Burton Grammar School Old Boys Association Founded 1921 Newsletter Number 36 March 2009
President Mr. Peter Evanson 1952-59		Vice President Mr. R.F.Andrews 1952-58
Hon. Secretary Mr Richard J. Wain 1944-50 131 Mill Hill Lane Burton-on-Trent Tel: 01283-539784		Hon. Treasurer Mr Roger Deacon 35 Bretby Road Newhall, Swadlincote Derbyshire DE11 0LJ Tel: 01283-212498
Sports Secretary Norman Harvey 1949-54 90 Ashby Road Burton-on-Trent Staffs DE15 0PP Tel: 01283-563645		Editor Newsletter Deryck Barker 1955-60 43 Rolleston Road Burton-on-Trent Staffs DE13 0JT Tel: 01283-536849
Executive Committee President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Editor		Newsletter Committee R.J.Wain, D.Barker, Past Presidents
Next Old Boys’ Reunion Friday 15th May 2009 Bretby Conference Centre, Ashby Road Burton-on-Trent Staffs. DE15 0YZ Tel: 01283-553440

 

Minutes of the Burton Grammar School Old Boys’ Association Annual General Meeting 16th May 2008,held at the Bretby Conference Centre.

President Malcolm Watson in the chair with 60 members present.

The President opened the meeting with a short address on his term of office and thanked the Committee for the work done. He presented the Association with a new gavel plate and oak box to hold the Association Insignia.

The Secretary read a tribute to Ted Warren, remembering how he had helped revive the Association in 1988 and his 18 years as Secretary. The names of six Old Boys who had passed away in the last year were read out and a short silence observed.

The names of 22 members who had sent apologies were also read .

The minutes of the last AGM held on 18th May 2007 read out by the Secretary.

Acceptance was proposed by Ray Gilbert, seconded by Bob Andrews and passed by members.

In the Treasurer’s absence the Financial Statement was read out by the Secretary.

There had been generous donations totaling £419.00, but there were outgoings of £366.00 caused by the purchase of 100 ties, of which 19 were sold so far. The expense was queried from the floor and it was explained that the committee had anticipated a greater sale, which had not happened. The accounts were proposed by Norman

Tompkins, seconded by John Illingworth and passed by members.

The retiring President, Malcolm Watson, handed over the chain of office to the new President, Peter Evanson.

Peter thanked Malcolm for all his work and proposed David Brunning (54-62) as Vice -President (David unfortunately could not be present).

The remaining officers – Secretary, Treasurer and Editor were then re-elected ‘en bloc’, proposed by Terry Hickman and seconded by Bob Andrews.

Any Other Business
1. The Secretary stated that the Association Committee had held a meeting on 11 March 2008 and had decided to re-issue the Chronicle of Members and the Rules of the Association. The original rules of 1922 would be amended in accordance with the various changes agreed at AGM’s through the years, and brought up to date.

2. The ‘67 Group, that is the Burton Grammar School 1967 entry year, have formed a reunion group and are meeting in parallel with the Association. Keith Large is their Co-ordinator and is also a member of the Association. The Committee welcomes the group and hopes that the members will join the Association (which is why the extra ties were ordered).

3. The Association website has been handed over to Kevin Gallagher and he was made welcome. Tom Casey was thanked for his work on the website over the past ten years.

4. A proposal was put forward to put the Lowe Cup into storage, but there was no seconder. It was therefore proposed by John Illingworth, seconded by Bob Andrews, that the cup should be played for.

5. The Secretary thanked the Treasurer and Editor for their support in his first year of office and thanked Harry Rothera and Christine Thompson for their assistance with the Newsletter and Keith Large for assistance with postage.

6. Christine Thompson, Head Teacher of Abbot Beyne, suggested that the School Remembrance Service could be held on Tuesday Nov. 11th or Friday Nov. 7th. A vote of members chose Tuesday November 11th at 8.30am in the Evershed Building.

7. The suggestion was made from the floor that the Newsletter should be sent out by e-mail. The Editor is willing to do this. Members were asked to give the Editor their e-mail addresses.

8. Harry Smith asked that the speeches at dinner be kept short to allow time for conversation.

9. The meeting was closed at 7.45pm and the members moved on to the reunion dinner.

Peter Evanson about to receive the Insignia of Office from outgoing President, Malcolm Watson.

New Members
We welcome all eight new members to the Association

Walter John Wilkinson 1948-1956
We are pleased to welcome Walter to the fold, from a distant Australia. Living at 29 Casieau Street Higgins ACT2615. he can be contacted on 0262548459 or by e-mail. He graduated at the University of Birmingham and emigrated in 1966 and worked for the Australian government until he retired in 1993.
At school he was a Prefect and member of the Swimming Athletics and Rugby Teams. He won prizes for Spanish and French under the tuition of K.T.Harris and Hugh Wood. He lists other memorable teachers such as Polly Lownds, Cyril Edlin, Tom Snape, Jake Hammond, Chas Brown, Joey Crowther, also remembering Vic Roebuck joining the school.

Sydney Litherland 1932-37
We are delighted to hear from Sydney, now residing at 12 The Alexander, 32 Evershed Place St Leonards-on-Sea. East Sussex TN37 6QP. He can be contacted by telephone on 01424-720106 or by e-mail.

With Sydney’s Membership Application, came an interesting report from his time in form Vb1 Aug1st 1933, the cover of the School Rugby Club Fixtures for 1936-37, a very interesting CV from March 1980 and a request for an Association Tie.

I will ,with Sydney’s permission pass on these documents to Kevin Gallagher as they are worthy of including on the website.

Brian “Bryn” Meyer 1952-57
We welcome Bryn to the fold from his 94 Smugglers Lane North, Highcliffe on Sea, Christchurch Dorset BH23 4NL address. Bryn has had a career in the Merchant Navy and in Marine Consultancy he can be contacted by email.

Michael John Peace 1962-67
Michael lives at 68a High Street, Newhall, Swadlincote Derbyshire DE11 0HU. He is keen to make contact with fellow schoolmates and ay be contacted by email.

Greg Hall M.B.E. 1959-66
Greg is in contact from 74 Manor Way, Ruislip Middex HA4 8HL, extolling the virtues of Brab Smith saving him from a possible life of crime. Greg has had an impressive career in education which lead to him receiving the M.B.E. He can be contacted by email.

Robert Danks 1957-64
Robert of 31 The Crescent, Barnes, London SW13 0NN is a Chartered Architect and has a father Arthur living in Stretton.

Alan Cloves 1952-57
Alan lives at 47 Chain Lane Mickleover Derby DE3 9AL and can be contacted by email.

John McCombe 1968-73
John writes from The Crest ,Moorland Road, Bridgewater Somerset , where he is a serving Salvation Army Officer. He may be contacted by email

Michael Prevett 1952-58
Having found the web-site Michael has decided to join from his home in Australia where he has now retired from a world-wide career in metallurgy and mining. He may be contacted by email.

News of Members

Robert Street. 1960-67
Sent apologies from Glasgow for the 2008 A.G.M. having suffered a stroke. Our good wishes for a speedy recovery.

Duncan Bradley 1962-68 GBSM, ABSM(Gen Mus), ABSM(Organ), FASC.
After leaving the Grammar School in 1968 I spent three years at what is now Birmingham Conservatoire graduating with the Graduate diploma and two Associateship diplomas.

A year at Reading University saw me gain the Cert Ed. To cut a long story quite short, in 1979 I was appointed to the staff of The Gregg School in Southampton where I am Director of Music. In 2006, I was elected a Fellow of the Academy of St Cecilia, a learned society specialising in early music. In 1987, I was “clothed” as an Oblate of Alton Abbey, an Anglican Benedictine Monastery in Hampshire and this is where I give a number of organ recitals each year. My first wife died in 2002 and I have since remarried and am extremely happy. I have two children; Jonathan is currently serving with the Royal Navy and has completed two tours in Iraq and Helen is an advisor for Early Years education in Kent. My time in school is kept very busy, particularly around Christmas time, as concerts are literally booked twelve months in advance.

Graham Staley 1966-73
Graham has resubmitted an application to join the Association from 565 Muirfield Loop.Reunion, Florida, USA 34747. He has had an impressive career within the Brewing Industry as CEO of Prague Breweries CFO Labatt. USA and Labatt Canada and is currently CFO AmBev Sao Paulo Brazil. I believe we lost contact when Graham moved from Atlanta in 1997.

C.G.”Jagger” Morris 1940-47
Jagger writes from his London home, as he is resistant to computers and e-mail., with corrections to the captions of the 1944-45 : 1945-46 1st XV photographs on the website. He also reminds us that if the 1943-44 and 1946-7 are ever put on the site his initials are always the same. Jagger also comments on the 2007 Obituary of Thomas Griffiths reminding us that Thomas was Captain of 1stXV 1943-44 and a very strong running centre three quarter Thanks for the information which we did not have, all this has been passed to Kevin Gallagher.

Derrick Pounds 1946-51
Derrick sends a lengthy e-mail with his thanks for the last Newsletter, he also picks up on my Agricultural interests and relates notes, experiences and activities from an Irish trip to agricultural contacts. He also notes that on his flight to Shannon one of his bags containing a maple spinning wheel arrived safely but his clothes were sent to Rome arriving with him some 4 days later.

Jim Woolley. 1942-49
Jim has been a Foundation Govenor on the Abbot Beyne School Foundation, representing The Burton Grammar School Old Boys’ Association, since 1983. After 26 years service he is resigning and the BGSOBA Committee will seek a replacement. Jim deserves congratulations on his service.

The Class of 1957
Form 5B – present to support the newly elected President G. P. Evanson ( Centre back). With invited guest, well known to all, Mr Vic Roebuck. plus two notable interlopers. Who are they? Answers please on a post card.!!!!

Attendees from left to right.

Bryn Meyer, David Bunting, Gordon Hindle ( high ), David Dytham, Rob Smith, Rod Purbrick, Alec Dytham, Martin Potter, Ian Reynolds, G. P.Evanson (President), Vic Roebuck, Terry Hickman ( seated), David Hough, Norman Roe, Alan Cloves, David Moore, David Shrubbs, John Diggens.

Chronicle of Members
Apologies to the following for errors contained in the Chronicle. We do understand how annoying it can be if names are incorrectly spelled, salutations are incorrect, qualifications are not all shown and the current address is incorrect.

We rely totally on communication from all involved in the Association, to try and keep records up to date and offer our thanks to those who have taken the trouble to make us aware of the errors and omissions.

The following should be amended in your Chronicle:

Mrs. C. S. Thompson, B.A.Hons ; M.Ed. Abbot Beyne School, Osbourne Street .Winshill, Burton-on-Trent Staffs. DE15 0LJ

Mr A.L. Heyward B.A; M Ed; F.R.S.A. Larksbarn, Cowley Hill Farm, Hamstall Ridware, Rugeley Staffs. WS15 3QQ

Mr.C.E.Bell. 10 Princes Crescent, Dollar, Clackmannanshire. FK14 7BN

Mr. R.A.Bell. 11a Stanhope Raod, Mickleover Derby , Derbyshire DE3 9HG

Mr. F..A.Berry Heys Lodge, Twyford Close, Heanor, Derbyshire DE75 7RZ

Baron S. Brewin. M.B.E.; M.A.; F.C.I.S.A.; F.C.C.A.;F.I.P.A.; C.T.A.

Curts, 23 St Catherine’s Road, Hayling Island, PO11 0HF. ( Now Deceased)

Mr. .M. J. Threse. Appt 3. Blue Bay, 75-77Boscombe Overcliff Drive Bournemouth, Dorset, BH5 2EL

Mr D. H.Davies. Little Britain Cottage, Kimbolton, Leominster, Hereford. HR6 0HQ.

Mr. J. G. Davies. St Mary’s, Sweeney Mountain. Oswestry, Shropshire. SY10 9EX

Mr P.G. Stanley. 4 Raven Road, Yoxall, Burton-on-Trent, Staffordshire. DE13 8PA

Mr E.J.Hathaway 29 Selly Wick, Birmingham, West Midlands B29 7JQ

Mr R. Throssell. 2 Lodge Court, Hollins Hill, Hamforthwaite, Harrogate Yorks H93 2WY

Prof. D.J.Kirkland. 9.Beech Walk. Tadcaster. N.Yorkshire LS24 9LH.

Mr. J.H. Nutt. DipAD; ATC; AdDAE; 53 Lee Park, West Buckland, Wellington, Somerset, TA21 9PX

Mr D. Oakden. 10 St Michael’s Drive, Ravenstone , Leicester, LE67 3JA.

F. J. Hill. Three Limes, Bretby Lane, Newton Solney, Burton-on-Trent Staffs. DE15 0RX

Roger Heape. 15 Peninsula Square. Winchester Hampshire. SO23 89J

OBA Dinner 2008
Following the Dinner at which 63 members sat down, the President, Peter Evanson, gave a humorous account of his sporting career in the school, paying tribute to Vic Roebuck and Harry Smith, both of whom were present. Peter also thanked Christine Thompson for the tour of the school History Room which was enjoyed that after noon by the twenty members of the ‘57 Vb group.

Peter then asked Christine to give a short account of the school year. She reported an eventful year in which the school had undergone an OFSTED inspection and had been placed in the ‘good’ category, ‘with outstanding features, rising standards achieved by an effective team.’

Christine paid tribute to Ted Warren, who died shortly after attending the Remembrance Service, and Peter Vernon, the Director of Music who died in a cycling accident.

The President announced Steve Wilcox as the winner of the Lowe Cup, and presented it to him. There were eight players this year and Norman Harvey was thanked for organizing the competition. Both before and after the speeches, members were entertained by Kevin Gallagher, who visited the tables performing acts of magic which defied explanation. Kevin also brought along his lap-top so that members could access the Association website.

This year will be the 80th Anniversary of the Lowe Cup and if not well supported it may be the last time that the cup is presented. Your support would be much appreciated as entrance fees fall well short of the cost of insuring and inscribing the trophy .No doubt there will be further discussion at the A.G.M. To enter this year please contact Norman Harvey on 01283-563645 to arrange Tee Times and playing partnersThe President then proposed a toast to the next reunion which will take place on Friday 15th May 2009, along with the Golf Competition.

The Lowe Golf Cup.
Whilst rummaging through boxes of various documents relating to The Association, trying to find anything relating to “ The Constitution” it was a delight to find a copy of a 1930 version of “ The Chronicle of Members”. To make this Chronicle more interesting than just a relatively short list, numerous articles had been written, ranging from a Eulogy to The late W.T. Jeffcott a “Senior Classical Master” at Burton Grammar School 1883-1919, “ An Appreciation” of “Piggy” as he was known written by the Father of our current Secretary, Mr H.J Wain. The School Song plus an article on “The Old Boys’ Colours” which to my surprise were Blue and Yellow. Along with these and other interesting notes was “ The Lowe Golf Cup” which starts as follows: The first competition for the Lowe Challenge Cup was played at Bretby in June 1929.

This of course means that the competition this year will be the eightieth anniversary of this event Can we make it one to remember?

The article goes on to say “ During the past winter, it was felt that too many of the “Old Boys too feeble to shiver in shorts on the Rugger field, too doddering to dance, and some too Senile for a smoker– might yet gain great distinction at the Royal and Ancient game of Golf” An Emblem was required for the Competition and numerous minds sparked in unison with the name of T. E. Lowe, described as the most generous of men. His response beyond the wildest dreams of the Association was the presentation of the “Cup”, christened with due pomp. “ In fair round belly” gracefully pillared with arms akimbo– a noble token for toughened “Froth-blowers” Yea even those weaned in to the Great House of Bass.

The Competition for this cup will be played for annually at Bretby on the third Wednesday of May. (This as you know has now changed to the third Friday)The cup being presented in its first year by The President C. F. Gothard to the winner Mr Read Samble with Mr. W. B .Darley being runner- up.

21 competitors having taken part. All names well known and respected in the Town it would be such a shame to see the competition fold.

In Memoriam

D. R. Wellbourne. 1945-52 R. I. P. 29th Feb. 2008
David’s brother- in-law John Hodgson informed us of his passing, following a long and courageous battle against cancer. Sadly this news reached us just as our last newsletter had been printed. His passing , was however reported at the AGM on 16th May 2008. Our condolences go to all the family.

Dr. John Prince Bull C.B.E. 1928-35 R. I. P. 7th Aug 2008
We hear of the passing of John via his daughter Rachel, she informs us of the fact that he was working on notes of his time at school up until his death and Rachel promises to forward these works for use in web-site or newsletter. Our condolences go to the family at this sad time.

M. H. Bates 1943-50 R. I. P 20th Oct. 2008
Michael Henry Bates born in 1931, passed peacefully away at home leaving an enormous legacy of joy to all those infused with his love of music. His interest in music began as a small boy taking piano lessons and becoming a chorister at St Aidan’s Church Shobnall.

After leaving BGS Michael completed two years National Service and then became a civil servant, an occupation in which he found little satisfaction and so he turned to Teaching, taking as course at St Mark and St John’s College Chelsea.

Following a period of teaching at Joseph Clark Primary School further Teacher Training was undertaken. He returned to the district taking a post at Dovecliff Grammar School where he remained for 25years, raising the profile of music within the School and developing the talents of pupils and staff in productions of Gilbert and Sullivan Operas nd Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana. To give additional opportunity to young people, Michael and his friend Stuart Gill developed Burton Youth Choir, which successfully toured throughout Europe and America.

On retirement, singing with Derwent Singers, Derby Cathedral Voluntary Choir and Golf were his pastimes, but after being approached by past members of Burton Youth Choir he was persuaded to direct a new choir, The Mercian Chorale which gained International repute, winning the International Eisteddfod Chamber Choir category.

The funeral service was held at St Wystan’s Church Repton, led by The Reverend Peter Paine. Tributes were given by Howard Jones and Chris Mallinson, with an Address by the Reverend Stanley Morris. At Michaels request, the cortege left the church to the Amen Chorus from Handle’s Messiah

D. A. Holford. 1942-49 R.I. P. 08. May. 2008

R. J. Fisher R.I. P. Jan. 2008

Roger Stubbs 1944-53 R.I.P. 02 Nov 2008

Reginald W. Bloss 1956-61 sadly died whilst in Spain R.I. P. 15 Sept. 2008

Baron Sydney Brewin. M.B.E.; M.A.; F.C.I.S.A.; F.C.C.A.;F.I.P.A.; C.T.A.
Curts, 23 St Catherine’s Road, Hayling Island, PO11 0HF. 1942-47

Sadly we are informed by daughter Sarah, of the passing her father Sydney Brewin. During a long battle with cancer, he had managed to remain at home until Monday 19th Jan enjoying home comforts. It then became necessary to move him to hospital where he sadly died on Wed 21st Jan. He was a renowned accountant and Liberal campaigner. He was also a very enthusiastic supporter of our Association

The condolences of all members of the Old Boys’ Association go to the families of all the bereaved.

Ted Warren.
Since I was asked to write a few words about Ted, stories have been coming in from old pupils, such as the good hearted mayhem stirred up on the Midland Red buses to and from his home in Newhall and his performance on the cricket field as a School 1st X1 wicketkeeper. When a batsman missed a ball Ted would lie on his back and roar with laughter.

Most of us remember Ted for his service to the Association. He joined the committee in 1970 and was elected Vice president in 1971, becoming President in 1972-73. That year the School went comprehensive and the School History was published. Firm decisions were required. In 1988 The association was revived after some years in decline and Ted was one of the Committee of Past Presidents who helped get it going again. In 1989 Ted was elected secretary, a post he held with distinction until illness forced him to resign only a few months before his death in 2007.

When Ted handed over to me we compiled a list of Secretary’s duties which has been a great help– But I still miss his advice.
R.J.Wain

A.G.M. Update.
It is with some regret that I report that our elected Vice President will not be in a position to take up the appointment of President at the forthcoming A.G.M. His Hon. Judge David Brunning B.A., P.D.A. will be away from this country at this time and feels that it would be better for the association to seek an alternative President.

Peter Evanson has worked hard to achieve this and following discussion with the Committee, I am pleased to inform you that Mr Bob Andrews 1952-58 has agreed to take on this role

Ties.
There are still some Old Boys’ Association Ties available priced at £10.85 by post

Please contact either Richard Wain—Secretary or Deryck Barker—Editor should you require one.

Grand Re-union Caps
There are about 10 commemorative caps left for sale £12.50 plus P&P overseas rates are quite high. Contact John Evans on 07957-190186 for details and order.

R. F. Andrews. 1952-58.
I came to Burton in 1948 when my father was appointed Head Cooper at Marstons and regard myself as a Burtonian.

I was at the Grammar School from 1952 to 1958, first in Bond Street and my last year in the new building in Winshill. My first job on leaving school was at Marstons in the registrar’s office. In 1962 I moved to London and worked as a salesman for Olivetti before setting off in March 1963, with two companions, to drive from London to Salisbury, Rhodesia.

The journey took three months and we travelled across Europe, through the Middle East and then from Cairo we followed the Nile to Uganda. When we arrived in Rhodesia we were stony broke and so had to sell the battered Land Rover (mind you the AA had told us it wouldn’t even get to Brighton!). Two of us hitchhiked through Rhodesia and into South Africa where we went our separate ways. During my thirteen years in South Africa I lived in Johannesburg and Durban and when I was appointed Marketing Manager for Philips, was fortunate to travel all over Southern Africa, a wonderful experience.

In 1976 I was head hunted to become a Middle East consultant representing a variety of companies involved in the supply of equipment for civil defence and lived in Egypt as a base for two years before moving to Hungerford in Berkshire. The position of consultant developed into an international one and I was lucky enough to see most of Europe, Australasia and the United States.

When I met my wife in 1980 I decided to live and work in the UK and established my own successful consultancy which I sold in 1990. We bought a small farm in France and lived the ‘Good Life’ with our animals. We had a wonderful time in France but my wife (who will tell you she is much younger than me) wanted to continue her career in the NHS. So in the mid nineties we sold the farm and moved to London.

Ten years ago we bought our 250 year old cottage in Draycott-in-the-Clay where we both enjoy our garden which we have changed dramatically. We are both now retired and keep busy with our ever growing family, a hectic social calendar, with my work as Honorary Secretary for a nursing charity and my wife as Chair of the Safeguarding Children Board in Stoke.

We love retirement and wonder how we ever managed to fit in real work! Meanwhile I try to play golf but as yet have not got off my handicap of 28!

Bob Andrews. 9th Jan 2009

Armistice Assembly Tuesday 11th November 2008.
Once again, Old Boys were made very welcome at the Evershed Building for the Armistice Assembly. Held this year on the 11th November at 8.45am to fit in with the school day. On arrival we were greeted by Alex Ganley and Ashley Collins both sixth form students who ensured we had refreshment prior to the Assembly.

A number of apologies were received, mostly as a result of ill health, these being from Roger Deacon, Don Ewers, Tony Trigg, Ken Bancroft, Norman Tompkins, P. Booth, David Hardwick and Don Sharratt.
Those in attendance numbered 17 including Mrs Jackie Andrews, they are as follows:
Bob Andrews, Peter Appleby, Ivan Bancroft, Deryck Barker, Peter Evanson, Dennis Grimsley, Mike Hamilton, R. Harrison, Keith Large, Alan Neal, Harry Smith, Frank Toon, Malcolm Watson , Richard Wain, Ted Weston and Jim Woolley.

The Assembly and presentation was led by teacher Neil Cooper and focused on 2 soldiers the First World War 1914-18.

The soldiers mentioned being C.C. Simnet and H.F. Simnet both pupils of the Grammar School, with thorough and detailed research having been done by Neil Cooper. Charlie Simnet of the North Staffs Regiment based in Ypres Belgium sending a letter home to his family in Moor Street. A reason for joining up was that the war would be over by Christmas but the reality was very different.

Lauren Wardle and Matt Talbot read the letter sent by Charlie from the front relating to the activities on Christmas Day 1914 when a Christmas truce was called and a game of football took place between English and German troops. Sadly Charlie did not survive the war and was killed on 31st July 1917, he was buried in Perth Cemetery, close to where the truce took place, along with another 4030 souls of which 1371 were unknown .Horace Frank Simnet of 31 Ashby Road Burton was involved in the Battle of the Somme, some 120 miles away from Charlie .This battle started on July 1st 1916 and was supposed to be the breakthrough which would end the war. The battle took place on an 18mile stretch of the Western Front in Northern France with 60.000 men advancing in the first wave. The bombardment ceased at 7.30am and in this battle 23 year old Horace lost his life.

Other pupils of the school lost in this battle were: Thomas Beevers, Frank Thomas Lake, a 22yr old of 72 Main Street Stapenhill, and Albury Evershed 25 yrs old of Albury House. All members of North Staffs Battalion.

All are commemorated on the Thiepval Memorial which present day pupils visit each year. A poem entitled The Soldier by Rupert Brook was then read by Lauren Wardle. This was followed by President G. P .Evanson’s emotional and moving delivery of “For the Fallen” by Laurence Binyon.

The question was then asked “ How do we remember them” Not just the soldiers of the First World War but those whose lives have been crippled by all conflicts up to and including the present day. Here the reason behind wearing a poppy was explained, a poem entitled “ Please Wear a Poppy” was then read by Head Boy Callum Lowe and Head Girl Lyndsey Bean

The gathered audience were then asked to Honour our Past by Shaping our Future. This was followed by the Laying of Wreaths, The Last Post and a Minutes Silence.

At the conclusion of the Assembly Old Boys’ were entertained to refreshments. The whole event being a credit to the School, all of the Staff and the Pupils.

D.J.Grimsley’s Letter to the Local Press following the Armistice Assembly.
On the morning of November 11, I was privileged to attend the Remembrance Day Presentation at the Abbot Beyne School as a representative of the Old Boys’ Association along with a number of other Old Boys and former staff of the Burton Grammar School.

I should like as a former member of staff from 1956-61 and a pupil from 1942-50 to say how very impressed I was with the impeccable behaviour of the students who attended. At no stage was there any shuffling of feet or lack of concentration at what was taking place. It was conducted in a most pleasing environment and all those concerned with what took place deserve our very grateful thanks for the hard work that was put in and the welcome we received as visitors.

Many people in all kinds of communities quite regularly express their dissatisfaction at the behaviour of present day students. Their impeccable behaviour makes me proud to say that I was once a member of that institution.

Frank Toon
Frank always manages to produce an article of interest for the Newsletter. Promised whilst attending the Armistice Assembly and reminded in mid January Frank writes:

Last year I mentioned that my youngest daughter, Karen, is involved with the tour firm Inside Track, and as a result I once again booked a holiday. This time covering Shropshire, Cumbria, North east England, and Cornwall. The last one covering every branch line in that county, which as a result of the savaged routes, this is not as difficult as one might first envisage.

Karen, as some of you will know came along to the last re-union, and as a result met some very dear friends of mine, as well as visiting this unknown area of Staffordshire and South Derbyshire and whilst in the latter heard at first hand the local dialect!

I did my usual seven days as Sir Topham Hatt at the east Somerset Railway for the Thomas the Tank Engine events. This year I had to go on a training day in London on behalf of the Company who own “the Thomas Brand” Having done the “Topham” job, in the region for the last 10 years I am happy to report that I passed.

I had, on a more serious matter, to get clearances from the Criminal Records Bureau as I am working with children. I already had a feeling that something like this was on its way and had already become more careful, especially when being photographed with children. All rather sad as it to some extent takes away the enjoyment and innocence of the event.

Abbot Beyne Upper School Celebration Evening. Dec 15th 2008
President G.P. Evanson accompanied by his wife, Secretary Richard Wain, Editor Deryck Barker accompanied by his wife, and Dennis Grimsley ,attended this splendid Celebration Evening.

All present were welcomed by Mrs Fletcher, Chair of the Governors before Head teacher Mrs Christine Thompson gave a very enthusiastic report of the School and its achievements in the current year .They has achieved their highest GCSE grades in 25 years and were ranked 4th out of 50 schools in Staffordshire. Many visits had been made by pupils both at home and abroad led by staff who “ Do things that matter to students”.

One group singled out were those involved in the Namibia Restoration Project Team. To make this happen those involved had to raise £26.000 an almost impossible target, but it was achieved and those involved had, what they described as a life changing experience.

Sports achievements were spoken of by Mrs Gough Joint leader for Physical Education and The Pastoral leader for Year 11 reported on Certificates for the year in question. Sixth Form Awards were spoken of by the Pastoral leader for the VIth form.

All Certificates and prizes were presented by an Old Boy of Abbot Beyne, this being Police Inspector Javid Oomer based in Burton-on-Trent . Interestingly he had brought along some of his school reports and shared some of the comments written on them about his need to display his hidden potential, written by none other than the now Head teacher Mrs Christine Thompson who to her great credit had spotted his talent some fifteen years earlier.

A musical interlude was provided by staff and students with a superb rendition of Oh Holy Night. The solo lead being sung by a very talented Chloe Salt.

The Old Boys’ Cricket prize was awarded to Robert Holmes and the Pat Grimsley Award for most improved artist was awarded to Lorna Brammer.

A vote of thanks to the Guest speaker was given by Head Boy Callum Low and all attending were entertained to refreshment at the close of the ceremony.