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!"
.

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