Robin Barron who died on February 12, aged 84, led a remarkable life; he was much loved by family and friends and greatly admired by colleagues.

He was born in Morley on February 3, 1940. The eldest of three siblings, Robin excelled in rugby, playing for Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (“QEGS”), Morley RFC, Esher RFC, and Oxford University.  As a weekly border at QEGS, Robin was a senior prefect, head of house, played 1^st XV rugby and cricket, and also represented QEGS in athletics and tennis. Robin was Secretary of the Old Savilians’ Club (1979 – 1990) and President (1991 – 1993), which included the Quatercentenary Year in 1991 with all its events, including a visit by Queen Elizabeth II.

From QEGS, he went up to Brasenose College, Oxford, where he thoroughly enjoyed playing a number of sports for Brasenose College and rugby for Oxford, while at the same time allegedly studying geography. After Oxford, Robin's career started with teaching geography and coaching rugby at Ermysted’s Grammar School in Skipton and Wimbledon College, working as an education officer in Carlisle, as a senior project manager in Northallerton implementing lottery grants for the improvement of sports facilities in schools, and a 24-year career at Sport England. The most enjoyable part of his Sport England job was in assisting a wide range of amateur sports and community sports clubs securing government funding. Career highs included being seconded to running sports facilities at the 1991 World Student Games in Sheffield and later to the 2000 Sydney Olympics, as well as being part of the Sport England National Facilities Unit where he was involved with the Manchester Olympic Bid, the building of the National Cycling Centre in Manchester, the construction of the National Hockey Centre in Milton Keynes, and the introduction of the Lottery Sports Fund.

Robin met his future wife and love of his life Jackie at The Painters Arms in Drighlington in 1964. Married in 1969 they went on to have two children, James and Rachel and four grandchildren, twins Jack and Abby (18), Jamie (12) and Ena (9) all of whom he adored. Somewhat tired of driving James to and from Slazengers Hockey Club with nothing to show for it, Robin eventually swapped his rugby referee whistle at College Grove for a hockey stick at Slazengers, for longer than most.  Robin was deeply involved in his community, including serving as chair of VOX (a government-created community empowerment organization); as a governor of Wrenthorpe Academy School, Newton Hill Community School, and Wakefield College; a member and past Chair of the Probus Club of Wakefield; and he was an early and vocal supporter and trustee of Disability Sport Yorkshire (1993 to 2012).

Sir Rodney Walker, former chair of Sport England and Wakefield Trinity and current chair of the British Basketball League, paid tribute and said: “Robin did a great deal for sport in the UK but particularly in Yorkshire. He leaves a proud legacy.”

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of Mick Bradley. Mick joined QEGS as an assistant porter in 1984 before rising through the ranks for over 30 years to become Head Porter. 
Mick was always known for sorting things out promptly and with a wicked sense of humour, always had a smile on his face. 
He will be sadly missed by his family and his friends at QEGS

 

Remembering Peter Hustwitt (1954)…….

Peter attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School from 1944 until 1954, during his time at QEGS, he held several offices, he was the scorer for U14 XI (1948-49), Form Librarian and member of the scientific society(1949-50), Sub prefect (1951-52), Prefect, Member of the Historical Society, XI Cricket Scorer and Assistant Games Secretary(1952-53), Deputy Head Boy, Games Secretary and Captain of Cave(1953-54). 

 

His last comment on his report card read ‘ A very friendly and charming boy with a loud laugh. Sound ability: should do well at Cambridge: fine character’ 

 

Peter Hustwitt Died in Ottawa on January 11,  2023 at the age of 87.

Peter was born on 20 April 1935 in Yorkshire, England, the elder son of John and Elenor Hustwitt. He was educated at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield, at St Catharine's College Cambridge and at University College London. He was a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and a Member of the Town Planning Institutes in both the UK and Canada.

Peter worked as a town planner in a private practice in London and foe a local authority in Durham, England, before emigrating to Canada with his family in 1966. He worked in many capacities, for 30 years with the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation at the National Office in Ottawa before retiring in 1996. Peter was an award winning philatelist and an avid collector of antique maps and prints. He enjoyed good wines, single malt whiskeys, tending his garden with its roses, golf and the occasional game of bridge, but said he was not particularly good at either of the latter two. Peter had a long and productive life and travelled the world with his beloved wife Evelyn. He was widely respected and cherished for his integrity, humour and stoic character. Peter was predeceased in 2019 by his daughter Kay and in 2022 by Evelyn (nee Fulton) his wife of 62 years. He will be sadly missed by his daughter Lynne, brother Robert, sister-in-law Christine, son-in-law Kevin and many friends. Peter was a very proud grandfather to Dillon and Zeke. 

Stephen was born in December 1955. He gained a Scholarship to QEGS in the 1960s. Stephen spent about 45 years working for Wakefield Council where he was known for his hard work and attention to detail. Stephen became a Christian in the mid-1980s. He became a man who 'lived out' his deep faith, not only as a Church Warden at St Andrews Church on Peterson Road but through many acts of kindness, plus much sacrificial giving to good causes. Stephen served God humbly, without demanding recognition of all the good works he did. Stephen died of cancer in June of this year, remaining a faithful Christian to the end.

 

 

It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Richard Woodside. Richard worked at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS) for boys for 19 years between 1985 and 2004. He was known for wearing a bow tie – it being safer than a regular tie in a lab around bunsen burners – and demonstrating how to fasten one to pupils before official school dances.

Born in West Kirby, on The Wirral, Richard taught physics in Wellingborough and Bath before moving to Wakefield. 

In 1991, he married his wife, Cora Woodside, whom he met while teaching English at the school.

Richard worked for Cambridge International for 39 years as an examiner, chief examiner, paper setter, editor, and international trainer. And he is the author and co-author of several GCSE , AS and A-level textbooks.

Richard and Cora moved from Wakefield to Cornwall after early retirement in 2014. 

Richard was a loving husband to Cora, and doting father to his sons Duncan and Alasdair and his partner Mandy, and a loving stepfather to Mark and partner Nicola, Paul and wife Catherine, and step-grandad to Rachel and Alex.

The funeral service for Mr Woodside, who passed away aged 76, was held at Glynn Valley Crematorium, Bodmin, on August 24.

Representatives from St Austell Golf Club, Squires Field Community Centre, friends and neighbours were in attendance alongside Richard’s family, and tributes were made by Cora and son Duncan.

His niece, Anna Woodside, sang the Lord is my Shepherd via broadcast, as she could not be released from casting duties from the West End production of Frozen.

 

Bob, as he was known, attended QEGS from 1952-62. School days were very sporty, he was Captain of Rugby, Vice-Captain of Cricket and Captain of Savile. From leaving school he studied at Emmanuel College, Cambridge gaining a BA Hons degree in history.
 A very keen sportsman, rugby and cricket his passion and he was so proud to represent his college in the Rugby Sevens at Twickenham, also achieving the position of cox in his rowing eight.
Bob kept his links close to his Wakefield roots playing for Wakefield Rugby Union and also St Michael’s cricket club. 1967 took him from Wakefield RUFC to Otley RUFC where he captained the team for 3 years.  He went on to play his best rugby for Otley.
Bob’s initial working career started with Procter & Gamble but he moved to E J Arnold, the major educational supply company.  This move took him north of the border to Peebles where he spent several happy years especially being involved with the rugby club.  When his role in Scotland came to an end he returned to E J Arnold’s headquarters in Leeds and brought the family back to North Leeds where once again sport played a huge part in his life especially at the local cricket club.  E J Arnold led him on to other roles involved with educational supplies and eventually he set up his own company suppling schools with the equipment that had been a major factor in his working life.
 A sense of humour was one of Bob’s great attributes, as well as the tendency to occasionally break the rules!  He is survived by his wife and two sons.
By Jackie Whitehead, wife.
 

10 February 1983- 6 April 2023

Tom worked at Wakefield Council for around fifteen years and his last role was as a senior accountant. He studied for his accountancy qualification whilst working and was in the middle of completing his charted accountancy CIPFA qualification. He had established some very good working relationships and was very well thought of as he was always empathetic towards his colleagues and gave advice and support where he felt necessary 

Tom and I met in 2008 at his cousin’s wedding to my best friend and we bought our first home together, situated in Lofthouse, in 2010. 

Tom proposed in 2013, on a holiday to Morocco, where we went to celebrate Tom’s 30th birthday.   We married on 5 September 2014 in Keswick, a place where we had enjoyed many camping trips over the years.  After the ceremony we enjoyed a lake cruise with our guests on Derwentwater before the wedding breakfast. We enjoyed a mini-moon in Windermere for a couple of days afterwards. 

In March 2015 we headed to Australia for our official honeymoon and enjoyed a four week trip exploring the East Coast, taking in Melbourne, Sydney, Cairns and Brisbane, before a two night stay in Dubai on the way home. This holiday was something that Tom had enjoyed planning, as he had always wanted to return to Oz, since his experience on the QEGS world tour. 

Our first son, Freddie, was born nine weeks early in November 2015.  We moved into our second home in May 2018 in Stanley and our second son, Jude, was born in February 2021, a day before Tom’s birthday. 

On 1 March 2022 Tom was diagnosed with bowel cancer, after acting quickly when he experienced a few health problems. He started chemotherapy soon after and was always so positive and brave throughout his treatment journey. After the first course of chemo didn’t target the cancer as well as we thought it would, Tom’s treatment changed and he continued his chemo journey.

Tom took ill health retirement in September 2022, a decision he didn’t take lightly as he didn’t want to let his team down and give up on the role he was so dedicated to. However this gave him the space to be able to concentrate on his treatment and recovery and where possible to spend more quality time with our boys, doing the school run was something he always enjoyed. 

 In November 2022 we took a family trip to Tenerife, a family holiday was on Tom’s bucket list, although, unknown to us at the time, this was to be our last one.  When we returned, Tom hurt his back and was unsure how this had happened.  A CT scan identified that he had fractured two vertebrae. This led him to a period in Wakefield hospice for rehabilitation. Tom turned 40 on 10 February and he was discharged the day after.  Although he did manage to enjoy some birthday celebrations being let out for a couple of hours. We enjoyed a family meal and this was so important to Tom. 

Unfortunately while he was in the hospice he took unwell and we were given the news that the cancer had spread to the brain.  On 1st March, Tom had his final oncology appointment, where we found out there were no further treatment options available. This still didn’t deter Tom, he continued to be brave, positive and in good spirits. Tom always had a great sense of honour and this continued throughout his diagnoses and treatment journey. He still enjoyed watching football and rugby and went to a few matches where he could. 

Tom was a family man he wanted the best for his family and made sure he worked hard to ensure we were well supported. 

Freddie continues in the footsteps of Tom with his passion for sport. He plays rugby and cricket and he’s inherited the love of supporting Leeds United. Tom loved to watch Freddie’s rugby and cricket games and made as many as he possibly could. 

One of Tom’s greatest achievements was building a bar from scratch in our garden. He strategically drew up the plans and sourced all the materials. Many a happy memory has been made in Tommy’s Tavern with friends and family. 

He was a member at both Oulton and Normanton golf clubs over the years. 

Tom passed away on 6th April 2023 peacefully at Wakefield hospice whilst I was holding his hand. 

He leaves a legacy behind in his boys and he will forever be remembered for the humorous, hardworking, kind, generous and all round good man that he was.

Charlotte Rigby


 

It is with sadness that we report the passing of Sarah after a short illness.
 

Angela sadly passed away 6 April 2023 after a short illness.  She was the much loved wife of  the late Prof Michael Clarke (OS 1963), mother, grandmother and sister.

I regret to inform you that my father, Christopher John Lowery, passed away peacefully on the 29th March 2023 at the age of 94. He leaves a son, Arthur, his wife, Jo, and 3 Grandchildren, Ellen, Rebecca and Zoe. Christopher spent many years at ICI Wilton designing and optimising Nylon production plants, until he retired in 1981. He then had many hobbies including windsurfing, house restoration, woodwork, saxophone, tennis, dancing, bridge - many of which continued until the lockdowns. He will be sadly missed by his family and community.

Sincerely
Arthur James Lowery
Son
21 April 2023

Christine Owen (nee Mills)
Former teacher
 June 17th  1944-  Dec. 5th  2022

Chris - merely to think of her fills me with delight! Chris joined WGHS English Dept in 1993 after being a qualified librarian post university, then a teacher at Hymers in Hull and at Leeds Girls’ High.
Chris arrived at her Wakefield interview in a red leather suit and wickedly pointed black and white shoes. This certainly set the tone of things to come as Chris was as individual as her clothes and her sense of humour on occasion could be as wickedly pointed as her shoes. Students and colleagues alike appreciated both these aspects!
 
Chris was a consummate teacher and a hugely knowledgeable academic. Her lessons across the entire curriculum were unfailingly engaging, stimulating and memorable. Her conversation in the staff room was equally engaging, wide-ranging and often highly provocative. With great sensitivity as HOD 1995- 2002, she led and developed the Department and steered us through a highly successful Inspection.
She continued the full teaching timetable until her retirement, which coincided with her move to a wonderful new home overlooking Sheffield’s green valleys and conveniently close to her two daughters Rachel and Beth to whom she was devoted.

Chris had always wanted to travel extensively post-retirement and had plans with her sister-in-law, Rhiannon. However, this was not to be as husband Tom’s mobility declined and she gladly provided more physical care as well as continuing to be his intellectual equal and his soulmate .
 
Chris herself was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s which was controlled until Tom was diagnosed with throat cancer from which he subsequently died. Chris then ultimately moved in with Rachel and husband Dan and dog Dora and was lovingly cared for by all three until Parkinson’s Dementia took its toll. Chris was then superbly well cared for in Hallamshire Care Home until her death in December.
We are deeply sad to lose such a former colleague and dear friend but we remember her with love - and yes, with delight.

Glenys Woods (Formerly Chris’s Second in Dept and always a dear friend)
 

It is with sadness that we report that former maths teacher Judith Hartley has passed away

It is with sadness that we report that Rosemary passed away peacefully on Saturday 11 March 2023 at Barnsley Hospital.  
Rosemary had been rushed into Pinderfields Hospital on 3 January 2023 and after surgery on the 12^th Jan she never really recovered.
Her step daughter tells us that Rosemary held WGHS very close to her heart and she often shared wonderful memories.

Sadly our daughter Susan Priest (nee Wood) 1977-1991 died in May 2022 following an accident.

She had many happy memories of her 14 years at WGHS. She made many wonderful, lasting friendships and represented the school at netball, hockey and shotput.

She always appreciated the excellence of her WGHS education.

In 1992 she progressed to Nottingham University and studied for a degree in Behavioural Science and Psychology followed by a Masters in Environmental Management.

After University, she went into the wine trade taking more exams, resulting in qualifications allowing her to become a tutor.

Susan married in 2003 and had a son and a daughter.

When Sue died we discovered that she had, for many years, had her name on an organ donation register. She donated both her kidneys successfully to two young people who had been waiting several years for a transplant.
For this, she has been awarded The Order of St. John for Organ Donation which we will collect on her behalf in May 2023.

It is with sadness that we announce the death of Margaret Morgan, a Geography teacher at WGHS from 1966 – 1968.
Margaret came to Wakefield in 1957 when her husband David applied for a job in Normanton, where he was Headteacher until his death. They welcomed their first child, Elizabeth, known as Liz, in 1958 and their second, Caroline, in 1968. Margaret was widowed in 1969 but continued to teach until her retirement in 1984. She taught Geography at Wakefield Girls’ High School and Careers at Thornes House School, helping many students into jobs. She would often be recognised by former pupils in the supermarket!
As well as supporting the Wakefield Historical Society, she belonged to the Wakefield Civic Society and was their President from 1991-1995. She chaired the Gissing Trust for many years. She was active in the United Reformed Church on George Street until its closure, and was a volunteer steward at Nostell Priory for 30 years.

It's my sad duty to inform you of the death of a former pupil and my Brother
Austin Joseph Pearce.

Austin was a popular boy, and a proud scholar at Queen Elizabeth Grammar
School; He joined QEGS in 1969 and left in 1974.

His parents (Jean and Francis) worked at a local business, Burdin Motors
(Northgate).

Austin was a keen football and rugby follower (Leeds United, Wakefield
Trinity/Leeds Rhinos).
He worked for many years as a manager at the British Library (Boston Spa).

Austin died peacefully at home with his family  -one day before his 65th
birthday.

A funeral will be held at Kettlethorpe Crematorium on Friday 17th February
at 10:40am.

Martin Pearce

Ian Ogilvie Nichols (OS 1951)

Sadly passed away on 2 February 2022 aged 89 years.

Ian was born 15 December 1932 to John and Mary in Glasgow.  His father was a policeman and they moved frequently around the west riding of Yorkshire.  He passed the 11 plus examination and attended QEGS until 1951, he then went on to study chemical engineering at Glasgow University achieving first class honours after three years.  He was chosen to study at Mc Gill University Canada, after which he worked on the mines in Rhodesia.  He spent three years in the Royal Navy which was when he met and married Iris a student midwife in Southampton Hospital.  They then moved abroad to Trinidad and worked supervising on the oil refineries.  On return to the UK he worked in a variety of locations for Davy Corporation, with subsequent employment in Qatar.  They retired to their home in North Yorkshire.
Ian truly valued a good education and frequently referred to his time and experiences at QEGS as the most formative of his life, providing the foundation and also the springboard to a fascinating and interesting life.  As well as being highly academic he also achieved success on the sports fields, representing the school in: rugby, cricket and football.  He continued to play rugby at University and whilst in the Royal Navy he represented the combined services team.  He managed to maintain his school friendships and during his retirement he would meet up with Old Savilians.
He was predeceased by Iris.  He is survived by his children, Robert and Elizabeth, and by her children Henry and Matilda his grandchildren.

It is with sadness that we report that Rebecca has passed away. Obituary awaited.

It is with sadness that we report the death of Mr Shaw on 22 November 2022, aged 88 years.
Mr Shaw taught at QEGS until 1983 when he was ordained as an Anglican priest.  Whilst at QEGS, he also taught rugby and cricket and was very involved in all the drama productions, taking roles in My Fair Lady, Half a Sixpence & Iolanthe.
His children Alistair Shaw & Deborah Fuller also attended the Foundation schools.
Hi funeral is on Thursday 15 December at York Crematorium at 11am.  All are welcome.

Bob (as everyone knew him) taught at QEGS from the mid 60s up until 1983, when he left the school to become ordained in Wakefield Cathedral as an Anglican priest. During his service at QEGS, he was Head of Religious Education and also taught rugby and cricket, and led many school assemblies. He was a form tutor for sixth formers and supported their studies, offered career advice and assisted with Higher Education applications. Notable alumni with whom he worked were Mr JK Dudley (Head), Mr Peter Hawkin, Mr Tony Clayton, Mr Ronald Chapman and Mr Jack Grimshaw. He was an active member of the QEGS community, taking part in the annual sixth form summer stage musicals, held with WGHS. Most memorable was his role as Colonel Pickering in My Fair Lady.
Born in Manchester in February 1934, Bob attended William Hulme Grammar School, representing the school at rugby and cricket many times. He progressed to Manchester University, successfully graduating with a BA in Politics and Modern History, followed by a Bachelor of Divinity. He achieved a scholarship to live and study at New York Theological Seminary, 'Union', from 1958 to 1959, successfully completing a Masters in Sacred Theology.
Returning to the UK following his study in New York, he worked as a Methodist minister in Suffolk, before taking up the post as a teacher in the mid 60s at QEGS.
After leaving education in 1983, he devoted his life to serving rural, country parishes, initially at Scissett and Clayton West, Denby Dale and Cumberworth in the Huddersfield diocese, then moving to Cumbria to serve at Ireby, Uldale and Boltongate within Carlisle diocese. He retired to Sproxton near Helmsley in North Yorkshire in 1995 but continued to help out with services in the local church, St. Chad's of Sproxton.
Bob was married to Kathleen, who taught at WGHS Junior School, she travelled with him to New York whilst he was at Union Theological Seminary and worked as a primary school teacher in Manhattan, NY. They enjoyed many holidays and walks together over the years, from the west coast of Scotland to the Norfolk Broads, the Cumbrian fells to the Cornish coast, the Derbyshire dales to the Lancashire dales of Pendle and Bowland and from North Yorkshire moors and coast to local walks around Sproxton, always with a beloved sheepdog.
Bob loved gardening and reading (he had hundreds of books that filled every inch of shelf space in the house).
Everyone he served during his years as a teacher and throughout his Ministry would say thank you for the public outworking of a calling that formed so much of his identity. When he died, the family received an outpouring of sympathy and support from His Grace the Archbishop Stephen of York, Bishop Ferguson of Whitby, His Grace Reverend John Sentamu and many associated staff within the church community in the dioceses of York and Carlisle.
Bob's wonderful dedication and support to students at QEGS and through donations to Manchester University to enable talented people from disadvantaged backgrounds to achieve scholarships and his support of many charities will forever be his lasting legacy.
May the peace of God rest upon him.
written by Deb Fuller, daughter.

3 April 1931 – 1 November 2022

My mother, Geraldine Blake (nee Griffin), died peacefully at home on 1^st November 2022 at the age of 91.  She loved her time at WGHS, and several of the friendships she made there lasted her whole life. 
Mum always enjoyed the company of children, and knew from a young age that she wanted to teach, so when she left WGHS she went to St Osyth’s Training College in Essex to train to be a primary school teacher.  When she qualified, she returned to Wakefield to teach at a school in Lupset, and in 1953 she married my father, Michael Hamilton Blake, whom she had met when he was in the sixth form at QEGS.  Mum took a few years off work to look after my two brothers and me, and returned to teaching full time in 1964.  She loved her job, the school and her colleagues, and spent the rest of her long and happy career at Dimple Well Infant School in Ossett, eventually becoming deputy head, and retiring in 1991.
Away from school, she loved to be outdoors in the garden, playing tennis, walking in the Dales, visiting the coast and spending holidays in France and Italy.  In later years she was a fun-loving granny, riding bikes and scooters with her grandchildren, taking them on visits and enjoying books with them.  She was also a volunteer with the Samaritans for some years, and after my father died she volunteered at Pinderfields Hospital and at a primary school, where she enjoyed working with children again and instilling a love of books.
Mum is very much missed.  She is survived by my brothers Nicholas and Julian and myself, and by seven grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Sally-Anne Blake
 

Owen Lancaster died on Sunday 25th September 2022. After leaving QEGS in 1997, Owen went to Newcastle University, and subsequently completed his postgraduate studies at Manchester. Owen worked at Leicester University as a post doctoral researcher, where he developed the worlds first open genomics database, that has subsequently received funding from the Gates Foundation, and continues to underpin critical research in this field.

Owen is survived by his daughter Inka, wife Barbara, and elder brother Rhys who also attended QEGS.
 

Evelyn Hustwit died, suddenly, on August 13, 2022 at the Ottawa General Hospital.

Evelyn was born on 1 December 1936, the eldest daughter of John and Lesley Fulton. She was educated at Wakefield Girls High School and Anstey College in England. She married Peter Hustwit on 19 August 1960 and they had two daughters, Kay and Lynne. She worked as a physical education teacher before emigrating with her family to Canada in 1966. Since that time she lived in Ottawa where she was a well respected tennis coach.

Evelyn was a top class tennis player from an early age, eventually playing internationally for many years. She was a three-time North of England Junior Champion. She played in the Championships at Wimbledon in 1957,1958 and 1961. Evelyn won many times in the local National Capital Tennis Association Championships -- singles champion five times, ladies doubles champion 13 times and mixed doubles seven times. After reaching 'senior' status she added a further 39 NCTA titles. She was the Canadian Seniors Champion on several occasions in doubles and singles in age categories from Over 40 to Over 80. Evelyn played for Canada in the International Tennis Federation Seniors and Super-Seniors Championships from 1985 to 2018. Her Canadian team reached the final on four occasions - each time losing narrowly to the USA. She was twice a semifinalist in the World Seniors Individual Championships, and and her highest world rankings were 5th in Mixed Doubles and 8th in over 80 Singles. She also won the Over 80 European Seniors Championship in Austria in 2016. On one occasion she was the over 40 Canadian Squash champion and was a member of the Canadian Squash team at the World Championships in Australia in 1976.

Evelyn was a most kind, warmhearted and generous person, with not a harsh word for anyone. She was well-known for her integrity, her energetic and ever optimistic character and her ability to nurture her family and friends. Evelyn was respected and loved by her numerous friends around the world. She was a stalwart member of the Imperial Order of the Daughters of the Empire (IODE), an excellent bridge player and she loved travelling the world, whether to compete for Canada, or to vacation with her beloved Peter.

Evelyn will be terribly missed by her family and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, sister Kay and daughter Kay. She is survived by Peter, her husband of 62 years, daughter Lynne, sister Joyce, brothers Sandy and David, brothers-in-law Roger and Robert, sister-in-law Christine and son-in law Kevin. Evelyn was a proud and devoted grandmother to Dillon and Zeke.

A celebration of Evelyn's life will be held at a later date.

Evelyn would have wished for any donations to be made to the Laurentian Chapter of IODE, e-transfers may be sent to treasureriodelaurentian@gmail.com, or a charity of your choice.

 

Published on August 17, 2022

Eileen Wilby MBE
Former Deputy Head Teacher at Great Ouseburn. Passed away peacefully at The Moors Care Home, Ripon on Sunday 10th July, aged 94.
A Cherished Aunt. Eileen will be sadly missed by all her family and friends.
 

We are sad to announce that Judith  passed away 5 May 2022.  She was a former Junior School teacher at WGHS.

It is with sadness that we advise of the passing of Hilary Vero, former Head of Religious Studies.  Hilary passed away at Pinderfields on Saturday 2 April aged 88 years.
Her funeral took place at Sandal Methodist Church on Tuesday 26 April 2022.
 

Angela Booth (nee Pittam sadly passed away 31 October 2021.

It is with great sadness that we report the death of Ruth Nottingham on 11 July 2021, aged 96.
 
Ruth was born, and indeed lived for most of her life, in Wakefield, leaving only to attend teacher training college in Darlington. Alongside her sisters Janet and Barbara she attended the High School from the age of 11, and had many happy memories of her time there. She went on to teach locally at Snapethorpe School and at Sandal Endowed and a good many old girls will remember her teaching them at the latter. Others will remember her as mother of Alison (OG 1978 and current governor).
 
Ruth married Reg Tetley in 1950, and they were stalwarts of the local tennis and badminton clubs. Ruth also enjoyed a diverse range of interests ranging from Scottish Highland dancing to sewing and needlework. Following Reg’s death in 1993 she became something of a world traveller, visiting South Africa, Zimbabwe, Canada, and Australia as well as numerous European destinations. She particularly enjoyed being able to meet up with her daughter in Singapore, as they each passed through in opposite directions on their respective travels.
 
In her later years Ruth moved first to a small flat in Sandal, and then to an assisted living apartment close to Alison, in Ilkley, where she was very happy indeed. She was particularly proud that her daughter should be a governor of the school they had both attended, albeit that this was frequently prefaced with the words “I really can’t believe it”.
 

It is with deep sadness and regret that I have to say that my mum, Janet Fowler, passed peacefully away at lunchtime on Saturday 5th Feb 2022 at home with her myself and Rog (my wife) by her side.

The infection, which had caused her hospital admission on her birthday, 27th Dec 2021, initially responded well to treatment. Two weeks later it looked like Mum would, after a bit more physio, be going home the following week. I saw her on the Friday and Mum was up, dressed, eating normally, had taken herself to the bathroom and was back to her normal self. I saw her on Sunday and she was a little vague. By Monday she was back to square one...confused, not eating and sleeping alot. The infection had taken hold again and this time didn't respond to the antibiotics. Along with Mum's other medical issues, her body just wasn't able to fight off the infection, despite huge quantities of potent antibiotics.

I received a call from her Consultant who requested a meeting. He expressed his regret that he couldn't do anything further.  Palliative care was started 28th Jan 2022 and we managed to get her home to the flat the following Monday.  A hospital bed and some other equipment was provided but with no community care available Rog, along with some of her nursing colleagues, backup from the District Nursing team and myself provided care for her until Saturday. 

She will be greatly missed.

Jonathan and Rog Fowler
 

Jack died suddenly on 15 December 2021 aged 92.

He was born in Chesterfield and lived there until he was fourteen, having spent his early secondary school years at Chesterfield Grammar School. He moved to West Yorkshire from Derbyshire towards the end of the war. Initially he was a border at QEGS before the family completed their relocation to Castleford, where Jack’s father was manager of Glasshoughton Colliery. Jack distinguished himself on the school sports fields throughout his time at the school: he was five years in the first eleven for cricket, three seasons as captain; three seasons in the rugby first fifteen with two of these as Vice-Captain: and the athletics team for four years, the last of these as captain. His 10.2 seconds for the 100 yards was one notable achievement on the track. After he left school, he played rugby for Sandal, alongside former master Frank Staziker, until in 1952 injury forced his retirement from the game. Jack continued to play cricket locally for Paton and Baldwins, now Wakefield Thornes, becoming captain of the team until his retirement. He retired following the annual Old Savs, vs School game in 1969, when his son Bill (59-69) played for the school. Jack’s other son Jonathan (72-83) also played for the first XI, as did grandson Adam Parkin (95-06). Adam and another grandson Dominic Smith (84-94)  represented the first XV at rugby.

Away from the sports field Jack had a long and distinguished career in mining and academia, actively working right up to the day before he passed away. He completed a mining engineering degree at Leeds University and then rose up the ranks at the National Coal Board (British Coal). He was appointed manager of Snydale Colliery at the age of twenty-nine and managed a number of sites in the area including many happy years at Newmarket Silkstone colliery near Stanley. He enjoyed the opportunity to develop part of the new Selby Coalfield, eventually leaving operational management, turning his attention to the academic world and his professional institute. This career change reflected his interest in the development of young people and encouraging them to make the most of their skills. He became Professor of Mining at Newcastle-upon-Tyne and then Leeds University – and on his retirement the University of Leeds made him an Emeritus Professor.

He was actively engaged with the Midland Institute of Mining Engineers for seventy years, from joining as a student in 1952 and continuing with that engagement through to December 2021. He served in different roles on the Council for fifty years, including a year as President, ultimately awarded in 2021 Honorary Fellowship; he already had a complete set of service medals. In November, the Institute along with the North of England Institute recognised his outstanding contribution to the profession by striking the John F Tunnicliffe medal which in November 2021 he presented proudly and enthusiastically to the first winner. He was National President of the Institute of Mining Engineers in 1987-88 and in 1989 was made a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering. In 2020 he was awarded the Institute if Materials, Minerals and Mining outstanding contribution award. The theme running through all of these achievements was the importance to him of giving back to his profession and the young people embarking on careers within it.

Despite these extensive commitments he found time for many activities away from work. He was a founder member and president of Rothwell Round Table, later keeping that interest with Wakefield 41 Club. He enjoyed lunches at Wakefield Probus over many years. He was Vice Chairman of the Wombwell Cricket Lovers’ Society; a church warden at Carleton, Pontefract; a participating member of Castleford Gilbert and Sullivan Society; a member of Yorkshire County Cricket Club and for many years a season ticket holder at Leeds United.

He is survived by sons Bill and Jonathan and daughters Sue and Anne; by nine grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. His wife Barbara (nee Richardson) who he met when she was at the Girls High School and to whom he was married for sixty five years predeceased him.
 

The Church Times reports that Professor Michael Clarke died 22 December 2021 after a long illness.  Read the full obituary HERE.

One might consider that riding the Barnsley Special to Wakefield for ten years might confer an accolade in lifestyle experience equal to any examination success. Nigel, as with many others who passed through QEGS, started in One Lower in the junior school and passed through the academic years and exams with consummate ease. He finished his sixth form studies by flying through his A levels and passing his Oxford entry examination in 1967 at the age of just 18. Nigel excelled at Chess and was a major force in the School Chess Club. In the latter years he helped organise the Biology Lab, Biology being one of his key passions under the mentoring of Dr Fletcher. Another passion for him at this time was travel, hiking and latterly in his teens, more extreme activities, such as rock climbing. His parents made an attempt to ban him from this sport. Nigel being Nigel – just hid his climbing paraphernalia in the garden and continued.  At the age of 15 he managed to cause mayhem by getting lost in the Peak District whilst on a hike during the winter months. Whilst the emergency services were scrambled and his parents roamed the hills, Nigel strolled into the house and put the kettle on.
Nigel went up to Merton Oxford in 1968.  After a colourful three years he graduated with a degree in Agriculture. Following Merton, his life went from colourful to exciting, including many forays to exotic lands and places. This period of his life ended in 1976 with him living in Lerwick on the Shetland isles crewing boats off the North Sea oil rigs.

In 1977 Nigel emigrated to Australia. He settled in Darwin in the Northern Territories working for the government. He met and married Laura in Darwin and they took advantage of the generous holidays, by travelling the globe to such destinations as Peru and Tibet and dropping into England to catch up with family now and again. He still enjoyed sailing. His own boat was called “Roast Beef” with the tender called “Yorkshire Pudding”. He also helped crew chartered boats out of Darwin.

Nigel and Laura retired to Dorrigo in New South Wales in 2001. A place with a more temperate climate for potential retirees. His house was typical Nigel. A bungalow in a large plot surrounded by wildlife, flora and fauna. He spent a quiet and happy 20 years in Dorrigo, making many friends and observing the world through his critical eye. Sadly, Laura died in 2019 and Nigel died of cancer in July 2021 after a two year defiant battle. The stories from his “time difference” late night phone calls and Email updates will missed by his family in England.
Neil Webster (OS 1972)

We are sad to report the passing of Harvey Gates who attended QEGS from 1952 until 1965.  
 

From QEGS he went up to Newcastle to read mechanical engineering. After Newcastle he was commissioned into 2 Gurkha Rifles. Serving in Singapore, Brunei, Hong Kong, he attended the Army Staff College before a posting to Northern Ireland and finally, on promotion to Lt Col, commanded 1/2 GR in Hong Kong, Aldershot and Belize.

On retirement from the Army he studied law at Lancaster university, from where he went to the Inns of Court School of Law and was called to the bar as a member of the Inner Temple. Until his retirement he was employed as a prosecuting barrister by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Harvey leaves behind his wife, 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

Catherine Birtwistle (Harvey's wife)

We are sad to report the passing of Jane Evans on 6 September 2021, aged 68 years.  She leaves behind her husband Ray, children Owen & Katie; grandchildren Rosa, Ellie, Morgan and Chloe.

Her son, Owen, recalls the following memories.
“Summer Holidays were always a big part of mum’s life and as children we would spend time in Brittany in France where we would water-ski, sail and windsurf as well spending the afternoons on the beach. We would go back to the same restaurants each year, where they would welcome us back with open arms. Katie and I always wondered why we didn’t try other restaurants but soon realised the work involved with this, as it meant visiting every restaurant in the vicinity to view the menu, only to always end up back at the first one. I suppose the walk worked up an appetite!!

Winter holidays would be skiing, where we were all ushered out of bed to the get onto the slopes as soon as the lifts opened and be out there until they closed, trying to cover every inch of snow on the piste.

Christmas was always done “properly” with a real tree and Mum busying herself with one job or another in the morning. There would be occasions where she would have invited our neighbours, family and friends over for drinks and nibbles on Christmas Day. Katie and I would be lining up our presents, impatient to open them – only to be told we had to wait until the next batch of sausages on sticks were cooked or until the chocolate mousse had set…. She even insisted on putting a stocking out for both of us even after we were way too old for this tradition!!

After Katie & I left home, the Summer holidays were taken further afield as Mum agreed to go big boat sailing in Greece, after which she would regale us with stories about who was in the flotilla, who did what and who won which awards. Other countries would follow including Canada and Australia.

Mum loved being active, playing lacrosse for Yorkshire in her youth as well as progressing through the ranks of Shepley Tennis Club from the C Team, all the way to A Team captain. She was always someone who could be counted upon and she understood the value and meaning of team. She wouldn’t take a week off because she didn’t fancy playing that evening – she was very much all in or not at all. Many an evening, I would see her on the phone, ringing around to get players – determined that the match would go ahead.”

Jane was a wife to Ray, a daughter to Bill and Audrey, a sister to Ann and Di, a mother to Katie and Owen, a Granny to Rosa & Chloe and Ellie & Morgan.

Following a 12 year battle with breast cancer, Jane sadly passed away 6 September 2021, aged 68 years.



 

Obituary from 'Pulse Today'
Dr David Roberts was born in 1940 and educated at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield and then Leeds Medical School, where he qualified in 1967. After a series of hospital posts, he entered general practice in 1970, and remained in dispensing practices for all of his career.

First in Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, later in Witham, Essex, and finally in Husbands Bosworth, Leicestershire.

The ‘redistribution crisis’ together with Clothier and the Limited List all in 1984 moved him to enter dispensing politics by founding the original Dispensing Doctors’ Association in that year and which he chaired for many years. He was also a member of the BMA’s GP committee.

He was an enthusiastic believer in the service which dispensing doctors provide for their patients.

On retirement, he started a consultancy for GPs wishing to dispense and wrote several books including The Complete Dispenser and Your Own Pharmacy: The guide for GPs.
21/9/2021

click here

By
Telegraph Obituaries
13 August 2021 • 7:04am
Commander John Muxworthy, who has died aged 79, was logistics officer of Naval Party 1710 embarked in SS Canberra during the Falklands War and later founded the influential UK National Defence Association.

His frustration over the underfunding of the Armed Forces, particularly the Royal Navy, led him in 2007 to set up the UK National Defence Association, of which he was the guiding light for nine years: “It would not have happened without him,” said the Conservative MP Colonel Bob Stewart.

Muxworthy dedicated himself to highlighting the dangers of a steady deterioration of British defence capability; not burdened with years in Whitehall, he formed his views from the heart rather than any sophisticated analysis. He successfully recruited senior officers and politicians of all clothes to support him in a campaign which was initially non-partisan; he published discussion papers and commentaries, hosted press conferences and made a considerable impact. He informed, for example, editorials in The Daily Telegraph, and he contributed to The Guardian.


His fringe meetings at the Tory and Ukip party conferences drew large attendances and lively discussions. His themes were the risks of not investing in a new generation of aircraft carriers and of “brutal defence cuts that have left Britain dangerously vulnerable”.


Muxworthy believed in British exceptionalism and his views were described as “full of energy but rather light on subtlety”, but as these became more single-Service and pro-Brexit, this led to the breaking away of two groups, one called Defence Synergia and the other a collection of senior retired officers, who wrote more succinctly.

Muxworthy’s legacy lives on in the organisation now known as Defence UK, which argues for “a strong and well-resourced Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, to ensure the security of the United Kingdom, her sovereign territories, trade and commerce, and to protect her citizens wherever they may be”.

John Lionel Muxworthy was born in London on June 2 1942, but brought up in Wakefield, where his father was works manager of the Slazenger factory, and where he won a choral scholarship to Queen Elizabeth Grammar School.

Young Muxworthy only ever wanted to go to sea, and in 1960 entered the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth. Specialising in logistics (“pusser” in naval parlance), he served in HM Ships Venus, Lion, Dundas, Kent, Centaur, Victorious, Sirius, Lincoln, and Apollo.

He was awarded the Pingat Jasa Malaysia by the Malaysian government for his services during the confrontation with Indonesia in the 1960s, and a Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Badge for disaster relief work in 1972 while serving in the frigate Lincoln. Over the winter of 1973/74 he was the Supply Officer of Apollo during one of the Cod Wars.

In 1982 Muxworthy was appointed supply officer on Naval Party 1710 which embarked in P&O’s cruise ship Canberra on April 7 at Southampton to help turn her into a troopship. Over the next 13 weeks, assisted by 11 naval cooks, he prepared to feed 2,100 troops for an unspecified length of time and also ensured a constant flow of beer: two cans per man per day.

By the end of the war Canberra had served 646,847 meals, including 27,848 for 4,144 Argentine PoWs and nearly half a million cans of beer. He compiled The Great White Whale Goes to War (1982), which told the day-by-day story of Canberra’s war, illustrated with a unique set of photographs and charts.

Muxworthy was a capable artist in watercolour and oil, whose remarkable painting of Canberra in San Carlos Water, called Freedom’s Dawn, was signed by Lady Thatcher and Admiral Fieldhouse. In 2017 he published an autobiography, From Pusser to Painter.

John Muxworthy married first, in 1964, Jean Donaldson; and secondly, in 1978, Angela Smith, a Wren weapons analyst who rose to become a captain in the Navy. She survives him, with a daughter of the first marriage.

Commander John Muxworthy, born June 2 1942, died July 23 2021

We are sad to announce that Beatrice passed away 23 July 2021.  She leaves behind her two sons, Andrew and Mark and will be sadly missed.
A full obituary will follow.
13 August 2021

A famous writer once said:
“We make a living by what we earn, we make a life by what we give.”
If this is true, John made a very good life. As a teacher, a magistrate, a parish councillor, a church council member and church organist he gave his time generously to serve the local community.
John was born on 18^th June 1937 in Yorkshire. The son of Colin and Freda, he grew up with his brother Michael in the village of West Bretton. As a boy he attended Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield, a school he was to return to as a teacher and School Archivist. After graduating from Birmingham University and following a brief career as a Methodist minister he entered the teaching profession, teaching Religious Studies.
John was a prominent member of the Church in West Bretton, serving on the Church Council and as Church organist. He became a magistrate and rose to become chairman of the juvenile bench as well as serving on the West Bretton parish council. He developed a keen interest in local history and having completed a second Masters degree wrote two books on the history of West Bretton and the surrounding area.
John married Judith in August 1962 and together they had two sons Andrew and Simon. He was immensely proud of his grandchildren, Emily and George.
Whilst we are very proud of his service to the community, our fondest memories will be of 'Dad'. Our childhood was very happy and Dad's hobbies and interests (or crazes as we called them) were a big part of this.
He was a very keen gardener and created a beautiful garden, though he was often seen trudging around it in an eclectic mix of old clothes reminding us of Compo from Last of The Summer Wine. Dad grew all our vegetables, but one year hit upon the idea of growing his own tobacco for his pipe. The plants were grown and the leaves hung to dry on bits of string hung up in the conservatory. The tobacco was cured in the kitchen oven in molasses and smoked with something he called 'herbs'; we were a little worried we might get a visit from the drugs squad!!!
He had a period of baking his own bread and brewing his own beer – until one of the brews exploded in the airing cupboard.
Our holidays were mainly UK based, sometimes camping or sometimes bed and breakfast hotels, but were often in places where there just happened to be an interesting church nearby. Our holiday in Northumberland was particularly memorable for his relentless search for a Celtic cross to wear around his neck.
John made his life by what he gave to the community, but perhaps more importantly by what he gave to us as a family. The happy memories, the funny memories, the security of a caring and loving upbringing.
He made his life by what he gave.

Andrew Wilkinson
 

I am sad to report the passing of John Hazzlewood OS who entered QEGs as an eleven year old boarder in 1931.
 
He was born in Feb 1920 in Mirfield and after school became a cub reporter for the Dewsbury Reporter newspaper before joining the RAF at the outbreak of war.
 
He served in India until 1946 and went on to an eventful life in magazine journalism and editorship, travelling widely. He was a very interesting, positive and engaging gentleman.
 
He was 101 years old and believed to have been the oldest living OS prior to his death last week.
 
He had retired to Cardigan Bay many years ago shortly after which his wife died, they had no children and for most of his later years John had no living relative at all! Thankfully, his funeral in Aberystwyth was very well supported by many local friends. His RAF service was acknowledged by the playing of the ‘Last Post’ which he used to recall with emotion from services around the then “new” War Memorial whilst at school. He ‘went out’ to “Jerusalem” which he had sung with gusto each school year and wanted at his funeral as a remembrance of those days. He spoke often and fondly of his time at QEGS.
 
Mike Gibbons  (Headmaster 2001-2010)
 

23 .12.1942 - 29.9.2020
Bryan was a lifelong sports enthusiast who joined many local societies. Always a Liverpool supporter, he transferred from the Liverpool Institute to Q.E.G.S in 1956. Excelling in athletics, he became sports captain there. He studied at Manchester University, then worked for W.R.C.C.Highways, as a chartered civil engineer, where he joined the sports club, notably the tennis section. After his retirement from W.M.D.C.he joined a variety of local activities, from bridge to Scottish Dancing, including the U3A. He was treasurer for several charities. Bryan died peacefully in Pinderfields with his wife Karen by his side.  She and their children Giles, Georgina, Julia, John, and Guy, and seven grandchildren survive him.

 

Allan Coy (OS, 1954) has informed us of the passing of The Rt Revd Bob Hardy, former Bishop.  He died on 9 April aged 84.

“Bob’s genius was that he could do both rough and smooth as the occasion demanded. He could be tough and direct; he could be polite and charming.

On the surface, there was a smooth unfolding of vocation: Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield, where he sang in the cathedral choir with David Hope; Clare College, Cambridge; Cuddesdon; ordination in 1962; a parish in Manchester; Chaplain and Fellow of Selwyn College, Cambridge; Vicar of Borehamwood; Director of St Albans Ministerial Training Scheme; Bishop of Maidstone with Robert Runcie (he was the youngest bishop in the Church of England at that time); Bishop of Lincoln; and, in retirement, an assistant bishop in Carlisle diocese. In June 2001, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire for services to the Church of England and to prisoners.

Yet, beneath the surface, there were many challenges — most notoriously the very public issues with Lincoln Cathedral, which caused him great anguish, and which he handled fairly but graciously, at considerable cost to himself. Bob was someone who cared deeply about his work and his responsibilities; he gave himself unstintingly to others. His workload was always huge, and he was often at his desk at ten in the evening. He was always willing to go the extra mile to help others.”

Extracted from his full obituary by The Rt Revd Dr Alistair Redfern in The Church Times
Click here to read the full obituary

It is with great sadness that we report the death of J.Martin Buxton in 2020. He was born in Hebden Bridge in 1945 and came to Q.E.G.S. Junior School in 1952 to join his elder brother, Richard, as a boarder during the Headships of Mr Grace and Mr Baggaley.

Martin was extremely bright academically and breezed his way to “O” levels in the fast stream. At that point he and his brother entered the V1 form together, both studying science. After “A” levels in 1962 Martin stayed on at school in order to do the Cambridge University examinations and was successful in gaining a place to study Physics.
He later returned to Wakefield to work for Dunlop (previously Slazenger) as a scientific adviser.

By Mike Mordue (OS, 1962)
 

1927-2021
Peter Dewes passed away peacefully on the 3rd May aged 94.
Whilst at QEGS he enjoyed stamp collecting and classics. 
On leaving school his national service was as a Bevin Boy, although he didn't enjoy working at the colliery. He then went on to Downing College, Cambridge to gain an MA in Architecture. On becoming qualified he had a long successful career working with Wakefield Council Leeds City Council, J.G.L Poulson, Braithwaite and Jackman amongst others. 
He worked all over England producing buildings such as Buxton Swimming Pool, Leeds International Pool and North Shields Library and the interior of BHS in London for Conran. He spent time in Bahrain and Jeddah designing a hospital and shopping centre.
Peter was both a Latin and a Greek scholar, loved gardens, literature and travel to visit classical buildings.  
Peter met and married his wife Jean Burnett, a doctor, in 1956 and had a daughter, Celia, in 1959.
He leaves behind his daughter Celia and his sister Patricia. 
 

Ginnie was born Feb. 19,1941 and passed peacefully, with dignity and medical assistance at her home on Cortes Island on Oct. 14, 2019. When she was diagnosed with advanced cancer in August, she received it quite philosophically, saying “ I’m 78 years old and I’ve had a most wonderful life. Coming to Cortes allowed me to become who I was meant to be. If this is to be the end of it, I can accept that, without regrets or unfinished desires.”

Greatly missed by her family in Canada, England and Norway and her many, many friends.

Kindly provided by Bruce Ellingsen
 

We are sad to report the unexpected, premature death of an Old Savilian-the above mentioned Samuel Peter Harry Johnson,66-77,at the not-so-ripe age of 62.  Sam was a cracking bloke-boisterous,good fun smart-he turned down an offer to go to Cambridge to study veterinary science at Liverpool ,and an excellent rugby player. In addition, he was the sort of character who had no enemies.  
by Jim Coppack (OS, 1977)
Full obituary awaited.

We are sad to report that Mrs Patricia Whiteman, former teacher of biology, at both QEGS & WGHS, has passed away, following a stroke. Our thoughts are with her husband Harry at this sad time.
Obituary:
As a Laboratory Technician it is always intimidating when a new member of staff arrives in  the Science Department.

Miss Patricia Mary Boulton came to Biology and impressed immediately. Her lab request sheets were detailed , always on time and all equipment tidied away at the end of each practical session. (Something she continued to do right until the end of her teaching career)

She was disciplined, efficient and highly respected by staff and pupils alike. Her caring nature ensured no child struggled. She was an outstanding woman.

Soon Miss Boulton became Mrs Whitemand and together with Harry enjoyed the happiest of marriages, a like minded couple who shared everything together.

Pat's kindness, compassion and care spilled over into her retirement and through her voluntary work continued making new friends fulfilling her caring nature.

Rest in peace Pat. 
Christine Thompson
Former Lab Technician
 

We are sad to report the passing of Jenny Smith.
More details awaited

Allan Coy (OS, 1954) informed us of the passing of Bob Hardy, former Bishop.
Obituary in the Church Times

I am sad to inform you that Susan Devonport- Smith (née Barstead) passed away in Cheltenham on April 2nd 2021.

Having gained her B Ed. she taught for 2 years then changed careers to join the RAF. She rose up quickly through the ranks to become a Wing Commander and received the MBE for services to her country.

In 1984 she became the first WRAF officer to receive the Prince Bandah Trophy- a trophy awarded to the officer recruit who had achieved the best result in war studies during training. Susan's essay was on the UK's options to participate in “Out of NATO area” operations with special emphasis on the Middle East''.

On leaving the RAF she became a Bursar at the Latymer School,  London and Cheltenham College. 


Carolyn Keeling (OG, 1975)
Sister
 

Miss O'Malley (Mrs Powell) joined WGHSJS in January 1998 and taught Lower Transition or, according to the children, 'Lower Transformers'. Both infant and junior classrooms were in St John's House and Kath's classroom, the smallest one, was on the first floor. Here she taught until, due to increasing numbers, moved to the STC where the infants were to be housed.

Kath was a very dedicated teacher who cared deeply for her pupils. She would rarely be at her desk but would sit on one of the small chairs delivering lessons. From this small chair she would be heard encouraging, praising and laughing. She had high expectations of the children and they responded to her quiet, but firm discipline. A look or a change of tone in her voice could quell any unnecessary chatter or unwelcome behaviour. Kath instilled a strong sense of right or wrong in her pupils and this would help pave the way to their future successes in education and beyond.

Kath wanted to extend her own qualifications and succeeded in gaining her BEd following an intense part time course at Bradford University. Quite an achievement alongside a full time teaching job and bringing up three children. 

Once again, in 2002, the school expanded and Kath became the Pre Prep Co-ordinator of Mulberry House. Here she was known by many, both staff, pupils and parents for her kindness, support and laughter. On becoming a grandparent and wanting to spend more energy visiting her family, Kath relinquished her responsibilities in Mulberry House and returned to her original small classroom in St John's House teaching Year 3 until her retirement in 2012.

Kath loved concerts and the theatre and would go often with her many friends. I recall once, she was so enthusiastic booking tickets for numerous staff and friends to see Phil Collins that she forgot to get a ticket for herself. The Church was also an important part of her life, especially singing the hymns that she loved. In school assemblies her voice would ring out loud and clear.

Kath had very strong roots in Ireland and spent many holidays with family there. She would bravely drive off with her three children to catch the ferry hoping and praying that they would arrive safely as driving was a necessity, not a pleasure. Along with this affinity for Ireland, came the love of Irish literature and music. During break times or at the end of the day, when the children had gone home the relaxing sound of Clannad would drift out of her room.

Kath was immensely proud of her two sons, Richard and Christopher and her daughter Sarah. Their achievements are a credit to her and the addition of five grandchildren brought even more happiness. 
 

It is with sadness that we report the passing of Nicky Davies, who sadly passed away 25 June 2019, following a breast cancer diagnosis.
From WGHS she went onto study languages at the University of Surrey before gaining her teaching qualification at Roehampton.  She went onto teach French and German at Wilson’s Boys’ Selective School.
She leaves behind her partner Derren and sons Thomas, 9, and James, 6, as well as her parents Anne & Tom Davies.
 

John Crapper, who has died at the age of 70 following a short illness, will be remembered by QEGS alumni as an all-round sportsman, in particular a fine top order batsman. He went on to have two successful careers: first, as a well-respected PE teacher and then running the family property business (despite never owning a mobile phone).

John Andrew Crapper was born on 24th February 1950 in Castleford. He was popular at school and while a competent scholar it was on the games field where he excelled, representing the school in all age groups at both rugby and cricket. When he should normally have been playing for the Colts he was picked for the 1st XI where he was known as ‘Joe’.

After qualifying at Chester College as a PE teacher he went straight into his first post at Higherside School at Whiston, Lancashire, where he was to stay for the next nineteen years, enjoying steady promotion. One of his former pupils remembers him as having total commitment, ‘...both in school and out of school hours, ferrying us to school sports tournaments, trials, weekend games, national trials and games all around the county.’ He encouraged students to make the best of their talents in whatever sport they were interested. Several went on to sign professional forms for top soccer clubs including Everton F.C.

Throughout the 70s and 80s he played cricket for Sefton C.C. (now Sefton Park) in the Liverpool & District Competition. Batting in the top four, he was known as a technically good and gritty bat, difficult to get out when set. This was exemplified by a fine 75 not-out against a Chester Boughton Hall attack that included the young Antiguan bowler Winston Benjamin on a wet Sefton track.

Always known as ‘JC’ it was as an example and inspiration to others as much as for his individual talent that he is best remembered. Comments from team mates, particularly those that he captained include, ‘top man, very, very funny, loved playing with him’; ‘always made time for the young lads in the team’; ‘one of my club heroes growing up’; and ‘always remember him helping me to make my very first senior 50’.

On leaving teaching John, who was by then married with a young family, returned to the West Riding. They settled in Oulton where, following his interest in local affairs, he became involved in The Oulton Society where he was Chairman between 2001 and 2018. He played a leading role in establishing the Conservation areas in both Oulton and Woodlesford. His expertise in the area of planning was said to have been invaluable.

His spare time was taken up by supporting his children at school sports and music activities at QEGS and WGHS, gardening and watching Castleford Tigers RLFC where he had been a ticket holder since boyhood.

He is survived by his wife Teresa and their three children, Charlotte (OG, 2008), Katherine (OG, 2010) and James (OS, 2013).

Written by his wife, Teresa, together with Simon Maddocks (OS, 1968)