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

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

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

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