Marcus Horry - aiming to shoot for Britain

Marcus Horry receiving the national Cadet Clay Target award
from Brigadier M J Wharmby

Marcus Horry is a sixth form student at BGS. He is also a Flight Sergeant in the 141 Boston Air Cadets, which he joined in 2011.

In June 2013 he was asked to shoot with Boston Air Cadets in the National Cadet Clay Target Shooting Championship, where the best cadets from all over the UK competed. To prepare for his first competitive shoot, Marcus' coach at cadets gave him four weekends' training prior to the competition. The three-day competition saw Marcus beat all 175 cadets with the highest combined score of 54. This was a particularly impressive result considering that many of the other competitors had years of experience shooting clay pigeons.

After the competition, Marcus continued to shoot with the air cadets. During these shoots the coach suggested taking training to the next level and she introduced Marcus to the England Olympic shooting coach, John Bellamy in February 2014. After a trial lesson at Goole, John was impressed by Marcus' shooting.

John helped him pick the right gun which, with the help of his family, Marcus has finally managed to buy. Marcus tries to pay for his training by working part-time at weekends but the costs of training and cartridges are considerable.

His coach believes that Marcus would benefit from taking part in competitions most Sundays at shooting grounds around England. Marcus asked the Old Bostonian Association for help and we now have the pleasure of offering him monthly payments throughout 2015 in the hope that it helps him to pursue his sport to the level he wishes. In return, Marcus will write regular reports which will appear here, on the OBA blog. The Association also hopes to benefit from increased exposure as Marcus' shooting career gains momentum.

If you may be able to offer Marcus further financial help, please contact webmaster@bostonian.org.uk in the first instance and we will put him in touch with you.

It is a long term goal of the Old Bostonian Association to support students of Boston Grammar School in a range of endeavours and it invites them to submit a proposal document which will be considered by the committee. Marcus Horry is the first to benefit from this policy; we hope he is not the last.

Links to previous press articles about Marcus Horry

• Boston 'hot shot' needs help to buy Olympic competition shotgun
  (Lincolnshire Echo 25 Jan 2014)
• Olympic hopeful Marcus Horry wants help to realise his dream
  (Boston Target 29 Jan 2014)
• Cadet Marcus is on Her Majesty’s service
  (Boston Standard 27 October 2014)

Other links to information about Marcus Horry

• Marcus Horry - Shooting
  (Facebook Page)
• Marcus Horry: Aiming To Shoot For Britain
  (Tumblr blog)
• Marcus Horry
  (Talent Backer)
• Help get Marcus to the Olympics
  (Boston Borough Council)

Roger Welberry - "breeding the fart out of sprouts"

Roger Welberry (BGS 1956-60) appeared on Michael McIntyre's Very Christmassy Christmas Show on Christmas Day 2014, talking about his beloved Brussels Sprouts. Roger is a leading grower of the vegetable.

Happy - Boston Grammar School Staff

Boston Grammar School staff perform Pharrell Williams Happy. Would they have done this "in your day"?

Senior Schools' Challenge General Knowledge Tournament

East Midlands Senior Schools' Challenge - BGS team comes away undefeated!

Ten star members of the BGS GK Club travelled by train and tram to the impressive Cottingham Boys' High School on Wednesday November 26th to compete in the annual senior schools' challenge quiz tournament. (last year they won the plate trophy - duly returned by Richard Anderson).

There was a record turn-out of 17 teams from 10 different schools and the BGS a team of Sam Hallam (captain), Thomas Vamplew, Oliver Cammack and Neelay Sant gave an excellent account of themselves.

A hat-trick of wins:

BGS A	570	Trent College	420
BGS A	440	Kesteven and Grantham Girls	390
BGS A	450	Uppingham School	370

Therefore our lads qualified for the semi-final in a match scheduled to be against Leicester Grammar School. However, the time factor meant that our team had to pull out of the semi-final in order to catch the tram and train back to Boston at 6:44 pm as agreed in advance.

Hard lines for all, but we live to fight again!

The very young BGS B team of David Wardell (captain), Ross Hawkins, Abdullah Ahmed and enthusiastic newcomer Melbin Baby had the bad luck to be drawn against two A teams, scoring 160 against Carre's GS A team's 520. However, the lads managed a creditable 260 against Dixie Grammar School's A team's 580.

GK twins, Zain and Meursaleen Asif proved to be first-rate supporters and special surprise guest star, Ben Hallam (last year's GK club manager) officiated ''hot foot" from Loughborough University! Old boy Michael Mardell (big brother of David) also popped up on the Nottingham station platform from his home town university to cheer us all up after the disappointment of having to leave before the finish.

Special thanks are due to Mrs Rennie for giving up so much of her time to make the trip to Nottingham possible.

Many thanks too to the lads' parents and school management for their support of this highly educational and entertaining event!

RWA 27.11.14

OBA Annual Dinner - Confirmed Details

We now have confirmed details of the Old Bostonian Association Annual Dinner 2015. Following an excellent response to the request for early expressions of interest, we believe we will have outgrown our recent regular venue at the Boston and County Club, so we are returning to the School this year and holding the event in the Assembly Hall. The move should not however impact quality since Julie Holland and her team from the Boston and County Club have given the kitchen facilities at the school their seal of approval and they will be travelling across town to serve us again.

Here are the details, which are also available in the OBA diary.

OBA Annual Dinner

Saturday 28th March 2015- 6:30pm for 7:30pm
Assembly Hall, Boston Grammar School

Guest Speaker:  Richard Anderson (BGS staff 1971-2014)

Dress: Lounge Suits

Tickets £22

Contact Peter Sharman for further details (tel: 01205 353659; president@bostonian.org.uk) 

Menu
(Catering by Julie Holland of the Boston and County Club)

Starter

Homemade Vegetable Soup

Selection of Cold Meats (including haslet and chine)

Prawn Cocktail

Main Course

Mountain's Boston Sausage and Mash

Chicken Breast stuffed with Buffalo Mozzarella and wrapped in Parma Ham

Salmon Fillet with Chardonnay Sauce, garnished with fresh Prawns

Tuscan Bean Crunch (vegetarian)

(all served with Seasonal Vegetables)

Dessert

Bakewell Tart with Custard

Pineapple and Malibu Cheesecake

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 also buy a ticket for a guest (not necessarily being connected to BGS)

If you wish to visit the OBA Museum at the School whilst in Boston please contact Peter Sharman as above to make arrangements.

Please order your tickets as soon as possible. There are three ways to do so:

• by sending the following details to Peter Sharman together with, or followed soon after by, a cheque payable to "Old Bostonian Association"
• by using the form below to order your tickets via PayPal
• via BACS; please contact Peter Sharman for the OBA bank account details

Details required:

• Your name
• Your years at Boston Grammar School
• Number of tickets required
• Your menu choice (each of three courses as above)
• Your address and contact telephone number
• Your email address
• Your guest's name
• Your guest's menu choice

Seating will probably be on tables of 10/12 and we will try, although cannot guarantee, to seat everyone with their peer group – if you know of others attending with whom you would like to sit please name them.

Order form

The dinner has taken place and orders are therefore now closed.

Trevor Kitchen - RIP

Trevor Kitchen (BGS 1945-50)

Trevor Harold Kitchen, of Swineshead, passed away on Wednesday, 15 October 2014 at the Butterfly Hospice aged 82 years.

Trevor leaves his wife, Colleen, and son and daughter, Simon and Susan. The funeral Service will take place at Swineshead Parish Church on Tuesday, 28 October at 11.00am followed by private cremation. Family flowers only please. Donations, which will be divided between the Butterfly Hospice and St Barnabas Hospice at Home, may be sent to Carr Funeral Service, 2 Spilsby Road, Boston, Lincs, PE21 9DA Tel 01205 311300

Harry Curnow - Obituary

Harry Curnow (BGS 1940-44)

Harry Leonard Curnow died on 16 May 2014 in Watford General Hospital at the age of 84.

Harry, a Londoner from Bermondsey, was evacuated to Boston during the blitz and was educated at Boston Grammar School. He settled well in Boston, making many friends, and was an active member of the 1st Boston Sea Scout Troop. In 1944 he returned to London to complete his education at St Olave's School, Bermondsey.

Following National Service in the Intelligence Corps in Austria, he joined Higgs and Hill, Civil Engineering Contractors, eventually becoming Senior Quantity Surveyor to The Cementation Company in Rickmansworth.

Harry was a member of the King's Langley Light Operatic Group and had a fine baritone voice, taking a leading role in many productions.

He is survived by his second wife, Maryel, his five sons and one daughter.

Jack Farman - RIP

Jack Farman (BGS 1935-41)

Jack Farman in 1939

Jack Farman of Butterwick died on Sunday 5 October 2014 following a short illness. A thanksgiving service will be held at the Centenary Church, Red Lion Street at 2pm on Thursday 23 October.

John Cridland on Radio 4 Any Questions

John Cridland

John Cridland (BGS 1972-1979), Director General of the CBI, appeared as a member of the panel on Radio 4's Any Questions on 15 August, repeated on 17 August.

John answered questions on subjects including education and Islamic State.

The programme was presented by Shaun Ley from Broadcasting House Radio Theatre in London. John was joined on the panel by the Deputy President of the NFU, Minette Batters, crime writer, Val McDermid, and Sir Robert Francis QC, the President of the Patients Association who also led the inquiry into poor care at the Mid Staffordshire NHS Trust.

For a limited time you can hear the programme on the BBC iPlayer.

Heritage Lottery Funds the Boston Great War Commemoration Event to mark First World War Centenary

A final press release from Michael Hallett about the Boston Great War Commemoration before the event itself.

Heritage Lottery Funds the Boston Great War Commemoration Event to mark First World War Centenary It is with the greatest of pleasures that I have the privilege to announce that after several months of hard work the Boston Great War Commemoration Society has received funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), awarded through HLF's First World War: then and now programme. The Boston Great War Commemoration Event shall be held in the Boston Drill Hall on Main Ridge on August 2nd and 3rd. It is an entirely free event and we wish to encourage all to come along and visit. It was August 4th 1914 which saw Britain’s declaration of war against Germany; the lamps of Europe were certainly beginning to go out. Throughout the years of the conflict many young men enlisted into the armed forces, with many joining up as ‘Pals Battalions’ (although it was only in Lincolnshire which saw 'Chums' battalions), this occurrence echoed across the world. Lincolnshire like the other counties experienced a great deal of change throughout the war. But it was notable for several reasons. In Lincoln the first tank was created, Grantham was home to the Machine Gun Corps, and Boston was the home of a port which repatriated prisoners of war on both sides. It did not escape the bombs of the Zeppelin raids either! The event aims to commemorate the men of the Boston ‘C’ Company of the Lincolnshire Regiment which would have trained and assembled at the drill hall before marching out to war. It is quite fitting that the location is still connected to the military, being the base for the Army Cadet Force. Another purpose of the event is to connect the local history of Boston to the wider picture across the world. Boston Market Place, Recruiting March, September 1914 To this end The Boston Great War Commemoration Society has organised an exhibition. Upon arrival visitors will enter the main hall and be greeted by volunteer exhibitors and displays detailing the history of the First World War at both local and global levels. From the Zeppelin raids, the role of the port, the Royal Flying Corps and its connection to Freiston Shore, to the two Red Cross Hospitals situated in Boston, there is a great deal more I could mention. There will be lectures on varying aspects of the war, for those interested enough to attend. There will be an opportunity to consult military historians to help find ancestors who were in the war. Experience what life was like inside a trench as you walk through the trench display. Try on the soldiers’ kit and feel the weight of it upon your shoulders. Take a look at the 1/6 scale tank which is all-metal and all-moving. Once that’s all over relax with a cup of tea and a corned beef sandwich in the lounge area. With aid from professionals, the information gathered will be recorded digitally and an online archive will be created where everyone can access and contribute information. The archive will allow the public to discuss, contribute, share and research information about the Home Front. Research shall be done on all the war memorials in and around Boston, which shall be made into a book. The society is also more than willing to take our findings and artefacts into schools and groups to teach about Boston's involvement in the conflict. As stated the event aims to enhance the understanding of the First World War for all, particularly the history of Boston and its surrounding area. We are extremely happy to be working with some fantastic groups of people. Our thanks go out to 25 Platoon Boston Lincolnshire ACF for agreeing to use their drill hall for this event, to TAVRA East Midlands for all of their support, from the Heritage Lottery Fund, to the Boston Coastal Project, to all exhibitors and volunteers, and of course those who have supported us through other means. On the 2nd and 3rd of August an exhibition will take place in Boston which will no doubt be remembered for years to come. Please take the time to publicise this event for us, any help will be greatly appreciated. Kindest regards, Mr. Michael Hallett Project Co-ordinator The Boston Great War Commemoration Event 07702746642 historywithhallett@gmail.com

What a fantastic afternoon! BGS Beach Party

Boston Grammar School Schuhplattler dancing at the Beach Party,
led by Richard Anderson

Boston Grammar School showed it was on good form, as it held its first Charity Summer Fete. Principal John McHenry was on hand to enjoy the fun with the staff, pupils (pictured below) and many guests including East Midlands Ambulance NHS Trust (EMAS) and L.I.V.E.S on a lovely summer afternoon.

There was no sign of a dampening mood following the flood that caused the school to close in December 2013. The future has never looked brighter.

Music provided by the school band accompanied the Schuhplattler; garden games; Magic Show starring ex-Head Boy, Mark Watson, Punch & Judy Show from Norfolk and all the delights of a summer’s day—ice cream, drinks and home-made cakes whilst fundraising for such worthy charities - Centrepoint Outreach, World War I Memorial and defibrillators for the local community. Local businesses helped the school by offering time to support such good causes and local superbike rider, Ben Wilson took time out to cut the black and amber ribbon at 12 noon.

BGS is sited at the heart of the Boston Community, steeped in history and the organisers, Richard Anderson and Suzanne McKeown are delighted to announce that the BGS “Beach Party” Fete raised over £1,000 for charity and wish to thank all who contributed to this splendid total.

Old Bostonian Association Annual Dinner 2015

The preliminary announcement of the 2015 annual dinner has been made today. The guest speaker will be Richard Anderson (BGS staff 1971-2014). This is the old Bostonian Association's way of marking the retirement of this long-serving and widely admired member of staff.

The dinner will take place on 28 March 2015, provisionally at the Boston and County Club though with Richard proposing the toast to The School, the demand for tickets is expected to be high, so we may outgrow the venue, a problem which, according to Peter Sharman, current President of the Old Bostonian Association, would be "nice to have".

There are a lot of details still to be sorted out but it is not too early to express your interest in ticket(s) to president@bostonian.org.uk. More details will be made available on the official OBA diary as they become available.

You do not need to be a member of the Old Bostonian Association to come along. If you are a former student of Boston Grammar School or a current or former member of staff, you are entitled to apply for up to two tickets (one for yourself and optionally one for a non-qualifying guest). The price of tickets has not been set at the time of writing but as a rough indication tickets to the 2014 event were £20.00.

Revd Gordon Stinson - RIP

Gordon Stinson in 1939

Revd Gordon (WG) Stinson (BGS 1938-44)

Gordon Stinson has died after a period suffering from pancreatic cancer. Gordon, who lived in Cavendish, Suffolk, leaves his widow, Anne, a daughter and a son.

He was Chairman of the The Cavendish Local History Society Committee in 2004. In recent years, when visiting Boston, he often gave the sermon at St Nicholas' Church, Skirbeck.

BGS library reopens

At 12pm on Tuesday 17th June, Boston’s Mayor, Councillor Alison Austin officially reopened Boston Grammar School’s Library. After six months the school’s traditional heart is restored and back in use following the tidal surge and resulting flood in December 2013.

In attendance were Phillip Bosworth (Chair of Governors), Brian Pycock (Chair of the Foundation Governors), Jim Howes (ex-Chair of Governors), Mick Todd (Governor), Peter Sharman (Old Bostonian Association), pupils and members of staff.

Mrs Ellis and her tutor group were pleased to welcome the guests to the celebration and ceremony. The school is very grateful to all those who have supported it throughout this time. It is reassuring to be reminded of the school’s character and resilience.

Peter Sharman said: "I attending the Library re-opening yesterday - it looks better now than before the flood!"

Thanks go to Luke Vere for the photographs. Luke is the IT Manager at BGS.

The library door sealed ready for the official opening

The mayor, Coun Alison Austin with new Principal, John McHenry

Cutting the ribbon

The door is open

Examining the library which is back to its former glory, or better

New BGS Principal announced

John McHenry

It will take a while for some of us old hands to get used to the idea that the head of Boston Grammar School is called the Principal but that is the correct title since the school has became an academy in January 2013.

We recently announced that the school's first Principal, Paul Marsh was leaving at Easter 2014 and that John McHenry, the deputy, would stand in until someone was permanently appointed to the post.

We understand that it has now been announced that the new Principal will be John McHenry.

John McHenry has has taught History and Geography at the school since 1994. He is also the school liaison for the Old Bostonian Association and curator of the Association's mini-museum at the school.

We wish John good fortune in his new role, and based on our experience to date I am sure the Association can rely on his support as much as he can rely on ours.

Nigel Wainwright to retire

Nigel Wainwright, PE teacher at Boston Grammar School since 1977 will retire at the end of the current term.

Nigel arrived at the school following the departure of Bob Don-Duncan, who went on to teach Economics at Boston High School. He worked under Rod Dunn as his head of department until Rod left in 1996 and he took the helm.

Nigel has helped many students to sporting success and led the school to achieve Sports College status. He has often represented the school at Old Bostonian Association events, including accepting the toast to the school on a number of occasions at the OBA annual dinner, and selecting teams to play against the OBA in various tournaments - playing himself in the snooker and general knowledge quiz.

1976 reunion at 50

A photograph of 3A in 1978-9 showing some of the people
addressed by this post. This post applies to everyone
in this school year at BGS and a few others besides
(not just to those in 3A)

Calling the BGS "class of 76"

Who are "we"? Most of us entered Boston Grammar School in 1976, most of us did O Levels in 1981, many of us stayed on to take A Levels in 1983 and a handful of us remained at BGS until 1984 - and we will turn 50 in the 2014-15 academic year (with a few exceptions who are reasonable additions to the list).

If you were one of "us" or you know someone who was, then you may be interested that one of our colleagues suggested to me that a reunion in 2014-15 might be appropriate.

I realise that some of you will be more interested in the idea than others, and I realise that many of you now live a long way from Boston, but bear with me and let's see what we can do. I've listed below most of us (four of whom I have marked as "Deceased"). I have tried to contact quite a number.

Please pass the message on to others who may not have heard (whether or not they are already on the list), and please accept my apologies if you hear about this from more than one source.

It is very early days, so the main thing I would like to do at this stage is to gauge interest and gather suggestions on what we should do. If you qualify, whether you are on the list below or not, please send an email to simonmeeds@yahoo.co.uk to let me know you have heard (I'll mark you as "Contacted" below). In the email, if you are interested in principle in a reunion, please state your preference from the options below, and feel free to include any elaboration you think might be useful; these are only very vague ideas at this stage.

1. Meet at the Old Bostonian Association Annual Dinner (no you don't have to be a member of the OBA). This would not be appropriate if we got anywhere near a full turnout, since the room where it is held only takes 90 in total (at a pinch) but if we have only 10 or maybe 20, it could be an easy solution. It is usually held on a Saturday evening in March or April (2015 date yet to be announced) at the Boston and County Club near the main entrance of Central Park in Boston. As a further option we could make a week-end of it, with various events. Any ideas events of interest would be welcome. A visit to the school may be possible if desired. The reason it would need confirming is because the school is currently between Principals (Headteachers to us) and it would depend on the new post holder.
2. Meet in Boston at some other time, maybe for a meal, a pub session, possibly a visit to the school (see above), any other ideas?
3. Meet somewhere other than Boston. When these things are suggested, London is often a popular suggestion. It could work but bear in mind there is still probably a fair crowd in Boston, so Peterborough might also be practical, for example. While Los Angeles or Sydney might be best for you, it's just not going to happen on any meaningful scale. I hope we can organise something soon enough that those more distant from the UK can at least feel it is worth seriously considering the trip.

If you ask for my preference, I would go with 1 or 2: not because it's particularly convenient for me but because I think Boston is likely to be the most inclusive destination and should provide the most meaningful reunion. I am happy though to listen to what others think.

One final question: should we invite staff who taught us at BGS? I am in touch with a number of them and could no doubt find some more. If you had a choice, would you exclude staff? Would you want to invite as many as we can find? Would you want to only invite a select few (names)?

OK then, here's the list of people I've identified. First there are several caveats with this list:

• Sorry if I've missed you off the list
• Sorry if I've got your name wrong, or spelled it incorrectly, or only managed initials
• Sorry if I've given you your "Sunday best" name that only your Mother has ever used. I've tried to be even handed in that respect.
• The symbol ^ indicates someone who was in the third year sixth in 1982-3. These people will be 50 before the 2014-15 academic year, and probably have passed that mark already, but I feel they became part of our year group in their final year and should therefore be included
• The symbol * indicates a member of our year who is sadly deceased. I currently know of four of these. Please let me know if I need to add anyone else so that we don't spend time trying to find them, possibly causing distress to their families
• Please let me know if I've missed anyone off the list - for example, I remember one lad who was with us in 2A (and possibly the final term of the first year) but I can't remember his name (he had a Commodore Pet computer, rare in those days, and sold biorhythm charts). Also, does anyone know the girls who did Spanish at BGS with Jean Thomas - should we invite them?

	Timothy Ashberry	Contacted
	Kevin Ashton	Contacted
	Andrew Baines
	Richard Bates
	Steven Beck
	Jeremy Bennett
	Andrew Bimpson	Contacted
	Nicholas Binks	Contacted
	Christopher Bohn
	David Bontoft	Contacted
	Timothy Bradbury
	Richard Broughton
	Michael Bryant
	Simon Callaby
^	John Callaghan
^	Alan Cannell
	John Cannon
	Wayne Charlton
	David Clarke
	Andrew Cocks	Contacted
	David Cook
	Paul Corton
	Mark Craven
	Philip Drury	Contacted
	Peter Evans	Contacted
	Graeme Flynn
	Shaun Frestle	Contacted
	Ian Gildersleeves	Contacted
	John Goodacre
	Stephen Goor
	Nicholas Graves
	Jonathan Green
	Wayne Griffin	Contacted
	Daniel Hague
	Andrew Hall	Contacted
	Michael Hall
	Robert Hallam
	Richard Harris
	DP Harrison
	Nigel Harvey	Contacted
	Michael Hipwell	Contacted
	Neil Holland
	David Holt
	Simon Howlett
	William Hui
	Simon Hunt	Contacted
	Mark Isaac	Contacted
	S Johnson
	Martin Kay
^	Andrew King
	Gary Keal
	Simon Lane
	Douglas Laver
	Richard Ledbury	Contacted
	Colin Lee	Contacted
	Christopher Lyon	Contacted
	Dajinder Mangat	Contacted
	Stephen Marshall
*	Andrew Martin	Deceased
	Declan McDonnell	Contacted
	Simon Meeds	Contacted
	Stephen Middleton
	Christopher Mortlock
	Adrian Mullen
	Richard Parker
	David Peck	Contacted
	Geoffrey Phoenix
	Ian Pooley
	Matthew Rambaut
	Kevin Reeson	Contacted
	Peter Rochford
	Michael Rose	Contacted
	Paul Sharman
	PJ Shenton
	Kevin Shipp	Contacted
*	Mark Simpson	Deceased
	RD Simpson
	Keith Smith
	Steven Smith
	David Standley
	Mark Stephens	Contacted
	Paul Sullivan
	Timothy Sylvester
*	Huw Thomas	Deceased
	Mark Thomas
	Simon Twiddy
	Mark Vere
	David Wall
	Barry Ward
*	Richard Warsop	Deceased
^	Stephen Watson	Contacted
	John Welsh	Contacted
	Malcolm Whiley	Contacted
	David Williamson	Contacted
	Ian Wood	Contacted
	Timothy Wood
^	Richard Woods	Contacted
	Francis Yuill	Contacted

Richard Anderson to retire

Richard Anderson has been teaching Modern Languages (French and German) at Boston Grammar School since 1971 and in doing so has inspired generations of Boston "lads" as he would call them. But his real lasting impression on those lads has often been from extra-curricular activities, having supervised clubs on topics from Cross Country to Subbuteo, and from model Railways to German.

It's difficult to choose where he has made the greatest impression but some of the highlights would be:

• Leading the Charity Club to raise thousands of pounds for all sorts of charities
• Leading the Schuhplattler Gruppe to perform its German style dancing at home and abroad over 700 times including appearances on television
• Leading lads to success in General Knowledge local, regional and national competitions
• Leading the Grammar Gazette to be what I understand is the longest running school student run newspaper in the country (I stand to be corrected if that is not the case)

And now, having easily passed the historical teaching retirement mark of 60 (thanks to government policy), Richard is preparing to put down his red pen for the last time, retiring on 31 August 2014, so the current term is his last as a teacher.

Some of us have contemplated in the past what Richard would do after retirement. Once when I asked his friend and former colleague, Ron Abbott, if he could contact Richard for me (before the age of school email addresses), he said that short of throwing a rock with a message attached over the school wall there wasn't much he could do. So dedicated has Richard been to the school, or really more accurately to "the lads" (although some are in fact now "lassies"), and the hours he has put in are surely matched by few in any profession.

In fact Richard's plans for retirement are to split his time between Boston, where he has made many friends, and regularly meets former students, who he calls "blasts from the past", the North East, his home territory and still home for one of his brothers, and Germany, where his other brother lives. Let's hope we continue seeing Richard around for many years to come and let's wish him a very happy retirement!

Paul Townshend - RIP

Paul Townshend (BGS 1979-86) died on 25 May 2014 following a long illness. I hope to publish a proper obituary soon. In the meantime, the main purpose of this brief article is to inform those who are interested of the details of his funeral.

Paul Townshend's funeral will be on Friday, 6 June 2014, 11.30am at Boston Crematorium.

Reg Skinner - Obituary

Reg Skinner in a
school photograph
of 1939

Reg Skinner (BGS 1938-43)

Reg Skinner died on 20 April 2014. He had been a student at Boston Grammar School between 1938 and 1943. He leaves his widow, May, son Paul and daughter Ann. May and Reg lived at Wrangle.

Reg worked at Barclays Bank and later at GH Kimes of Wrangle, where he was in the office until his retirement. He was a churchwarden at St Nicholas' Church, Skirbeck and a server at the church until his last illness.

In recent years Reg and May enjoyed stays in their caravan at Thornton le Dale, North Yorkshire.

There was a requiem mass on Thursday, 8 May 2014 at St Nicholas' Church, Skirbeck, followed by a funeral service for family at the Boston crematorium.

1 Off

Another in the series of recordings made of school bands by Ron Abbott in glorious mono on his reel-to-reel tape recorder has now been published to the web.

This time the band is 1 Off. I don't know much about this band yet, except that Martin Brooks and John Callaghan were members. One announcement on the recording refers to it being about a year since John Lennon was murdered and that was December 1980.

Presumably the recording is made at BGS since Richard Anderson can be heard at various points and at the end instructs the audience to help tidy up the room.

Any more information would be very gratefully received. You can read the scant OBA Wiki article or go straight to YouTube to listen to 1 Off.

Paul Sullivan - Profile

Paul Sullivan (BGS 1976-1981)

Paul Sullivan graduating from
the University of Nottingham in 2012

After being self employed for ten years, working from home and bringing up his children, Paul took a job looking after adults with severe learning difficulties which he held for several years. When he reached the ago of 44 he decided to do nursing training, thinking if he didn't do it now he never would.

Paul graduated in January 2012. After a few months working in intensive care he took a job as a community nurse: a role which he is now performing at Old Leake.

I would like to thank Paul for allowing me to write this brief profile of him and for his help in providing the information. I you are a former student of member of staff of BGS and would be prepared to be subjected to a similar fate, please send details and a photo to me webmaster@bostonian.org.uk.

The Boston Great War Commemoration

We've mentioned before on the blog Michael Hallett's (BGS 2002-09) plans for a commemoration of The First World War as it pertains to Boston and its people. Here, in Michael's own words, is an update on progress.

The Boston Great War Commemoration Gone but not forgotten. WW1 Memorial Plaque at Boston Bridge Street, dedicated to Boston MUIOFF Welcome to the second update on the project aimed to commemorate and explore the the heritage of Boston and the wider area during the First World War. A great deal has certainly happened since the first press release in December, the plans are certainly pushing forward at an astronomic speed! Everyday bears new updates, new ideas and new opportunities. Read on to find out more. The Boston Great War Commemoration will take place in the Boston Drill Hall at Main Ridge, this is of significant historical interest as it is where the Boston 'C' Company of the 4th Battalion of the Lincolnshire Regiment trained and assembled before they marched out to battle in 1915. I would like to take this opportunity to offer my thanks to the 25 Platoon Boston Lincolnshire Army Cadet Force for being so helpful. The two day event will be held on the 2 and 3 August 2014. As promised it will be free for all to visit. We have firm details now. Upon entering the drill hall, the public will be greeted with stall holders lining the sides of the drill hall with all of their artefacts and collections from the First World War, each one run by an expert in their chosen field. Stall holders include Cliff Clover, an expert in Zeppelins, and Martin Credland who has an extensive collection of uniforms belonging to a variety of nationalities, but there are more; every one of them willing to share their knowledge with members of the public. There will also be the chance to get a more hands-on approach with some of the artefacts. We are also working with Caroline Wallis of the Coastal Boston Project to explore the part the port of Boston played as a repatriation area for prisoners, and the tales of the civilian fishermen who risked all ensuring the nation's plates were never empty. In the bar area, members of the public will be able to explore their own family history with experts in the area and the leading family history websites, the research will be conducted whilst refreshments are served. There are also two lecture rooms in the hall which will be utilised for short lectures on specific topics connected with the war. Meanwhile outside it is hoped there will be a chance to see genuine First World War vehicles and even a ¼ scale tank which is fully mechanical and operational, there may even be a chance to take part in military drill. In addition I am still trying to formulate at least a day of school visits to host a workshop dealing with the First World War to be connected to the National Curriculum, anyone with an interest in this would be of great assistance. I am personally in charge of securing funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and I will try my hardest to obtain it! However the project is always developing. We still need support to spread the word, we still need information about what other nationalities were doing, their experiences, etc. The commemoration aims to display all nationalities' involvement. Any stories and information will be welcomed, as will anybody willing to get involved with the project. We currently have the Army Cadet Force aiding us, but we would welcome to opportunity to work with others. This project started out with just myself, then with my colleague Don Jenkins. Now we have a team willing to help us, it is ever increasing in numbers. The Boston Great War Commemoration is being produced for the people, by the people. Those wishing to contact me can do so on: historywithhallett@gmail.com Mobile - 07702746642 or Mr. Don Jenkins Mobile - 07966220135

Lewis Brooks - Obituary

Lewis Brooks and his wife,
Mary, who died in 2011

Lewis Arthur Brooks (BGS 1945-53)

Born: Boston, 8th November 1933
Died: Boston, 3rd April 2014

Lewis Brooks died on Thursday 3rd April at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston.

Lewis attended Boston Grammar School from 1945-1953 and was a gifted linguist and sportsman. A powerful centre-half, he captained the school first team at football and also captained the first X1 cricket team, where he proved himself to be a hard-hitting batsman. He also represented the county at schoolboy level at both football and cricket. Lewis was Head Boy in his final year at BGS.

William Swain - British Schools Modern Biathlon champion

William Swain (photo Boston Standard)

William Swain admitted he was ‘delighted’ to be crowned the British Schools Modern Biathlon champion on Sunday. The Boston Grammar School pupil won the under 14 boys’ title after competing at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

"I was delighted when I found out I’d won," said William, who turned 14 on Friday. "I finished 13th last year, so my aim was to finish in the top 10. I exceeded all my expectations."

William finished the 1,600m run in 13th place before completing the 100m swim - in the pool which was used at London 2012 - in third.

After a nervy hour-long wait for the final standings to be released, William discovered he had finished in overall first place.

William, of Almond Walk, Boston, trains four times every week at Spalding’s South Lincs Competitive Swimming Club. He admits that swimming is his preferred sport, even if he does enjoy athletics training at school, under the watchful eye of teacher Richard Anderson.

After claiming 13th spot in the final at Crystal Palace last year, William booked his place in this year’s showpiece event after winning his heat in York. He began the final ranked in 13th, but finished the event on top.

"It was amazing to compete in the Olympic Park, especially in the pool," William added.

Richard Anderson commented to the OBA that "William has trained really hard, but this is a super surprise!"
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OBA v BGS Football Match 2014 - report

I am disappointed to report a defeat for the Old Boys in the football fixture with the School First XI held on 3 April 2014.

The Old Boys took an early lead through the lively Lewis Mundt but conceded three goals to the School in a 'crazy' 15 minute spell at the end of the first half.

Paul Lenton - who had travelled from Nottingham to play - was unlucky to concede a (arguably) very dubious penalty and Jim Bedford - a double for Neville Southall - was equally unlucky not to save the resulting spot kick when he 'guessed right' but could not stop the goal to give the School a flattering 3-1 lead at the break.

The Old Boys steadied the ship at half time and controlled second half proceedings with some stylish, measured, 'Iniesta / Xavi' type play through midfield most notably from Drury, Hubbert, Chester, Parkinson and Baxter.

Strike pair - Giles Elson and Tim Bell - scratched and sniffed for opportunities 'up top' but had nothing to show for their considerable endeavours.

Old Boys' Skipper Steve Woodcock marshalled his troops from the back 'Beckenbauer' style assisted by the muscular George Dix and the classy, Kirton Town legend, Paul Fossitt at left back (The Blonde Maldini).

'Youngster' Elliot Pogson announced his arrival as a 'new' Old Boy when he scored from a remarkable free kick to put the Association back in the game at 3-2.

The impressive Nick Jackson almost stole a deserved equalizer for the Old Boys in the final seconds following a sublime 'dummy' from 68 year old super veteran - Mick Cockerill - but his effort squirmed agonisingly wide.

As is tradition, there were numerous robust, physical challenges throughout the game but this was an excellent, competitive match overall. A pleasure to watch. And all for free!

Congratulations to The School on their 3-2 victory this year.

Many thanks to match officials Steve Ross, Trevor Page and Pete Sharman for their contribution to the spectacle.

See you in 2015 !

The Silicon Process

The next in a series of recordings made of school bands by Ron Abbott in glorious mono on his reel-to-reel tape recorder has now been published to the web.

This time the band in question is The Silicon Process. If you look at the OBA Wiki article, you will see that information is scant so far. I believe the main members we the Ashberry family, but whether all three (Simon, Tim and Jez) were involved or not, I don't know, nor do I know whether any "non-Ashberries" were involved.

I've picked up a couple of track titles from the recording, but any more information would be very welcome.

If you want to read a little more about the band then you can go to the OBA Wiki and follow links through to YouTube, or if you're impatient to see what they sounded like, you can go straight to the recordings on YouTube.

Melanie Boyden - leaving BGS

We have heard of the imminent departure from Boston Grammar School of a long standing member of staff. Melanie Boyden has worked in the school's admin office for the last eighteen years. Melanie will no doubt be greatly missed at school, by the staff and boys, and by regular visitors, including some members of the Old Bostonian Association.

Melanie will be leaving BGS at the end of April to take up a position at Sharman Burgess Estate Agents. I am sure everyone in the BGS old boy community who knows Melanie will wish her the very best in her new job.

2014 Old Bostonian Association Annual Dinner - report

Back row: Aaron Rymer (BGS student),
Harry Tebbutt (BGS student), Ellis Potter (BGS Head Boy);
Front Row: Catherine Wolfe-Smith (guest speaker's wife),
Richard O Smith (guest speaker),
Peter Sharman (OBA President)

The 2014 Old Bostonian Association Annual Dinner took place on 22 March at the Boston and County Club. As has become traditional, the evening started with about an hour in the bar, giving time for people to meet old acquaintances and make new ones.

Pete Milsom had brought a photograph of the Boston Borough Council taken in 1964. His father, who was a councillor and in the photograph, had listed most of the names but as was customary at the time, he had noted everyone as "Mr so-and-so". Pete wanted first names. Even I managed to fill in a couple of them, but Tony Austin provided the majority and I believe most of the rest were filled in by others.

The OBA President, Peter Sharman and I had a bit of a nail-biting time while we awaited the arrival of Richard O Smith (BGS 1975-1982), the guest speaker and his party: his wife Catherine, and Matthew Ledbury (BGS 1980-1985). They did indeed arrive in time and we were very relieved.

It  was good to see current BGS staff member, Richard Anderson at the dinner, together with his former colleagues, Ron Abbott, Rod Dunn and Nick Fitton.

OBA President, Peter Sharman

The Boston and County Club as usual came up with a very pleasant meal which was efficiently served. After coffee, Peter Sharman proposed the toast to The Queen, and we had a short break for refilling glasses.

Guest speaker, Richard O Smith
getting animated

Next came the speech by guest speaker, Richard O Smith. Richard was very entertaining, speaking about his lack of academic achievement at school, moving on to working in a pet shop, and then to writing obituaries for The Boston Standard, and on to his current work, writing books and script writing for radio and TV. Although he continued to speak for well over his allotted time, most people who expressed an opinion to me said they could have happily listened for longer. As is customary, Richard finished with a toast to The School.

BGS Head Boy, Ellis Potter

The response on behalf of the school is usually provided by a member of staff but this year it was ably handled by Head Boy, Ellis Potter. He spoke of the challenges of the year, including the flood of December 2013 and finished off with the traditional toast to The Old Bostonian Association.

There were 52 people present at the dinner. Unfortunately Bill Olle, who had also booked a ticket, was not able to be present due to last-minute family commitments.

Ron Abbott	Viv Hammond	Colin Pickwell
Richard Anderson	Andrew Hladun	Ellis Potter
Jill Austin	Lee Hoff	Reg Preistley
Tony Austin	James Hopper	Peter Rawlings
Mark Bruntlett	Derek Howard	Aaron Rymer
Ian Carrott	Stuart Hunt	Peter Sharman
Colin Clark	Luke Johnston	Don Sharpe
Colin Cumberworth	Andy Lawrence	Catherine Smith
George Danby	Stan Lawrence	Bill Stanwell
Pearl Danby	Matthew Ledbury	Bob Stanwell
Rod Dunn	Mark Locking	Harry Tebbutt
Jim Ely	David May	Paul Timby
Ben Evans	Simon Meeds	Pat Walters
Ian Fisher	Stan Meeds	Pat Welberry
Nick Fitton	Pete Milsom	Roger Welberry
Gus Goor	Sue Milsom	Adam Woods
James Greenfield	Richard O Smith
Chris Hammond	Trevor Page

Catherine Wolfe-Smith (guest speaker's wife), Aaron Rymer (BGS student),
Harry Tebbutt (BGS student), Peter Sharman (OBA President),
Ellis Potter (BGS Head Boy), Richard O Smith (guest speaker)
I'm not sure of the relevance of the t-shirt

Ron Abbott listening intently
to Nick Fitton

Rod Dunn at the centre of the action

Nick Fitton

Chris Hammond (BGS 1961-67)
brought his old school tie,
scarf and cap!

Guest speaker, Richard O Smith
and his wife, Catherine