The magazine for LGS, LGHS and GSAL alumni issue 06 | autumn 2018

Ben and Debbie David Pickering Wosskow A life dedicated Brother and sister to dance share a platform at Speech Day Frank Bolton Heroism comes to light after 70 years

Suzy Petty England hockey player takes on Commonwealth and World

It’s party time School celebrates 10th birthday 19 Reunions OGs and OLs get together

4 Ben and Debbie This year for the first time, an ‘old boy’ and an ‘old girl’ will share the stage at Speech Day in celebration of 10 years since The Grammar School at Leeds 20 became co-educational Alumni making headlines Catch up with 6 13 alumni news David Pickering Frank Bolton Sharing his love of dance The remarkable story of through education and Frank Bolton’s wartime outreach programmes bravery earns David an MBE for service to the arts and education

10 Memories of Mr Fry 24 Welcome to Memento Pupils, parents, Old Girls’ As I write, the school is gearing up hub. Finally, we have embarked upon campus, so that all of our children colleagues and friends Club news pay tribute to a much- 14 for another academic year, but we the expansion of our pupil IT devices, can be educated on the same site. loved teacher are also mid-way through our 10th doubling the number of iPads in We plan to realise this in 2020 and 10th birthday birthday celebration year – and there Rose Court and Junior School and are working diligently towards this 25 has been much to celebrate! preparing the roll out of 121 laptops next goal. The celebrations so far: for all students in Senior School. 12 in words and pictures Events This summer, our students have However, this November, we will 8 Toby Castle Your guide to what’s on enjoyed tremendous GCSE Seeing what a modern GSAL be celebrating again, with the Suzy Petty and A-level results, with some education provides, we have also shortlisted alumni for our Leeds Behind the scenes at the unprecedented performances in enjoyed some lovely birthday events Luminaries’ awards, surely an Hitting new heights with BBC where no two days 26 terms of value added achievement, and, particularly, been humbled by appropriate way to recognise the England hockey squad are the same Fond farewells particularly pleasing in a year when, the generosity of donors who have achievements of some ‘old boys as the media coverage highlighted, given so charitably to our bursary and girls’ who have gone on to the public exam system has been appeal to create 10 new places for make such a difference in their very tough: we are proud of every children to attend GSAL and benefit area of expertise. We plan to share The Grammar School at Leeds one of them! This summer has also from its wonderful opportunities. We their stories with current pupils Alwoodley Gates seen the addition of a new 3G pitch are truly grateful. this term, to inspire and to reassure Harrogate Road at Alwoodley as we continue to Of course, we are now working on them that, with a GSAL education Leeds LS17 8GS enhance our sports’ facilities, as well the plans and ambitions for the next and the character traits it can 0113 229 1552 as Junior School refurbishments and ten years, starting with the move develop, anything you set your Editor: the development of a new careers’ of Rose Court to the Alwoodley mind to is possible! 18 Alison Knight 100 years Design: Sue Woodroofe, Principal A look back at how The Union Advertising it all began Agency (Leeds) 02 03 Ben offers holiday alternatives with Love Home Swap

Ben and Debbie Ask Ben Wosskow to describe Love business day-to-day. The following Home Swap and he’ll tell you it’s like year they raised venture funding to ‘online dating for homes’ . . . an apt help scale up the business, selling it to description for a simple idea which Wyndham Destinations in 2017. share a platform – and their is transforming how people take The premise is simple - members of holidays. the international home-swapping experiences – at Speech Day The inspiration for the business came website have the choice of thousands from sister Debbie at a time when Ben of homes and destinations at their was at a crossroads in his career. He fi ngertips. They post details of their had been working in the marketing homes, browse other people’s homes, This year, for the fi rst time, an ‘old boy’ and ‘old girl’ will share the department of the Financial Times contact their perfect match and following a French and German arrange a swap. Properties are high- stage at Speech Day in celebration of 10 years since The Grammar degree at Oxford. It had been fun for end and range from a beach front villa School at Leeds became co-educational. a few years but he now had a place in Thailand to Manhattan penthouses, to complete an MBA – until Debbie French chateaux and Tuscan retreats. convinced him to join her in setting up Now managing director of the Brother and sister entrepreneurs Ben Love Home Swap together instead. company, Ben is enthusiastic about and Debbie Wosskow will take to the Ben said: “I wasn’t massively into the the future. platform to address students and idea of studying again and the chance He said: “We have exciting their parents at Leeds Town Hall on to be part of a start-up business was Tuesday 20 November. plans ahead as more and more really exciting especially in a sector holidaymakers look for alternatives to - the sharing economy - that was Returning as alumni has triggered traditional hotel travel options. Being starting to get very interesting with memories of their own school days part of a big international travel group brands like Airbnb coming along.” at Leeds Grammar School and like Wyndham Destinations also offers Leeds Girls’ High School, recalling Love Home Swap launched in 2011 opportunities as we work with their inspirational teachers and signifi cant with Ben as chief commercial offi cer, teams, everywhere from Singapore lessons learned. working closely with Debbie and the to Mexico City, to continue to grow different parts of the team to run the internationally.” Debbie (OG92), who studied philosophy and theology at New College, Oxford, said: “Miss Wall for history and Miss Rich for English were favourites, as was Dr West for biology - somehow with the Debbie opens fi rst female-only knowledge of modern ethics to help me prep for my Oxford general private members club paper. I also learned the importance of being the best you can be and This year Debbie Wosskow opened professional lives which have been that girls and women can achieve the fi rst female-only private members available to men for centuries through whatever they put their minds to.” club in the UK to provide working their gentleman’s clubs and old-boy women with an oasis where they can networks. Ben (OL96) agrees that he was ‘create’, ‘collaborate’ and ‘thrive’ – and The fi ve-storey Georgian townhouse lucky to have brilliant teachers who ultimately – boost their careers. played their part in his choices on features meeting rooms, a restaurant leaving school. The London-based AllBright and a cocktail bar as well as a library, opened its doors in Bloomsbury on beauty bar and fi tness area. “Mr Milner, Mrs Harris and Mr International Women’s Day in March Members have joined from all walks Moynihan probably had the biggest and is already attracting female of life and sectors, from art to science infl uence on me studies-wise. Their entrepreneurs, executives, creatives, and CEOs to entrepreneurs, and there huge passion for their subject was and consultants from a wide range of is currently a waiting list. High profi le the main reason I went on to study industries. members include actors Naomie modern languages at university. The idea behind the club is to offer professional women space where they Harris, Tara Fitzgerald and Ruth I also took away with me the Wilson; Mobo awards founder Kanya importance of hard work and the can work, hold meetings and socialise while also enjoying the benefi ts King; businesswoman Martha Lane value of taking an interest in a wide Fox and global health campaigner range of activities, from sport to of a programme of events, talks, exhibitions, debates and networking. Sarah Brown. drama and young enterprise to music, as well as the need to have Debbie and her business partner Anna Debbie said: “Since we opened The AllBright, the club has become a good people around you. My friends Jones, the former CEO of Hearst Mecca for amazing women to meet, from school are still my very closest Magazines UK, took their inspiration from the Bloomsbury-based author connect and build their networks. friends, 22 years on.” Virginia Woolf who wrote in 1929: “A The feedback we have had from woman must have money and a room our members and the demand from of her own.” women across London has led us to The club, they say, offers women the develop our second site to open early support and camaraderie in their in 2019.”

Taran Wilkhu Photography © 04 05 Throughout his 23-year career David limits, which was very disappointing has been dedicated to sharing his as I always loved sport – athletics in love of dance through education particular.” and outreach programmes, working with people of all ages, abilities and However to help with his dance training Let’s dance: disabilities. he was given special permission to use the school gym and weights, which And this year he was recognised for were only usually available to the sixth his work as a dancer and teacher form, and was also allowed time away at the Royal Ballet when he was from school for extra-curricular training awarded an MBE for services to or performances. the arts and education. David, who retired from performing in 2013, is Recalling Peter Jolly as an inspirational now the Royal Ballet’s learning and teacher and a role model for fair play, participation creative associate, he said: “I also remember in one of my a role which was created for him. gym training sessions watching him His work involves creating online bench press 100kg without too much resources and training for non-dance effort. Respect!” teachers across the UK to give them Having turned down a place at the the confidence to lead their pupils Royal Ballet when he was in his early through a dance project within their school. teens, David successfully auditioned and accepted a place in 1988, leaving He said: “The teaching is creative, LGS after taking his GCSEs to train inclusive and fun. I act as a full-time. physical conduit between the Royal Ballet dancers and the learning and Ballet has taken him all over the participation department, integrating world as a dancer and his work today them into primary and secondary continues to take him abroad. school projects or community He has attended and presented at dance programmes. I also help with international dance and wellness the strategic planning and artistic conferences in Amsterdam content of many national projects and Aix-en-Provence; taught for schools.” workshops to children in Japan It was at school that David took within the Kumamoto prefecture his own first steps in ballet at that had been devastated by two the age of six, starting dancing consecutive earthquakes; taught lessons along with his three older workshops within a favela in Rio de brothers Simon, Mark and Andrew Janeiro: and last year was part of (all LGS alumni) and his twin sister the We All Dance project in Brisbane Rachael at Jean Pearce School of and Cairns, Australia, which brought Dance in Leeds. together 12 community groups including indigenous Australians, Throughout his schooldays he vulnerable adults and mixed ability combined ballet classes with and disabled children and adults to studies at LGS, training in Leeds and learn from and dance with members Harrogate. As his talent became David gets toes tapping more apparent he won a number of of the Royal Ballet. scholarships to take part in residential Back home, David has also schools, where at one he was taught worked with Great Ormond Street wherever he goes by the legendary Dame Alicia Hospital for Children, writing and Markova. Eventually he was travelling performing all-sensory stories to London by train every Saturday to that include movement and cognitive David Pickering (OL88) has dedicated learn from Royal Ballet ex-principal response and he teaches a weekly his life to dance, training with some dancer Christopher Gable. ballet class for blind and partially- During this time, he says, he enjoyed sighted adults called Monday Moves. of the greatest names in ballet and huge support from both staff and He said: “It is remarkable to students at school. Teachers were experience how an art form as performing all over the world. But dance unfailingly encouraging, going out of technical as classical ballet can for him has always been about more their way to help. positively impact on people He said: “LGS supported with profound disability. I have than the performance. me entirely with the restrictions and always been passionate about requirements of my training. I was not involving myself in education and permitted to participate in contact outreach, making ballet accessible to sports in case of career threatening anyone irrespective of age, ability or injury so the rugby pitch was off disability.”

David (right) performing with Royal Ballet. 06 07 Suzy hits new heights with England hockey squad

Suzy Petty (GSAL10) was just nine-years-old when she picked up her fi rst hockey stick at Adel Hockey Club. Now with an international career to her name, Suzy looks back on a year which saw her win a Commonwealth Games bronze medal and a place in the World Cup squad.

And as she eyes a place at the Tokyo Suzy said: “You always look back also offers advice Olympics in 2020, Suzy refl ects on a and think ‘we could have done from psychologists crucial decision that she made while better’. At the Commonwealth and nutritionists, as playing both hockey and netball for Games we had topped our group well as sessions with Leeds Girls’ High School. and set our sights higher, but it was a performance lifestyle the most amazing experience. It was coach. “I loved both sports,” she said, “ but great to win my fi rst medal. my fi rst love was hockey. I started “The support we receive is playing for Wakefi eld Hockey Club “Also it was my fi rst time at a absolutely brilliant and no-one when I was 15 and that gave me multi-sports games so I saw sport leaves the programme with no my chance to play for England, so I from a different perspective and plans for the future.” decided to concentrate on hockey it was really cool to be in the Suzy is hoping to be part from then on. It was a diffi cult Commonwealth Games Village, of the Great Britain squad decision but I had great support staying in an England house.” at the Tokyo Olympics from my LGHS sports teachers Miss Back home in London the team and is not ruling out Rostron (now Mrs Glass) and Mrs started their preparations for the the Paris Olympics in Johnson and I haven’t regretted it.” World Cup. With a new format of 2024. Suzy played for the U16 and U18 group stages, the players found After that a career in England teams while still at school. themselves facing Ireland for a fi nance appeals, but Following a degree in sports sciences place in the quarter fi nals after two for now it’s back to at Loughborough University, she below par performances in their fi rst the hockey pitch has spent the last two years training two matches. They won that match and the intensity full-time on the GB programme, 1-0 but were defeated by eventual of full-time while also playing and coaching at World Cup winners, the Netherlands, training. Wimbledon Hockey Club. at the next stage. This year, all of her hard work and Suzy said: “We have learned for the dedication paid off when she was future from that experience. As a selected for the England squad to team we are all incredibly close and compete in the Commonwealth supportive of each other and the Games and the 2018 Women’s good thing is that, as part of the Hockey World Cup. programme, when things go wrong we talk it out so we will be prepared The England team fi nished third in next time.” Australia’s Gold Coast to bring home bronze but were disappointed to As well as training either on the be knocked out at the quarter fi nal hockey fi eld or in the gym fi ve stage of the World Cup. days a week, the GB programme

Suzy (right) in action against Korea during the Vitality Women’s World Cup. 08 09 Memories of Mr Fry Derek Fry was a communicator par excellence. Pupils, parents, colleagues and friends were often on the receiving end of one of his beautifully-crafted letters.

He was also fondly remembered ironic that, for a man who famously with tributes and anecdotes from for his anecdotes, so it came as no eschewed new technology, many ex-pupils, many recalling his refusal surprise that so many people wanted took to social media to express to use a calculator in favour of his to express in words their feelings for their feelings. A hashtag set up on trusty old slide-rule, while others Mr Fry when he died. Twitter by his friend and former LGS described his irrepressible sense colleague, the novelist Joanne Harris, of humour, his unfailing support Out of school Derek was rarely seen without his dog Patch. Many wrote letters, or left their attracted hundreds of comments. and friendship, his intelligence, favourite memory of him on dedication and erudition. specially-printed cards at his #RememberingMrFry and GSAL’s Here are just a few of those tributes and anecdotes: memorial service. However it was Facebook page were inundated I was delighted when Derek I miss my dear friend and I know that Handstands in class a personal described my letters as having a I am not alone. Derek was unique highlight, as well as when he would racy, anecdotal style! but his wish for us all to be a force pull you aside in the corridor if you Margaret Beckett for good in the lives of others is had a top button undone and say something we can all strive to do in his calm voice: “Young man, what Having spoken to Derek on the every day and, when you do, smile would your mother say if she saw telephone he would, on occasion, and remember the wonderful man your top button undone?” thank me for ‘transforming’ his who inspired you to be the very best James Joseph morning. I would like to thank that you can be. Derek for transforming the quality Michelle D’Vali “I may be your senior, but I will never of my life. be your superior”. A philosophy that Bill Gough Quoting Goethe in a Friday morning made him a great teacher to all and Clarell House assembly, Derek a great person. What a gentleman, in the true advised us: “Treat people as if they Matthew Li sense of the word. Integrity, sincere, were what they ought to be and personable, kind, a few words which you help them become what they A truly delightful teacher. I was, in his spring to mind when I think of him are capable of being.” Like all of the words, ‘a vexation to my spirit!’ Still and an inspiring professional. maxims he shared with us in those makes me chuckle to this day that Joel Mack Friday morning thoughts, Derek he put it so politely. Made physics embodied this virtue fully in his and chemistry both interesting and I’ll never forget how he would do behaviour. And in doing so provided entertaining. a handstand and walk across the the greatest lesson of my school Ian MacKay classroom at the end of the year. years: the example of his behaviour. Legend. Seeing how stress at A-level was Anas El Turabi Rob Yates damaging my confidence, Mr Fry met with me for additional lessons, I remember my first lesson with He held everyone, literally everyone, during which he challenged my him that started “Gentlemen, there in the highest possible esteem and academic curiosity and provided is no back row in my class, please had the knack of making you realise a beacon in the fog of exams. advance” and then ended up with how highly he thought of you; Imparting wisdom and igniting him walking around on his hands. teachers, students and thousands of passion for physics was not his ‘job’. acquaintances ended up striving to Ben Ryder It was his vocation. be a bit better: a bit more polite, a Katie-Lou White bit more respectful to be a bit more The world just lost a truly wonderful worthy of his appreciation. man; the kindest soul who had time Tom Rogerson for everybody, always. Emma Forbes A wonderful mentor, friend and human being. Thank you for all you Mr Fry commanded a classroom did for me Mr Fry . . . you were the through calmness and wit; he never epitome of absolute class. raised his voice once. Derek Fry pictured with one of his lunch time astronomy classes. Rishi Dhir Simon Thornton-Graham 10 11 Toby Castle: Frank’s heroism from breaking news to mentoring comes to light after tomorrow’s journalists more than 70 years BBC deputy news editor Toby Castle (OL94) is using his When pilot Frank Bolton (OL33) was expertise to mentor aspiring young journalists and increase killed in action over Holland during the social mobility in newsrooms. Second World War, his family knew very little about what had happened to him. As a television journalist, who joined the BBC in 2014 after a career at Tyne Tees and ITN, he is well Now more than 70 years later his children Joe and Marion. Han had aware of the diffi culty in attracting daughter Margaret has pieced assembled some parts of the aircraft a young audience to tune into together her father’s heroic story and to show them and they marvelled visited his grave with her family. television news. that after so long there was anything He said: “If you’re supposed to Frank was killed on 26 September left to see. refl ect the audience that you are 1944, at the age of 29, just before broadcasting to, then it’s got to Margaret’s birth, and because of Margaret said: “We stopped at the be relevant. To encourage young the confusion of war she grew up spot from where Jacob had seen the people to switch on our bulletins, believing that he had been shot burning plane, my father wrestling at we need reports from people who down and died when his parachute the controls rather than bailing out. He are under 30.” failed to open. saw that when my father passed over With that in mind, he became a Through contact with the RAF she the village he climbed onto the wing trustee of the John Schofi eld Trust later discovered that the shots had of his plane and threw his parachute in 2011, a charity set up by the family been fi red by an American gunner as high as practicable and bailed out. and friends of a BBC journalist and, although saddened by the news who was killed in Croatia in 1995. It that he was killed by ‘friendly fi re’, Finally he saw my father fall to earth supports young journalists, offering says she felt no animosity to either and his plane crash land in the River a mentoring scheme and a Royal the Americans or Germans. Meuse.” Television Society Young Talent of Still trying to fi nd out exactly what the Year Award with a bursary. Jacob was the fi rst to reach Frank’s happened to the father she never body and was affected deeply by the Toby said: “It’s an invaluable scheme knew, her son Paul started to help in where you can fi nd somebody that the search for information. experience. The Germans originally can share your fears, answer your ordered the villagers to bury Frank She said: “Fast forward a few years questions and offer advice.” in the Roman Catholic Church but, in and Paul found an article written He is also involved in Brightside, a about an airplane that had been time, he was moved to the Jonkerbos social mobility organisation which exposed by the fl oodwaters of the war cemetery at Njimegen. uses online mentoring to connect River Meuss near a town called Margaret and her family visited both young people with inspirational role Gennep and that this plane had models to help with their education belonged to my father. A man called cemeteries and scattered dried rose and career prospects. Han van Avensbergen had been petals at the scene of the crash. searching for our family to tell his Back at his desk at BBC Television amazing story. She said: “It was a very moving Centre in London though, Toby says visit. We thanked Han that his job is to manage stories not “His uncles had often told him about for all he had done people. the plane being shot down and a British pilot struggling to avoid their for us, but he said He said: “There are cycles of stories village as his plane fell. By not bailing that nothing was of course, but it really is true of this for the summer in Leeds in 1999, a Bird killed 12 people and injured 11 out immediately my father’s actions too much trouble job that no two days are the same.” family friend recommended that he before killing himself. should apply for a job at Tyne Tees had undoubtedly saved many lives in for our family Toby said; “I had a tip-off from a Journalism was not his fi rst choice as Television. He got the job, training Gennep.” because of what a career. On leaving LGS, he initially reporter in the area and we were fi rst as a journalist with them before Paul made contact with Han and my father had joined the Army on a short-service on the scene, chartering a helicopter transferring to ITN in London on an the family was invited to Gennep to limited commission which involved a to fl y Mark Austin up there to anchor done for them. attachment after a year. hear the full story and to meet an month at Sandhurst before a year in The village of the news.” eyewitness to the tragedy, 88-year-old Colchester with the Royal Artillery. He said: “There were fantastic Gennep is now Other major stories that he has Jacob van Tankeren, who had been 17 opportunities to get on in ITN and I engraved on He then went on to study history covered include the disappearance at the time. travelled a lot covering some great my heart and and politics at Dundee University of the Soham schoolgirls in 2002; stories.” Margaret and her husband Richard and tried unsuccessfully to get into the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004; I am very the Foreign Offi ce. travelled with their son Paul, his He has a BAFTA for his part in the Michael Jackson’s trial and his wife Emma and their children thankful that Both his parents were working in coverage of the Cumbria shootings death; and the 2006 confl ict in Jessica and Charlie, plus daughter I was able to television and, while back home in 2010 when lone gunman Derrick the Lebanon. Anne, her husband Dan and their two hear this story.” 12 13 …before heading to the House It’s party time! of Lords The historic surroundings and splendour of the House of The Grammar School Lords was the venue for GSAL’s London 10th birthday at Leeds celebrates celebrations. The event, held in the stunning Cholmondeley Room and 10 years Terrace, overlooking the River James Hughes (OL90), Paul Hutton (OL90) Thames, was hosted by Oldest and youngest guests meet up and Norman Leinster (OL83). (L-R): Sam Harman (GSAL14), Baroness Neville-Jones DCMG Thelma Ruby-Frye (OG39) Year of celebration (OG58). Around 100 alumni, and Matthew Li (GSAL14). from the 1940s to the present kicks off at GSAL . . . day, gathered for an evening of networking, drinks and canapés. A year of celebrations kicked off with a reception at GSAL where one Also present were four heads: of the highlights for the 240 guests GSAL Principal was the performance of three Sue Woodroofe, original pieces of music. Professor Mark Bailey, former head of LGS Young musicians from Y9 had and fi rst head of composed the music to mark the GSAL, Sue Fishburn, school’s 10th birthday. former head of LGHS Also announced was the creation and retired dean of of the Leeds Luminaries Awards to GSAL and Mike Gibbons, mark the outstanding achievements retired head of GSAL. of alumni; and the launch of a (L-R): Head of governors David Gravells, birthday bursary campaign, raising Joel Harrison (OL97), Stuart Prince (OL97) money to fund an additional 10 and Penelope Renwick (OG76). places for students starting in Four ‘heads’ in a selfi e frame (L-R): September. Sue Woodroofe, Mike Gibbons, Mark Bailey and Sue Fishburn.

Principal Sue Woodroofe welcomes guests to the 10th birthday celebrations at GSAL.

Lydia Danon (OG97), Vivien de Tusch-Lec (OG99) The 2017-18 head boy and girl team with the 10th and Amy Lacey (OG98). birthday cake (L-R): Lexy Shipley, Harin Wijayathunga, (L-R): Helen Clapham, GSAL director of external Renewing old acquaintances are a group of OGs Sue Fishburn, Antony Drake (OL79) Lewis Freeman and Lucy Burgin. relations with Robert Dyson (OL64) and from 1965 (L-R): Victoria Littlewood, Jane Aldrick, and Anna Farrer née Richmond (OG76). Jonathan Straight (OL83). Shelagh Dixon, Paddie Breeze and Lynn Aspland.

(L-R): Margaret Mould and David Coates Judith Kerr, former head of English from the Sir George Martin Trust Twenty O’Eight, a beer specially brewed to with Shelagh Robinson (OG50). at LGHS and deputy head of English at GSAL, celebrate GSAL’s 10th birthday, are: (L-R): Brian Cook (OL49) and is pictured with her daughter Emily (OG04). chemistry teacher Ray Peacock and Sir Stephen Dr Michael Stephenson (OL56) and Matthew Li (GSAL14). Brown KCVO (OL65), GSAL governor. daughter Anna Stephenson (OG82).

14 15 Birthday lunch Pupils piece together birthday Leeds Luminaries brings staff and birdbath at Rose Court Awards 2018: alumni back VOTE NOW Rose Court pupils have marked the past to the present in such a together There is still time to cast your vote in GSAL’s 10th birthday by creating a special year- evidence that GSAL the 2018 Leeds Luminaries Awards. beautiful and lasting memorial to a both nurtures its current pupils and It was a day of recognising faces, Who wins is entirely in your hands . . . former pupil. still remembers and cares for its renewing old acquaintances and so vote now. former ones.” sharing memories when current Taking daffodils as their theme The awards have been launched staff and students were joined by - flowers often associated with The birdbath project was led by as part of GSAL’s 10th birthday alumni and retired staff to celebrate 10th anniversary celebrations - the teaching assistants Bev Nicholaides celebrations to honour high- 10 years of GSAL. children created a mosaic birdbath. and Bernadette Butler. achieving alumni of Leeds Grammar This will have a permanent home in The birthday lunch in the sixth School, Leeds Girls’ High School and a daffodil garden which was planted form centre brought together staff, The Grammar School at Leeds. students and alumni from GSAL, in the grounds of the school in 1994 LGS and LGHS. in memory of Catherine Apps, a Y8 To help you make up your mind, take pupil at Leeds Girls’ High School. a look at our talented shortlist of 21 Among the guests were the current old boys and old girls and a retired Her mother, June Apps, who taught head boy and girl team of Joshua teacher. For more information on chemistry at Leeds Girls’ High Borlant, Toby Kunin, Niharika Manu each nominee go to www.gsal.org. School from 1992 to 2007, visited and Nicole Smith, who welcomed uk/alumni/leeds-luminaries-voting Rose Court to meet some of the six former head girls and a head and click on a name. boy, including Helen Millner and children and to see the birdbath, in which each pupil had placed a piece You may vote once in each of the Yande Kasolo, the first to fulfil the Head of history Keith Milne is pictured with the first GSAL head girl team role in the new school in 2008. Helen Millner (centre) and Yande Kasolo. of mosaic. seven categories, either online or in person at one of our birthday events. She said: “The birdbath is beautiful Pupils (back) Athena Cooper and Yuvraj Voting closes on Wednesday 17 - a combination of wonderful Thakker, both Reception, (front) Jennifer Rogerson and Shaheer Abdul-Halim, both October 2018. creativity by the children and Nursery, show the birdbath to June Apps touching thoughtfulness of the staff. (second right), with Bev Nicholaides Winners will be announced and thank you . . . thank you . . . thank you . . . thank you . . . thank you . I am delighted there is a link from (left) and Bernadette Butler (right). presented at the Leeds Luminaries Awards Dinner at GSAL on 17 November when the host for the We have been overwhelmed by the generous response from our evening will be the writer, comedian alumni, parents and staff to our 10th Birthday Bursary campaign. Junior School and actor Barry Cryer (OL53). Thanks to everyone’s support we have welcomed nine new pupils pupils plant STEM and Medicine to the school this September. birthday flower bed Zoe Hudson (OG84) Dr Sam Cohen (OL05) A striking floral figure 10 Business and Enterprise overlooking the cricket pitch Graeme Lee (OL83) David, who studied political science Gershwin’s Prelude for Piano no 1. has been planted by Y3 pupils in maths curriculum by measuring up Kathryn Cearns OBE (OG82) First Tebb winner and international relations at the Each year the winner receives £300 celebration of GSAL’s 10th birthday. the flower bed themselves. Debbie Wosskow OBE (OG92) returns for 10th University of Birmingham on leaving and a cup, thanks to the generosity school, continues to play piano. At of Robert Tebb, alumnus of Leeds The pupils had the bright idea for Grounds and gardens team leader, Charity and Community anniversary university, he was president of JabSoc, Grammar School. the new landmark as they were Ian Lead, guided pupils through Gareth Dunn (GSAL09) the Jazz and Blues Society, running enjoying studying plants in science. the planting process of the fragrant Kate Newton (OG93) competition regular jam sessions in the students’ They even linked the project to their lavender-filled bed. Barry Brindley (LGHS/GSAL) union bar and events for students David Franklin (GSAL10), the first Sport across Birmingham. Lucy Harris (GSAL14) ever winner of the Robert Tebb Planting out are: back Eliza Locke (left) and Yona Knight-Wisdom (GSAL11) Piano Competition, returned to Now working for Virgin Trains (West Emma Levelt; front Sebastian Hassan (left) and Aarav Verma. Gordon Benson (GSAL12) school to present the prize in its 10th Coast) in Birmingham he is involved anniversary year. with Virgin Rocks, an annual charity Arts and Humanities gig by a band composed entirely David, who won the inaugural Lady Valerie Solti (OG55) of Virgin Trains HQ staff, which has competition as a Y12 student in 2009, Richard Price (OL50) raised over £3,000 for mental health handed over the coveted award to James Brining (OL86) charities in the last two years. the youngest-ever winner, 12-year-old Rising Stars Yuan Xu, telling him how watching the The Robert Tebb Piano Competition Olly Cracknell (GSAL12) competition had brought back all the takes place annually at GSAL and this Luke Johnson (GSAL10) nerves and excitement of his own day. year was a special birthday edition of Haaris and Shaan Ahmed Both winners had the distinction of the competition. (GSAL09/11) playing for Dame Fanny Waterman, The adjudicator, concert pianist Cecilia Lifetime Achievement founder of the the Leeds International Xi, listened to 11 finalists, who played a Baroness Pauline Neville-Jones Piano Competition. She was the wide range of repertoire from jazz to (OG58) adjudicator on the day that David won classical. Yuan’s winning programme Jennifer Bray (OG61) and was in the audience to hear Yuan featured the contrasting Mozart’s Tebb winners past and present are: Lord Dyson (OL61) play – a treat for her 98th birthday. Sonata in B♭ 1st movement K333 and Yuan Xu (left) and David Franklin. Sir Harry Ognall (OL52) 16 17 OLA celebrates Reunions 20 year reunion is a family affair From reunion Celebrating 20 years since leaving alumni and their young families at to regular school was a family affair for the The Grammar School at Leeds. 100 years of class of 1998. get-together Guests started the day with a tour The fun day out was the idea of April of the school before enjoying a A group of ‘A-stream’ students Dickson (née Keech) (OG98) and barbecue and a mini-sports day – from the class of ’78/79 enjoyed Dave Wood (OL98) who, together for all ages – on the athletics track. with a group of school friends, their 2010 reunion so much that friendship decided to host a combined 20-year The day culminated with a few they have turned it into an annual reunion weekend for LGS and LGHS well-deserved drinks in a Leeds pub. event. Christopher Rees, who has lived in North Carolina, USA since 1983, A desire to form lasting bonds of initiated the first reunion and has friendship among former pupils of Leeds travelled back to Leeds for the reunions every year. Grammar School was the inspiration for The OLs became firm friends when they were put into the same stream the setting up of the Old Leodiensian from the third form through to the Association (OLA) in the wake of the The girls ...... and the boys sixth form. First World War. from all over the UK, with John Class of ’72 Pickard picking up the prize for the weekend reunion longest journey from his home in Norway where he has lived for many Now, the OLA is preparing to years, accentuated by the recent The LGS class of ’72 had three years. Others who attended were: celebrate 100 years of camaraderie conflict, that there was a need for opportunities to get together and Peter Olley, Keith Riley, Irv Lee, John as it marks its centenary in 2019 with such an association as many had lost reminisce about their schooldays Leventhall, Chris Mooney, Graham a year of commemorative events. touch, not only with the school but when they met up for a weekend Connell, Mike Thornton, Geoff Owen, These will include a trip to WW1 also with the friends they had made reunion. Will Irving, Graham Bickler, Adrian battlefields, an official dinner and there. Binks, Hugh Tomlinson, Richard First up was a visit to the old Leeds West, Andrew Baildam, Jeremy fundraising to create a garden of In the early days of the OLA, it was Grammar School, now the University Emmott, Jeremy Roberts, Dave reflection at GSAL. of Leeds Business School, on the run as a social club for recreational Hill, Phil Sutcliffe, Johnny Solity, Ian Friday. That was followed on the Clarkson and Raymond Wolfson. As the centenary year approaches, activities such as billiards, debates, Saturday by a visit to GSAL for lunch Memento looks back on how it all smoking concerts and lectures. and a tour of the school, plus a visit This was the second get-together of began. However, a main aim was also to to the archives in the company of the class of ’72 whose first reunion maintain links with the school by was held in 2012 to celebrate 40 Back (L-R): Mike Osborne, Dave Hodson, The association was formally set archivists John Davies and Neill attendance at concerts, sports, years since leaving school. Adrian Palmer, David “Ted” Bartliff, up at a meeting in the Civil Court in Hargreaves. The event, which was and John Mullins; seated (L-R): speech days and old boys’ matches – also attended by retired deputy Leeds Town Hall on 20 February 1919. Irv Lee said: “Some amusing Christopher Rees and Trevor Burton. a tradition which remains to this day. head Peter Jolly and Kathleen However the idea was first proposed memories were aired in daylight Grainge, widow of former deputy in 2018 at a dinner in the Hotel Current OLA president Professor again for the first time in decades, head Marshall Grainge, ended with a (fortunately the short versions), and Apart from Christopher in the Metropole attended by about 200 old Tristram Hope said: “The chief dinner in Leeds. USA, most of the group come boys, many of them still in uniform. aims of the association these days everyone certainly appreciated how The reunion was attended by 22 the school had given them a great from Yorkshire with Adrian Palmer are to strengthen and perpetuate The effect of the war had been to OLs, who had travelled to Leeds start in their chosen careers.” travelling from Oakham, Dave comradeship amongst all former LGS strengthen the bonds of former Hodson from Derby and Mike pupils and staff members, as well as pupils with the school and at the Osborne from Oxford. promoting activities with GSAL. dinner Lieutenant-Colonel Bousfield, The first get-together was held who had commanded a Leeds “As such, the OLA runs regular annual in The White Hart in Pool in battalion at the Front and who had events like the Leeds Lunch and the Wharfedale, with all subsequent only recently been released from a London Dinner, as well as the biennial reunions at the Fox and Hounds in German prisoner of war camp, said Hill-Briars Memorial Cricket Match. Bramhope. that one of the biggest lessons of We also support other activities Christopher said: “I am glad to say the war was the value of including the publishing in 2015 of the esprit de that these events seem to be very He spoke of his desire to see book A High Ideal - Leeds Grammar corps. much enjoyed by all, and I can say an organisation set up to which a School and the First World War, for myself that I look forward to boy would automatically become a written by former LGS teacher and them each year. We have a lot of member on leaving school. GSAL archivist John Davies. Our links laughs and a lot of pints . . .” with the school today remain strong.” Headmaster at the time, Rev. J R Some of the class of ’72 reunion are pictured during their visit to GSAL. Wynne-Edwards, welcomed the To find out more about the 2019 They are (L-R): Peter Olley, Keith Riley, Irv Lee, John Leventhall, Chris Mooney, proposal to form an ‘old boys’ club’. programme of OLA centenary events, Graham Connell, John Pickard, Mike Thornton, Geoff Owen, Will Irving, There had been a feeling for many and how to book, go to page 25. Graham Bickler, Adrian Binks, Hugh Tomlinson and Richard West. 18 19 OL behind improved medical facilities Katie picked Alumni making headlines for Chapeltown for England U21 hockey team gaining the initial NHS approvals and Dream come true as film goes on international release planning permissions to purchasing Distance means nothing to Katie Birch the property and paying for the (GSAL16) who has been selected construction and redevelopment of for the England U21 hockey team – the building. despite living and studying in the USA. The project took determination and She was picked for the England squad self-discipline on Rohin’s part to see in a series against Ireland after taking it through – the latter a characteristic which he attributes to his education at part in a development training camp. LGS and GSAL. Katie, studies physiotherapy at the He said: “Self-discipline, hate it or love University of Iowa, and has made a it, it was a great life lesson. It is quite name for herself as a regular on the easy to put things off and say ‘I don’t university’s Hawkeyes field hockey feel like it!’ and I’ve definitely not felt team. like working ridiculous hours every day for weeks to get over a project While at school, she played for GSAL, issue or get a new one started on site. along with her twin sister Rebecca. I did those things because I promised She reached the national schools myself I would get them done and finals three times and captained the they would help me to achieve what I England U18s to win bronze at the Rohin Dhand had set out European championship in Cork in to do.“ 2016. Developer Rohin Dhand (GSAL09) Rohin took his first steps in the Both girls were spotted by US talent is making his mark on the Leeds property business at the age of 19 scouts and offered full hockey property scene with the opening of while still a student at Northumbria scholarships to US universities - Katie University, where he gained a first in a £3m medical facility to benefit the to Iowa and Rebecca to Old Dominion Chapeltown community. quantity surveying and won the Turner University, Virginia. & Townsend Award for best overall St Martins Practice, which houses a performance on his course. GP surgery, pharmacy and eye health clinic, is the biggest project to date He said: “The projects I started with for Rohin’s company, Mayfair Group were very small and I’ve built them Investment (MGI), which specialises up over time to where we are now, in medical centre development, working on developments in excess of commercial property investment and £3m. luxury residential apartments. “One of the things I am most proud The Chapeltown development now of at St Martins Practice is the fact houses the former St Martins Surgery, that we have integrated health Writer-director Chris O’Neill (OL96) Chris said: “I stayed for three He discovered a love of acting which has a patient list of about 8,000 care with the GP practice, the has achieved his dream of making months, getting more meetings and at LGS, staging several shows at and where GPs had been forced to Medichem pharmacy and Newmedica it in the world of movies with the more scripts seen. I really enjoyed school which he had written and use Portakabins as consulting rooms ophthalmology clinic. Property is an international release of his debut pitching my screenplay ideas to directed, and appearing in an due to lack of space. enabler for great services like these to film, Absolute Debauchery. people who had made some of the LGS/LGHS production of Grease take place which is why I enjoy what I films that inspired me to do this in as the ‘nerdy’ Eugene. He was They had been looking for new Chris, who moved from Leeds to the first place.” then accepted into the National premises in the area for about 14 do so much.” Los Angeles to pursue his film Youth Theatre before going on to years when Rohin came up with the And there’s a family connection to career, said he is elated after his He decided to move full-time to complete a degree in film studies at vision of converting the existing St the project. His father Raj founded latest film was released on Amazon LA in 2003 and spent several years the University of East Anglia. Martins House building into a medical the Medichem pharmacy chain in Prime Video following its successful hearing people liking his work but centre. He took charge of the project Chapeltown 35 years ago and Rohin showing at a Hollywood film festival. getting turned down. Eventually His ambitions were supported by he decided to make his own film teachers Steve Alderson, Peter Jolly from start to finish – approaching worked in the first store part-time The film tells the story of two small- Absolute Debauchery. and Derek Fry. the GP practice with his ideas, while he was still at school. Katie Birch time gangsters who lose $30k of He said: “They were probably the their ruthless boss’s money on a “Los Angeles has no shortage first adults who spoke to me about card game, forcing them to go on of people who want to work on record and produced a 20-5 win my interest and passion and took Robbie helps GB the run through the LA criminal projects and the one thing we had in over Germany in the final. common was that we were starting me seriously.” underworld and is the result of team to European Robbie was a keen softball player years of hard graft for Chris, from the same place – the bottom. Chris is now working on his second while at GSAL, having started including working in a string of call The only way was up.” film, Headshots, a sinister tale softball win playing thanks to his dad. While still centre jobs to raise money for his Chris managed to cast, shoot and of a British actress in LA who crosses paths with a serial killer in at school he played for the Leeds ‘LA Move Fund’. put the film together and was Softball player Robbie Studholme her acting class. softball team and represented delighted when it premiered at the (GSAL15) was part of the GB squad While saving, he was writing GB in the U19 squad. He also Hollywood Reel Independent Film He said: “As we were putting the crowned the first-ever European screenplays, sending emails and represented the school in squash. making calls as soon as LA business Festival on Wilshire Boulevard last film together last year, the #metoo Men’s Slowpitch Champions at the elements were coming out in the hours started, in an attempt to year. Softball Championships. Robbie has graduated this year press, so Headshots has suddenly get his work seen. His persistence He said: “It was a great feeling of from Nottingham University and become more prescient.” The newly-established tournament paid off when he got a call from accomplishment that I had not given plans to take a year out to pursue took place in Chocenˇ in the Czech a production company based at in, stopped or taken the rejection to softball in New Zealand. Paramount Pictures on the strength mean I should do something other Republic and team GB went Robbie Studholme celebrates after the of one of his scripts. than what my passion told me to do.” through undefeated with an 11-0 GB team’s European victory. 20 21 Amara wins leading Alumni making headlines role in Les Mis Amara Okereke (GSAL15) has Alex switches GSAL on to electric car charging stepped into her first leading role in a West End musical this summer, taking over the part of Cosette in An electric vehicle charging point the food tech department for use returning from 10 years in Australia Les Misérables. (EVC), using renewable energy, has by staff. where he had worked in educational Amara made her professional debut in the long-running musical at the been installed at GSAL courtesy of Alex said: “The siting is perfect as it recruitment before re-training as a Alex Hinchcliffe (OL94). fitness instructor. Queen’s Theatre, London, fresh from means that only staff with electric Arts Educational Schools, London. The charging point, believed to be cars will use it. As it is not in the He said: “We returned to the UK the first available in school grounds staff car park, there is no danger of after the birth of our second child as While still a student at GSAL she in the region, has been fitted after ‘ice-ing’ which is EV-owner speak we wanted to be close to family and appeared in a number of school Alex contacted the school to offer for when a car with an internal friends. I started working as a fitness productions and also played leading to carry out the work free of charge combustible engine is parked in a manager at David Lloyd Club where I roles with the National Youth Music Theatre, including Maria in as part of the launch of his new charging bay, blocking access to the used to have discussions with one of West Side Story at Manchester business, Alfa Power. charging point.” my clients about the importance of Warehouse, The Hired Man at the As well as the charging point, the Alfa Power was set up in November sustainability. He founded Group Alfa Other Palace and 13 The Musical at company also supplied the civil 2017 and is part of the Leeds-based a few years ago and offered me the the Apollo Theatre. works and electrical connection Group Alfa, an ethical company with chance to set up Alfa Power. work plus connectivity to a cloud interests in property development, “To have the opportunity to do software package which provides power, renewables and retail. something with such an emerging up-to-date analytics of usage. Alex joined as business development industry was not to be missed.” The EVC has been installed outside director, to set up Alfa Power, after www.alfapower.co.uk Gareth smashes his £100,000 target

Gareth Dunn (GSAL09), who three months after surgery to to family and friends who have pledged to raise £100,000 for amputate his leg below the knee, he supported him through fundraising Cancer Research UK after being was fitted with a prosthetic running challenges and continue to come given a year to live, has smashed his blade and went on to successfully up with ideas to raise money for his target …with money still pouring in. apply to train with the cycling, cause. Gareth has raised £116,000, including canoeing and athletics squad of the Friends have run marathons and half gift aid, through his own efforts GB Paralympic team. marathons, including London and and those of friends and family He also embarked upon a new career New York, while Gareth completed and hopes that the fundraising will challenge in international affairs with the Nepalese Annapurna Circuit continue. the aim of joining the Foreign and Challenge, which was 150 miles at 16,400 feet around the Annapurna He said: “I’m delighted to have finally Commonwealth Office. Massif. got there and it’ll be a nice marker Just as it seemed he had his life back from which the family can keep that on track Gareth was dealt another Earlier this year GSAL staff raised fundraising effort ticking over in the blow when a regular scan showed a over £2,500 for Gareth’s fund and in years ahead.” massive tumour in his left lung and a message of thanks he said: “It goes without saying that I am humbled Gareth was about to achieve his 14 smaller ones in his right lung. But beyond measure by your generosity greatest ambition of becoming an after his initial fear and anger, he and your kindness. I have such officer in the British Army when he once again looked to the positive. fond memories of school, and most was diagnosed with cancer. However He is, he says, eternally grateful especially, the dedication of the staff that instilled the positive values I hold dear to me today. “I have to make every day, every moment, count. I do have dark days, but that is just a waste of time.” One of the ways Gareth copes with his prognosis is through humour and he writes a blog, Chemotionally Unstable, poking fun at his illness. “People are scared of talking about cancer and death, but it is important to talk about it and I find that humour, for me, is one way of dealing with it,” he said. Gareth’s blog is at: www.chemotionally-unstable.com To support Gareth’s fundraising go to: www.justgiving.com/ Cars charged and ready to go…(L-R) Martin Gibson, head of classics, fundraising/chemotionally-unstable Jane Davis, Junior School teacher, Shirley Jeffs, transport liaison manager, OL Alex Hinchcliffe and Alex Pull, design technology teacher. Gareth in training earlier this year. 22 23 Old Girls’ Club news Events 2018-2019 OGC round-up: From the archives to wine tips to golf

The Old Girls’ Club has had a busy into a glass jug – twice; and keep Tuesday 16 October 2018 Saturday 1 December 2018 September 2019 year with plenty of opportunities for any leftover wine in the bottle as it LGHS Class of ’71 Reunion - London 2008 LGHS reunion Battlefields tour to France OGs to meet up. can improve the next day when the Venue: Hampstead Venue: GSAL Time: 18:00 onwards for dinner at 18:30 Old boys are invited to register their oxygen balance has adjusted. Time: 18:00 - 23:00 The London branch of OGC played interest in a four day WW1 battlefields tour Old girls who left in 1971 (who started at the host to two speakers at their regular This year’s annual OGC get-together All OGs who left in 2008 are welcome to to Ypres and Somme led by our school autumn and spring meetings. bottom of Rose Court in 1957 and/or left UV of golf or a walk, followed by dinner, in 1969 or UVI in 1971) are welcome to attend attend this 10th alumni reunion. Please archivist and author of A High Ideal, John First up at the autumn meeting in was held at Wetherby Golf Club. this reunion in London hosted by Angela Hey contact Alice Rose (OG08) for more Davies. Personal visits to cemeteries can Lancaster Hall Hotel, was school The event was organised by Dr Sue (OG71). Please contact Angela if you would information and to book be incorporated. Two nights will be spent like to attend [email protected] on the ferry (Hull to Zeebrugge) and two archivist John Davies, who took Jacklin, taking over the role from [email protected] nights in hotels. The approximate cost will his audience on a trip through Lynn Aspland who stepped aside be £500 per person. Full details can be the Leeds Girls’ High School after 10 years. Saturday 27 October 2018 archives. This included pictures and found on www.gsal.org.uk/events soon but Lynn presented the prize to the OG Club London branch event Friday 15 March 2019 we request that you register your interest records from key moments of the winner of the golf tournament, Venue: York Room, Lancaster Hall Hotel, to [email protected] as soon as possible school’s history and had everyone OLA London drinks and networking Lynne Pearson, at the dinner. Earlier Craven Terrace, London W2 3EL as numbers are limited. reminiscing, disagreeing and Time: 13:00 for 13:30 start in the day Paddie Breeze guided All old boys are invited to this informal comparing experiences. the walkers on a route which took All OGs, friends and family are invited to drinks and networking evening in London The archive contains the beginnings in a stretch of the Ebor Way. The the London branch autumn event. The talk to kick start the centenary celebrations. Saturday 9 November of the Leeds Girls’ High School ‘Sandstone in my blood: the Bower family The venue and date will be announced walkers set off from the car park on at Ashwood’ is by Jane Bower (OG73). Company, dating from 1875 when shortly via www.gsal.org.uk/events but 2019 the Harewood/Collingham Road, Please contact [email protected] £1 bought a £5 share, as well as crossing the River Wharfe and if you would like to register your interest LGS Back to School day handwritten curricula from Miss please email [email protected] then up towards Woodhall Hotel, Archivist John Davies with Venue: Former Leeds Grammar School, Kennedy, the 24-year-old first Sicklinghall House and on to the Jackie Chalmers, secretary of the Friday 9 November 2018 Moorland Road headmistress. This showed a heady Golf Club at Linton. London branch of the OGC. OLA Leeds Lunch Time: 9:00 – 15:00 mix of French, Latin, German, Venue: Banyan, Leeds Saturday 23 March 2019 Following the success of this event in 2015 mathematics, English and natural Time: 12:00 – 16:00 sciences - and that was just the Old Girls London Spring Event and 2018, we are delighted to be holding mornings! All old boys are welcome to attend the Venue: Lady Solti’s home in it again in the OLA’s centenary year. Join alumni lunch. If you would like to attend North London fellow alumni at the Moorland Road site for At the second meeting Yorkshire please contact Paul Miller (OL95) Time: 14:00 assemblies, lessons, a tour and a traditional Post wine critic and international [email protected] school lunch. The school day will culminate judge Christine Austin, née Wedge The guest speaker will be Cllr Judith with an OLA Centenary Dinner at The (OG69), shared her knowledge and Blake CBE (OG71), Leader of Leeds Grammar School at Leeds in the evening. love of wine at the spring meeting, Saturday 17 November 2018 City Council. Her talk is ‘An Unexpected Please register your interest to alumni@ held at the home of Lady Solti. Just for Fun Symposium Adventure’. Please contact gsal.org.uk and we will be in touch as soon [email protected] as the details have been finalised. Christine described soil types, slope Venue: GSAL Time: 14:00 – 16:00 differences and grape varieties. The audience were advised how A special event in our 10th birthday year to drink and appreciate wine - in held in honour of Mr Fry. He created Friday in May 2019 Saturday 9 November a tulip shaped glass, always held the Just for Fun society to share his knowledge, expertise and curiosity about Alumni Leeds Lunch – 2019 by the stem – and helpful hints an eclectic range of subjects. We want LGS, LGHS and GSAL OLA Centenary Dinner included: don’t worry if you haven’t to honour Mr Fry’s quest for knowledge Venue: Banyan, Leeds Venue: GSAL got a posh decanter, just splosh it with this symposium and invite alumni to Christine Austin (left) and Sue Woodroofe, Principal of GSAL. Time: 12:00 – 16:00 deliver a range of talks lasting 15 minutes Time: 19:00 – 23:00 on subjects that evoke the spirit of ‘Just for All alumni are welcome to attend the To round off the centenary year and Fun’. Please email [email protected] if alumni lunch which is held on a Friday you would like to deliver a talk. provide a fitting finale to the Back to in May. The date will be confirmed on School day we will be holding an OLA We will also be launching Mr Fry’s digital our website soon but if you would like to Centenary Dinner at The Grammar School astronomy archive which has been funded register your interest please contact Paul at Leeds. Tables will be available to block thanks to the generosity of alumni, current Miller (OL95) [email protected] book for year groups. More details and pupils, parents, colleagues, friends and family. online booking will be available via Calling all alumni . . . www.gsal.org.uk/events from Spring 2019. Saturday 17 November 2018 Saturday 27 July 2019 Leeds Luminaries Awards Gala Dinner 1974 LGHS reunion Alumni are welcome to host reunions and to promote your reunion. All Venue: GSAL Sunday 10 November Venue: GSAL Thinking of at The Grammar School at Leeds our facilities are available to hire for Time: 19:00 Time: 12:00 – 16:00 2019 where there is a range of indoor and private and commercial use. Barry Cryer (OL53) will be our special guest organising a reunion Remembrance Service outdoor venues and on-site catering. for the inaugural Leeds Luminaries Awards All OGs who attended LGHS between Venue: GSAL For more information, contact Anna Gala Dinner. This black tie event will feature 1961 and 1974 are welcome to attend of your year? entertainment, awards and is a fitting finale Time: 10:00 We can also help you get in touch White in the alumni relations team at this reunion lunch, organised by with school friends that you may [email protected] to our 10th birthday celebrations. Why not We can help. gather a few of your year group to make up Pippa Simpson. If you would like Alumni are invited to join other members have lost contact with over the years a table? More information and tickets via more information please contact of the GSAL community at the annual www.gsal.org.uk/events [email protected] remembrance service. 24 25 He was a committed Christian and swapped a training programmes for lay people and This was radically different from other deck-access successful career with Kent County Council to organising national events. designs where, to maintain privacy, much of the study at Spurgeon’s Bible College to become a After retirement she embarked on the major access was hidden from view. More than 400 of Baptist pastor in Ashford. task of editing letters her parents had written these dwellings were built in Stannington, Heeley Tom was active in youth work in the town. He was while working as missionaries in China from and Gleadless and were all wheelchair accessible, team leader for the youth charity Uprising which 1935 to 1945. For the latter part of this time with no need for lifts and stairs. he set up four years ago to manage and deliver Fond farewells they were interned by the Japanese and the His 1970s social housing flats are still cherished by youth projects, and worked with the council over letters provide a vivid account of the period. In their occupants, 40 years on. They are a testament many years to establish and deliver different 2007 she self-published Bound with Love, her to John’s genius for counter-intuitive, modest and He was also a key speaker on the Ogden LGHS and lectured at the Leeds College of Music, schemes across the town. He also chaired the edition of the letters, as Agequod Publications. Trevor Fawcett (OL52) humane design, domestic in scale, and adaptable Trust physics summer schools, running receiving an honorary doctorate of music from What Matters Forum, where youth professionals It sold so well that she had to produce a to almost any site. 1935-2018 science sessions for children from inner city Leeds University in 1975. came together to support each other. second edition. primary schools, delivering master classes In 2014 Tom was diagnosed with a rare form In 2015 Audrey suffered a stroke, leaving John was born in Cookridge, Leeds, to Russell Trevor Fawcett, who has died aged 83 in Bath, He later returned to Yorkshire with his Elgar Chorale and providing individual tuition, while refusing of cancer, and despite two-and-a-half years of her with limited mobility. Undaunted, she Taylor, a manufacturer’s manager, and Olive (née accumulated an encyclopaedic knowledge of and as guest conductor of the Leeds Philharmonic intensive treatment, he died at the end of March embarked on a PhD at the University of Quilliam). the city’s 18th-century heyday through intensive payment. Chorus, the Leeds Festival and the Leeds Minster- 2017. research, particularly through newspapers, Mr Fry’s impact extends beyond GSAL. In 1981 based St Peter’s Singers. Edinburgh. The subject of her thesis was the Following an architecture degree at Leeds College experience of Baptist missionaries in China in directories, diaries and public records of the Sir Patrick Moore nominated him as a Fellow He was awarded the OBE in 1993. Among the many tributes paid to Tom in Ashford, of Art and two years’ national service, he worked the early 20th century. She was awarded the period. of the Royal Astronomical Society and in Tracey Kerly, chief executive of Ashford Borough briefly for West Riding before moving to the Dr Hunt is survived by his wife Jo, daughters Council, said: “Tom was an inspiration to all and degree in 2016. He lived in Bath for 33 years, moving there after 1993/4 he was made a Fellow of the Institute of Sheffield city department of planning and design Jacqueline and Jane, sons Thomas and Nicolas, was able to touch so many young people’s lives taking early retirement from his post as a librarian Physics, the first time the institute had formally She was diagnosed with cancer at the end of in the mid-50s, where he stayed for his working eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. and support them through challenging times. We at the University of East Anglia. He quickly recognised a school teacher in this way. In 2017 that year and died in September 2017. life. will miss him enormously.” recognised that research into Bath’s past was he received the Royal Astronomical Society’s John became seriously ill and took early Tom was a pupil at LGS Junior School from largely undertaken by non-professionals, and Service to Astronomy Award, donating the retirement in 1982. He is survived by his wife, believed they would benefit from mutual support Stanley Metcalfe (OL50) 1990, leaving Senior School to attend Sheffield prize money to the school library for the Graham Snowden (OL73) Marion Watson, his son, Rowan, daughter, Zoe, and collaboration. From this was born the History University where he graduated in history and purchase of astronomy books for all age 1932-2017 1955-2018 stepdaughter, Alison, and younger brother, Guy. of Bath Research Group. groups, saying with characteristic modesty that politics. Stanley Metcalfe, retired chairman of Rank Hovis Trevor was intrigued by all aspects of the city’s the award was entirely thanks to his pupils. His wife Anna and their children Zachary, Samuel Graham Snowden spent his working life in the cultural life: entertainment, education, medicine, McDougall (RHM), has died after a long illness at and Faith remain in Ashford. advertising industry. On leaving LGS in 1974, he His tremendous legacy includes inspiring the age of 85. Peter Tinsley (OL54) shopping, town planning and administration, numerous students to pursue a career in started working at the Advertising Bureau and later printing, the place of horses and the diversity of science and the impact of his teaching inspired Stanley joined Leeds Grammar School in 1941 and went into partnership with K&A Advertising, based 1936-2018 the population. His monographs included Bath more than a dozen former students to dedicate distinguished himself in both academic and extra- Margaret Roberts (OG49) in Howden, before forming his own company, Entertain’d (1998), Bath Administer’d (2001), Bath Peter was born in Wickham, County Durham their doctoral theses to him. curricular activities. He was a keen sportsman, 1931-2017 Wharf Media in Ilkley. Commercialis’d (2002), Voices of 18th Century representing LGS in rugby and cricket and in 1936, moving to Oakwood in 1938, then to Bath (1995), and Georgian Imprints (2008), about A memorial service was held at The Grammar He was passionate about sport, representing achieved a number of cricketing awards including Margaret Roberts started at LGHS in Ford House Alwoodley in 1956 where he lived for the rest of the history of printing and publishing in Bath. School at Leeds in May. Mr Fry’s digital Yorkshire in both tennis and squash, and was also a winning the Batting Cup for best average in the and, early in World War 2, was among the pupils his life. Many of his articles were published in journals and astronomy archive will be launched at the Just keen supporter of Leeds Rhinos and Leeds United. 1949 season. who were evacuated with the school to Bolton He attended Leeds Grammar School, where he magazines. for Fun symposium on Saturday 17 November, Abbey. Graham was married to Debbie and they had a was a classics scholar, before studying for Greats He was born in Leeds and following LGS he see page 25. He was also heavily involved in school life as daughter Zoë, who lives in Australia. He also leaves a prefect, Command Sergeant Major in the On leaving school she went to medical school in at Wadham College, Oxford. He was also involved studied geography, French and Portuguese at a sister Jill Walton and his partner Alison Rose. in various activities within the local community of Combined Cadet Force (CCF), reporter and editor Leeds, following in her brother Paul’s footsteps. Leeds University. Alwoodley, including St Barnabas’ Church and The of the Leodiensian magazine, and a member of Whilst working as a junior doctor at Leeds General After a postgraduate course in librarianship at Alwoodley Community Association, as well as the David Graham (OL46) both the Literary and Debating Society and the Infirmary (LGI) she became a Fellow of the Faculty University College London, Trevor joined Leicester OLA Club on Crag Lane, where he was treasurer 1936-2017 Dramatic Society. of Anaesthetists and spent the rest of her working Jennifer Spearing College of Art and Technology (now De Montfort life as a valuable and respected consultant in for many years. University), then Southampton University. In David Graham was born in Glasgow, however After school he studied at Pembroke College, anaesthetics at St James’s Hospital. (née McKenny ) (OG66) On his retirement from the OLA Club, the then 1965, he was appointed chief cataloguer with Oxford, where he won a cricket blue, enough to when the family moved to Leeds he spent five Margaret was always interested in sport and the President of the OLA, David Bell, presented him responsibility for art and music at the new 1948-2018 extremely happy years as a pupil at Leeds earn him a brief career with Yorkshire’s second outdoor life, and spent a lot of her spare time with a waistcoat in LGS colours, with thanks for his University of East Anglia. Grammar school between 1941-46. eleven. He also played for Marylebone Cricket Club playing tennis, cycling and on walking holidays In 1958 Jennifer was among the first of a small diligence and hard work on the club’s behalf. Trevor regarded his family to be his greatest in London. number of girls from Leeds primary schools who He was a proud past pupil of LGS and would in the Himalayas and Europe. As a member of After university, Peter moved from classics to achievement. He is survived by his wife Mary, their talk often about his time there. In recent years Stanley joined what is now RHM on leaving Oxford the Fell and Rock Club, many weekends and attended Leeds Girls’ High School on a scholarship following the 11-plus. accountancy in 1962 and qualified as a chartered sons, Adrian and Jon, and three grandchildren, he visited the school on an open day with one in 1959, becoming managing director in 1981 and short holidays were taken in the Lake District and Elsa, Oscar and Stella. accountant with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell and Co, of his grandchildren to share some of the family taking over as chairman in 1989. During his career Scotland. After taking her A-levels at LGHS, she went to retiring in 1998. history. he held a number of advisory roles including Brighton College to study for a pharmacy degree She was interested in music and after retiring, He met and married Maureen in 1964 and they joined a choir, took piano lessons and was a and, after qualifying, held a number of posts in On returning to Glasgow in 1946, David president of the National Association of British enjoyed 54 years together. Peter was very regular visitor to Opera North. She also helped pharmacy departments of hospitals in the London Derek Fry continued his education at Hillhead High School and Irish Millers, president of the Food and Drink proud of his son, James and he closely followed with reading at the local primary school. area. 1940-2018 and then the West of Scotland Commercial Federation and chairman of the Institute of Food the educational progress of his granddaughters, College (later to become the University of Research Advisory Board. Margaret was always a great support to her After taking up a position in Bedfordshire, she Sophie and Megan. Strathclyde). met Alan Spearing at a squash club. Alan was Many people go into teaching to make a He is survived by his wife Sarah, children and nephews, nieces and their families. She also kept a teacher and, later, headmaster of a school in Cricket was an early sporting interest, both playing difference to the lives of young people, but few He started work as a commercial trainee grandchildren. in touch with former school friends and with the can claim to have had the impact of Derek Fry, school as a trustee for the LGHS Trust Fund until Bedford. The couple married and had one son, and scoring with the Airedale and Wharfedale with J&P Coats, now the world’s largest League. He was also a keen bridge player, a teacher of physics and astronomy at LGS and the school merged with LGS to become The Christopher, continuing to live in the area for the manufacturer of sewing threads, before moving classical music lover, a skilled cryptic crossword GSAL who continued to teach until his sudden to Imperial Tobacco as a marketing trainee. Grammar School at Leeds. rest of their lives. solver and an excellent carpet bowls player. death aged 77. After working with Nestlé, Findus and Baxters Barbara Milburn (OG43) Jennifer met up with old friends at a school At his funeral service his brother, David, gave a Mr Fry taught with undiminished passion and of Speyside, he left Scotland and moved to 1925-2018 reunion a few years ago and kept in touch with moving tribute to a packed congregation. enthusiasm for more than 50 years. For the Shropshire to take up the post of sales and Audrey Salters them on a regular basis, swapping emails and Barbara Milburn was a pupil at LGHS who went getting together whenever they could. She last 18 years he worked on a voluntary basis as, marketing director for Belstaff International. He finished with the words: “It remains for me to on to become a respected and much-loved also attended meetings of the Old Girls’ Club in following his retirement in 2000, he chose to He was a keen sportsman who took part in (née Still) (OG57) thank my brother for a lifetime of service to others. London. continue teaching several times a week to the athletics, tennis, rugby, swimming, cricket, teacher at the school for many years. 1938–2017 His amazing skills and memory are now lost, but delight of the school, pupils and his colleagues. squash and golf, and was an active member of After gaining a degree in chemistry at When her husband was diagnosed with our memory of Peter will always be with us.” Market Drayton Golf Club for many years. Manchester University she spent time working Audrey was a pioneer in the field of fostering Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s a few Derek was born in London, moving to Leeds and adoption of young children in Scotland, years ago, Jennifer became involved in charities shortly after his birth to escape the war. He David was married for 59 years to Elma, who in industry and research before returning to survives him along with three children Ewan, LGHS as a chemistry teacher. setting up a ground-breaking service for supporting the conditions. Alan predeceased her attended Blenheim Secondary Modern School, adolescents which has been adopted as a two years ago. Andrew Wilson (OL87) leaving at 15 to work as a laboratory assistant in Anne and Amanda and five grandchildren. She was also an active member of the OGC model throughout the country. Jennifer died suddenly of a heart attack on 1969-2018 the refractory department of the Leeds Fireclay from 1990 until the time of the merger of LGS After gaining an English degree at St Anne’s 2 February 2018. She is survived by her son Company. However he always wanted to be a and LGHS in 2008. Andrew Wilson stepped down from his role as College, Oxford, Audrey went on to study Christopher. teacher and, while employed full time, studied Dr Donald Hunt Former pupils remembered her fondly and social administration at the London School head of Teesside High School shortly before for his O-levels and A-levels at night school. 1930-2018 fellow teachers recalled her as conscientious, of Economics and, following that, obtained his death from cancer at Butterwick Hospice in He started teacher training at the age of 24 at kind and sympathetic. a qualification in social work at Edinburgh March 2018. James Graham College in Leeds. John Taylor (OL45) The distinguished musician and former teacher University. He had been appointed as head of the at Leeds Girls’ High School, Dr Donald Hunt, was She died in February and her funeral was His first teaching post was at Greenhill Primary In 1968 she and her husband settled in St 1929-2018 independent co-educational school in a man of many parts: choirmaster, conductor, attended by old friends from her LGHS and School, Bramley, and during his time there, he Andrews. After a year tutoring in social Eaglescliffe, near Stockton-on-Tees, in 2015, composer, organist, festival director, author and OGC days. John Taylor was a talented architect who, in the was accepted to study for a degree as one administration at the university there, she went joining from New Hall School in Chelmsford, Elgar specialist. 1970s, developed a ground-breaking design for of the first students of the Open University. on to lecture in social work at Dundee College Essex, where he was vice-principal. From there he moved to Mirfield Grammar Born in Gloucestershire, he was regarded as one of of Education. In 1982 she became principal low cost social housing in Sheffield. Andrew had taught for more than 20 years and School and, following a 20-year career there, Yorkshire’s leading musical practitioners from 1957 Tom Pelham (OL99) family placement officer for Tayside Regional Smaller flats were arranged over larger ones in had been a housemaster and director of music joined Leeds Grammar School in 1987. Soon until he moved away in 1975 to be cathedral master 1981-2017 Council. It was here that she did her most three-storey terraces, stepping back at each floor, after joining he introduced GCSE astronomy, of the choristers and organists at Worcester where pioneering work. thereby creating generous balconies on the two at Milton Abbey School, in Dorset, and was also previously organist and choirmaster at Great which students studied in addition to their core he directed eight Three Choirs Festivals. He was Tom Pelham was well-known in the town of In 1989 Audrey joined the staff at the Centre upper levels. Each flat was approached from the Malvern Priory. curriculum. Currently more than 20 students also the long-serving music director of the Elgar Ashford in Kent for his vision, innovation and for External Studies at St Andrews, working balcony, or from the garden on the ground floor, give up their own time for astronomy lessons Chorale and principal of the Elgar School of Music. passion to support young people and improve as children’s panel trainer for the Fife, Central on the living-room side as in traditional streets He leaves his wife Abbey and three children and associated study. During his time in Yorkshire he taught music at their lives. and Highland region, responsible for designing where front parlours face the pavement. Gregor, Euan and Lydia. 26 27 Join us for the inaugural Leeds Luminaries Awards Gala Dinner with special guest Barry Cryer (OL53)

in honour of the Leeds Grammar School and Leeds Girls’ High School Foundation

Saturday 17 November 2018 6.30pm to 11pm

The Grammar School at Leeds, Alwoodley Gates

Black Tie

Tickets £50 www.gsal.org.uk/events

rs yea 10 ing rat Celeb

CAST YOUR VOTE www.gsal.org.uk/alumni/leeds-luminaries-voting