BGSOB 2012 Newsletter

1. NEWSLETTER - MARCH 2012
Junior Common Room, Bury Grammar School, Bridge Road, Tenderden Street, Bury, BL9 0HN
Bury Grammar School Old Boys’ Association
Accompanying this newsletter is the invitation to the
Annual Founders’ Day Dinner, which will be held Sir David A Trippier RD JP DL, businessman and
this year on Friday 4th May at School. Dinner is £27 former MP for Rossendale & Darwen, has been
with a discounted rate of elected to the rank of
£18 available to recent Guest Speaker ~ PHILIP COLLINS Provincial Grand Master for
leavers still in full-time Philip Collins left BGS in 1985 and then, after a t h e E a s t L a n c a s h i r e
education. Please return degree in History, worked briefly for London province of Freemasons.
Weekend Television before taking up a job as a
your completed application
research assistant to the Labour MP, Frank Field.
f o r m , t o g e t h e r w i t h After 3 years in Parliament, during which he also I was delighted to hear
appropriate payment, to secured a MSc at Birkbeck College, London, Philip from Prof. Tony Tavill
Steve Crompton, as soon as went to St John’s College, Cambridge to do a PhD (1947-54), a professor of
possible. in Political Philosophy. After Cambridge he medicine & nutrition and
worked as an investment banker for 5 years eminent liver specialist in
Edward Lord has stepped before taking up a post as Director of the Cleveland, Ohio, USA. He
down as London Dinner independent think-tank, the Social Market remains in touch with Old
Organiser after many years, Foundation. From there, Philip went to work at 10 Clavians where possible
due to pressure of Downing Street as the Chief Speech Writer to the and is the proud Honorary
other commitments. Prime Minister Tony Blair, a position he held from Founding President of the
We thank Edward for 2004 to 2007. After leaving Downing Street, he Henry Dunster Society at
established a speech writing company, High
his service over the Harvard University.
Windows, of which he is the chief executive and
years. Plans for this then, in 2008, went to work for The Times. He is
year’s London Dinner are currently a weekly political columnist and the M y c o m p a t r i o t J a s o n
still being formulated and Deputy Chief Leader Writer at the Times. In 2009 Clynes is serving in a
will be co-ordinated by the he was voted after dinner speaker of the year and support role in the military
Development Office at BGS. Philip has also published a best-selling novel, The base at Camp Bastion,
Regular attendees and Men From The Boys, about growing up in Bury. Helmand Province,
members living in the south We look forward to welcoming him back to Afghanistan.
should receive notification School.
directly, but please contact Derek Calrow, in
Michelle Bradshaw for further info on 0161 764 1733 celebration of his 70th birthday, completed a freefall
or at michelle@bgsdev.demon.co.uk. parachute jump, raising significant funds for SSAFA
Forces Help.
On the subject of the London Dinner, I attended the
House of Commons last year. It was an excellent Her Majesty The Queen appointed Nigel Bird (1987)
evening, with around 60 attendees, including the to be a Circuit Judge on the advice of the Lord
Headmaster. Alistair Burt was asked to present a pair Chancellor, the Right Honourable Kenneth Clarke QC
of cufflinks to David Armsbey, on behalf of the OBA, MP.
in recognition of his support over many years.
Former London Dinner Secretary Edward Lord was
made an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
OLD BOYS’ NEWS
The current membership of the Old Boys Association David Stringer-Lamarre (1976-83), a stalwart of the
totals 800, although there are a number for whom London Dinner, was elected as the Vice Chairman of
we no longer have up-to-date information. Life the Institute of Directors, City of London.
Membership is only £25 and we’d be grateful for
more applications!
President: Rob Yates
Chairman: Melvyn Ince
Treasurer: Howard Marsh

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Spencer Howarth would like to get his boys of
1955-62 together! Ten years ago, 38 managed to Old Boy & former joint proprietor of the Bury Times,
attend the Founders’ Day Dinner - he's hoping to Harold Tomlinson, died in January 2012 aged 89. He
improve on that!!! joined the Bury Times before WW2, returning after
wartime service to eventually become general
Doctor Chris Babbs, 53, was knocked unconscious manager then joint owner. In his younger days he
after a 200ft fall down a cliff, as he tried to retrieve had played for Ramsbottom Cricket Club and
his Golden Labrador Oscar, who was the first to fall Greenmount Golf Club.
over the edge of the cliff. But it was the six-year-old
family pet who saved the day when he barked to Popular Old Boy Ian G Smith (Iggy) died in January
alert coastguards to their location at Little Cliff, near 2012 aged 55, just 7 months after being diagnosed
Scarborough in West Yorkshire. with cancer. The son of Manchester City forward
George Smith, Ian, known as ‘Iggy’, was a keen
Richard Ali (1986) has followed a career in sportsman, representing Lancashire at tennis and
agriculture where he now holds the position of Head playing golf off a nine handicap, once bagging a
of Sustainability at British Sugar. hole-in-one. In his days at BGS, Ian quickly rose to
David Potter (1942-49) was the Liberal Candidate in become a key player in both his football and Tennis
the 1945 “mock election” at BGS, when Geoffrey careers, winning numerous honours in both.
Moorhouse (Lab) and David Hill (Cons) stood against
him! He lives in Teignmouth and would like to learn FINANCIAL
of the whereabouts of David Hill! We can report that the Old Boys are still
We welcomed Sir Brian Cubbon (1938-46) to helping to support a second boy through his
membership of the Association recently. sixth form studies at BGS by means of a half-
bursary.
Keith Robinson (1974-81) is now a fund manager at Aside from membership subscriptions, the
AXA Investment Managers. Association aims to make a small profit at the
Founders’ Day Dinner to provide funds for the
I had the pleasure of re-connecting with Andrew general benefit of members and the School.
Yates (1986) recently - an excellent rugby player,
Andrew has had a successful entrepreneurial career
in computer software.
Geoffrey Bradley Duckworth
DEATHS – It is with great (1929-34) died in May 2011,
sadness that we have learned Visitors
to
the
School
Dining
Hall
will
aged 92, in Hampshire. At
of the death of the following have
noticed
the
growing
displays
school he was a good
OB’s… featuring
Sports
memorabilia
and
team
spor tsman, playing both
photographs
from
days
gone
by.
If
any
tennis & football. He played
reader
has
any
old
photos
or
items
to
William Walker (leaver of football for the Old Boys and
display,
please
contact
the
Secretary.
1964) - late of Peterborough, maintained a lifelong interest
died in January 2011. in BGS - for many years acting
as Secretary for the London Dinner.
We learned of the death of David Kirkman
(1951-56) - David had lived in USA since 1967 and in Norman Wolstenholme (1941-46) died in April
Georgia (Atlanta area) since 1986. 2011, aged 81. He used to enjoy football & cricket for
the Old Boys and attended numerous events over
Adam Kenneth Fletcher (2000-2007) died tragically the years. After school he joined the Bury Treasurer’s
young on July 12, 2011, aged 23 years, after a long Department, subsequently joining mercantile credit
battle with cystic fybrosis. before retiring to Blackpool.
Bill Turner, who joined the OBA last year at the age Keith Millett died in Spring 2011, aged about 77.
of 78, died in January 2012. He was brother in law of
Barry Henstock, and last year attended his first Old Alexander Birtwell, the eldest of 3 BGS brothers
Boys’ Dinner in 15 years. (Ian & Stuart being the others), died suddenly at
home in September 2011 aged 70-71. In his career
We learned of the death of former teacher, Brian he was a PE teacher at Birkdale HS.
Crowther, aged 76 - he was a talented alto
saxophonist, who taught woodwind at BGS.
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Secretary: bgsoba@me.com

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We learned of the sad death in September 2011 of but in the interim please contact the Secretary for
Ian Holder, aged 49. further information.
We also learned of the passing of Richard A Hockey Club (Sameer Sheikh, Junior School).
Fairhurst, aged 67, from throat cancer. P22 W19 D1 L2 F73 A22 Pts 58
The season has now finished, with BGS
winning the league by 5 points - with the
SPORTS & SOCIAL CLUBS best goal difference in the league. This is
the team’s 4th straight promotion and
Football: third consecutive league title.
www.clubwebsite.co.uk/burygrammaroldboysafc/
Old Boys interested in playing are invited to contact The Table-Tennis section fields 2 teams in the Bury
Andy Jackson for training details Table Tennis League (www.burytabletennis.org.uk/) -
(ajackson@olsj.blackburn.sch.uk), especially school- The A-team has finished its season comfortably mid-
leavers and Old Boys returning to the area after table with Barry Warburton top ten runner-up; The B
University. Follow the fixtures, results and tables at team ditto with John Greenhalgh high in the top ten.
www.lancsam.fsnet.co.uk - also regular match
reports appear in the Bury Times. The Old Clavians Golfing Society has a packed
calendar for 2012, starting with the Captains Day on
After finishing runners-up in 2011 by 1 point, as we Friday 15th June at Willesley Park, Ashby-de-la-Zouch.
enter the final stages of the 2011/12 season, the 1st Contact: Melvyn Ince – 0161 482 4016 - Life
XI has enjoyed another fantastic season and is membership is only £40.00. Howard Manwaring has
currently top of the Lancashire Amateur League been elected Captain of the Old Clavians for 2012.
premier Division. However Castle Hill, in 2nd place, is The Annual Trip is again at Portals Hotel in Tarporley
3 points behind with 3 games between 18-20 September
in hand so the title is by no 2012 and places are still
means won yet. The 2nd XI has PLEASE
STAY
IN
TOUCH! available.
battled well in Division 2, We’d
love
to
hear
from
you
with
career
currently 9th out of 14, in a very updates,
memories
of
your
time
at
BGS
Results 2011: the Invitation
competitive league, often and
stories/news. Day was played at Nelson,
facing first XI’s of other clubs. Remember
to
update
your
details
-­‐
where Melvyn Ince & Stuart
The 3rd XI is currently 9th out of especially
e-­‐mail
addresses! Clegg took the honours. The
14 in Division 5. The 4th XI (the Challenge Trophy was won
Vets) has also improved and by David Freeman at
enjoyed another season - currently lying 8th out of 11 Harwood GC, with Melvyn Ince runner-up and Mike
in Division 7. Sherlock in 3rd. Nearest the pin was won by John
Holland.
The club enjoyed a curry night in December and a
Dinner Dance at the Red Hall in March. The Winner of the Captains Day at Chorley
presentation night is arranged for May, with Duncan GC was Melvyn Ince (for the second
Mackenzie as guest speaker - the Old Boys will return year running). Unfortunately the
to Liverpool Ramblers over the Easter Weekend., Silver Swan Trophy (Vs BGS Old Girls)
having finished runners-up in 2011. did not take place during 2011, but it
has been reinstated for 2012. The End of Season
The swimming pool is available for Tour at Portals, Tarporley, was extremely successful,
OB’s every Wednesday evening with 20 attendees - the overall champion was Peter
between 7 and 9pm. Having Kenyon (of Turriff, Aberdeen)
recently started to go myself, I can confirm it is £1
well spent! Please contact Rob Yates for info (0161
764 7626). SCHOOL NEWS
Old Boys Bridge Club: The members have, for many www.bgsboys.co.uk
years, enjoyed the club's unique and congenial
atmosphere. After 28 years at the helm, Stephen & Thanks to the hard work of the Parents’ Association
Phyllis Bleakley are stepping down as organisers and at the FIFTH annual Summer Fun Day, over £6,200
applications are sought for the vacant role! We hope was raised for School Projects, including a weather
the club continues to thrive with fresh organisation,
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Secretary: bgsoba@me.com

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station for the geography department and a pond To join the BGS Old Boys’ Association, you need to make a
for an ecology project in the Biology department. separate application and pay a £25 lifetime membership
fee (for which you receive this newsletter and may use
Staff: Helen Grundy retired in Summer 2011 after 27 club facilities). School-leavers can enjoy free membership
years of of service as a specialist peripatetic teacher of the Old Boys’ Club for the period of their further
of horn, trumpet, euphonium and tuba. education – contact the secretary for details.
Other departing staff included Mrs Faulkner (Deputy
Head, Junior School); Mr Richmond; Mr Cawtherley WE ARE GRATEFUL TO THE DEVELOPMENT
(Geography); Mr Barker; Mr Mulviel & Mr Jones. OFFICE FOR THEIR CONTINUED ASSISTANCE IN
THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE OLD BOYS
The school football 1st X1 reached the Manchester MEMBERSHIP RECORDS AND THE LONDON
cup final at Flixton FC. DINNER
There were many sporting achievements during the
year, including the 1st XI football reaching the semi-
final of the ISFA Cup in 2011, being beaten by Eton WITH ROYAL MAIL POSTAGE COSTS SET TO
College by 2-0. SOAR, WE WOULD APPRECIATE EVEN MORE
CO-OPERATION FROM MEMBERS BY
The inaugural meeting of the Henry Bury Society RECEIVING THIS NEWSLETTER BY E-
took place in Spring 2011, to meet & hear papers on MAIL...PLEASE CONTACT THE SECRETARY ON
a wide range of topics with the aim of providing a BGSOBA@ME.COM
forum to enhance critical thinking amongst the
students; Revd Henry Bury was the School’s first
benefactor, leaving an endowment in his will in 1634.
Exam Success 2011: MERCHANDISE:
A-Level: the overall pass rate was 99% (up from 98% The
new
design
BGSOBA
CUFFLINK
is
in 2010), with 40% (38%) being awarded A* or A selling
well.
They
will
be
available
for
sale
grades. 21% (24%) of the year-group achieved at at
the
Annual
Dinner
and
I
will
gladly
least 3 A grades and 28% (22) achieved at least one send
a
photograph
to
anyone
wishing
to
of the new A* grades view
before
they
buy.
The
cufQlinks
are
priced
at
£35.00
plus
GCSE: the overall percentage of entries graded A* to £3.00
p&p
and
can
be
obtained
directly
C was 89% (96%) and 93% of boys achieved at least 5 from
the
Secretary
or
from
the
A* to C passes, including Mathematics & English Development
OfQice.
Language. In 2011, 38% (48%) of entries were
graded A* or A and the percentage of entries graded
A* was 18%.
The WORLD CHALLENGE EXPEDITION went to
Iceland in Summer 2011. There
is
a
very
healthy
community
of
Old
Boys
(&
Girls)
on
Linked-­‐In,
the
professional
Social
Networking
Site.
An impressive 5-minute DVD of the School has been
produced and is available to view on the web-site. It
is well worth it!
ALUMNI DEPARTMENT
www.bgsalumni.com
Although closely linked, the BGS Old Boys Association and Many thanks for reading, please let me
the Alumni Database are separate entities – all old boys know your news:
are automatically classed as alumni, though only recent Martin Entwistle
leavers will have their data automatically recorded. Please bgsoba@me.com
visit the ALUMNI WEBSITE to register your details. 8 Greenmount Drive, Bury, BL8 4HA
01204 882502
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Secretary: bgsoba@me.com

5. London
Dinner
Guests
on
the
Terrace
at
the
Commons
Bury
Founders’
Day
Dinner
2011
L-­‐R:
School
Captain;
Ray
Swinnerton;
Headmaster;
Melvyn
Ince;
Paul
Kenyon
(Guest
speaker);
Rob
Yates;
School
Vice-­‐Captain
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