The Clavian - 2008 Edition

1. THE
CLAVIAN
Magazine of the Grammar School, Bury

2. 2

3. Editorial
who have contributed photographs of a professional
The Editor’s warmest thanks are extended to all who
standard for several articles; the staff of the
have contributed to this year’s edition of The Clavian.
Development Office who have kept me abreast of a
Special mention should be made of those upon whose
variety of matters; and Nigel Reece and the staff at
shoulders a particularly onerous burden has fallen:
Jarvis Print who have again successfully produced a
Mrs McCoy, who again translated the arcane
splendid publication and also continued to sponsor the
hieroglyphics of boys (and staff) into golden print; Mr
Clavian competitions.
Koziura for his marathon trawl through much of the
School’s sporting achievement, cast into honeyed
DSB
prose; Mr Marshall who also has written or organised
a multitude of articles amid his many other
responsibilities; Nathan Chandler and Mrs Grundy
3

4. From the Headmaster
sector has led.
This education embraces not only
INDEPENDENCE
I am beginning to sermonize – a
academic rigour but also a rich
particular danger when a Head is also
diversity of extra-curricular activities
In an article in The Independent in
a cleric. So, one final point about
– sport, music, drama, debating,
September, columnist Dominic
independence and autonomy – and
outdoor pursuits and community
Lawson wrote: ‘Don’t complain
that is that with independence and
service. And the result of this
about private schools. Learn from
autonomy must come responsibility.
emphasis on an all-round education is
them.’ Lawson said that Britain’s
A responsibility to be prophetic – to
not only a rich experience while boys
independent schools are the best
build schools which are not mirrors of
and girls are at school. Former
schools in the world. His judgement
society but mirrors to society; schools
independent school pupils accounted
is borne out by the Organization for
which seek to nurture in those in our
for 37.3% of Britain’s medals at the
Economic Cooperation and
care a view of life which challenges
Beijing Olympics.
Development’s Programme for
selfishness and greed.
At this year’s HMC conference,
International Student Assessment. In
It is one of the aims of this school
we were presented with research
this assessment, UK independent
that the boys will leave with a desire
carried out at the Centre for
schools achieved the highest score in
and a determination to make a
Education and Employment Research
international comparisons of reading,
contribution to the betterment of the
at the University of Buckingham. The
in the year 2000, and shared the top
society of which they are part. I hope
research showed that the success of
places with independent schools in
that the seeds of that desire and that
independent schools cannot be
Korea and New Zealand in the 2003
determination are sown and nurtured
attributed just to selective intake and
maths survey and the 2006 science
while the boys are with us. The
social advantage. On selection, the
survey.
charitable projects, which were a
research shows that HMC schools
Lawson’s view was reflected in a
major part of our first World
achieve better A Level results in 24
MORI survey, published in June this
Challenge expedition to Mongolia
out of 30 subjects than maintained
year, which found that independent
this summer, were life-changing for
grammar schools – despite the fact
education is more popular than ever.
that most maintained grammar
Nearly three in five of all parents said those who took part in that expedition
schools have a more selective intake.
that they would send their child to an – a lesson that it is in concern for, and
And the research also shows that
independent school if they could practical help of, others that our
pupils at independent schools are just
afford to do so. That is the highest deepest happiness and fulfilment are
as likely to come from low income
level since the survey began in 1997 to be found.
homes as those at the top 200
and is up by 20% on the last survey We were inspired in February
comprehensive schools, but that they
in 2004. when Mr Robert Forrester, an Old
decidedly outscore them.
The popularity of the independent Boy who was Captain of School in
The research suggests that the
sector is due in part to its academic 1946, came to speak to us in
success of independent schools stems
success. Independent schools in the Assembly about how he was
proposing to celebrate his 80 th
from their independence and
UK produce nearly two-thirds of the
autonomy. Across a range of
A* grades in single subject science at birthday. His intention was to climb
countries, independent schools do
GCSE – from only 7% of the school 80 peaks in the Lake District and
better than government-run schools.
population – and around half of the A North Wales in 80 days. He explained
Interviews with Heads indicate that
grades at A Level in subjects such as that he was seeking sponsorship for
the key advantage of independence
maths, physics, chemistry and his climbs to support the work of
and autonomy is that they enable
modern foreign languages. As Martin WaterAid in Tanzania. His target was
teaching and learning decisions to be
Stephen, the High Master of St Paul’s £10,000. We decided that we would
taken close to the classroom rather
School, London, said recently: ‘The support him through a non-uniform
than being handed down through
knowledge economy of the UK is day. Very sadly, soon after speaking
central directives. While one may
kept alive by independent schools.’ to us in February, Mr Forrester
regard the independent sector as an
But it is not, I believe, only became seriously ill; and he died in
unlikely godparent of a revolution in
academic success that accounts for May – without being able to attempt
education, the Government’s
the popularity of the independent any of the 80 climbs. We did,
Academies programme in the
sector. I believe that the key reason however, hold the non-uniform day
maintained sector is, perhaps, a sign
why independent schools are so and sent £1300 to WaterAid.
that the maintained sector is
popular is their commitment to Other charitable activities
following where the independent
providing an all-round education. included a non-uniform day for the
4

5. BBC’s Children in Need Appeal; a International’, which raised £455 and their participation in such activities
Sweet Sale in support of World Aids enabled 350 books to be sent to will help to nurture in the boys that
Day; a Sponsored Silence, in which children in developing countries. ‘desire and determination to make a
seven boys in last year’s 2UC raised I commend the boys for their contribution to the betterment of the
£200 for World Vision; and a charitable activities – which last year society of which they are part.’
Sponsored Read in aid of ‘Book Aid raised almost £6000. And I hope that Steven Harvey
This year’s successful Oxbridge candidates.
Back row, from left to right: Richard Stanton, Shantanu Kafle, Christopher Stanton.
Front row: Scott Mody, Richard Chew, Richard Barker, Christopher Bryant.
5

6. DEPARTING STAFF
MALCOLM CURTIS
in charge of the sport at all is rather
David Armsbey, David Wilson and
remarkable: when applying for the
others at the Grammar School.
post at BGS he believed that his CV
Malcolm was initially employed
was somewhat thin, and, as he had
here to teach Economic and Public
jogged once or twice around the sand
Affairs, a mixture of Economics and
dunes at St. Annes, he thought that he
Politics, but when that syllabus
would put running down as an
disappeared in 1996, he discontinued
interest of his. Who would have
the teaching of the Politics and
thought that 35 years later he would
concentrated on Economics and
still be in charge of such a successful
Business Studies, which Keith
club and one of which former
Richards wanted to introduce as a
members speak so fondly when
GCSE subject. The inevitable
remembering their time at school?
consequence of this was that it would
I know that the Cross-Country
have to be made available at A level:
Club has provided Malcolm with
the words Malcolm Curtis and
some of his fondest memories of
trailblazer might seem to be unlikely
Bury Grammar School. The
bedfellows but Malcolm was, in fact,
escapades at Helsington, the School’s
the first Head of Department to
own outdoor centre in the Lakes,
introduce modular A levels in Bury
provide a bank of memories for him:
Grammar School with Business
Malcolm Curtis came to Bury
how he would take groups of boys
Studies, much to Graham Simpson’s
Grammar School in September 1973.
twice a year for cross-country and
horror. As a result of all this,
To put that into some kind of
how he had to explain and
Malcolm has spent much of his time
perspective, David Armsbey had been
demonstrate – not literally, I trust –
at BGS teaching older pupils,
at school for three years and a good
how to use a chemical toilet. Such
although he has taught a fair amount
number of the current staff had not
was the impression that Malcolm’s
of Lower School History too. In
even been born.
instructions and squats made on the
whatever he has done, however, he
35 years is a long time in any
boys that when Helsington closed,
has shown huge enthusiasm and
institution and well over half a
they rescued one of the
commitment and he has always
lifetime away for Malcolm. I have
aforementioned loos and presented
developed a tremendous rapport with
been privileged to spend twenty of
Malcolm with the seat, a souvenir
his students, who have found him to
those working with him and during
which hangs in his summer house to
be easy-going, approachable,
that time he has proven to be a
this day.
knowledgeable and engaging.
wonderful colleague and a loyal
Helsington also provided
His lessons have also been
friend.
Malcolm with other tests: the
emotionally challenging. People,
Malcolm was born in Kettering,
orienteering event always required a
well, one person…Malcolm himself,
educated in Derbyshire and he
member of staff to ask the boys to
actually…have been moved to tears
studied for his degree in Economics
bring an object back to base camp.
of grief at his account of the
and Economic History at the
One former colleague, not MJC I
execution of Mary, Queen of Scots,
University of Liverpool from 1966-
might add, asked his charges to bring
and the devotion shown by her
1969 when he graduated. From there
back a live creature, but instead of the
faithful dog at her beheading and we
he moved to Lancaster where he did
beetle or grub the Master had desired,
in the Common Room would wait
his Teacher Training at St. Martin’s
one lunatic brought back a live rabbit
with bated breath when the end of the
College, and carried out his teaching
from a pet shop in Kendal. Malcolm
lesson came in which Malcolm had
practice at a school in Burnage,
asked the members of his group to
told the story to see whether or not he
Manchester. Although his time there
bring back a house brick.
had had to resort to the Kleenex and
predates the antics of Noel and Liam
Unbeknown to him, a lady in a
would be in need of solace.
Gallagher, so grim did he find it that
nearby village was having an
In 35 years, Malcolm has been
he resolved never to set foot in the
extension on the back of her house
Head of Economics and Business
city limits again.
and, finding a hoard of boys taking
Studies, but he has also done so much
From Manchester, then, Malcolm
easy pickings from a stack of bricks
more to enrich the life of the School.
moved to the relative tranquillity of
on her lawn which were about to be
He ran the Tuck Shop when it still
the Fylde when he obtained his first
used in the construction of her new
existed, but found that he was far
teaching post at King Edward’s,
conservatory, she promptly turned her
better suited to the running of the
Lytham. After two years and a term,
ire on a hapless Mr. Curtis, accusing
Cross-Country Club, which he has
however, in the autumn of 1973, he
him of gross irresponsibility.
managed with great vigour, skill and,
moved to Bury, just nine miles north
Malcolm is, however, and has
indeed, love since his first few days
of the Manchester he had vowed
always been, a truly marvellous
at BGS. The fact that he came to be
never to revisit, to join John Robson,
6

7. infinitely poorer without the company
kids working together and motivating
teacher during his career and one
of Malcolm and indeed those other
them, the teacher is the most
who, for me, embodies the true spirit
colleagues who are retiring this year.
important.’
of the School, with his selfless
Malcolm now plans to pursue his
This is certainly true of Malcolm’s
devotion to it through 35 years. He
keen interest in gardening, bird
teaching, a fact borne out by
has always gone about his business in
watching and skiing, interests which
countless boys who have spoken with
a modest, quiet, unassuming way, but
BGS has, of course, allowed him to
me about what a good teacher and
has never shirked responsibility or
cultivate on Friday Afternoon
genuinely good man he is. It is,
been afraid to stand up for what he
Activities, together with cookery – I
however, not just the boys who have
believes in. Malcolm is not a fan of
know he aims to cook every recipe in
benefited from his companionship.
bureaucracy or of change for the sake
at least one of his very many
There are several people in the
of change: he has always had the
cookbooks. He goes on his way with
Common Room, both past and
interests of those he teaches and those
our very warmest wishes for a happy
present, whose lives have been
he cares for at heart. He may well be
and healthy retirement.
directly touched and enriched by
surprised to learn that he shares the
DRL
Malcolm Curtis and I personally have
opinions of Microsoft supremo Bill
much to thank him for. My life at
Gates, who remarked: ‘Technology is
BGS next year will certainly be
just a tool. In terms of getting the
TONY YOUNG
Simpson’s promotion to Second
his father’s life. He was educated at
Master.
St. George’s Primary School, now a
In 1995 our roles were reversed
pub, Johnson Fold Junior School and
and I found myself in the quite
Smithills Grammar School where he
intimidating situation of being Head
was a classmate of Dave Spikey – that
of Department to two former heads of
explains a lot – and where he followed
department. I need not have feared, as
in the footsteps of Sandra Glancy.
both were incredibly supportive so
From there he went to Bedford
maybe it is somewhat ironic that Tony
College at London University where
should spend his last year at BGS as
he obtained a first class degree in
my Head of Department yet again.
Mathematics followed a year later by
Tony’s skills as an organiser and
an MSc, also in Mathematics. Tony,
solver of puzzles and problems were
not being one for writing essays on
not overlooked for long. In fact they
the theory of education, or having run
were never overlooked at all by Stuart
out of money, decided to skip his
Brady who regularly brought Physics
PGCE and apply for jobs nearer
problems to be solved in the maths
home. So it was in September 1975
office. While the rest of us tried to
that he joined the staff here at BGS.
hide on hearing Stuart’s impending
Sadly I know little of his early
As I have aided, or more likely
arrival, Tony was always game for a
years here, or of his exploits with the
hindered, Tony for the last years in the
challenge. His organisational ability
staff cricket team, or of his refereeing;
giant Su Doku office known as the
became even more apparent when,
but he hasn’t just taught maths. For
Timetable Office, I will start there. Of
just four years after relinquishing the
14 years on Friday afternoons he
course he has provided moaning
head of department post, he was
taught car maintenance, giving boys
material – “Oh God, not the second
appointed Director of Studies, whose
and girls their first taste of the internal
year from hell last thing on a Friday!”
duties he has carried out with the
combustion engine. Eventually in this
– for much longer. It was in 1976 that
utmost conscientiousness and
ever-increasingly litigious world,
he began to learn the ropes with the
efficiency ever since.
Health and Safety issues forced him to
then Headmaster, John Robson,
There have been aspects of Tony’s
park up and close the garage.
Graham Simpson and Roger Foster.
life that few will know about. He and
Tony quickly settled into life at
Being locked up with Tony for five to
his wife, Pauline, were at one time
BGS and his legendary sense of
six weeks is very strange!
members of SPICE, the “High Life
humour soon surfaced as he
Conversations have been varied,
Adventure Club”. Activities such as
convinced the younger boys that his
funny or downright weird. One day
water skiing, abseiling, driving a
wife was indeed Chinese and called
he burst out with: “I want to be
hovercraft and freefall parachute
Egg Fu Young. He told one form:
cremated,” so I said, “Get your coat,
jumping were undertaken. They skied
“The volume of a prism is found by
let’s go.” I must say, however, that it
extensively on the slopes of North
multiplying the area of the cross-
has been a fascinating experience and
America and Canada for a number of
section by the length, this being an
privilege putting together the School
years until a serious knee injury to
example of a Long Prism Sentence.”
timetable. The information contained
Pauline forced a premature retirement
Tony’s organisational and
in his head alone is quite staggering.
from the pistes. They are great cat
management skills were recognised in
Tony is a Bolton lad through and
lovers and also sponsor donkeys that
1988 when he was appointed Head of
through, except for his Austrian
give rides to disabled children.
Mathematics following Graham
mother who somehow waltzed into
7

8. records. In his more active days he
Nowadays, having exchanged bikes without fear of contradiction, the
and Pauline used to take off for six
for motorbikes, T and P can be found strongest mathematician in the
weeks with car and tent discovering
impersonating Carl Foggerty department. He will be missed by the
many parts of Europe. He’s even
throughout the Trough of Bowland boys. Many, many pupils have
driven through Death Valley in the
most Sundays. regarded him as their favourite
middle of summer and he has driven,
Tony has benefited hugely from teacher and I’ve never heard a
Jeremy Clarkson style, Formula Ford
the only perk we get at BGS: free derogatory word spoken about him.
cars round the Aintree racing circuit.
school dinners. Tony Two Puds, as Generations of mechanics pupils will
But I will remember the kit cars he
we affectionately refer to him in the remember his reference to sex
and Pauline spent thousands of man
maths office, has enjoyed his meat education: “Every Couple has its
and woman hours on. I believe he
and two veg, and multiple puddings, Moment but there is no Resultant.”
completed four from scratch, not only
especially apple pie and rice pudding Tony is a thoroughly selfless man.
putting them together but also
– not together of course. The I know that he would have been
designing his own wiring systems.
abolition of the self-service counter absolutely devastated if he had been
It’s all the more remarkable when you
was something of a blow. He is the unable to donate one of his kidneys in
realise that Tony’s manual skills are
one who polishes off the bourbon order to keep Pauline off dialysis.
akin to an elephant wearing boxing
biscuits in the common room in the The operation was a great success and
gloves.
morning. He likes his food and I’ve we wish both of them a long and
Tony has given 33 years of loyal
enjoyed many meals served up chez healthy retirement together. Tony did,
service to the School, the
Young. Pauline does the cooking but however, hint that he might like a
Mastersingers and, more recently, the
Tony digs out the liqueurs from his part-time post-retirement job, perhaps
Choral Society. He could have been
extensive cabinet. as a driver. May I suggest he tries
the schoolmaster characterised in the
Cars have always featured being a dustbin man; they only seem
T.V. series To Serve Them All Our
strongly in Tony’s life. There have, of to work one day a week. Tony will be
course, been the numerous assemblies missed by boys and staff alike -
Days, he has given so much to the
on racing drivers, racing cars, racing except for his puns maybe.
School. He is the one we in the maths
circuits and determined attempts to MJS
department have always turned to for
break any number of land speed advice or confirmation. Tony is,
JOHN KENDALL
him, long before the phrase became
to travel north the next day.
fashionable, every child did matter. I
Somewhere else’s loss was very
am sure that generations of BGS boys
definitely Bury Grammar School’s
remember him with enormous
gain, for John Kendall has given
affection.
outstanding service over the last 33
France, of course, is the love of
years. His early responsibilities
John’s life and there are few places
included being in charge of
that he has not visited in his extensive
reprographics and the tuck shop, in
travels in that country. As a student
both of which areas his efficiency and
he worked as an assistant in south-
common-sense approach led to
west France. In the summer of 1976
significant improvements.
he participated in the Bury town
With the arrival of Keith Richards
exchange visit to Angoulême and in
in 1990 and the creation of the posts
of Heads of Section, John was subsequent years accompanied
appointed Head of Lower School various French department trips to
with responsibility for the pastoral Normandy, Paris, Versailles, Alsace
care of some 300 boys in years 1 to 3, and Provence. John took over
a post which he held until more responsibility for the French trips in
recent reorganisation led to the
An Old Boy of Burnley G.S and 1992 and continued right up until
appointment of separate Heads of
alumnus of St. Edmund Hall, Oxford, 2006 to organise holidays in many
Year. It was in this role that he truly
John Kendall joined the French parts of France, including the Loire
came into his own. He always made it
department in September 1975, but it Valley and the Alps as well as the
his business to get to know all the
was largely thanks to our often much areas mentioned above. Every year
boys in his care, and he never passed
maligned postal services that he did his French holidays were fully
a boy in the corridor without
not go elsewhere, for the letter subscribed and hundreds of boys
speaking to him, occasionally giving
inviting him to come for interview have fond memories of the happy
a reprimand, if needed, but more
was incorrectly addressed, bearing no times they spent on what was often
often than not a cheery greeting.
town, only the street and the county, their first visit to the country.
Although a huge success as Head of
Oxfordshire. Somehow the letter In more recent years, John
Lower School, John would have been
found him in Wantage, where he was organised the joint BGSB and BGSG
equally effective as Head of Middle
doing teaching practice, just in time sixth form exchange visits to Dijon
School or Head of Sixth Form; for
for him to make hasty arrangements which have proved to be of such
8

9. the other great love of his life; a fine
enormous value to our older students. John Kendall certainly made a super-
pianist and sometime cellist, his
In 1998, John was appointed Head sized contribution to the life of BGS,
musical knowledge is extensive. He
of French and led the department by but for this writer arguably his
has been a leading figure in Bury
example for the last 10 years. As a greatest talent was that of giving an
Choral Society for many years and if
French teacher John has no equals. assembly. Taking his inspiration from
he is not at home when you call, the
Someone once said he was the best a wide range of sources, from offbeat
chances are that he will be at his
French teacher in England, a newspaper articles to the
beloved Bridgewater Hall. His
statement difficult to prove, but you masterpieces of classical music, John
contribution to the musical life of the
would have to go a long way to find constructed assemblies which were
School is unparalleled. For over 30
someone not only with the subject vastly entertaining, laced with
years he has been the mainstay of the
knowledge, but with the imagination, humour, ranging from the sublime to
tenor section of the Choral Society,
the sense of humour, the ability to the ridiculous, but always carrying a
appearing in countless productions,
control a class, and the sheer serious message, which often in
including Ruddigore, Pirates of
determination to get the best out of recent years related to rights and
Penzance, Fiddler on the Roof,
boys that John has shown in the responsibilities. His assemblies had
Yeomen of the Guard, which he also
classroom throughout his career. Year something for everyone, from the 11-
produced on another occasion, and
in, year out, for a third of a century, year old on the front row to the
Orpheus in the Underworld.
his pupils have achieved excellent wizened old cynics in the staff seats.
Apart from the big productions, he
results. Generations of BGS boys In his hands assembly-giving became
also provided excellent entertainment
have been grateful to him for having an art form.
as compere of an Old Time Music
pushed them to their limits. John Kendall truly has been a
Mrs. Georghiou referred to John colossus in all the areas in which he
Hall evening held in the Girls’ School
earlier this year as “The Colossus of has contributed to the life of BGS and
many years ago. He performed in
Founders’ Day”. She was lamenting I am sure that all who have been
innumerable concerts and he will be
the fact that he would not be present privileged to work with or learn from
sorely missed in the Choral Society.
at the Junior School Service, because him will wish him, as I do, a long,
A colossus of Founders’ Day, a
he was singing in the choir at the happy and healthy retirement.
gargantuan presence in the classroom,
Parish Church. Music, of course, is DAW
the Placido Domingo of the choir,
MICHAEL BYRNE
standing ambition to play alongside
the resolve and determination that
his son John who, at 17, was a
was to see him establish himself as a
regular member of the same team.
highly-regarded member of the Bury
At an even higher level of
Grammar School Boys’ Common
achievement stands his contribution
Room.
to the legendary staff football team
Michael actually joined the
where he and the aforementioned Mr
School in 1989, following several
Sherlock formed the heart of the
years’ teaching at Elton Primary
hardest and meanest defence ever to
School. He became a Transitus form
grace the battlefields of Buckley
master, under the leadership of the
Wells and the Astroturf.
late Mr. T. H. Hill. Having
He was just as ready to don
specialised in Geography at the City
spotless cricketing flannels when Mr
of Manchester College, Michael
Kozuira resurrected the Casuals, the
brought both specialist knowledge
staff cricketing XI, some years ago.
and a high academic level to his
His slow right arm over the wicket
classroom. After the Junior School
proved a thorn in the side of many an
became a separate entity in 1992,
opposing batsman. He was a much-
Michael was appointed Deputy
Mr. Michael Byrne retired from his valued member of the side which
Headmaster, a post which he held for
post in the Junior School at the end of went on to lift the hugely prestigious
a short time before relinquishing it,
the academic year, 2008. Manchester Tax League Shield in
and continuing as the respected form
Michael was a late entrant to 1998 when the Casuals were at the
master of Exitus Scarlet for the
teaching. Following his early height of their powers.
remainder of his career.
education at Thornleigh College, Within the Junior School, Michael
When Michael came to the School
Bolton, he had joined the civil has the reputation of being a first-rate
he began to play for the Old Boys’
service, and had worked there for a coach of Association Football: many
football team. In the season 1993-4
he played in the 3rd team, alongside
considerable period before deciding of the trophies currently gracing the
on a change of career. In itself, that Junior School Trophy Cabinet were
Mike Sherlock and Peter Kozuira,
cannot have been an easy decision, as won regularly under his tutelage.
that won the Lancashire Amateur
Michael had three children still at Michael also coached Cricket and
League title, winning every away
home, but it is, perhaps, a measure of Athletics, but his strongest interest
game. Michael achieved a long-
9

10. local concerts. This passion for the displays on matters as diverse as the
has always been the theatre. In 1990,
performing arts extended to many plays of Shakespeare and the popular
in conjunction with Mr. David Lee,
other areas: he is now a regular culture of 1960s England. Members
Michael produced the Senior School
attender at the annual Edinburgh of his form have always found him an
play, Animal Farm. Thereafter, he
Festival, with its hugely diverse range ideal model for life: well organised
followed it up with several
of acts and art forms, whilst his and firmly disciplined, yet always
memorable Junior School
dedication to radio comedy reached a sympathetic to an individual boy’s
productions, in partnership with Mr.
zenith when he was able to attend a worries and problems, always as
John Edwards, the then Head of
live performance of Radio 4’s I’m much a friend as a member of staff.
Music. He has taken great pride in
Sorry I haven’t a Clue shortly before From my personal point of view,
the success which his daughter,
Michael has been a cheerful and an
Elianne, has enjoyed in pursuing a the death of its revered chairman,
enthusiastic colleague. I have
professional career on the stage. Humphrey Littleton. Michael’s ever-
appreciated his ready assistance in
The sports field and the stage are ready, razor-sharp wit always had the
whatever task, and I shall continue to
just two of the widely contrasting best of role models.
value his friendship. It is for me to
facets of a highly cultivated and all- Michael has always been a first
offer Michael, his wife, Diane, and
round man. He has a love of rate form master and subject teacher.
their family our very best wishes, and
literature, and has been able to Those boys whom he has taught have
it is for us all to hope that Michael
transmit this to many of the boys in always found his enthusiasm
himself will have many years of
his charge. He is also a keen listener infectious and inspiring, whatever the
peace and prosperity in which to
to music, particularly the popular lesson, whatever the topic being
enjoy his retirement.
styles of the ‘60s and other ‘pre- taught. The walls of his form room
PGN
historic’ decades, and was often to be have constantly borne testimony of
found in the audience at a variety of his ever-imaginative approach with
SANDRA GLANCY
shampooer she had brought from
particularly determined and “bossy”
home!
Head Girl. Thwarted in her first
In September 1994 she assumed
ambition of becoming a ballet dancer,
responsibility for school publicity,
Sandra studied at the University of
securing very full coverage in the
Nottingham for her B.Ed and was
Bury Times when she realised that
awarded the Wortley Prize in
the secret to publication was to
Education. There have always been
provide the copy herself! In
many strings to this lady’s bow.
September 1995 BGS acquired its
Clearly a talented dancer and an
first female House Master when
accomplished singer, Sandra has a
Sandra succeeded John Bisson in
passion for poetry and the expressive
Hulme House. Sandra led the House
arts but less well known is her
to considerable success. Only last
interest in Indian bead-making!
June were we reminded of the
Since September 1992 Sandra has
passion and enthusiasm she brought
been a permanent member of staff
to that post as she cheered Hulme
and she became full-time the
competitors home in the School
following year. In 1993 she became
Athletics Sports.
a 4th year form tutor – a position she
In January 1992 John Darling was
In 1998 she relinquished
has filled with distinction ever since.
unwell. We needed supply cover.
responsibility for Hulme House in
Sandra’s style is idiosyncratic –
The response to our adverts was not
order to become School Librarian.
references to “Lawrie’s café”,
encouraging – the man with the
She soon stamped her own mark
questions about whether an offender
psychology degree who said, “I love
upon that august institution, seeing
might value his knee-caps and
reading history books,” was perhaps
her task as raising the profile of the
appeals, often falling on deaf ears, to
the least bad. Then came the phone
Library and, that most difficult of all
chivalry etc.
call from a lady in Whitefield who
tasks, persuading teenage boys to
Sandra has never shied away from
had recently resigned from a rather
read.
hard work. She had been allocated
high powered post in Rochdale.
She introduced special days and
what is now UP as a form room. She
Sandra was exactly what we
events. The “Bug Man”, writing
asked me what needed to be done
needed – a gifted and experienced
workshops, Carnegie shadowing
over the summer and I told her that,
teacher who was available
exercises and various “meet the
since resources were stretched, the
immediately. Bury Grammar School
Author” days, perhaps the most
cleaning staff would probably not get
has benefited from her enthusiasm,
impressive being when, allegedly, we
around to giving the room a thorough
talent, wit and sheer professionalism
had a visit from ex-SAS soldier Andy
bottoming. I thought no more about
ever since.
McNab - although, since no
this but towards the end of the
A native of Bolton, she attended
photographs were allowed and since
holiday I discovered Sandra in her
Smithills Grammar School where
no pictures of him are in the public
marigolds wielding a Vax carpet-
Tony Young, her junior, remembers a
10

11. usually able to defuse even the most
is denied access to food. Two
domain, we only have Mrs Glancy’s
difficult of situations.
examples will serve:
word that the hunk who so impressed
On a personal note. I could not
i) Arras, Northern France, at the
the ladies in the office was who he
have wished for a better colleague.
end of an exhausting and somewhat
claimed to be!
Sandra has been a rock. Always a
emotional day. We find a baker’s
One of the two landmark
good listener, always having time.
shop, shortly before closing time.
developments in this school in the
Sandra’s strong Christian faith clearly
Mrs Glancy declares her desire for
past decade has been the Learning
underpins her actions. She has real
pizza, she is outmanoeuvred by
Resource Centre. Sandra’s
values to which she always adheres.
Richard Johnson who purchases the
contribution to the detailed planning
Hers is a practical Christianity – she
one remaining slice. Feet are
and launch of this showpiece was
belongs to “the church militant” and
stamped, knee caps threatened but
immense.
Sandra is probably the only member
our Economist friend munches away
Nevertheless all the above pales
of our Common Room in the
in oblivion – probably very fortunate
into insignificance beside her
Mothers’ Union. She is a keen
not to be despatched there.
contribution to the History
gardener and has a passion for the
ii) The train home after a 6th
Department. When John Darling did
outdoors. She embraces the arts and
Form History & Politics trip. Mrs
return, briefly, he did not know what
enjoys travel but, above all, she looks
Glancy had entrusted her M&S tuna
had hit us! On the day of the GCSE
out for people.
pasta salad to a boy earlier in the day.
exam he came to me in a rather
Sandra Glancy has played a
When she asked him for the meal it
perplexed state – “Sandra’s enthusing
massive role in the life of this school
had gone. Nothing could be done to
about the ‘Stimulus material’,” he
over the past 16 years. It is not an
placate Madame – the journey home
said. “What does she mean?”
understatement to say that she will be
was hellish as she resurrected all the
“I think you will find she means
missed hugely. She goes with our
hurt and bitterness of the Arras pizza
the map!”
love and our very best wishes for a
incident.
She has played a welcome part in
long, healthy, happy and fulfilling
So, just a brief insight into
many School trips. All who have
retirement.
Sandra’s time in BGSB. Never a dull
spent time with Sandra will readily
DEA
moment, never afraid to take on even
acknowledge what an agreeable
the most awkward of young men –
companion she is. Until, that is, she
TONY HARRISON
listed for me in great detail in order (staff) were a bit mad. You could talk
to write this article. I shall be giving to him like a normal person.’ It’s
a faithful account of his many funny how Old Boys’ memories of
contributions to School life, just in school are so often distorted and
case anyone was unaware of his unreliable. In 1990 Tony was
dedication and unbounded selfless promoted to Head of General Studies
energy. and Coordinator of Friday Activities.
In 1983, Tony became manager- He was also appointed as Chairman
coach of the U15 Football Team. He of the Anglo-Israeli Committee, but
was an inspirational figurehead and by whom remains a mystery. The
steered his side to many victories; he workings of this body was never
stepped down in 1994, a man still at really made public and this has led to
the top of his game. The 1980s was much rumour and speculation –
the decade of the yuppie (young wholly without foundation, Mr
When I arrived at BGS in 1989, Tony upwardly–mobile professional), and Harrison maintains.
Harrison was already well Tony…..well….. he became editor of Tony has contributed a great deal
established. In post for an impressive The Clavian and Staff Liaison Officer to School productions over the years.
six years, which in those days was a with the JCR Committee, roles which He directed several plays: A Servant
quarter of my lifespan, he had of Two Masters (1985), the eerily
demanded much of his time for the
decided to take up a position at BGS titled Harvey (1987), Oliver (1995)
best part of five years. Many Old
in September 1983, instead of a place and A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Boys who were at school between
at Oxford University to read for an (2004). Every other year he has been
1985 and 2007 will remember Mr
MPhil in English Literature; a involved backstage as props or stage
Harrison as their Form Master in the
sensible decision at last (Je ne manager. The amount of time and
fourth and fifth years; a caring and
regrette rien) after squandering much energy needed to make a success of
approachable figure, greatly
of the 70s as a disaffected computer these productions is phenomenal,
respected. I met an Old Boy at a
programmer. especially when the teaching load is
wedding a few years ago, and
His First Class
at maximum level. Tony’s shows
chatting about the old days (I
Honours from Lancaster University
were always of the highest standard;
desperately trying to remember his
in English (1982) confirmed
there was a real sense of
name) he asked whether ‘Harrison’
suspicions that Antony Harrison was
professionalism, as one might expect
was ‘still there’. I said that he was.
brighter than he was letting on.
from an MA in TV and Radio
‘He was all right, Harrison was,’
Tony has an impressive record of
Scriptwriting (Salford University)
mused the Old Boy, ‘a lot of ‘em
achievement at BGS, which he has
11

12. and a member of The Royal glory days of the Piccadilly Marathon his outstanding talents for all this
Exchange Theatre Writers’ Exchange. (1989) which he completed in a time, and it is no surprise that he feels
Tony has written many plays (as scorching 3hrs 30mins. Tony is also the need to explore new possibilities.
many as E. Wise, in fact) and we are good at golf, playing off an enviable He intends to read for a PhD and is
grateful that he has kept them largely handicap of 14. Apart from literature seeking teaching opportunities in
to himself and not tried to give them and sport, Tony has a serious interest Higher Education. I would not be
an airing via the annual school in film. He will watch hours and surprised to see some of Tony’s work
production. hours of arty nonsense as well as in print or on stage in the near future.
Tony has always been about a proper ones with proper actors. Tony As Danny Boon in Billy Liar would
decade and a bit ahead of me in age. also loves music: Dylan, Sinatra, say: ‘Good luck …..and remember
…..keep writing!’ Tony isn’t a bit
He provided me with a positive role Springsteen (when in acoustic mode),
like that loser, Billy Fisher, though.
model of what life was going to be and many others.
Just need to make that quite clear.
like in my thirties, and then in my The best thing about working with
forties and so on. I lost interest in Tony is his sense of fun. In a school
LWR
2005 when Tony had a hip such as BGS there is plenty of raw
replacement. The operation was material to inspire humour, and this
successful, but Tony must now accept has kept us going through some
that his best running days are over. pretty tough times. So what now for
However, he can look back on the Tony? BGS has been lucky to secure
CAROLE STIRZAKER
charge.
Failsworth School, teaching mainly
In particular the boys who have
French with some Spanish. Whilst at
studied A level French with her have
Failsworth she also worked as
invariably profited from her absolute
examinations officer, and was Head
mastery of her subject and many have
of Sixth Form and Head of French.
grown to share her enthusiasm for
When Failsworth lost its Sixth Form
and understanding of French
Carole decided, since she did not
literature largely through her
want to lose the sixth form teaching,
inspiring teaching. A recent,
to move. In 1991 Failsworth’s loss
particularly talented set of students
was BGS’s certain gain.
were rewarded for the spectacular
Whilst at BGS Carole fulfilled a
progress several of them had made in
large number of roles: at various
their studies by being rewarded, not
times a form tutor of first, second and
only with the customary Mars bars,
third forms, a teacher of French
which formed a regular prize for
throughout the School and Latin and
deserving pupils, but also by being
German to younger boys, GCSE
introduced to the murkiest depths of
examinations officer, flower arranger
Carole Stirzaker, or Carole Johnson
the subjunctive mood – a higher
extraordinaire, a lion tamer on
as she was known, is an Old Girl of
accolade could not be imagined!
holidays in France and Belgium, and,
the School, or at least the female
She has wrestled (wo)manfully
last but not least, Chairman of the
branch, having attended BGSB under
and successfully with the increasing
Common Room. A goodly list of
the formidable leadership of Miss
intricacies of the examination system,
responsibilities held, but such a list
Lester, who was known as the Queen
tiers of entry, extra time, new
by itself can give only an incomplete
to the girls. Whilst at BGSG Carole
regulations, and has been a model of
idea of the person who has performed
met Mark Stirzaker, who was in the
efficiency, ensuring that the
the tasks. So what can be said about
male branch, and later became Mrs S.
examination season runs smoothly.
Carole? First of all, that she has
The family connections with BGS do
The whole operation now seems to
always taken all her responsibilities
not of course end there: the present
offer the logistical nightmares of a
seriously and discharged them
writer remembers teaching Mark’s
full-scale military campaign, but
conscientiously and effectively.
younger brother, Ian, in the Sixth
Major Stirzaker has been more than
Whether dealing with spotty
Form, and it is only three years ago
equal to the task.
adolescents, who are not always the
that Carole and Mark’s son, Richard,
She has never been a lady lacking
easiest of beasts, at times are
completed his time at BGS before
in courage, a fact amply
downright awkward, or with
going up to Cambridge. But to return
demonstrated two years ago upon the
members of the Common Room, who
to Carole: she read French at
retirement of a couple of
are not always the easiest of beasts, at
Southampton University, considered
distinguished members of staff. Such
times downright awkward, she has
getting a job in industry – indeed she
events have traditionally been
been understanding, usually patient
obtained a post as “technical
marked by the resurrection of the
and firmly polite. She has taught
computer programmer” with Plessey
Mastersingers, the staff choir, to
French very successfully at all levels,
Electronics which she never took up
perform a specially dedicated musical
and has been concerned to get the
– but then teacher trained, before
item. Carole had been begged by a
very best out of the boys in her
returning north to spend 10 years at
12