Burton Grammar School Old Boys Association
Founded 1921
Newsletter Number 33

 OFFICERS

President.                                             Mr Frank Toon                        1945-53

Vice President                                      Rev. Ray Gilbert.                      1946-53

Hon Secretary                                      Mr B.E. Warren        

                                                            76 Craythorne Lane

                                                            Stretton, Burton-on-Trent

                                                            Staffs  DE11 0AZ,  01283-561721

 Hon Treasurer                                      Mr Roger Deacon

                                                            35 Bretby Road

                                                            Newhall Swadlincote

                                                            Derbyshire DE11 0LJ, 01283-212498

Sports Secretary                                   Norman Harvey                        1949-54

                                                            90 Ashby Road, Burton-on-Trent

                                                            Staffs DE15 0PP,  01283-563645

Editor Elect Newsletter             Deryck Barker                         1955-60

                                                            43 Rolleston Road, Burton-on-Trent

                                                            Staffs DE13 0JT   Tel: 01283-536849

                                                            e-mail: editor.newsletter@burton-on-trent.org

 Executive Committee                  President. Vice President. Secretary. Treasurer

                                                            Past President.

Newsletter Committee 2005-6  Secretary. Past President & D.Barker

Old Boys’ Reunion                            Friday 19^th May 2006

                                                            Bretby Conference Centre, Ashby Road

                                                            Burton-on-Trent Staffs. DE15 0YZ

                                                            Tel: 01283-553440

Old Boys’ Website                               www.burton-on-trent.org

                       
                                      New Members. 

David Morton 1941-48 is welcomed to the Old Boys Association., now living in  Oldbury House, 7 Oldbury Street, Berrima,  New South Wales 2577, Australia. He gained an entrance scholarship to Oxford with some help from Jake Hammond. In getting his Latin up to the requirements of Oxford matriculation. 1949-50 was spent in the RAF on National Servcice. 1950-53 Wadham College Oxford, then marrying his wife Christine in Dec1953. He has worked as Research Physicist for Courtaulds Ltd in their Lancs lab moving in 1960 to become Senior Physicist for British Cellophane in Bridgewater Somerset. In 1965 a move to Melbourne as Chief Physicist for Australian Paper Manufacturers before obtaining a Chair as Professor of Applied Physics at University of NSW Sydney.between 1970 and 1989, the period 1990-2005 was spent as Consulting Scientist mainly to the legal profession in safety litigation. Finally retiring in 2005. We welcome you to the Old Boys Association and wish you well in your retirement.

                                                                 News of  Members.

 His Honour Judge Clifford Bellamy 1954-62.  We offer our congratulations on your promotion from District  Judge to Circuit Judge. In his recent letter to Ted Warren, Clifford makes reference to attending George Street Methodist Church in Burton where Norman Binns was a stalwart member for many years. He goes on to say, that he was amazed at Normans ability to find out details of Old Boys and was sure that Norman would have made mention of his recent promotion. I sincerely hope that I can continue Normans splendid work but realise it is a difficult act to follow . Deryck Barker. 

Keith Hornby Priestnall 1938-43. Keith has been featured in  two X Craft (midget subs) films. The first, in which he appeared was called “War Heroes” whilst in the second he gave technical advice and historical information to a BBC “Timewatch” film. Both of these films record the history of Royal Naval Submarine Warfare.

 Eric Bodger. 1956-62 .Married Pamela Owens on 9^th April 2005.

 M.J.E. Clements. 1958-64. Continues to run “ Muddy Boots” in Cantabria, Spain.

 Peter Copeland. 1953-60  Now retired, sings with the “City of Leicester Male Voice Choir” He is Treasurer of the choir and currently helping organise Military band Concert at De Montfort Hall in aid of various charities.

 Sydney Brewin.1942-47 Our congratulations to Sydney on his award of M.B.E. sadly he was not well enough to attend Buckingham Palace to receive it.

 John Curtis.1945-50 John has now moved to Ramsgate from Shoreham by Sea, could anyone with his new address please inform Ted Warren.

 Keith Shaw. 1945-50 Keith is planning a visit to Burton-on-Trent and would welcome the opportunity to play some of the local Church organs. If you are able to help, please contact Keith on. 01263-732462.

 A.J. Bauer. 1961-68 Has now moved to Kuwait from Taiwan.

 Bill Kendal. 1927-32  News of Bill has been received from S. J. Crooks. Bill is 89 years of age and in good health apart from some impairment of vision. He is living at 10 Meadow Court. Ponteland. Northumberland NE20 9RB. Telephone 01661-824044.

 David Mart. 1956-63 Whilst not a “member” of the Old Boys , David has a long association with the school. Having been a pupil at the Mill Hill Lane school between 1956-63, he left as an 18 year old,  returning in 1971 as an assistant maths teacher. Following the amalgamation of the Boys Grammar School, The Girls High School and the Ada Chadwick School , to form The Abbott Beyne School, David became Head of Year. He is described by one colleague as “ the best maths teacher I have ever met” and himself states that “ teaching pupils at Abbot Beyne has been a privilege. David retired on 22^nd July 2005  from his role as Assistant Headteacher having helped thousands of children achieve their full potential and now plans to spend his new found freedom travelling. We wish him well in his retirement.

 Gordon J.Hindle 1952-58 e-mails from America on ghindle@lynx.net saying: I just can't stand these people who constantly live in the past!  I bet my school cap and scarf never expected to be 'living' on the west coast of North America; well, in the Vancouver area anyway. Ah! They've come a long way since they used to wait for a Number 1 double decker bus in Station Street in 1952.  Young Gordon J. Hindle. 

John Bull C.B.E. 1927-35. John was at Bond Street when R.G.Neill ( Reggie) arrived. He was a young Cambridge Graduate, having left his first job with Marine Biological Research at Millport. Until R.G.N. arrived at the school Biology was not taught, but was included under the subject heading of Natural History. Reggie changed the subject to Biology and from John’s letter ( too long to include in its entirety) it must have been a period of progressive fun. R.G.N. left for service in the Navy, but did however return to the school after the war. He did write a few novels after the war, which included Rebel Heiress and The Witches of Pendleton. During the years 1936-40 he was one of the schools Rugby Referees, quite a character!!. John , who can really be described as a true “Old Boy” born 1916, also recalls his memory of other “Masters” R.T. & W.H. Robinson, brothers, R.T. (maths) much more able – Headmaster. W.H (latin) easily ragged- would reply with a blow from a knotted gown as he paraded the lines of desks. Both lived in the school house on Branston Rd.- converted later to Library and classrooms. Pitchford. H.H. ( history et al ) Parkin   ( Physics- severe manner) E.C. Nicholson ( chemistry, left wing politics, interesting talker) Jenkins ( kindly gave us ref, to Micah “ what doth the Lord require”) D.T.Hughes ( English, reminisced to us about Welsh Rugby) Davies ( P.E. games & woodwork) Tabbener.   Took the motley and newly arrived “scholarship boys” to smooth off the edges so as to merge “us” with private payers. Henry Vynche (French) was a Belgian WW1 refugee and gave good fun-when exasperated would exclaim “ You seet there like seek cows and you gosseep=and whad is the resold? You know absolutely noddeeng” he was tragically dismissed when qualifications were demanded.

Alan Archer 1952-59 Alan writes to inform us of his teaching post in a Secondary School in Uganda, 1967-72 ,whilst there he was House Master of Burton House, named after the explorer not the town. He has visited the school numerous times since he completed his teaching there and shipped many text books to help the pupils education. On a recent visit he was concerned at the state of the dormitory of Burton House and plans to return in January 2006 accompanied by Robert (Spud) Taylor (1952-59) to spend some time repainting this area. He appeals to Burton Grammar School Old Boys Association to show their generosity by way of raising the sum of £100 to help with this project. A worthy cause which can be discussed at our AGM. Direct contact can be made via e-mail to: Alan_Archer@hotmail.com

 Jim Wooley .1942-49 Called following the Memorial Assembly, to say that his brother Neville 1951-56 attended the Sunday Evening Remembrance Service in Westminster Abbey. on 13^th November 2005. Whilst there he was able to place a cross and poppy in the area dedicated to those who lost their lives in Egypt, this of course being in memory of Ted Ufton , who so bravely died during the  Suez Crisis in 1956.

Eric Shooter 1934-42 Eric writes from Portola Valley California, to say he has just about retired. Now in his early 80,s, Eric was a Prefect who played in the First XV along with Sir Oscar and our Secretary, Ted Warren. He was very good “Stand Off” and a member of the All Winning Clive XV of the 1940’s.

                   In Memory.

 News has been received of the following Old Boys who have passed away, we offer our sympathies to all members of the families concerned.

 David Johnson 1938-2005.   Burton Grammar School 1949-54 Dave Johnson passed away at St Giles Hospice on Monday 14^th February 2005 at the age of 66. Dave worked, originally in the family fruit and vegetable wholesale business in Derby Market, but then took up a job with the Sales Force at Bass where he worked until his retirement. He was an excellent sportsman, playing cricket, hockey and latterly bowls. He played cricket at Burton Cricket Club where he was a fine leg-spin bowler and a good attacking batsman, he then had a short spell at Bass Cricket Club before he moved to Cannock and played for Cannock Cricket Club. He transferred his allegiance as a football goalkeeper to a hockey goalkeeper with Burton Hockey Club. He found a natural aptitude for hockey and when he moved to Cannock played for Cannock Hockey Club at 1^st XI. Level through the 70’s and this was with a Club who were regarded as one of the best in the country. He also played representative hockey with Staffordshire and the Midlands. David will be remembered with great affection. Mike Hamilton.

Canon Eric Lowe 1929-2005.  Burton Grammar School 1939-47 Eric Lowe was born in Newhall in 1929 and was educated at Burton Grammar School, Trinity College Oxford and St Stephen’s House. He was ordained to a title at Ellesmere Port in 1952 and then, after further curacies in the dioceses of Southwell and Birmingham became ,at the age 0f 29 the Area Secretary for the North West of  England for the Universities’ Mission to Central Africa. This was followed by work as an Area Secretary for USPG, during which time he was seconded for a period to work in Ndola on the copper belt of Zambia, where he looked after the cathedral and eight African township churches. He was appointed an Honarary Canon of Ndola and,in 1988 was appointed vicar of Frodsham in the diocese of Chester. It was at the suggestion of his great friend Bishop John Gaisford the then Bishop of Beverley,that he agreed to become one of FiF’s first Regional Deans on his retirement in 1995. Bishop John was privileged to be able to minister to him during his final illness in hospital. We extend our condolences to his widow Barbara and his family. May he rest in peace.

 Clifford Rowley   -  R.I.P. December 2004   Burton Grammar School 1937-42. Clifford. Played rugby for the schools 1^st XV, he will also be remembered as a member of the Technical High School Staff where he organised a very successful soccer team. He left Burton in 1951 moving to Spondon House where again he coached a very successful team. In 1963 he moved to Bournville College and then on to training Teachers at St Peter’s College of Education at Satley, from where he retired, finally moving to a retirement home in Eccleshall from there we learned of his death.  

Derek Brearley.   R.I.P  March 4^th 2005.      Burton Grammar School 1942-49 

Norman Jones B.Sc.   1920 - 10^th June 2005.   Burton Grammar School Staff 1945-79 . Born in Swinton, an area of Greater Manchester known for its cotton mills and Rugby League team, Normans early school days were spent at the local Junior school where Norman’s father was Head Master. At the age of eleven, he won a scholarship to enter Eccles grammar School where his various successes.. which included colours for athletics, culminated in him gaining entry to Manchester University to read Chemistry. When he graduated three years later, the second world war was quite well advanced and Norman’s knowledge was put to use overseeing the production of explosives in the Marchon Factory in Whitehaven. At the cessation of hostilities, Norman sought a post in teaching, and was successful in obtaining a post at Burton Grammar School, being appointed by the then Headmaster, Mr H.S. Moody.. himself a Cambridge Chemistry Graduate and thus well able to assess Norman’s potential value to the Grammar School.

In his first year at Burton, Norman worked under his departmental Head.. Mr E.C. Nicholson, a partnership which enabled the department to flourish, many of their pupils performing with distinction in Open Examinations. In 1952 Mr Nicholson retired and Norman was promoted to take over the Department… a post which he was able to retain until his eventual retirement. Under his leadership, the Chemistry Department continued to achieve high standards, and Norman’s protégés gained entrance Scholarships or Exhibitions to the top Universities. Earlier he has assisted Mr. H.C. Wood in the running of the School Scout Troop, and had himself taken charge of the School Athletics for some years, having earlier in his life been a promising sprinter. Early on in the nineteen fifties, he again with Mr Wood developed an association with a Mr David Johnston, a London University School of Economics Lecturer who formed a group of educationalists with the express purpose of making visits overseas to derive benefits from observing different educational systems then in use world-wide.

With this group, Norman travelled widely, at a time when overseas travel was still difficult after the war. Russia, America and China were among the countries Norman Visited, and having taken a large number of photographic slides on his travels , subsequently regaled the Grammar School Sixth Form Society, as well as many outside groups and societies with illustrated lectures, all of which were very much appreciated by those fortunate enough to attend. It was this early travel experience, I feel, that gave Norman the yearning to travel, and subsequently he became an inveterate caravanner, travelling widely through Europe, where hardly a single corner remained unknown to him. Ballroom dancing was another of Norman’s many interests, and it was he, ably assisted by a Mistress at the Girls High School who oversaw the regular dancing classes held in the Girls High School, and the Annual Christmas Dances again held in the Girls High School were always memorable and enjoyable occasions.

For the first years of his career in Burton, Norman resided in Mervyn Road, Winshill at the home of Mr & Mrs Binns, parents of the late Norman Binns, of blessed memory, where he remained until his father retired. Seemingly Swinton no longer appealed to Norman’s parents, and they moved to Burton in the late nineteen fifties, taking up residence in Alexandra Road, Winshill, Norman naturally went to live there. I recall it was at this time, Norman purchased his first motor car, a black Ford Anglia, and much more importantly, developed a friendship with Sheila Walker Moorcroft, whom he later married. Newly married Norman and Sheila purchased a bungalow in Ashby Road where Norman was to remain for the rest of his life. Since each of his homes had been located in Winshill, it was not surprising that he became a regular worshipper at St Mark’s Church, where he took a keen interest in that Church’s affairs. At School Norman had always been a keen disciplinarian, and he clearly could not tolerate indiscipline in the vicinity of so many potentially dangerous substances.. and he always spoke his mind, sometimes to the point of appearing blunt. But he had a warm heart and was full of goodness, being generously helpful to anyone he felt he could assist, I cannot recall how often he ferried folk to and from various airports in this region.

Subsequent to his retirement in 1976, soon after the Grammar School had lost its identity in favour of an untried comprehensive system, with which he was never settled, Norman and Sheila led an active and enjoyable life together, enjoying their love of travel almost to the last. Indeed only in 2004 did they complete a cruise taking in Spain, Africa, and South America. Although Norman suffered minor bouts of indisposition since that time, his death on July 10^th came as a sad surprise to us all, and a life that had been so full… so significant to so many… came to an end. We remember him with fondness… we thank him for his kindness… and we shall all miss him deeply. Our condolences go out to his lovely wife Sheila and to his son Graham.. himself an Old Boy of the Grammar School, who now works as a Consultant Anaesthetist in a Preston Hospital. H. E. Smith.

 Paul A. Hazell. 1935- 2005  R.I.P. 6^th July 2005. Burton Grammar School 1947-51. Paul lived all his life in the Burton area except for a short time whist in the Royal Marines based at Lympston in Devon. He was married in 1960 and had a daughter Ann and son Adrian. Paul had suffered ill health over the last few years but whenever possible he attended St. Mary’s Church Rolleston where he had been a member of the Choir from boyhood, first pumping the bellows of the organ for his father, who was organist there for many years. Paul continued his singing until the very last only giving up a few weeks before his death. At St Mary’s he had been a dedicated member of the church serving as P.C.C. Member, Church Warden. Crucifer, and Tutbury Deanery Synod Representative. Knowing that he was seriously ill he went about the preparation of his own funeral service, very much in the traditional prayer book form. The order of service commenced with his choir as he called it processing in  singing “ For God So Loved the World” taken from Stainers Crucifixion, Hymns chosen were, “guide me ,O thou Great Redeemer” Jesus calls us o’re the tumult” and “Lift high the Cross” all twelve verses at Paul’s insistence as he hated the vicar shortening this hymn in normal services he had decided on this day “ to get his own back”. The Psalm was Psalm 150 O Praise God in his Holiness” and the choir anthem was Gounod’s setting of “Send out Thy Light”. The reading from 1 Corinthians 15 was read by his son Adrian and his daughter Ann sang in the choir at Paul’s request. The Eulogy was given by the Vicar Ian Whitehead and  following the blessing the choir processed out singing “ Nunc Dimittis. Following the committal at Rolleston Cemetery all his friends met up with family at The Beacon Hotel. Paul is survived by his wife Betty and will be sadly missed. Deryck Barker.

 Bourne-Jack Douglas.  R.I.P. 26^th Sept. 2005. Burton Grammar School 1928-35

 Choyce. A.G.     R.I.P. 23^rd Oct. 2005 Burton  Grammar School 1936-43, Bert will be remembered by some as a regular member of the school’s 1^st XV

Ray Gilbert, Vice-President 2005-6 

Editor Deryck Barker asked for a short CV for publication in the next Newsletter, so here is just a taster, since I refuse to encroach too much on my forthcoming and still to be written Presidential Address, when I hope to see you all – and I do mean ALL – at the annual reunion.  

After singing ‘Lord, dismiss us with thy blessing’ for the last time my chief aim in life was to avoid National Service.  If you’re very good I might detail my various sadly unsuccessful ruses towards that end in May! Suffice it to say, I was forced by HM the Queen to spend two years in the RAMC as a radiographer, never to return to my chosen career of industrial chemist because in the interim a greater power interposed and I went forward to ordination into the priesthood of the Church of England.

Ordained in Derby Cathedral in June 1962 I served two years as Curate of Newbold on the edge of Chesterfield before accepting an invitation to join the staff of Southwark Cathedral as Succentor, a largely musical post.  From there I moved to become Precentor of successively Ely (1968-74) and Canterbury (1974-79) Cathedrals.  The remainder of my ministry was as Vicar of Patrixbourne with Bridge and Bekesbourne, three villages on the Dover side of Canterbury.  I also served as an Honorary Minor Canon of Canterbury, and still do, singing Evensong as and when required.

I retired on 31^st January 2000, wife Rosemary and I living at Eythorne about six miles from Dover.  Some of you may know Rosemary’s brother David Ingham, an “Old Boy” of BGS.  Their father was manager of the Midland Bank in Burton. As an old comedian (can’t remember his name) used to sign off, “Ay, ay, that’s yer lot!”  For more details you’ll have to come to the reunion.  Oh golly, I hope that’s not put you off!

 Deryck Barker-Profile

 Born in South Derbyshire in July 1944 the son of a Blacksmith, who was employed at one of the many Clay Pipe works in the area.  Schooled at Castle Gresley Primary School for three years before moving to Linton School. Aged eleven, I passed what was then known as a Scholarship to attend Ashby Grammar School  Here, I must hold the record as the pupil with the shortest attendance in the schools history. Having just started the streaming exams on morning one of the new September term, I was called out of the room 15 minutes into the tests having had only sufficient time to get my name details on the top of the paper.

To my surprise I was told to go home, take another 2 weeks holiday and then present myself as a student at Burton Grammar School, then in Bond Street, at the start of their new academic year. The variation in start dates, as a result of variations between Leicestershire and Staffordshire Education Departments. All this as a result of a planned move of house from Castle Gresley to Barton-under- Needwood, brought about by a career change for my father who was to be involved with the new development of Drakelow Power Station. 

My time at Burton Grammar School, would I guess be described by some as unspectacular. Taken under the wing of the late Jack Adams my first form master and Percy Barrett who ran the Young Farmers Club in school, farming being main interest, and being the career I followed for all of my working life, albeit in varying guises. Here too my interest in choral music was aided by Rev P.V. Appleton, who so ably ran the School Choir, again an interest which has remained with me to the present day.

I attended Rodbaston Farm Institute in 1961-1962 and gained an N.C.A moving to work in Standish, Gloucestershire, which became my adopted county. I married my wife  Christine,in 1967, we then lived at Standish Park Farm where my son Tim was born in 1969. Shortly after this we moved back to Coppenhall  near Stafford to my first commercial management role with J Holt & Sons. Dunston Dairy Farm. whilst here my daughter Jayne was born.

This was followed by a short period working for Agricultural Consultants, Cheveley & Partners in Tunbridge Wells. In 1974  the family moved to Dorset to establish a very modern 300 cow dairy unit on green field site. A great challenge, employed by a Company based in Australia, with commodity trading interests and agricultural over there but with longstanding family interests in the U.K. and Dorset in particular.

The estate in Dorset, being expanded, by local purchases to some 1520 acres. Here we were milking 700 cows on three sites, some three times daily, working closely with the development of Rotary milking parlours and the automation of the milking process. Whilst working here I was very fortunate to be awarded the Bath & West Agricultural Societys’ Bicentenial Scholarship.This allowed me to study three major aspects of the management of large scale dairy herds, in Wisconsin and California.

In 1982 I was appointed Farms Manager at Plumpton Agricultural College, East Sussex. The brief, being to make the estate a more commercial business, rather than, using education, to justify some of the doubtful enterprises and practises. Whilst here I was a regular contributor to a magazine called Country Weekly, writing the regular Farm Diary page.  In 1989 I was persuaded to join one of the National Feed Companies, based at their Shepshed office where I worked as Commercial Manager, dedicated to the pig industry, until my retirement in September 2003.

Now back in my home town, I am able to follow my interests if Golf, Rugby and Music, also having some time to devote to the production of future newsletters. This issue has been brought together with the help of our past President Richard Wain and our Secretary Ted Warren, I am most grateful for their input.

One major task undertaken, during the year, has been the transfer of all of dear Norman’s hand written records of addresses and any changes, to computer, this has been quite time consuming and will no doubt contain some errors, for this, I apologise in advance and ask that you contact me, to enable any corrections to be made.

I can be contacted on 01283-536849 or my mobile 07931-448506 or by e-mail on editor.newsletter@burton-on-trent.org This e-mail facility is part of the Burton Grammar School Old Boys Association web site and can be found on: www.burton-on-trent.org.  A very interesting site, well worth a visit, as it contains so much information, not only about the school, but about Burton, and its history.   D.Barker.  2005.

Abbott Beyne Jazz Band:  “Beyne Upbeat”, who were the successors to the Dixeland Band that entertained the Old Boys Association in 1997, played their final Gig at Coors’s visitors centre on 9^th Sept 2005.

Under the direction of Peter Vernon, “ Beyne Upbeat” had played at The Queen Elizabeth Hall and had toured Austria. Its members are now leaving school , so it was a rousing final performance, which started and finished with “ When the Saints Come Marching In”. Amongst the audience, was, the Head Teacher and at least one Past President of the Old Boys Association.  R.Wain.

 Abbot Beyne Arts Retrospective Exhibition: Members of the OBA and their wives were invited to an exhibition representing the last two years of work from the Abbot Beyne Arts College on 23^rd January.  On display were  paintings, sculptures, montages and models using a variety of materials to give striking images.  The overall impression was of imaginative freedom and vibrant colour. 

Pupils also presented a play, which they had created themselves, on the life of L.S.Lowry, which drew on their experience of a visit to Salford.  The 'backdrop' to this drama was a wonderful evocation of nineteenth-century Burton in Lowry's style.

Christine Thompson - Head Teacher Abbott Beyne.

 I was born in Manchester and attended North Manchester Grammar School for Girls from 1965-1972.  I then moved across the Pennines to Sheffield University where I studied English and Biblical Studies gaining a 2.1 degree.  I stayed on at the university to gain my Post Graduate Certificate in English and Drama.

 My first teaching post, also in Sheffield, was something of a baptism of fire.  The school had 2200 pupils and class sizes were 35+.  Having survived that I moved onto my first promoted post in Wisbech in Cambridgeshire before moving to the Midlands in 1980 where I have stayed ever since.  Over the past 25 years my posts have included Head of English and Drama in Lichfield, Deputy Head at Abbot Beyne, Headteacher in Warwickshire and Leicestershire and Senior Inspector for secondary education in Warwickshire.  I also gained a masters degree in education from Birmingham University.  

Highlights of my career during that time were having my school in Warwickshire identified as ‘The Most Improved School in England’ and being invited to Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen and many other members of the royal family for ‘Achievement in Education’. April 2005 saw me return to Abbot Beyne, this time as Headteacher and the first female Headteacher for 30 years.

There have obviously been many changes to the school over the years and significant challenges to face, not least in managing a budget in one of the lowest funded authorities in the country.  It is, however, an enormous privilege to be leading the school and I am extremely conscious that I am following in giants’ footsteps. I have appreciated the warm welcome I have received from both The Old Boys’, and The Old Girls’ Associations.  I am proud to be an honorary ‘Old Boy’ and thoroughly enjoyed being a guest at your annual dinner. On a personal note I am married with a daughter studying Modern and Medieval Languages at Kings College Cambridge and a son in his lower sixth year at a school in Tamworth.  A dog and cat make up the menagerie.

 Head Teacher, Christine Thompson pictured here with David Marriott at the

2005  Reunion Dinner at Bretby Conference Centre.

Norman Harvey -
Golf Report.
The Lowe Cup 2005

 The annual members competition for The Lowe Cup, took place at The Burton-on-Trent Golf Club, Bretby (by kind permission of the Directors), on Friday 20th May 2005. Eleven Members entered on a fine, but cloudy day, and afterwards most of them stayed on for a few drinks. Some of their wives joined them and enjoyed a buffet lunch at the club. The winner was Norman Harvey with 35 points, closely followed by Mike Hamilton and Deryck Barker. The £14 entry fees, collected on the day were kindly donated to the Association funds. 

John Oliver travelled the furthest on this occasion, making the journey from Bridgend in South Wales. John is from a Burton family and attended The Grammar School from 1946 to 1953. After graduating he joined Civil Engineers MacAlpine, on a contract in South Wales, married and settled down there. He now speaks the language like a native!

At last year’s reunion, John brought with him several photographs from his school days, which provided very popular viewing. Brother-in-law Gerry Woodburn persuaded him to join “The Old Boys” some eight years ago and no doubt a promise of a free game of golf was an attractive part of the deal. John is a member of the Southerndown Club back home and certainly enjoys his golf. “ Maybe one of these years I’ll have a good scoring game at Burton”, - perhaps this next year John.

Remembrance Assembly 2005 

As usual, by kind permission of Mrs C. Thompson. The annual Armistice Service was held at the Abbott Beyne School, when the following Old Boys were present:  President Frank Toon, Hon Sec. Ted Warren,  Hon. Treas. Roger Deacon,  Les Wright, Harry Smith,  Mike Hamilton,  John Illingworth,  Deryck Barker,  Malcolm Watson, Jim Wooley,  D.Ewers,  Roy Biddulph,  Richard Wainwright, Norman Tomkins, Richard Wain,  Pete Appleby,  Bob Andrews, and  Lewis Dunkerley. Apologies were received from: Vice President Ray Gilbert,  Dennis Grimsley,    Stan Webster,  Don Sharrat,  Bob Knight,  Brian Clark,  and David Hardwick. The Assembly was arranged by Mr N. Cooper and specifically covered the Second World War. 1939-45.

Following an Introduction from the Headteacher, Mrs C.  Thompson, the Assembly  took the following form:
Why do we remember?            N.Cooper
Brief History of the second world war, accompanied by slides and a short film of the Normandy Landings.                N. Cooper
Experiences of men during the D-day landings were read by students, Amy Dawson, Ruth Bromley, Kirsty Dumelow & Marion Harris.
Poem- Why do we wear a poppy?     Read by Carl Ballinger
Conclusion                               N. Cooper.
Poem- I do not know your name. Read by Head Boy  James Bollous and Head Girl Emily Moss
Poem- The Soldier by Rupert Brooke. Read by President Frank Toon

Following these presentations wreaths were laid at the memorial tablets by:
Head Girl and Head Boy- on behalf of the school.
Hon. Sec.- on behalf of B.G.S.O.B.A.
The last post was sounded and a two minutes silence was observed.

Burton-upon-Trent Grammar School Old Boys’ Association

Founded February 1921 

Past Presidents

 1921-22           A.H.Yeomans                                      1963-64           R.H.Eggington

1922-23           F.Evershed                                           1964-65           K.A.Stanyon

1923-24           W.Shelley                                             1965-66           D.M.Davies

1924-25           A.Slator                                               1966-67           H.E.C.Weston

1925-26           R. Samble                                            1967-68           W.F.Howarth

1926-27           W.P.Lowe                                           1968-69           W.T.Burman

1927-28           H.Leigh-Newton                                  1969-70           F.W.Fawkes

1928-29           J.H.Moir                                              1970-71           W.H.Gillian

1929-30           C.F.Gothard                                         1971-72           R.L.Knight

1930-31           F.J.Manners                                         1972-73           B.E.Warren

1931-32           F.Newton-Husbands                            1973-74           J.H.Mander

1932-33           J.H.Birch                                              1974-75           N.A.Binns       

1933-34           W.E.Briggs                                           1975-76           D.G.Hardwick

1934-35           J.D.Robertson                                      1976-77           R.A.Clark

1935-36           B.F.Sadler                                            1977-78           A.Fallon

1936-37           F.J.Hodges                                           1978-79           G.M.Hamilton

1937-38           Col.D.H.Mason                                    1979-80           A.T.Cole

1938-39           R.T.Robinson                                       1980-81           P.Minns

1939-40           B.C.Newbold                                       1981-82           J.A.Wooley

1940-41           R.C.Sims                                              1982-83           R.Outhwaite

1941-42           J.B.Smith                                              1983-89           G.T.Milnes      

1942-43           F.T.Shelley                                           1989-90           H.E.Smith

1943-44           T.W.Parkin                                          1990-91           E.A.Bailey

1944-45           P.J.Williams                                          1991-92           D.A.Sharatt

1945-46           E.J.Dallard                                           1992-93           B.Clements

1946-47           H.J.Wain                                              1993-94           G.Starbuck

1947-48           G.W.Britton                                         1994-95           N.A.Tomkins

1948-49           F.E.James                                            1995-96           T.A.Trigg

1949-50           B.L.Hubbard                                        1996-97           J.M.Illingworth

1950-51           L.A.Haywood                                      1997-98           J.P.Hartley

1951-52           R.P.Stevenson                                      1998-99           R.E.Deacon     

1952-53           G.H.Cooper                                         1999-00           L.S.Dunkerly

1953-54           L.E.Churchill                                        2000-01           P.G.Booth

1954-55           J.D.Rowland                                       2001-02            G.K.Rushton

1955-56           D.P.Haywood                                      2002-03           S.A.Neal

1956-57           J.F.Rose                                               2003-04           J.Pickering

1957-58           W.R.Souster                                        2004-05           R.Wain

1958-59           F.C.Jenks                                             2005-06           F.Toon

1959-60           H.H.Pitchford

1960-61           D.J.Grimsley

1961-62           A.E.G.Hardwick

1962-63           A.C.Bowden