Sunday 29 December 2013

The flood clean-up - awards for the helpers

People who helped clean up after the flood at Boston Grammar School have received an award showing the school's thanks. The award was made by the school's Design and Technology technicians and includes a section of tarmac lifted from the yard by the flood.

The award shown belongs to Tracii Edwards who is a parent governor of the school. Tracii was involved with rescuing flood-damaged documents in the school library including many issues of The Bostonian.

BGS Prize Giving - report

The Boston Grammar School Prize Giving 2013 took place on 20 December at the Centenary Methodist Church, Boston. The guest of honour was Charles Hart, the father of Manchester City and England goalkeeper, Joe Hart.

Music for singing and for musical interludes was provided by the Boston Grammar School Jazz Band and other musicians from the school.

Paul Marsh, the principle of the school spoke of the school's excellent academic and sporting achievements throughout the year, particularly noting that as a small school, BGS "punches above its weight" in sporting competitions.

In his address as Chairman of the Governors, Cllr Stephen Woodliffe, told of his original involvement with the school as a mathematics teacher for 18 years, how having left to teach elsewhere, retired and become a Boston councillor, he became involved again with the school as a governor, and eventually became Chairman of the Governors earlier this year, just before the Ofsted inspection which showed that the school had improved significantly since the previous inspection in 2010. He noted that the recent flood was probably the biggest challenge for the school in the last 50 years but showed hope that it would recover well.

The prizes notably included the new Trevor Page Sports Prize, donated by Trevor Page (BGS 1949-55) - two of his father's sporting trophies, originally won in the 1920s or 30s. The junior prize was won by Jack Henton and the Intermediate prize by Stuart Wharff.

Following presentation of the prizes, Charles Hart spoke of how his son, Joe, achieved his goal with support from his family and by putting in the extra effort which allowed him to rise to the top in his chosen field, football. Charles invited those present to do likewise, for each to put in the extra effort to achieve to their potential: in sport, engineering, politics, or whatever their chosen goal.

Head of School, Ellis Potter, gave the vote of thanks to Charles Hart as the guest of honour and presented him with mementos of the day including a prefect's tie and badge.

The event was closed with the usual singing of the school song and the national anthem.

Tuesday 24 December 2013

OBA Annual Dinner 2014 - full details

OBA Annual Dinner

Saturday 22 March 2014 - 6:30pm for 7:30pm

Boston and County Club Guest Speaker: Richard O Smith (BGS 1975-82)

According to Richard he “was at BGS for 7 years, though I didn’t ever pass any exams. Got told by a teacher ‘Thinking up jokes isn’t going to get you anywhere in life, Smith’. True, although it did get me a writing job on Dara O’Briain’s last BBC2 series!”

Dress code: lounge suits
Tickets: £20.00 per person

Contact Peter Sharman for further details:
Tel: 01205 353659 or 07767 421118
Email: president@bostonian.org.uk

Or complete and return this form by 28 February with your cheque made payable to Old Bostonian Association, to:

Peter Sharman
6 The Boundary
Boston
PE21 7QN

Menu


Starter


Homemade Vegetable Soup or
Fan of Melon or
Egg Mayonnaise

Main Course


Roast Leg of Lamb with Mint Sauce or
Chicken Breast with Wild Mushroom Sauce or
Salmon Fillet with Chive and White Wine Sauce

Dessert


Spotted Dick with Custard or
Banoffee Pie or
Ice Cream or
Cheese and Biscuits


Coffee or Tea and Mints


The dinner is open to former students of Boston Grammar School together with current and former members of staff at the school, whether or not they are members of the Old Bostonian Association. You may bring a guest.


Please print out this form

Please reserve me ……….place(s) for the Annual Dinner. I enclose my cheque for £……… payable to Old Bostonian Association.

Your name:

Contact Tel No:
Email address:
Address:



Specify your menu choice:
Starter:
Main:
Dessert:

Name of Guest:

Specify guest's menu choice:
Starter:
Main:
Dessert:






BGS hit by tidal surge - official report from the school

This is a transcription of the official report from the school on the flood of 5 December 2013.

BGS Hit by Tidal Surge

On Thursday 5th December 2013, Boston suffered one of its worst floods in living memory, as a tidal surge inundated swathes of the east coast of England. In stormy conditions, the River Witham experienced a huge surge in volume as water pushed inland up the Haven, before eventually overtopping at the Grammar School. Fortunately, sufficient advanced warning had allowed th
e School to evacuate and remove some valuables from low levels, but the storm surge was enough to cause significant problems.

At 7.30 pm, river water flowed through the site at high speed, travelling through the South End gates and flooding the Beast Yard to a depth of two feet. The main thrust of the river than carried on through the archway by the Library and across the car park to the Main Hall, before flooding the lower end of the school and running down Rowley Road.


With a second tidal surge predicted for 8.30 am on Friday 6th December, and Haven Bridge closed, it was several hours before we could access the buildings to begin the recovery process. By that time,
the tide had receded and left us with a partially waterlogged site. The tarmac at South End illustrated the force of the water on entering the site, while tide marks on the doors confirmed the height of the flood.

The Science Block, being nearest the river, would have been the first building to flood. Fortunately, as can be seen, the water had travelled at speed and had brought only a minimal amount of silt with it.

Both the new and old blocks had flooded on the ground floor. Next affected was the large Sixth Form
Private Study Room in the Dr Len Medlock Sixth Form Centre.

The water had lapped up and into the front of the Sixth Form Block itself, despite two concrete steps between the doors and ground level. However, most distressing was the damage to our listed Library building, which was next in line.

Inside the Library, parquet blocks had lifted and floated away, with the water stripping the varnish from those still in situ. The river was very much in evidence in the Museum, where valuables had been lifted the previous day.

Meanwhile, at the other end of the school, the Art and Music Block and the Sports Hall were under standing water. Outside, the hard standing and field resembled a lake.

And so the work began to push water out of the building. With a handful of volunteer staff and Sixth Form students arriving to help, we began the clean-up operation within an hour of the passing of the second tide… and that operation will take some time.

For details of the clean-up and recovery operation underway at BGS, keep following www.bostongrammarschool.co.uk

A brief addition has been made to the previous article High tide - the aftermath in order to clarify the President's Appeal that has been started to help the school recover as quickly as possible from the effects of the flood.

Sunday 22 December 2013

Michael "Mike" Pestell - Obituary

Michael Pestell (2 Sept 1933 - 26 Oct 2013) (BGS 1945-50)

Mike Pestell died suddenly on 26 October 2013, aged 80. Mike had lived in Denmark since the 1970s and
was buried at Skagen, Denmark following a funeral service at Alsønderup Church.

Mike leaves his wife, Thora, and children and grandchildren, Fie and Torben, Poul and Christa, Signe and Rikke.

In 2004, Mike wrote: "My family and I live in Hillerød on the island of Sealand, which at its closest point lies only six kilometres from Sweden between Elsinor, with Hamlet’s castle, and Sweden's Helsingborg. Hillerød lies 35 km north of Denmark’s capital Copenhagen in the 'Amt' or county of Frederiksborg."

Sunday 15 December 2013

Nathan meets Anne

On 12 December 2013, the Princess Royal visited St Botolph's Church to see the damage done by the flood of 5 December. One of the people who showed her around was BGS old boy, Nathan Bryant.

Nathan, who is studying Technical Theatre at Lincoln College, is the son of Mick Bryant, another BGS old boy (1976-81).

See if you can spot Nathan in this video from the Boston Standard.

Tuesday 10 December 2013

More flood photographs

Photographs of Boston Grammar School taken by Peter Sharman after the flood waters from the high tide of 5 December 2013 had subsided. They clearly show the height that the water reached across a large part of the school site.

High tide - the aftermath

A message from OBA President, Peter Sharman...


On Thursday night of last week, during the height of the tidal flooding in Boston the water poured over the sea wall opposite the school and flooded the playground to a depth of around two feet. The library, science block, OBA museum, staff room and other areas sustained considerable damage. The flood waters had gone by the time I visited this afternoon but if you look carefully at the photos you will clearly see the height the water reached. Thankfully many items were lifted clear before the flood arrived but nevertheless there is considerable water damage.

Insurance assessors are expected very soon but the school is putting out an appeal for funding to help get students back to normal as quickly as possible. If anyone feels able to help please send cheques payable to OBA and marked clearly on back, "Flood Appeal" to me:

Peter Sharman
6 The Boundary
Boston
PE21 7QN

All monies received will be passed on to the school to help repair flood damage. For up to date information please go to:  www.bostongrammarschool.co.uk

Thank you

Peter

Since Peter Sharman, the OBA President, announced the above appeal, he has clarified a few points which may not have been pinned down in the heat of the moment. This is a President's Appeal for funding to get the students of Boston Grammar School back to normal as quickly as possible. We have already raised over a thousand pounds (as of Friday 20 December). All money received will be passed on to Boston Grammar School to be spent on a lasting reminder of the Flood from the Old Bostonian Association. Peter's intention is to discuss with Paul Marsh, the BGS Principal, what the school would like us to provide and this will then be approved by the Old Bostonian Association.

This decision, once made, will of course be publicised on this blog and by all the other usual channels.

I am in the process of trying to make available an "electronic" way of donating, with the help of Mark Bruntlett, the OBA treasurer. I hope it will be available soon but in the meantime please don't delay supporting Peter's appeal by sending your cheques to him as suggested above.

Thursday 5 December 2013

High tide in Boston

No, it's not a Jean Ingelow poem but today's main news from Boston. Today's 19:30 tide coming as it did with the storms which hit Scotland and the north earlier in the day, has brought flooding to the centre of Boston.

Photograph by Ricky Lee
I know that many BGS "old boys" are bound to be affected. So far I have definitely heard of these people having flooding in their homes:


I came across this photograph of water streaming out of the Rowley Road gates of BGS.

I wish all our friends in Boston a safe evening, and morning when the next tide arrives, hoping that the damage is as minor as can be expected and that the clear-up operation isn't too painful.

Here is a more complete coverage from the Boston Standard.
Simon Meeds

I have now heard from Peter Sharman about Boston Grammar School:

I have just had a call from Paul Marsh to say BGS is flooded including the library, science block, staff room and corridor. Some items were cleared from museum but not sure what damage there is in there. They may need help with clearing up!

Thursday 28 November 2013

OBA Quiz 2013 - Results

The 2013 OBA Quiz took place on 27 November at the Boston & County Club. The quiz master was Richard Anderson. There was an excellent turn-out, with ten teams taking part, and the atmosphere was very competitive. The results were as follows.

Thursday 21 November 2013

Seeking Boston Grammar School memorabilia

We have recently received a request from a lady looking for information on a relative and Old Boy of Boston Grammar School who was killed in action during WWII. His name was Walter Henry Brunning.

Apparently a piece was written about him in an Old Bostonian magazine dated 14 August 1991.  We do not have a copy of this in the Museum but wondered if you have kept back copies and could supply us with a copy of the article which apparently appeared on page 19.


More generally, if you have any BGS memorabilia which they no longer want it would be great if you could let us have it for the Museum. Current history Master John McHenry has now taken responsibility for the Museum which will in future be of more interest to Old Boys revisiting the Boston.

Friday 15 November 2013

Lone Survivor - new Barry Spikings film

Hollywood producer, Barry Spikings (BGS 1950-55) would like to ask all Old Boys to raise their glasses to his new film, Lone Survivor, which had its premiere in Los Angles on 12 November.

It is based on a true story of a navy SEAL operation in Afghanistan which went terribly wrong. The film stars Mark Wahlberg, Ben Foster, Emile Hirsch, Taylor Kitsch, and Eric Bana, who Barry describes as a "fine bunch of young actors - well, young to me". Written and directed by Pete Berg. The film opens in the UK in February.

Barry Spikings

Wednesday 30 October 2013

Danny Butterfield - now I understand

While working on the OBA website and magazine I occasionally end up doing random research on various old boys and other BGS related matters. A while ago I was researching (ex-BGS) football defender, Danny Butterfield.

In his profile I saw what seemed, even to me, not a fan of football, a slightly strange statistic. Now, scanning the news today, I found this article on The Guardian website by Georgina Turner, which explains all.

I am sure some of you footballer will already know this but it seems like something significant enough (though not recent) to record here.

There's... the Crystal Palace right-back Danny Butterfield, who had to play up front against Wolves in an FA Cup fourth round replay in February 2010 and ended up scoring the perfect hat-trick in seven minutes. (The story goes that Nathanial Clyne, who did play at right-back that day, might have moved to Wolves earlier in the week; had that happened, we might never have been able to enjoy Paul Merson's reaction on Sky Sports News – "They need the money, great result!")

Saturday 12 October 2013

BGS dates for your diary

The school has informed us of the following events. If you would like further information or would like to attend any of them, please contact Peter Sharman.
  • 17th October 2013 - Charter Day at St Botolph's Church
  •  11th November 2013 - Armistice Day Service at BGS (in the hall)
  •  6th December 2013 - Beast Mart at BGS (in the yard)
  •  19th December 2013 - Christmas Concert
  •  20th December 2013 - Prize Giving at Centenary Methodist Church, Boston
  •  3rd April 2014 - Spring Concert
  •  17th July 2014 - Summer Concert


Michael Bourne - Obituary

Michael Bourne (BGS 1950s)

Michael Bourne, a champion of cricket in schools and local leagues with a deep passion for the game, as well as being a man of diverse interests away from it, has died without fulfilling two ambitions.

He wanted to write a history of the lost cricket grounds of Leeds, and was planning a display of photographs he had taken of forgotten war memorials in Yorkshire churches, to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War next year.

Michael, who kept his age a closely guarded secret, had a passionate approach to life and held strong views, and was always challenging the Establishment, especially politicians. He was determined and meticulous, with a sense of humour and a thirst for knowledge.

One legacy of his devotion to the game is Off the Beaten Track which he wrote with fellow league cricket watchers, Tony Hutton and Brian Senior.

Thursday 26 September 2013

What can the OBA website do for you?

There are four parts to the Old Bostonian Association web site. As a current or former student or member of staff of Boston Grammar School you can benefit from any of them whether you are a member of the Old Bostonian Association or not - though it's great if you are a member, and if you're not, we'd love you to join.

(Article updated 13 January 2017)

1 - Old Bostonian Blog

Well, you're here. You've already found the Old Bostonian Blog. You can also find it from the menu on the main site. We post all sorts of stuff here: news, obituaries, weddings, gossip. You can comment on any of the posts and if you have an idea for a post then let us know at webmaster@bostonian.org.uk.

When a new post is added to the blog, a link goes up on both Google+ and on Facebook so it gets published to quite a wide audience. As of 13 January 2017 the Facebook group "Boston Grammar School Alumni" has 838 members!

Friday 20 September 2013

Richard O Smith - Banbury Literary Live (20/09/2013)

Richard O Smith will talk about UK's maddest, dangerous and funniest sports at Banbury Literary Live tomorrow
(20 September 2013). He says "there will be jokes".

Have you heard of gravy wrestling, F1 pram racing, 100m in high heels and dwile flonking? Just some of the weird and bizarre sports uncovered by Richard O. Smith, a writer for Radio 4’s The Now Show. His book, “Britain’s Most Eccentric Sports” reveals the madcap, hilarious and sometimes downright dangerous sports surviving in Britain today. Dr Lucy Worsley described it as a “jape filled jamboree of jollity”. This session may even persuade you to take part in the next cheese rolling, pantomime horse grand national, wife carrying race, extreme ironing or nettle eating event. You could become its next world champion!

Banbury Literary Live

Sunday 15 September 2013

Dick Howes - Obituary

Calling time… stall holder Dick Howes is pictured during
his last working day on Boston’s market
(Photo: Boston Standard)

Richard Wilson "Dick" Howes

Dick Howes, aged 74 years, passed away peacefully, after a short illness, on 1 September 2013. Loving husband of Dorothy, father of Estelle and Richard and grandad to Daniel, Zoe, Louis, Eleni and Georgia.

In 2004, Nathan Black, then working for The Boston Standard, wrote an article on the occasion of Dick's retirement from his stall on Boston market.

Thursday 12 September 2013

People power repairs damaged cycle rack

It emerged today that four lads, after a night out in Boston, decided to repair a bike rack in the town centre which had remained damaged for some time. The lads were later named as Dean Mason, 23, Martin Griggs, 24, who are both former Boston Grammar School students, Simon McMillan, 23, and Dan Butler, also 23.

A group of supporters gathered round and they only paused when a policeman walked by, unsure what his reaction would be. The whole exercise took them 13 minutes and was captured on CCTV - a video which has "gone viral".

Alan Moulder album on the Mercury shortlist

Former Boston Grammar School student and well-known record producer, Alan Moulder, has a chance of being involved in the winner of a major UK music industry prize.

Holy Fire is the third album by Foals, a band from Oxford. It marks their second inclusion on the Mercury shortlist following Total Life Forever in 2010. The act, fronted by Yannis Philippakis, recorded it in London with renowned producers Flood and Alan Moulder, enjoying success with the single Inhaler.

Judges said: "A wonderfully dynamic album - ambitious, intelligent and rhythmically compelling."

The current favourite to win the prize is David Bowie with his album, The Next Day.

If you buy Holy Fire here I will donate my commission to the Old Bostonian Association.

Tuesday 3 September 2013

Old Bostonian Association AGM - 26 September 2013

The AGM of the Old Bostonian Association will be held on Thursday 26 September 2013 in the Library of Boston Grammar School at 7:30pm.

All members of the OBA are encouraged to attends. If you are not yet a member of the Association and wish to be, please contact the OBA President, Peter Sharman, on president@bostonian.org.uk.

Nominations are now invited for all positions on the Committee. At present these are held by:

  • President - Peter Sharman (now held the position for four years and in accordance with the constitution of the OBA must be replaced at the 2014 AGM)
  • Vice Chairman - David Wookey
  • Secretary - Ben Evans
  • Treasurer - Mark Bruntlett
  • Membership Secretary - Peter Sharman
  • Webmaster - Simon Meeds
  • Museum Curator - vacant
  • Independent Examiner - W T Price
  • Committee - Marcus Cain, Barrie Gosling, Mark Locking, Bill Olle, Reg Priestley, Roger Welberry 

Following the death of Paul Mould during the last year we urgently require new enthusiastic Committee members to fill the void left by Paul who did a tremendous amount of work on behalf of the Association.

Friday 30 August 2013

Jimmy Ward's - Sarsaparilla

Sarsaparilla
In 2008 there was some discussion on the BGS List Yahoo! group about BGS OB spending time in a shop on West
Street, Boston run by Jimmy Ward. It's before my time, but I don't forget these conversations easily. Here is a flavour of the discussion:

Wednesday 21 August 2013

The Great War - A message from Michael Hallett

Michael Hallett (BGS 2002-2009)

History graduate Michael Hallett has set himself a project to tell the story of the Great War from Boston's point of view: from the point of view of Bostonians and those who have come to the town more recently. Can you help with his quest?

Hello there, to those that do not know me I am Michael Hallett. I was in BGS from September 2002 to June 2009, where I had my passion for history nurtured by my teachers; I have always loved learning about the past and those affected by it. From secondary school I read Ancient History at University of Wales, Trinity Saint David whereupon I graduated with a 2.1 honours in July 2012. 

Thursday 15 August 2013

Dan Elkington stands for election


Dan Elkington (BGS 1996-2003)


The candidates in Boston Borough Council’s by-election for the Fenside Ward have been announced. They are: Ben Cook (labour), Dan Elkington (Conservative), Tiggs Keywood-Wainwright (UKIP) and Alan Taylor (Liberal Democrats). The seat became available last month after former Fenside Ward councillor Elliot Fountain (English Democrat) was removed from the council for not turning up to meetings for six months. The by-election will be held on Thursday, 5 September.

For the purposes of this blog (and not in order to show political bias), it's interesting to note that Dan Elkington was at Boston Grammar School from 1996 to 2003.

Since leaving school, Dan has worked in a variety of roles including working in factories and as a healthcare support worker. He is now a fully qualified independent Financial advisor and private client wealth manager, serving an area taking in Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire and Norfolk. He is working towards chartered status in his chosen profession.

Monday 5 August 2013

Lincoln to Boston challenge in memory of Len Medlock

Len Medlock
According to the Boston Standard, the Boston and District Athletic Club is to hold the first Len Medlock Memorial Lincoln to Boston Challenge on Sunday, 18 August 2013.

Len Medlock built himself up from humble beginnings on Fenside to become a millionaire businessman and donated millions of pounds to Boston. Len, who was a student at Boston Grammar School between 1935 and 1940, died aged 89 on 25 April 2013 following an illness, leaving a further £35 million for good causes.

The charity challenge will begin at Lincoln Cathedral at about 8am and finish, just over 30 miles later, at the Castledyke Equestrian Centre along the River Witham any time up to 7.30pm at night. The challenge is suitable for walkers and runners as well as wheelchair users – with 40 per cent of sponsorship money going to Help for Heroes and 60 per cent to the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance.

BADAC’s Peter Arnott said: "This challenge is to be an annual event. It is named as a tribute to the late Len Medlock, who, although shy of publicity, contributed hugely to many groups and organisations in the town of Boston through his family’s Medlock Trust Fund."

Two thirds of the route is on cycle ways with remainder on quiet country roads. The event is timed by electronic chip and a commemorative medal will be given to all finishers. There will be a perpetual trophy for both the first male and female finishers.

Entry fees – which are £30 – will be returned to all those participants raising £100 or more.

Entry forms are available from BADAC, from the Boston Standard Office in Church Lane or Runner`s World online entry service. The deadline to enter is Monday, August 5. To find out more call 01754 820455.

Tuesday 30 July 2013

Pat Everitt - Krypton Factor Final 1984

Pat Everitt (BGS 1974-1981)

Pat Everitt in the Krypton Factor Grand Final in 1984.


Tuesday 23 July 2013

Geoff Leeming - Feature

Geoff H Leeming (1953-?)

Geoff Leeming entered Boston Grammar School in 1953. He went on to join the RAF and has now written about his experiences. His book, From Borneo to Lockerbie is a thrilling account of his career. He served from 1961 to 1990, flying a wide range of aircraft including Valiant V-bombers in the Cold War but mainly in RAF helicopters. He is now retired and lives on Anglesey.

A review on Amazon.co.uk says of Geoff's book "I had high expectations for this book and I wasn't disappointed. A fantastic and unique insight into the life of one of our everyday heroes. From a fascinating introduction to his dreams of flying and early flying experiences in the Borneo campaign, Geoff's tales move closer to home and his modest descriptions of the various rescues and events in the UK make the book simply un-put-downable - one of those books that you just don't want to end."

Sunday 14 July 2013

Can we help find this couple?

This almost certainly has nothing to do with Boston Grammar School, but I noticed this letter on the Boston Standard web site and I wondered whether any of you can help Jim. This time, please address any responses to Jim directly (telephone number supplied below), since I have no other contact details for him.

I served in the Royal Air Force in Coningsby in 1951-53. My best mate was Kenneth Hawson who I have just discovered married Yvonne Burton in 1955 in Boston. I knew Yvonne, whom we met in a dance hall in Boston (I forget its name). I would dearly like to contact the Hawsons if they are still with us. I am 82 years of age and I live in Glasgow.

Jim Hamilton
Tel: 01415737705

Saturday 13 July 2013

Mark Hildred's Icelandic expedition to help with Parkinson's Disease

Mark Hildred, David Turpin, Mark East and Ken Maggs (Photo: Wisbech Standard)
According to Wisbech Standard, four accountants climbed 3,600 feet, waded through ice-cold streams and
tackled craggy lava fields and snow covered volcanoes during a gruelling three-day charity trek through Iceland.

One of those accountants was former Boston Grammar School student, Mark Hildred, managing partner of Moore Thompson, which has an office in Wisbech. The money raised will be split equally between the four partners' chosen charities.

Mark's father Albert died from Parkinson’s last June having fought the disease for 23 years. He said: "It was a tough three days trekking and camping in wind, rain, sleet and snow, but it was worth it for the amazing amount that has been donated. We would like to thank everyone for helping us to smash our fundraising target of £10,000. We know that this money is going to four fantastic charities who all do fantastic work in their fields. It was certainly a great way to celebrate our 25th Anniversary."

You can donate to the fund if you wish, here.

Matthew Brockett and Paula Marie Failes - Wedding


Matthew Brockett (BGS 1983-88)


The wedding of Matthew Brockett and Paula Marie Failes took place on 23 June 2013 at King's Lynn registry office.

The couple live in Thetford, Norfolk. The best man was Councillor James Knowles of Wyberton. Other BGS old boys in attendance were Simon Ullyatt (BGS 1983-1988) and Russell Brockett (groom's brother) (BGS 1987-1992). the couple spent their honeymoon travelling around Norfolk and Lincolnshire, including a great couple of days back in Boston and enjoying the market day.

Paula and Matthew have two children, Jennifer (3) and Megan (2). Jennifer was named after Matthew's mother, Jennifer Brockett, who many old boys may remember as a dinner lady at BGS from 1984-1992. Matthew's father, Roy Brockett, was at BGS from 1950-1955 and was an active member of the school PTA from 1983-1992. The best man at Matthew's parents wedding in 1965 was Barry Spikings (BGS 1950-1955).

Thursday 27 June 2013

Richard O Smith - Feature

Richard O Smith will be the guest speaker at the Old Bostonian Association Annual Dinner, 2014. I previously
cobbled together a biography. Thanks to Richard I can now do a slightly better job of it.

Richard was at Boston Grammar School 1975-1982. According to Richard, he "was at BGS for 7 years, though I didn't ever pass any exams! Got told by a teacher 'thinking up jokes isn't going to get you anywhere in life, Smith!'. True, although it did get me a writing job on Dara O'Briain's last BBC2 series!".

He grew up in Freiston, and started his writing career as Freiston and Butterwick correspondent for The Standard, before setting up the Boston United Fanzine From Behind Your Fences. He was named as National Football Writer of the Year as a result of his work on this publication, which led him to work with The Independent and When Saturday Comes.

Richard writes for BBC Radio 4's The Now Show, The News Quiz and BBC2's Dara O'Briain's Science Club.

He has had several books published, including Oxford Student Pranks (praised by Dr Lucy Worsley as "I was expecting the book to be a jape-filled jamboree of jollity, but it turned out to be full of sex and violence as well") and Britain's Most Eccentric Sports (described by Dr Phil Hammond as "very, very funny" and acknowledged by Henning Wehn as "better than all 26 days of one of your English cricket matches").

Richard is a Chortle Comedy Award Winner, a former National Football Writer of the Year, and pens the popular "Oxford Examined" column for the Oxford Times. He is the appointed Writer in Residence at the Daffodil Hotel, Grasmere, in the Lake District and co-scriptwriter of the movie Foosball, directed by Academy Award winner Juan José Campanella.

His next book will be As Thick As Thieves, subtitled "Foolish Felons and Loopy Laws".

Thursday 20 June 2013

Old Bostonian Association Dinner 2014 - guest speaker Richard O Smith

Richard O Smith with two of the books he has written
The date is set for the 2014 annual dinner of the Old Bostonian Association. It will be held on Saturday 22 March 2014 at the Boston & County Club.

We are very pleased to be able to announce that the guest speaker will be Richard O Smith.

Have you heard of gravy wrestling, F1 pram racing, 100m in high heels and dwile flonking? These are just some of the weird and bizarre sports uncovered by Richard O Smith  in his book, Britain’s Most Eccentric Sports. Richard is a writer for Radio 4’s The Now Show among others.

Thursday 13 June 2013

Old Bostonian book and video store

There are many old bostonians who have published their work either in book form or otherwise. There is now a single place where you can buy some of these. It is the Old Bostonian store. The store is accessible from the menu on this blog.

As an Amazon aStore, any purchases you make from it can result in a small amount being paid back to the store. In the case of the Old Bostonian store, any such payments will be donated to The Old Bostonian Association.

Simon Ashberry - Feature

If you raise your head above the parapet you get tracked down. Simon Ashberry added details to the Old Bostonian Alumni Group on Facebook about John McDermott: It's Not All Black & White, the autobiography of Grimsby Town's John McDermott, which Simon has co-authored.

It's great to see people contributing to discussion on all of the OBA-related places around the web, but when someone writes something that needs a bit of research to work out (Simon didn't mention that he is co-author of the book), one thing leads to another and I tend to find out more about that person than I already knew.

In this case I found that Simon has been involved with Bradford Community Broadcasting for a long time and presents a regular programme. You can even listen to his shows on the web site.

Simon previously wrote Come and Sit with Us: A History of Boston Town 1964 to 2004 which is pretty self-explanatory. He is also webmaster of the Boston Town FC website.

Wednesday 12 June 2013

Congratulations to Boston Borough Council

I occasionally post an article here that isn't directly related to Boston Grammar School or its "old boys". Here's one. There has long been a debate going on about the number of immigrants in Boston, and their effect on the life of the town. I'm not commenting on that matter, but some time ago, BBC's Question Time programme came from Lincoln, and Mary Beard, well known professor of Classics at Cambridge University, caused quite a stir by quoting from a council report.

According to Mary Beard's blog, Boston Borough Council has won the "overall impact award" for that very report at the annual Good Scrutiny Awards. You can read more about Mary's reaction to this news on her blog - A Don's Life.

BGS Junior Athletics Team in regional final

The Boston Grammar School Junior Athletics Team has qualified for North Midlands Schools' Cup Regional Final at Moorways Stadium, Derby on Monday June 17th.

Thank you to Richard Anderson for this information.

Friday 7 June 2013

Calling all '49ers

Trevor Page (BGS 1949-55) has asked me to help him contact his school colleagues, who he calls the "49ers" because most of them entered Boston Grammar School in 1949.

Trevor is hoping to organise a reunion some time in the future, but even if you don't think you would be able to take part, he is interested in gathering potted biographies from as many as possible of his contemporaries. If you are one of them or know how to contact any, then please leave a message or contact me on webmaster@bostonian.org.uk and I will pass your details on to Trevor.

Wednesday 5 June 2013

Bill Howes - Obituary

William "Bill" Howes (BGS 1945-50)

Bill Howes of Boston, passed away peacefully at Pilgrim Hospital on 28th May 2013, aged 78 years. Husband of the late Ruth Howes.

Thursday 23 May 2013

National Junior Challenge Quiz - Semi-Final

The Boston Grammar School Junior Quiz A Team have been beaten by Haberdashers' Aske's School, from Elstree in Hertfordshire, in the semi-finals of the National Junior Challenge Quiz held at the Perse School, Cambridge. I understand that the BGS team put up a good fight but Haberdashers' Aske's, who have won the competition for the last three years, came out on top with 900 points against BGS's 620 points. This is the furthest a BGS team has got in the competition in over a decade.

Saturday 18 May 2013

Mark Steel's in Town - Boston

This week BBC Radio 4 repeated Series 1 Episode 2 of Mark Steel's in Town which put the spotlight on Boston in a humourous if not entirely complimentary way.

At least one BGS old boy is featured in the programme - Roger Welberry (BGS 1956-60) talking about brussels sprouts.

The half-hour show will remain available on BBC iPlayer for a few more days: Mark Steel's in Town - Boston. You might even find the video of Mark picking brussels on Roger's Holme Farm.

If you've missed the official iPlayer version, you should find it in three parts on YouTube:

Thursday 16 May 2013

Dave Fletcher performing at Faldingworth Live

Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher
Former BGS student, Dave Fletcher, will be performing with his partner in song, Bill Whaley at Faldingworth Live on Saturday 25 May 2013. Also performing on that that night is another Lincolnshire folk singer, John Conolly, well known as the writer of such well-known folk songs as Fiddler's Green and Punch and Judy Man.

Faldingworth Live is held at Faldingworth Memorial Hall, Faldingworth, Lincolnshire LN8 3SE. It seems that tickets are going fast, so if you are a follower of folk music and in that area you might want to order some quickly.

Wednesday 15 May 2013

David Wright - Obituary

David Wright (BGS 1958-60)

David Wright died, aged 65, on 1 May 2013 after a short battle with lung cancer.

David was a student at Boston Grammar School for about two years between 1958 and 1960 before moving with his family to Hull.

His brother-in-law, Robin Smith (BGS 1949-54) wants to pass on this message:

He smoked heavily until a heart attack 18 years ago when he stopped - it still got him. Please, if you smoke - stop now.

I will post more details about David if I get any but I understand that the family has decided there will be no newspaper notices.

Monday 13 May 2013

Mark Wearden steps down as Chair of Governors

Mark Wearden has stepped down as Chair of Governors at Boston Grammar School. A new Chair will be appointed at a meeting on 20 May 2013.

more details will be posted here when available.

Monday 6 May 2013

Len Medlock - Obituary

Len Medlock (BGS 1935-40)

Len Medlock, who was brought up in the Fenside area of Boston, passed away on Thursday 25 April 2013 aged 89, after a long illness. Len was a regular feature in The Boston Standard in the 1980s and ‘90s through the generous work of the charitable trust he set up. In total the charitable trust, which Len ran with his son David, has donated £26 million.

Wednesday 1 May 2013

Travisty

Travisty is a band consisting of and Carl Thornton on vocals, Mark Sargeant on bass guitar, Jonathan Sargeant on guitar and Steve Garnham on drums (most or all are ex-BGS). The embedded video is of the first set of a gig on 26 April 2013 at The Little Peacock, Boston.





Cyril Herbert George Bland - One of us after all

Sussex county cricket team of 1897
Some time ago I blogged about Cyril Bland and said "he could be the only first class cricketer to come out of Boston Grammar School (contact me if you know different)".

Cyril played for Sussex in the 1890s and early years of the 20th century, and ended his own life in an obviously carefully planned suicide near Boston in 1950. You can read more about his life and death in the OBA wiki.

Tuesday 30 April 2013

A message from Mick Lyon

You can find the following message from Mick Lyon, here. Mick, who was educated at Boston Grammar School and played for Boston United, was until recently coach for women's "soccer" at Indiana University and the University of Evansville.

Cutters Soccer Club Golf Outing

I have just recently retired from coaching women's college soccer at IU and the University of Evansville for the last 25 years and am now in a position where I want to work and give back to the local soccer community of Bloomington; the Cutters Soccer Club. Soccer coaching and playing has been and still is a huge part of my life but I realize it didn't just happen over night. Everything has a beginning and Cutters Soccer Club is where the start of a magical experience can begin for these youngsters. Please help me raise money so that these kids can get the greatest opportunity possible from this wonderful game of soccer. Cheers.

Dave Fletcher on TV

Folk singer, Dave Fletcher was on "Ade in Britain" on 11 April 2013 with Ade Edmondson. The programme was on ITV and this was episode 29 in the second series and looked at crafts and foods of Lincolnshire.

Dave with his partner in song, Bill (Bill Whaley and Dave Fletcher) can be found from 36 minutes 45 seconds to the end of the programme for eleven more days.

You can also find Dave and Bill on YouTube, playing and singing at Chester Folk Festival:

Sunday 28 April 2013

OBA Annual Dinner 2013 - Report



Can you spot Robin Borrett (BGS Staff 1962-94) making
his first appearance at the dinner in several years?
After the sudden death of Paul Mould only two months before the annual dinner, which he had organised for each of the last few years, the OBA President, Peter Sharman, gamely took over the reins, and suggested it should be a tribute to Paul. Understandably, with the late change of responsibility, numbers were down this year (45) but the atmosphere on 20 April was as good as ever and Nick Fitton was certainly among the best speakers we've had when I've been present.

Bill Hilton and Christina Les - Wedding

MW "Bill" Hilton (BGS 1986-93)

Bill Hilton married Christina Les on 4 April 2013 at Bangor, in Top College which is the main building of Bangor University.

Christina, originally from Darlington, is a linguist and is currently studying for an MA in Translation Studies at Bangor.

When at BGS, Bill played in the Jazz Band. He now has his own business doing copywriting and training. He has written books, including How To Really Play The Piano (The Stuff Your Teacher Never Taught You) which is supported by a very popular series of videos on YouTube.

Stuart Lowther - Obituary

Stuart Lowther (BGS 1941-47)

Stuart Lowther, of Low Road, Wyberton, Boston, died at home on 17 March 2013 following an illness. He was 82.

Stuart was born in 1930 to Richard and Mabel, the sixth child of an eventual eight: Roy, Beryl, Heather, Derek, Isabel, Stuart, Judy and Bartie. He attended St Thomas' Primary School before going on to Boston Grammar School.

At Grammar School, maths and physics were always favourite subjects and led to a lifetime interest and daily use of maths in his work. Sport on Wednesday afternoons and Saturday mornings were to be avoided at all costs as his preference was for spending time at Frampton Marsh.