Old-Pocklingtonian-2009.Pdf
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cover.pdf 21/7/09 17:34:26 C M Y CM MY CY CMY K The Old Pocklingtonian Note from From the Headmaster’s Desk Fiona and I have enjoyed all the OP events that we have the Editors attended: London, Newcastle, Malton, Leeds, Oxford, Cambridge and the Summer Reunion here at school. We have particularly benefited from the opportunity to listen to the reflections of Pocklingtonians from across the years. As we move forward to our 500th anniversary celebrations in 2014, I was recently contacted by a lady from Canada in response to our first Pocklington 500 newsletter. She wrote that her husband, Jack Rowbotham (1944-51), who had died a few years ago in Ottawa always had fond memories of his school days at Pocklington and wrote about them for his sons and grandsons. The final part of his memoirs reflects both the challenging experiences that our former pupils have encountered whilst highlighting There have been a number of changes in the OP Dear Old Pocklingtonians, those from which they benefited: Office over the last 12 months starting with David’s semi-retirement in May last year and my appointment It has long been thought that the original statutes “Not so funny was the Headmaster at morning as the new OP Liaison Officer. I am pleased to say for the school had disappeared. The two Victorian assembly reading out the names of former pupils that after a short break David is now back in the OP historians of the school, Leadman and Leach, killed in the war. Towards the end there were a few Office for 2-3 days a month and has been instrumental both categorically said so. However, a copy of this I had known. The reading of the names was always in putting together this magazine. We hope there are invaluable early record of the school did in fact exist, followed by that moving verse from Laurence Binyon many features and news items of interest to you and in Cambridge, in the archives of St John’s College. which commences ‘They shall not grow old as we that that you enjoy reading it. I have written previously that to have the opportunity are left grow old …’. Do please keep sending in your news and photos to be the Headmaster of Pocklington is a privilege and In the spring of 1945 it was obvious that the war for the next issue of the Old Pocklingtonian and of the following extracts from the statutes are clear in in Europe was winding down. Having been without course let us know if your contact details change so their instructions to the Headmasters of this school: bonfires for six years, we started gathering materials we can up-date our records. The contact details for for the biggest and best bonfire ever. VE Day finally the OP Office are as follows: “Since you are chosen to be master, instructor, and director of this school to teach the children of the arrived on 9 May 1945. Church bells which had been silent for the whole war period rang out again and OP Office same, not only good literature, grammar and other we were able to put the torch to our bonfire of Pocklington School virtuous doctrine but also good manners and good celebration. West Green conditions... and thus God give you grace long to Pocklington continue and many scholars to bring forth in virtue Education continued through war and peace alike. I York and good learning.” usually managed to stay close to the top of the class YO42 2NJ through hard work rather than native intelligence. Tel: 01759 321307 I can assure you that I accept this very clear At the age of 16 I sat my school certificate, taking 9 E-mail: [email protected] instruction! subjects and achieving 8 credits and a pass. The pass was in Physics. They would never have been messing You can also keep in touch with us via the OP web Over the last 12 months, the energy and enthusiasm about on the moon if they had relied on me. I then site: www.oldpocklingtonians.co.uk and on Facebook of the pupils here has been outstanding; both with went on to take my advanced levels in French, History www.facebook.com (join group ‘Old Pocklingtonian their success in the classroom last summer (77% of and English two years later, but succeeded only in Association’). grades at A level were A or B, the best achieved at the School), combined with the breadth of opportunity French. Best wishes through sport, where the current 1st XI girls’ hockey have had an unbeaten season, whilst the rugby 1st Part of the trouble was that I paid too much attention XV have secured notable victories, playing expansive to extra-curricular activities. I had been appointed a rugby. The House competitions for music and drama school prefect and this took a lot of time and effort. have also highlighted the creativity of the students, A lot of time was spent on sports where my major whilst the CCF’s further success at the Welbeck achievements were in the rugby 1st XV and becoming Competition clearly shows their leadership skills. the school champion at fives. Then of course there was the school Army Cadet Force where I reached We are continuing to support our students through the dizzy height of sergeant in charge of the signals platoon. Rachel Dare the development of facilities on the campus. The OP Liaison Officer Annand VC Centre for the CCF was recently officially opened, whilst last term the floodlights to the astro Anyway, so much for Pocklington. It gave me much of pitches were switched on as a result of generous value and I can truly say that I enjoyed my time there contributions from OPs. We have recently completed very much indeed.” new changing rooms and have started work on a new Cover Story Sixth Form Centre. These facilities are important, but Fiona and I can also say that we are enjoying our time We are grateful to OP Richard Stephenson they only come alive through the commitment and here and hope that we will continue to meet many (1984-94) for allowing us to use his photograph of energy of teaching and support staff at the school in more Old Pocklingtonians over the coming months the OP v Pocklington Town Boxing Day rugby match their daily engagement with pupils. and years ahead. on the front cover. Richard works as a web designer for a digital marketing agency in Leeds. 1 From the Headmaster’s Desk The Presidents’ View manifest itself in welfare issues and other ways. It is incumbent upon us all to grow and nurture our Meet the OPA association and our members. Your committee would also like to see an increase in Committee sporting events alongside the high profile stalwarts of cricket, hockey and rugby. What about netball and an The Old Pocklingtonian is pleased to announce annual OP versus School golf day? We have at least details of the new OP committee members as three great golf courses near to the school, all with follows: close parental and student ties, to choose from! We do not want to change the balance or upset OP Elected traditions – quite the opposite. Coming up to 500 President: Tom Nash (1977) years is an impressive achievement for the school and Vice-President: Andrew Wilson (1999) the exciting finds relating to our medieval seal and Treasurer: Mark Longley (1979) charter, the growth of the school archive under Chris Solomon and the research put out by Tony Spreckley Jessica Farmer (2000) and others, show what a rich history we have. Beth Goodliff (née Binks, 2000) Henry Mitchell (2002) Every year we build the OP Association with Sandy Mitchell (2000) vibrant new leavers and they are better than ever at networking. Our job will be to keep up with them. I David Moore (1982) Dear Old Pocklingtonians, look forward to the challenge and your participation Duncan Goodyear (1985) as we move to be inclusive of ALL OPs. I am pleased to have the honour of being elected your President of the OP Association and a three line A full list of your new committee is set out opposite. School Appointed whip is going out to all my OP friends, cousins, nieces Please feel free to approach us with ideas and Mark Ronan (Headmaster) assistance. and son, to get involved! Rachel Dare (OP Liaison Officer, OPA Secretary) Phil Donaldson (Teaching staff) I look forward to working closely with a strong new Tom Nash (1967-77) committee including Andrew Wilson (89-99) as my Sheena McNamee (Teaching staff) Vice President, and to taking up the mantle from Mark East, Chris de Jong, Joan Gough and their committee members, who all did such a good job. Dear Old Pocklingtonians, Ex Officio Mark East (1976, immediate Past President) We have already seen the benefit of rising attendances With the new Executive Committee in place I now from their hard work and the contributions of Rachel write to you as ‘Immediate Past President (ex-officio)’ and David in getting the message out and helping to as I hand over to the new President, Tom Nash, and The committee welcomes support from OPs who organise recent events. Your new committee is really his team. I have thoroughly enjoyed the job and hope are willing to lend a hand with social events, sporting keen to expand on this work and to grow the regional in some small way that I and the other members of activites, b2b opportunites and other projects.