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FORMER PUPILS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE 2019 FORMER PUPILS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE | 2018/2019

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Editorial Note ...... 02 Board of Governors 2018-19 ...... 05 Contact Addresses ...... 05 Teaching Staff 2018-19 ...... 06 Support Staff 2018-19 ...... 07 Prize-giving Speeches 2018 ...... 08 Leavers’ Destinations 2018 ...... 17 Graduations 2018 ...... 18 Reports of the Year’s Events 1 Honorary Secretary’s Report...... 20 2 Honorary Treasurer’s Report...... 25 3 Chairman’s Appeal for Funding for FCFPA...... 28 4 FCFPA Officers 2018-19...... 30 5 Vice Presidents’ Profiles...... 32/34 6 Dates for Your Diary...... 36 7 Social Functions and Gatherings 2018 ...... 38 Notices (births/marriages) ...... 60 Notes and News ...... 64 Obituaries ...... 69 Bereavement Notices ...... 78 Past Presidents FCOBA ...... 80 Past Presidents LHSOGA ...... 81 Joint Presidents FCFPA ...... 81 Your Contributions ...... 85 From The Archive ...... 97 Standing Order Mandate for those who wish to have a hard copy of the magazine...... 106

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EDITORIAL NOTE

Welcome to the 2018 edition of the of materials to the new site and Committee was elected at the Former Pupils’ Magazine. the subsequent demise of the Annual General Meeting in May and Springtown building are detailed it is pleasing to have many new and After the busy year of organisation in various articles. At this time the ‘younger’ faces joining that body. and numerous events celebrating Springtown site has been signed Having assumed the Chair, Donald the school’s 400th anniversary, it over to the Department of Education is using his military training to good was reasonable to assume that after much delay, but Duncreggan effect with efficient organisation we might have had a quieter time House and grounds, together with and many new ideas coming on in 2018, but this was not to be. It the playing fields on the lower side board. I wish him and the members was, perhaps, fitting that as this of Northland Road at Springtown are of the committee continued success anniversary year came to an end, still the school’s responsibility. It is in future years. the two old schools at Springtown hoped that the University of and Duncreggan closed their doors will soon complete its contract to Joint Presidents, Una and William, for the last time in December 2017. take possession of the property oversaw 2018 events from January as the continuing security and to May including the Spring Lunch at As if to signal the beginning of a maintenance of the old buildings Bishop’s Gate Hotel and the Award of new era, January 2018 saw the imposes a heavy cost which is Colours. Unfortunately the school decamp to its new building. currently being met from scarce Reunion Dinner planned for the The new school became a hive of school funds. Merchant Taylors’ Hall did not take activity and the Principal and Staff place due to insufficient numbers must be congratulated for carrying As with a great majority of schools and increasing expense, but a out this momentous move almost in the UK, Foyle faces a huge London event will take place this seamlessly, publicly presenting a challenge to maintain its high year on 5 April at its previous venue, calm and efficient manner, perhaps academic standards in the face of the Farmers’ Club, Whitehall, and reminiscent of the swan gliding ever increasing financial demands already numbers are looking good along serenely on the surface, while and ever decreasing funding. This for a successful event. If you intend paddling furiously underneath. is perhaps even more acute in being present, your subscription The pupils certainly adjusted well, as we remain in should be with the Bursar in leaving behind their old classrooms limbo without a government in February. This, and all other planned for a slightly extended Christmas Stormont for the past two years. events are listed in the ‘Dates for holiday and walking up the sweeping Diary’ section of this edition, on the drive to their new school in the This edition of our magazine school website Former Pupils page second week in the New Year. contains some appeals for funding and on Face book. We are pleased extras that can no longer be that Louis Fields, one of the new A few familiar structures would financed from the school budget. members of the committee, has shortly follow to make them feel at The archive, the magazine, the agreed to undertake the important home as the Lawrence Statue was organisation of events and the task of webmaster and press officer. swung into its place to view the restoration of valuable artefacts Foyle once more, this time from the and portraits must all be financed Following their installation at the May East Bank. The statue was soon from other sources and the most AGM, our present Joint Presidents, to be flanked by the old sandstone important of these is our alumni. Elisabeth Thompson and Jonathan pillars from Duncreggan beautifully There are appeals from Donald Hegan, have had a busy year to date restored by a group of talented Bigger, Chair of the Former Pupils presiding over the Annual Dinner in stonemasons in County Down and Association Committee, and myself, September and Prize-giving, and erected on either side of Lawrence. to help cover these important areas they have also been in attendance of expenditure. Please try to make at a number of FPA committee All this activity is described in some contribution to one or other, meetings, generally held in the greater detail by the Principal in his or both of these appeals. evening thereby involving a return speeches at Prize-giving and the trip from for both. Elisabeth Annual Dinner, while the movement A new Former Pupils Association was accompanied by Vice President,

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Bob Elliott, for the school’s Armistice photographer, Martin McKeown and Service as Jonathan was abroad at Bob Elliott, who was awarded the Sean McMahon for his meticulous that time. Profiles for Bob and Joint Lawrence Medal in 1964, has detailed proof reading. Above all, I am Vice President, Harriet Love, are to a career in business which led to him indebted to Mildred Deans, my be found in the following pages. holding some influential positions Assistant Editor, for her support and and has taken him to some very far- assistance in the planning of layout You will see in the Obituaries section flung places. Dr Lucy Quinn, Head and content of the magazine. I hope this year that we have included Girl in 2003, has already experienced you enjoy reading it, either as a hard a number of people who played life in some very exotic corners of copy or online. significant roles in the history of our the earth, with some very exotic William M Lynn school. We are indebted to family companions, in a career path she Editor members who submitted detailed never expected when leaving Foyle, obituaries for them and others. and Emma Ball, this year’s Head Girl, Notes: Where we do not have detailed who is about to embark on the next 1 Souvenir Editions obituaries, we include Bereavement stage of her life anticipating all that We still have a number of Souvenir Notices where they are recorded may lie ahead and already conscious Editions, Volumes 1 and 2, or reported to us so that we can of the schools influence. These are celebrating the events to mark the acknowledge those past pupils of just a representative sample of ex- 400th Anniversary of the school. the school who died during the year. Foyle pupils who are scattered all These can be purchased from the over the globe, but I think it is most archive or by contacting the School In reading through the magazine gratifying that all three emphatically Bursar, Telephone 71269321. The proof in preparation for this Editorial confirm their belief that their time cost is £5 – postage can be arranged. Note, I have been forcibly struck spent at Foyle has underpinned by a thread running through the everything they have achieved and 2 Official Opening of the school words of contributors from three may still achieve in the future. As we go to print, planning for this different generations of pupils, event is currently under way and each acknowledging the impact the Finally I would like to thank we look forward to presenting the education and experiences gained everyone who has assisted me in details and photographs of this at the school has had on their lives the production of this magazine; important occasion in next year’s and careers to date. our printers, Iprint Design, edition of the magazine.

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BOARD OF GOVERNORS 2018-19

Governor’s Name Electing Body

Mr G Killeen The Honourable The Irish Society

Mrs A McAteer, Mr B Adair, Mr R Gillen Parents’ Representatives

Mrs S Guthrie, Mr T Nutt, Mr D Barnett Staff Representatives

Mr W M Lynn, Mr C Jeffrey, Former Pupils’ Representatives Ms A Watson, Mrs C Arthur

Rev S McCrea Presbytery of Derry and Strabane Representative

Rev M R K Ferry Diocesan Representative

Dr L Bradley University of Ulster Representative

Mr B Dougherty, Mr D Bigger, Department of Education Representatives Mr R O’Boyle, Mrs S O’Kane, Mrs J McClintock, Mr K McCaughey, Ms L Quigley, Mrs J Stewart, Mr K Hegarty

Mr S Lindsay, Mr R McBride Foundation Nominated Representatives Mrs C Gilliland, Mr I McCarter

Mr P W J Allen Principal

Mr N Stewart Clerk to Governors

Governors tenable 2018 - 22

USEFUL CONTACT ADDRESSES

Foyle College Mrs Mildred Deans Springham Campus Tel: (028)71841454 67 Limavady Road [email protected] Londonderry BT47 6LR Tel: (028) 71269321 For submitting contact information: [email protected] School Website: www.foylenet.org.uk Find us on Facebook You can also contact us and www.facebook.com/foylecollegefpa submit news and information to:

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TEACHING STAFF 2018-19

Headmaster Mr P W J Allen ICT Mrs S McLaughlin (Head of Dept) Miss E Kivlehan Vice Principal Mr P G Gault Mrs K R McShane Mr G S Mercer Mr A J Manning Mrs M M Leonard Art & Design Mr K F Ward (Head of Dept) Mrs C J Kane Mathematics Mr T S Nutt (Head of Department) Mr G S Mercer Biology Mrs I A Hannaway Mrs B B McGowan (Head of Dept) Mrs B A Gillen Mrs L J Hand Mrs C R Lynn (Head of Junior Science) Mrs L E Buchanan Mr P T Farmer Mr R A Brown

Business Studies Mrs H Eakin (Head of Dept) Music Mrs B O’Somachain (Head of Dept) Mrs B B McGowan Miss E R Barr

Careers Mr P T Farmer (Head of Dept) Modern Languages Mrs H Kane-Craig Miss N S Sloane (Head of Modern Languages) Mrs J Campbell Mrs J L Campbell Mr G R Young Chemistry Mrs J Millen (Head of Dept) Miss L S Pollock Mr C P McKinney Miss R McCarron

Design & Technology Mr A C Moorcroft (Head of Dept) Physics Mrs S M O’Connell (Head of Dept) Mr A J Manning Mr D B Phillips Mrs K R McShane Miss L M Carlin

English Mrs A B Mercer (Head of Dept) Physical Education Mr D A Barnett (Head of Dept) Mr P G Gault Ms K Eakin Mr D R Keown Miss C M Moore Mrs K O Knox Mr A J Ferguson Mr B J Duffy Mrs L Wylie Miss R L McSparron Geography Mrs S J E Guthrie (Head of Dept) Ms K Eakin Religious Studies Mrs J M Allen (Head of Dept) Mr D T Gallagher Mrs S Moore Mrs L Wylie SENCo Mrs B B McGowan Geology Miss N S Sloane (Head of Dept) Visiting Mr C Duffy History Mrs M Dougherty (Head of Dept) Ms C Millar Mrs C Robinson Miss H McConnell Mr B Quigley Miss R L McSparron

Home Economics Mrs F Feeney (Head of Dept) Miss N C Doyle

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SUPPORT STAFF 2018-19

School Bursar Mr Neil Stewart BSc Principal’s PA Mrs Jennifer Galbraith Senior Finance Officer/Exams Officer Mrs Wendy Nutt Senior Clerical Officer Mrs Joanne Cole Senior Clerical Officer/Exams Officer Mrs Judith Gallagher Clerical Officer Mrs Lisa McGeady Miss Megan Deery Study Supervisor Mrs Mairead Thompson Classroom Assistants Mrs Ciara McShane Ms Danielle Kelly Mrs Paula Feathers Mrs Kaylee Doherty Mrs Pauline McCandless Ms Jade Leitch Mrs Ruth Wilson Mr Paul Coyle Mrs Angelo Callaghan Mrs Ciara Murphy Mrs Catherine Ward-Gallagher Mrs Michelle Murray Network Manager / IT Mr Sean Hamilton Science Technicians Mrs Catherine Bailie-Hume Mrs Joanne Woods Mr Kieran Quigg Technicians Mrs Marcella Mullan (Home Economics) Mr Mark Smith (Design & Technology) Estates Manager Mr Clive Austin Premises Officer / Reprographics Mr Graeme Balmer Grounds Mr Noel Cole

Canteen Staff Mrs Jocelyn Scott (Business Manager) Mrs Vivienne Hockley (Senior Unit Catering Supervisor) Mrs Linda Murray (Assistant Cook) Mrs Joanne Doherty (Assistant Cook) Mrs Marion Ferguson (P/t Assistant Cook) Mrs Ann Wilson (P/t Assistant Cook) Mrs Velma Bratton Mrs Sandra Coyle Ms Brigid McCallion Mr Janusz Geslak Mrs Cathy Page Mrs Donna Smith Mrs Mary Duddy Mrs Nicola Edwards Mrs Shirley Hunter Mrs Patricia McColgan Mrs Margaret Campbell Mrs Glynis Love Mrs Jean Havlin Miss Alex Pressland

Cleaning Staff Mr Graham McNulty Mrs Patricia McColgan Mr John Ferguson Mrs Donna Smith Mr Janusz Geslak Mrs Velma Bratton Mr Richard Nesbitt Ms Gunjid Guille Mr Swalomir Palko Mr Lee Quigley Ms Deborah Wright

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PRIZE-GIVING 2018 HEADMASTER’S SPEECH

Mr Chairman, governors, honoured guests, ladies and gentlemen and, most importantly, pupils past and present. Since January, 2018 has been a year filled with firsts as we relocated from the twin sites of Springtown and Duncreggan to our new unified campus here on the Limavady Road, the first Open Day, the first Spring Concert, the first examinations, the first Sports Day. It has been a strange journey at times as many of the school routines that we were concerned Sports Trophies awarded to Rishika Gidwani, Marc McCloskey, Hannah Lawther & Joel Smyth about, such as lunch arrangements Quinn. It gives me very great pleasure embarrassing. I expected to discover or the buses, dropped smoothly to welcome Lucy back to Foyle someone who had focussed very into place whilst others which we College this evening especially since much on the sciences at school so hadn’t envisaged being problematic she was forced to miss her own final imagine my surprise on checking definitely have been. This evening is, Prize Giving at the end of Upper Sixth Lucy’s file to find that she had actually obviously, another of those firsts as due to ill-health. Last year like millions studied History, French and Music we hold our Prize Giving on the school of others, I was enthralled each at A-Level achieving 3 A grades and premises for the first time since the Sunday evening by the BBC Natural leaving school in 2003 to study Music amalgamation of Foyle College and History programme Blue Planet II. One at University of Glasgow. According Londonderry High School in 1976. The episode featured content about the to Mr Magill’s UCAS interview notes Guildhall, in particular, provided the impact of plastic waste on albatrosses her career intention at that stage school with a grand setting over many on Bird Island in the South Atlantic. As was to become a musical director years but the Board of Governors I listened to the presenter, I couldn’t NOT (capital letters, underlined) a agreed that the relocation to the make up my mind if I could hear hints music teacher. I’m hoping that Lucy new school provided an appropriate of a Northern Irish accent. Speaking will share with us this evening a little time to reinvent this occasion. The about the programme later in the bit about the journey she has taken financial constraints imposed on us by week with Peter Gault, he informed from A-Level Music to albatrosses the Department of Education was one me that the presenter in question on South Georgia. Lucy was one of factor but we also wanted to make our was Lucy Quinn a former pupil of Foyle those Foyle pupils who really make Prize Giving a more social occasion for and, of course, I immediately thought the most of their time at school for all the prize winners and their families wouldn’t she be the perfect guest for as well as achieving extremely highly and the obvious place to do that was in our Prize Giving. Unfortunately for Dr at both GCSE and A-Level she was, our own school premises. To that end Quinn I managed to hunt her down amongst many other achievements, I would invite everyone who is here through social media, her Twitter Head Girl, Captain of the 1st XI, a this evening to join us afterwards for name @lucy seabirds being a bit of member of the choir, orchestra and a light supper in The Hub. I hope that a giveaway. Fortunately for me she Jazz Band, played Mrs Higgins in the in spite of our very modern setting, agreed not only to be our speaker this school’s production of My Fair Lady we will manage to maintain enough evening but also to come into school and a full suite of Duke of Edinburgh’s of the sense of tradition and formality this afternoon to talk to our Sixth Awards. Dr Quinn is without doubt a to properly recognise and honour Form Biologists and Miss Sloane’s fitting Guest of Honour this evening the achievements of the many pupils fledgling Ecology club. In preparation demonstrating to our current pupils whose successes we are celebrating for Prize Giving we always see if we what can be achieved if someone puts this evening. can dig out the guest speaker’s school their mind to it. records to see what little titbits we Turning my attention now to this can find out about them, hopefully So having reflected on what our guest evening’s guest of honour, Dr Lucy without discovering anything too of honour achieved during her time

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and an A, closely followed by Lauren Devenney with 3A*s. Erika McClelland, Rishika Gidwani, Elizabeth Hume, Scott Hand, Matthew Austin, Elaine Coulter, Ruth Dougherty, Hannah Hunter and Abbie Smith are all worthy of a mention having achieved at least 3 A Grades.

I always like to make the point that the recognition of those that I have named this evening is not intended to diminish the individual achievements The Lawrence Sword presented to Hannah Lawther by Dr Lucy Quinn of any of those who are here this evening or, indeed, of any pupil of the school. Foyle College is about fostering opportunities for young learners to excel on a personal level and that is what each of our leavers, and many of those who are still at school, have done and continue to do in their own way. I wish our leavers the best of luck as they begin the next phase of their lives and hope that they will keep in touch and let us know how they are getting on in the future.

The aim of our school is to help pupils Rithvik Gidwani receives The Dr Kanchan Chada Bursary from Dr Lucy Quinn to grow academically, athletically and artistically both as individuals and at Foyle let’s take a few minutes to Sophie Young who each achieved 3 A within teams. I believe that I have reflect on the achievements of our Grades. These young people have put shown already this evening that Foyle current crop of pupils. At GCSE the themselves in an excellent position to College can, and does, compete with pass rate across all subjects was 93% apply to any university that they might the very best in terms of the academic with 44% of grades being achieved wish to. excellence that our pupils are able at A* or A. Overall 85% of our pupils to attain but I also believe that what achieved seven or more GCSEs at As always it is good to see those who happens outside the classroom is Grades A*-C including Maths and have just completed Year 14 joining us equally, if not more, important in English. Of particular note were the this evening. It is an indication of their terms of the overall development of performances of Ellie Goodman who connection with the school, that they each individual pupil. achieved 11 A*s just pipping Luca Ward have chosen to be here this evening and I am delighted to welcome them and Nicole Maloney who had 10A*s and I’ll now invite our Head Boy and Head for what really is their final Foyle an A. Also worthy of mention are Adam Girl to report to you on a number of College event, that is until they see Moore, Ellis Hastings-Gallahger, Kyle areas of school life and especially fit to attend a Former Pupils’ event Curry, Breanna Hunter, Beth O’Neill, those in which they have direct hopefully in the not too distant future. Megan Kelly, Molly Gallagher, Naomi involvement. These two young This year’s cohort has achieved an Lawther, Ellie Smith, Michael Hatrick, people embody all that is best in one A-Level pass rate of 98% with 77% Hannah Dougherty, Ebony Lecky and of our pupils as they have seized the of pupils achieving the equivalent of Kyle Magee who each achieved at opportunities presented to them 3 Cs or better. As of today we know least 10 A* or A grades. throughout their time at Foyle College that over 90% of our Year 14 leavers and I would encourage pupils of all At AS-Level we extend congratulations are successfully placed in Higher ages to follow their example. I will now to Emma Ball, Jodi Desmond, Andrew and course or hand you over to our Head Girl, Emma Hamilton, Grace Hand, Daniel Kane employment opportunities of their Ball who will be followed by the Head and Curtis Montgomery who each choosing. Boy, William Watson. achieved 4 A Grades and to Andrew The top performer this year was Hawthorne, James McLaughlin, These reports follow this speech Emily Nicholl, Andrew Smyth and Rithvik Gidwani who achieved 3A*s

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William and Emma have provided us with just a snapshot of what goes on at Foyle College on a daily basis. If we were to take the time to reflect on all of the endeavours and achievements of the variety of clubs, societies and teams that exist in school we would be here until midnight and, proud as I am of our pupils and what they do, I’ll refrain from inflicting that on you. The success of individual pupils very much depends on the attitude and effort that they bring to the classroom, the sports field or to the stage but it is Ben Galbraith (Duke of Edinburgh), Hannah Wasson (Public Speaking), Andrew Hawthorne also dependent on the contribution (Cadets) of staff, both teaching and support, who contribute hugely to provide opportunities to our young people. The relocation during last school year was a huge challenge, especially given the complete lack of support, either financial or physical, that we received from either the or the Department of Education. I would like to take this opportunity to publicly pay tribute to and thank the superb staff of Foyle College, both teachers and support, for the outstanding team effort that was needed to get Dr Quinn & Patrick Allen with Matthew Austin (Lawrence Medal) & Erika McClelland (MacKillip us relocated and up and running with Medal) barely a pause in learning and teaching noticed by the pupils. two sets of staff, two Boards of away in November 2011. Through Governors and two communities Hugh’s leadership, personality and A man who would have understood the of former pupils for most of whom unwavering dedication, a school upheaval that we went through last the amalgamation was a hugely emerged with its own unique, liberal, year was Mr Hugh Gillespie who was disruptive, transformative and (for friendly and inclusive identity, and the Headmaster of Foyle College from many) unwelcome event. There were culture and character of Foyle College 1973-76 and of Foyle and Londonderry numerous practical challenges too - today undoubtedly owes much to College from 1976 until his retirement how to operate a school on split sites, Hugh Gillespie. Our thoughts are with in 1994. I only had the pleasure of how to resolve timetable clashes, how the Gillespie family at this time. meeting Mr Gillespie three times in the to resolve personal tensions some of last six years but I was always taken which dated back over many years I hope that if Hugh Gillespie had been by his interest in what was taking - and to all of these Hugh applied a here this evening he would approve of place at his former school so it was combination of meticulous attention the direction that the school is taking. with genuine sadness that I learned to detail, a strong ability to relate to We may have relocated across the that he had passed away at the end people on a personal level, a steady river to our new premises and we may of August. Hugh Gillespie not only sense of fairness, and a great capacity now have everyone on a single site steered the school through the height for hard work. Following his retirement but it is our core values of respect, of the troubles and all the turmoil that Hugh maintained his interest in, and integrity, determination, commitment period brought to the city but he also connection with, the school by being and responsibility that will continue to oversaw the amalgamation of Foyle active in the Old Boys’ Association connect us to both the past and to the College and Londonderry High School and acting as its President in 2001 future. in 1976. and 2002. Just this year he showed that we were still in his thoughts Thank you for your kind attention this The amalgamation presented Hugh when the family presented the Music evening and I hope that you’ll agree with with the greatest challenge of his Department with a wonderful baby me that Foyle does indeed continue to career - how to knit together into a grand piano in memory of their son stand for Fostering Opportunities for cohesive whole two sets of pupils, and brother Shaun who passed Young Learners to Excel.

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PRIZE-GIVING 2018 HEAD BOY’S SPEECH

Good evening ladies, gentlemen, and were highly successful at posing current and past pupils of Foyle thought provoking questions and College. I would like to extend a attracting large numbers. warm welcome to you all as we gather here tonight to celebrate Foyle College Combined Cadet our 2018 prize-giving. It is a great Force had a brilliant recruit intake honour to represent my school and continues to be one of our here tonight in the first prize-giving most supported extra-curricular ceremony to be held in our beautiful activities. Members of the cadet new building. In this short speech I force attended a November camp can only give a condensed insight where with the help of senior cadets into the plethora of extra-curricular they honed their newly acquired activities provided by the school and skills. The shooting team had a successful Bisley competition dedicated staff. returning home with the trophy. They As always rugby was a popular also travelled to some of the first sport in Foyle, with a senior squad competitive fixture. However, the world war battlefields in Belgium consisting predominantly of lower younger teams had successful and France. Year-13 student, sixths and fifth years training from seasons picking up three trophies in Rebekah Thompson, was given the mid-way through August. The 1st XV seven days. The U13 team picked up honour of being appointed Lord captained by Joel Smyth travelled the Slemish Cup with the Under-14s Lieutenant`s Cadet for the County to for a pre-season and 15s picking up their respective Borough of Londonderry. Rebekah, tournament in which the spirited but plates. This season our talented along with Andrew Hawthorne, also frustrating performance seemed to cricketers were selected for various had the privilege of attending the set the tone for the season. In the honours. Mark McCloskey and Kyle royal wedding. following weeks gutsy performances Magee were selected for the Ulster against Limavady and Strabane lead Ladies and gentlemen, it has been Schools’ tour to Glasgow. Allister the team into the local rivalry on an absolute pleasure to speak here Doherty, William Finlay, Ben Mills, Boxing Day against City of Derry. tonight. As I approach the end of Kyle Magee and Cameron Knight The result was a 22-0 victory to my speech, on behalf of my entire were all selected to represent the Foyle giving us the final boost year group, I wish to say thank you North West in the inter-provincial of momentum heading into our to all the teachers and staff for their Ulster Schools’ Cup match against tournament. effort and the commitment to our learning both inside and outside Dromore HS 1st XV. On the night with Moving away from sport… the classroom. The activities and the adverse weather conditions, Peer Tutoring continued to grow experiences I have described the professionalism and physicality this year with many sixth form would not be possible without of the Dromore team proved too pupils attending with the aim of your dedication and willingness to much. Looking to the future, a helping and encouraging younger sacrifice your time. I will now pass largely unchanged team will use the pupils to achieve their full potential. you over to the 2018 Head Girl, Emma gained experience of last season as Peer Tutoring is a highly rewarding Ball, who will give you further insight well as the new facilities to try and programme and is there also as into the activities provided here at mount a charge into the later rounds one of the many additional support Foyle. of the Ulster Schools’ Cup. I would opportunities for pupils. like to take this chance on behalf Scripture Union also had a positive William Watson of all the senior squad to thank Mr year with large numbers turning Orr and Mr Barnett for their hard out to both Junior and Senior SU work, commitment and patience on a Monday lunch time where a throughout the season. variety of guest speakers provided The season commenced in challenging talks to those who April. The 1st XI cricket team despite attended. Throughout the year, the best efforts and recognisable talent Scripture Union committee with lost out to Limavady Grammar in the help of Mrs Robinson organised the quarter final of Ulster Bank several events inviting along other Schools’ Cup after a closely fought, school pupils and parents. These events both featured guest speakers

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PRIZE-GIVING 2018 HEAD GIRL’S SPEECH

For me being a pupil at Foyle College on the challenges of the Sperrin has always been about more than Mountains. The Duke of Edinburgh academic achievement. Although we Award continues to be one of the most sit here tonight to celebrate our recent popular yet most challenging extra- exam successes, I am sure you will curricular activities at the school and agree that this school strives to create I would encourage younger pupils to much more than just academics. I get involved (even if it means giving hope I can give you a further insight up your luxuries in exchange for a into the opportunities that have been pair of walking boots and waterproof afforded to the pupils of Foyle College trousers). over the past year. Music is always an important part The 1st XI hockey team had a very forward to another successful season of Foyle College life and thanks to successful season under the captaincy under the captaincy of Grace Hand Miss Barr, Mrs O’Somachain and Mrs of Hannah Lawther. One of the most and wish Rishika Gidwani and Hannah McConnell this year was no exception. memorable matches of the season, Lawther all the best in the future. For the first time the annual Spring for both us and our supporters, was Concert was held in our new school our 5-0 win against Cookstown in Foyle College’s sporting successes site. Despite the change of location the semi-final of the Super League. do not stop on the hockey pitch. In the event continued to showcase the Unfortunately we lost out in the final wrestling, Ben Pollin achieved a gold variety of skilful musicians this school versus a notoriously skilful Bloomfield medal in the English Senior Open. has to offer. In April, Amy Kilgore and Collegiate side, placing us second. In karate, Mary Demirova and Corey Laura Hegarty were selected for the However, in the coming months we are Hughes, Morgan Hughes and myself prestigious Ulster Youth Choir and looking forward to changing that. achieved a total of two silver and five Lauren Holmes, Glenn Foster, Amy bronze medals at the International Smith and Andrea McGillian also gained The 2nd XI, captained by Rishika Karate Union World Championships. Gidwani, had a challenging start to the places on the Ulster Youth Training Finally, in cricket, Alana Dalzell was Choir. In June the Jazz Band rounded season after losing many experienced selected to captain the north-west U17 players. However, the young team off the Music Department’s calendar female team and was also named in the performing at Cancer Research’s Relay found their feet as the season Ireland women U19 squad. progressed with some excellent goal- for Life event. keeping from Ebony Lecky. They went Outside the sports field it was a For 400 years, Foyle College has on to reach the semi final of the plate successful year for Public Speaking been nurturing pupils academically, where they unfortunately lost out 4-0 with Nicole Maloney, Hannah Wasson athletically and artistically, and for the against a strong Strathearn side. and myself reaching the regional final last six years I have had the privilege of the Knights of St Columbanus Public There were several individual to be part of that. I would like to take Speaking Competition discussing the this opportunity to thank our teachers successes on the hockey pitch this barriers that face young people in our season. Grace Hand was selected for for their committed and passionate city. We were unlucky not to progress approach to their profession, as without the Ulster Hockey U17 Development any further in the competition. Programme, and Anna Nawn was part them the success we celebrate tonight However we are looking forward to would not be possible. In September of the Ulster team which won the U18 improving on our position in the year Inter-provincial tournament. Also, 2012 both my Year Group and Mr Allen to come. There were also successes began our Foyle College journey. As junior pupil, Sara O’Neill, was selected in the Feis where Nicole Maloney was for the U16 squad. the Class of 2019 begins its final year, I placed 3rd in the prestigious Seamus think I speak for them all when I say our On behalf of all Foyle College hockey Heaney Cup, while Hannah Wasson time at school will be looked back on players I would like to thank our was placed 1st in the Public Speaking with the fondest memories. As the old coaches for their encouragement Section with an entertaining speech cliché goes, ‘school days are the best and dedication throughout the past on the topic of ‘age stereotypes’. days of your life’ and for the pupils of season. After the inspiring recent It was another busy year for Duke Foyle College that certainly is the case. success of Irish women’s hockey and of Edinburgh Awards with another past pupil, , we look group of brave souls willing to take Emma Ball

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PRIZE-GIVING 2018 GUEST OF HONOUR’S SPEECH

Governors, headmaster, teachers, main reason I was able to swap guests and, most importantly for was because of my GCSE science tonight, pupils, marks from Foyle and that Maths It is an incredible honour to be AS level – thank you Mr Nutt! Also asked to speak in front of you all and I had showed a level of keenness especially exciting to do so in your and had put in volunteering hours wonderful new school which I was to demonstrate that I really did want lucky enough to get a tour of earlier to do the subject. Since taking on on. I can hardly believe it’s been 15 Zoology, I have never looked back. years since I was sitting where you guys are when I was impatiently My point to you is that it’s OK not to waiting for the speakers to stop know what you want to do at this talking so I could get a proper look stage in life. Things will work out at my coveted recipe book prize. and if they don’t work out at first, But tonight I’d like to give you a few you can be proactive about making words of advice from someone who a positive change. The important was, in the not too distant past, in thing is that you continue to work your shoes. I will talk firstly about hard at every subject and try to get how it’s OK not to know what it is you the most out of subjects even when want to do at this stage. Secondly, they are ones that you find more how your education at Foyle will, I difficult or are not your natural field guarantee, help you to achieve your of interest. I may have ended up on goals. Lastly, I implore you to think perfectly matching the penguins’ telly a couple of times, and got to about the wider world around you in movements and giving a sense of meet my absolute hero, Sir David your continued studies. their apprehension before they took Attenborough, but getting an A in my a risky leap. I had a moment when AS Maths is still one of my proudest EDUCATION I thought, ah! it would be great to achievements because I know how When I was choosing AS levels I’ll be compose or produce music for much work it took and I wouldn’t honest, I didn’t have a clear goal in nature shows. have achieved any of it had it not my head as to what I wanted to do. been for the excellent teaching I I ended up picking Music, French, In the end I went to study Music received. History and Maths, three subjects I at Glasgow but after one year loved thanks to the teaching of Mrs concluded it wasn’t the direction Following my degree I completed a O’Somachain, Mr Heasley and Mrs I wanted to go in. I’d always been a PhD in seabird ecology and after that Caulfield, and one subject, Maths, keen bird watcher and so I’d been I started looking for seabird jobs. which still had an amazing teacher volunteering with the RSPB in my One stood out above all others. The in Mr Nutt, but which I knew from spare time and whilst volunteering job ad said, ‘British Antarctic Survey the start was going to be tough for realised nature conservation was seeks zoologist for 2½ year position me. Little did I know the decision to something that I wanted to get on Bird Island. Candidate must be do Maths would prove crucial later into more. It was only when I got physically fit, able to live in remote on. When it came down to applying to university that I discovered it’s and difficult conditions, working on my UCAS form I again wasn’t sure something you can actually do as independently and live within a small what direction to go in. I’d always a job! There was only one small team.’ watched nature documentaries problem – I had no science A levels and remember vividly watching and to do Zoology, the study of I realised my years of Duke of one where penguins were leaping animals, unsurprisingly you needed Edinburgh training were finally from the ice, trying to avoid the Biology. And so I actively arranged going to come into play. I can say deadly jaws of a leopard seal an interview with the university to very clearly that Duke of Ed was one lurking in the water below. Behind fight my cause as to why I should of the biggest influences in my life it was an amazing score of music, be allowed to switch degrees. The from Foyle and I’d like to personally

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thank Mrs Hannaway who set up good to take risks and chances and school, effectively involves sifting Duke of Ed here and to all the other go outside your comfort zone. You through bird boke. But that is the teachers who volunteer their time to never know where it might lead you. reality of collecting data for science keep this going. and it is data collection just like CAREER this which has been crucial in our Clambering up the in For me that lead to Bird Island and understanding of the natural world horizontal rain, where you could I thought I might share a couple of and our effects on it. barely see in front of you, was experiences from working there perfect training for white-out with you tonight. There were no What was shocking to me was that conditions that can occur in doctors or dentists, food supplies even in this remote environment Antarctica. Carrying an enormously were only dropped off twice a year the effects humans are having on heavy backpack for Duke of Ed by ship which meant drawing on wildlife could be seen first-hand. gold with all your food, the water- my three years of home economics Climate change affects the level laden tent ground sheet and more lessons as to how to best ration of sea ice in waters further south clothes that you actually need, all portions. The island was under which in turn affects the amount became perfect training for carrying 5km long by 800m wide. Now I was of food, krill, available for seals and fieldwork gear up a hill to albatross never much of a geography student penguins to eat. We saw fewer seals colonies with food, ropes and again at Foyle despite great teaching from return to breed and fewer penguin more clothes than you possibly ever Ms Eakin during junior school, but chicks survive following a winter need. Being physically fit, I thought, even I could tell that looked small on of poor sea ice. We witnessed the that I can do! a map! For nine months of the year effects of over-fishing and I saw first I lived with only three other people hand albatrosses with fishing hooks Living in remote and difficult and for every square metre of the in their cheeks and feet as a result conditions, well hey, how different island there was a bird or a seal. of being caught accidentally on tuna can that be from Glenveagh National Above all the experience was about fishing lines. And, of course, I saw Park, that’s remote – right? And living amongst nature with its sights, the problem of marine litter. Whilst difficult conditions? Well I distinctly sounds and smells. Mostly the seals there, my fellow zoologists and I remember our group’s first night wanted to bite you but at certain had to catch several seals who had camping, when our rucksacks and times of the year the young male fur plastic packaging, balloon ribbons food supplies were ‘visited’ – when seals decided that they wanted you and old fishing nets caught around I say visited, I mean wee-d on – by to be in their harem of females and their neck and flippers. We weren’t a local farm dog. Turns out that would try to round you up. I think always able to rescue them but we not investing in waterproof bags is maybe that said something about tried. I also found plenty of evidence not a great start to any expedition how I smelled at the time that they that albatrosses were eating marine and could definitely be termed as thought I would be a suitable mate litter and feeding it to their chicks. ‘difficult conditions’! but I can guarantee you I would’ve Seabirds around the world, even here made a terrible fur seal female on our very own UK coastlines, are Working independently and working mostly because I don’t eat seafood suffering huge population declines with a small team, Duke of Ed always and I’m a pretty poor swimmer, but as a result of our influences and it’s taught the importance of team work also fur seal males aren’t really my up to us to do something about it. with having to agree what direction thing. The birds were awe inspiring It’s a devastating and shocking thing to go in and where the best place to and it was an incredible privilege to to think about the impact of human set up camp was. Yes, Bird Island, work so closely with albatrosses; actions on the world around us. sub-Antarctica, was going to be a these are birds have a wingspan piece of cake after Duke of Ed gold of up to 3.5m and some individuals What I would encourage in in Donegal. But 2½ years was very still breed aged 60! I put tiny GPS yourselves is to think about the different to a 4-day expedition. I trackers on them to find out where environment around you and to was pretty terrified of going away they were going to eat and another encourage others to do the same. for so long and leaving behind my part of my work was to find out As individuals our own small actions family and friends and everything what they were eating. Now don’t can have the ability to collectively that was familiar to me. I spoke to try this at home, but the scientific make a huge difference. Think of my brother Kealan, another former diet sampling technique meant everyday ways you can become Foyle prize day regular, and he said, tipping a chick upside down and more environmentally aware and ‘Lucy, in life you often regret the leaning it over a bucket so it would I would encourage the school as a things you don’t do, not the things vomit. Yes, it turns out the cutting whole to do the same. Cutting out you do’. The decision was made and edge of marine science and ten single-use plastic, getting involved he was right. In life sometimes it’s years of further education following in campaigning, going on a river or

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beach clean, writing to the council to in science and policy, and that’s places as Ecuador, New Zealand, encourage bottle-deposit schemes, something I definitely first learnt at Canada, Iceland and perhaps most demanding more green spaces Foyle. exotic of all, Rathlin! But it’s not or wildlife gardens in the school luck that I have got to work in these grounds, thinking more about where FINAL PIECES OF ADVICE places. It’s to do with years of hard your food actually comes from and We’re approaching the end of the work from school days onwards, above all, finding a way to connect prize distribution but I’d like to offer it’s from having support around you with nature. These small actions a final few words. For the school and good mentors to get advice all help. Your generation is the leavers here this evening, I wish you from and to chat options through. generation which has the power to all the best for your next adventure It’s about never giving up when you change things for the better for the and life beyond Foyle. I hope, like want to achieve something and to environment. me, you will look back fondly on have continued passion for your your time here and appreciate just subject even though at times it’s I now work for Scottish Natural how much your teachers have done really difficult. Heritage as a marine ornithologist for you. For those moving into the which involves working for the next academic year, continue to Tonight is a night of celebration for Scottish government to influence be engaged in your lessons and I yourselves who have achieved so science policy at the highest level. hope that you will be sitting here much, for your parents who have It’s a very fulfilling job as I help decide again next year celebrating further undoubtedly provided a supportive where protected areas should be for successes. And when it comes to environment for you and for your seabirds around Scotland but even thinking about what you want to do, teachers who put in countless now I constantly have to learn new particularly for the young women hours of work to ensuring you get things. Maths consistently comes in the audience, remember there the best education possible, both back to haunt me at every corner are no limitations in the jobs you in and out of the classroom. So as I have to work with some serious can go for. Surround yourself with remember, continue to work hard, statistical models and believe it positive people and never stop have passion for what you do, be or not I have genuinely had to use learning. Employers like to see you brave, stay positive and aim big. Pythagoras’s theorem in my work! demonstrating experience inside Foyle provides you with the best and outside the classroom, and possible grounding for a successful I have now realised that the Foyle offers the perfect opportunity future and I hope you continue to subjects you study at school but for you to gain both a record of appreciate your teachers’ hard work don’t end up taking on, still end academic excellence and an ability and that you also challenge them up being important. I’ve used my to partake in other activities, be they with new ideas and thoughts. Thank Latin in understanding scientific sport, drama, music or volunteering. you for listening and well done. You terminology; studying a modern should be very proud of yourselves. language has been hugely useful On one of my last nights on Bird when meeting scientists from Island I hiked to the main penguin Dr Lucy Quinn across the globe; history taught colony where there were 80,000 Marine Ornithologist me to think critically about sources penguins bundled closely together. of information; art, Mr Ward would I made my way carefully down to testify to me being terrible at in near the water’s edge and sat and school, has also come in handy for watched them jumping in and out of being able quickly to sketch bird nest the ice-cold water. There, lurking in positions in the field and music still the shadows, a leopard seal popped continues to be an important part of its distinctive face up. It was waiting my life outside work. It’s never just patiently for one of the unfortunate science or the arts – you need a bit penguins to swim near it so that it of both in your life! There will always could launch an attack. I couldn’t be times when something doesn’t believe that I was getting to live spark your interest or a difficult inside the nature documentary I had concept becomes frustrating, but watched all those years ago. I felt stick at it, lean on others who can an incredible sense of achievement help you get through the tough bits for getting to experience such an whether that’s your teachers, your event for myself. People often say to friends or your parents. Helping me you’re so lucky you lived in sub- each other out and collaboration Antarctica, and you’re lucky your is something I love about working work has taken you to such far-flung

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LEAVERS’ DESTINATIONS 2018 TERTIARY EDUCATION, COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND THE PROFESSIONS

Pupils are proceeding to Degree Courses as follows:

Ballymaloe Cookery School, Cork North West Regional College University of Glasgow Katie Smith Adam Arbuckle, Karl Arcega, Rishika Gidwani, Matthew Gilliland, Jade Boardman, Brian Boyle, Arron Glenn Cardiff University Orin Casey, Thomas Clarke, Elaine Coulter Victoria Cole, Joshua Cummings, University of Salford Cameron Davis, Kelan Duffy, Oisin O’Connell Durham University David Hanly, Chelsea Hazlett, Lauren Devenney Dearbhaile Kinsella, Katie Walker, University of South Wales Lori Yeoman Leanne Moore Edge Hill University Jodie Burke, Megan Cooling, Plymouth College of Art University of Warwick Ellis Gilchrist Tarin Smallwoods Scott Hand, Brandon McFarland

Edinburgh Napier University Queen’s University, Belfast University of Wolverhampton Hannah Lawther Matthew Austin, Ellen Barr, Kirstie Strouts-McCallion Olivia Campbell, Lydia Colhoun, Hartpury College and University Ruth Dougherty, Kora Gibson, University of Warwick Jessica Simpson Rithvik Gidwani, Elizabeth Hume, Scott Hand, Brandon McFarland Hannah Hunter, Ciaran Kenton, Heriot-Watt University Erika McClelland University of Wolverhampton Jotham Doherty Kirstie Strouts-McCallion Stranmillis University College King’s College London Jessica Orr Shannon Hay Josh Allen, Riona Clancy, The University of Jon Cowan, Saoirse Coyle, Liverpool Hope University Emerald Hockley Michelle Doherty, Rebecca Douglas, Sarah Louise Giff, Joel Smyth Edward Gee, Eva Haire, The University of Edinburgh Emily Hunter, Peter Linkens, Liverpool John Moore University Abbie Smith Marc McCloskey, Luke McCrea, Emily Cole, Katie Lynch, Michael O’Neill, Lauren Parkhill, Ethan McMonagle, Jack Millar, The University of Liverpool Adam Payne, Casey Reid, Ross Patton, Orrian Quigley Colm Kuan, Lucy McClements Emmy Tate

Loughborough University University College, Apprenticeship Torin Ward Alexandra Callaghan Conall Carlin, Joshua Green, Ethan Harrigan Manchester Metropolitan University of Chester University Amy Bamford Employment Laura Hegarty, Ben Pollin, Glen Wray Shannon Pollock Gap Year Northumbria University Nicola Cummings, Jacob Rogers, Jason Pollock Emma Simpson

To be confirmed Bradley Molloy

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GRADUATIONS 2018

Queen’s University Belfast Laura Dougherty MEng(UM) Chemical Engineering First Class Honours Jack McKay BSc(S) Computer Science Second Class Honours First Division David Dickson BDS(S) Dentistry Distinction in Oral Surgery, Medicine & Pathology Molly Duddy BDS(S) Dentistry Pass Adam Potts BSc(MM) Economics with Finance Second Class Honours First Division Reece McClintock BEng(S) Electrical & Electron Second Class Honours First Division Shania Kirk LLB(S) Law Second Class Honours First Division Oisin Duddy MB(S) Medicine Honours Heather Manning MB(S) Medicine Pass Andrew Young MEng(UM) Mechanical Engineering Second Class Honours First Division Jack Gibson MSci(UM) Physics with Astro-Physics First Class Honours Jack McCleery MSci(UM) Physics with Astro-Physics First Class Honours Victoria Rowney MA History With Commendation

Stranmillis College Rachel Horner BA(S) Early Childhood Studies Second Class Honours First Division Judith Allen BEd Primary First Class Honours Rebecca Cummings BEd Primary Second Class Honours First Division Joanna Hawthorne BEd Primary First Class Honours Chloe McClements BEd Primary Second Class Honours First Division

Ulster University Louis Fields MMus Nicholas Morton MMus

University of Glasgow Kyle Henderson MSc Civil Engineering First Class Honours

Heriot-Watt University Edinburgh Andrew McElhatton Business Management and Law First Class Honours

University of Liverpool Luke Baldrick Masters International Business

Manchester Metropolitan University Rheanna McClean BA Honours in International Fashion Promotion

Teeside University Beth Gillon BEng Aerospace Engineering Second Class Honours Second Division

Note: Not all universities furnish us with their lists of graduates. If you wish to have a graduation included, please send us details using one of the contact addresses supplied.

18 FORMER PUPILS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE | 2018/2019 REPORTS OF THE YEAR’S EVENTS

19 FORMER PUPILS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE | 2018/2019 FCFPA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING/ WINE & CHEESE, 11 MAY 2018 HONORARY SECRETARY’S REPORT The FCFPA Annual General Meeting on 12 May 2017 was held in Duncreggan House for the final time. Those attending walked to the side and front of the old house to capture the occasion in photographs with the camellias and azaleas in full bloom as a backdrop. (See Footnote)

The first few months of 2017 had seen the 400th Anniversary celebrations in full swing, commencing with the Service of Thanksgiving in St Columb’s Cathedral followed by the Past and Present Musicians Concert in the Guildhall which was a most spectacular event with over 280 musicians past and present. An excellent Spring Lunch in Bishop’s Gate Hotel and the Reunion Dinner in William presents the Chess Trophy to Megan Cairns the Farmers Club, Whitehall, London, were the culmination of David and attracted a sizeable crowd of former the museum launched an exhibition Yvonne’s year as Joint Presidents pupils and staff, and proved a most entitled ‘Mabel Colhoun: A North- and as they handed over their chains enjoyable, if somewhat nostalgic West Pioneer’ containing many of of office to William and Una, they evening. In true Irish BBQ tradition Mabel’s huge collection of artefacts could be justifiably delighted with it was a very wet evening but this which are still on display. the success of the celebrations did not dampen the enthusiasm of during their tenure in office. They those attending who reminisced and The main event of 2017 was the 400th paid tribute to the committee and recounted their school memories in Anniversary Dinner on 22 September. those responsible for the meticulous Duncreggan canteen. The venue for this special occasion planning and organisation. was the Guildhall which provided During the summer, several important a spectacular setting. A capacity William and Una took office as the exhibitions opened in the city attendance of 220 former pupils second half of this anniversary reflecting the life of Foyle over the and staff were treated to a most year heralded a raft of special years. The Siege Museum proved entertaining and enjoyable evening commemorative events. It also an excellent venue for a display of with an excellent dinner served by witnessed the closure of the artefacts reflecting many aspects of the City Hotel caterers and a range old schools at Duncreggan and school life past and present. This was of items provided by a musical group, Springtown at Christmas which saw assembled by the Archive Team and organists and soloists both in voice staff and pupils decamp to the new the History Department, and ran from and flute, all of them former pupils. school in the Springham Campus on Easter until the end of September. A special souvenir programme was the Limavady Road at the beginning printed and an expanded range of of the New Year. In July the Ulster History Circle memorabilia was on sale. Our Joint unveiled a Blue Plaque to honour Presidents welcomed presidents The Mayor hosted a civic reception the work of Mabel Colhoun as from other schools and speakers in the Guildhall in May, which was an educationalist, historian and were Jack Magill, former Headmaster; attended by staff and governors. A archaeologist. Mabel devoted Patrick Allen, Principal; William Lynn, barbeque was hosted by the Parents much of her life to LHS Preparatory Joint President and Peter Magill, Association in Duncreggan at the end Department. The unveiling took Master of the Merchant Taylors’ of June. Billed as a last opportunity to place at the Tower Museum on the Company. Grace was delivered by tour Duncreggan and Springtown, it morning of 7 July and in the evening Reverend Dr William Morton, Dean of

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St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. Joint President, Una Summers, delivered the welcome to guests and introduced the speakers and top table guests.

The Joint Presidents attended the Armistice Services on 10 November held in the Springtown and Duncreggan buildings for the last time. They laid the wreath on the WW1 Memorial (this will be a significant event this year as it will mark the centenary of the Armistice in 1918).

The final FCFPA event of 2017 was the Wine and Cheese held on 1 William presents the Huey Salver for Rugby to Joel Smyth December in Duncreggan House. Approximately 80 attended and year. Percy French was a painter and cancellation would have incurred enjoyed an appetising spread of food poet of some renown and this work serious financial penalties. It is hoped and musical entertainment by a group now hangs in the Music Department’s that a London event can be planned of former pupils and there was a final performance area marking his time as with a more successful outcome in look around the old building. a former pupil of Foyle. 2019.

The closing down and packing up William attended the school’s The quatercentenary magazine ready for the move over Christmas Colours Awards Ceremony on 20 which was a follow-up to Volume I was completed on the morning of March distributing colours in the new of last year proved to have such a 19 December by final Carol Services Assembly Hall. wealth of photographic memories for pupils both at Springtown and from the 400th anniversary events Duncreggan (the latter held in the The Spring Lunch was again held in that, as editor, William appealed to Sports Hall as the Assembly Hall Bishop’s Gate Hotel. The date was past presidents for financial support was full of packing cases) and a final 24 March and as last year there was so that as many of these events informal reception for staff, past and a good attendance with over 100 as possible could be covered in present, in Duncreggan House in the past pupils enjoying an excellent this souvenir edition. This appeal afternoon of the same day. lunch in a very relaxed and informal was so successful that a first class atmosphere. Many had taken the publication was made possible which A number of other events were opportunity to visit the new school may well be considered a collector’s attended by members of the Former prior to the lunch and a number also item of the future. Pupils Association. Holocaust Day took the opportunity to purchase the was marked on 25 January in the souvenir edition of the magazine. As the school settles into its new Millennium Forum. The school was surroundings it is pleasing to note invited to play a role in the ceremony Our Joint Presidents represented the that many elements from the old as one of the survivors of Belsen association at a number of dinners. school buildings are taking their place Camp, Edith Birkin now aged 96, was Una attended , Methodist on the new campus. Two weeks ago brought to Ireland in 1945 and enrolled College and Belfast Old representatives of The Honourable in Londonderry High School as Edith while William was representative at The Irish Society unveiled Lord Hoffman. Her registration records St Columb’s College, Belfast Royal Lawrence on his new plinth guarding are held in the school archive and our Academy and Dungannon Royal. At the gates of the school. Just behind Head Girl recounted her story to the each of these dinners both were him are the Duncreggan Pillars, audience while one of her poems was pleased to receive compliments restored in County Down and re- read by our Head Boy. Archivists Jim and congratulations on our Guildhall erected by the firm of stonemasons Goodman, Mildred Deans and William dinner – several remarked that it was who made such a good job of their Lynn also attended the event. a hard act to follow! restoration. Following tonight’s meeting, Una will unveil a marble The same archivist team was present Sadly the planned London Reunion in plaque which will explain the history when a local artist from , the Merchant Taylors’ Hall in April had of the pillars and mark their transfer Vincent McAllister, presented the to be cancelled as numbers showing to this site for future generations. school with a very fine illustration interest one month ahead of the of Percy French on 30 January this date were small, and to have delayed Some of the Memorial and Honours

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Boards are already in place as are some paintings and portraits, and thanks are due to Susan Thomas for her work on these. It is planned to continue this work over the summer months.

The archive room is still not habitable as it has been in use by those builders remaining on site, and left over materials are in store there. Consequently much of the archive material is still in boxes and the team are keen to gain access and take ownership of what will be an impressive facility. Patrick Allen and William Lynn with winners of Hockey trophies - Meabh Phillips, Hannah Lawther & Grace Hand. We are grateful to all members of committee who assisted in the year, a fitting celebration of the delighted to be granted permission to organisation of events during this schools 400 year history and we look dig some of them out and transplant busy but memorable year, to our forward with anticipation to its future them on the new site. Not doing joint presidents who represented in the new surroundings. the association during the year and Neil Stewart things by half, he hired a digger and to our magazine editor, William, and Honorary Secretary has transplanted bushes, large and assistant editor, Mildred, for capturing small, which will make a colourful these events and combining them Footnote: Our groundsman, Noel display at the entrance gates to the into a fine souvenir brochure. Cole, was reluctant to say farewell to As an association we have witnessed these beautiful shrubs which he had new site. Most, if not all, appear to a most successful and memorable tended for so many years and was have adjusted to the move.

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FOYLE SPRING CONCERT 2018 The Spring Concert was attended by the joint Presidents in the new school.

Principal, Musicians & Music Staff, Brenda O’Somachain & Helen McConnell

Ruth McIlwaine, Hannah Wasson, Nicole Moloney & Molly Gallagher Colm & Conall Kuan

Mollie Drum, Kirsten Cunning McClean & Ellie Byron Phoebe McCord, Tom Adair, William Watson & Naomi Lawther

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HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT

FOYLE COLLEGE FORMER PUPILS ASSOCIATION FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2018 Foyle College Former Pupils Association

Income & Expenditure Account For the Year Ended 31 March 2018

Year Ended 31 March 2018 Year Ended 31 March 2017

INCOME Magazine sales 619.00 399.00 Magazine adverts 1,000.00 660.00 Annual Dinner – Note 1 7,790.00 3,075.00 London Dinner - Note 1 6,320.00 - Spring Lunch - Note 1 2,700.00 680.00 Belfast Lunch - 575.00 Wine & cheese surplus 882.00 - Shop trading account – Note 2 403.34 - Deposit Interest 21.96 33.46 19,736.30 5,422.46

EXPENDITURE Magazine 1,914.00 1,225.00 Calligraphy 52.50 35.00 Annual Dinner – Note 1 8,885.46 2,978.00 Spring Lunch – Note 1 2,472.50 648.00 Belfast Lunch - 540.00 London Dinner – Note 1 5,543.81 - AGM exps - 116.98 Photography 50.00 60.00 Printing 24.00 - Bank fees 93.04 68.17 Paypal charges 9.42 - President’s Fund 500.00 - Corporation Tax 0.00 19.80 -19,544.73 -5,690.95

Surplus/(Deficit) 191.57 -268.49

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HONORARY TREASURER’S REPORT

Foyle College Former Pupils Association Balance Sheet As at 31 March 2018

31 March 2018 31 March 2017

Current Assets Ulster Bank Limited 8,143.30 12,057.19 Progressive Building Society – President’s Fund 8,597.26 9,075.30 Paypal 695.58 - Sundry debtors 89.99 89.99 Deposit – 2017 Lunch 0.00 200.00 Stock 5,648.92 1,200.00 23,175.05 22,622.48 Current Liabilities Cash received in advance Guildhall – venue hire -4,430.00 -5,055.00 -986.00 -5,416.00 0.00 -5,055.00 Net Current Assets 17,759.05 17,567.48

Represented By: Balance b/f 17,567.48 17,835.97 Net movement 191.57 -268.49 17,759.05 17,567.48

Treasurer’s Report I have pleasure in presenting the above Income & Expenditure Account and Balance Sheet for the year ended 31 March 2018. Neil Stewart - (Hon Treasurer) - Neil Stewart

Auditors’ Report We have examined the above accounts as at 31 March 2018, along with the respective receipts, vouchers and bank state- ments, and hereby certify them to be correct.

Signed: (Hon Auditors) B Peoples: Brian V. Peoples R Young: Robin J. B. Young

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Note 1 - Functions Income & Expenditure

Annual Dinner 2017 Income Receipts 7,790.00

Less Expenditure City Hotel 7,019.00 Menu Cards 334.00 Dinner refund 40.00 Wine 432.54 Venue Hire 986.00 Misc 73.92 -8,885.46 Deficit -1,095.46

London 2017 Income Receipts 6,320.00

Less Expenditure Farmers Club 5,463.81 Refund 80.00 -5,543.81 Surplus 776.19

Spring Lunch 2017 Income Receipts 2,700.00

Less Expenditure Bishops Gate Hotel -2,472.50 Surplus 227.50

Note 2 – Shop Trading Account

Turnover 1,836.31

Less: Cost of Sales Opening Stock 1,200.00 Purchases 5,881.89 7,081.89 Less: Closing Stock -5,648.92 1,432.97

Surplus 403.34

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FUNDING FOR THE FOYLE COLLEGE FORMER PUPILS ASSOCIATION

Dear Former Pupil FUNDING FOR THE FOYLE COLLEGE FORMER PUPILS ASSOCIATION I am writing to you in my capacity as Chairman of the Foyle College Former Pupils Association (FCFPA).

Firstly, I apologise for the somewhat impersonal nature of this letter on what I know is a very important and emotive subject, but it is considered the best way to reach you all and to get our message across. As I am sure you know, once a pupil leaves Foyle College, he or she automatically becomes a member of the Former Pupils Association (at no cost to the individual). The association has three aims:

Connecting with the Past - keeping you connected to your ‘alma mater’ principally through our web page on the school web site, our face book page and the Former Pupils Magazine;

Supporting the Present - providing support to the current school community through fund raising, provision of financial support (where appropriate) from the President’s Fund and advice and assistance on an ad hoc basis;

Building for the Future - providing advice and support in the long term development of the school and the wider school community; there are currently four members of the FCFPA Committee who are on the Board of Governors for the school.

The committee has set itself the challenge for this year to reconnect with the younger generations of former pupils to reinvigorate an association that frankly, is in danger of stagnating and ultimately withering on the vine. To achieve all that I have detailed above requires a certain level of funding. This funding pays for grants from the Presidents’ Fund, supports the excellent work in the school archive, supports some of our social events (particularly in terms of the costs for senior guests) and helps in the production of the Former Pupils Magazine.

At present this funding comes from whatever small surplus is made from our social events throughout the year and from the generosity of the school. Our social events are designed at best, to make a small surplus but at least, to break even. Your committee felt that it was inappropriate to increase the costings of these events and potentially discourage attendance. There was unanimous agreement amongst the members of the committee that the Former Pupils Association could not continue to rely on financial support from the school.

So where does that leave us? Again, there was unanimous agreement that the FCFPA should remain free to its members. However, we must have some way of generating an income. To that end we propose a voluntary an- nual subscription of £25 for those who wish to pay. This will be collected by Standing Order - a form is attached to this letter or available from the school Bursar. I stress again that there is absolutely no compunction to pay and it is only for those who feel able and willing to support the association in this manner.

Thank you for reading this letter. I hope you will feel that this is a worthwhile endeavour and worthy of your support.

Donald Bigger Chairman FCFPA

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Name:______Address:______Postcode:______

To: The Manager (full name & address of your bank – in block capitals) ______Postcode:______

Please pay from my account

Name: Account Number: Sort Code:______

The sum of: Figures: £25.00 Words: Twenty Five Pounds

Commencing on (date) 1st ______2019 and thereafter annually until canceled by me.

Please pay to: Ulster Bank, Road, Londonderry. BT48 6JB Sort Code: 98 - 09 - 80 For Credit of: Foyle College Former Pupils Association Account Number: 77863014

Signed:______Dated:______/______/______

PLEASE DO NOT SEND DIRECTLY TO YOUR BANK, RETURN TO NEIL STEWART (TREASURER FPA) FOR PROCESSING. 67 Limavady Road, Londonderry. BT47 6LR

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OFFICERS MAY 2018-MAY 2019

Presidents Mrs Elisabeth Thompson Mr Jonathan Hegan Vice Presidents Mrs Harriet Love Mr Bob Elliott Chairperson Mr Donald Bigger Vice-Chairperson Mrs Laura Hegarty Hon Secretaries Miss Fiona Williamson Mrs Gail Atkinson Hon Treasurer Mr Neil Stewart

Members of Executive Committee Mrs Isabel McNally Mr Colin Jeffrey Mrs Cathy Arthur Mr Louis Fields Mr Nicky Morton Mr Paul Curtis Miss Ann Watson Mrs Jocelyn Scott Mr William Lynn Mr Marshall Kilgore

Hon Auditors Mr Robin Young and Mr Brian Peoples

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30 FORMER PUPILS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE | 2018/2019

AGM & WINE MAY 18

Peter & Paul

Former Pupils’ group touring the school - includes the Clarke Family from the USA

Pamela & Graeme

Harriet, Una & Elisabeth Amanda, Colin & Lowry Lynn & Rev Rob

Jonathan is presented with the Chain of Office by William

Una presents Elisabeth with the Chain of Office The Musicians Louis & Nicky George & Jeremy

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VICE-PRESIDENTS’ PROFILE

Mrs Harriet Love née Brown In September 1973 many of my peers left home and the ‘Troubles’ to My education began in the Model venture across the water to study. Primary School, Northland Road, As I always wanted to teach, I went Londonderry. As I am a twin, it was to Edgehill College of Education, great to have someone to share the Ormskirk, outside Liverpool. As we first few anxious weeks of formal were unable to travel home very education. I have a few memories of often the college grouped all the Model Primary School – red walls in Northern Irish students together in the corridors, outside toilets, single the same residential hall, so we had desks, ice-cold milk in the winter, company when the other students warm in the summer, walking home went home. I found it very daunting for dinner, drying our wet shoes at first standing in the dinner queue and clothes on the radiators, and with boys, having come from an all- learning poems and reciting them girls school. My first trip into the on Friday afternoons. If you got the city of Liverpool was an adventure highest score in the Friday test, the but unfortunately forgetting where I following week you sat at the front was I walked into the first shop and of the class and had the important embarrassingly opened my coat to task of opening the door for visitors. be frisked. In 1989 I began teaching again as a My sister Carolyn and I began I remained at Edgehill for three supply teacher in Ebrington Primary Londonderry High School in 1966. years and did lots, visited many School, where Michael and Joanne As we are both small in height, we places and made many friends. I were pupils, and other local schools. were unfortunately shown to the got my Teaching Certificate and I taught for a short time in my old Preparatory School instead of the intended going on to complete my primary school, the Model, and the ‘Big School’. Our younger sister degree. As teaching posts were walls were still red in the corridors, Rosemary started LHS three years scarce that year, we were advised déjà vu. later. Those years seem to have to apply for them and accept any passed so quickly. Some memories offers. I flew home and had an During that time, I was asked to of LHS: our maths teacher Miss interview for Foyle Preparatory teach in Foyle View School in the Wilson smoked so sprayed lots of School and this was where I began old hospital in Infirmary Road. This perfume to cover up the smell of my teaching career. Scott Marshall was my first experience of working smoke, the boarders marking off was the Principal when I began there with pupils with special needs and I the days on the calendar until their when I was leaving nine years later, did not take to it at first. Thankfully next spell home, Miss Cowper with Elaine Marshall was the Principal, I stuck at it and got a permanent her flowing gown, a PE teacher who her husband, Terry, having taught post in Foyle View School in 2000. did not allow jumpers on the playing me maths at A-Level. It was strange By then the school had moved to fields even though she wore a warm working alongside staff who had Racecourse Road and has now coat, hat and scarf and gloves, previously taught me. merged with Belmont House School. scratchy grey PE shorts/skirt, and At present we are designing our new Miss Christie who was quite scary In 1979 I married John Love from state-of-the-art Special School until you moved into Sixth Form. I Limavady, (a boarder at Coleraine and in the future will move to the was proud to be made a prefect in Inst), who was a vet in practice, then site of the old Foyle College Junior upper sixth (all of upper sixth were joined the Ministry of Agriculture School at Springtown. As this is a made prefects that year!!!!!.) During and is now retired. In 1982 our slow process, unfortunately I will be our final year we were invited to son, Michael, was born and in 1985 retired before the move. join the LHSOGA. Gosh everyone our daughter, Joanne. I left Foyle seemed so old. I suppose I am one of Preparatory School in 1985 and Michael and Joanne both attended them now. took three years out to be at home. Foyle College. Michael is a freelance

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photographer, having previously and teaching in Edinburgh. One year recently awarded the Queen’s Award worked for Tempest Photography I was unable to attend the Scottish for Voluntary Service. I was chosen and been involved for several years Reunion, so Michael went in my to represent the centre at a garden taking the annual photographs at place. The ladies were delighted party at Hillsborough Castle in the Foyle College. Joanne is a primary to have a male in their company, presence of Princess Anne. school teacher in Edinburgh. although he made a quick exit Joanne married in 2016 and Michael before one of the ladies began her I enjoy walking and gardening, married in 2017. belly dancing performance. holidaying in France, and travelling in our touring caravan. My sister I have been a member of the LHS Old I am a Parish Reader in the Grouped Carolyn lives in New Zealand and Girls’ Association for many years, Parish of Christ Church, Culmore, my sister Rosemary in Scotland. My and this included a spell as Honorary Muff and St Peter’s (CCCMSP), a mum and dad live locally, but sadly Treasurer. I attended many annual member of the Church Vestry and mum has Alzheimer’s and is now in a spring reunions in Londonderry, and Honorary Treasurer of the Mothers’ nursing home. It is an honour to be reunions in Scotland when Joanne Union. I also volunteer in a local Child asked to preside as Joint President was studying at Glasgow University Contact Centre (FCCC) and we were of the Former Pupils’ Association.

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VICE-PRESIDENTS’ PROFILE

Robert J Elliott BBS Many of my fondest memories at Foyle relate to my participation in Before entering Foyle College in cricket, rugby, music and drama. It is September 1956 I had attended no coincidence that the individuals the Model Primary School where I mentioned above were dedicated experienced the unique teaching to nurturing these activities. On style of Barry Jameson on my the sports field I learned quickly path to the all important 11+ the importance of teamwork but it examination. One of my earliest also helps if you happen to have one sporting memories was being or two outstanding individuals!! I selected as goalkeeper for the U11 was lucky enough to be in teams Cityside Football XI to play against that included such people as Ken the Waterside XI at Brandywell. (I am Goodall, Stan Mitchell, Lowry pretty sure that my opposite number Cunningham, Jonathan Hegan, and was John Magowan). to share a stage with Scott Kelso and Bert Tosh. In my years at Foyle the school was located at Lawrence Hill so my After Junior Certificate I went into journey to school was much easier the literary stream and took English, than for many. Nevertheless, living History, German and French at A near the Collon on the Buncrana Level. History was my favourite appointed Head Boy by Stewart Road entailed a 15 minute walk to subject and I became fascinated Connolly in September 1963. Being catch the school bus. It was said by the life and times of the Duke of thought worthy of that role was that if you could see Grianan Fort Marlborough, poring over details a milestone in building my self it was going to rain and if you could of the Battle of Blenheim (1704). esteem. As well as Foyle College, my not, it was already raining! However, During my business career I spent life in Derry was closely associated one advantage of living there was some time establishing Cadbury’s with St Columb’s Cathedral where that I could walk across some fields confectionary business in Russia I was a chorister for many years. I and the Lough Swilly railway line to and took the opportunity to read developed a love for singing thanks in Springtown playing fields already in about the life of Marshal Georgy no small part to the influence of the my sports kit and avoid the need to Zukov (1896-1974). Reading about great Michael Franklin. To sing the use the infamous ‘tin hut’ changing his exploits at the pivotal Battle of solo in the Stanford in G Magnificat room. Stalingrad (1942-3) and the Battle of in front of 500 members of the Kursk (1943) together with his later Mothers’ Union was an experience During my time at Foyle the school political conflicts was an interesting I will always remember (as was the was blessed with a group of talented insight to Russia’s history and pride on my mother, Gertie’s, face). and dedicated teachers who not development. only created a desire to study and The diversity of subjects in the achieve but also ensured that each During my final years at Foyle I four-year Business Studies course pupil was encouraged to develop his decided that my career path should was academically challenging. It individual skills. Their commitment be in the commercial world. I found ranged from Law, Economics, to non-academic activities was out that Trinity College, Dublin, Public Finance and Accounting. Our exemplary and the reason that Foyle had just set up an undergraduate first-year intake comprised about College demonstrated excellence in Business Studies Faculty and I 60 students from USA, Norway, areas such as sport, music, drama entered Trinity in October 1964. Nigeria, Ghana, New Zealand, and debating. I owe much to the England and Ireland. Furthermore, mentoring of Stewart Connolly, Before moving on from my time at a considerable number had already Mo Craig, Denis Helliwell, Curzon Foyle it would be remiss of me if I been introduced to Economics Mowbray and Edgar Bigger. did not highlight the importance to and Statistics so a significant work my personal development of being effort was required from me to get

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up to speed quickly. However, the Development Director, reporting to manufacturing plants in Poland lectures were stimulating and the him. The board agreed on a strategy and Russia as well as acquiring and atmosphere challenging. to refocus the group’s activities integrating several local companies. My social life in Dublin developed on the core growth markets of By the end of 1997 annual turnover more outside college and I enjoyed confectionery and beverages. Thus was in excess of £300 million with my time there. I’m sure the main some of the early tasks were the around 3,000 employees. reason was that I met a Clontarf disposal of non-core business (tea girl and fell in love. Shirley and I and food) but at the same time we The European role was very got engaged in July 1968 and were embarked on a series of acquisition rewarding but had been very married in St John the Baptist in in USA, Canada, South Africa, demanding both commercially July 1969. , France, Germany, Holland and physically. For example, and Spain. in one year I flew well over 100 At that time job opportunities in flights, and 70+ hour weeks were Ireland were limited so my first One key element of the strategy was the norm. I returned to the group employer was the Plessey Company obtaining greater influence over the headquarters in London to head Aerospace Division. Having ‘route to market’ for our brands. This up a team of corporate finance completed a two-year graduate led to discussions with the Coca- specialists where we examined and trainee programme based in Ilford, Cola Company to create a modern, challenged the latest thinking and Essex, I moved on to a number of efficient bottling and canning metrics of investment appraisal. roles in product planning (eg the operation in the UK combining both Foyle College’s ethos of studying, fuel transfer system for Concorde our activities. A joint venture, 51% questioning and experimenting still and the nozzle actuation system owned by Cadbury Schweppes plc, burned bright! on the Harrier Jump Jet) and was formed and major investment manufacturing reconfiguration. made in building a state of the art I retired in 2000 and although I did a After six years with Plessey, Shirley green-field site in Yorkshire. This little consulting work, I was keen to and I moved to Scotland, based in business model was very successful spend more time with my family. As Glasgow where our son, Mark, was and was replicated subsequently Shirley had managed all the ‘home born in 1977. We lived in Stirlingshire in many other countries. I was agenda’ for many years it wasn’t for five years but then moved seconded to the board of the joint easy for her to adjust to having me to Marchington, Staffordshire, venture for three years during which where my last role with Grampian time I led the successful defence around all the time. Playing Holdings was running their furniture of our commercial activities in an three times a week (which she manufacturing division. MMC/OFT investigation into the UK still does) was a help and we are soft drinks market. looking forward to celebrating our In 1979 I joined Courage Brewing in 50th Wedding Anniversary in July London with a mandate to transfer In 1993 I was appointed Managing 2019. Our son, Mark, read English the business into a consumer Director of Cadbury’s European at Magdalen College, Oxford, and focused, service-led organisation. Confectionery Business covering all shortly afterwards joined the civil Highlights included the creation and of Continental Europe. This was a service where he still works doing rollout of the Harvester Restaurant time of great political and economic seemingly interesting work and concept and the acquisition and change, including the reunification enjoying the social life of London. expansion of the Happy Eater of Germany and access to Russia Restaurant Chain. and its former territories. At times When William Lynn telephoned me activity was frenetic and speed regarding the Joint Vice-President’s In July 1986 (I hadn’t realised how of action was essential. Over the role, I was reminded of that day in July was such an eventful month for next four to five years we increased 1963 when Stewart Connolly spoke me) I was invited to meet Dominic distribution and market share of to me about becoming Head Boy. Cadbury who was Chief Executive of our ‘power brands’ (eg CDM, Picnic, As back then, I regard this as a great Cadbury Schweppes plc who offered Eclairs) in Poland, Russia, France privilege and will again endeavour to me the role of Group Planning and and Spain, building green-field prove worthy of this honour.

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Belfast Lunch Date: Saturday 23 February 2019 Venue: Royal Belfast Golf Club, Belfast Time: 12.30 pm for 1.00 pm Lunch Cost: £30 per person - 3 Course meal + Tea/ Coffee + Wine Dress: Smart Casual Payment: By 8th February - See attached poster for how to pay

Spring Lunch & Official Opening of Archive Facility at 10.30am followed by tour of school Date: Saturday 23 March 2019 Venue: Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Londonderry Time: 12.30pm for 1.00pm Lunch Cost: £25 per person - 3 Course meal + Tea/Coffee + Wine Dress: Smart Casual Payment: By 8th March - See attached poster for how to pay

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London Reunion Dinner Date: Friday 5 April 2019 Venue: The Farmers’ Club, White- hall, London Time: 7.00 pm Drinks Reception, 7.30 pm Dinner Cost: £90 per person - Drinks Reception + 3 Course meal + Wine + Tea/Coffee/ Dress: Lounge Suit Payment: By 1st February - Please note numbers are limited See attached poster for how to pay

FCFPA Annual General Meeting followed by Wine & Cheese Date: Friday 10 May 2019 Venue: Springham Campus, Limavady Road Time: 7.00 pm Cost: £10

Annual Dinner Date: Friday 20 September 2019 Venue: City Hotel Time: 7.00pm for 7.30 pm Cost: £40 Dress: Formal Payment: By 13 September - See attached poster for how to pay

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SOCIAL FUNCTIONS AND GATHERINGS DURING 2018

LHSOGA London Lunch but this was decided against. The - 14 April 2018 Cut Leaf Hornbeam tree in the grounds which was runner-up in last As usual we had an excellent year’s Woodland Trust Competition luncheon provided by the Crowne has now been adjudged to be the Plaza Kensington. This was our largest of its species in the British thirtieth consecutive year at the Isles. Together with the other same venue. Thirty nine Old Girls trees in the grounds of Duncreggan and one guest attended. Apart House and along Duncreggan Road from the London girls, there were it will be preserved as part of Magee Old Girls from Northern Ireland, Conservation Area. Most of the Scotland and France. Our guest, other buildings in the original school Linda Seymour, daughter of Lucie will be demolished. Seaward, attended for the second year running. Our president then proposed a toast to the memory of Londonderry High The restaurant was set up with School and wished Foyle College the tables for registration, memorabilia best for the future. Our secretary and photograph albums from Ruth Edwards said a few words in past LHSOGA London events, memory of her sister Judith before past LHSOGA schooldays and we sang ‘Judith’s’ song to the tune photographs of the new school. of the Londonderry Air. We were led Judith Gibbon’s (née Lelievre) Order into song by Theo Norman-Walker of Service and words to the song and Judith Goody. that Judith wrote for LHSOGA London were on display. Personal As coffee and tea were being memorabilia included the long served Kanchu lit the sparklers that black and white scroll photographs represented the numbers ‘90’ and from several different years, a walked alongside the tables until the letter written by Miss Mina Christie, sparklers extinguished thus ending boarder’s uniform and a long a most enjoyable event. forgotten song about the ‘Mighty Greenland Whale’. The Foyle College Our next luncheon is at the same book plus first and second volumes venue on Saturday 13 April 2019 as advertised on the FCFPA website. of the quatercentenary editions of and thoroughly enjoyed all the the FPA magazine were on sale. events but being an LHS past pupil Kanchu McAllister she had a soft spot for the LHSOGA Ninety years of LHS at Duncreggan gatherings in Belfast, Coleraine and House (1928-2018) was celebrated London. Una said that she was very with helium balloons and sparklers!! moved by the Centenary Service As we entered the restaurant an air held in St Columb’s Cathedral and violin version of ‘The Londonderry had enjoyed the 400th anniversary Air’ was played to mark this special celebratory dinner in the Guildhall. occasion. We were pleased to learn that Una Summers, Joint President of the Duncreggan House has been FCFPA, gave us an insight into her retained on the Listed Buildings presidential year. She was invited Register and that the university to many Former-Pupil gatherings of intends to restore it. At one point it other schools in Northern Ireland, had been considered for de-listing

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Daphne King, Ruth Parker, Pauline Smith, Ann Seaton

Jenny Tuddenham & Helen Scott

Helen Blackburn, Rosaleen Ramsey and Lorna Adamson

Daphne King, Ruth Parker, Pauline Smith, Ann Seaton

Kanchu, Una and Margaret Morgan

Heather Mellows & Dorothy Gault

Rosemary mann, Mary Mokhebi, Keramy Austin and Feliity Moran

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HEADER TITLE

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COLERAINE BRANCH GREETINGS

We in Coleraine were saddened in August to learn of the death of Enid Elizabeth Carson. A Service of Thanksgiving for the life of Enid was held in Coleraine Methodist Church on 22 August. Many Coleraine members attended the service. Enid was a very faithful and enthusiastic member of the Coleraine Branch and we will miss her very much. A detailed obituary will appear elsewhere in the magazine.

On 10 May we as a branch met in the Lodge Hotel for lunch. We were joined by a number of the Belfast members and we thank them for being with us. We all enjoyed a lovely lunch with lots of conversations among those present. We were pleased to have Una Summers, our President, with us. As a branch we thank Una for all she did during her year of office. We know she had a very busy year and we do appreciate that she attended so many functions.

On 29 November our Annual Get- together was held in the home of Carol Corrigan (née McCahon) in Portrush. Once again we had a lovely evening with a good number of members present. Thanks to Carol for hosting the evening and making us so welcome.

During the year the members attend functions in Londonderry, Belfast and London. These events give opportunities to renew friendships. Thanks to all those who organise these events and allow us the opportunity to be present.

Best Wishes to everyone for 2019. Rosaleen Ramsey Honorary Secretary 76a Charlotte Street Ballymoney Co Antrim, BT53 6AZ

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BELFAST OLD GIRLS’ BRANCH

On the 11 May 2018, Elisabeth Thompson, a member of the Belfast Branch, took over the Presidency from Coleraine’s Una Summers. We all wish her well and are sure it will be a great success.

On June we enjoyed our annual Afternoon Tea at the Dunadry Hotel. The hotel is now under new management and has been considerably upgraded since the Anne Dawson, Phyllis Logan, Elisabeth Thompson, Christine Williams, Joan Milliken, Phenella Black previous year.

Due to family commitments and health issues, Phenella Black has resigned from the position of chairperson of the Belfast Branch. We are all sorry to see her go as her help and support were much appreciated. She was a very kind and charming hostess and who always brought very delicious scones to the committee meetings. Una Summers, Pat Stevens, Kyleen Clark

On Saturday, 6 October 2018, 27 ladies attended our annual lunch which was held at the Stormont Hotel. Elisabeth gave a very interesting address at the lunch. Several people approached me afterwards and said how much they enjoyed listening to her speech.

Joan Milliken Honorary Secretary

Cynthia Kelly, Audrey Logan

Gertrude Aiken, Lily Swinson Belfast ladies attending Spring Lunch

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SPRING LUNCH - 24 MARCH 2018

Once again this year, by popular demand, the lunch was held in Bishop’s Gate Hotel which is a most pleasant venue with excellent food and efficient service. The new regular hourly train service from Belfast meant that many members from there and from Coleraine made the journey giving time for a catch-up on news during the journey. Minibuses from the school transferred them from the station to tour the new school building where staff and the Principal conducted Former Pupils with former Headmaster Jack Magill touring the school guided tours. Following the tours the minibuses conveyed members across to the hotel for the lunch.

Almost one hundred people attended enjoying the convivial, informal atmosphere and an excellent meal. Short informal speeches were made by the outgoing Joint Presidents, Una Summers and William Lynn, who, at this their last function Former Pupis’ group touring the school with the Principal before handing over their Chains of Office, both said how much they had enjoyed the past momentous year of events celebrating the school’s 400th anniversary. To close proceedings, Winston Irwin performed a few songs encouraging the company to join in.

Bishop’s Gate Hotel has been booked for the 2019 lunch to take place on Saturday, 23 March. William Lynn

Fiona, David, Rosalind, Donald, Michelle & Elma

Donald Bigger on the Memorabilia Stall Alison, Jennifer, Marshall, Pauline, Anna

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Coleraine Ladies

Elma & William

Elizabeth, Cynthia and Aileen Jack, Elma & Alan David & Yvonne

William speaking at the lunch with Jack Anna, Louis, David & Nicky Yvonne, Andrena & Kay Magill

Elisabeth, Una, William & Jonathan

Janet, Sylvia, Ann, Rosie & Elma Denis, Brian, Winston, Lowry

David, Lynn & Robin Austin, Cynthia & Elizabeth

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James, Louise, Jill, Bob & Sylvia

Jennifer, Pauline, Michelle, Gail, Donald, Fiona, Rosalind, Laura, Caroline

Roger, Elisabeth, Stephen, Robin & Lynn

William Miller,Brian Wilson

Joy & Hester Stan & Sylvia with Valerie & Dean Cecil

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Hester, Andreana & Kay

Ken Gamble with his guests

Ken Gamble with his guests

Isabel & George, Brian, William, Robert Lyndsay

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SUMMER BBQ/OLD BOYS CRICKET MATCH - 22 JUNE 2018

William Lynn presents the Emil Hamiliton Cricket Cup to the victorious Old Boys Team, John Moore and Andrew Fleming.

Ann and Elma

FOYLE COLLEGE FORMER PUPILS’ ASSOCIATION & Parent Teachers and Friends Association LEAVERS BBQ Friday 22 June 2018 at 6.30pm Springham Campus, Limavady Road Food served from 7.00pm – 8.00pm On production of ticket DRESS: SMART CASUAL Cricket Match 5.00pm Hockey Match 5.00pm Cost: £10 BYOB Leavers: £5 Paul, Andrew, John and Ian

Beverly, Pamela and Hazel

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ANNUAL DINNER CITY HOTEL - 21 SEPTEMBER 2018

The annual dinner returned to the City Hotel this year after the memorable reunion dinner held in the Guildhall last year to celebrate the school’s 400th anniversary. Joint Presidents, Elisabeth Thompson and Jonathan Hegan, presided over a company of former pupils and guests numbering 68 in total. Guests representing other schools and past presidents of the association were entertained to a drinks reception in the Writers’ Room prior to the dinner. Simon Mowbray, flautist, provided entertainment for the assembled members in the bar.

After everyone was seated Elisabeth delivered some words of welcome and read a list of names of those members who had passed away William receives his Past President’s Jewel from Jonathan with Vice President Bob Elliott since the last dinner. A minute’s hotel staff for the excellent food and silence followed and Elisabeth then service, and the members of the asked Very Reverend Kenneth Hall, FCFPA organising committee for Dean of Clogher, to say grace. their efficient arrangements. She then called upon Mr Stanley Huey on Once again the hotel provided an piano to lead the assembled company excellent dinner and after a short in the singing of the school song. break Mr Bob Elliott, Joint Vice- W M Lynn President, proposed the ‘Toast to the School’. Mr Patrick Allen, Principal, replied, updating the assembled TOASTS company on the school’s move to Limavady Road and the settling-in THE TOAST TO THE SCHOOL Elisabeth welcomes the company period to the new building. He paid Bob Elliott tribute to former Headmaster, Mr Ladies and Gentlemen, Hugh Gillespie, and to Mr John Arthur, This time last year we were gathered During 2017 there were a number former Chair of Governors, who have in the beautifully refurbished of events organised as part of the both passed away this year, and also Guildhall celebrating the 400th anniversary programme but I would to Mr Robin Young, who has just Anniversary of Foyle College and like to refer briefly to the Spring stepped down as Chair of Governors. anticipating the forthcoming move Concert last March. During my own to the new school on Limavady Road. time at Foyle College in the 1950s A musical interlude between What a memorable evening it was for and 1960s I participated in most of the speeches was provided by all!! It brought home to me that whilst the non-academic activities in the Louis Fields on piano, after which as pupils we spend a relatively small school but it was music and drama Jonathan Hegan proposed the ‘Toast proportion of our lives at school, the that enthralled me. It helped that to our Guests’. This was responded impact those formative years have I loved singing and had spent four to on behalf of the guests by Very on our lives is a tribute to all those or five years as a chorister at St Reverend Kenneth Hall. staff who dedicate themselves to Columb’s Cathedral with the great The proceedings were drawn to a creating a desire to study, question, Michael Franklin before I entered close by Elisabeth who thanked the experiment and achieve. Foyle College.

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multiple sites. The school is clearly indebted to him for his diligence at HEADER TITLE that crucial time.

Enough of the past. Following last September’s dinner, Neil Stewart was kind enough to take a few of us on a tour of the Limavady Road site to comprehend the magnitude of the task ahead. In the business world in which I operated for many years, it took me a little while to realise that there are no problems in life, only opportunities, challenges and Fiona, Pauline, Frank & Jennifer solutions.

Clearly the new school’s infrastructure and technology offer stunning opportunities. The facilities available in science, languages, music and sport, for example, will surely stimulate that ageless desire to study, question, experiment and succeed. However, those of us who walked around the site that day recognised the huge challenge faced by the staff and pupils in making the physical transfer halfway through the Donald, Neil, Gavin & Marshall academic year. No doubt there were good days and bad days, but in tasks Here I had the good fortune to come that Billy West and Jim Goodman like this it takes the energy, skills, under the influence of people like returned as teachers. They, in turn, resilience and humour of people Stewart Connolly, Mo Craig and Denis nurtured love and passion for music to transform physical assets into Helliwell. It was their perseverance, in many young people and we thank vibrant, robust organisations. Many patience and commitment that them. I am also delighted to see people in this room tonight and even motivated me to strive to improve. that the school’s musical heritage is more not here have worked tirelessly They instilled their values and secure in the leadership of Brenda to move Foyle College confidently passion into my generation of pupils. O’Somachain and I wish her and the into the next 400 years. It is therefore As a result I was lucky enough to be pupils every success, as well as a lot with personal pleasure that I ask you a small part of the memorable Gilbert of fun in the future. to rise and join me in proposing the and Sullivan era, later establishing Toast to the School. a glee club and playing a number I hope you will bear with me if I refer of challenging roles in various briefly to the recent sad death of Shakespeare productions. More Hugh Gillespie. There are many importantly from the school’s point people here tonight who are better of view, two fellow pupils at the time qualified than me to speak about were Billy West and Jim Goodman. his long term contribution to the Billy and I were friends at Trinity, and school, but if I may I would to draw Jim and his family lived not far from your attention to some similarity me and my family on Buncrana Road. with current events. Mr Gillespie Even in the 1960s, the Goodman was trusted with the challenge of the family was at the heart of musical amalgamation of Foyle College and excellence in the city and it gives me Londonderry High School in 1976. In great pleasure to see the success of many ways I can imagine this having the family continue today. created even more challenges than the 2018 relocation. For example, two The school was indeed fortunate sets of pupils, two sets of staff and

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RESPONSE TO THE TOAST Patrick Allen Mr President, Madam President, distinguished guests and former pupils it is, as always, a pleasure to join with you this evening to respond to the toast to the school.

Since January, 2018 has been a year filled with firsts as we relocated from the twin sites of Springtown and Duncreggan to our new unified campus on the Limavady Road. The first Open Day, the first Spring Concert, the first examinations, Billy, Alec & Stan the first Sports Day and just two weeks ago the first Prize Giving. It has been a strange journey at times as many of the school routines that we were concerned about, such as lunch arrangements for 815 pupils in a canteen that seats 200, dropped smoothly into place whilst others which we hadn’t envisaged being problematic definitely have been. Trying to run public exams for 5th and 6th forms alongside the junior school exams whilst also trying to maintain teaching for 4th Form pupils gave us an ‘interesting’ couple of weeks at the end of May.

Despite the trials and tribulations of packing up, moving and settling in to our new premises we are relatively Derek & Albert pleased with our exam performance this year, particularly those of our Our Upper 6th had an A-Level pass able to offer remains key to helping top pupils. At GCSE the pass rate rate of 98% with 77% of pupils our pupils to develop not only across all subjects was 93% with achieving the equivalent of three Cs academically but also athletically and 44% of grades were A* or A. Overall or better which has allowed everyone artistically. At the start of the season 85% of our pupils achieved seven or to pursue the further or higher the 1st XV, composed predominantly more GCSEs at Grades A*-C including education courses or employment of Lower 6th and 5th Form pupils, Maths and English. Of particular opportunities that they wanted to. and captained last year by Joel note were the performances of The top performer this year was Smyth travelled to Enniskillen for Ellie Goodman who achieved 11 A*s Rithvik Gidwani who achieved three a pre-season tournament that set just pipping Luca Ward and Nicole A*s and an A, closely followed by the tone for the remainder of the Maloney who had 10A*s and an A and Lauren Devenney with three A*s. season – spirited but frustrating. a further 14 pupils who achieved at Rithvik is going up to study medicine The build-up to the Schools’ Cup in least 10A* or A grades. at QUB and as such is this year’s January was positive but absolutely recipient of the Dr Kanchan Chada dreadful weather conditions and a At AS-Level we should congratulate Prize for the best student going physical and well-drilled Dromore HS Emma Ball, Jodi Desmond, Andrew forward to Medicine School. A further side put paid to any hopes of a cup Hamilton, Grace Hand, Daniel Kane eight pupils achieved at least three A run. It was a similar story for the 1st and Curtis Montgomery who each Grades. XI who despite having a lot of talent achieved four A Grades and the in the side and high expectations further five pupils who achieved at Outside the classroom the extra- of a good cup run fell at the quarter least three A grades curricular programme that we are final stage to local rivals Limavady

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Grammar. The junior sides proved more successful with the U13s winning the Slemish Cup and the U14 and Colt XIs winning their respective plate competitions. On the girls’ side of the equation, the Hockey 1st XI had a successful season under the captaincy of Hannah Lawther who was this year’s recipient of the Lawrence sword at Prize Giving. One of the most memorable matches of the season was the five nil win away to Cookstown HS in the semi-final of the Super League. Unfortunately, the girls couldn’t maintain that form and lost out in the final to an extremely talented Bloomfield Collegiate side. There were a number of individual successes for our Hockey players with Anna Nawn playing on Ulster Joint Presidents with Past Presidents of the Association U18 team that won the Interprovincial series and Grace Hand and Sara O’Neill being selected for the Ulster U17 and U16 Development Programmes respectfully. There were also successes for school pupils in wrestling with Ben Pollin winning gold at the English Senior Open, in karate where a number of pupils achieved success at the International Karate Union World the Limavady Road. I’d like for a few Brian and Lindsay Championships and for Alana Dalzell minutes to pay tribute to a number who was selected to captain the U17 of individuals who had the vision, the The amalgamation presented Hugh Northwest Cricket Union side and belief and the perseverance to make with the greatest challenge of his who was then selected for the Ireland what started out as a dream turn into career; how to knit together into a U19 squad. reality. cohesive whole two sets of pupils, two sets of staff, two Boards of As always this is just a snapshot A man who would have understood Governors and two communities of what goes on at Foyle on a daily the upheaval that we went through of former pupils for most of whom basis. If we were to take the time last year was Mr Hugh Gillespie the amalgamation was a hugely to reflect on all of the endeavours who was Headmaster of Foyle disruptive, transformative and (for and achievements of the variety College from 1973-76 and of Foyle & many) unwelcome event. There were of clubs, societies and teams that Londonderry College from 1976 until numerous practical challenges too; exist in school we would be here until his retirement in 1994. I only had the how to operate a school on split sites, midnight and, proud as I am of our pleasure of meeting Mr Gillespie three how to resolve timetable clashes, pupils and what they do, I’ll refrain times in the last six years but I was how to resolve personal tensions from inflicting that on you. I would always taken by his interest in what some of which dated back over encourage all former pupils to keep was taking place at his former school many years, and to all of these Hugh up to date with what’s happening at so it was with genuine sadness that applied a combination of meticulous school through our various social I learned that he had passed away attention to detail, a strong ability to media streams be that on Facebook at the end of August. Hugh Gillespie relate to people on a personal level, a or via Twitter – there’s always some not only steered the school through steady sense of fairness, and a great new success to celebrate. the height of the troubles and all capacity for hard work. Following the turmoil that period brought to his retirement Hugh maintained his As I’ve already mentioned, the biggest the city but he also oversaw the interest in, and connection with, news of the past 12 months has been amalgamation of Foyle College and the school by being active in the Old the relocation to our new site on Londonderry High School in 1976. Boys’ Association and acting as its

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adopted and a formal proposal was prepared for the Department of HEADER TITLE Education. and so began the journey that eventually came to fruition in January 2018.

Another key member of the Board of Governors at that time was John V Arthur who also sadly passed away this year. John had attended Foyle Prep and Foyle College from 1938 -51 and then joined the Board of Governors in 1974 as a Department of Education Governor. In 1983 he became the Irish Society’s representative and Chairman of the Board, positions which he retained Stewart and Andrena Ramsey and David & Ann Burke until he stepped down in 2004. John had a vision for Foyle for the 21st Century and was instrumental in working alongside both Hugh Gillespie and Jack Magill in trying to bring that vision to fruition.

Having attended Foyle College from 1962-69 Robin Young initially became involved in school governance when his children were pupils at Ebrington Primary School and from 1995 to 2008 was Chair of the Board of Governors. As his children progressed to secondary level education at Foyle he then also became involved in the Board of Governors at that school, first as a Foundation Governor from 1997 and eventually succeeding John Arthur as Chair in 2005. Our new build was some 20 years in realisation for Una, Andrena, Yvonne & Alan Foyle College and more than 10 years President in 2001 and 2002. Just Following amalgamation, it quickly for Ebrington Primary School and this year he showed that we were became apparent to the staff and to one of the common denominators still in his thoughts when the family the Board of Governors that running was Robin Young. His determination presented the Music Department a school on a split campus was to see both projects through to with a wonderful baby grand piano somewhat problematic. Some 30 completion was unstinting and in memory of their son and brother years ago another long term servant involved persistent lobbying of local Shaun who passed away in November of Foyle, Mrs Ruth McCaul, who sat politicians at all levels and from all 2011. Through Hugh’s leadership, on the Board of Governors for some sections of the community in order personality and unwavering thirty years, asked the question as to to achieve what he believed to be dedication, a school emerged with whether a single school on a single in the best interests of local young its own unique, liberal, friendly and site wouldn’t make more practical and people. Only yesterday, having inclusive identity, and the culture economic sense. It might also have successfully delivered the new build and character of Foyle College today had something to do with the pane Robin stepped down as Chairman undoubtedly owes much to Hugh of glass which fell out of a window of the Board and I would like to take Gillespie who life will be remembered in Springtown narrowly missing both the opportunity to thank him both at a memorial service in Hillsborough cars and pupils but that’s another personally and professionally for all on Friday next. story. The proposal was put to the that he has done for the staff and Board of Governors where it was pupils of the school.

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Hugh Gillespie, John Arthur and Robin Young had one key attribute in common – a vision for our school and how it should continue to foster opportunities for young learners to excel into the 21st Century. Unfortunately, ill-health meant that Hugh never had the opportunity to visit our new premises – I hope that he would approve of what we have done with his vision from all those years ago. We may have relocated across the river to our new premises and we may now have everyone on a single site but it is our core values of respect, integrity, determination, commitment and responsibility that will continue to connect us to both the past and to the future. Ladies and gentlemen, I give you ‘The Joint Presidents with Presidents from other Schools School’.

TOAST TO OUR GUESTS Jonathan Hegan A very special welcome to our guests. I hope our other guests will not mind if I focus my attention this evening on our honoured guests from other Former Pupils’ Associations. We are pleased to have with us tonight the Presidents from:

Portora Royal School Union Belfast Old Instonians Association Coleraine Inst Old Boys Association Belfast Royal Academical Former Pupils Association Presidents Jonathan & Elisabeth with Head Boy William &Head Girl Emma & Principal Patrick Former Allen Pupils Association St Columbs College Union the excellent standards and values his views from a political perspective. Methodist College Former Pupils of our great schools continue. To Association elaborate on this latter point I would The topics that evening were Royal & Prior School Raphoe Former like to relate a little story. wide ranging, but there was one, Pupils Association in particular, which exercised the Some time ago I attended a small CBI group more than any of the others. Over many decades Foyle has dinner, hosted by the Ulster Bank. They were decrying the fact that so enjoyed strong relationships with This consisted of about 12 Chief many of our talented young people, these schools, be it on the sporting Executives of member companies, particularly our school leavers, leave field, the debating chamber or together with a special guest. On Northern Ireland, never to return. other social and formal occasions. this particular evening the guest of “What should be done to keep them Indeed in later years many of our honour was the Deputy First Minister, here and help our industries to respective alumni have become work Mr Martin McGuinness. The purpose thrive?” was the question debated. colleagues, team mates, friends of such occasions was for CBI When it came to my turn to comment, and even husbands and wives. Long members to exchange views on the I was a little controversial and may this friendly rivalry between our current business climate, to inform certainly out of step with the others schools continue, but also, long may the guest and to enable him to share around the table.

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benefitted from a superb education at our schools, some of whom are HEADER TITLE represented here tonight. So to you, our honoured guests, from our ‘sister’ schools here in Northern Ireland, I salute you for the high standards that you are achieving and I fervently hope that our long association will continue for many years to come.

I would now ask members of the Foyle College Former Pupils’ Association to be upstanding for The Toast to our Guests. Thank you.

Robin, Lynn, Lorna & Stan My view was that, if our young people Everyone at that dinner was in wished to leave and travel elsewhere, agreement about the quality of then we should let them go, with our schools and most, including our blessing! (I did it myself as did a the Deputy First Minister, could number of us in this room tonight). understand my logical argument. I By leaving they would broaden their trust you all tonight at our Annual minds in that new country, develop Dinner will also agree that we have all their skills, build their careers and become model citizens; valuable assets to their communities. Then I turned to the politician (Martin McGuinness) and said, ‘The trick is, we all, as well as you politicians, have then got to make this place as attractive as possible for them to want to come back. One of the key ways to do that is to invest in our schools. Support them and ensure that their enviable standards are maintained. Why am I emphasising this? As our exiled young people mature and begin to have families they will want to give their children the best education they can. When they investigate the Keith Laura & Gail schools available, wherever they are, they will realise that for their children to get the sort of education they received here they will either have to pay enormous school fees or return to Northern Ireland. Our family of schools, both primary and secondary, are a great asset to Northern Ireland. They produce a well educated young person, valued by our local society, but also attractive to other countries. Look after our schools and we have some chance of their alumni returning.’ Two Roberts - Montgomery & Murtland

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ARMISTICES SERVICES 2018

In school - Friday 9 November This year’s Armistice Day marked a significant milestone with the centenary of that first armistice signed on 11 November 1918. Like most other services of remembrance in churches and at war memorials throughout the and Europe, Foyle College wanted to do something special and different from our normal Armistice Service in school. The First World War Memorial Board was dedicated in the Assembly Hall at Lawrence Hill on 11 November 1921. It contains the names of 73 former pupils who gave their lives in the Great War.

For this year a group from the Former Senior cadets from the Navy, Army & Airforce place some of the 73 crosses representing the Pupils’ Association and the Archive Former Pupils killed in the 1st World War together with the Headmaster planned a ceremony much along the lines of that first dedication in 1921. The Archive held several copies of that Service of Dedication so it was agreed to follow a similar format using hymns, readings and prayers.

Accordingly, during the service the boards for both wars were re- dedicated by the clergy from the Board of Governors representing the Church of Ireland (Canon Malcolm Ferry) and the Presbytery of Derry and Donegal (Reverend Stuart McCrea). In a change from the usual armistice format, the names of all the fallen were read by three senior cadets from each of the three sections of the school’s School cadets stand for The Silence Combined Cadet Force and a cross with each name placed in boxes on Elisabeth Thompson, and Joint credit to the CCF and seeing those the platform of the Assembly Hall Vice President, Bob Elliott, on the 73 small crosses on the front of by members of that force, many in World War I Memorial, and by the the platform made staff and pupils the uniform of its army, navy and air Head Boy and Head Girl on the World aware of the great contribution force divisions. War II Memorial. Proceedings were Foyle boys had made to the war drawn to a close on what was a most effort. Following the Last Post, the memorable and moving occasion Silence and Reveille, wreaths with the singing of the National were laid by FPA Joint President, Anthem. The cadets were a great

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ORDER OF SERVICE

Introduction Mr P Allen In Flanders’ Fields Emma Ball (Head Girl) Reading: Revelation 7 v 9-17 Rev S McCrea Re-dedication of Memorial Boards Rev S McCrea Individual Crosses of Remembrance Foyle College Combined Cadet Force, RSM Andrew Hawthorne, PO Jack McQuillan, L Cpl Jamie Patterson, Reflection & Prayer Canon M Ferry, Hymn O God Our Help in Ages Past Act of Remembrance Ode to the Fallen – William Watson (Head Boy) Pupils are asked to repeat the last line together:

‘We will remember them’ Last Post Silence of Remembrance Reveille Kohima Epitaph – Emma Ball Laying of the Wreaths As the wreath laying party leaves the stage pupils are asked to turn to face the War Memorial Boards at the side of the Assembly Hall

Wreaths will be laid by Mr R J Elliott, Joint Vice President FCFPA Mrs E Thompson, Joint President FCFPA Emma Ball, Head Girl William Watson, Head Boy As the wreath laying party returns to the stage pupils are asked to turn to face the front of the Assembly Hall again

The National Anthem

Pupils and Staff assembled

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In Memory of Old Boys who fell in the Great War, 1914-18

Captain J Ballantine...... 11th Royal Eniskilling G F Lawson...... 2nd Reserve Cavalry Fusiliers Regiment Lieutenant J H Barr...... 12th Royal Irish Rifles L McAdoo...... Canadian Field Artillery Lieutenant J J Beasley...... 6th Royal Irish Fusiliers 2nd Lieutenant J W McCarter...... 9th Royal Eniskilling F P Blackley...... Canadian Cameron Fusiliers Highlanders 2nd Lieutenant T F McCay...... 10th Royal Irish Rifles 2nd Lieutenant W G Boyd...... 9th Royal Eniskilling Lieutenant E McClure...... 10th Royal Eniskilling Fusiliers Fusiliers 2nd Lieutenant W K M Britton...... Royal Flying Corps 2nd Lieutenant D McConnell...... Royal Flying Corps Captain Bernard Brown MC...... Royal Army Medical Corps 2nd Lieutenant J McCurdy...... 2nd Hampshire Regiment Lieutenant D Buchanan...... 2nd Seaforth Highlanders W McLung...... Canadian Light Infantry Lieutenant R B Buchanan...... 1/5th Royal Scots Fusiliers 2nd Lieutenant W Maultsaid...... 11th Royal Irish Rifles R Burgess...... South African Field Force 2nd Lieutenant E C Mee...... 11th West Yorkshire Lieutenant T C Campbell...... Royal Engineers Regiment A G Cathcart...... Canadian Infantry Lieutenant J N Mee...... Canadian Infantry J Clarke...... 26th Royal Fusiliers Lieutenant J Bruce Miller...... 5th Royal Irish Rifles 2nd Lieutenant J N Corscadden...... 6th Royal Eniskilling 2nd Lieutenant J M Montgomery...... 10th Royal Eniskilling Fusiliers Fusiliers 2nd Lieutenant E E Craig...... 16th Royal Irish Rifles Lieutenant J R Moore...... 3rd Connaught Rangers S W Craig...... 58th Machine Gun Corps D Morgan...... Royal Naval Division 2nd Lieutenant C I Crockett...... 12th Royal Eniskilling Major H Morrison...... Machine Gun Corps Fusiliers M A Mulholland...... Canadian Infantry Captain W R Cronyn...... Royal Army Veterinary Captain H D S O’Brien MC & Bar...... 1st Northants Regiment Corps J A Pinkerton...... North Irish Horse W M Davin...... Canadian Infantry Flight Commander L Porter...... Royal Flying Corps Lieutenant A J S Dick...... 1st Royal Eniskilling J L Quigley...... 9th Royal Eniskilling Fusiliers Fusiliers Assistant Paymaster J Diver...... Royal Navy Lieutenant R Shannon...... Canadian Infantry 2nd Lieutenant J W Drennan...... 10th Royal Eniskilling 2nd Lieutenant W N Sheridan...... 17th Royal Irish Rifles Fusiliers 2nd Lieutenant G D L Smyth...... 13th Royal Irish Rifles Flight Sub Lieutenant M English...... Royal Naval Air Service Lieutenant J A Stewart...... 2nd Royal Munster Fusiliers Sergeant D G Douglas...... South African Scottish 2nd Lieutenant L G Stewart...... 15th Royal Welsh Fusiliers Regiment 2nd Lieutenant L W H Stevenson MC....9th Royal Eniskilling 2nd Lieutenant R R Gallaugher DSO...... Attached 4th Worcester Fusiliers Regiment Captain C G Tillie...... 1st Royal Eniskilling Captain V K Gilliland...... 2nd Royal Irish Rifles Fusiliers Lieutenant G Given...... Royal Navy J A Walker...... Royal Engineers 2nd Lieutenant V E Gransden...... 2nd Royal Irish Rifles 2nd Lieutenant James Watson...... 23rd Manchester Regiment F J Guy...... Canadian Light Infantry Lieutenant G C Wedgewood...... Machine Gun Corps 2nd Lieutenant J H M Madden...... 6th Royal Irish Rifles D G White ...... Grenadier Guards C Harkness...... 1st Royal Irish Fusiliers Captain C B Williams...... 3rd Royal Irish Rifles Flight Commander E G Harvey...... Royal Flying Corps Captain E J Williams...... 3rd Royal Irish Rifles 2nd Lieutenant T S Haslett MC...... 17th Royal Irish Rifles Lieutenant J A Williams...... 3rd Royal Irish Rifles S Irvine...... South African Field Force Greer Wilson...... Canadian Contingent J Kennedy...... Canadian Contingent 2nd Lieutenant V J F Wilson...... 6th Royal Eniskilling 2nd Lieutenant D L Kyle...... Royal Engineers Fusiliers

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At The Diamond - Sun 11 November On Armistice Day, a larger than normal crowd assembled at the Diamond War Memorial. This included a large section of the school’s cadets, the Headmaster, Head Boy and Head Girl who paraded down Bishop Street to take their places around the memorial. It was a long stand for all since there were many more wreaths being laid by various organisations and participation by clergy of all denominations including the Roman Catholic Bishop, the Church of Ireland Bishop, the Dean of St Columb’s Cathedral, and the Mayor. On the stroke of 11.00 am the Canon Ferry and the Platform Party Guildhall clock chimed out and the Silence was observed.

Following the laying of the wreaths, including one from the school, the cadets processed behind the bands back to St Columb’s Cathedral where they took their places for the Service of Remembrance. The Cadets’ Standard Bearer, Andrew Hawthorne, presented the standard to the Dean.

During the cathedral service the names of 83 members of the Parish of Templemore who lost their lives in the world wars were read aloud and having been present at both of these ceremonies, I was struck Head Girl, Emma Ball & Head Boy, William Watson wait to lay their wreath on the 2nd WW memo- by the fact that I had already heard rial board many of those names read at the service in the school and by how many names of former Foyle pupils are engraved on the plaques of the City’s War Memorial in The Diamond and in St Columb’s Cathedral. W M Lynn

Bob and Elisabeth in front of the First WW memorial board Bob Elliott and Elisabeth Thompson at the War Memorials in the Assembly Hall at the new school

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NOTICES (BIRTHS/MARRIAGES)

BIRTHS MARRIAGES

To Jordan and Deborah Armstrong (née Steele) a son, 6 September 2018 Samson Joel, born 31 December 2018, a brother for Josiah Peter Browne to Christine Duncan. The wedding took (4 years and 4 months) and Talitha (3 years 9 months). place in Burt Presbyterian Church.

To Oliver Daniel and Sara-Jayne Barnes (neé McNally) a 10 June 2018 son, Max Dylan, born 20 December 2018, in Washington Mark Doherty to Heidi McGrath. The wedding took place DC, a brother for Xander Easton. in Lustybeg.

To Peter and Gemma Corr (née Stone) a daughter, Molly, 2 August 2018 born 8 January 2018. Claire Elizabeth Goodman to Stuart Albert John Quigley. The wedding took place in St Columb’s Cathedral. To Jamie and Corinn Crawford (née Lyttle) a son, Sonny, born 29 November 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. 30 November 2018 Ian Hall to Noelle Donnell. The wedding took place in the To Paul and Rachel Doherty a daughter, Evelyn Rose Galgorm Hotel, Ballymena. (Evie), born 30 December 2018 in Wakefield. 25 August 2018 Susan Lynn to Frazer Campbell. The To Andrew and Ciara Fleming a boy, James Patrick, born wedding took place in Holy Trinity Church, Dunfanaghy, 28 October 2018. Co Donegal. Photo ipad

To David and Bronwyn Fleming a girl, Reese Henrietta, 28 December 2018 Samantha Young to Mark Craig.The born 7 July 2018, a sister for Alex. wedding took place in Ebrington Prebyterian Church

To Andrew and Laura Lee (née Taggart) a son, Theodore Jacob (Teddy), born 19 September 2018.

To Peter and Ashley McFeely a daughter, Sidney Jean, born 6 September 2018.

To Steven and Fiona Norris a daughter, Ruby Anna, baptised 1 July 2018 in St Columb’s Cathedral.

To Richard and Heather Peoples (née Duddy) a son, Ted William born 28 June 2018, a brother for Penny Jayne and Henry.

To Will and Jennifer Preece (née Buchanan) a son, James William born in September 2018.

To Hashem and Giulia Shubber a son, Taddeo, born 21 May 2018. Photo ipad

To Dale and Lorna Wylie (née Magee) a daughter, Savannah Louella, born September 2018.

Ian Hall to Noelle Donnell

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Claire Elizabeth Goodman to Stuart Albert John Quigley

Susan Lynn to Frazer Campbell Mark Doherty to Heidi McGrath

Samantha Young to Mark Craig Young Family

61 Supermarkets at: Greenhaw Eglinton Strand Road Woodburn

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NOTES & NEWS

The Class of ‘88 is planning a reunion event on Saturday 25th May 2019. See details on facebook or contact Claire Thompson or Gillian Irwin. The event will include an afternoon tour of the new school and a dinner.

John Colhoun is President of Note: We extend our congratulations American company called Sonoco Limavady Probus for this year. to Stephen’s mother, Mrs Elizabeth and holds the position of Operations Fielding, who was awarded a BEM in Team Leader. Margaret Cousins née Gillespie the New Years Honours List for her was born is 1878 in Boyle, County work for Foyle Child Contact Centre. Queen’s Award for Voluntary Roscommon. She was awarded a Service Britannia Concert Band scholarship to Victoria High School Louis Fields has been appointed The Britannia Concert Band was which she attended from 1890- Director of Music and Organist at the recipient of the Queen’s Award 96. She was a founder of the Irish the Church of St John the Baptist in for Voluntary Service, named in Women’s Franchise League in 1908. the Parish of Agherton, . the 2018 Birthday Honours list. Louis has also recently been The photograph shows the Lord She was instrumental in bringing directing a group of seniors called Lieutenant, Dr Angela Garvey, Sylvia Pankhurst to Derry where the Malvern Singers. Together with presenting the Award to former she addressed a ‘Votes for Women’ Nicky Morton, he accompanied pupils Jim Goodman BEM, Vice- meeting in St Columb’s Hall. While Fathers Eugene and Martin O’Hagan President of the Band and Martyn here Sylvia stayed with Miss who performed at the Festival of Goodman, Chairman. MacKillop. Margaret died in 1954 Flowers held by All Saints Clooney and is buried in Madras. A book on as part of their 150th Anniversary The Band has been in existence her life entitled ‘Margaret Cousins celebrations. Louis has now added since 1866 and plays a full role in the - Irish and Indian Suffragette’ has the diploma ARSM (Associate of cultural, religious and entertainment been written by Dr Keith Munroe, the Royal Schools of Music) to his life in Londonderry and beyond. published by Hive Studio Books, qualifications. Indeed band members have been price £10. The book was launched in part of the orchestra in many Foyle the Central Library on Thursday, 13 Beth Gillon who left Foyle in 2012 and Musicals and it has been recorded as December 2018. graduated from Teesside University present at Sports Days in the 1920s is now working in engineering and 1930s. Sean Cully is an employment management for a five billion dollar solicitor with Knight’s Solicitors, Manchester.

Nigel Dougherty has been awarded an MBE in the New Year’s Honours List for services to primary education and the community in Londonderry. Having spent 41 years in education, the last 21 years as Principal of Ebrington Primary School, Nigel has recently retired.

Reverend Canon Stephen Fielding – having been appointed Canon of St Anne’s Cathedral Belfast in April this year, Stephen was appointed Rector of St John’s, Malone, Belfast. His institution as rector took place in September.

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London seismometer. The mission to the life of the Church of Ireland aims to understand how rocky Theological Institute. Ian has also planets, such as Earth, are formed. been appointed President of the Jack McCleery has secured a place Ulster Society of Organists and at Warwick University to study for a Choirmasters. PhD in Astro-Physics. Nicky Morton is Assistant Organist Andrew McElhatton has taken up in St Columb’s Cathedral. Nicky is employment with the Macdonald heavily involved in the recruitment Hotel Chain in Edinburgh. of boy choristers. He has also recently been directing a youth Jonathan McNee who did A-Level choir featuring the Fountain and Geology in Foyle in the second Longtower Primary schools, and with half of the 1980s acted as aviation Louis Fields, continues to train the consultant for the BBC NI series on Ladies Choir in the cathedral. Nicky the recovery of a WW2 fighter plane. has now added the diploma ARSM His discovery of Bud Wolfe’s spitfire (Associate of the Royal Schools of in the Donegal hills became the star Music) to his qualifications. of the series. It reconnected a very Reverend Derek Harrington - having prominent Canadian businessman Note: We extend our congratulations served his internship in the Parishes with his late father who had donated to Nicky’s father, Very Reverend of Derg and Termonamongan Derek the aircraft in 1940. Jonathan also Dr William Morton on having the has been ordained for the Parish of traced the pilot’s two daughters in honorary degree Doctor of Letters Christ Church, Lisburn. America, enabling them to learn (D Litt) conferred upon him by the of their father’s incredible flying University of Ulster in July. James Huey - with assistance from career. He later published a book Invest NI, James who is a Master The Story of the Donegal Spitfire. – having spent two Brewer, has recently created a beer Dr Lucy Quinn years on a tiny Antarctic island, called ‘1689 Mummale’ developed Lucy embarked on a 66-mile bike from a recipe dating back to the challenge, Etape Loch Ness in the . James’s Walled Scottish Highlands. You can read City Brewery business continues to more of Lucy’s achievements and thrive. adventures in her speech at this year’s Prizegiving. Joseph Leighton - this up-and- coming jazz star embarked on his , Billy McIlwaine and first performing tour in August this Colin Torrens Hugh Lindsay (all past pupils of year. Award-winning jazz drummer, Foyle College) present and past David Lyttle, was featuring this Headmasters of Lisnagelvin Primary promising local guitarist on 30 dates School recently joined to celebrate starting with a two-week tour. Lisnagelvin’s 40th Anniversary. William Lynn is Vice Chair of Foyle is President of City of Civic Trust. The trust recently Ian Stone Derry Rugby Club for 2018-19. received the top prize in Angel Heritage Awards both for Northern Ireland and the United Kingdom recognising its work in the restoration and regeneration of the has walled city. The Reverend Dr Ian Mills been appointed Curate-assistant of the Parishes of Larne and Inver, John McClean is part of the science Glynn and Raloo in the Diocese of team for the NASA InSight Mars Connor. Ian’s ordination took place mission which landed safely on 26 in Christ Church Cathedral, Lisburn, November 2018. During two months in September. He has been awarded at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory the Bishop George Quinn Memorial in Los Angeles, he worked on the Prize for Outstanding Contribution deployment of the Imperial College

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and 19 who have learning difficulties HEADER TITLE and associated disabilities. The Hornbeam Tree – following its success as runner-up in the Northern Ireland Tree of the Year 2017 Competition the tree has been assessed by Treescapes Consultancy Ltd and has been judged UK champion for girth. The tree is to be placed on the Tree Register of Ireland by the Irish Tree Society.

Percy French attended Foyle College from 1870 to 1872. In January 2018 a young man called Vincent McAllister came to the school and gifted us a portrait of Percy French showing the composer and artist in the style of an old Irish countryman. Vincent is an architect by profession. He Robin Young who recently retired Foyle College Junior School - is also a talented artist and he had from his position as Chairman of the although the building was destroyed been commissioned to produce Board of Governors, was awarded an by fire at the end of the year, the site the portrait. In preparation he had MBE in the New Year Honours List had already been acquired by the researched the life of Percy French 2018. The award was conferred by Department of Education for a new and discovered his connection with Prince Charles in a ceremony which school building costing £20 million. the school, hence the presentation. took place at Buckingham Palace in When built the school will become The picture which was received by February 2018. the new home of Ardnashee School the Principal and a group from the and College which caters for 270 archive now hangs in the school’s pupils between the ages of three Music Department.

Mildred Deans, William Lynn, Patrick Allen, Vincent McAllister and Jim Goodman

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OBITUARIES

On 9 December 1960 John married He was President of the Rotary Club Londonderry High School girl of Londonderry in 1973-74 at which Thelma Morrison. By this time he time, during the troubles, the Rotary had been working in the Valuation Club had meetings on either side Office in Ballymena for a number of of the due to the chaos years and in addition to his studies encountered crossing Craigavon in Ballymena he was studying for his Bridge which was a regular BSc as an external student of the occurrence in those days. He led the University of London. He obtained Rotary Club members in their many his BSc in Estate Management charitable events and programmes on 1 August 1961. He was the third following their motto of “Service generation of his family to follow a above Self”. career in the property profession. John and Thelma were blessed with JV always maintained an interest three children, Jeremy, Michael and in Foyle College and was elected Deborah. as a Governor in 1974 as the In 1965 JV opened his Chartered representative of The Honourable John Vance Arthur (JV) 1934 – 2018 Valuation Surveyor, Auctioneer and The Irish Society. He subsequently John Vance Arthur – known as JV to Estate Agent business with the help served as the Chairman of the Board his family and friends was born on of his wife, Thelma. In addition to of Governors from 1983 to 2005. As the 20 May 1934 to Jack and Nancy being a panel valuation surveyor for a Governor and later Chairman of the Arthur, the second eldest of four many banks and building societies Board of Governors he helped guide siblings, whose family home was at he acted as valuer and estate the school through the challenging Northland Road. agent for The Honourable The Irish years of the troubles and on the Society, The & retirement of Hugh Gillespie he He entered Foyle Kindergarten in Harbour Commission and Donegal saw the appointment of Jack September 1938. During the war County Council in addition to a Magill. He led management of the years he and the other boys who growing list of business and private amalgamation of Foyle College and won class prizes, were awarded clients. He was also a loss assessor Londonderry High School to Foyle & certificates stating that ‘The Prize for the Northern Ireland Office Londonderry College in 1976 Funds were given by the desire of in respect of claims for damage the boys themselves to deserving caused as a result of the civil unrest From January 1975 to December objects connected with the war and bombings during the troubles. 1976 he served a two-year term effort’. John left Foyle in June 1951. as President of the Londonderry He was admitted as a Fellow of the Chamber of Commerce. In 1980 he The family moved to Ardcaien on Rating and Valuation Association served as High Sheriff of the city of the Culmore Road in 1948 where JV on the 10 July 1969. Having been a Londonderry. On 20 July 1984 JV was enjoyed horse riding and keeping Fellow of The Chartered Auctioneers admitted as a Freeman of the City of pigs. At this stage he also developed and Estate Agents Institute he London by the Mayor, Dame Mary his lifelong love for driving, learning became a Fellow of the Royal Donaldson, on the recommendation to drive a tractor up and down the Institution of Chartered Surveyors of The Honourable The Irish Society. avenue and around the lanes. on the unification of The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, In 1996 he steered the relocation John was a member of the City The Chartered Land Agents Society of the Preparatory School from of Derry Rugby Football Club and and The Chartered Auctioneers and Duncreggan House to Springtown in 1956-57 he was playing on the Estate Agents Institute on 8 June and through to its eventual closure Second XV. He maintained a keen 1970 and served as President of the in 2003. He was also instrumental interest in rugby attending many Northern Ireland branch of the RICS in the lengthy process of arranging internationals and he rarely missed in 1992-1993. the relocation of the School to any of the matches shown on TV. Limavady Road and on retiring from

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his role as Chairman he kept a keen John continued working right up She had previously attended four interest in the process, remaining until he passed away peacefully at primary schools and came to the in contact with his successor, Mr Altnagelvin Hospital on Saturday 24 Londonderry High School at the age Robin Young, offering assistance March 2018 at the age of 83, after a of 13 in 1943, leaving in 1947. from his experience in this area. He short illness and surrounded by his always continued his interest in the loving family. He was the beloved Enid’s teaching career began in school by attending concerts, prize husband of the late Thelma Arthur Belfast after which she moved to night and former pupil functions and and is survived by his younger Newfoundland where she started served as President of Foyle College brother Michael, three children, a hospital school for Eskimo and Old Boys Association in 2005-06. seven grandchildren and three great Indian patients. Her next post was grandchildren. in Montreal and then in Vancouver A keen Mason, from 1960, he became Obituary provided by Jeremy Arthur where she taught Chinese and a life governor of the Masonic Japanese children and after that Boys School in Dublin in 1967 and Robert (Bertie) Bredin she crossed the Pacific to New served as Chairman of the Board of Bertie was born on 11 August Zealand where she taught in Tawa Management and the Masonic Club 1928, at Drumcorn, Trench Road, College near Wellington. at the Masonic Hall in Bishop Street to Robert and Jessie Bredin (a from 1988 to 2006 and as Provincial farmer and primary school principal Returning to Northern Ireland, she Grand Treasurer from 1985 to 1994. respectively). He entered Foyle became Vice Principal of Coleraine College in 1939, later becoming a Girls’ Secondary School in 1964 As a dedicated member of First prefect. He played Rugby for Ulster and was Principal of the school Derry Presbyterian Church he served School Boys (1946) and cricket for from 1972 to 1989. Those 25 years as secretary of the congregational Brigade at Intermediate and Senior of her life were totally devoted to committee for many years and level. He excelled academically, her profession and to the many latterly as an elder. having a great head for Mathematics hundreds of girls who were pupils of and the Classics. He achieved 1st the school. In his spare time JV was a keen place in Northern Ireland in his golfer being a member of both the senior certificate examination in Enid was responsible for many City of Derry Golf Club and Ballyliffin. Greek, and went on to study the pioneering innovations which gave He played weekly up until his late 70s classics and History, at Trinity the school a very firm and secure and enjoyed many annual trips away College Dublin, in 1946. footing in the world of that time. with his golfing partners to courses In 1965 she introduced Junior in both Ireland and Scotland. Unfortunately he was forced to give Certificate which proved most up his degree course due to a serious successful and she fostered home For several years in the new rugby injury. He loved music and was links and showed concern far beyond millennium, he enjoyed lecturing an excellent ballroom dancer, the the call of duty for individual girls. In at the North West Regional College Tango being a particular favourite. 1990 she was successful in achieving until he reached their mandatory a Schools’ Curriculum Award for the retirement age! In his eighties JV He married Maud Crockett (a school and on her retirement pupils, continued working as a Chartered former Londonderry High School past pupils, parents, teachers Valuation Surveyor carrying out girl) in 1954. In his working life he and governors acknowledged her work mostly for Donegal County became Area Sales Manager for enormous contribution to the world Council in addition to valuation an agricultural company. Bertie of education and the community in work for many of his existing private died on 6 December 2018. He is which she lived. clients and also for clients in respect survived by his wife Maud, son of vesting orders for the various Alan, daughters Kathryn and Throughout her retirement she road schemes. Lynne, three grandchildren and two retained her link with the school great-grandchildren. A Service of in her position as President of the JV’s natural skills in diplomacy and Thanksgiving for his life was held in school’s Past Pupils’ Association. negotiation were a great asset to Glendermott Presbyterian Church She also held governorships the many organisations that he on Sunday, 9 December 2018. in Coleraine Technical College enjoyed serving throughout his life Obituary provide by his daughter, and Sandelford School where and many in the professional field Lynne Bredin she worked conscientiously for regularly sought his advice given pupils with special needs, and she his vast experience and knowledge Enid Elizabeth Carson undertook supervision of student which he was always pleased to Enid was born on 30 May 1930 when teachers in their teaching practice. share with them. the family lived in the Garden City.

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Until a few years ago Enid was a very called Druckendult, near the Garry English at the time and subsequently active member of Portstewart Golf Bog. The family quickly grew, and Headmaster. Mr Gordon inspired in Club, she enjoyed many activities of within a few years, Hugh and Hazel Hugh a love of literature and drama, the Causeway U3A and she loved to were joined by Patricia, Elliott, Noel and the works of Shakespeare in travel with her longstanding friend and Lorna. particular, and of classical music. Evelyn. He also led groups on walking In his retirement Hugh wrote a tours in Ireland and further afield, Enid died on 17 August 2018. She touching and affectionate memoir including to Stratford and the Lake is survived by her brother Ivan, her of a happy rural childhood which District, and fuelled Hugh’s love of nieces, Heather, Lorna and Nicola gives a vivid picture of his family outdoor pursuits and an interest in and her nephew, Gary. Her funeral life as he grew up. He describes the natural environment. service was held in Coleraine a life dominated by the cycle of Methodist Church on Wednesday, 22 the seasons, the daily chores The young Hugh was a voracious August 201 associated with rural living, the reader and autodidact. He developed rearing and husbandry of livestock, an early interest in photography and the keeping of bees, the cultivation set up his own darkroom in the large of a small-holding, the cleaning Georgian townhouse in Charlotte and maintenance of a coal- Street, Ballymoney, which had by fired range and oil-fired lamps, this time become the family home. weekly attendance at church and Hugh’s school reports describe an involvement in church activities enthusiastic, happy, hard-working including the church choir, and pupil who was an outstanding of course, study and learning. student and who made a broad Encouraged by his mother, Hugh contribution to school life through could recite extensive passages sport, acting, debating and singing of poetry from memory by the age in choirs. He is remembered by his of 10 – much of which he retained siblings as a caring, supportive and until late in life. The cultural encouraging brother. backdrop to Hugh’s family life was a combination of the great works of Hugh left Dalriada in 1948 and English literature, the Oxford Book enrolled at Queen’s University Hugh Wishart Gillespie of English Verse, the King James Belfast to read for a general arts Hugh Wishart Gillespie was born Bible, the Book of Common Prayer degree, becoming the first member on 6th March 1931 in Castlefinn, and the Irish Church Hymnal, all of of his family to attend university. , where his father which remained a reference point His notebooks and diaries from was Principal of the National throughout his life. Life in North the time demonstrate the careful School. He was the oldest son Antrim in the late ‘30s and early management of slender means in and second child of Arthur Elliott ‘40s was rather more carefree than post-war austerity Belfast, and his Gillespie and his wife Rachel, who in today’s world. Hugh learnt to enthusiastic involvement in all that was always known as Ella. Hugh’s drive at the age of nine and would university life had to offer. Hugh birth certificate suggests there occasionally drive his father to particularly enjoyed singing in the was some disagreement about his school, perched on a cushion to help university choir and attending second name, the name George him see over the dashboard. concerts in the Ulster Hall, two having first been chosen in honour of the most memorable being of his mother’s brother but then Hugh attended Killyrammer Primary performances by Solomon Kuttner being crossed out in favour of School where he was an industrious and by Kathleen Ferrier and Gerald Wishart, which was his mother’s and studious pupil. Much to his Moore, the programmes for which maiden name. mother’s disgust, he failed to secure remained treasured possessions. an entrance scholarship to Dalriada Hugh continued to play rugby for Not long after Hugh was born, his School in Ballymoney, but, having Ballymoney RFC with occasional father was appointed headmaster survived the removal of a ruptured appearances for the QUB team. of Killyrammer Primary School, at and septic appendix, he progressed At Queen’s, he came under the Kilraughts, near Ballymoney. The there nonetheless and quickly influence of the second of his young family left the Finn Valley and showed aptitude, particularly in the mentors, Professor E. Estyn Evans, Hugh moved with his parents and his arts and literature. At Dalriada, Hugh the noted geographer, historian and sister, Hazel, to North Antrim. The came under the influence of Mr ethnographer. Although Geography family eventually settled on a farm Edmund Gordon, who was Head of was only a small part of Hugh’s

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degree course, Prof. Evans inspired General Synod representative, clashes, how to resolve personal in Hugh a lifelong interest in geology, and where he enjoyed a close tensions some of which dated physical and human geography, and relationship with Dean Elliott and back over many years - and to all of early human history, and led him to his successor Dean Richard Adams. these Hugh applied a combination choose the teaching of geography Hugh played rugby as a fearless wing of meticulous attention to detail, as his chosen vocation. forward for Lisburn Rugby Club, was a strong ability to relate to people a keen though not very good golfer, on a personal level, a steady After graduating from Queen’s and took up the clarinet, and learnt to sense of fairness, and a great spending a few months travelling be a silversmith in classes at the capacity for hard work. Through in Europe, Hugh secured his first Technical College in Belfast. Hugh’s leadership, personality and job as a junior master at Friend’s unwavering dedication, a new school School Lisburn in 1953, teaching After 20 happy years at Friend’s, emerged with its own unique, liberal, Geography and a bit of English, Hugh was encouraged by his friendly and inclusive identity, and and living in Ardfallen, one of the colleagues and peers to seek a the culture and character of Foyle school’s boarding houses. Hugh headmaster’s position, and he was College today owes much to Hugh. spent 20 happy and formative years duly appointed to be headmaster at Friend’s, honing his skills as a of Foyle College, Londonderry in Hugh retained a connection with the teacher and doing almost every succession to Stewart Connolly in teaching of geography by acting as other job on offer, both official and 1973. Hugh and his family moved to Moderator and Chief Examiner for unofficial – master in charge of Derry at the height of the Troubles. O Level and A Level Geography in rugby, coach to junior hockey and Although an inauspicious time to Northern Ireland, representing the cricket teams, producer of plays move, the family received a warm Northern Irish examinations board and musicals, careers master, welcome from both sides of the at national examiners’ conferences senior master, editor of the school community and settled in their in England. magazine, organiser of the staff house at Talbot Park which became Christmas party and staff outings, a happy and vibrant family home. Outside work, Hugh sustained a swimming coach (in spite of being a broad range of interests, continuing very poor swimmer himself), acting The turmoil caused by the Troubles, with his photography, creating an PE teacher, and mentor and friend to and its demographic consequences, interesting and productive garden many. He made lifelong friendships presented an existential crisis at Talbot Park, playing the clarinet in with fellow members of staff and for Foyle College, and not long the Londonderry Amateur Operatic many of his early pupils, and was after Hugh’s arrival, the Governors Society orchestra, supporting the instrumental in the establishment concluded that the only hope for North West Music Society and the and growth of the Geography survival lay in amalgamation with Londonderry Feis, leading parties Department, with many of his pupils Londonderry High School. This on the Mourne Wall Walk, exploring going on to study geography or necessitated the passage of an Act with his family and geology at university and to excel in of Parliament in connection with school walking parties, building and the field. which Hugh travelled to London at sailing a Mirror dinghy, running the the height of the 1976 heatwave to school photography club, creating Outside his life at Friend’s, Hugh took give evidence to a Parliamentary multiple and widely varied pieces of the momentous step of marrying Select Committee. The Act was duly silver work, and taking up painting Valerie Robinson, the daughter passed, and the amalgamation went again after a twenty-year break. of family friends Rev and Mrs F A live in September, 1976. He was an active and encouraging Robinson of Kilraughts, Ballymoney, parent, fully involved in the lives and in 1958. Hugh and Valerie were The amalgamation presented Hugh development of his sons, and a well- devoted to each other, enjoying 59 with the greatest challenge of his liked member of the congregation of years of married life together. They career - how to knit together into a St. Peter’s Church, where he and his settled in a new bungalow on the cohesive whole two sets of pupils, sons sang in the church choir. Belsize Road which in due course two sets of staff, two Boards of became a happy home for their Governors and two communities Hugh was loyally and faithfully sons Stephen, Shaun and David. of former pupils for most of whom supported in everything he did by his Hugh was actively involved in the the amalgamation was a hugely wife Valerie who, besides pursuing community life of Lisburn, being disruptive, transformative and (for her own teaching career and being a stalwart parishioner at Lisburn many) unwelcome event. There a dedicated and loving mother and Cathedral where he was, variously, were numerous practical challenges daughter, was a model headmaster’s Peoples’ Churchwarden, Rector’s too - how to operate a school on wife, entertaining visiting dignitaries Churchwarden, Glebe Warden and split sites, how to resolve timetable at Talbot Park, attending numerous

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school and civic events with Hugh their family and friends, was their Probus Club. It is an honour for me and often deputising on his behalf apartment in Portaferry which to speak in tribute to Hugh today and or running and hosting events and brought them great happiness but, to share some memories with you receptions in her own right. for Hugh, no small administrative burden, as he became secretary In 1973 I was a young teacher in Foyle After 21 years at Foyle, Hugh decided and then chairman of the residents’ College, Londonderry when Hugh to retire at the age of 63, feeling that association, battling strong-willed arrived as the new Headmaster, he was still young enough to spend residents as much as builders, coming from Friends’ School in an active retirement with Valerie decorators, suppliers and the local Lisburn. As an Ulster boys’ grammar and to devote more time to his many council. school, Foyle College was, perhaps, hobbies and his growing brood of a bit on the conservative side, grandchildren. After a couple of The last few years of Hugh’s life were maybe even a bit old-fashioned. I years’ retirement in Derry, Hugh clouded by the sudden and tragic remember vividly, as though it were and Valerie decided to move back death of his son Shaun in November, yesterday, Hugh’s first words when to the Greater Lisburn area to be 2011, an event which tested Hugh’s he spoke to us, some 25 teachers closer to family and friends, and so reserves of faith and resilience to assembled for a staff meeting, on they moved to Carneagh, outside their limits but which he withstood, the opening day of term. There Hillsborough, in 1997. Once again, providing staunch support to Valerie we were, expecting some new they set about creating a warm and and his family at this very difficult educational philosophy from our welcoming home and an interesting time. His and Valerie’s health both new leader but what were Hugh’s and attractive garden. Hugh became suffered as a result, and the primary first words to us? “Gentlemen,” he an active parishioner at Hillsborough focus of Hugh’s remaining years was said, “I want you to call our pupils by Parish Church and threw himself the care and support of Valerie, on their first name.” That is something into community activities, joining whom Shaun’s death took a terrible we would take for granted today but and eventually chairing the local toll. In the midst of declining health in the school culture of early 1970s, it horticultural society and art club. and many worries, Hugh managed to was unusual. Pupils then were Smith He derived perhaps the greatest retain his innate sense of humour, or Brown or Jones or whatever. happiness from his membership of invariably finding something to laugh the Lisburn Probus (Professional at in the bleakest of circumstances, But this was reflective of the and Businessmen’s) Club. Hugh and retaining a ready smile for all priority which Hugh had in his life; greatly valued the camaraderie and visitors. people were to be respected, not companionship Probus afforded even as members of families, but and he was a frequent and popular Hugh died peacefully in the as individuals in their own right as speaker at Probus lunches on a Laganvale Nursing Home in Moira on Michael, John, Peter, etc and not diverse range of subjects. His Monday 27th August, 2018 with his Smith or Brown or Jones. Hugh had popularity was marked by his sons and son-in-law by his side. He is that great knack of looking for and election to be chairman and survived by his wife Valerie, his sons finding the worth in each individual, by his being honoured with life Stephen and David, their spouses understanding them, seeing their membership of the club. Stephen Jones and Helen Gillespie, potential, whether pupil, teacher or his six grandchildren, Sybil, Maeve, indeed parents, with whom he had a In retirement, Hugh remained a Esther, Margot, James and Simon, great rapport. committed supporter of Foyle his sisters Hazel, Patricia and Lorna, College, retaining a close interest in and his brother Noel. In the school situation, he was the school and serving as President Obituary provided by Stephen always on the lookout to create of the Old Boys’ Association in Gillespie opportunities for people to develop 2001 to 2002. He also retained their abilities. I remember the first an involvement with education by TRIBUTE TO time he asked me to speak to an serving on and eventually chairing Hugh Gillespie assembly hall, full of parents, a the Derry Diocesan Catholic rather daunting experience! I said Education Committee in which Delivered by Derek Shuter at the to him that I was a bit nervous about capacity he developed many strong Memorial Service in Hillsborough it. With a glint in his eye, he replied and enduring friendships including Parish Church - 28 September 2018 using that old adage, “If a thing’s with Bishop Seamus Hegarty and worth doing, it’s worth doing badly!” Monsignor Ignatius McQuillan. I first met Hugh in 1973. We were Well, that didn’t encourage me very work colleagues for 20 plus years much, to be honest, but he followed The other focus in Hugh and and, in retirement, we met up it up by the more encouraging: Valerie’s life at this time, beyond practically every week at Lisburn “Anyone can do anything!”

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‘Anyone can do anything’ that where Hugh had had a class before general was his motivation and his was a belief which Hugh himself and see on the blackboard, carefully satisfaction. As a pupil at Dalriada illustrated to the full in his own drawn sketches, maps, etc. He was a School in Ballymoney, he developed life and, in particular, through the geography teacher and very often he a lifelong interest in literature. As I varied range of interests he had; left a blackboard, which illustrated said, Hugh had a particular liking for horticulture, photography, silver- aspects of geography and local poetry. And it is with a short verse smithing, music, painting, all of geography, at that. of poetry that I end my tribute. It Hugh’s activities were engaged in to is from the poet H W Longfellow, the highest level of achievement and Hugh had a great rapport with the reflecting on life as poets often do. performance. I treasure this picture communities in which he lived. He I quote it because I know that Hugh which he gave quite recently. It is of had a sensitivity to those he met himself liked it and, in fact, he used the new Foyle Bridge close to which and worked with. He had a sense of it himself when he was making we both once lived’. duty which saw him involved in the tributes to others. It says: life of the communities in which he Lives of great men all remind us The 1970s in that city on the banks of lived. He was a bit of a poet and he We can make our lives sublime the Foyle was a time of considerable enjoyed poetry. Seamus Heaney And, departing, leave behind us danger. Outside the school gates, in a poem reflected on how we Footprints on the sands of time. there were, on a daily basis, acts interact with the place we live in of insanity. Fortunately, inside the and the people we meet and how we Today we pay tribute to the many school, there was only humanity influence each other. Heaney’s line ‘footprints’ which Hugh Gillespie and that was largely due to Hugh’s of poetry neatly talks about: “Me in left behind him. We will miss that leadership and the humane values the place and the place in me!” I’m mischievous glint in his eye, that that he held. Hugh had many sure you’ll agree that that two-way knowing smile on his face but we achievements in his life but I am process which Heaney talked about acknowledge the contribution he absolutely certain that his greatest is well reflected in the case of Hugh made to the lives of many, as family achievement was one which went Gillespie when we think of the life he man, as teacher, as church member, unrecognised and unrewarded lived and work he did. as community participant and so on. and it was this. At a time of We assure his family of our gratitude community tension, his leadership Obviously, education featured for his life and we offer our deepest and his everyday example enabled prominently in Hugh’s life. Beyond sympathy. generations of young people to the school, he was President of the experience a sense of order in their NI Secondary Heads’ Association Mrs Elizabeth Ruth school environment. In particular, it and he contributed to the NI Valerie Gillespie enabled them to focus their minds Examinations Council. Important It was with great sadness that we beyond and outside the immediate as education was, Hugh, I believe, learned of the death of Valerie terrible events in the community, realised that work was only one part Gillespie on 15 November 2018. to live in safety and develop a sense of life, life which was varied, fulfilling While it was known that she was not of purpose and a respect for each and of never-ending interest for him. in good health, the loss of both their other. parents within three months must be As I said, Hugh was a member of distressing for their sons, Stephen Involvement in school management Lisburn Probus. He was a regular and David, and the grandchildren brings with it administration and attender and frequently regaled and wider family circle. We extend bureaucracy. I pay the highest the members with excerpts from our deepest sympathies to them all. compliment to Hugh when I say his rich stock of humorous stories. that yes! he did these admin Believe me, when I say that Hugh’s While Hugh was headmaster of tasks but he always kept them in second greatest achievement in Foyle, Valerie was a familiar figure check! Hugh regarded teaching life and his greatest challenge by supporting him at school functions as a much nobler occupation than far was to get the Probus members and, of course, their sons, Stephen, administration. Teaching more than to shut up and stop talking for long Shaun and David were pupils of the administration was Hugh’s forte. I enough to get their recollections of school. believe that his greatest relish was childhood down on paper. This little to get out of the office and back into book that was produced is a small A Memorial Luncheon to celebrate the classroom for the occasional but fitting tribute to Hugh’s initiative Valerie’s life was held in Lisburn Golf lesson, or to produce a junior play, and his commitment to Probus. Club on 19 December 2018. William or to get involved with a music or Lynn and Mildred Deans attended to photographic group. It was a real Geography was Hugh’s subject represent the school, former pupils pleasure to go into a classroom but the pursuit of knowledge in and staff.

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Alwyn George Glenn Church was also a high priority Training College in Belfast – at the George was born on 20 February for George and he was a lifelong time evacuated from the risks of 1937 the eldest of three children member of St Columb’s Cathedral the wartime Blitz to the safety of born to Alfie and Dorothy Glenn of which he served in many capacities Portrush which was later to become Fountain Street. The family made for many years. Perhaps the one a favourite venue for many Turner its home at Northland Avenue and which delighted him most was his and Hudson family holidays over the George began his education at the appointment as Dean’s Verger, a years. Model School, going on to Foyle post he held for 18 years, only retiring College in September 1949 where, it due to health issues. After the war Pat returned to Derry is said that his only memory was of to teach and threw herself into scoring 21 in a cricket match. George was predeceased by Isabelle the city’s cultural and musical life but is survived by his sons, Jonathan as a talented actress and singer. George’s first employment was as a and Timothy, his daughter, Rachel, Medals and acclaim at the Derry Feis shirt cutter in Hogg & Mitchell’s shirt and six grandchildren. A service of followed. Her first major role with the factory but he aspired to something thanksgiving for his life was held in then well-established Londonderry more challenging which required St Columb’s Cathedral. Dramatic Society was in Boyd’s shop. qualifications so he enrolled in She was also a founder member evening classes at the Londonderry Roberta Patricia Hudson of the City of Derry Drama Club Technical College. From there née Turner whose productions drew large and he went on to Selly Oak College, Pat was born in Belfast on 13 enthusiastic audiences. Perhaps her Birmingham, where he trained to September 1922. Her father, most celebrated appearance was be a teacher. He later returned Constable George Turner of the in the title role in Noel Atcheson’s to Londonderry where he was Royal Irish Constabulary, formerly production of Michael McLiammor’s appointed to Foyleview School as a stationed at Victoria Barracks, was dramatisation of Jane Eyre, stage Special Needs Teacher. murdered on duty in the Old Lodge managed by Fred Logan, where Road area by a sniper’s bullet on she gave a powerful yet vulnerable George married Isabelle McMorris in the 1 April 1922, some five months performance, complemented by July 1964. They had two sons, and a before Pat was born and one month Macrae Edmiston’s dark, menacing, daughter, and the family lived in the before the birth of the Royal Ulster Rochester. The Derry Standard newly developing area of Constabulary. wrote: ‘Macrae Edmiston and Pat where George and Isabella quickly Turner took on the greatest roles of became involved in the life of the Pat’s mother, Frances, returned to their careers in tackling these parts church and community. her extended family, the Logues, and and both have come through with to a large terraced house in lower prestige enhanced. It is difficult to Over the years George’s desire Bishop Street, Londonderry, as a imagine any other young amateur to serve other people led to his single parent to Pat and her older actress giving such a tender and establishing the Churches Voluntary siblings, George Turner and Eileen moving performance as Miss Turner Work Bureau and becoming its Chief Turner (later Logan). The maternal in this greatest test of histrionics. Executive. This in turn led to his family were successful builders by She never faltered’. involvement in many organisations trade and the busy home was shared including Relate (Marriage Guidance), with two aunts and an uncle who Another member of that cast was Conservation Volunteers, First operated his dental surgery from Belfast-born Jim Hudson, then Housing Association and U3A, to the house. captain of the City of Derry Rugby name but a few. He was a Volunteer Club. He and Pat had had previous Leader with the Ulster Project and The family attended First Derry encounters as enthusiastic accompanied young people on a Presbyterian Church and Pat was ballroom dancers. Romance cross-community programme to educated at First Derry Public followed and Pat and Jim married in America on a number of occasions. Elementary school, where she was 1950. Soon afterwards Jim’s career He served as a Lay Magistrate on the herself later a teacher and of which with the Scottish Widows Insurance bench of the Londonderry Children’s both her brother in law, Fred Logan, Company meant the wrench for Pat Court for 23 years, was Chair of the and her brother, George Turner, of a move back to Belfast where Church of Ireland Adoption Society were, at different stages, Principal. the family was to live happily for and a board member of Saint She progressed to the Londonderry almost fifty years, most of it in the Columb’s Park House Reconciliation High School (1934-41), where she Castlereagh Hills overlooking the Centre. He was also a past president was a Prefect and House Captain of city. Their son, Jimmy, and daughter, of the Probus Club. Northlands, and then, with a King’s Susan, were born. Both have had Scholarship, to Stranmillis Teacher long careers as teachers, Jimmy at

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Edinburgh Academy and Susan in scholarship to Foyle College. During extensively during this period, New York State where she is married his time at Foyle he excelled both visiting Canada and New Zealand to an American pastor. academically and at sport, notably amongst other places. He attended in rugby and athletics, showing a Kildollagh Parish Church at the Pat and Jim threw themselves prodigious talent for rugby from an Loughan, Coleraine, for over 30 into the life and work of the then early age. He represented Foyle in years and became a vestry member. newly established St Andrew’s the Ulster Schoolboys team of 1950 He retained a great interest in Presbyterian Church where Pat sang and was made Head Boy in that year. his former school and was an in the choir and taught in the Sunday enthusiastic reader of the Foyle Old School. There was some time for In 1950, Ian’s mother, Emma, died Boys Magazine. drama and rugby but the needs of tragically early but despite being the family were always Pat’s priority. deeply affected by the loss he Ian’s marriage to Molly was a happy succeeded in passing another and devoted one and lasted until her In 1962 her mother joined them in scholarship examination and won a death in 2017. They had two children, their Belfast home and was to remain place at Queen’s University, Belfast Adrian and Vivien, born in 1963 and with them until her death in 1969. to study English Literature at the 1967 respectively. Family life was Jim and Pat were then somewhat tender age of 17. He had a life long spent mostly in the Coleraine area freer to travel and enjoyed holidays love of literature. where Ian remained until his death in the US, Canada, Israel, Spain and on 7 November 2018. Yugoslavia. In 1999 she and Jim made During his time at Queen’s University Obituary provided by his son, Adrian the wise decision to prepare for Ian’s rugby career flourished. He older age by relocating to Edinburgh toured the USA with the QUB team, Georgina Margaret (Georgie) to be near Jimmy and his family. going on to play for the senior Ulster Little née McClements Again, they involved themselves team for three seasons which Georgie Little was born in in the life and work of North Leith culminated in him gaining a full Irish Londonderry on 5 October 1936, Church and settled happily in a cap against France in January 1956. the youngest daughter of Joseph comfortable flat. Jim died in 2006. and Edith McClements. The family The immense joy of Pat’s final years After QUB, Ian took up an home was ‘Ashbrook’ was the delight she felt in the lives appointment as master at Methodist and Georgie was educated at of her two children, their spouses, College, Belfast, but after several both Gortnessy and Rossdowney her five grandchildren and six great- years of teaching he decided his Primary Schools, before continuing grandchildren. talents lay elsewhere and he moved her studies at Londonderry High into education administration, School which she entered in 1947. Increasing frailty meant a move working for North Down Education She completed her education at to Lennox House Nursing Home Authority. During this time he met LHS in 1954 and went to Belfast in 2018 and she died peacefully and married Mary (Molly) Steele from to commence a career in nursing there on the 22 July 2018, on Bangor. In 1969 he moved on to the at Belfast City Hospital where what would have been Jim’s 101st New University of Ulster in Coleraine she gained her SRN. She then birthday. Until virtually the end she where he continued his career in proceeded to the Jubilee Maternity was an enthusiast, for her family administration. Hospital where she completed her and friends, for her immaculate midwifery training, gaining her SCM. appearance and grooming, for the Ian was an extremely sociable joy of conversation and stories person who made many friends over When Altnagelvin Hospital opened and for any excuse for a party! A the years and his lifelong friendships in 1960 Georgie applied for a nursing remarkable and elegant lady. were often associated with his rugby post and she remained there Obituary provided by David Turner playing days. Although he played at until she married Bobbie Little senior levels in his youth a serious on 8 October 1960. They had two Adrian (Ian) Kennedy 1932-2018 knee injury at the age of 23 brought daughters, Kathryn and Joanne, Adrian, always known as Ian, was this to an end but he continued to who later followed their mother into born in Hayesbank Park, Waterside, play in social teams until his early nursing at Belfast City Hospital and Londonderry, the son of George 40s, playing at various times for the Royal Victoria. Georgie returned and Emma Kennedy on 4 November City of Derry, CIYMS, Belfast and to nursing when her family grew up 1932. His only sibling, Valerie, had Coleraine RFC. and was a Staff Nurse in the Infant been born in 1929. Unit, Altnagelvin Hospital until her During his retirement, Ian continued retirement in October 1996. Ian attended Clooney Primary to be an avid reader of English and School and in 1944 won an entrance history. He and Molly travelled Georgie was very interested in

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gardening and took great pride in her Jean Lynn. He was the second of Brian William George Mooney roses. She loved to travel and she three siblings with an older sister, Brian was born on 11 February 1939 and Bobbie enjoyed many cruises Maud, and a younger sister, Iris, both when the family were living in the together during their retirement. deceased. Glen Road. He attended the Model She was a life-long member of School and entered Foyle College in Londonderry High School Old Girls’ Morris’s father died when he was 1950. While there he was a member Association. nine years old and with his mother of the Dramatic Society and took and sisters he took over the running part in the 1950 production of the On 13 March 2018 she suffered a of the farm. He attended Ballougry Gilbert and Sullivan opera, The massive stroke and despite all Primary School and later Foyle Mikado, he was in the Chorus of medical care being given she did not College from 1934-37. At the age School Girls. recover and passed away peacefully of 14 he left school to run the family on 17 March 2018 – St Patrick’s Day. farm full-time. He married Helen A talented sportsman, he played for She was in her 82nd year. Georgie Coulter in 1949 and a family of three First XV in 1955-6 and for the First is survived by her husband, Bobbie, sons and two daughters followed in XI in 1956-7. He was a prefect from and her daughters, Kathryn and the later years. 1955-57 and was School Captain in Joanne. Obituary provided by the 1956-7 when he was awarded the Little family His chief interest in life centred Lawrence Medal. around his family which extended Harriet Little to 15 grandchildren and nine great Brian won a state scholarship to Harriet was educated at the Model grandchildren. His other abiding Queen’s University, Belfast, where Primary School and Londonderry interest and preoccupation was he studied Physics, gaining a First High School. She then went on to farming, running the home farm Class Honours degree in 1960. After Stranmillis College and trained for which extended to 400 acres and graduation he was uncertain about primary school teaching. Her first also keeping a watching brief on which career to pursue and spent teaching post was at Ballougry neighbouring farms. He always a short time in the Antarctic with a Primary School where she taught for appreciated the help and guidance view to training to be a geologist. seven years. She then went to teach extended to him as a young man But, encouraged by his father, at the Model Primary School where after his father’s death and was Ivan, he trained in London to be an she remained until her retirement in always there to assist optician and after three years he 1990. those neighbours when required to entered the family business then do so. located in Sackville Street and later Harriet was interested in natural in Queen Street. history and was Secretary of the He loved Ireland and particularly Field Club for ten years. She was County Donegal, and was totally During his time in London he had also a member of the Horticultural mystified about members of the joined Rugby Club and Society. She liked to keep active in family going abroad for holidays played for the First XV for a few her retirement and took part in many when there was such beautiful years. He also met and married activities with the U3A. She helped scenery and ambient climate on his wife, Mary, before returning to with Red Cross Meals on Wheels their doorstep. He was a life-long Londonderry where he immediately Service for 20 years. member of Crossroads Presbyterian joined the City of Derry Rugby Club Church where he was Treasurer for and soon became captain of the First Harriet was a member of First Derry over 40 years. XV. On retirement from active rugby Presbyterian Church where she he was elected to the committee, taught in the Sunday School, was Morris died on 7 April 2018. He was later becoming its chairman and Secretary/Treasurer of the Bowling predeceased by his wife, Helen, serving on the senior committee of Club and sang in the choir for 40 years. but is survived by his sons, William, the Club at Ravenhill. Harriet died on 12 February 2018. David and Howard, and daughters, He also became a Trustee of the City She is survived by her twin sister, Lorna and Doreen. A Service of of Derry Rugby Club. Joan, brother, Bobbie and nieces, Thanksgiving for his life was held at Kathryn and Joanne. Crossroads Presbyterian Church and Brian developed a superb garden at Obituary provided by the Little family it is testimony to the high esteem in his home in Ballymagorry which he which he was held in the community then opened to the public. He often Thomas Morrison that the church was packed with spent time in Africa with the Vision (Morris) Lynn friends from near and far. Overseas Charity and he regularly Morris was born at Creevagh Farm Obituary provided by William Lynn arranged for musical instruments on 30 March 1923 to William and to be sent to a part of Sierra Leone

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with which he was familiar. Drawn William Howard Burton William Niven McCleery to hill walking and the mountains, he William was born on September 1923. Niven McCleery was the son of the frequently visited the Alps and the He entered Foyle on 2 September late William and Annie McCleery of Pyrenees. 1936 and records show that he played Ernest Street. He had a brother, for the 1st XV in his final year, 1941. David, who taught Chemistry in Brian died on 17 July 2018. He is William who formerly lived in Hillview Foyle College, and a sister, Thelma. survived by his wife, Mary, his son, Avenue, , died on 29 October Niven and his wife Mildred (née Neale, daughters, Hilary and Jillian, 2018 in Daleview Nursing Home. He Burns) formerly lived in Steelstown and three grandchildren. He was was predeceased by his wife, Jean, Road but had moved to Canada predeceased by his daughter, Fiona. and is survived by his son, Peter, where he died on 4 October 2018 Obituary provided by Ken Gamble and daughter, Rosemary. A funeral aged 75. He is survived by Mildred, service was held in Christ Church on his daughters, Yvonne and Amanda, Monday, 5 November 2018. and two grandchildren. BEREAVEMENT NOTICES Kathleen Letitia (Daisy) Mawhinney Cicely Anderson Samuel Derek Coll née Cochrane Cicely Anderson died peacefully on Derek Coll was born on 13 September Daisy Mawhinney died on 3 March 27 January aged 102. She was the 1949 and entered Foyle College in 2018. She formerly lived at Altnagelvin widow of Bertie Anderson former MP September 1961. Derek died on 22 Park and was predeceased by her for Londonderry who predeceased January 2018 peacefully at his home husband, Robert. She is survived her in 1986. She is survived by April, in Rossdowney Drive. He is survived by her son, Kenneth, daughters, Rosie and Susie, 11 grandchildren by his wife, Marcia, his sons Stephen Catherine and Elaine, daughter-in- and 24 great-grandchildren. and David, his daughters, Lynn and law Lorraine, son-in-law, Richard, Elizabeth, her second daughter, died Amy, his eight grandchildren and his and by her six grandchildren. A in 2014 aged 70. Cicely’s funeral took sister, Sandra. A service was held on Service of Thanksgiving for her place at Ballykelly Parish Church on Thursday, 25 January, in All Saints life was held in Glendermott Parish 10 March 2018. Clooney Parish Church followed by burial in Ballyoan Cemetery. Church on Tuesday, 6 March 2018. Harper J S Bell Blair Smith Harper Bell was born on 21 February Mary Geraldine Hanna Blair was born on 19 March 1934 and 1930 and entered Foyle College We have been informed that attended Foyle College in the 1940s in 1942. He played rugby for the Mary Hanna (DoB 29 April 1923) of (records show that he entered the 1st XV of 1946-7 (captained by N J Cranmore Gardens, Belfast, died on school in 1947). He formerly lived Henderson) before leaving Foyle to 14 February 2017. Mary was aged 93 at number 1 Lawrence Hill but has join the Belfast Banking Corporation. and was a pupil at Londonderry High laterally resided in Hazelden Park, He went on to captain Malone RFC School in the 1930s. (Records show Glasgow, and he was constantly 2nd XV and regularly played for their that Mary entered LHS in April 1936 enthusiastic about and supportive 1st XV. Harper died on 1 February and left in June 1940.) of the school throughout his life. 2018. Information provided by her nephew, He died peacefully at the age of Information provided by his son, Nicholas 83 following a long battle with Michael Parkinson’s disease and a short spell Mrs Elizabeth Law in hospital. He is survived by Eunice, William (Billy) Boggs We have been informed that Mrs his wife of 57 years, three sons Billy was born in May 1932 when the Elizabeth Law, formerly of Johnston and six grandchildren. Information family lived in Harvey Street. He Court, Green Road, Belfast, passed a provided by his son, Stuart attended Foyle from September way a few years ago. She had moved 1945 until June 1947. Billy died on 28 from Johnston Court to a nursing Dorothy Elizabeth Watson October 2018. He had formerly lived home along with her husband and Dorothy, who formerly lived at in Prehen and was predeceased died at the nursing home. Rockport Park, died on 14 April by his wife, Bessie. His daughter, 2018 at Brookmount Nursing Home, Diane, and sons, Ashley, Richard Coleraine. She is survived by and Jonathan were all pupils of the her husband William (Bertie), her school. A funeral service was held in daughter, Lorna (and partner Keith) Carlisle Road Presbyterian Church and son Alan (and wife Pamela) on Tuesday, 30 October 2018. grandchildren Jenny and Stephen, great-granddaughter, Sophie, and her sister Gladys. She was predeceased by her brother Cecil.

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AN APPRECIATION Denis Helliwell Denis was born on 15 August 1926. He was appointed to teach English in Foyle College in July 1953 and remained there through the move from Lawrence Hill to Springtown and the amalgamation of Foyle College with Londonderry High School. He retired in June 1988. Denis died in January 2018 in England and is survived by his son, Chris. Below is an appreciation supplied by Ken Thatcher.

Denis, who died this year, was born in the northeast of England. He came to teach in Foyle College after studying English at Durham Group photograph showing Denis and Kathleen McConnell at their retirement event pictured with University. Towards the end of the Edgar Bigger, Hugh Gillespie and Joy Coskery. war he had spent some time in the Royal Air force and, I’m told, he was stacking them in Denis’s Bedford slightly disappointed the war ended van for transit to the new building, Memorably he would regularly before he could ‘get some time in’. a not inconsiderable task. This may appear on Sports Days wearing He was also a keen hill walker and have been the moment that I first what I could only assume was his old mountaineer as evidenced by the learned the value of the book as an Durham College blazer which still fact that when he recently moved object as well as the importance back to England climbing ropes, of what was contained therein. fitted him perfectly. pitons and ice axes were among the Subsequently Denis had the rather possessions carefully stored in his dubious pleasure of teaching me As a colleague Denis was always a home. English at A level. He encouraged gentleman the like of whom have my love of books and allowed me to become increasingly rare in the I first encountered Denis when I was place orders for the school library, modern school environment. He a pupil at Foyle in the 1960s. One of never, to the best of my knowledge, took life seriously but did not neglect my earliest memories was when the vetoing any of my selections. Denis its lighter moments, was possibly at school translated from Lawrence was also heavily involved in the Hill to Springtown and I was tasked cultural life of the school, producing his happiest when completing The to help move the library which was and directing many of the school Times crossword or enjoying a good accomplished by carrying unending plays and encouraging pupils to take book but always had time for those piles of books downstairs and an active interest in the arts. in his charge.

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PAST PRESIDENTS OF FOYLE COLLEGE OLD BOYS ASSOCIATION

1928 - 29 The Right Hon Sir John Ross Bart 1929 - 30 Alfred Moore Munn BA 1930 - 31 His Honour Judge John Fitzpatrick Cooke KC DL 1931 - 32 Sir Samuel Thompson Irwin CBE BA MB MCh FRCS DLMP 1932 - 33 Major James Sproule Myles MC TD 1933 - 34 Professor Charles Gibson Lowry MD FRCS FRCOG 1934 - 35 John Gallagher Michaels 1935 - 36 The Very Rev James Gilbert Paton MC MA DD 1936 - 37 Sir James McElmunn Wilton MC 1937 - 38 Thomas Carnwath DSO BA MB DSc DPH 1938 - 39 Isaac J Trew Colquhoun BA 1939 - 40 The Right Hon Mr Justice William Lowry 1940 - 41 John Blakeney Gillies LDS 1941 - 42 Thomas Taggart LLD 1942 - 43 His Honour Judge Marcus Dill Begley QC 1943 - 44 The Very Reverend William Corkey MA DD 1944 - 45 Sir William Athlestane Meredith Good KBE 1945 - 46 Robert Foster Dill MA 1946 - 47 Professor Frances James Brown, MS DSc FRCS (Ed) FRCOG 1947 - 48 Sir John Herbert McCutcheon Craig KCVO CB LLD 1948 - 49 Rupert William Jeffares 1949 - 50 Samuel Milligan 1950 - 51 Samuel Russell Foster MC Croix de Guerre MB 1951 - 52 John Foster Caldwell CB QC LLM JP 1952 - 53 The Very Rev Thomas McCurdy Barker MA DD 1953 - 54 The Right Hon Sir David Callender Campbell PC KBE CMG MP 1954 - 55 William Cecil Glover MBE 1955 - 56 Henry Cooke Porter Cresswell 1956 - 57 Sir Robert Gransden CBE 1957 - 58 Charles Wilson BA 1958 - 59 Samuel Maxwell Alexander Lowry 1959 - 60 John Thomas Irwin AMIEE 1960 - 61 William Staveley Ferguson BA 1961 - 62 Major James Alexander Glen CBE ERD MA 1962 - 63 Joseph Boyd Irwin CSI CIE DSO MC BA 1963 - 64 Joseph Charles Eaton DL JP 1964 - 65 Prof Charles Horner Greer McAfee CBE DSc MB FRCS FRCIS & FRCOG 1965 - 66 Samuel Douglas Irons 1966 - 67 The Right Hon Sir Herbert McVeigh Lord Justice of Appeal 1967 - 68 The Very Rev Austin A Fulton MA PhD DD

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1968 - 69 Senator John C Drennan CBE HML JP 1969 - 70 The Very Rev Samuel James Park MA DD 1970 - 71 Armour Hamilton Matthews LDS RCS 1971 - 72 Colonel Oswald W Gilmour MA MAI CEng FICE 1972 - 73 The Right Hon Sir Robert Porter QC MP 1973 - 74 The Very Rev William Alexander Albert Park MA DD 1974 - 75 David Alan Eccles Roberts MA 1975 - 76 John Alexander Crockett 1976 - 77 James Stewart Connolly MA LLB 1977 - 78 Professor Emeritus ACP Campbell MB ChB FRC Path FRCPE 1978 - 79 Professor J C Goligher MB ChM FRCSE FRCS (Edin) 1979 - 80 J B Mullin BA HDipEd 1980 - 81 Rev R K Greer MA BD 1981 - 82 R N Crawford CBE BComm Sc FCA FRSA FBIM 1982 - 83 Real Admiral W J McClune CB MSc MIEE 1983 - 84 J Piggot MB BCh FRCS 1984 - 85 A E Barbour BSc FBCO 1985 - 86 J Kincade CBE MA BLitt PhD 1986 - 87 D C G Craig BA 1987 - 88 S A Hunter BSc C Eng FIEE 1988 - 89 H W Young OBE MA 1989 - 90 J C Lapsley BSc DLC DASE 1990 - 91 T H Armstrong BA DipEd 1991 - 92 R J Magowan BA, DASE MSc 1992 - 93 Prof S G Carruthers MD FRCPC 1993 - 94 N J Henderson BSc 1994 - 95 J H Y Fergusson 1995 - 96 A G Kennedy BA 1996 - 97 Prof R J McClelland MD PhD FRCPSYCH 1997 - 98 D R Craig B Arch ARIBA DIP TP MRTPI 1998 - 99 The Very Rev D C Orr MA 1999 - 00 E W Hamilton 2000 - 01 J E Bigger MA DASE 2001 - 02 H W Gillespie BA DASE 2002 - 03 A W Roulston CA 2003 - 04 J Cowan BA Dip Ed DASE 2004 - 05 I M Piggot 2005 - 06 J V Arthur BSc (Est Man) FRICS IRRV 2006 - 07 E S Marshall BA FRSA MA LGSM ALCM 2007 - 08 R S Tosh BSc BD PhD 2008 - 09 J A S Kelso BS MS PhD 2009 –10 J A C McFarland BSc C Eng FICE 2010 -11 J S M Huey BA Dip Ed 2011 -12 R C Montgomery MB BCh BAO DMH DHMSA

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LONDONDERRY HIGH SCHOOL OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION FOUNDED 1935

Past Presidents 1994 Miss Anne Wilson 1935-45 Miss M F McIlroy 1995 Mrs M Phillips 1946 Mrs H M Williams 1996 Miss G Simpson 1947 Mrs Killen MA 1997 Mrs R Ramsey 1948 Mrs E R Gordon 1998 Mrs B Hamilton 1949 Miss Osborne OBE JP 1999 Mrs J Y Coskery 1950 Mrs H Robinson 2000 Mrs Helen Hilson 1951 Mrs Doreen McConnell BA 2001 Mrs C Corrigan 1952 Miss M K M Aiken BA BLLB 2002 Mrs J Milliken 1953 Mrs John Watson MBE 2003 Mrs Thelma Arthur 1954 Mrs B H Lynn FRCS 2004 Mrs N Foss 1955 Mrs B Roe MBE 2005 Mrs Molly Kennedy 1956 Dr Elsie Johnston 2006 Mrs Elma McDevitt 1957 Mrs S Dowds 2007 Mrs Isabel McNally CBE 1958 Dr Violet Breakey 2008 Mrs Molly Sutton 1959 Mrs N Young 2009 Mrs Phyllis Logan 1960 Mrs H J Clarke 2010 Mrs Ruth Hamilton 1961 Mrs J C Eaton 2011 Mrs Pamela Jackson 1962 Miss Grace Armstrong 2012 Dr Kanchan McAllister (née Chada) 1963 Mrs Jean L’Amie MA 1964 Marie Loullier OBE MA 1965 Mrs Olive McLaughlin BA Foyle College Former Pupils Association 1966 Mrs R R Hunter 1967 Mrs G R Joscelyne Joint Presidents 1968 Mrs J G Colhoun 2012 – 2013 Dr Kanchan McAllister MB Bch BAO 1969 Miss Alice Rowan R C Montgomery MB BCh BAO DMH DHM- 1970 Miss E A Park BSc SA 1971 Mrs Mary Britton 2013 – 2014 Mrs E F Swinson BDS 1972 Miss M R Colhoun W S F Young MA 1973 Mrs K Gillis 2014 – 2015 Mrs P A Black BA 1974 Miss A E Stirling MA W L Cunningham B Agr 1975 Miss M W Cunningham MA 2015 – 2016 Miss I A Watson Cert Ed B Ed 1976 Miss M Anderson J D R Connolly MB BCh FFARCSI 1977 Mrs E W M Marr 2016 - 2017 Mrs Yvonne M Smyth BA (CNNA) LLM 1978 Mrs T R Berry David Turner QC LLB AKC 1979 Mrs M B Seaward 2017 - 2018 Mrs Una V Summers LCST BEd 1980 Mrs M B Seaward William M Lynn BA BA 1981 Mrs R J Aiken 2018 - 2019 Mrs Elisabeth M Thompson BA Dip Ed 1982 Mrs J Moore Mr Jonathan Hegan MBE MSc FICE FIAE 1983 Mrs J McCandless 1984 Mrs E Clay 1985 Mrs E Finlay 1986 Mrs M Welch 1987 Mrs J W Taggart 1988 Mrs D Stuart 1989 Mrs Gladys Black 1990 Mrs K Stewart 1991 Mrs E Whiteside 1992 Mrs Lorna Knox 1993 Mrs W Burns

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84 FORMER PUPILS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE | 2018/2019 YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS

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FOYLE COLLEGE AT SPRINGTOWN 1967-2017

As the Foyle staff and pupils near homeworks were being set for the activity as half of the senior boys the end of their first year in the weekend. at Lawrence Hill loaded two large new school on Springham Campus pantechnicons with furniture, books in the Waterside, I though it would Suddenly a bell rings out from deep and equipment, for the other half be appropriate to look back, fondly inside the building, and is repeated to unload at Springtown. The once or otherwise, at fifty years of the on each floor; the hum of activity is cluttered classrooms and offices school at Springtown. Delving into replaced by a muted clatter as 440 in the old school became more the school magazines of 1967 and boys leave the classrooms, collect and more bare until an empty shell 1968 it is striking to draw parallels their books and coats and depart remained, while the Springtown and indeed contrasts between from the building through the boys’ building presented a scene of the move from Lawrence Hill to door, just as four generations of activity not dissimilar to an ants’ Springtown and the departure from Foyle boys had done over the past nest or a beehive. Boys, staff Springtown to the new school in 153 years. and workmen were everywhere, 2017-18. A wealth of information can shifting and arranging furniture, and be drawn from editorials and other But Friday, 3rd March 1967, was not transporting and storing books and articles written with such detail by an ordinary day; the boys do not equipment. Nearly all the work was Stewart Connolly as well as a rather usually go home at three o’clock, completed within two days, and it as humorous article by a senior pupil, nor are they usually photographed a great credit to all concerned that recently departed from Foyle – R S by the local press as they leave the the school was able to re-open on Tosh (1958-67). building. Also there is not usually the scheduled date of Wednesday, any symbolical connotation in the 8th March. Just as the Foyle pupils and staff locking of the doors of the silent packed up and left Springtown and school after the last crimson blazers Here was a complete Duncreggan in December 2017, a have disappeared down Lawrence transformation! Gone were the similar departure is recorded by Hill as their owners wend their way days when crumbling plaster in Stewart Connolly in his editorial homeward through the gathering the classrooms, grimy paint and from the June 1967 magazine dusk of evening. This particular warped and broken woodwork were describing the last day at Lawrence Friday however was the last working dismissed as commonplace; we Hill and the move to the new school day at the old school building and now found ourselves occupying as set out below. the simple act of the locking and a brand new, £300,000 building. bolting of the boys’ door marked Instead of cramped conditions ‘To all outward appearances, it the end of an era in the history of and inadequate facilities, we had seemed to be an ordinary day, damp the City in which, for more than a brightly-lit, airy rooms with under and slightly chilly – the sort of day century and a half, the dignified ivy- floor heating, broad spacious that one would expect to encounter covered building in “the grove the corridors, a large assembly hall, in Londonderry in the early Spring. Foyle commanding” had been Foyle a separate gymnasium, freshly At Lawrence Hill it also appeared College. equipped laboratories with plenty that this Friday afternoon at Foyle of storage space, rooms for private College was no different from any The next two weekdays, March study, a seemingly huge library, an other; classes were in progress and 6th and 7th, were days of frenzied art room and a canteen!

Main staircase Home Economics Library

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Outside the classroom too the to what we had left behind at The new Springtown building was advantages are endless. Although Lawrence Hill. The canteen system state-of-the-art sixties design and the two new pitches in front of the was completely novel to us having architecture. It had many novel school will not be ready for use traipsed for years to either the Model features for its time and Bert Tosh until September, we are so near School or Templemore, and before who had left Foyle in 1965 recounts to our grounds that the boys can these existed, we had frequented his visits to the new building below. come straight back into school the cafes on the Strand Road and from games, shower, change and wandered about what were then the ‘Well, the new school has finally go home with the minimum of delay. busy quays. The following extract, arrived. After years of watching The actual siting of the school is again by Stewart Connolly, deals developments on the rise opposite really magnificent, and the statue with the new canteen, something the Springtown playing fields, where of Sir Henry (sic John) Lawrence taken for granted by the present various attempts were made to in front of the new building still pupils. initiate me into the gentle arts of retains his view of the river. Inside rugby, a fine building has arisen. It is the building we have electric bells ‘The move to Springtown has of difficult to believe, especially for one and fire alarms and internal and course necessitated some changes who spent all his years at Lawrence external telephones, while recently in the organisation of the school Hill, that is Foyle College. two visiting cricket teams and day. Possession of our own kitchens their respective hosts were all and canteen has made possible I have visited the new school; in fact, comfortably accommodated on the provision of lunch at school for when it was opened, I could hardly the Assembly Hall stage to watch a over 400 boys, in two sittings of keep away from it. In comparison television sports programme, after 200. These lunches are organised with that decaying building which their cricket matches were over. on the ‘family system’ in which boys housed us for 155 years, it is a dream sit eight to a table with two senior of paradise. I have ‘danced’ in the Although there is so much more that boys acting as servers. Although Assembly Hall. What a pleasure it is could be said about our building, two ‘practice lunches’ at the end of to glide around like a refugee from for the purpose of this editorial a the Easter term each took most of ‘Come Dancing’ instead of having to single summary must suffice. This the afternoon, all 400 can now eat make a gigantic effort to avoid the move to Springtown, especially in their lunch and clear their tables in knob in the floor. No longer is there that it has taken place in the 350th less than an hour. This achievement any necessity to hang up that motley year of the history of the school, has however would not have been collection of flags in order to hide had a profound and dramatic effect remotely possible without the the roof. on the lives of all who teach, learn expert knowledge and the invaluable and work in it. Thanks to the Board advice of Miss Kent, the Ministry of When I saw the stage I wanted to of Governors and the Ministry of Education School Meals Organiser, rush up and deliver Hamlet’s famous Education we now have a building and it is mainly due to her that this soliloquy but was forcibly restrained. of which we can be proud, and there improvement has been made.’ It will surely be a joy to act without is every reason to hope that the being fearful of the creaks. But school’s next 350 years will be no This is in sharp contrast to the new what of the staff room table? Does less illustrious than the last.’ catering facilities which see 850 it no longer form an integral part Foyle pupils, 400 Ebrington pupils of the stage? How much pleasure As a Fifth Form pupil myself in 1967, and 100 Nursery pupils, a total of it gave to budding John Gielguds I experienced this significant event over 1200 meals served within one (there’s a touch of irony here!) to and helped with the move during hour from the new kitchens. This is rush into the staff room informing those busy weeks of that Easter. a credit to all involved in the running the unsuspecting members of that So much of the new Springtown of the system. august body that their table was building was in complete contrast needed as a matter of great national

Science corridor Classroom corridor The Canteen

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importance. And the lighting - such building and I am sure that with the As she contemplated a certain a change from the set of footlights move FCD will go from strength to green hill situated on the periphery in Old Foyle. Those footlights could strength.’ of these surroundings, Cecil work in about 500 combinations – Frances Alexander was inspired to never were they all on at the same R S Tosh compose the hymn which is known time. I look forward to seeing the (Foyle College, 1958-65) and loved throughout the world. first production. But I wonder will The amenities we are privileged to the ‘crack’ at those plays and at the enjoy here at Springtown are indeed dances be as good as in the past The official opening of Springtown, beyond price. when improvisation was the order of to be performed by the Duke of Kent, the day? was to take place on 4 December And yet a few teething problems 1967 but was postponed until 2 were inevitable. The tennis The library is quite wonderful. May 1968. Again, I draw on Stewart courts have not yet been made Beautiful new books in clean new Connolly’s ‘Notes and News’ from the available; the distribution of shelves with charming little tables as December 1967 magazine. cloakroom places caused some incentives to the wayward scholar. confusion at the beginning; staff Yet does it somehow lack the ‘On December 4th, 1967, His Royal changing accommodation is not as atmosphere of the old library? That Highness The Duke of Kent was to satisfactory as it might have been; enormous table where countless have opened our new school officially. and in the labs early in the term small boys trembled before the It was in the preceding weeks that there was a leakage of propane gas. wrath of various Prefects’ Councils. we learned of the outbreak of the One of the rugby pitches in front of The musty odour which could only foot and mouth disease and the the school is unplayable owing to be described as venerable. The resultant widespread cancellations drainage difficulties. Workmen may ancient tomes which Mr Helliwell of so many events. Although great still be seen among us from time to constantly urged us to read. Yes, disappointment was felt by all of us time. It is hoped that the Preparatory and a subject dear to my heart – at the time, we look forward with Department will shortly be built in the Debating Society. How many renewed expectation to late spring the school grounds.’ schoolboy ‘orators’ have strolled up or early summer, to which date and down making Ireland free and at the official opening has had to be It is interesting that he points out the following meeting replacing it in deferred. some of the early problems with the its chains? However I have no doubt new building and grounds. Some that in a short while people will look Having occupied the new building for of these persisted for years – the at the new library even as I have at some nine months, we are perhaps in waterlogged pitches and ground the old. a position to consider it empirically. around them, for example. Added Spaciousness is a conspicuous and to this, problems would arise with The laboratories are naturally all welcome feature of both the interior draughty metal framed windows, a ‘mod cons’. Not at all like the rooms and the grounds outside. Along the flat roof which was replaced at least on the first floor where the future approach and driveway to the school three times, under-floor heating Kelvins and Einsteins (another will soon be planted two rows of lime which was difficult to control and touch of irony!) dreamt of splitting trees. Behind the school the Biology expensive, and spalling concrete. the electron (and what were they Department is shortly to have a The inclusion of asbestos in building doing at break) but more often garden, and there will be clumps of was to cause problems requiring its strove to learn the rules of reflection forestry trees and others. removal in later years and not least and refraction or to investigate the before and during its demolition behaviour of acid to litmus. On the coldest morning it is good to recently. Whilst there was a enter a pleasantly heated building. substantial snagging list in the early The classrooms, the gym, the The airiness and brightness of the years of Springtown, an equally large canteen, the office – I could make interior are truly impressive. Each and growing list is accruing with the comparisons ad infinitum, and the room commands a clear view. From new building at Limavady Road. Springtown building would probably those at the front, one can gaze down come out tops every time. northward over the historic River The postponement of the official Foyle with the city to the east. From opening from 1967 to 1968 has Anyone reading this may detect a the rear of the building one looks been explained and this fact was slight touch of nostalgia about the south towards Sheriff Mountain and most interestingly displayed to old school. This is I suppose natural, westward in the direction of the us when the plaque was removed but on reflection, rather silly. A beautiful blue hills of Donegal. Here before the recent demolition of school is so much more than the the countryside is largely unspoilt. Springtown. This stone had been

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cut in advance of the planned opening in December ’67 and set in the wall beside the front entrance. When the date had to be changed, someone had the ingenious idea of having the stone turned around and the details repeated on the reverse side with the new date of May ’68 inserted. The stone is currently in the school’s archive where this curiosity can be viewed. The sandstone foundation stone originally brought from Lawrence Hill and placed on the opposite side of the entrance at Springtown has also been transported to the new school. At this time we await the official opening of the new building, likely to be in the Spring 2019 and we can look back at the memorable occasion at Springtown in May 1968, once again through the notes of the entrance hall they brought with Stewart Connolly in the June 1968 them a relaxation in atmosphere magazine. and a formality that was completely informal. ‘There is little I can say about Thursday, May 2nd that everyone Of the afternoon I would say that the doesn’t already know. Two main parents seemed to enjoy themselves impressions remain with me. The and that the boys looked after them first is of the highly professional and showed them around in a way competence of those with whom that must have impressed everyone, I, as representing the Board of and certainly did please me. It was Governors, had to deal in the a pity that so good a day should planning stages. I refer to the have been marred by the failure of police of various ranks, the AA sound both in the gym and dining men, the officials from Stormont hall so that a great many people and and Government House, the private nearly all the boys saw the opening secretaries and our own office staff. ceremony but heard nothing of it.’ Above all I must express my own gratitude and that of the Board of It is appropriate that the official Governors to Major R Stephens, opening stone and the foundation private secretary to His Excellency stone join the Lawrence Statue and the Governor, who was always at the pillars of Duncreggan House at the end of a telephone line to give the new campus. expert and most willing advice on all matters of protocol and procedure. When Foyle College became The adjustment was immense and My second main impression was Foyle and Londonderry College in a great challenge for governors and of the charm, naturalness and September 1976 it was necessary staff. All credit must go to Hugh helpfulness of the Duke and Duchess to make many adjustments to Gillespie as Headmaster who steered of Kent and of Lord Erskine. All the buildings at Duncreggan but the new FLC through some very three talked freely and easily to more especially at Springtown to stormy waters. New cloakrooms boy, governor and master alike, accommodate both boys and girls, and toilets had to be provided they had done their homework on and new subjects. I had returned for both pupils and staff, a Home the school and its history and they to teach at Foyle in 1975 with the Economics facility at Springtown, were wholeheartedly interested in previous six months in Londonderry and Technology and Computing everything they saw. The moment High School. which were in their embryonic the Duke and Duchess stepped into stage but would become such a

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significant part of the curriculum in Springtown which was to be memories as former pupils and staff, later years. Language labs came and taken over by the Department of but especially so for the present went; new changing rooms for girls Education for a new Special Needs ancillary staff who had meticulously and boys and a sports pavilion and school was to be demolished but cleared the building in readiness hockey pitch were constructed at left completely cleared out. The for the transfer to new ownership. Springtown. transfer took an inordinate amount The burnt out shell of the building of time and the empty building, stood for a further three months When the school moved out of its although secured and alarmed, was whilst its demolition and financial two former buildings in December an attraction to the most unsociable implications were sorted out. By the 2017, much clearing remained to be elements of society. The inevitable end of October 2018 the last vestiges done so that both buildings would be total destruction came on 7 July of Springtown had been cleared and handed to their new owners empty. when fires were set throughout only the abandoned tennis courts With the new-build came a generous the building completely destroying and pitches, and an avenue of trees furnishing budget, so only a fraction the main block and causing severe leading only to a flat area of rubble of the furnishings and fittings from damage to the science block. remained. the former schools were transferred. The rest was disposed of through The devastation was a distressing W M Lynn sales, recycling, charities, etc. sight for those of us who had fond ANTIQUE FURNITURE

The original table, chairs and sideboard from the board room at Duncreggan were purchased by St Columb’s Cathedral as part of the Deanery restoration. The photographs above show them in the refurbished Deanery.

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DUNCREGGAN DESERTED

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PILLARS & STATUE RESTORATION

Erection of The Flag Pole, donated by the US Pillars dismantled Pillars being rebuilt Navy

Lawrence Statue removed from plinth at Springtown

The restored pillars at their new site in front Statue re-erected Reconstruction pillar of the school

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Joint Presidents Una & William display the plaque to be placed at the sandstone pillars with Joint Vice Presidents Jonathan & Elisabeth

Edward Montgomery, Peter Dunphy, Henry Pollard, Robin Young, William Lynn, Erika McClelland, John Black, Patrick Allen, Matthew Austin, Peter Gault, Graeme Mercer

The Statue and Pillars at their new location

Additional engraving on the plinth The pillars and statue looking towards the Limavady Road and entrance gates

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NEW SCHOOL IN PICTURES

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HOLOCAUST MEMORIAL DAY 2018 COMMEMORATION

In November 2017 Mrs Melanie Dougherty, Head of History Department, forwarded to William Lynn an article she had received from the Londonderry Sentinel which indicated that Edith Birkin, who had survived the Holocaust, had subsequently attended Londonderry High School. An investigation of the records held in the school archive revealed that Edith was registered under the surname, Hoffman. It also confirmed that she had arrived in the school in 1946 and resided at 7 Aberfoyle Crescent while attending.

As a result of this connection with LHS, we were invited to send representatives from the school to attend the Holocaust Memorial Day 2018 Commemoration to be held in the Millennium Form on Thursday, 25 January 2018.

Mr Patrick Allen, Principal, accompanied by staff from the History Department attended, as did Mr Lynn, Mr Goodman and Mrs Deans from the Archive. Head Boy, Matthew Austin, and Head Girl, Erika McClelland, took part in the act of commemoration, with Matthew reading one of Edith’s poems and Erika making a speech about her life.

Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Paul Clark and a welcome address was given by the Mayor. The evening was a most moving experience and a fitting tribute to those who perished in the Holocaust.

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THE FOYLE ARCHIVE – BACKGROUND AND DEVELOPMENTS

The Foyle archive has grown and subsequent magazines form an Material from the girls’ schools was into a formidable repository of essential record of school life from rather sparse and it was rumoured records, artefacts, books and then until the present day and are a that a previous Headmistress had photographs, and continues to grow vital source of reference material. destroyed some of the information as more people become aware of that might have been useful for the its existence. Over the centuries of The next Headmaster to contribute archive. Hugh Gillespie was keen the school’s existence there was no to the school’s records was WAC to preserve the historical details real plan to archive material, but the McConnell (1935-60) who had a great within each building but wanted various schools that became part interest in all his pupils and their to maintain the record as the new of the present day Foyle were, for families. His detailed records of FLC progressed. Photographs of the most part, hoarders of records individual pupils both during their sports teams, prefects, school and artefacts so that we now have time in Foyle and, quite often, their shows and concerts and significant an archive unlike any other school subsequent careers, displays the events were added to the walls, within the British Isles. depth of this interest. chiefly in Duncreggan where there were many blank walls. Over the The hoarding of such material was Stewart Connolly (1960-73) was a years these were filled up gradually especially the case for the boys’ man who held the school’s traditions and extended to areas such as the schools – the Academical Institution and heritage in the highest esteem. canteen. The photographs of the and Foyle College at Lawrence As a first year student, I remember Lady Presidents of the Old Girls Hill. The various girls’ schools were how he brought groups of pupils into Association graced the walls of smaller and moved through a range the Assembly Hall and recounted in Duncreggan Assembly Hall and of buildings during their evolution. detail the main events in the history those of the Old Boys Association Records from these are less of the school, its house system, its continued to grow along the walls of numerous although early material former alumni and its traditions to Springtown Assembly Hall. from Strand House, St Lurach’s, be marked at various points during Victoria High School and the early the school year. He also oversaw When Jack Magill took over the days of Londonderry High School the move from Lawrence Hill to Headmaster’s post (1994-2012) he have survived, generally donated Springtown and paramount in all the saw the significance of not only the by former pupils of these schools aspects of this upheaval was the visual history on the school’s walls rather than from school records. relocation of the school records, its but the stored and hidden records. There were always men like Will artefacts, including the Lawrence There was no central storage area Ferguson and Alan Roberts who Statue, and its photographic for all the valuable material. Apart acted as early archivists even when records. These photographs, from the aforementioned strong- there was no designated archive portraits, memorial boards, etc room in Springtown, the attics in and much of the material that they were all in place when the pupils Duncreggan were used to house accumulated forms the basis of the moved into their fine modern all sorts of records and there were present day archive. building in 1967. A large strong-room many small store-rooms around the was constructed adjacent to the building, including extensive cellars Headmasters too, helped to build main office and this became a safe that held all manner of material of these early records beginning with repository for the valuable earlier historical significance but in some Maurice Hime (1877-96) who was a records. state of deterioration. He was aware prolific writer and publisher, and that there was a body of former included an account of his time Hugh Gillespie (1973-94) had the pupils interested in the preservation in education, first at Monaghan difficult task of amalgamating of the schools heritage and decided Diocesan School and then at Foyle the very separate traditions of that there should be a designated College. He established the earliest Londonderry High School and Foyle archive space. school magazine ‘Our School Times’ College in 1976. He worked hard to which he brought from Monaghan achieve an ethos for the new Foyle A large room was made available in and came under the Foyle and Londonderry College, promoting Dunseverick and a formal archive banner in 1878. Copies of these early the best aspects of both schools. established in 2010. Robert

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Montgomery would become Chief of governors, staff and pupils, all joined the team and has done much Archivist with a band of enthusiastic of whom had input. He assured to get the space ready for visitors. assistants including Ken Gamble, the archivists that they would have Having also photographed all the Sean McMahon, Ken Thatcher, their designated area within the new paintings and photographs as they William Lynn and Mildred Deans. building. were packed away in Springtown Other former staff and pupils, and Duncreggan, he now has the including Joy Coskery, Isabel The school moved in January 2018 facility and computer technology in McNally, Elaine Marshall and Lynn following a year of celebration of the new area to display these on a Young helped to add to the lesser its 400th Anniversary. The archive large television screen. Copies can amount of material from the girls’ occupies a suite of rooms below easily be made and new technology school. When it became known that the main teaching block with a is being added at present. Susan a proper archive area now existed separate entrance accessed from Thomas has added her artistic in the school, contributions came a road immediately to the left of expertise and practical advice in the in from many different quarters, the impressive entrance gates. It display of artefacts, photographs primarily from former pupils. All of is an excellent space equipped and pictures both in the archive and these added value to the already with a meeting room and a large in several other areas of the school. extensive archive. The material display area with the old boardroom Donald Bigger as Chair of the FPA was catalogued and filed, and table as a centrepiece for visiting has added his insight to it all and proper shelving and storage boxes groups and students. There is also has a special interest as a retired made it easier to locate items. A a kitchen and separate washroom serviceman and military historian in regular Tuesday morning meeting with disabled access. Shelving and preserving and extending wartime in the Archive Room provided an display cabinets were brought from records. opportunity for visitors to come to the old school and a bank of new research material, and for former filing cabinets which are bomb and We look forward to welcoming pupils to trace records of their fire proof was purchased to store groups and individuals to this much parents’ time at school. Those the most valuable items. valued area and aspect of the looking to access wartime records schools long history and heritage for and local historians researching The priority was for staff and pupils years to come and, as ever, we will topics of local interest are also to settle in to their areas following the be pleased to receive contributions making use of this new facility. move so it was not until September to our ever-expanding archive. of this year that the archive W M Lynn Jack Magill spent a great deal area was finally painted, floored of time during his years at Foyle and furnished. The many boxes Note: Visits to the archive can planning the new school to be and bubble-wrapped materials, be arranged by telephoning the built in the Waterside. Much of the pictures and artefacts are still Principal’s PA, Mrs Jenny Galbraith, present building owes its form to being unpacked and organised into on 71269321 or email jgalbraith387@ his work with architects and groups this new space. Jim Goodman has foylecollege.derry.ni.sch.uk

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VISITORS TO THE ARCHIVE

Although we have only recently gained possession of our new domain, we have already been pleased to welcome visits from former staff and Mr Ken McCormack.

Following their attendance at the school’s Armistice Service in November, our Joint FCFPA President, Elisabeth Thompson and Vice President, Bob Elliott, visited the archive, accompanied by Elisabeth’s husband, and spent William Lynn and Canon John Merrick with Dr Howard Welch a most enjoyable time reliving their time at the school and recognising some faces from the past.

Bob has kindly donated his Lawrence Medal which he gained in 1964. We are delighted to add this valuable addition to the many interesting artefacts already in the archive.

On 18 December 2018 Dr Howard Welch and Canon John Merrick visited the school and were given Former staff visiting the Archive a guided tour by the Principal. William then brought them to the Archive which they found most interesting. Dr Welch, taught History in Foyle from 1993 to 1997 and is now Principal of Royal and Prior School, Raphoe. Canon Merrick is their Chair of Governors. Royal and Prior School has been celebrating its 400th Anniversary in the past year. to be held in the Archive. It is a Alan and his wife. Alan and John Howard’s other connection with copy, in its original envelope of his were most pleased to be able to find the school is that his mother, Mrs grandparents’ invitation to the Foyle among others, their father, Jim, in Millicent Welch, née Barr, was College Dedication of War Memorial one of our many old photographs President of the Londonderry High to the thirty-nine old boys of the which Jim Goodman was able to school who fell in the war of 1939-45. School Old Girls Association in 1986 display on our large computer He also presented the programme and he was most pleased to see her screen. photograph in our Past Presidents for that event which took place on Also in January this year Robert gallery in the Archive. His wife, Thursday, 12 January 1950. Photo Cuthbert presented his Lawrence Karen, is also a former pupil of the from ipad school. Medal to the school archive (see On the first Monday in January 2019 below). Robert was the Head Boy in While here, Howard presented we were pleased to welcome Mr 1975-6, the last one to hold the post William with a piece of memorabilia John Black who brought his brother, before amalgamation in 1976.

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Bob Elliott presents his Lawrence Medal to the William Lynn for the William Lynn receiving Lawrence Medal from Robert Cuthbert School Archive

The original Foyle College Flag in the Archive

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ARCHIVE PHOTOGRAPHS – AN APPEAL

The Archive Department of the school has an extensive collection of photographs which have been recorded in digital form and are available to members and friends of the school. The list includes, Rugby, Cricket, Hockey, Prefects, Principals, Chairs of the Board of Governors, Presidents of the FPA, OBA, OGA, Buildings and Furnishings, Famous Former Pupils, Drama and Music Productions and many other school activities. The earliest team photograph dates from 1878 (LAI Rugby).

However, there are significant gaps in our records and we would appeal to members to have a look in their attics etc for any of the missing materials listed below.

Londonderry High School Magazines 1975 to 1956 1954 any pre 1942

Londonderry High School Hockey Photographs 1975 to 1958 1953 and 1952 1945 and 1942 1940 to 1937 1035 to 1933 1929, 1927, 1925 St. Lurach’s or Victoria High School 1919,1917 to 1911

Foyle College Rugby Photographs 1975/76, 1962/63 1947/48, 1943/44 1926/27, 1916/17

Foyle College Cricket Photographs 1990/91, 1986/87 1985/86, 1984/85 1977/78, 1966/67 1953/54, 1930/31 1926/27, 1922/23 1920/21, 1918/19 1916/17, 1914/15 1913/14, 1912/13

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THE INDIAN MUTINY AND SOME FORMER PUPILS OF FCD

The school register confirms that the completed, they were transferred even though it precluded all four Lawrence brothers, Alexander to the East India Company Library possibility of funeral rites for Hindus William, George St. Patrick, Henry which is now located in the British and Muslims alike.’ Montgomery and John Laird were Library. RM served in India between boarders for different periods at 1828 and 1865, so the papers Some 18 months after the mutiny, the Lawrence Hill school during the describe his life and work during the East India Company ceased to decade following 1815. In addition that period of British rule in India, be and was succeeded by the British Robert Montgomery (RM) was and includes original photographs Raj. Quite soon afterwards, Queen also a boarder between 1817 and from the 1850s. Victoria declared a general amnesty 1824, and all would later continue and forgiveness for all offences by careers with either the East India The book based on these documents all concerned and soon peace, order Company or the British Raj. The is an unvarnished account of RM’s and stability was restored. story of the Lawrence brothers has life in India and includes much been extensively covered in our detail of the events surrounding One of the Lawrence brothers, Sir magazines and is well documented the Indian Mutiny. It does not make Henry, stands high above the fray. in our archives. But that of Robert for comfortable reading and it He is remembered for his tolerance Montgomery (1809–87) has remained caused his grandson much chagrin and respect for differing cultures somewhat in the shadows. That has when he learned about some of the and his generosity of spirit was been somewhat corrected by the atrocities. For example, he states made manifest by his founding book Monty’s Grandfather by Lt- that on 30 July 1857 the disarmed and financing of hospitals and Col Brian Montgomery published in Bengal Native Infantry broke out four schools. His demise early 1984, a copy of which was recently from the Mian Mir cantonment in the mutiny ensured he had no donated to our archives. at Lahore and having killed their association with the subsequent commanding officer, Major Spence, military response. At least two of Based mainly on the personal the regimental sergeant major and the schools survive and the eminent archive gathered during his time two havildars, they fled northwards institution at Sanawar today retains in India, it includes all letters (both towards Kasmir hotly pursued a proud association with Sir Henry. personal and official) together with by Montgomery and his armed the voluminous records of previous police. On being taken prisoner Sir Robert Montgomery GSCI, KCB, generations of RM’s family. All these 300 mutinous sepoys were brought LLD died on the 28 December 1887 manuscript papers had been kept to Ajnala with their hands tightly and was buried in the family grave at in large leather travelling-trunks pinioned. It was decided to shoot Saint Augustine’s Chapel-of -Ease from the time that RM left India until them all in batches with the bodies within the walls. they were recovered by his son, being buried in a common pit. Bishop Montgomery, in 1920 from Later another 45 mutineers were Lt Col Brian Montgomery was a the stables at New Park, , captured and sent to Lahore where career Officer in the British Army after the death of his widow. She they were executed by being blown serving in India, and during WWII he outlived her husband by 32 years from the cannon’s mouth at a parade saw action in Burma. He later took and had kept very quiet about their of the whole Lahore garrison in the the surrender of the 33rd Japanese existence. Bishop Montgomery presence of Montgomery and senior Army, retired in 1970 and wrote the attempted to index and sort the civil officers. Thus within 48 hours biography of his brother, A Field- documents but the task remained from their quadruple murder nearly Marshall in the Family, in 1973. incomplete at his death in 1932. All 500 men fell by the law. Very much Ref: Monty’s Grandfather: Blandford eventually ended up at the home aware that RM and John Lawrence Press, Dorset. 1984. of Field-Marshall Montgomery of worked closely together to suppress ISBN 0 7137 1401 8 Alamein at Islington Mill, where they the revolt, he writes: ‘It is strange remained until Brian Montgomery how devout Christians like John Robert Montgomery was able to research their content Lawrence and my grandfather Sean McMahon and publish his book. Once that was appear to have rejoiced in execution

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PORTRAIT RESTORATION APPEAL 2018-19

Sir Henry Montgomery Lawrence KCB 1806-1857

Dear Former Pupil The relocation of the school’s archive including portraits, art work and artefacts from Duncreggan/ Springtown to the new school in December 2017/January 2018 has provided the opportunity to take stock of what is held by the school. A dedicated archive area has been incorporated into the new building allowing us the opportunity to reorganise our extensive collection and store or display it for reference and viewing.

Part of this collection is a number of fine portraits inherited over the years by Londonderry High School and Foyle College, and we are currently having these examined, assessed and valued for insurance purposes by Irish art experts from Belfast. Undoubtedly, the most valuable of these is the large portrait of Sir Henry Lawrence but it is in assembly hall and the Former Pupils Should there be a surplus, it can be dire need of restoration to return it Association would like to proceed used to restore other items in the to its former glory. It was presented with the restoration prior to its archive including the portrait of Miss to Foyle College in 1935 by his hanging. The restoration company MacKillip, founder of Londonderry grandson, and hung in the masters’ comes highly recommended having High School. I will let you know when entrance at Lawrence Hill and later just completed restoration of a large the restored portrait is returned so on the staircase in Springtown. number of portraits including those that you may come and view it in its of Archbishop Alexander and his new position. We hope to arrange The portrait has a number of areas wife, Cecil Frances Alexander, both an informal unveiling ceremony later of damage to its canvas, is coated now on view in the Chapter House in this year. with years of dust and varnish, St Columb’s Cathedral. Payments can be made by cheque and its valuable frame has some to Foyle College Former Pupils elements of moulding missing and Sadly, with education budgets Association, marked ‘Portrait corners with need strengthening, barely covering the day-to-day Restoration’ and sent to The Bursar, but it is arguably a likeness of one running costs of the school, there Foyle College, Springham Campus, of the school’s most famous alumni. is no finance available for such a 67 Limavady Road, Londonderry The quotation from the Belfast project, which is why I am appealing BT47 6LR or using BACS - Sort restorers is £2,000 but this would to all former pupils and friends of Code 98-09-80 Account Number be well worth the expense if the the school to please contribute 77863014. portrait in its restored glory could be whatever you can to assist us hung in the new school for all to see. with this endeavour. All amounts, Yours sincerely Its proposed location would be one regardless of value, will be gratefully William Lynn of the large agora areas outside the received and much appreciated. FCFPA

105 FORMER PUPILS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE | 2018/2019

FOYLE COLLEGE FORMER PUPILS’ MAGAZINE PRINTED COPY

This magazine is currently available on the school’s website – simply click on the Former Pupils icon on the web page. In the editorial you will note that from this year it will be available principally on line and copies will only be provided and posted to those who return the mandate below. The increasing cost of publishing and postage has made this course of action essential. By filling in and returning the standing order mandate for £10 to be paid annually, a copy will be posted to you in future years and the editors will know how many copies to order from the publishers.

If you want to secure a copy in future, the mandate form below should be returned to (if you have already completed one of these and receive a copy of the magazine there is no need to complete another one. The standing order remains in place until you cancel it):-

The Bursar Foyle College 67 Limavady Road Londonderry BT47 6LR

✁...... ✁...... ✁

STANDING ORDER MANDATE

Your Name:...... To: The Manager...... (full name & address of your bank – in block capitals) Address:...... Name:...... Address:...... Postcode:...... Postcode:......

Please Pay From My A/C - Name......

Account Number...... Sort Code:......

£10 - Annually...... Commencing On / /

To Credit Foyle College Former Pupils Association Ulster Bank Limited – Culmore Road Sort Code: 98-09-80 Account Number: 77863014

Signed:...... Date: / /

106 FORMER PUPILS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE | 2018/2019

GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATIONS (2018) SCHOOL ARCHIVES CONSENT FORM

Foyle College maintains an archive of files and Archives and GDPR documentation, which means it is the data controller In general, ‘archiving’ which complied with the 1998 Data for personal information about former pupils. The 2018 Protection Act continues to be permitted under the new General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) have changed law. some of the legislation regarding keeping pupil records. However, there is a legitimate purpose for maintaining There is a new explicit concept of ‘archiving in the our archive: it can be defined as public interest. public interest’ in article 89 of GDPR which means there is greater visibility for archiving in the new legislation. A copy of the Privacy Notice regarding data held by the This covers the processing of personal data necessary school is available on the Foylenet website. to enable the identification, permanent preservation, management and, where appropriate, research and other The Former Pupils’ Association now requires your consent uses of personal data in the general public interest. to maintain records pertaining to your time at the school. A file assigned to you will include your admission forms, What exactly is ‘archiving purposes in the public interest’? reports, results of public exams and correspondence Archiving in the public interest is processing to secure between the school and your parents/guardians. You may the permanent availability of recorded memory, in other request access to this at any time. words, evidence and information, for a wide range of current and potential future purposes, including: Please complete the detail below: * enabling the discovery and availability of personal, community and corporate identity, memory and history; Full Name:______* enabling research and investigation of all kinds, from Years Attended Foyle College:______academic historical research or genealogical research; * enabling long-term accountability, such as public Contact Address:______inquiries and other official investigations; Contact Telephone Number:______* enabling educational use. Contact E-mail Address:______Foyle College will not share personal information with Preferred Contact Method:______third parties for commercial purposes.

Please sign and date below to confirm your consent for This information has been prepared using guidance from FC FPA to hold your school records: the Information Commissioner’s Office and The National Archive, whose websites can be consulted for further guidance. Signature:______www.ico.org.uk www.nationalarchives.gov.uk Date:______

On completion of this form please return to the address below, marking your envelope ‘FCFPA School Archives Consent Form’

FCFPA GDPR Consent Form, Foyle College, School Office, 67 Limavady Road, LONDONDERRY, BT47 6LR.

107 FORMER PUPILS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE | 2018/2019

FCFPA PRIVACY NOTICE

The categories of former pupil indicate their consent via a reply slip compelling reason for its continued information that we process include: in the Former Pupils’ Magazine, either processing * personal identifiers and contacts online or in writing. * to restrict our processing of your (such as name,contact details and This data is essential for the personal data (i.e. permitting its address) association’s operational use. storage but no further processing) * personal information such as * to object to direct marketing engagements, marriages, births – Storing pupil data (including profiling) and processing details sent by members We hold former pupil data securely for the purposes of scientific/ * attendance (such as dates of school in a locked archive or on password historical research and statistics attendance) accessed computer files, such * not to be subject to decisions based * assessment and attainment (such as address lists. None of this purely on automated processing as examination results, third information will be shared with where it produces a legal or similarly level courses enrolled for and any external organisations without your significant effect on you relevant results, prizes, bursaries permission, with the exception of or other academic awards) statutory bodies such as the PSNI. If you have a concern or complaint * achievement (such as sporting, about the way we are collecting musical, dramatic awards such as Who we share pupil information with or using your personal data, you colours, honours for representing We share information with: should raise your concern with us in the school, province or country) * members of the association, via the first instance or directly to the * photographic images of individuals reports in the magazine Information Commissioner’s Office and groups of students * authorised research bodies such at https://ico.org.uk/concerns/ as the Public Records Office for Why we collect and use former pupil Northern Ireland For further information on how information * statutory bodies such as the PSNI, to request access to personal We collect and use former pupil for example as part of an historical information held centrally by DfE, information, for the following enquiry. please see the ‘How Government purposes: uses your data’ section of this notice. a) to communicate with former pupils We do not share information about on matters relating to the school our former pupils with anyone Withdrawal of consent and the right and its former pupils; without consent unless the law and to lodge a complaint b) to maintain a school archive in the our policies allow us to do so. Where we are processing your public interest personal data with your consent, Under the General Data Protection Requesting access to your personal you have the right to withdraw that Regulation (GDPR), the lawful bases data consent. If you change your mind, or we rely on for processing pupil Under data protection legislation, you are unhappy with our use of your information are: former pupils have the right to request personal data, please let us know Article 85 – Processing and freedom access to information about them by contacting the Former Pupils of expression and information that we hold. To make a request for Association via the website: www. Article 89 – Data kept in the public your personal information, contact foylenet.org.uk interest (for historical purposes) the Former Pupils Association via: Foyle College, 67 Limavady Road, Contact Collecting former pupil information Londonderry BT47 6LR. If you would like to discuss anything We collect former pupil information in this privacy notice, please contact: via registration as a member of You also have the right: the Former Pupils Association at the FCFPA, which is open to all * to ask us for access to information Foyle College, 67 Limavady Road, school leavers and is collated via a about you that we hold Londonderry BT47 6LR. membership form on which consent * to have your personal data rectified, is given to hold the data. Members if it is inaccurate or incomplete The FCFPA’s Data Protection Officer who joined the organisation prior * to request the deletion or removal is: Donald Bigger. to the requirement for consent will of personal data where there is no

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110 FORMER PUPILS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE | 2018/2019

111 FORMER PUPILS ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE | 2018/2019

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