The magazine for LGS, LGHS and GSAL alumni issue 08 autumn 2020

Memories come flooding back for OGs School’s last link with

The ones to watch What we did Check out the careers of Seun, in lockdown Laura and Josh Heart warming stories in difficult times GSAL United named celebrates school of promotion the decade Alumni supporters share the excitement

1 24 News GSAL launches Women in Leadership

4 Memories come flooding back for OGs 25 A look back at Rose Court marking the end of school’s last link with Headingley Amraj pops the question 8 12 16 Amraj goes back to school What we did in No pool required Leeds United to pop the question Lockdown... for diver Yona celebrates Alicia welcomes babies Yona keeping his Olympic promotion into a changing world dream alive Alumni supporters share the excitement Welcome to Memento

What a year! I am not sure that any were humbled to read about alumnus John Ford’s memory and generosity. 2020 vision I might have had could Dr David Mazza, who spent 16 weeks But at the end of 2020, this edition have prepared me for the last few as a lone GP on an Orkney island also comes at a point when we have extraordinary months. Throughout throughout lockdown, and midwife something wonderful to celebrate, the toughest school times that Alicia Walker, who talks about the too - and I don’t just mean Leeds I can recall, this community has changes to maternity care during 27 been a source of encouragement lockdown. And in our very own D&T United making it back into the Golfer Kirsty and support, and our pupils have department, John Bagshaw and his , fantastic though been remarkable, despite the clear team made over 4,000 pieces of PPE that is! The Sunday Times has just awarded US challenges to their resilience and for local NHS workers, care homes published its ‘Schools of the Decade’ scholarship morale as they have navigated the and pharmacies. At a time when this by region and I am overwhelmed, 11 pressures of this year. was in short supply nationally, John’s humbled and absolutely delighted to contribution was a lifeline for many share with you that GSAL has won Chris’s VE 21 Throughout the first lockdown, 14 professionals in the field. that accolade for the North. It has Day medal Lindsey’s Ones to watch including school holidays, it was been an absolutely tremendous boost business as (almost) usual for I am also most grateful to the for us all, but it is testament to a long presentation lockdown job Architect Seun Gbolade vulnerable children and those of key amazing GSAL team who, amidst the on sustainable housing line of achievement and success, Chris makes emotional challenge workers. As soon as we could bring pandemic, still managed to relocate dating back to the two founding VE Day presentation pupils back into school, we did, and Rose Court to , on time schools that made us what we are we have now had a full school since and on budget, in newly refurbished today. Just like Leeds United, this is September, even though the second facilities. We missed our planned not any one person’s award, and it lockdown is in operation as I write. ‘Farewell to Rose Court’ weekend in isn’t due to any one flash of brilliance. May, so I am thrilled to read Anne Of course with words like ‘lockdown’, Rather, it is the result of a well- Pickering’s reminiscences from her 25 ‘social distance’ and ‘unprecedented’ planned and executed merger and an years’ experience running pre-prep, 29 never more used, there was no way ongoing commitment since 2008 to with some lovely old photos to make Fond farewells we could ignore the heart-warming make this the very best school that us smile. And I am just as thrilled stories that have come our way. we can, for all of our pupils. Thank that the Rose Court site has been The at Leeds you for all that you have contributed As we have grown to both appreciate purchased by Leeds Council to Alwoodley Gates to this amazing moment. Harrogate Road and celebrate our national health be used as a special needs’ school: Leeds LS17 8GS service more than ever this year, we that seems like a fitting legacy to 0113 229 1552 Sue Woodroofe, Principal Editor: Alison Knight Update your details, contact preferences or unsubscribe at www.gsal.org.uk/alumni/update-my-details or [email protected] Design: Clive Goldstein 2 3 Teacher Chris Wainwright remembered: “A Victorian wooden desk with a step up so that I looked Memories come down on my Remove (Y3) pupils, which was old-fashioned even for 1986.” Angela Hey (OG71) wrote of a knitting flooding back for OGs dilemma: “Choice of a tea cosy or hot water bottle cover. Mother thought neither very useful. I made a cardigan with a cable stitch – had to buy the To mark the end of school’s last link with Headingley, GSAL planned wool, a shilling a skein I think, from to open the doors of Rose Court to alumni, their families and friends with my pocket money.” Jocelyn Storey (OG73) recalled: on Friday and Saturday, 15 and 16 May, for two days of celebration “Ringing the bell at both ends of the corridor.” and nostalgia. Sarah Beth (OG90) added: “Ringing the lesson bell by hand at all four When it became clear that the event corners of the building! This was could not go ahead due to the COVID-19 considered an honour.” restrictions on get-togethers, the school A photo of the opening of the school Gardening with Mr Bellamy in turned to social media instead, posting swimming pool in 1926 provoked the Ford House garden in 1966. photos from across the years and some (less than favourable) memories Sent in by Helen Watson. inviting alumnae to share their memories of both Rose Court and Ford House… and how you responded. Julia Lake commented: “Goodness the playground in one big line and our and it really didn’t look at all different green coats falling off our shoulders Many of you took to Facebook to when we were using it in the 1980s.” even in the freezing cold.” reminisce about different aspects of Fiona Whitaker added: “Having Anne Gilliker remembered: “Sports school life, from the classrooms to swimming lessons first thing Monday Day on the field.” the haunted art room, swimming pool, morning and being made to dive to school lunches, the playground and the Clare Marchant added: “Meeting at the bottom of the pool!!!” excitement of swapping green tights the root tree.” for black at Senior School! Many had fond memories of the And finally, Ellissa Baskind (OG96) Two little girls ready for school. playground and fields. Lesley Hordon (OG73) wrote about Pictured are: (L-R): Gillian Carr (OG77) summed up in two words her own the seesaw that her father made for with big sister Liz (OG74) Hannah Walker (OG90) wrote: feelings, and those of many others the school, as well as her memories Official school photo of Angela “Conker fights on the bottom who wrote in: “Happy days…” of having to eat ALL her lunch, Catton, née Simpson (OG92) playground.” including the rhubarb and custard. Nisha Notay (OG03) And she recalled some naughtiness recalled: “Walking across too: “Soaking bits of paper in the Official opening of the swimming pool inkwells and flicking them with rulers!” in 1926

Nursery class Working hard in the classroom with Mrs Dowson in 1979

Class photo sent in by Anna Phillips (OG97)

4 5 Headingley site starts new life as specialist free school As Rose Court pupils begin a new life at GSAL Primary School at Alwoodley Gates, their old home in Headingley is set to become a much-needed specialist free school for the .

The Rose Court site, formerly Ford Rose Court will help fulfil the need House, has been sold to Leeds City for specialist educational provision in Council who plan to turn it into a Leeds, and benefit future generations of Anne Pickering with pupils on school for 150 children aged four to children and young people in the city.” her retirement in 2015 16 with speciali educational needs As part of the council’s plans, 50 and disabilities (SEND). additional partnership places will The sale marked the end of an era for also be created in local mainstream the buildings which have been part schools, which will see more children Miss Pickering looks back on 25 of the school’s history for 107 years. with SEND able to access specialist provision within a mainstream GSAL Principal Sue Woodroofe, said: setting. “Throughout our project to relocate happy years at Rose Court Rose Court pupils to join the main There has been an increase in school at Alwoodley, our desire has demand for specialist provision in been to see the Headingley site schools over the past decade due to Anne Pickering, Head of Rose Court from 1990-2015, shares her memories of life with remain in educational use, continuing the number of children and young the school’s youngest pupils. the legacy of our school’s original people living in Leeds with SEND and benefactors. We are delighted that the new school will help to address I especially loved all the seasonal events stop, although daily I saw everyone at grade of ‘outstanding’ in every area ’s acquisition of this need. which came round: Harvest Festival lunchtime and in assemblies. inspected. when we walked into the hall to be I loved both our buildings in Headingley. When I retired, I was sad to leave the overwhelmed by the vast display and The old house provided a wonderful people in Rose Court – my fantastic smell of flowers, fruits and vegetables warmth and welcome to our little ones colleagues, inspirational children and donated by our generous parents; and the gardens were delightful, with supportive parents. I returned to Carols by Candlelight, every child the Year 2s allowed the elevated status live in Newcastle, my home city, but singing outside to families and friends; of playing on the top terrace. Our new always enjoy visiting Leeds to catch our summer sponsored walk when those building was carefully extended and up with friends and love reading GSAL young children showed remarkable developed to provide arguably the best publications about the achievements stamina and determination, walking so setting for 3-7 year olds in the country, of former pupils, proud to have played many laps of our field and raising huge with the luxury of an extensive library a small part in their growth and sums of money for children’s charities. and bespoke, large specialist rooms development. In my first years, I loved teaching every for IT, music, dance/drama and art, as I was also thrilled to be given, as one of class for music, as well as leading well as a wonderful outdoor area. One my leaving gifts, a bespoke teddy made and managing Rose Court, but as we of my highlights there was hearing the from Rose Court winter and summer grew and the requirements of the outcome of our rigorous ISI inspection uniforms - a permanent reminder of so role developed, my teaching had to when we received the highest possible many happy times.

1925 Buckingham Villa, then known as Leeds Girls’ 1940 Ford House requisitioned by the military High School Junior School and Leeds Girls’ authorities to establish a hospital for wounded Leeds Girls’ High School timeline... High School Prep. Department, was renamed servicemen. Ford House in honour of John Rawlinson Ford, 1945 Ford House reclaimed and LGHS was paid a long-time supporter of the school and chairman 1876 LGHS opened following an initiative by the 1912 LGHS bought Rose Court for £4,000 to £10,000 for “dilapidation”. Leeds Ladies’ Education Association, and the accommodate the boarding girls. of the governors. Yorkshire Ladies’ Council of Education, to provide 1946 Ford House closed for nine days in the autumn 1917 LGHS rented a large house in Buckingham Road 1926 took on the whole of good quality education on a par with that due to lack of fuel. called Buckingham Villa. LGHS debt. provided by Leeds Grammar School. The school 1963 A new prefabricated kitchen and dining room was in rented accommodation at St James’ 1930 £200 spent on providing a hockey pitch at 1918 The whole school, including Rose Court and Ford built at Ford House at a cost of £11,000. Lodge, Woodhouse Street. House, closed due to the influenza epidemic. Ford House. 2008 With the merger with LGS, Ford House children 1892 LGHS Old Girls’ Club established. 1935 Footpath between Ford House and the main 1922 LGHS purchased Buckingham Villa to accomm- moved to the Alwoodley site, Rose Court was school site established at a rent of one shilling odate the Preparatory Department and Year 1. closed down and pupils were moved to the Ford 1906 LGHS moved to Headingley. St James’ Lodge per annum, paid to the Wool Industries Research House building, which was re-named Rose Court. eventually sold to the Territorial Army for £10,000. 1923 The adjoining property was purchased after Association (WIRA). the tenant moved out, and a connecting door 2020 GSAL Primary School established on the Alwoodley 1909 LGHS boarding house opened at “Fir Dene” on 1939 LGHS evacuated from September to December created to facilitate movement between the campus. For the first time in the school’s history, Bainbrigge Road, Headingley. to Lincoln, then to Bolton Abbey in 1940-43. two properties. all pupils are taught on the same site.

6 7

What we did in lockdown… Lone GP on In this edition of Memento, we celebrate our alumni and the ways in which they have risen to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many came together to support each other in their daily lives, while others were forced to make changes to the way lockdown they worked, often with unforeseen long-term benefits. Throughout the difficult times, there have been many heart-warming moments and, over the next few pages, we feature just some of those stories. Orkney isle

Alicia welcomes babies into GP David Mazza (OL82) spent the lockdown looking after a changing world the health of 600 islanders on Westray, the most north- While the NHS has been directing most of its attention and resources towards dealing with David Mazza outside the coronavirus, there is one area that can’t be put on hold… maternity services. westerly island in the Orkney surgery on Westray

When the lockdown was first lack of visitors. In clinic, women at high of the early stages without their archipelago. announced in March, Alicia Walker risk are having scans or discussing birth partner. (GSAL14), who has severe asthma, care plans with the team. Normally “Again, I have found that because of David is one of three GPs who to keep their distance from family air ambulance would be called but was shielding. She swapped life on they would bring a partner or friend this, and the fact that it’s discouraged provides regular medical care on and friends and that can be difficult.” during lockdown they were not a busy labour ward at Tameside along, but during lockdown had to the island. Normally, he spends taking COVID-19 cases. Instead for midwives to come in and out of The islanders set up a Covid-19 Hospital, near Manchester, for working attend alone. This meant stepping into three weeks at a time there, but, David had to rely on an ambulance the room, we get a much closer bond resilience group which included from home, booking appointments that supportive role a lot more and due to COVID-19, he remained crew coming out on the ferry. with the women. Obviously we aren’t the GP surgery, the kirk (church), and running the maternity unit’s spending more time with each woman. on Westray for 16 weeks until the a substitute for their birth partner, the island’s care home, its three When David is not on duty in coronavirus hotline. restrictions were eased. “From a midwife point of view, it has but we try and fill that void as much shops, the postmen, fire and rescue, Westray, he is based in York However, she chose to return to made me feel more useful, but it is as possible.” Now he has returned to his normal ambulance and coastguard teams. where he works with Primary Care work before the end of shielding, heart-breaking when they just want It has also been good for the ‘work working pattern of three weeks on “Everyone was pulling together,” International, an organisation which particularly as staffing at the hospital their loved ones there. I end up writing family’. In the early days, Alicia was the island and six weeks back at said David, “and the posties provides primary care to low and was low. up a lot of details from appointments home in York. middle income countries. He is in a Zoom group with a few others were amazing. They were taking for them to take home to their families working with patients to help them She said: “Work has definitely who were at home and since returning He said: “It was very curious to be prescriptions to people around the so they feel involved too.” manage chronic conditions like back in York after so long in island island and they were also able to changed. In practical terms, we have to work she has continued with their diabetes, hypertension and asthma. to wear a face mask at all times When women are in established catch-ups. isolation. Negotiating walking along keep an eye out for anyone who might need help.” which can be hard on a 13-hour shift, labour they are allowed only one birth relatively crowded streets in a The work is mainly with African “It has been a life-saver”, she said, and putting the rest of the PPE on partner now - it was two pre-COVID. socially distanced way was a skill I Total responsibility for the countries and he has spent time in “We are lucky to be in such a before going in every room is time- had to learn. population’s healthcare was in the the Sudan as well as working with Alicia said: “This has been really hard supportive profession. The staff are hands of David and a nurse and refugee camps. consuming, but you get used to it. “Perhaps it is a bit easier on a for women who have labour induced, especially looking out for each other one of the challenges facing them small island however, although it For now he is back to normal “The main difference, though, is the because they are going through most at the moment.” was that the nearest hospital is a is remote, the problems of dealing working patterns but admits that 90-minute ferry ride away. with the virus are no different to the depends on what happens next in GSAL Virtual Voices join together rest of the country. People still have Under normal circumstances, an these uncertain times. for uplifting performance

Alicia with a Alumni, pupils, parents and staff put Head of music, Pippa Sidwell, said: Dr Tom Lawton (OL98) has been many colleagues across the Trust who friend’s baby their hearts and souls into an uplifting “Stand by Me was an obvious choice awarded an MBE after being continue the daily fight to save the lives that she delivered performance of the classic Ben E King as it has become a regular on choir Doctor nominated by his colleagues at of patients during this pandemic, as it song, Stand by Me. tours and the sentiments behind the Teaching Hospitals NHS is for me”. The song was performed by 70 lyrics seemed so appropriate.” Foundation Trust for going ‘above awarded and beyond’ during the COVID-19 singers and 12 instrumentalists who She put four rehearsals for each pandemic. answered the call to create GSAL part - soprano, alto and baritone – on Virtual Voices. Teams and YouTube and the backing MBE for Tom, an intensive care consultant and Members of the Primary and Senior track was supplied by head of co- anaesthetist and the Trust’s clinical School choirs joined in, including curricular music, Adrian Knowles, and head for Artificial Intelligence, has been children of key workers, while others peripatetic guitar teacher, Alex Hogg. at the forefront of the fight against services COVID-19 - both as a medic and rehearsed and filmed themselves Each performer filmed themselves performing in their own homes. pioneering researcher. He received the and the video was produced by MBE for services to the NHS. The decision to bring GSAL’s voices Leeds Media Services. The one-off to NHS together in song came as a choir performance attracted thousands of He said the award was a total surprise Dr Tom Lawton tour to Amsterdam in July had to be views, likes and shares on Facebook, and was “as much an honour for my cancelled due to COVID-19. YouTube and Twitter. 8 99 GSAL Chris makes emotional VE help for Day medal presentation Medal presentations are always a privilege to do, according to frontline Captain Chris Smith (OL83), but on VE Day this year he took Pharmacy staff in Halton wearing part in one of the most emotional of his career. PPE produced at GSAL NHS Chris, who is the Naval Regional with her 1939-45 War Medal (UK Commander for Scotland and Service) was very special indeed. While student projects at GSAL were on Northern Ireland, presented “To be introduced by Joanna 94-year-old Edna Wells with her Lumley was very amusing, but my hold during lockdown the design technology service medal… 75 years after the conversation with Edna was truly workers workshop was open for business. end of World War Two. memorable. Edna’s memories of Edna, who was a member of the her Naval service were very sharp The workshop’s 3D printers were we were able to boost production answer the call after news reports Women’s Royal Naval Service and her salute first class!” working at full stretch as head of from six an hour to over 300 per highlighted the difficulties faced (Wrens) for the last two years of design technology, John Bagshaw, day by using laser cutters. It was by hospitals, GPs and other care the war, did not realise that she had Edna, who had broken off her responded to the demand for vital all hands on deck, with colleagues providers in sourcing PPE for their to apply for her medal so never dressmakers’ apprenticeship to join personal protective equipment giving their time to help out in key workers. received one. With the anniversary the Wrens, took it up again at the (PPE) to keep frontline healthcare between their remote teaching approaching, plans were made to end of the war. workers safe. sessions with students.” The 3D printers and laser cutters were used to make visors from present it to her during VE Day Chris said: “But with a wink and a In all, John and a dedicated team of Also lending a hand were a number materials that many schools already celebrations in Edinburgh. smile, she told me that she never helpers donated a staggering 4,000 of GSAL pupils, as well as students had in stock for DT projects. GSAL However, due to coronavirus, the forgot her time in uniform and the masks. The rate of production was and staff from partner schools, also donated over 1,000 pairs of sailors she met!” made possible when John sourced Ralph Thoresby and protective goggles, normally used celebrations were cancelled and a new design that could be made Schools in Leeds and Prince Henry’s in science and design technology Chris was asked to travel to Edna’s Chris joined the Royal Navy straight more quickly on the laser cutter. Grammar School in Otley. lessons, to hospitals and health home in Dumfries to present it from LGS, giving up the chance to centres. to her at a social distance. The John said: “The masks went as GSAL was one of a number of study at university to pursue his surprise was sprung on her by TV chosen career. quickly as I could make them and schools throughout the country to personality Joanna Lumley, who sent Edna a video message telling Nowadays, he is responsible for her to go to her front door. coordinating the RN’s activity across Scotland and Northern Lockdown clear outs When she did, Chris was waiting Ireland, covering everything across the garden fence with the from resilience operations – like medal, neighbours were watching supporting the Scottish government and applauding from gardens and in times of civil need floods or balconies and a BBC film crew was aid uniform charity extreme weather, and, most recently on hand to capture the moment. COVID-19, to leading on RN work A plea to GSAL parents for donations of school Chris said: “Medal presentations are with the government on income uniforms to help families in need has had a always very personal occasions for tax, housing, health and education the recipient and a huge privilege to ensure the impact of political fantastic response …to the delight of Vicky Hart for me to do. But this was unique. decisions on Armed Forces families To be asked to surprise Edna Wells is understood. (OG92) who is coordinating the appeal. Vicky with just a few of the donations

Vicky runs 2Kit, the school’s second hand uniform shop, on “The lockdown made it more important to get the scheme a voluntary basis with fellow parent Bryony Benoit-Pool. running,” said Vicky, “especially with parents facing redundancy or being furloughed.” She spent much of lockdown juggling home schooling her son Finn, a pupil in GSAL Primary School, with An appeal was put out to GSAL parents for unbranded collecting donated children’s clothing, sorting it and uniform, particularly white shirts, polo shorts, black storing it in her garage ready for collection, as part of trousers or joggers, school shoes, grey or black tights a joint initiative with Families Together Leeds and Zero and red or blue sweatshirts. Waste Leeds. Vicky said: “We had an amazing response. Pretty much Edna Wells after the medal The clothing was then taken to children’s centres in Leeds everything donated has been in excellent condition presentation, with her where it was available to vulnerable families or those and really good quality. And it’s good to know that, just granddaughter Sharron struggling to make ends meet, as well as to children in because a child has outgrown something, it is not going care and foster care. to waste.” Discussions on the initiative between GSAL and Families As part of the initiative, Vicky and Bryony hope to work with Leeds Families Together in the future to help other Together Leeds were well underway when the pandemic schools set up nearly-new uniform sales along the lines struck and everything was put on hold. However when of GSAL’s highly successful 2Kit operation. schools started to reopen gradually, Vicky realised that it was vital to get the scheme off the ground. Captain Chris Smith 10 11 No pool required as diver Helping hand leads Yona finds new ways to train to firm friendship for

Yona Knight-Wisdom (GSAL13) has Yona has been living and training in Derek and Tracy… spent lockdown keeping his Olympic Edinburgh for almost two years since dream alive with a rigorous training his two main coaches left Leeds, one regime that has not included diving to work in the Netherlands and the When GSAL parent Tracy Sperke He admits that, being in his 90s and into a pool. other moving to Australia. saw the Stay Connected appeal, living on his own, he felt temporarily The Olympic, World and Common As lockdown approached in she immediately offered to become anxious at the start of lockdown. a telephone volunteer and was wealth diver, who represents Jamaica March, Yona was able to take some “Firstly, I had a daughter staying paired with fellow in competitions, has been working out equipment from his gym, a couple of with me for a short-term pending resident Derek Kitchen (OL44). daily in the confines of his apartment, small crash mats, weights and a Swiss completion of a house move. concentrating on conditioning, ball, to help with training in isolation. In what Tracy described as ‘the Thereafter lockdown settled more GSAL Stay flexibility and visualisation. Since early July however, he has been strangest of times’, the phone calls or less into the routine of someone able to meet up with his coach to He said: “It took a few days to come to Derek became the highlight of the living alone but with the additional train in her garden. And from July Connected to the realisation that I wouldn’t be week for both of them, with chats anxieties of not seeing loved ones he joined a select group of Scottish able to compete for the foreseeable about the pandemic soon moving on and where and how to shop, plus a performance aquatics athletes who future. I’m normally used to having to other topics and shared interests. totally new approach to getting a reaches returned to the pool in Aberdeen. consultation with a doctor. He said something to aim for which fuels my Tracy, whose daughter Libby joined of Tracy: “During the lockdown we motivation in training, but I had to Behind all the hard work is the GSAL at Year 7 in 2019, said: “What have had many interesting telephone out to self- completely re-evaluate my goals and determination to be ready to take began as a friendly, supportive call conversations. I look forward to objectives to find motivation for my part in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021 to ask how he was and if I could help the day when it is possible for us training at home. and to improve on his performance with anything, developed for me into isolating in Rio in 2016. to meet in person.” “I decided that I’d use the time to a lockdown friendship.” As for Tracy, she admitted: “I don’t make sure I’m ready to hit the ground Yona said: “In Rio I just missed out Derek wholeheartedly agreed. He think Derek will be aware of how alumni running once I return to the pool, on a place in the final, so obviously said: “Although Tracy has not been Yona perfects a handstand much of a help he actually was to whenever that may be.” I would love to make an Olympic required to give me any physical in the shower me during lockdown. It has been a Keeping in touch has never been final in Japan.” support, her phone calls were always privilege getting to know him.” more important than this year so, very welcome and appreciated.” as the lockdown was announced in March, GSAL contacted more than 1500 alumni, aged over 70, by letter, phone and email to offer Lockdown signals changes for …and for Margaret and a helping hand. Now, as the country is in a second lockdown, the hugely successful clients of psychology practice Sandra initiative has been continued. As part of GSAL Stay Connected, volunteers, made up of staff, As lockdown began to bite, organisations across the country had to react When GSAL teacher Sandra Law It was so reassuring and turned students, alumni or GSAL parents, offered a helping hand to retired out to be the start of a great new to a changing world to protect business and the services offered. offered help to older or more LGHS head of music, Margaret friendship. I am very grateful to vulnerable alumni and GSAL families Smith, neither were expecting it to GSAL for their initiative.” For psychologist Dr Sue Baskind when it came to the pairing of clients benefit of clients and referrers who had to self-isolate, in the form lead to a firm friendship …but that is (OG75), this meant finding a way with the right psychologist. alike. We have matured into a truly Margaret said: “Sandra has been exactly what has happened. of regular phone calls, or help with to continue to support clients and nationwide practice so, a very big absolutely brilliant; nothing is too Sue explained; “Previously, despite our shopping and the collection of their mental wellbeing while being thank you to all our clients, colleagues The two women have discovered that much trouble. I couldn’t have asked extensive network, we found that we prescriptions. unable to see them in person. and partners who have continued they have a lot in common and have for more, but if you were trying would occasionally have to turn down to work online and walked with us become great (socially distanced) to pair people of like minds you To launch the scheme, 200 students Sue, who is a director of the referrals because we were unable to every step of the way throughout friends during the pandemic. couldn’t have done better! in Year 11 wrote letters to alumni. The nationwide White Rose Psychology provide local support. The advantage response was overwhelming with this period.” Sandra started shopping for “Shopping lists apart, our Practice (WRPP), one of the largest of remote connections means we are many OLs and OGs responding just Margaret and her husband Trevor conversations have ranged far and clinical networks of psychologists in able to identify the best psychologist As well as running the practice, which to say how lovely it was to hear from after being contacted by their wide, on the telephone as well as the country, took an early decision to for our client’s clinical presentation, also employs William Lee (GSAL11) their old school. Some even included daughter Alison Connolly (OG84), outside the garden gate. go digital, offering assessment and wherever in the country they might as digital content officer, Sue is a wonderful additions to the school’s who now lives in Essex. She had therapy online to clients. live.” psychologist in the NHS and has been Sandra said: “Lending my support to archives, including fascinating supporting staff working on COVID-19 seen the GSAL Facebook post about She said: “While we had the Additionally, the absence of travel the GSAL Stay Connected initiative evacuation documents from one OL. wards. Also on the frontline, her son forging links with alumni family confidence in our team to take this expenses had the advantages of has brought additional rewards Dr Sam Baskind (OL07) has been who no longer had children living Others took up offers of help with leap, initially we weren’t without lowering costs and increasing the and such unexpected pleasure working in A&E at the Royal Free near them and, as her brother Chris shopping or a regular phone call for some reservations. Namely, would our time availability for psychologists through my ‘pairing’ with Margaret Hospital in London, while daughter Dr (OL83) lived in Scotland, she got a chat. service suffer any for the loss of in- and clients to meet. and Trevor. Polite preliminary talk Sadie Baskind (OG07) is a neonatal in touch. person interaction?” of impending supermarket trips For more information on the She said: “We have made a lot doctor at the Homerton Hospital in “It was perfect,” said Alison. “After soon turned from the prosaic to scheme, email [email protected] In reality, the new system turned up of changes as a consequence of London where she worked throughout a couple of emails, communication the stimulating as Margaret and I or ring 0113 228 5115. some unseen benefits, particularly lockdown which have been to the lockdown with mums-to-be in labour. had been established with Sandra. discovered several shared passions.”

12 13 Lindsey faces lockdown challenge of new job

Lindsey Johnson (OG90) was just weeks into a new job as principal and chief executive of College when the campus had to close due to the coronavirus outbreak.

So, when you have hardly had time studying technical training such as Students can now choose to join to meet the staff and students, how computing, construction, catering lessons remotely, as they are live- do you go about leading them into and many other occupations that streamed in classrooms which have the uncharted territory of lockdown? lead to trades. There are also nearly been digitally enabled at relatively 700 apprentices in training, low cost with web cam, speakers Lindsey said: “Working through and microphone. my networks we did, at least, get Lindsey said: “We think that only a couple of weeks’ warning of an about a third of students have reliable Lindsey said: “Our timetable is impending lockdown, during which access to online learning using a different too. We want students time we created a virtual desktop suitable device, such as a laptop or to choose to learn remotely if it is for staff and students, deployed notebook, a third use a smart phone, feasible for them to do so, thereby Microsoft Teams across all classes and a third have intermittent access – avoiding public transport and our and formatted 150 laptops that were usually as a result of no wi-fi access, classrooms!” normally used in classroom teaching, no data or access to a device. so that they could be borrowed by The importance of maintaining good staff and students.” “Certainly there has been unpre- mental health is also a priority. cedented demand for connectivity “Isolation for our students, and some Craven College is a general further within households, and digital poverty of the very real challenges that education college based in , is prevalent across our region. Our recession brings to a household, can with traditional values that are teachers have done an epic job, cause untold stress on individuals,” precious to it. Lindsey’s mandate in continuing to deliver learning during said Lindsey. “We need to be the new role was to modernise and, this time, many of them with their prepared to intercede and support, on arrival, they found a college that own child care responsibilities.” both our students, and in some needed to embrace new ways of instances, signposting families to working, and reflect innovation in Lindsey believes that how students support services. “ its teaching and learning. connect, engage and learn will have changed forever and how teachers Teaching assistants will join lessons “The innovation and engagement facilitate this learning has to online and support those students through MS Teams has been change also. who need it. All personal coaches extraordinary,” said Lindsey. “Every (each student is allocated one) have course has its own ‘room’. Virtual As the college opened up again mental health first aid training workbooks have been created, in September, with realistic social lessons continued online, in real distancing measures in place, “Life won’t be the same,” said time, and were recorded so that they its greatest achievement, said Lindsey, “and I am pleased that could be accessed at a later date by Lindsey, was the delivery of an we are embracing remote working those unable to join in the learning online enrolment platform from a and learning. For Craven College, in real time.” standing start. A project that would it’s given us a massive impetus to normally take a year was planned, accelerate forward, try new things College ‘attendance’ was at 96% installed, tested and delivered in and launch innovations.” during lockdown. However, Lindsey four months by empowering staff to openly admits to encountering real make and own decisions and setting issues with connectivity by students, up a project group that worked who are mainly aged 16-19 and collaboratively.

14 15 Celebrations all round as So many memories, so many Leeds United return to ups and downs

I got taken to my first Leeds game a bit before the I would go with my cousin and uncle and my journey as the Premier League 1991/92 Championship title winning season. My dad a season ticket holder would take me from that moment, (another OL), took me and my older sister as at the to Wembley in ‘96 to the dizzying nights of Champions time he was the club’s solicitor. My earliest memory League football. So many memories, so many ups and is being thrown off his knee as the whites scored! After 16 years and a rollercoaster the club by sharing the pitches at community stay active. downs as the famous song goes. I was 18 when we were ride of highs and lows, Leeds Alwoodley Gates with the Leeds It wasn’t long though before I was totally in love with relegated. Now in my 30s, it is amazing to see us back As Leeds United makes a strong United returned to the Premier United Foundation. Events this year the club. I would get every single replica kit (with my in the big time. I’m sure there are many more special start to the new season, a number League as champions this summer. have included summer and autumn name on the back) and pray that one day I wore it times to come… of alumni, from sports journalists to soccer camps for boys and girls, for real. In 1995 I was given something incredibly The city’s unfailing support of its diehard fans, share their memories Mark Kielesz-Levine (OL02), an open training session for young club has long been shared by many with Memento. special by my mum- my first season ticket. I will never females and the launch of a walking ITV News and Sport Reporter. at the school. Today GSAL has forget that moment or that first home game either, football programme to help the strengthened its association with Yeboah’s cracker and a 1-0 over Liverpool! Football starlet Henri is inspired by club success

Leeds United’s promotion was a proud moment for year scholarship contract with the club following his rising star Henri Kumwenda (GSAL18) as he ended GCSEs. This enabled him to combine his football career his two-year scholarship with the club. with further studies and included playing weekend matches in the U18 league and the FA Youth Cup, plus Henri, who has established himself as one to watch in training with the first team. football, said: “It was amazing to be involved with the club during their promotion season. The success they During that time, his highlight on the pitch was playing enjoyed was no surprise, as the amount of work at Old Trafford against Manchester United in the FA they’ve put into this season was greater than any Youth Cup. other team in the league. Since his training ended, Henri has signed his first Henri joined LUFC as an 11-year-old, training with the professional contract with Hull City. Leeds United Academy initially before signing a two-

Club promotion is bittersweet for Kitching family

James Kitching (OL06) sent in this “Some of the best memories I have moving piece about how much of me and him together are sat the LUFC promotion would have side by side at Elland Road, in the meant to his dad, Alastair Kitching Champions League, Premiership, (OL78). Championship and League One, seeing them at Wembley, winning “When Leeds United won promo- and losing playoffs. tion, it was a bittersweet day. Last year, before my dad died, he wrote “Now they are finally back where a list of those things he would like they belong and I just wish he was to see and do, one of them was here with us all to celebrate. This The Kitching family are (L-R): Sam (OL06), to see Leeds United back in the one’s for you AK. You are missed so Henri (right) in action on the Tom (GSAL10), Alastair and James pitch for Leeds United Premier League. much but never forgotten.” 16 17 Gary recalls scrapes and Chris indebted to Damned United It was a complete whirlwind from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. fantastic servants of the club in Hunter, moment, David Peace – the author In the run up to the opening we’d Cherry and Charlton passed away adventures on the road of the ‘factional’ novel The Damned before promotion was finally achieved. interviewed several players (Norman United – donated the stage rights Hunter, Eddie Gray and Duncan Chris Lloyd (OL90) is a producer with over a pint in a pub in our home town McKenzie) and meeting those legends the Red Ladder Theatre Company. of Ossett in August 2015 to the world was, in itself, a humbling experience. to Leeds glory première at Playhouse in March 2016. So it was amazing to see the first official photo of promotion winner, Friday May 5th 1972. The eve of the a TV commentator in their last Red Ladder had recently been cut midfielder , wearing a FA Cup Final between Super Leeds European adventure. from the Arts Council’s portfolio of Damned United – Champions 2020 regularly funded organisations and its and Arsenal. My ticket was hidden It was always my fantasy to play T-shirt! in my bedside drawer. 48-year existence was under threat. for Leeds, to influence what went Being a Leeds fan since 1969 I have Leeds Grammar School assembly on during a match. But thanks to the huge generosity seen many highs – my fourth ever at 09.30. The Headmaster stood of David and the unwavering That dream didn’t come true but game saw Leeds lift the Inter City Fairs in front of the entire school and support from James Brining (OL86) now I work at my local club, Oxford Cup at home to the mighty Juventus. mentioned two words that never and his amazing team at the play- United, as the only sports psycho- I’ve witnessed league and cup success normally left his lips. ‘Leeds United’. house (now renamed Leeds Play- and further heady nights in Europe therapist in English football. I help house) the production was a massive “I’m aware that there’s some big first team players and management home and away but my lads, 25-year- success and, in no small part, helped old Cameron and 18-year-old Toby football match at Wembley be psychologically prepared for save the company. tomorrow involving Leeds United. matches. have only, really, ever seen mediocre I expect no boy from this school After a sell out five-week run in Leeds, at best and extremely poor at worst I’m in the dressing room at five to to travel and watch this game we embarked on a national tour that incarnations, so this promotion is for three, making sure the players are and Saturday morning lessons, lasted, on and off, for three years them and their generation – a new focused and ready. It’s the best I remind you, are compulsory.” and included gigs at Hibernian batch to fly the flag for Leeds United. Chris Lloyd job in the world when Oxford win. Football Club and a sell-out run at the It is just such a huge shame that three I knew I was in trouble, but then my We lost a play-off final at Wembley love affair with my local team would in July and it was truly crushing. take me into some terrible scrapes Four days later Leeds United and adventures. returned to the Premier League. Gary Bloom Club doctors share joy of Leeds After school and university I drifted Despite contact between me and into sports journalism and covered the club, they’ve never asked me to Leeds United for BBC Radio Leeds join them. The managing director Gary Bloom (OL76) is a clinical and Radio Aire. I travelled to Spurs at Oxford United once said to me: sports psychotherapist. He works United promotion and had to put a portable tape “Never work for the club you love. with Oxford United and a leading machine over my head to stop It clouds your judgement.” clinic in London, Cognacity. He The job of keeping the Leeds 2015 when he started working flying bottles hitting me, and I was presents a radio show on talkSPORT, He’s right, but if the Leeds manager United squad healthy and match predominantly with the first team. on the team bus when Leeds were On the Sporting Couch about good fit is in the hands of team doctors phones next week and asks if I can Of his time as a Leeds fan, he said: relegated in 1981 and came under mental health in sport. His first book – and fellow OLs – Rishi Dhand join the club, what do you think “I remember promotion to the old attack from West Bromwich fans. on the topic Keeping your Head in (OL08) and Jamie O’Shea (OL98). I’d say ?... first division in 1990 and winning the I travelled to Russia and Sofia later the Game is published by Penguin Rishi usually splits his time between league championship in 1992. Those in my career as I covered Leeds as Books in February 2021. his work as a locum GP and as club were fantastic days, as was the spell doctor for Leeds United and in the late 1990s and early 2000s Tigers RLFC. However being at the top of the league table during the COVID-19 lockdown he with a great team, and getting to Amitai’s support for Leeds was a was full-time at LUFC and heavily the Champions League semi-final.” involved in the work behind the scenes to get players safely back The run-up to the club’s success on the pitch. was not without its problems due ‘rebel cause’ to the pandemic. However, Rishi’s He described his feelings at the pro- involvement was key to getting the The year I started at Leeds Meanwhile, it was never not in vogue motion as a mix of elation and relief. ball rolling again. Grammar School was the year it to support Leeds among my group of He said: “We probably only had all fell to pieces for Leeds United. friends. It was strange to think that on He said: “Initially there were discus- three days off in the nine weeks after Rishi and Jamie with the coveted Relegation followed within nine the day Leeds beat Derby, their first sions with medical staff across the coming back to training, so seeing Championship trophy months. By the time I left, promotion league on whether a restart could game as champions - which was also the sacrifices and hard work that from League One was something players and staff who have worked be achieved and, most importantly, my 28th birthday - every person I got everyone put in really gave a of an achievement. so hard to make this happen, and if it could be done safely. We were together with to watch it was someone fantastic sense of unity and achieve- the fans who surely are the best ahead of the game at Leeds as our To have reached the Premier League - who attended the school. ment across the group. It’s a real in the country, following the club head of medicine, Rob Price, had a decade on - seems almost as privilege to work alongside such a Promotion itself has been an absolute through thick and thin!” started discussions with Jamie and significant as anything that happened blessing and feels as though it will be humble and hardworking group of me at the end of January so we did Jamie’s opportunity to become to me at Alwoodley Gates. a huge moment for the city at large. players and staff.” feel it could be done, albeit with involved with the club came in 2007 It was not cool to follow Leeds. I still Before I rocked up at the Grammar Jamie, who combines his role at care and safety.” remember another member of the School, David O’Leary spoke to the through another LGS old boy Dr LUFC with his work as a GP at Terry Crystal (OL68), who worked “Even when the government eased year bringing a chunk of a seat into students there. It is nice to think that Bramley Health and Wellbeing with Leeds United and restrictions, we chose to continue to school that he had prised apart at Old for the next generation, a footballing Centre and as planned care clinical Rugby for many years until his ban haircuts, socialising with other Trafford after our famous win there. academic from Argentina will hold lead for NHS Leeds CCG, has been retirement. Jamie started off with households indoors, and going to On the same day, I sat next to two just as much significance. a Leeds fan since watching his first Leeds academy after relegation to restaurants until we had achieved Manchester United fans in my first les- Amitai Winehouse (GSAL10) is News game at Elland Road in 1988. League 1, covering the academy and promotion. This was a real sacrifice son of the day. For once, I had reason He said: “I am so happy for the occasional first team games until for players, staff and their families.” Amitai Winehouse to gloat. For the entire time I was at the Editor of The Athletic school, it felt almost like a rebel cause. 18 19 Ones to watch Keira inspires the Young alumni are making their mark in a wide range of professions. Here we look at the careers of architect Seun Gbolade, engineer Laura Hoang and chef Josh Whitehead. next generation Pandemic opens our eyes to need for of footballers sustainable housing revolution

Talented young footballer Keira Just four years later she successfully Will the UK see a revolution in conversion scheme in Greater sustainable housing as a result of the Manchester. Technical design work plays football for Leeds United trialled for Leeds United Girls COVID-19 pandemic? Architect Seun is also about to start for a high- Girls U16 team and is keen to Academy, was offered her first Lanre Gbolade (OL03) believes that performance, sustainability-led inspire other young people to contract and has been playing for our experiences this year will lead residential development in Croydon, take up the beautiful game too. them ever since. to a demand for better designed scheduled to commence on site in Keira, a Year 10 pupil at GSAL, As a BAME ambassador represent- buildings and places. January 2021. began her footballing journey at ing Leeds United FC, Keira helps And with a recent government White To top it off, GDS has been engaged the age of seven, playing with the promote football within the local Paper on future planning highlighting by a large local planning authority Soccer Juniors in Leeds, followed Indian community. the value of protecting green (LPA) to shape their detailed design by various grassroots teams. spaces, along with the importance guidance for all development across Up and coming footballer Keira of creating communities and an the borough into the future. overhaul of the planning process, Seun said: “This is a major project Seun is optimistic that change is on for us as a practice and one we’re the way. proud to have successfully bid for, He said: “The White Paper has and won, against a strong field of certainly caused a lot of debate Seun Lanre Gbolade long-established and recognised Leeds United QUIZ in architecture, development and practices.” gather; cycle and walking routes to planning circles. There are lots avoid the need to use vehicles and However, he also recognises the need of potentially positive impactful public transport; and flexible working for entrepreneurial spirit in today’s How well do you know Leeds United? proposals tabled, including placing spaces nearer to home.” fast-paced society and, although first importance on the voice of and foremost architects, GDS uses Architects, he said, are vocal Try our quiz, set by Andrew ‘Stats’ Dalton (OL03), whose the public.” spare moments to invest in its own advocates for better design, plus encyclopaedic knowledge of the club has earned him his Seun believes that the speed projects and initiatives. with which we have seen society greater clarity on, and simplicity nickname and made him a well-known pundit. of, planning controls and policy. The practice has recently created transition into near full-time home and launched the Architects’ working will definitely bring forward Developers are also beginning to respond to a need for better App which has been successfully a sustainable housing revolution over downloaded by over 1,500 industry the coming years. designed, sustainable buildings and places. professionals and Seun hopes it 1. Which year were Leeds United 6. Who took over from Brian McDermott He said: “From here onwards we will develop into a key industry formed? (1919/1920/1921) as Head Coach in June 2014? (Darko believe residents will demand Seun, who studied architecture at resource for all architects. Over Newcastle University, established Milanic/Steve Evans/Dave Hockaday) better insulated homes, sustainable the next few years he also wants 2. Who did we beat to win the FA Cup power, heating and cooling systems his London-based practice, Gbolade to see GDS develop projects which in 1972? (Liverpool/Arsenal/Chelsea) 7. Where did we sign and more Electric Vehicle (EV) Design Studio (GDS), with his wife push the boundaries of high-quality connection points around their Tara in 2016. Since then it has been sustainable homes. from? (Nottingham Forest/Norwich/ 3. Who did we beat to clinch vicinities, as well as dedicated office steadily growing and they now Middlesbrough) employ a small team of five working He said: “We believe architects can space within the home or garden. influence society more than just promotion to the top flight in alongside them. season 1989/90? (Newcastle 8. Who scored our first goal of the “The focus over the last six months through the design and construction has begun to shift more towards At GDS, the practice is currently of buildings, but through how we Middlesbrough/Bournemouth) 2019/20 season? (Jack Harrison/ place, rather than just buildings as working on a number of planning create and shape places so that Pablo Hernandez/) applications for residential schemes, 4. Who beat us in the Coca Cola Cup the pandemic has brought to light they encourage healthy lifestyles, the public’s desire to have more local including one in Littlehampton plus a communities and economically final of 1996? (Manchester United/ 9. Who wears number 43 for Leeds? outdoor spaces to play, relax and Victorian office block-to-residential active environments.” Aston Villa/Newcastle) (/Mateusz Bogusz/ Mateusz Klich) 5. Who scored the winning goal in our 1-0 win over AC Milan at Elland 10. Who scored the winning goal in the Artist’s impression of the Road in the year 2000? (Alan Smith/ Nou Camp v Stuttgart in 1992? (Gary Littlehampton project

Dominic Matteo/Lee Bowyer) McAllister/Carl Shutt/Lee Chapman) Photo: Varley Picture Agency

Andrew Dalton (OL03) has supported Leeds Leeds United, the Official History. Andrew United from the early 1990s right through to can also be found on Twitter at @lufcstats the present day and has written three books where he constantly tweets stats about on the football club. The most recent is titled Leeds United.

QUIZ ANSWERS

Carl Shutt Carl 10. Hernandez Pablo 8. Hockaday Dave 6. Villa Aston 4. Arsenal 2.

Klich Mateusz 9. Middlesbrough 7. Bowyer Lee 5. Bournemouth 3. 1919 1.

20 2121 Laura shares her passion for engineering Josh serves ’s heritage on a plate

Young women interested in a career as industry, organised through the EDT, Josh Whitehead (GSAL09) is young age and arranging his own an engineer need look no further for working for a civil engineering making a name for himself as one work experience in Michelin-starred inspiration than Laura Hoang (OG08). company. of the north’s most talented and kitchens to gain as much experience Laura, a programme integration “I got to see engineering as a viable creative chefs. as possible. engineer with BAE Systems, is carving career there. I had designed a car part At just 29, he has worked in Prior to his current position, Josh a career in the aerospace industry while during the year, which was then built. It Michelin-starred kitchens up was sous chef at Ox Club restaurant also promoting her passion for her work was great to see something that I had and down the country, was a in Leeds while working on events to young people around the country, mocked up, my design, taking shape.” semi-finalist on Masterchef: The with Harewood on the side. He then particularly girls and ethnic minorities. Laura then went on to study systems Professionals and is now executive spent three months travelling in As such, she gives talks at schools and engineering at Loughborough Universi- chef at the inspiring Harewood Asia before returned to his dream colleges and attends science festivals ty, during which time she was offered a Food and Drink Project. job at Harewood. and air shows, sometimes speaking summer placement with BAE Systems, His job at Harewood is all- To top it all, this year he was from her own perspective and, at confirming her interest in a career in encompassing. He manages food recognised by his peers in the other times, on behalf of BAE Systems aerospace. production on the estate, which North of England when he was or as an ambassador for the Royal After university, she joined their involves running three cafes, a named Best Chef 2020 at the Aeronautical Society. graduate scheme, experiencing a large events programme, a delivery Yorkshire Evening Post Oliver Food service, two walled gardens, plus And she is keen to explode myths wide variety of placements within and Drink Awards. which have grown up around the company. overseeing all livestock and game. He said: “That was a career highlight engineering. He said: “My role is to control and She is now keen to promote engineer- for me. I was the youngest nominee She said: “People don’t understand ing to women and ethnic minorities, deliver what ends up on the plate, be that the feed cycle and growth Josh Whitehead and the only one who does not what it is to be an engineer. I don’t neither of whom have been well have, or work in, a permanent get my hands dirty and it’s not all represented in the industry. of cattle and sheep, the processing Laura Hoang He said: “I realised that I wanted restaurant. To be awarded it in a about wearing hard hats and safety of our game animals, planning what Laura said: “It is getting better. One to be a chef when I was about 13 room full of industry professionals boots – although I do sometimes. fruit and vegetables to grow and However at about 16, conversations of my pet peeves though, is when harvest and how and when we serve or 14. I remember being in food and my peers was an honour.” with her physics teachers Dr Motashar “When I give a talk, I turn up wearing people say that it is a male-dominated all of this. technology, convinced I was the So where does he see himself in a dress and high heels, with my nails and Mr Rogerson about engineering industry because that scares people next Gordon Ramsay, despite “Foraging is a big part of what five years? manicured. I say to them this is how I as a career for women sparked her away. We are more represented if we making a risotto with basmati rice interest. we do. We have 4,500 acres of “I’m certain I will still be at look when I go to work and I certainly are visible.” and subsequently undercooking it!” completely natural land to explore Harewood. In terms of future plans don’t want to ruin my manicure or About eight girls in her year inter- Looking to the future, Laura is aiming with a plethora of wild ingredients. Undeterred by this early kitchen for Harewood, the ultimate goal break a heel!” viewed for a place on the Engineering to become a chartered engineer. These are important to our experience, he trained as a chef at would be a permanent restaurant, Laura, who has a background in Education Scheme, run by the She said: “I’m never bored in my job repertoire because I feel they give a Thomas Danby College in Leeds. training system design and cockpit Engineering Development Trust (EDT). however the way the business has but I do need to be challenged. true ‘taste of Harewood’.” He was hugely ambitious and, by design for military aircraft, is open grown in the two and a half years Laura said: “It was there that I Engineering is really dynamic and Josh was first inspired to cook at his own admission, much of his since I joined has been phenomenal, about the fact that she fell into en- discovered that engineering was using changing faster now than it did, gineering almost by accident. Being school, although he admits that the training was gained ‘on the front so it is exciting to see where it science to solve problems and I was say, 20 years ago. I have been really initial results left a bit to be desired. line’, working in restaurants from a takes us.” good at science and maths, it was fascinated by it.” fortunate and am looking forward expected that she might go on to to going where the job takes me.” study medicine or pharmacology. After A-levels she took a year out in

Laura dressed in pilot equipment for a cockpit design session Photo: Chef Works

22 23 By Royal News appointment: Empowered women Minhaz is aim to inspire others charity CEO as GSAL launches at just 22 Women in Leadership

Fifty of the school’s top ‘old girls’ The launch of the initiative was have joined forces with GSAL to hosted by Nicola Elliott (OG93), Minhaz Abedin, pioneer a new career networking founder of NEOM Organics, at her CEO of Future Talent hub, Women in Leadership (WiL), Leeds-based store in Victoria Gate. which is designed to improve As well as Nicola Elliott, the first gender diversity in the workplace. ambassadors to be signed up From cutting edge medics to includes Katie White (OG99), climate campaigner; Nicolette Less than a year after graduating fast growth businesswomen, Jones, (OG77) children’s author, from university, Minhaz Abedin environment pioneers and creative journalist and Sunday Times (GSAL16) has landed the top job gurus, the women have smashed children’s book reviewer; Ellissa at Future Talent, a charity which through glass ceilings all over Baskind, (OG96) consultant supports gifted young musicians the country from their roots as gynaecologist and sub-specialist from low-income backgrounds. schoolgirls at LGHS and GSAL. in reproductive medicine; Zoe Hudson (OG84) leading sports At just 22, Minhaz is the youngest These ambassadors will inspire CEO of any of the hundreds of the next generation of leaders physiotherapist and polar explorer; Nikita and Amraj and Kathryn Cearns (OG82) charities associated with the from GSAL by visiting for talks, celebrate their chartered accountant, now a self- Royal Family. hosting informal lunches for one engagement at GSAL employed consultant, specialising Although by his own admission he to one chats and facilitating work in advising and writing on financial ‘was not born with a musical gift’, experience for both existing reporting, auditing, company law Minhaz was surrounded by music students and alumnae. and corporate governance. growing up. He saw how it could bring people together from all backgrounds when his parents hosted concerts in his local community. Amraj goes back to school Minhaz said: “I’ve seen first-hand how young people from deprived backgrounds struggle to access support to help them fulfil their and pops the question destinies. “By leading Future Talent, I will be able to reach into communities When Amraj Badesha However, there was some meticulous Thankfully, Nikita was only too happy across the nation to offer financial planning going on behind the scenes. to say yes! suggested to his Amraj had been in touch with and developmental support to the Amraj and Nikita are now living the GSAL alumni team to ask for gifted young musicians who need girlfriend Nikita Patel back in Leeds. Amraj is working as support in engineering a pause in the it most. That is how we’ll make a that they pay a visit a quantity surveyor and Nikita is a proceedings for a marriage proposal. lasting impact, by allowing to their old school, junior doctor. passionate young people to access Walking around the school with Amraj said: “School is where we equal opportunities for success.” she had no reason to former teachers James Veitch and met so it will always be special to us. Georgie Dee, the pair stopped under Minhaz, who studied politics and suspect that wedding I’m so happy that we started a new the porte cochère, where Amraj international relations at Lancaster bells were in the air. chapter of our lives where it all began. dropped onto one knee and asked University, now lives in London but Good friends through all the years. Both are GSAL alumni, from the Nikita to be his wife. As well as a has not forgotten his roots. Starting Long may it continue.” with the opening of a new office in class of 2014, so taking the diamond ring, he presented her with the north of England and working opportunity to revisit the places a copy of GSAL Life, into which he Pictured at the launch event are (L-R): Neom Organics closely with local arts organisations they spent their schooldays and had pasted photos of them together founder Nicola Elliott, Farah Ahmad (GSAL16), and schools, he aims within three catch up with some former teachers and the words “Nikita, will you Jade Felber (GSAL13) and Sophie Winter (GSAL16) years to double the number of young seemed perfectly natural. marry me?” musicians supported by Future Talent. 24 25 Singer Lucy-Anne Jill is honoured for services in BBC Young Jazz to athletics Jill Wright (née Flockton OG55) has been awarded the British Empire Medal for voluntary competition services to athletics.

Lucy-Anne Daniels (GSAL20) sang roles in the annual We Will Rock Jill, who has spent a lifetime “However, I never lost my love for the her way into this year’s semi-finals You production. promoting the sport, received her sport and have always been involved award from the Lord Lieutenant of in my spare time.” of the BBC Young Jazz Musician Outside of school, she was a Berkshire at a ceremony in Reading She studied at Chelsea College of of the Year. member of the National Youth She has tirelessly promoted track Physical Education, and combined The versatile young singer Jazz Orchestra (NYJO) and was and field sports in Berkshire, where teaching PE for 14 years and being narrowly missed a place in the final involved in the Leeds jazz scene. she has lived for many years, and a deputy head for another 15 years, of the competition which aims to She was a vocalist for the Leeds made a name for herself nationally as with her voluntary work in athletics. celebrate the wealth of talent in Youth Jazz and Rock Orchestra, a field judge. As her involvement in athletics grew, the UK jazz scene and to showcase performing with them at Leeds Jill first became interested in athletics she decided to take early retirement it on BBC television. Town Hall and the Festival, through her father and her brother 31 years ago and dedicate her time and still holds the vocal chair Lucy-Anne, who left GSAL this Ken, a pupil at LGS. Both were to the promotion of the sport. By this summer to study at the Royal in NYJO. talented athletes and inspired her time she was a field judge and, as Birmingham Conservatoire, was a Her interest in jazz singing was to take up the sport. well as managing school and athletics regular performer at many school inspired by hearing Ella Fitzgerald clubs in Berkshire, she also travelled She admits that there were not the country to officiate at events at music and drama events, including sing Someone to Watch Over Me. a lot of opportunities to become a national level. jazz evenings, formal occasions, Lucy-Anne is certainly one to involved in athletics at LGHS at that concerts and competitions. Earlier watch out for in the future. time however, she joined the former During her athletics career she has been president of the Berkshire Lucy-Anne Daniels this year, she took one of the lead Leeds Women Athletic Club, now part of Leeds City AC, and was also Schools Athletics Association and picked for the Yorkshire schools team the Berkshire County Athletics to compete in the English Schools Association. Championships in 1955. Today she is still heavily involved She said: “I was an OK athlete, never with the sport, including the English as good as my brother, and when Schools’ Athletic Association. Events update…events update… Jill is pictured receiving her award from I left school I decided to train as a PE teacher. the Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire Due to the COVID-19 pandemic we have had to postpone a number of events and reunions which were planned for 2020. We hope to reschedule them in 2021 and will update our website, www.gsal.org.uk/events when new dates have been confirmed. Golfer Kirsty awarded US scholarship Weekend of celebrations Golfer Kirsty Beckwith (GSAL15) has been awarded the SEPT 2020 Insurance Office of America scholarship to continue planned for 100 years 2021 her postgraduate studies in the USA. Kirsty, who studies at the University so the SoCon scholarship will help of Tennessee in Chattanooga, was her to complete her MBA degree. of scouting at school one of 10 Southern Conference She said: “I would like to express my student-athletes who were awarded thanks to the Southern Conference The year 2021 is the centenary entertainment and an overnight postgraduate scholarships in for recognizing my academic and of scouting at LGS and GSAL. camp. Go to www.gsal.org.uk/ recognition of their academic and athletic successes and honouring me To celebrate, GSAL is hosting events to register. athletic success. with the SoCon Graduate Scholarship a weekend of activities at She completed her bachelor’s degree Award.” Also, if you have any photos or in psychology in May 2019 before Alwoodley Gates from Friday memorabilia to share with us The recipients are nominated by their beginning work on an MBA in 2020 schools and selected by the Southern September 17 to Sunday please email them to alumni@ while representing her university September 19. Conference Graduate Scholar gsal.org.uk. And if anyone can in golf competitions as part of the Committee. The student-athletes are Scouting alumni are invited to identify the year of this photo Chattanooga Mocs. evaluated on academics, athletics join scouts and leaders from (we think sometime in the 1950s), As an international student, Kirsty is and community service. GSAL for three days of events, please let us know! not eligible to apply for student loans, including hikes, a barbecue, Kirsty Beckwith 26 27 Reflections Fond farewells

Ian Ritchie: My life in sport family and friends, many of whom were alumni of Alan Torevell 1951. It was during this time that he met his future LGS and LGHS. 1937-2020 wife Stella. After graduating in 1952, Jim took a commission Ian Ritchie (OL72) has had a passion Ian attended LGS from 1962-72 and In 2005 he turned his lifelong love of Alan Torevell, a former head of economics at in the RAF, moving to RAF Locking in Somerset, for sport ever since he kicked his remembers his time there fondly. sport into a career when he joined Leeds Grammar School, who went on to become Anne Newman, where he was joined by the new Mrs Collard. In his first rugby ball as a youngster at LGS Although an academic school where the AELTC at Wimbledon, as chief a pioneering businessman, has died after a née Taylor (OG52) three years in the RAF he further developed his Junior School. pupils were aware that they were executive. During his seven years short illness. 1933-2019 playing skills, representing Durham and Somerset expected to shine, he said, there was a there, he saw the installation of the Alan worked at LGS from 1962 until 1969 and was Counties, both as captain, as well as the RAF But he never imagined that his love for Following her education at LGHS, Anne went lot of sport. also an education specialist at the London Stock and Combined Services. During this time Jim both rugby and tennis would lead him multi-million pound roof over centre to Bristol University to read zoology. She Exchange before he set up one of the North- had further England trials and was twice more “Sport mixed with academic studies court and the creation of two new became a teacher and taught at Colstons, an to two of the most coveted jobs in the West’s first independent financial advisory firms. selected as reserve for the national side. is very important,” he said, “It helps show courts. independent school in Bristol, before marrying world of sport. The firm grew steadily and in the late 1980s was After his RAF service, Jim took a position at to broaden your character and taken over by a London-based merchant bank David Newman, who was also a teacher. In 2012 he received a call about taking Leeds Grammar School, where he remained until For, after years building an impressive personality and also being part of a and renamed Torevell Mahon Granville (TMG). For a number of years the couple taught in over as chief executive of the RFU, his retirement in 1991. career in television, Ian changed Alan, a keen Burnley FC and Lancashire Cricket prep schools, eventually owning one in . school sports team is good socially. In addition to his responsibilities as form master direction in his 50s when he was where in five years, he oversaw six Club fan, remained managing director of the Following that they moved to Lancashire when There is a great camaraderie with your and physics teacher, Jim contributed significantly grand slams and successive titles for firm and became a director of Granville and its David trained to be a Baptist minister. He appointed chief executive of the All team mates.” to the school as rugby master, house master subsidiary Granville Bank. served two churches there before they retired England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC), the men’s team as well as a World Cup (Ermystead) and Sixth Form master. Ian started playing rugby while still At the age of 60, he left TMG and launched a new to Daventry to be nearer their two sons. David based at Wimbledon, followed by his title for the women’s team in 2014. Outside school he continued his devotion to at Junior School, giving it up at 15 to company, Dewhurst Torevell, and was joined in the died four years ago, by which time Anne was appointment as head of the rugby He appointed Eddie Jones as coach/ in a care home in Daventry. However, every Rugby Union, regularly playing for Headingley concentrate on cricket and tennis in business by his son, Martyn. union governing body, the RFU. England manager in 2015. week until her death in December 2019, she whilst still captaining Durham County, although Now known as Torevell & Partners, the firm Senior School. was visited by fellow OG Joyce Wainwright that England cap continued to elude him. In 1962, continues to thrive and currently manages around Now retired, and a non-executive Sport still plays a huge part in his life (née Barritt), who lives close by. perhaps marking the end of his international After LGS, he studied law at Oxford £500m of client assets from its headquarters in director of Premiership Rugby and the and he is keen to promote its all-round aspirations, he was invited to tour South Wales and was called to the Bar. He Manchester. Ryder Cup, Ian still can’t believe his benefits to young people. as a Barbarian. practised for about 18 months in Alan stepped away from giving advice a number luck at having worked in sport. David Schofield (OL66) Recognising his playing career had peaked, of years ago but remained actively involved in London before taking a job with the He said: “Sport is so important for Jim directed his skills and experience to the Torevell & Partners until the end as its non- 1949-2020 He said: “Sometimes I still feel like a Engineering Employers Federation children in terms of helping to tackle betterment of the game from the other side executive chairman. David died in St James’s Hospital, Leeds, after a schoolboy. Standing at Wimbledon or of the touchline. He helped develop coaching in Thorner. He then joined Granada obesity, building fitness and helping prolonged struggle from the effects of cancer. going to watch rugby all over Television’s management training As a youngster, he studied at Bacup and practice for England RFU, both at home and mental health. As well as these He attended LGS from 1960 to 1966 and achieved the world is amazing. I certainly didn’t Rawtenstall Grammar School where he met abroad, during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s. scheme, later working for Yorkshire- full school colours for swimming. He was a keen benefits though, it also helps develop his wife, Barbara, and established a number From 1970 until 1996 he was an active member plan this at 17, but you have to take Tyne Tees, Central and Carlton, before sportsman and took part in many other sporting social skills - and it can open doors!” of friendships that would last a lifetime. of county and national committees, working the opportunities that becoming the first chief executive of activities. After school he worked in public health Alan, who died in May aged 83, supported tirelessly to support the development of rugby and for the Coal Board for a short period, before come your way.” Channel 5. national organisations such as the Duke of in England, particularly schools rugby. He was becoming a police officer for 30 years. Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and was a holder a full committee member of Yorkshire RFU of its diamond award. Last year David contacted Memento about throughout this period, serving as president in his experiences at school and his long lasting 1982-83 season, and from 1976 onwards served friendship with fellow OLs Bob Bradbury and Mike England Rugby Football Schools Union in a Ann Hopper (OG54) Stephenson, becoming the subject of a full-page range of capacities, including ‘18 Group’ chairman 1938-2019 feature (see Memento, Issue 07, autumn 2019). (1989-91). Ann started at LGHS in Rose Court where she As a devoted family man he was married to Helen Jim also had the distinction of being the longest made friends, many of whom were part of her for 49 years. He is survived by Helen and their two serving president of the Leodiensian RUFC, from friendship group throughout her life. sons Richard and Martin, who shared his passion 1983 -2010, having played for them in the twilight for motorcycling, He also leaves behind six grand of his rugby career. On leaving school, she studied at the North of children. England Secretarial College, followed by work in When Stella was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in various secretarial positions. In 1963 she made 2007, Jim took on the role of carer, moving to the decision to try her luck in America, having Jim Collard Howden in 2014 to be nearer their family. Stella a good contact in Sheena Devine, the adopted died in 2017. Ian Ritchie (right) 1931-2020 pictured with Eddie daughter of LGHS teacher Miss Frewer, working Jim had a full and fulfilling life, devoting enormous “Jim Collard was and always will be remembered Jones at GSAL in New York for the magazine National Revue. energy, and not inconsiderable talent, to the things When she made a move to Washington she found as a fantastic coach, a great teacher and a he loved; rugby, school and family. His children work on a Catholic magazine and, when Pope thoroughly lovely man”, a sentiment echoed Bruce, Peter and Clare survive him, along with Paul V1, visited the USA she was involved in the throughout the many eulogies received following eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. typing of some of his speeches. his death at the age of 89. Ann had always wanted to be a teacher and in Jim was born in Horden, County Durham, the America the opportunity came along for her to third son of a former professional footballer take a Montessori course, after which she enjoyed turned coal miner. With his older brothers Jack several years working in primary education in and Doug both being keen sportsmen, it was Virginia, USA. perhaps inevitable that Jim would develop a She returned home in 1982 to marry OL Michael talent for sport. Originally an accomplished Hopper whom she had known from her teenage footballer, he discovered a talent for rugby at years, settling in the Adel area. She found work Henry Smith School, Hartlepool, representing his at St James Hospital, became involved with Adel school and Durham Schools County side. Church, particularly with Sunday School carrying Whilst studying physics at Durham University St on her love of working with young children. Cuthbert’s College, Jim developed his rugby skills, In 2016 Michael suffered a stroke and for three playing for West Hartlepool RUFC (often with all three Collard brothers in the side) as well as Jim Collard meets England rugby coach years until her death, Ann devoted herself to Eddie Jones at GSAL. Pictured are (L-R): representing Durham Colleges, Durham County, caring for him. She died in a car crash and Simon Knowles, head of geography; Michael died of a heart attack 10 weeks later. the North East Counties and the England UAU, Ian Ritchie (OL72); John Mackenzie, head of culminating in selection as reserve for England in rugby; Jim Collard and Eddie Jones Her funeral at Adel Church was well attended by 28 29 In the early 1940s, June joined the WRAF and Richard leaves a wife Frieda and a son Antony; Patricia (Patti) Bygate Professor Monty Losowsky He was a tall, imposing, figure with fair hair Elizabeth (Liz) Carr was posted in RAF Uxbridge, working in the sadly his daughter Kerstin Helen pre-deceased him. rather longer than was held to be regulation 1932-2020 (OG74) Fighter Command Operations Room. One of her A warm, kind man, who was a good friend, often (OG66) school length: this along with his enthusiasm colleagues was the actor Rex Harrison and, on her recalling family stories and spending his spare 1949-2020 Professor Monty Losowsky was a governor of for his treasured Lambretta, perhaps resulted in 1956-2020 first day there, she met Winston Churchill, who Leeds Grammar School for many years, including him being viewed as an unconventional scholar. time, reading, skiing and playing the piano. On leaving Leeds Girls’ High School in 1966 After a two-year struggle with primary peritoneal was a regular visitor to RAF Uxbridge. during the period of the merger with Leeds Girls’ Whilst in the 5th form he became the de facto With his wife Frieda, he visited family; brothers, Patti had earned a place at Bradford Art College cancer, Liz sadly passed away aged 64 High School to form The Grammar School leader of the (unofficial) School Scooter Club June met her husband, Tom Jeffery, whilst Tim and Roger, back in the UK and relatives in but that October her life changed in a horrific at Leeds. – indeed his crash helmet (skid lid) bore the Liz started at Rose Court in 1961, aged five. At volunteering at the RAF squadron training centre Germany. car accident. After two months in a coma, she soubriquet “CHIEF”. Despite this, his manner school, Liz won an elusive deportment badge! and they married in 1944 and lived in Gledhow. eventually gained a reasonable level of mobility He was a highly esteemed medical doctor and was quiet and unassuming. She enjoyed swimming, but in hockey lessons, After her two children, Andrew and Christine, despite complete left-side paralysis. administrator at St James’s Hospital where he propped up the goal posts hoping any action played a major role in its development as a After A-levels, Steve studied architecture at were born she became a full time mother. Marjorie Parsons, In 1974, Patti flew to South Africa to stay would be at the opposite end of the pitch! Her leading teaching hospital. Leeds College of Art and entered the world of Christine was also educated at Leeds Girls’ with relatives, but was never able to secure intricate doodles done during lessons were planning and building control. In 1978 he married High School. née Aldred (OG38) employment even after rehabilitation. He was the child of two undocumented Jewish perhaps an early sign of her creativity. 1920-2020 immigrants and was brought up in the East End Jane, to whom he remained happily married. In June was a proud member of the Leeds Her art interest resurfaced through voluntary Liz went onto Leicester Polytechnic to study of London by his widowed mother. He vividly 1985 he took a job as senior building and civil institution, Barr & Wallace Arnold Trust. Andrew Dr Marjorie Parsons (née Aldred) passed away support of Pool-in- Pre-School where social policy and public administration, graduating remembered - the very first doodlebug engineering officer at RAF Leeming in North and Christine, from an early age were encouraged on June 25 2020, just five days short of her for some 20 years she was most fulfilled with a in 1977. She moved to London where she lived (V2) bomb landed at the end of his street as he Yorkshire, moving to the village of Harmby, near to count the number of Wallace Arnold coaches 100th birthday. real purpose in life, and was truly happy. in a squat, worked as a chambermaid, did hid with his mother and sister in a shelter nearby. Leyburn. He later worked for seen traveling the roads. She attended Leeds Girls’ High School from volunteering with the homeless and studied When her father died in 1997, Patti and her As a result of being an evacuee, he attended 14 County Council as senior building control officer, June was an active member of the United Reform 1932-1938 and matriculated in physics, chemistry for a CQC in social work at North East London mother moved to Otley. She moved into a different schools during the six years of WW2, retiring in 2016. Church. She gave a great deal of her time to and biology before being one of very few women Polytechnic. She started her social work career retirement apartment in in 2011 after yet he managed not only to go to university, but In Wensleydale Steve again became involved others, helping with the church, collecting for in her year to gain a place at medical school in Shropshire. In 1986 she moved back to Leeds her mother’s death. to become one of the most successful doctors in the local arts community and was an active charities and visiting the sick. She also did at the . She completed her and worked for Headingley Social Services before Her mobility gradually deteriorated leading to and administrators in the north of England. member of the amateur dramatic society, noted charity work for the NSPCC and supported St training during World War II, working as a junior moving onto North Yorkshire County Council. Liz care home admission earlier this year, but her for his performances of pantomime dames, and Gemma’s Hospice. doctor at Scarborough Hospital and Pinderfields He attended the University of Leeds, studying worked closely with vulnerable children and their painting resumed after a break of some 12 years. medicine. He worked at Harvard and in Paris his undiminished sense of humour. June and Tom were a devoted couple and had in Wakefield. After she qualified, she worked for families; a challenging job with difficult decisions However, a chest infection led to hospitalisation and, after returning from a year teaching and 57 years of happy marriage until Tom passed Cancer Research, before specialising in obstetrics to make to ensure children remained safe. in May from which she never recovered. researching at Harvard in the 1960s, he was sent away in 2001. June became fiercely independent and gynaecology in Leeds, retiring in 1989. In her spare time, Liz loved worldwide travel and Her brother Pete said of Patti: “These are a few by Leeds University to St James’s Hospital, to and continued to live on her own until a number Marjorie was without doubt a trailblazer, a woman summer music festivals. She was an accomplished recollections of a life, so full of hope and promise, investigate turning it into a teaching hospital. Peter Sleight (OL47) of falls made her too vulnerable, so she decided ahead of her time. She led a full and active life and photographer, a serious dolls house collector and utterly shattered, and of someone who never Under his supervision as the university liaison, it to move to Gledhow Care home where she lived independently until the age of 95, when she 1929-2020 enjoyed history, politics and world affairs. Latterly self-pitied, or complained, and who showed became the largest teaching hospital in Europe, received support for her dementia. moved into a care home in Headingley. She was Professor Peter Sleight was an academic she was an active Labour Party member and re- unfailing humility. She had every reason to be and the subject of the long-running TV series, a keen golfer and bridge player, and an excellent clinician whose discovery that aspirin could be engaged with theatre, music and walking. exactly the opposite.“ Jimmy’s, in which he occasionally appeared. pianist. She retained fond memories of her school used to treat heart attacks has saved countless Throughout her life she kept in touch with her John Richard Aspland days at LGHS until the end of her life. She had Monty was a Fellow of the Royal College of lives worldwide great friends from LGHS, Philippa Bairstow (née Physicians, a member of the General Medical a mischievous side, recalling sneaking out to let The huge, randomised clinical trials which he Simpson), Jane Dent, Beverley Drake and Debbie (OL54) Council, the Dean of Medicine and Dentistry down the bike tyres of one her least favourite undertook in the 1980s, and which transformed Hey and, in 2016, they enjoyed a holiday together 1936-2019 Sarah Jill Harrison, at Leeds University, the president of the teachers. She also volunteered as a fire warden cardiovascular care, are now the model for other in Venice to mark their 60th birthdays. British Society of Gastroenterology, and John Richard Aspland (PhD.,MSc.,C.Col.FSDC., at LGHS during the war. However, she probably née Dawson (OG71) groundbreaking studies, including the one which chairman of both the British Liver Trust and In summer 2018, Liz was diagnosed with terminal C.Text.FTI) died at his home in Clemson South spent more time in the school’s swimming pool found that dexamethasone reduces deaths in 1955-2019 the Coeliac Society. cancer. She was given one year to live with no Carolina U.S.A., after a few weeks of rapidly and playing the grand piano than watching out ventilated COVID-19 patients by up to a third. Sarah attended Leeds Girls’ High School from further foreign travel but Liz was a ‘can do’ declining health. His obituary in his own words for fires! Among his many achievements was research September 1966 until 1971, where she was an Peter Sleight was born in Hull in 1929 to William person. In 2019, she went on seven European is short: Marjorie married Frank Parsons, the kidney that proved essential to the discovery of blood active member of the school family and always and Mary Sleight and had a brother, Malcolm, holidays and numerous short UK breaks. She “I was born in Yorkshire in 1936. I lived to work, and pioneer, in 1944 and they had three daughters, factor XIII. He was also instrumental in the spoke fondly of her time at school. and sister, Eileen, who both predeceased him. continued to attend marches and protests across I worked to live. I died in South Carolina aged 82.” Ruth, Shirley and Judy, who all also attended founding of one of the world’s first patient-run the country, defending human rights and standing An all-round sportswoman, Sarah played in the advocacy groups, the Coeliac Society (later He was educated at Leeds Grammar School, Richard attended Crossgates Primary School LGHS. Frank died in 1989, and Ruth in 2005, up for vulnerable people. school hockey, netball and tennis teams. She Coeliac UK), and co-founded the Thackray Gonville and Caius College Cambridge and St before joining Leeds Grammar School. He both of cancer. Marjorie had eight grandchildren particularly loved tennis and continued to play Medical Museum in Leeds, becoming its Bartholomew’s Hospital Medical School. She leaves behind husband Paul, daughter Sian, represented the school at rugby, was a member of and ten great grandchildren, whom she loved socially throughout her life, stopping only when executive chairman and then life president. He started his career in London at Bart’s and son Callum, sister Gill (OG77) and brother the cadets and held the National Schools Athletics dearly. illness made it impossible. Sarah was particularly St George’s and continued at the University Doug (OL69). record in 110 yard hurdles. After LGS, Richard Marjorie’s family has set up a JustGiving page Monty married Barbara Malkin, of Malkin’s good at languages and was one of the few of California, San Francisco, before moving studied colour chemistry at Leeds University for Médécins Sans Frontières in her memory: Bakery, in 1971 and they had two children, students in school to study Russian up to O-level. to Oxford in 1964 as a consultant first at the gaining his BSc and MSc before attending the www.justgiving.com/fundraising/shirley-roebuck1 Kate and Andrew. Kate was a pupil at LGHS She enjoyed drama and singing, taking part in Radcliffe Infirmary and then the John Radcliffe Textile Institute at Princeton, USA. (OG89) and Andrew at LGS (OL96). form plays and the choir. Hospital from 1966. In 1957 he received a first prize from the City Sarah studied law at Leeds University and, Professor Sleight became a Fellow of Exeter and Guilds of London Institute and in 1969 was although she never practised as a solicitor, her Steve Digby (OL71) College in 1973 when he was appointed as the awarded Fellowship of the Society of Dyers knowledge of the law proved useful in her career first holder to the university’s British Heart and Colourists. He gained his PhD in 1964, from 1952-2019 in public relations, living in Athens, London and Foundation Field Marshal Alexander Chair of the University of Manchester. From 1961 to 1966 Steve Digby died suddenly on Saturday 14 Germany. Sarah married John, a maxillo-facial Cardiovascular Medicine. Richard taught at UMIST, as a lecturer in polymer December 2019, on the eve of his 67th birthday. specialist, in 1981, moving to Cheltenham when he He was the author of many textbooks on and fibre science. He was an examiner for the Steve joined LGS in autumn 1964, joining 2T became a consultant. After spending time raising cardiology, and received numerous awards, Society of Dyers and Colourists and a frequent under the avuncular Norman (Fritz) Turner, and her young children, she worked in a wide-ranging including the Society of Apothecaries’ Galen guest lecturer at Salford College. quickly established himself as a respected and management position in a prep-school, a role Medal (2000), the Mackenzie Medal from the In order to apply his extensive theoretical learning popular member of the form. she loved. British Cardiovascular Society (2003) and the to practical matters, Richard went to the USA She was involved in her church community, During his time at school, Steve’s interests lay lifetime achievement award from the European Elizabeth (Liz) Carr and worked in the textile industry for 16 years and acting as the secretary of the Parochial Church mainly in arts and music and he helped write Society of Hypertension (2005). undertook consulting work throughout the world. the libretto for the school opera – John Pettit’s Council including clerk to the choir and was a He met his wife Gillian at Bart’s medical school In 1986 he was invited to join the Department production of The Pirates of Penzance. volunteer at a local Christmas homeless shelter. in 1950 and they were married three years later. of Material Science and Engineering at Clemson Despite being a busy woman, Sarah always Steve was fond of contemporary and ground June Jeffery, née Barr He is survived by Gillian, his two sons, University, South Carolina, and upon retirement in valued time spent with her family and was breaking humour such as I’m Sorry, I’ll Read Christopher and James, and four grandchildren, (OG42) 2006, he was awarded Professor Emeritus status. delighted when she became a grandma. That Again; Rowan and Martin’s Laugh In; Jonathan, Richard, Harriet and Robert. 1924- 2019 Richard received the highest recognition from Monty Python; and its predecessor, At Last, June Margaret Barr was born near the Headingley the American Association of Textile Chemists and The 1948 Show (the original home of The Four cricket ground, an only child and proud of her Colourists, the Louis Atwell Olney Medal. His text Yorkshiremen sketch). Scottish heritage. ‘Textile Dyeing and Colouration’ is used worldwide His sense of humour was never far from the In 1932, at the age of seven, June was chosen to by both professionals and students. fore and, as a member of the school CCF, he present a bouquet of flowers to Mary, Princess His students were ever his main priority and remembered long after leaving, being ‘shot’ Royal, at the official opening of the Paramount intellectual integrity and ethical conduct were his during an exercise in Thetford Forest, causing, (now the Odeon) Theatre. This was a proud leading principles in life. Family and friends loved he said, a nervous twitch whenever he returned moment in her childhood. him, and adversaries and colleagues respected him. Marjorie Parsons to the vicinity. 30 31 Make your mark. Your legacy. Their future. Inspiration, mentor, benefactor, friend - what will your mark on GSAL be?

Gifts and legacies play a crucial role in helping talented pupils who don’t have the financial means, to access a grammar school education. By including a gift to The (GSAL) in your will you will help us nurture the next generation and encourage them to make their mark on the world.

To find out more about how you can ensure that a grammar school education is open to more talented young people, please get in touch. Visit www.gsal.org.uk/alumni/legacies or contact us on 0113 228 5114 | [email protected]

Thank you for making your mark on your school and on future generations of pupils.

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