Paul Marsh resigns as BGS Principal

Boston Grammar School Principal Paul Marsh has announced he is to leave the school.

In a statement issued  to The Boston Standard on 29 January 2014, Paul said: “It has been a difficult decision to move on to other things after investing over 10 years in Boston Grammar School. However, I hope that my tenure as head and principal will be remembered for the improvements made since taking over in 2010.

“The school was last year deemed ‘Good’ with ‘Outstanding features by Ofsted, student numbers have increased and the academy conversion has brought it autonomy over its own affairs.

“The most obviously ‘outstanding’ feature of Boston Grammar School is the student body, and I have thoroughly enjoyed working with some wonderful young people in my time at the school.”

He added: “I would also like to thank parents – and the Boston community in general – for the support and co-operation I have received in my time at the school. I wish everyone the very best for a bright future.”

The Standard earlier spoke to the school’s chair of governors Stephen Woodliffe who said "It is natural for a head teacher to have a career progression like everybody else, and he is entitled to do this."

"Parents needn’t be concerned", he added. "We wish Paul well in his new career."

Harry Parkhill - Feature

Former Boston Grammar School student, Harry Parkhill is a writer and journalist currently based in Winchester. He has been editing, writing and filming since he started at BGS and loves to write about any subject. He is a keen blogger,radio presenter for Endeavour and SoundRadio, writer for various film review sites and has had writing published on LOVEFiLM.co.uk. He is currently Film Critic at HP-Reviews.com and Features producer for Winol.co.uk

Harry has just had his first article published on an online magazine for the 'best student writing'. He would be very grateful if people would have a look, rate the article and rate his writers profile.

• Review: Hitchcock's Documentary On Auschwitz - by Harry Parkhill
• Profile of Harry Parkhill
• Harry's blog - HP Winchester

Molly's Chamber plays Flood Aid launch party

Boston band, Molly's Chamber, which includes Boston Grammar School "old boys", Mark Sargeant and Steve Garnham, will be playing at the Flood Aid launch party on Saturday, 1 February 2014 at The Brittania, Boston.

Molly's Chamber plays a mixture of Rock and Blues covers and is due on stage at 9:30pm.

Alex Pycock aims to aid flood victims with commerce

Alex's web site Work Me Out

I should have posted this earlier but the news link has been there on the OBA website for all to see since 9
January or thereabouts.

Alex Pycock, a former student of BGS who is now studying at Loughborough University, has set up an online store selling sports and stationery merchandise to raise funds for those affected by the floods in Boston.

The shop forms part of Alex's new company, Work Me Out Ltd, which from April will offer personalised fitness plans. Its attached on-line store has been launched early to help those affected by the tidal surge suffered in Boston on December 5.

All profits from sales made at the store until 1 April will be given to flood victims via one of the established funds.

Alex said to the Boston Standard: “I decided to do this because I know many people who were affected by the flood and I just wanted to do my bit to help.

”The online store sells hoodies, t-shirts, stationery and other items. There is also be a charity wristband for sale with the words ‘Boston Flood Victims 2013’ priced £1.

Alex said: “This may be extended as the merchandise isn't our main purpose as a business, so therefore I am looking at possibly keeping that side of the business as a charity side.

“However it will depend on the success of the store in these early months. If it is hugely successful then I will carry on providing for charity. Although the charity may change, it will always be a local Boston initiative or cause.”

To visit the on-line store go to Work Me Out.

Flood appeal details - you can now donate by Paypal

As has been mentioned previously on this blog, Peter Sharman, President of the Old Bostonian Association, has launched a President’s Appeal for funding to get the BGS students back to normal as quickly as possible. Many thanks to those who have contributed so far. By Christmas we had already raised over a thousand pounds.

If you would still like to donate to the appeal fund, it is now even easier since we are able to accept donations by Paypal. Simply click on the "Donate" button below and follow the instructions. If you already have a Paypal account you can donate through that, if you don't have an account you can use most credit or debit cards.

Paypal will deduct a small charge from your donation but the rest of the money 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 Principal of BGS, what the school would like us to provide and this will then be approved by The Old Bostonian Association committee.

The appeal is now closed

Michael Garwood - Obituary

Michael Garwood (BGS 1944-50)

Michael, of West Wickham, Kent passed away at the Princess Royal University Hospital, Orpington on the morning of Thursday, 17 October 2013. There was a private family cremation.

A memorial and celebration event for his friends and wider family was held on Friday, 7 February 2014 in the Church and Richmond Hall at Emmanuel United Reform Church, West Wickham, Kent.

WA (Bill) Sibley - RIP

William Alan (Bill) Sibley (BGS 1952-57) of Yaxham, near East Dereham, Norfolk, died suddenly and unexpectedly in January 2012. Bill was an early supporter of the OBA's web presence.

FTE Slingsby - RIP

Frederick TE (Ted) Slingsby (BGS 1931-38) of Sleaford died at Grantham Hospital in March 2011 at the age of 88.

Frank Ward - RIP

Frank Ward (BGS 1945-50) of Wadhurst, East Sussex died about two years ago (c2011).

Bernard Codd - Obituary

Bernard Codd (BGS 1945-50)

Bernard Codd died on 29 July 2013 aged 79.

Bernard was a double Isle of Man TT champion. Codd’s two victories came on the same day in 1956. In
the Junior (350cc race) he clocked a time of 1hr 22.4mins to take the title on his BSA Gold Star. His dominance was proven from the off as he led all the way for three laps of the Mountain Circuit, averaging 82mph. Not content with his maiden victory, he doubled his tally after winning the Senior (500cc) race. This time a rivalry emerged with Ron Jerrard. However, the second and third laps saw him pull away at an average speed of 86mph seeing him clock 1hr 18.4secs. Bernard had also finished third in the Junior race the previous year.

Derek Herbert - RIP

I am sorry to announce that Derek Herbert (BGS 1937-43) died this week. The funeral service will take place at Swineshead Church on Monday 13th at 2.00pm followed by burial in the Churchyard.

Derek was the owner of the Boston's last shoe lace manufacturers Arthur Whittle & Co which was sold to Doc Martin's upon Derek's retirement. The premises are now occupied by another well known Boston company, Wells & Son Marquees Ltd.

Derek leaves his wife and his two sons, Andrew and William. A proper obituary will follow as soon as I have more information.