the impact Martin expands your horizons, opens opportunity, take it! ■ Six science labs undergo major classroom humanities block opens in I will miss the daily rhythm of school, which has been part of my life for the your mind and challenges preconceptions. refurbishment between 2005 and Pearman has made during his 13 years 2015 last thirteen years, but I am looking Do you plan to return to the UK eventually? 2009 leading Ripon Grammar School ■ RGS wins an Educational forward to a change and the time is I first came to live in France 17 years ago and I still get a The eternal question! And a very difficult one to answer. ■ New maths and engineering block Outcomes award for outstanding right to hand over the responsibility buzz about it all, and do still get the slight feeling I’m on Personally, I have no plans to return right now. Things can holiday every now and then! That’s not to say there aren’t change however and I always keep this option in the back opens in 2007 ■ All-weather Astroturf pitch and ■ RGS achieves the highest score achievement at GCSE in 2016 to someone with new ideas, passion and energy to help the school to challenges. of my mind. New sixth form block, with ■ running track completed 2011 in the country for student progress at ■ New £1m boarding extension continue to develop. e-learning facilities, laboratories and ■ RGS rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted A-level in 2013 opens in 2016 It is hard setting up a life for yourself far away from www.clayborncommunications.com friends and family, in a society which has different drama studio, opens in 2009 in 2012 ■ The Sunday Times names RGS top ■ RGS student roll hits an all-time I look forward to hearing of its continued success. systems, with a language and culture which will never be If you are working or studying overseas, please ■ New £1m sports hall and fitness New music block, with teaching and state school in the North in 2013. And high with 920 pupils, including 81 ■ ■ your own. Being a foreigner, an outsider, can be positive, contact Chris on: [email protected] to suite opens in 2010 rehearsal spaces, opens in 2012 again in 2014, 2015 and 2016 boarders, in 2017 but can also make you yearn for a sense of belonging. The tell us about your experience ■ Meet the new headmaster P13 more time you spend living abroad, the more idealistically

10 RGS ALUMNI 11 New proposals for changes in school funding due to take effect from 2018 could hit Ripon Grammar School hard. Ruth Savage reports School news Funding cuts Meet the new are a threat Headmaster he newly appointed Sarah French asks new to our future headmaster of Ripon Grammar School is Jonathan Webb, who head Jonathan Webb, ipon Grammar School Headmaster As grammar schools across the country In a letter to Tory backbencher Mr Smith, Martin Pearman says he fears for consider asking parents for cash to make Mr Pearman writes: “The situation will be moving from his role as who takes up his post in the long term future of the school up the shortfalls set to be caused by the regarding funding for schools is, I believe, deputy head at Durham School if proposed changes in national proposed new national funding formula, reaching a critical state. The national when he succeeds Martin September, about his views funding go ahead. Mr Pearman has raised his concerns with funding formula proposals mean all Pearman in September. on education R Ripon MP Julian Smith. grammar schools in North Yorkshire would TA graduate in history from Christ’s In short, we have to believe that a school Further budget cuts at Ripon Grammar lose out by the maximum amount. School, which is already one of the lowest According to the Grammar School Heads’ College, Cambridge, and a former pupil can continue to nurture decent human funded schools in the country, will affect Association, families could be asked for “This would mean a reduction of funding of Batley Grammar School, near Leeds, beings who want to make a positive students’ education for the worse, says Mr contributions of up to £30 or £40 a month for RGS of around £80,000. The education his distinguished career in education has difference. This is why the extra-curricular Pearman. to ensure teaching standards do not fall we are able to provide will be affected included spells at Pocklington School, life of a school is so important and why and some schools have warned they could for the worse.” York, The Manchester Grammar School and personal self-development and confidence is He also claims that while grammar schools be forced to choose between cutting Giggleswick School. as much the marker of human flourishing as in the South are set to benefit, those in facilities and switching off heating to He also alerts Mr Smith to the fact that academic results.” the North will suffer. keep costs down. schools in the North will be hit harder Mr Webb, who lives near Ripon, said: “I am by the changes than those in the South: extremely honoured to have been chosen Chair of governors at Ripon Grammar School, “Ripon Grammar School is already one of from such a strong field and am indeed very Dr Peter Mason, said: “We are very pleased the lowest funded schools in the country excited by the to have appointed WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT and, with more funds being removed, prospect of leading Jonathan Webb as OUR Activities Fund, which relies on voluntary donations, ensures RGS I fear for the long term future of the such a fabulous ‘A school must nurture the next headmaster students enjoy a wide range of scientific, sporting and social activities school. school as Ripon of Ripon Grammar for free. For less than the price of a cup of coffee a week you can help us Grammar School.” decent human beings who School from an continue to transform lives by bringing out the best in every child. Visit “This reduction in funding seems to be exceptionally large ripongrammar.co.uk for more information. at odds with the publicly stated aim by On the challenge of want to make a positive and competitive field Theresa May to support grammar schools. leading an already of applicants. We Surely education is paramount to the outstanding school, have no doubt the future prosperity of the country and he said: “We should difference’ school will continue Shining a light should be funded accordingly?” always cherish the to thrive and develop things that work and preserve the processes strongly under his leadership and we look RGS has been chosen by University College about her experience. And more than The proposed new national funding which function smoothly. However, we can forward to welcoming him in September.” London as a Beacon School in Holocaust 50 students have recently returned formula announced by Education and should believe in school improvement, if Education. It means the school is at from a GCSE history trip to Krakow and Secretary Justine Greening in December only to prevent ‘status quoism’ from drifting Mr Webb is married to Helen and has two the forefront of an important national Auschwitz, where they met a Holocaust increases money targeted at schools with into complacency. I believe we can continue sons. He is a keen cricketer and coaches for initiative encouraging young people survivor. additional needs, including deprivation. to improve pupil mastery of their subjects a local team and enjoys all forms of outdoor to deepen their understanding of the and their intellectual curiosity to do better. pursuits. He has worked with the British Holocaust and explore its relevance to History teacher David Bruce explained Although MPs from all parties have been We have to believe in ensuring that a pupil’s Council in China helping to promote British their own lives and the contemporary that a number of departments, including pressing the Government to review the life experience in, and crucially beyond, the boarding school education. world. English, RE and art, were working to reforms, Ms Greening claims the changes, classroom develops growth mind-set, inner address the subject in different ways. RGS to be introduced from 2018 to 2019, will confidence, a sense of spiritual worth and a He will join at a time when grammar schools Last year Iby Knill, who survived 40 days is also reaching out to local schools to Honoured: Jonathan Webb mean more than 10,000 schools gaining deep and lasting care for others. have been singled out as one method in the Auschwitz-Berkenau concentration host training, offer mentoring and share funding. for improving education standards with camp, came to RGS to talk to students teaching resources. the prime minister apparently keen on expanding the system.

Top of the leader board Computer whizz Mr Webb said: “Selective grammar schools RGS students have topped the Youth Sport Trust National Leader Board after clocking can deliver progress if, and only if, they up 109 sports leader volunteer hours. Close behind was Hetton School in Houghton STUDENT Jonathan Tanner has emerged as one British Informatics Olympiad, which is open maximise the talents of those successful le Spring with 96 hours, followed by Swavesey Village College in Cambridge with 58 of the top young computer programmers in to students aged up to 19 across the UK. To in the entrance test. They have to deliver hours. PE teacher Helen Mackenzie said she was proud of those who took part. the country. get to the final, he took a three-hour exam at academic excellence through outstanding school in which he had to write a computer teaching and learning both in terms of Having secured a place in the finals of a programme to solve problems then answer raw results and, crucially, value-added prestigious nationwide competition he theoretical questions. measures. They also need to deliver a co- Record-breaking fundraisers will now compete at Cambridge University curricular programme which develops not OUR students raised an impressive BRACE chief executive Mark Poarch said: for a top four place that would see him The son of the Bishop of Berwick, he will just the intellectual but also the personal £12,384.32 for BRACE Alzheimer’s “This was a truly remarkable effort. In representing Britain at the International take his A-levels in mathematics, further skills of their charges. However, that does Research during Charity Week this year, one week, they nearly broke not only Olympiad in Informatics to be held in Tehran, mathematics, physics and chemistry a year not mean that the selection process itself breaking the school’s fundraising record. their own record but also the best total Iran, this summer. early this summer. He has been offered a cannot be refined further. To ensure that all Events, including break-time cake stalls we have received from any supporting Although he is only 16, Jonathan, who started place to read mathematics and computer pupils in the catchment area feel entitled and fun quizzes, were organised by sixth organisation in recent years. It just shows and confident to apply is also important and Top programmer: computer programming aged 11, proved science at Oxford University in September. form school officers and involved students what commitment, enthusiasm and to be among the top 15 competitors in the depends on good outreach.” and staff throughout the school. imagination can achieve.” Jonathan Tanner

12 RGS ALUMNI 13 School news RGS retains top school title ipon Grammar School has confirmed its status as the top Ripon Grammar School state school in the North for an has been named top state Head praised impressive fourth year in a row RGS’s outstanding performance in as it continues to rise in national school in the North by last year’s GCSEs has earned the rankings. RGS once again led Childhood memories: Bridget Kendall with chair of governors the region in The Sunday Times The Sunday Times for the school national recognition for Dr Peter Mason and Headmaster Martin Pearman Parent Power survey, climbing 14 places into fourth year in a row, with student progress. With more than Rthe top 75 state schools nationally. 86 per cent of results grades A*-B most leavers heading for and 97 per cent a C or better, The Parent Power list ranks the top 2,000 the school is in the top ten per Best student state and independent schools based on top universities. Sarah cent of schools nationally. An students’ performance at A-level and GCSE, impressive 99 per cent of pupils which this year put Ripon Grammar School French reports secured at least five A*-C grades 27 places ahead of its nearest rival in the and almost a third of students ever? Probably North. In this summer’s examinations, 76.2 achieved at least ten A* or A per cent of A-level grades at Ripon Grammar Five students have been offered places at grades. The famous daughter of a famous past pupil School were graded A*-B, while 60.6 per cent Cambridge University: Mary Cox and boarder of GCSEs were A* or A grades. Ross Sullivan each at Gonville and Caius, Sue Williamson, chief executive visited RGS recently. Sarah French reports to read geography and natural sciences of the national school, student elebrated journalist Bridget When he graduated in 1939, he The school also ranked highly in a measure respectively; head girl Emily Evans to read and teachers’ network SSAT, Kendall may be well known as won a scholarship for research of the university destinations of its leavers, history at Emmanuel College and deputy which presented RGS with an being the top school in Yorkshire and 41st out head girl Katie Veitch to study theology at the BBC’s former diplomatic in astronomy, but also wanted Educational Outcomes award, C of the 217 top state schools listed. Clare College after a gap year working for correspondent. But many may not to continue with maths: “I was told retiring headmaster Martin the charity Project Trust. be aware she is also the daughter torn between the two subjects Pearman: “Your constant hard Among the 140 students who left Ripon of one of Ripon Grammar School’s and couldn’t see how the conflict Grammar School Francesca Haldane work and dedication to your most distinguished past pupils, would be resolved, but Hitler after A-levels last has secured one of students is an inspiration to the the brilliant mathematician David resolved it for me,” he said summer, more ‘Achieving excellence only 70 places at community.” Kendall, known as the ‘British afterwards. than half secured Cambridge to read founding father of probability’. places at the top is not easy. Sustaining veterinary science Mr Pearman said: “It is heartening Like other talented young Russell Group with an offer of for our hard-working students and Ms Kendall, who has just become mathematicians at the time he universities, with a it is a challenge’ two A*s and an A their teachers and support staff the first female Master of became involved in war work and further 6.6 per cent from Sidney Sussex to be recognised nationally for Peterhouse College, Cambridge, his efforts led to the successful going to Oxford or College. their outstanding achievement.” spoke about her childhood development of the rockets Cambridge. Two students have gone to study memories of Ripon when she used in massed batteries from overseas, in the USA and Madrid. Joining her in the veterinary world is returned to the city recently assault ships at D-Day, and the Hannah-Olivia Foster who has a choice of Headmaster Martin Pearman said: “Achieving Double success: to present a host of prizes for deadly deployment of rocket- High-achieving students in this year’s upper offers from Surrey, Nottingham and Liverpool excellence is not easy and sustaining it is a above, twins George academic achievement, firing Typhoon fighters sixth are also heading for the country’s most universities. challenge, yet year after year our students, and Harry Stratford sporting prowess as tank-busters in prestigious universities, with seven securing with the wholehearted commitment and and Katharine and and service to the Normandy. Oxbridge offers. They have been accepted on Performer Josh Belward has a chance to support of their teachers and our careers Louisa Chatterton community at the a range of courses, from computer science to turn his favourite hobby into a career after department, continue to maintain and even pictured celebrating school’s annual Speech He spent most of his music, geography to theology and veterinary winning a place at prestigious Bird College improve our standards. GCSE success last Day. academic life at Oxford medicine. to study professional dance and musical summer. They are two and Cambridge where theatre. Josh, who last year starred as Billy “The key to supporting pupils is getting of three sets of twins She told guests she he was renowned for Jonathan Tanner, who secured his offer to in the school’s production of Anything Goes to know each one extremely well, was immensely proud his work on statistical at RGS to gain 58 A* study computer science and mathematics at and was Mr Hardcastle in this year’s school understanding their strengths and any areas of Ripon, where her shape analysis, ley and A grades between Oxford University aged just 16, will be joined production of She Stoops to Conquer, said: they need to develop. They are happy, feel grandparents ran a lines and queuing them by boarder Joy Sutcliffe, former head chorister “Performing has always been a hobby so to valued and know support is always available, haberdashery and theory, as well as his Picture: Richard at Ripon Cathedral and BBC Radio 2 Chorister make the step from that to being able to do and that allows them to excel.” women’s clothes shop: David Kendall work on probability. of the Year 2013, who will read music. it as a career is amazing.” Doughty Photography “I remember Ripon as a magical place full of charm,” In 1962 he was appointed the she said. first professor of mathematical Star hockey players master a whole new ball game statistics at Cambridge, where he Her father, born in 1918, was remained until retirement in 1985, TALENTED RGS hockey players have also to the Parents’ Association who provided home schooled for a time after working on a variety of problems established themselves as one of the indoor goals and rails for the sports hall. It developing glandular fever: “When connected with everything from top ten girls’ teams in the country after has also been an impressive year for RGS’s he joined the grammar school epidemics to archaeology. A reaching the national indoor finals in rugby players: the U18, U16 and U14 teams all he did very well and he loved fellow of the Royal Society, he January, despite being new to the sport. qualified for the finals of the Yorkshire Cup in astronomy. During a trip to the was awarded several honorary Up against independent schools such as Wakefield and both the U15 and 1stXV were Royal Observatory, the Astronomer degrees and academic distinctions Repton, Millfield and Cranleigh, who all crowned champions in the White Rose finals, Royal told him to study maths and throughout his lifetime. boast experienced indoor teams, RGS is with our U18 girls’ rugby team winning the he loved it,” she explained. one of just a few state schools to reach North Yorkshire championships. In addition, Proud sponsors of He inspired his daughter and this level. The team only started training a number of students won the honour of David Kendall’s exceptional encouraged her to do something with coach Trevor Bosomworth in March representing England in swimming and Ripon Grammar School mathematical talents were different and study Russian, she and qualified as one of only two teams petanque and both our girls’ junior and inter clear from an early age —one told students: “As you consider representing the North of England after cross country teams, sponsored by our Old U16 Girls’ Indoor Hockey Team teacher gave him his Cambridge your choices, think about what you maintaining their unbeaten record at Rips, made it to the national finals. lecture notes and he was reading love, what you enjoy doing and scholarship material in his early hence, probably, you will excel. The team, l to r: Emily Hamby, Amelia Simenacz, Lucy Williams, the northern finals in Bradford. Thanks to Calverts Carpets, Williams Property ■ If you would like to sponsor one of RGS’s teens, winning a place at Queen’s Stand out from the crowd, don’t Harriet Sowray, Libby Rickard, Louise Taylor, Georgina Turner, top sports teams, please contact Alison College, Oxford, in 1936. shy away from difficult challenges Bethany Hamby, Jessica Merrin and Amelia Borchard Consultants, Herbs Unlimited and NATIONAL FINALISTS 2017 Quickchange for sponsoring the girls, and Balsdon on [email protected] and give your best.”

14 RGS ALUMNI 15 TV’s political correspondent Libby Weiner, influence and detract from reading and learning. Journal at Newcastle. Moving from the news values Daily Mirror assistant editor Kevin Maguire, BBC After graduating in modern history from Oxford, of what was effectively a war zone to a northern news presenter Ben Brown, Times chief sports English trained as a journalist with Thomson provincial city with very different news values was writer Matt Dickinson, Daily Telegraph defence Regional Newspapers on the Belfast Telegraph quite a shock. editor Con Coughlin and Mail chief sports writer and then The Journal in Newcastle. He moved to Oliver Holt are just some of the once budding become public administration tutor at the Thomson Who has been your role model in the world of young hacks David English has taught at Cardiff David English, who left RGS in Editorial Training Centre in Cardiff before joining journalism? University. what was then the Centre for Journalism Studies at My journalistic role models were Harry Evans, who I 1968, has recently retired as Cardiff University. turned both The Northern Echo and The Sunday The former Ripon Grammar School student has Times into campaigning newspapers, and Peter trained more than 1,000 journalists, many of whom newspaper director of the UK’s Under David’s leadership the Cardiff school has Preston, editor of the Guardian, who still writes an now occupy top roles in British national newspapers, regularly been ranked top for journalism in the PRESS incisive media column for The Observer. Both were TV and radio stations, as well as on regional leading school of journalism at Guardian’s university guide. journalists of the highest integrity. Alan Watkins, newspapers throughout the country. political columnist of The Observer, was also a great Cardiff University. Ruth Savage Sambrook says: “The vigour and strength of British help to me at the start of my career. According to Cardiff University Journalism School’s newspaper journalism is revered across the world director Richard Sambrook, more British newspaper outlines the career of the man and David’s played a key role in upholding and What are the best and worst things about the job? journalists have been trained by David English than instilling this reputation through the school’s What I loved most about being a journalist was by any other person: “It’s a remarkable track record who has trained more reporters doors. He’s been an influential presence for many being at the centre of major events, talking to the and achievement,” he says. young journalists through what is one of the most dramatis personae and being able to write about formative years of their career and, as such, is held MASTER their roles in major decisions. The downside was War service brought David’s father, the son of a than anyone else in the country, in extremely high regard.” the waiting around for meetings to finish in order South Wales miner, to Ripon, where he stayed on to report the decisions. I also found death knocks after the war to work as a grocer and butcher for before putting a few questions to He is well known among students for his no- rather intrusive, though they were sometimes the Co-op and later, Appletons. Both parents were nonsense but humorous teaching style and cathartic for the bereaved families and I took committed Methodists and David grew up without this giant among journalists notoriously direct feedback, always written in red comfort from that. a TV because they thought it would be a corrupting ink. What was your biggest scoop? “One of David’s highest forms of praise is to call My biggest scoop on the Belfast Telegraph was someone ‘a real journalist’. David is a journalist’s when I got a tip-off from Harold Wilson’s office journalist,” says Sambrook. that he was flying to Belfast the following day to FAVOURITE TEACHERS take charge of the Assembly discussions with the If you could meet your 18-year-old self now, what Unionists, who were at that stage not keen on “I WAS inspired by four teachers, three of whom advice would you give? discussing any power sharing with the Catholic are sadly now dead and one with whom I still keep Not to see issues in black and white terms, but in parties. For security reasons, Downing Street denied in touch. shades of grey. Life makes more sense then. the story, but Harold Wilson duly turned up the next day and I was seen as someone with an inside Firstly, two history teachers: Ted Thomas (who What is the most important lesson you learnt at track on Government (I had been chair of Oxford introduced me to Earl Grey tea – I thought he had RGS? University Labour Club, so knew many of the key washed the cup in TCP) and Dr Bill Petchey, a The love of learning, a sense of curiosity and a love players at the time, and several of my friends had wonderful story teller who brought history alive. of politics and current affairs. become special advisers to cabinet members).

And two English teachers, Ethel Allison and Paul When and why did you decide you wanted to be a Why did you move from journalism to training and Binding. Paul is now a famous novelist, biographer journalist? what did you enjoy about your new role? and critic and I have visited him in Shropshire At school in the sixth form I had ambitions to I wasn’t enjoying my time on the Journal after where he now lives. become an MP (I stood twice for Parliament, once the thrills of Belfast, and it was suggested I in the Ripon by-election in 1973). After university, might like to consider moving into management I think I owe most to Ethel Allison. Firstly, she I thought becoming a political correspondent training, since very few editorial staff moved into had just an intuitive sense of when I needed would give me the means to get into Parliament management. So as part of the training, I moved reassurance and a metaphorical cuddle. Secondly, eventually. On knowing of my political interests, to the Thomson Editorial Training Centre in Cardiff on Tuesday afternoons when many of the boys Thomson Regional Newspapers (now Trinity Mirror) Continued overleaf were doing cadets, I studied Russian novels and suggested I should train in Belfast, which was then modern British novelists with her. I learnt so much experiencing The Troubles and attempts to set up a and acquired so much knowledge during those Stormont Assembly. sessions, and I am forever grateful to her.” The press gang: David English, top Sadly, the IRA took a dislike to me (the feeling was left, is pictured with students in mutual) and I had to be transferred quickly to The Cardiff, left, and in sixth form, far left R G S ALUMNI 16 R G S ALUMNI 17 ‘A journalist’s journalist’ really good courses around. But also show some initiative and try to get work experience on local papers and student papers or radio stations, building up a portfolio to show commitment and an understanding of what is needed to succeed. There is still a great demand for training places, so students need to show that dogged determination to succeed. And become news and current affairs junkies, because the interview for places will involve a current affairs test to ensure you are excited and knowledgeable about events.

Which matters most when it comes to success - ambition, talent or hard work? Ambition and hard work matter most when it comes to success, but sometimes one can be in just the right place at the right time.

How did you benefit from being a student at RGS and do you think grammar schools are a good idea? I loved my time at the Grammar School, though I remain critical of selection at 11-plus, which I think is rather young to decide on a segregation Steering the school during period of change: former headmaster Alan Jones pictured, centre which might impact on future careers. But I am front, with staff during his last year at Ripon Grammar School in 2003/4 no fan of large, impersonal comprehensive schools either – a source of conflict in the political party to which I belong.

Do you remember any comments from school reports, good or bad? And did they have any The man at the lasting effect? Sadly, my father threw out all my school reports as dementia took its hold on him. I regret that, since they were mostly good – apart from maths helm during and art! I think most of the teachers realised I was motivated more by the carrot than the stick.

Did you ever get an after-school detention? Remarkable track record: David English I was always an obedient pupil, so never had a turbulent times detention. To this day, I can never walk across formal grass areas since it was always forbidden (where I had trained initially) as the tutor in public one at home) but I am a great fan of Radio5 live, printers. We were also not allowed by union rules at school. And I look askance when the postman lan Jones came to RGS in 1992. An English Ian Pringle pays tribute administration – teaching trainee journalists how particularly the Drive programme. Sadly, Peter to take photographs. The rise of citizen journalism walks across my carefully-tended lawn. I wonder if graduate from Manchester University, he to former headmaster Alan local government worked as well as the basic Allan no longer anchors it. I miss him – a truly great through social media means we are now expected that rule is still in place. Ahad taught English and drama at a variety of workings of central government. journalist. to take pictures, and Margaret Thatcher and Rupert state and independent schools, most recently in Jones, who died in November Murdoch saw to the collapse of the print unions. What were the best things about growing up in Newbury. And I fell in love three times: firstly, I fell in love How has the job of a journalist changed since the Sub-editing, which was a skilled job in the hot this part of the country and what do you miss following a long illness with Cardiff. Secondly, I fell in love with journalism Seventies? metal days, has now been demystified thanks to most? By 1992, the educational reforms introduced by the education and training. And thirdly, I met and fell in Journalism has changed considerably from when I technology. I loved growing up in Ripon. It was a market town Thatcher government—National Curriculum, Local was graded ‘Good’, the second visit in 2000 love with my wife Pat, a fellow journalist. started out. I grew up with a typewriter, and there of just the right size for me, and I love the Dales, Management of Schools and Office for Standards in elevated that judgement to ‘Very Good’. During were rigid delineations between editorial and Do you think printed newspapers will still exist in particularly Wensleydale and Nidderdale. When I Education (Ofsted) - were starting to take effect. this period academic results followed a steadily Then the opportunity came up to move to the ten or twenty years’ time? needed to think about an issue (what A-levels to Change and the management of change were to upward trajectory. journalism school at Cardiff University in 1980 and I think newspapers will survive. Firstly, circulation take, whether to drop A-level British Government characterise Mr Jones’s tenure as Headmaster. I jumped at the chance to join the oldest university ‘Newspapers will survive. now seems to be stabilising, and Waterstones say for French to help with Oxford entrance), I used Mr Jones was a great champion of a rounded journalism school in the UK. I was excited by the book sales are rising again as Kindle sales fall. The to walk to Duck House or on to Studley through A new pastoral system of lower and upper school education for RGS pupils and did much to enthusiasm and ambitions of the students and have The basics of journalism will problem is that nobody yet has got to grips with the fields. I still do that walk when I return. I offices, coupled with a changed sixth form regime encourage a wide range of extracurricular loved seeing them grow into senior figures in print the business model needed to combine newsprint miss Ripon market and love French markets as a came almost immediately. Increasing pupil numbers activities. He was particularly keen on music and and broadcasting. Famous students I have taught always remain: the ability to and online reading. Advertising is not getting consequence. Market day was always special to and curriculum demands required a raft of changes drama performances, and was a regular front have been Kevin Maguire of the Daily Mirror, Con the online traction needed to make web news a me. to the premises including additional science row attendee of such events, taking undisguised Coughlin of the Daily Telegraph, Ian MacGregor, get the information and to craft sustainable model, and there is no agreement on laboratories, technology rooms and computer pleasure and pride in the pupils’ efforts. editor of the Sunday Telegraph, Ben Brown of BBC whether online news should be free or have some And I miss the debating society at RGS. I hope suites and resulted in a flotilla of temporary news and, in sport, Matt Dickinson and Oliver Kay of a narrative to tell the story’ subscription gateway. Also, newspapers don’t need it is still going strong. It helped prepare me for classrooms around the site. In many ways a very private person, Mr Jones had The Times and Oliver Holt of the Mail on Sunday. batteries or constant recharging. debates at the Oxford Union, where my nemesis strong views on the school and education. An able was Ann Widdecombe! Forging new links with the wider community was a and determined individual, his intellect and love I still take great pride in seeing their names in print More importantly, newspapers can give background project tasked to Mr Jones. He worked assiduously of language enabled him to argue his point of view or hearing them on the radio. The students have and context to news whereas the web merely Do you return to Ripon often and do you keep in at building relations with the local education both forcefully and effectively. kept me young and I have loved their company. reports the news, but deserves credit for often touch with any old RGS friends? authority, North Yorkshire County Council, serving being the first with the stories. There will always be Since my parents died, I have not had much on a number of panels and policy reviews. Initial Underneath a seemingly forbidding countenance, What is your favourite newspaper/magazine/TV the need for analysis. opportunity to return to Ripon. But I hope to do overtures to Ripon City School were rebuffed, there lurked a sense of fun and mischief, most news programme? so in retirement. I still keep in touch with several however success was achieved following the visibly evidenced by him wearing a Sheffield United I have two favourite newspapers for different And the basics of journalism will always remain: the RGS friends, mainly through Christmas cards arrival of a new principal, Paul Lowery. The two match shirt during Charity Week. A passionate reasons. Firstly, I like The Times for its compact ability to get the information by asking the basics and emails. Many of them were friends I made schools started working together cooperatively, supporter of the Blades, he travelled the length layout and general news coverage – though its of who, what, where, why, how and when, and the at junior schools, and whose friendship I valued and the two heads enjoyed a warm and productive of the country every season. Any spare time in the political slant on some stories annoys me. Secondly, ability to craft a narrative to tell the story simply throughout my school days. relationship, which was to prove highly valuable summer was spent watching Yorkshire and England I love the Guardian for its politics, but I dislike and logically. The addition now is the ability to write during the 1999/2000 selective education ballot test cricket. its Berliner format and think it should revert to a for search engine optimisation on the web. What do you think of our Clocktower magazine? campaign. compact size. It’s an excellent read. I’m glad you were able to Much was achieved during his period of office. He What advice would you give current RGS students get a piece in the last edition from Paul Binding - The parental ballot in 2000 proved to be a ran the school during a particularly challenging And I have two favourite magazines. Firstly, The who are considering a career in journalism? a lovely man and a wonderful teacher to those of watershed moment, deciding the issue, which had period of change in education. His lasting legacy New Statesman, for its coverage of politics and My best advice is to go to university and study a us interested in the course. The Clocktower has hung over the school for more than two decades. is likely to be his role in helping to create the the arts. And secondly, Auto Express (I am a petrol subject which you really enjoy and which grabs become so interesting that it is the glue keeping In the wake of that decision, a series of investment foundations of the outstanding success enjoyed head). you (I studied history), then take a one year us all informed. programmes followed. by the school over the past decade, when it has postgraduate course either at a university or one become one the leading state schools in the North I rarely watch TV (I grew up without access to of the NCTJ-accredited colleges. There are some All those memories... Ofsted first visited RGS in 1995, when the school of England. R G S ALUMNI 18 R G S ALUMNI 19 Clean Bandit: the RGS connection In seventh THANK YOU FOR THE heaven

Review: Anyone with a penchant for old Massive Violins numbers might have known the at Cecil Sharp House, lyrics to every song, as I did. Camden Town There was a delicious mix of the greats such as Elvis’s In the Ghetto and Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, sung soulfully by the GRACE Chatto’s star turn with bass singer, Guido. There was Louisa Johnson at the Britain’s also Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Got Talent TV final, when she Fleetwood Mac’s Everywhere, MUSICTalented musician Ricky Chatto learned to play the cello at RGS and played violin alongside the X Dolly Parton’s Jolene and The passed on his love of the instrument and music to daughter Grace, now Factor winner as they performed Beach Boys’ Good Vibrations. their collaborative single, Tears, You know the kind of songs you a world famous rock star with the chart-topping band Clean Bandit. made headlines. often forget about but can’t help but love when you hear them at Ruth Savage caught up with him in between gigs But that was last night. Tonight, a party? Ricky Chatto sang the the Clean Bandit star proudly took Beatles’ When I’m 64 but changed centre stage with her father Ricky the 64 to his own age, which was ittle do fans of the bass and Dave Cotson on saxophone, in Camden Town. And this time, lovely. Anyone with a soft spot international supergroup ‘What I learnt in he says. she wasn’t playing second fiddle for musicals would have adored Clean Bandit, who have to anyone. the Sound of Music medley, sold more than 13m woodwork was a great Playing all sorts of pop music but with including soprano Camilla’s lively singles and 1.6m albums a bias towards soul, they initially Ricky’s band of cellists, Massive version of Favourite Things. Jess’s worldwide, know that help when I started called themselves The Growth of Violins, had won North London’s performance of Major Tom was a singer and cellist Grace’s Herbs because of Pete Sage’s name, Got Talent the week before and moving tribute to David Bowie. treasured wooden instrument was violin-making. Now then decided that was ‘a bit daft’ so the warm relationship between Lactually made by her father, a former changed it to Midnight Freeze. Moving onto more modern pieces, Grace plays one of my Grace and her dad was evident, Ripon Grammar School student. especially as the venue, with a there was Miley Cyrus’s Wrecking cellos and it’s always Pete Sage went on to become ‘a crowd of 300, was relaxed and Ball, Bjork’s It’s Oh So Quiet and Ricky Chatto, a talented musician pretty big rock star’ says Ricky: “He’s intimate. songs from Adele, Spice Girls, himself, was inspired by his RGS exciting to see it on in a very successful band in Germany Eminem and Dido. Meghan maths teacher Eric Kelsey, who made called Santiano.” Although it was sold out, we were Trainor’s All About That Bass his own viola. telly or on stage at lucky enough to get seats on the epitomised the talent of these Glastonbury’ Ricky’s dedication to his music clearly front row. No-one seemed to classically trained musicians with “Grace plays one of my cellos and it’s also paid off. have come in search of famous their tongue-in-cheek enjoyment always quite exciting when I see it faces, and I’m sure father and of putting their own spin on on telly or on stage at Glastonbury,” He first started playing cello at Holy After studying electrical and daughter would not have batted popular songs. If you fancy a says Ricky who has his own successful Trinity junior school and has played electronic engineering at Leicester an eyelid if we had offered to buy treat, look them up on YouTube, seven-piece cello band, called Massive duets with daughter Grace from when Polytechnic he went on to work as a In perfect harmony: father and daughter on stage with Massive Violins, top. Golden girl: Grace with Massive Violins them a pint from the bar. where you’ll find fun covers such Violins, who Grace also performs she was just six years old. scientific officer at GCHQ and later in London, above right, and, above left, on stage with the chart-topping supergroup Clean Bandit as Teenage Dirtbag and Clean with. for London Underground before When the band struck up with Bandit’s Rather Be. He recalls how his love of music was deciding to set up his own band, The band, which plays at festivals and is unusual,” he adds. Although he is department. And his sister plays one Pachelbel’s Canon in D, we settled At times with Clean Bandit, which nurtured at RGS, where he played featuring seven cellos, after seeing a private functions, has built up quite almost retired, he still works one day of the cellos I made. down for a couple of hours of With only 633 followers on Twitter topped the UK charts over the guitar in a band in sixth form: “I ukulele orchestra perform. a following in the capital, with fans a week for Transport for London as an soothing culture. However, we (well, 634 now that I am following coveted Christmas period for seven played cello in the school orchestra including well-known actors Alison expert on safety software. “I’ve sold one cello, which was quite were in for an even richer and them) and a sparse website, weeks in succession with the single and sang in the choir. I was in the “My wife Ruth and I thought it would Steadman and Neil Morrissey. traumatic at the time, but I still more colourful treat than that. www.massiveviolins.com, it is Rockabye, Grace does also play an Ripon Schools Orchestra run by the be great to do something similar with Alongside his work, he has been have the other four - some of which The band’s flamboyant sparkly difficult to find information on electric cello: “But I think she prefers inspirational Gilbert Shufflebotham cellos and that’s how the Massive Steadman says: “I LOVE the Massive making musical instruments since members of the Massive Violins play. gold jackets and shoes should the band, but they do have an playing mine,” says Ricky. and was also in the West Riding Youth Violins started.” Violins, wherever they are I’ll seek 1975: “I was always very impressed Sometimes one of the Massive Violins have given it away as the familiar album, Bowing 24/7, released last Orchestra which rehearsed in Leeds them out.” by the fact that Mr Kelsey made his tells the audience that I made most classic morphed cheekily into the year. As it is only available to buy on Saturdays. viola.” of the cellos on the stage and also theme song from Bob the Builder. exclusively at their concerts, I Actor Morrissey describes one of their made one of the band members, Thus began a wonderful rendition will be keeping my eyes peeled so “Mr Kelsey was a dedicated musician gigs as a unique bobby dazzler of an When he heard about a local violin- which always gets a laugh.” of some of the best songs of the I don’t miss their next one in the who could play most instruments and evening: “Seven cellists brimming making class, Ricky, who had had to last fifty years. summer. he encouraged lots of people to play over with great comic timing, charm, miss a number of woodwork lessons He says Grace, who studied Russian chamber music. I played in a quartet aplomb and a fantastic repertoire. at school because of his music at Jesus College, Cambridge, and SUE EDWARDS with Mr Kelsey, who played viola with Unmissable.” commitments, decided to go along: spent two years at the Moscow us, most Sunday evenings. “I’d always liked woodwork at school Conservatoire, did better than he Comedian and TV presenter Simon and I found Mr Chambers (Chippy) a did academically while managing “I’ve played chamber music for Amstell is similarly smitten: “I like great teacher. to continue playing the cello and fun ever since. I’ve also played at the Massive Violins—A LOT, ” he says. forming Clean Bandit with three various times in most of the amateur “What I did learn in woodwork was friends from the same college. orchestras in London, but I’ve cut They play virtuoso arrangements of a great help when I started violin- down to just one now - the Tallis iconic rock and pop songs such as making.” “They’ve won a Grammy and two Ivor Chamber Orchestra.” Eminem’s Stan, Meghan Trainor’s Novellos and were nominated for two All About That Bass and Queen’s He has made three violins, two Brit awards. So Grace isn’t always Ricky, who left RGS in 1968, didn’t Bohemian Rhapsody, as well as some violas, seven cellos and a double available for the Massive Violins!” do too well in his A-levels, probably Puccini and Mozart. “We all sing bass and, more recently, two guitars: says the proud dad. because he spent too much time as well as play the cello,” explains “My grandson (not Grace’s but my rehearsing and doing gigs rather than Ricky. stepdaughter’s son) plays the double ■ Massive Violins will play at Cecil homework, after forming a band with bass I made. He studies double bass Sharp House in London on Thursday at the Royal College of Music junior 13 July Ricky with cello, front right, in the others in the sixth form, including Beat that: Midnight Freeze band “We all have other jobs, this is Pete Sage on guitar, Dave Potter on entirely part-time. I guess our act school orchestra poster from 1968

20 RGS ALUMNI 21 RIPON GRAMMAR SCHOOL’S GOT TALENT Alumni news Special

Striking: Baker and his new book Body work AWARD-WINNING illustrator Andrew Baker, who left RGS in 1982, is behind a stunning new book, Body, A Graphic Guide to Us, the ultimate visual guide to the human body.

Andrew, who studied at Liverpool and the Creative branding expert Kay Dower was the brains behind the Royal College of Art, lectures at Middlesex Quality Street ‘Big Purple One’ name. Charles Hutchinson talks University and his work regularly appears KAY in national newspapers and magazines. to her about her latest venture while we discover other former Andrew’s striking infographics in Body students who are making an impact on the world of art and design Poignant award illustrate everything from the smallest cell to the biggest bones and the secret elements ay Dower used to come up Companies such as Nestlé, ASDA, Arla Foods hiding in your body, capturing the mind- with new ideas for chocolates in Leeds and McCain Foods in Scarborough bogglingly complex in deceptively simple at Nestle. Now she has a new have since used their services. after terror ordeal images. product to market: her first gallery in York. The talented “Then I had children and that’s when the poignant painting of a deserted rail station in Paris in Body, published by Aurum Press, costs £25 in artist’s new venture is the art bug struck me again,” says Kay. “I Corner Gallery, part-working started doing life drawing classes and a the wake of the deadly terror hardback. A studio, part-gallery, where she also runs little bit of screen-printing and joined the attacks in the city has won a major Kcourses. painting and drawing classes Andres was national award for one former RGS Don’t miss our in-depth interview with running. student. Andrew in the next edition of Clocktower. Kay, who studied management and French at Nottingham University after leaving RGS When Andres, who used to run The Corner Emma Beaumont was one of 26 sixth in 1993, started art classes with York art Gallery, decided to work from a bigger formers and three members of staff tutor Andres Jaroslavsky studio, Kay offered to take on an RGS art trip, staying near the three years ago. the gallery over, dropping Gare du Nord, when Isis terrorists ‘The’ from the old name. killed 129 people in a series of bomb She took A-level art at RGS and gun attacks. and has fond memories As well as landscape of classes with SAS and LV painting sessions and Her painting, developed from a Smith: “I remember the continuing to run Idea- photograph taken as the group made Brush with success: Emma London art trip in sixth licious, Kay is holding Photo by their way home after being confined form, where we were free children’s after-school Art DAVID to their hotel during the traumatic to roam the city and take Squad sessions. But the HARRISON ordeal, won a special commendation The work will sit alongside 21 other in the diverse selection main idea behind Corner after being selected from hundreds pieces in the National Association Marking 20 years in art: Seeger of art galleries, from the Gallery is to offer local, of submissions to be included in a of Decorative & Fine Arts Societies bizarre to the beautiful.” stylish and affordable art, prestigious London exhibition. (NADFAS)/Royal Society of British Where the art is she says. As well as her Artists exhibition, initially at the ARTIST Lesley Seeger is After university, her own acrylic paintings of Head of art Fiona Henson said Lloyd’s of London building and later marking her successful creative path led to York, she has pottery by Emma’s award was well-deserved: at the headquarters of NADFAS, 20-year career as a painter Nestlé in York. “I went to Emily Stubbs, photography “Emma’s painting is very calm, which is a leading arts charity, on The Mall. with a new book called work there on inventing by Ohio-born York resident open and spacious. The station was deserted and the sense of space Coming Home. Lesley, who chocolate bars as part of Julie Whelan, oil paintings and emptiness resonates within the Emma is now studying landscape left Ripon Grammar School the innovation team. We’d Ripon Cathedral, by Kay by Kate Pettitt and trays, piece.” architecture at Sheffield University. in 1975, describes it as a sit on bean bags thinking scoops, spoons and ladders ‘mid-career retrospective’. up new chocolate flavours for KitKat, made from Lake District wood by the aptly like cookies and cream and strawberry named artist Woody. cheesecake, and I remember we came up Cornering a new market: Kay pictured centre. Photo: David Harrison. “I had a very inspiring art teacher at with the idea of a chocolate spaghetti- And look out too for Claire Morris’s witty Left, York Rooftops, and below, A Roof With A View, both by Kay RGS, who was only known as SAS - we never making machine, but unfortunately that works where she cuts out the characters knew his real name—and we were given essays didn’t come to fruition. from the covers of old pulp-fiction books to where we were asked to interpret things “We worked on KitKat, Aero, Quality Street, animate their story in glass-framed collages. visually. That was my idea of Heaven, as well and the job involved understanding the as the school putting an emphasis on creative consumer and branding design. I can safely “Basically, if I like it, it’s in,” Kay explains. writing, my other great love,” says Lesley, who say that I named the Big Purple One when has just taken up an art residency at Burton they were looking for a name to launch the Corner Gallery, on Scarcroft Road, York, Agnes Hall. Quality Street chocolate. I said, ‘let’s call is open Tuesday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, it that because that is what consumers call Saturday, 10am to 1pm, or by appointment Coming Home, a contemporary colourist’s it’!” on 07973 656717. For more details, go approach to English landscape, is published by to facebook.com/CornerGalleryYO or Quack Books of York: www.quakerquip.org and Eleven years ago, Kay and a friend who also instagram/cornergallery costs £25 in hardback. came up with chocolate bar suggestions set up their own innovation company, ■ A version of this article first We will be featuring Lesley’s work in a future Idea-licious, to ‘help companies think more appeared in York’s The Press edition of Clocktower. creatively’.

22 RGS ALUMNI 23 Alumni news Keith honoured for helping the poor Scottish FORMER RGS student and international development worker Keith Thompson has been appointed OBE in this year’s New Year Honours king’s face list in recognition of his work in some of the poorest countries in the world, including Sierra Leone, where he helped in the UK efforts to tackle unveiled the Ebola outbreak. After leaving RGS in 1971, Keith, from Copt Hewick near Ripon, studied maths at Oxford and gained an MBA and a master’s degree in after 700 economics before going on to work as an investment analyst in Germany where he and his wife, Hanne- Ruth, were also active members of Helping: Keith Thompson Amnesty International. years “We work in agriculture, helping Since first taking part in international farmers to produce better crops and A former RGS student has given us an amazing development work in Papua New to reach wider markets; in financial Guinea in 1976, Keith has gone on services, enabling people in remote first ever look at warlord Robert the Bruce’s face. to work in more than 40 countries areas and particularly women to Ruth Savage finds out how she did it in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, save, take loans and set up new spending three years in Bangladesh businesses themselves; in skill and four years in Sierra Leone. development, getting recognition obert the Bruce’s looks Prof Wilkinson used the same have, until now, been technology she harnessed to for new skills and linking training Now working for the UK Department shrouded in mystery. recreate the image of Richard III, with employers; in factory safety, Despite being depicted which featured in a previous edition for International Development, he establishing a system of factory on Scottish bank notes of Clocktower. leads a team supporting poverty inspections and support for safety and lionised in the song reduction in Bangladesh through improvements; and in renewable O Flower of Scotland, It was a challenging task as economic development: “Most of the energy, particularly home solar no-one knew what the man who images from royal seals and coins work aims to help provide jobs and systems which provide electricity Rinflicted a military defeat on the are highly stylised and vague other opportunities for poor people,” beyond the reach of the main English, which still resounds today, and more modern images are he told Clocktower. electricity grid.” Wayne Rooney or Lionel actually looked like. wildly contradictory: “There are very vague Messi? Prof Caroline Now, more than 700 descriptions of him Wilkinson’s recreation of the years after he led the being beautiful and face of Robert the Bruce charge at Bannockburn looking like Paris, Where there’s a Will and beat back the but that’s it,” she WILL Savage is launching a specialises in property, consultation, forces of Edward II, RGS explained. new Midlands operation for business development and corporate past pupil Prof Caroline She used the cast of communications firm Snapdragon social responsibility, Will will Wilkinson of Liverpool his skull, which is Memories of Clem Consulting. Will, who now head up the new John Moores University held in the Hunterian MBE left RGS in 2010, studied Birmingham office. With has created digitally Museum in Glasgow, to MORE than 400 people, including history and politics at clients including Jaguar reconstructed images of build up a detailed and many past pupils and staff from RGS, Queen’s University, Land Rover, Tarmac, Crest the infamous warlord. sophisticated picture of attended Ripon Cathedral for the Belfast, before gaining a Nicholson and Redrow, Challenge: for our his features, a process funeral of Clem Carter, who died master’s degree at King’s Will says there are strong Her recreation of the Prof Wilkinson which took two years to suddenly in February, aged 21. We will College, London. prospects for growth: face of ‘The Bruce’, based on a complete. Jack be publishing a tribute to Clem, who “With the gradual shift cast of the 14th century warrior’s left Ripon Grammar School in 2014 and He worked as a House of of investment from skull, was unveiled at Glasgow’s “The skull shows a deterioration was studying pharmaceutical chemistry Commons researcher for London to the regional Kelvin Hall, where a variety of of the nasal aperture and the MP Sylvia Hermon before economies, the arrival OLYMPIC champion Jack at the University of Huddersfield, in images on show portrayed a stocky front teeth. However he was a moving on to do political of HS2, HSBC and the Laugher, who left RGS in the next edition of Clocktower. Please and muscular man at the height of very strong, robust character with consultancy work in the mayoral elections in his powers and an older monarch a warrior’s build. He was a heavy contact the editor on erc46@btinternet. 2013, has been awarded an capital. As senior account May, now is a great time bearing the scars inflicted by the duty athlete who could certainly com with your memories of Clem. MBE for services to diving. manager with Snapdragon, which has to establish a firm presence in early stages of leprosy. swing a sword or an axe.” offices in London and Cambridge and Birmingham and the wider region.” Laugher, pictured right, Some media commentators said The skull was excavated in 1818-19 won gold in the men’s he looked like Lionel Messi. Others from a grave in Dumferline Abbey, synchronised 3m pringboard observed he had the build of Wayne the mausoleum of Scotland’s with diving partner Chris The Derek, our new Mr President Rooney. medieval monarchs. Mears, six days before taking silver in the individual RETIRED chemist Derek Crookes, who as helping school financially, the Old Rips guidance, the association has moved category in Rio. attended RGS from 1964 to 1971, is are passionate about welcoming former forward to become an inclusive alumni the new president of the Old Rips. students and families back to school group for all past pupils and staff. Disability campaigner Margaret Clough, More recently, the 22-year-old to reconnect with old friends. Derek who left RGS in 1968, pictured with her son won gold in the men’s Having served as secretary of RGS’s past has played a pivotal role in making this “My hopes are that, as well as allowing Tony, who has received an MBE for his work individual 3m springboard pupils’ association since 2013, he takes happen and we are extremely grateful alumni to maintain contact with the alongside Margaret, campaigning for more at the Diving World Series in over from Nicola Woolfenden who was for his energy and commitment.” school and old friends, the Old Rips in the post for three years. Nicola, who can identify opportunities for alumni to accessible toilets and changing places for China. Energy: will remain on the committee, thanked Derek praised Nicola for her dedicated participate in the development of the disabled people. Derek Derek for his unstinting support: “As well expertise and enthusiasm: “Under her school and its students.”

24 RGS ALUMNI 25 Alumni news

Together again: pictured in the school hall are (l to r) Toby Kinread, James Riley, Alice Scorer, Laura Terry, Katie Lees, Chris Bucktrout, Lizzie Tearle, Scott Thompson, Sam Crompton Photograph by Dave Morgan and Hugh McHale Maughan

Happy days: (l to r) Sue Old Boys’ Reunion Edwards with teachers Event Kevin Auger and Helen Twenty seventh December, two thousand Mackenzie, left sixteen,

Forty men of age, just picture the scene, United by school, Old Rips champs their Back to school: title, (l to r) George Owram, former Eighty minutes rugby, flair oh-so vital. teacher Jenny Bellamy Pre-match play and Euan Raffel, former Hungover beforehand, special mention Dom secretary of the Butler, Photograph by Joseph Samuel Priestley Old Rips Plenty others also, perhaps they were subtler,

Catch up the focus, catching balls the key, Spectators a-plenty, refreshments were free.

Game

Practice all over, kick off at midday, This sporting life Ref blows his whistle, the game underway, ver the holiday period the annual The current RGS football team battled against a be seen as a lively contest, connecting past and Old Boys kick off, twenty four years or Our past Old Rips winter reunion gave range of old boys back for a break from the world current students, and a fine example of the now under, us a full afternoon of sporting of work and university. traditional Old Rips Christmas football match. pupils events and overdue catching up Old, Old boys receiving, no chance of a with friends and teachers from With a sunny day and a slightly boggy field, the Finally, the Old Rips’ contribution to this annual blunder. school. As always with these sports match drew a crowd of more than four people. In event would be incomplete without the classic returned matches, the question occupying the early stages the Old Rips edged ahead but were rugby match. The sidelines were full for this one, Score everyone’s minds was: who would win, the Old Rips quickly answered with a goal from the current with parents and friends watching as the Old Rips Oor the Current Rips? Starting with the hockey, it team. Then the power of team chemistry started took on the slightly Older Rips, with a handful of to their old was quite resoundingly the younger ones. to come through and the Current Rips pulled current sixth formers sprinkled into the younger Final score as usual, to Old, Old Boys, ahead. side. Unlike the other sporting events, those playing fields A cohesive unit of sixth formers managed to few extra years of experience proved to be all Lol of course goes to, that post of Molloy’s, overwhelm the mix of alumnae, including great By the second half, the younger boys led 3-1 before the difference for the older side, resulting in a for an action- goals from Lauren Hudson and Alice Foster, leaving Chris Bucktrout put his goalless school days behind comfortable victory for the Older Rips. A laugh and a cheer, from all at the game, the Old Rips team reconsidering their line-up for him and made it 3-2. Nick Edwards made it 3-3 and next year. In the netball, the younger ones also the comeback was complete although, sadly, whilst Fine strings of passing by the likes of Alec Porter, Several years later, old friends just the packed dominated. still coming to terms with this achievement, the Simon Whiter, Jon Dale and Will Park gave the same. Old Rips allowed Lewis Beadle to score a fantastic older side a clear advantage on the attack and Mrs Mackenzie commented: “The match was goal from long range. despite commendable efforts by the younger side Thank you school played in the usual good spirit and a good time in defending some powerful runs, the older ones was had by all but this year, the youngsters were In the dying moments, with shouts of the prospect stormed through to claim victory. The focus on reunion, aside rugby union, reunion. Toby too good for us old fogeys and by the end, even of the traditional penalty shoot-out if it was a the umpires (thank you Mrs Fearnley and Mrs Kerr draw, the current team seemed to be a little more Where would the victory be without a follow-up Later food and drink, call it our communion, from Ripon City Netball Club) had given up trying sparse in defence and basically gave the older poem by its team captain? Fortunately Jonny Kinread to make it look like a respectable score. The final ones their last minute tap-in on a plate. As if by Frank stepped up with this masterpiece (right) to score on the official score card read RGS 52 Old fate, the match ended 4-4 and went to penalties. sum up the victory. Thanks go to all, who attended/helped out, reports Rips 37, but I suspect we scored a lot less than that Surprisingly, the penalties were largely successful and the umpires were just being kind.” until an attempt at a chip from an old boy sadly The match rounded off a terrific holiday period All more than welcome, next year if about. Old Rips football and rugby squads, top. Current students joined targeted a goal on top of the real one. Another of Old Rips sport and socialising and will be back, past pupils for hockey and netball, above The traditional Old Rips vs Current Rips format couple of poor penalties left the Old Rips cold even bigger and better, next Christmas. Jonny Frank More photographs on www.ripongrammar.co.uk/alumni/old-riponians came back to life in the football match this year. and the young ones took it. Overall the match can

26 RGS ALUMNI 27 MANY thanks for the latest edition of Clocktower. I was particularly interested in the FEEDBACK tribute to ‘Mike’ Newport as I was at RGS at the same time Your news and views and in fact was a member of the school XV, 7s and Hutton House champion rugby team with him, although I hasten to Write to the editor at: [email protected] add that my contribution was really one of making up the numbers. REGARDING your report (Clocktower issue 11) on the I have been trying to organise death of Alan Jones, RGS those Old Boys who were there headmaster from 1992 to in the 1950s to have a reunion, 2004, this is very sad news. but it has proved difficult for Dancer Tim Casson, above, featured in Clocktower a number of reasons, not least Mr Jones was my headmaster making contact with them. throughout my time at RGS THANKS for sending me Clocktower. It looks great, I’m really and we worked together flattered. Thanks for taking such an interest in what I do and I To conclude, congratulations during my year as head girl hope it can inspire some young people in some way. on producing a very in 2001/2. He even took professional looking and our school officer team to a Tim Casson informative magazine - even Sheffield United match! if it is full of stories about THANK you so much for THANKS for my edition of youngsters. I am sure there are I will remember him fondly. sending me that fascinating Clocktower. A lot of work and a few Old Boys from the Fifties Rest in peace, Mr Jones. issue of Clocktower. What a jiggling has gone into it. and Forties whose story would pleasant surprise to find all make interesting reading in the Helen Webster those photos of our reunion! It was a good reminder of ‘Where are they now?’ column. the 60s reunion. ■ Read our tribute to Alan It really was quite a day. Peter Ellis Jones on page 19 And that was to a very large I miss producing our former extent because of all the village’s monthly newsletter. ■ Editor’s note: we would wonderful things the school We moved to be nearer our love to feature those who YOU do an amazing job with did for us—particularly laying daughter more than a year attended RGS in the Forties the Clocktower. that great exhibition on in ago. There’s something and Fifties in our ‘Where the library. I still look back about Ripon Grammar are they now?’ pages. The way it’s laid out with with great fondness on those School and the High School Please send your great images just makes you two days, and we almost all which instilled the need to contribution of between Headmaster Alan Jones want to read it. Well done. keep in touch via Facebook. contribute and create. pictured in his first year at 250-300 words, along with a current photograph. RGS in 1992 Phil Wilkinson Jacky Tarleton Janet Erskine

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