Acorns to OAKS INSIDE THIS ISSUE THE OAKSummer Term | Volume 1, Issue 1 Caitlin Lynagh 2 Archives 3 Lytham Gin 4 Boxing Day Rugby 5 James Craigen 5 Frank Duckworth 6 Matthew and Ralph 6 Garrod’s Running Success 7 Community Cricket 7 Events at AKS 8

Caitlin’s new Book Page 2

Archives going from strength to strength Page 3

Sporting success with James, Sam, Matthew and Ralph Page 5

Community Cricket Match Page 7

ACADEMIC AMBITION INDIVIDUAL PATHWAYS SUCCESS AND VALUE Page 1 AKS Lytham for ages 2 - 18 | | Co-education for ages 2 to 18 WELCOME Headmaster’s I am delighted that we now have a formally constituted alumni group for everyone at AKS. The name OAKS, short for Old ArnoldKEQMS, seems fi tting, raising the obvious imagery of acorns developing into mature oak trees. This is an umbrella organisation, covering the existing alumni groups of Arnold, King Edward and Queen Mary Schools. These existing alumni groups continue to be of huge value to AKS, providing heritage, community spirit, wisdom, resources and much more, supporting the students of today. Long may they continue.

One of the attractions to me, when I applied for the headship of AKS, was the huge potential of the history and heritage of those three former schools. But as we move forward, so many of our students, including my own children, will only associate with the combined AKS. By joining the OAKS, they are now connected to all former, present and future students of our great school.

SAM'S SUCCESS AT MORECAMBE FC KEQMS ex-pupil Sam Lavelle has signed a new of our young football stars who would like to two year contract with the league two side venture onto the professional football scene, Morecambe FC. Sam has previously been at especially after Sam returned to AKS in 2015 Blackburn Rovers, Bolton Wanderers youth side and was the speaker at our Sports Presentation and has represented Scotland youth before his evening. move to Morecambe last summer. Jim Bentley, Manager at Morecambe FC has Sam has had a good season this year with 26 said "Sam has really progressed this season… starts and 27 games played for the league two and could become a top centre half in the next side at centre half. He is a role model for a lot couple of seasons."

CAITLIN LYNAGH including a feature on a science blog that started Caitlin grew up in Lytham and moved to South a trending discussion on Reddit about the idea of Cumbria in 2016. She attended in another dimension of time, which is always now, 2003-2010. independent of special relativity.

Hidden Variables explores how the decisions we make can not only aff ect our own lives but could potentially change the world. The book follows gifted student Sophia Leto as she battles with intuitive gifts to solve a murder and put herself on course to make a scientifi c discovery to guide the future of mankind. Hidden Variables is a prequel "T�� �e�i�i�n� �� to Anomaly and the second of a four-book series, m��� c�� �� ���� The Soul Prophecies. Caitlin works part-time at �� ec� ��� ��� ���e� Westwood Books in Sedbergh and runs a popular Former Arnold School student, Caitlin book-review blog, The Book Igloo and Outlet �u� c��l� �� �n�i���� Lynagh, released her second book Publishing’s Diary of a Young Writer. She enjoys �h�n�� ��� w��l� " 'Hidden Variables' on April 30th. Caitlin, travelling and once spent six weeks in the Amazon Caitlin Lynagh, 'Hidden Variables' 26, won a Young Writers' Award with rainforest studying primates. Outlet Publishing after graduating from Keele University in 2013. Her fi rst book 'Anomaly' was released in 2016 and received good praise,

Page 2 The AKS Lytham Archive was established Over time we will add AKS material to the It would be helpful if you could outline following the merger of Arnold and collection. your topic of research. Certain records KEQMS. The archive collects and will be closed for a set period of time due conserves diverse material relating to Amongst the records we currently hold to confidentiality and data protection the histories of Arnold, KES, QMS, KEQMS are school magazines, speech and prize legislation. and now AKS. As well as pupil records, day programmes, admission registers, admissions registers and governors’ school photographs and artefacts such as Finally, if you think you have any items minutes the archive contains uniforms, examples of uniforms and trophies. which might be of interest to the archive trophies, items of furniture, photographs, please do contact us on the email address examples of students’ work, scrapbooks, Should you wish to make further enquiries or postal address below. paintings and much more relating to the please be aware that access to the archive lives of the former schools. is by appointment only. Applications to consult the archive should be The archive collects and preserves all addressed to [email protected] AKS Lytham Clifton Drive South Lytham kinds of records relating to the history or alternatively in writing to the Archivist, St Annes FY8 1DT of Arnold, KEQMS, King Edward VII and AKS, Clifton Drive South, Lytham St Tel: 01253 784100 Queen Mary schools making them Annes, , FY8 1DT. Email: [email protected] available for research. Website: www.akslytham.com ARCHIVES

MICK AND HIS HARD To access the catalogue, you need to go WORK IN THE ARCHIVE to the AKS Lytham website, select the ‘AKS Community’ tab on the home page, Thanks to the continuing hard work and then ‘Archive’. of Mick Holmes, former KES pupil and archive volunteer, you can now read all Thank you to all our current the QMS and KES magazines which have archive volunteers. We are always been catalogued in the archive. in need of more archivists, if you are interested please contact: Having scanned all the magazines [email protected] and linked them to the online archive catalogue entries, Mick is currently working on the collection of Arnold House School and Arnoldian magazines, some of which are 100 pages long!

AN INTERESTING VISIT TO THE LANCASHIRE ARCHIVES

An interesting trip for our Year 6 Historians and our Senior School Archive Club as they visited the Lancashire Archives and learnt about preservation. They are now ready to get back to the AKS Archive and start archiving all the material we have, some dating back as early as 1902.

Page 3 A History of Queen Mary School

When it comes to published histories of the They remembered the rationing which affected You can email any of your memories of school to heritage schools, the tally is: KES - 1, Arnold - uniform, school dinners and school trips, Liz at [email protected] and she will be glad 2 and QMS - O. So for the past year, one of our curtailed due to fuel shortages. They recalled to consider them for inclusion in the book. archive volunteers and former QMS pupil, Liz the young inspiring teachers including their Bickerstaffe, has been researching and writing to idiosyncrasies, and above all, the fun they shared Pictured are (from left) Margaret Rimmer (nee produce a history of Queen Mary School. She is and the friendships which still endure today. Lowe), Lorna Bamber (nee Harrison), Vivien Holt appealing for former pupils and staff members to (nee Lawson), Eileen Stuart (nee Lancaster) and send her their written memories of their school So far, Liz has written chapters on the early days Margaret Leech (nee Gregson). days, so that she can incorporate personal of QMS, the first pupils, the first mistresses, the anecdotes to bring colour to the information first Headmistress, the making of the RMS Queen already held in the archive. Mary ensign in 1936 and wartime, in which Eileen Stuart, Wendy Wilson (nee Dean) and others Pictured above are five alumnae who attended describe the raspberry-picking camps they QMS in the 1940s and who all have excellent enjoyed in Perthshire just after the war. It was recall of their wartime childhoods whilst at a former QM girl who married Mr Ferguson, the school. raspberry farmer, but who can remember her name?

Lytham Gin Former QMS pupil, Sara Dewhurst (nee Worden), has recently secured Sara is already well-known in Lytham as the proprietor of Le Roti a licence to distil and sell her own Lytham Gin, as pictured. As a tribute Sandwich Rotisserie on Park Street, having previously taught as Head to her old school, which she attended from 1979-1984, Sara has created of the Chemistry Department at Highfield High School in . a ‘Queen Mary’ cocktail flavoured with Fevertree Aromatic Tonic, a slice of orange and star anise.

Page 4 LUCY ELLA'S SUCCESS Ella has sung with various stars at Lytham Proms supporting the likes of Katherine We are delighted that Lucy Ella Smith, after Jenkins, Boyzone, Michael Ball and the Hallé graduating from Italia Conti, has signed Orchestra; as well as singing for the VIP Area with Oxford Adams Associates with at the Neil Diamond Concert. Simon Mayhew becoming her agent. She is defi nitely a 'triple threat' excelling As an Old Arnoldian, Lucy Ella Smith was over the years in all three disciplines; an part of our annual school production unbelievable actor, dancer and singer who taking part in Calamity Jane (2010) and gained an 'A' in Drama at GCSE whilst at Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Arnold School. We wish Lucy Ella all the best Dreamcoat (2011) and played numerous as she embarks on her professional career signifi cant roles in many musicals within and have no doubt we will see her on stage the local area with Clifton Academy. Lucy very soon indeed!

A GOOD YEAR FOR James has had a good season at Dunfermline Athletic FC. He moved from Falkirk at the end of 2017 and joined his current side Dunfermline OLD ARNOLDIAN Athletic in January of this year. James has had a good season, making 18 James Craigen appearances for the 4th placed Scottish Championship team. ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL BOXING DAY The Annual Boxing Day fi xture was once again the highlight of the year for a lot of ex-pupils of Arnold and KEQMS, a day to settle diff erences even if we are all friends off the pitch.

Both teams had received new shirts very generously donated by the Old Arnoldians and Old Lidunians respectively, so a massive thank-you to both for raising the money for the shirts. The night before the match was the face up between both captains; David Read and James Dalby, both with a big job to do the next day, clearly taking it in their stride.

Boxing Day was soon upon us, both changing rooms were raring to go, as well as the two coaches and linesmen; Phill Rudd and Robbie Jones. Before the match both stepped into their school's dressing room to Both came out fi ghting and put on a superb display of rugby deliver their words of wisdom before the players set foot onto the which was fought till the very end, the fi nal whistle blew and the pitch. The match was fought fearlessly by both squads, there were Old Arnoldians had taken their second victory in a row, fi nal score some brilliant displays of rugby and two excellent tries by both 17-15. sides, the half time whistle blowing at 10 - 10, both sides with a lot to do in the second half to secure a win. A massive thank you to the referee, Jeff Gould, Fylde for hosting the event, and fi nally to everyone who came and watched. We hope to see you on Boxing Day 2018.

Page 5 Page 5 AKS Lytham Independent School for ages 2 - 18 Frank Duckworth THE DUCKWORTH- LEWIS METHOD

Mr Frank Carter Duckworth attended King Edward so many youngsters today, with two piles of jackets School from 1948 to 1958 and is known for The as wickets in the corner of a fi eld, a tennis ball and a Duckworth-Lewis method bat. His love for cricket carried on of resetting targets in through to his time at King Edward interrupted one-day VII as he played in his Junior House cricket matches. During team, thereafter it was more of his time at school, cricket a spectator sport for him. While was always a hobby of his at school Frank was part of many but academia seemed to diff erent societies including 'Senior always take priority, maths Scientists, Chess and the Railway and physics being his Society', he was also a prefect for NEWS FROM favourite areas as he went the last two years at school until he THE FRONT on to study physics at the moved to university. 2nd Lieutenant WH Dawson (‘Billy’), University of Liverpool and West Yorks Regiment, son of Mr and then carried on to study for We haven’t been able to get in touch Mrs Dawson, ‘Mon Albri,’ St. Paul’s a PhD. with Mr Duckworth, but if anyone is Avenue, Fairhaven, was killed in action still in contact please ask him to on July 20th 1917. Frank's interest in cricket contact school, we would love to started at a young age, hear from him and invite him into Lieut. Dawson was educated at King and in the same way for school to meet our students. Edward VII School, Fairhaven, and was sent to France on April 20th, 1917. On SAVE LYTHAM LIBRARY AND INSTITUTE July 16th he was wounded and came home, but went out again on April Chris Marshall is an old girl of QMS and a 20th this year with a bullet still in his volunteer archivist at school. She is the lungs. He was in his 25th year when he Chairwoman of 'Save Lytham Library and died. Institute.' She came into school to speak in assembly to all the students about the One of his fellow offi cers said the importance of libraries in schools and our regiment went over the top three communities. We are proud and lucky to times in two days. Find out more have such a great librarian and library at about the old boys who fought in the the centre of our learning community at Great War in our termly 'News From AKS. The Front' bulletin on the 'community' section of the AKS Lytham website: www.akslytham.com MATTHEW & RALPH RETURN TO FYLDE RFC Congratulations to Old Arnoldian and Old Lidunian Matthew Garrod and Ralph Dowds on signing their contracts for the 2018/2019 season at Fylde Rugby Club. Ralph has been part of 1st XV since 2015 making his debut at Blaydon RUFC, but has struggled with injury, however he is back fi ghting fi t and we look forward to seeing him play in the coming season. Matthew will also return to the Woodlands this year for his fourth season. During the 2016/2017 season he was on loan to Preston Grasshoppers where he learnt his trade, he then returned this season and has been an essential part of the team, as he’s a rather useful lineout jumper at 6’6”. Matthew has also been back to AKS helping teaching rugby and running tournaments.

We wish them both the best of luck for the forthcoming season. Page 6 HEADMASTER’S XI VS STAFF XI

Sunday 20th May was the return of Headmaster’s team’s total. A good win by Thornton and also to the AKS Hospitality the Headmaster’s XI vs Staff XI 20/20 them which means a win for each side, Team for the outstanding food and drink. Cricket Match which is an obvious onto a decider next year. highlight of the school calendar, eagerly If you would like to play for the awaited by the staff and Mr Walton’s Thank you to all players, parents, Headmaster’s XI next year please team. After the staff team taking the fi rst friends and families that took part in contact Duncan Cowburn on: victory last year they had a lot to live up the afternoon, a special thank you to [email protected] to, Mr McIntyre was again entrusted in our amazing scorers, Mr Sykes and Mrs selecting the staff team and Old Boy Mr Cowburn the same for the Headmaster’s side.

Both teams had selected strong sides, the Headmaster’s team, worried about playing the staff again decided to include two younger fellows; Matthew Garrod and Harrison Kenworthy, both claiming to have ‘left their kids at home’, with the rest of the Headmaster’s team being made up of AKS Parents.

The Headmaster’s side won the toss and decided to bat fi rst, a good performance by Ed Mahon saw him retire on 26 but later was bowled out by Mr McKeown, Mr Thompson also getting a respectful 21 with the bat but then stumped out by Mr Jones’ cat-like instincts. Some very good bowling stats by the staff team, notably Mr McKeown bowling 2 overs, for 6 runs and taking 4 wickets. Mr Bleakley opened the bowling, he kept it nice and straight and pressured the batters to force runs, after 3 overs, was hit for 8 runs and took two wickets, in an outstanding double wicket maiden.

After a couple of early wickets the Headmaster’s team were 18, off 5 overs, for 4 wickets, after the shaky start they settled into their innings and scored a respectful 91 runs after 20 overs.

Next it was the turn of the Staff XI to bat, Mr McIntyre and Mr McKeown opened the batting and made a good start to the innings until Mr McIntyre decided to try and chip it over the 6’6” Matt Garrod stood at short third man who inevitably, plucked it out of the sky. Mr McKeown went on to score 14 and Mr Jones held up the innings well with 20, until he got run out by Mr Matthews sending him back.

After a very exciting run chase, the staff team ended up 8 runs short of the

Page 7 COMMUNITY CRICKET MATCH CRICKET COMMUNITY OAKS is the new association created as an umbrella to link the old associations of Arnold, King Edward, King Edward & Queen Mary and Queen Mary School to the new school of AKS Lytham. OAKS is also the home of all the students that come to AKS and we hope that our ex-pupils stay a part of our community and take part in all we have to off er.

If you do not receive emails from school keeping you up to date with school and alumni events, please visit our website www.akslytham.com and sign up to the OAKS database.

If you would like to contact our Alumni Secretary please email: [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you. POIG EVENTS UPCOMING ALEX’S RUNNING SUCCESS After competing in an Ironman last year which involved: 2.4 mile rough Friday 29th June water swim, 112 mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run all in 26 degree heat, Summer Concert he completed in a staggering 10:35:21. After Hawaii Alex thought it was time to conquer a more local event, which he had competed in a few years Sunday 1st July earlier while studying at Arnold, the Beaverbrooks Blackpool 10Km. Summer Festival (1pm—4pm)

While the preparation wasn't as severe as taking Saturday 8th September part in an Ironman the pressure was on him OA Dinner running on his home turf Alex spent the race at the front fi ghting for the lead Sunday 16th September with another Blackpool runner, they Heritage Open Day (11am—3pm) switched in and out of fi rst place Tour the school & see the archives, all welcome numerous times. Unfortunately after running a superb race Saturday 13th October Alex fi nished second just AKS Open Day being pipped to the line, Alex's excuse was "getting Saturday 1st December the race information onto PTA Winter Ball Strava took priority over winning the race." However Saturday 15th December it is safe to say Alex was Christmas Fair (11am—2pm) happy with a fi nishing time of 34:16 and second place. Wednesday 26th December OA v OL Boxing Day Rugby Match This year Alex also ran in the London Marathon, while there 24th—26th January wasn't as an exciting fi nish to the School Musical (Lowther) race, he fi nished in 2:49:56, which we say isn't too bad! From everyone Friday 15th March here at AKS and the OAKS community, OL Dinner (tbc) good luck in your future events.

OAKS RUGBY TOUR 2018 As part of our 100 year commemorations of the end of the Great War a 3 day tour to France and Belgium will take place, 1st—4th November, Twitter: AKS_OAKS including an Old Boys match against a local club side, a dinner, and a day Facebook : AKS OAKS of visits to the battlefi elds to show our respects to the Old Boys of both legacy schools. The tour is open to all alumni and friends of the school. If you are able to play or tour and are interested please contact Joe at: @ AKS LYTHAM [email protected] before the end of June.

AKS Lytham Clifton Drive South FY8 1DT Tel: 01253 784100 | Email: [email protected] |Website: www.akslytham.com Page 8 Co-education for ages 2 to 18