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Edition 40 - Published September 2012. The Old Mancunian: keeping old boys in touch with MGS throughout the world.
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The Old M
ancunianSep
temb
er 20
12 E
DIT
ION
40
Keeping old boys in touch with MGS throughout the world
• Support for Careers
• Old Mancunian News and Letters
• Lads n Dads
• Forthcoming Events
Above right: Simon
Williams (75 -82) and
his son Oliver (03
-10) play spot the
difference.
Plus ça change...
When looking at a venerable institution such as ‘The’ Manchester Grammar School approaching its sixth century, outsiders may be forgiven for thinking that the pace of change may be glacial. Too much change would be just too hard to accommodate whilst daring boys to be wise.
In just twenty-one years after Williams
The Elder left MGS, what changes could
possibly have occurred to improve this
educational juggernaut? Well, Father
and Son are pleased to report,
a remarkable number.
Regrettably, perhaps, the sport of
‘ducking-a-well-aimed-board-rubber-
whilst-seated-and-appearing-not-to-
be-paying-attention’ is no longer on the
list of school sports. Several Old Mancs
of the 70s could have ‘Gone for Gold’ in
that event, given the practice they had.
All hailed as ‘Egregious Cretins’, though
given their number egregious may have
been a stretch. Today’s sporting prowess
in other areas has reached quite
tremendous heights. MGS has regional
and national representatives in more
pastimes than ever.
Looking back, The MGS of 75 - 82
seemed to be almost entirely focused
on 7th term Oxbridge Entry. Boys took
6 or 7 O-levels and 3 A-levels. Those
judged ‘more capable’, were thrown at
a couple of S-Levels for good measure.
Exams were taken a year early, at
the speed of an express train, in the
narrowest of educations - such was
the system.
For a significant minority this fast-
pathed education opened up the
wonders of Div. i and a chance to
enter the even more venerable
establishments of Cambridge and
Oxford. Such a system was great for the
successful minority, but, one can’t help
speculating that the majority of now Old
Mancs were left wondering what their
education was really all about.
Twenty-one years later, daring to be
wise has undergone an astonishing
transformation. Gone is the Oxbridge-
driven, year early, macho culture.
Nowadays, boys are given a choice
between A-Levels or the International
Baccalaureate and an appropriate time
to mature and ripen.
Whereas OMs entering MGS in the
70s were left to make their own, often
ill-informed decisions on choice of
University, the OMs of the ‘Noughties‘
(00s) receive tremendous levels of
support, undergo mock interviews with
teachers and create personal statements,
scrupulously reviewed by staff to ensure
informed choices are made.
At the ‘output end’ of the MGS
education process, whatever subject
they apply to take at whichever
university, the 00s generation has
benefited from substantial levels of
support in pursuit of life outside the
School. On first glance, Older Mancs of
the 70s & 80s would be amazed by the
pastoral revolution that has occurred
in MGS. One can almost hear the
mutterings, ‘It wasn’t like that in our day’.
At the Input End of MGS, perhaps an
even greater change has occurred.
A thriving, alpine lodge inspired MGS
Junior School, built on the up-slopes
of the ‘Compo’ pitch, provides a truly
wonderful environment for hoards
of seven to ten year olds. These truly
Young Mancs can think themselves
lucky that Sprog Bashing days have
disappeared even further into folklore.
So The Manchester Grammar School
has changed. The 70s generation of
OMs may lament the fact that the
School has thrown off its, all important,
‘definite article’, but, on talking with
Elderly Mancs from the 50s, apparently,
the definite article definitely wasn’t a
permanent fixture!
To its enormous credit, whilst ‘going
soft’ and ‘flying board rubber free’,
we can report that MGS remains an
incredible environment in which to
‘sapere aude’.
As MGS French and History teachers
across the ages have taught, ‘Plus ça
change, plus c’est la même chose.’
Might you have an interesting story
involving a grandfather, or other family
connections? Please contact Julie
Wright, [email protected] Tel Ext 241.
Lads and Dads
Old Boys’ Dinner To be held at the Freemasons’ Hall, Manchester on Saturday 24 November.
The dinner will be
followed by the traditional
speeches from the Junior
and Senior Steward, and
a response from the
High Master on behalf of
the School. The names
of the Stewards will be
announced at mgsglobal.
org For further details
please contact Paul Rose,
Recorder. prose@hbj-gw.
com or 0161 928 8117.
1950s Reunion Dinner
Do you remember the first 4 minute mile, NASA being founded and the Suez Crisis?
If you started school
between 1950 and 1959
then put a note in your
diary: Saturday 18 May
2013 is the date.
An organising committee
will meet soon. If you
wish to be involved or
to express your interest
in the Reunion please
contact Jane Graham at
Above: The launch
event for the next 500
Appeal.
Below: The 1960s
Reunion Dinner.
Left to right Lawrence
Copitch 66-73, Duncan
McDiarmid 62-69 and
Mike Taylor 62-69
The next 500
The launch event for the next 500 Appeal was hosted at Manchester Town Hall on Wednesday 13 June 2012. The evening was attended
by Manchester’s finest,
including Manchester’s Lord
Mayor, Manchester City
Council Leader Sir Howard
Bernstein, Chairman of the
Appeal Maurice Watkins,
Manchester United Chief
Executive David Gill, and
Media City Chair Felicity
Goodey. Over 500 Old
Mancunians and friends of
the School were present
to hear Maurice Watkins
announce that the Appeal
had already raised over £2
million of its £10 million
target to support more
means-tested bursaries
at MGS.
The video ‘MGS Past and
Present’ was shown for the
first time at the Town Hall.
You can view the video on
MGS TV, which is hosted on
www.mgsglobal.org
1960s Reunion Dinner
On Saturday 19 May 2012 we returned to School for the fifth reunion of 1960s joiners. We watched cricket, had tours of the School, pre-dinner drinks and music in the Memorial Hall. 145 old boys and partners and 18 present and former members of staff gathered together in the Refectory where the High Master welcomed us all to the School and gave a toast to pupils past and present.
There followed an excellent dinner and the traditional
speeches.
John Young, a lawyer and a pupil from 1968 to 1975,
gave a toast to staff past and present, remembering some
of the personalities and highlights during his time at School.
Peter Downes, a pupil from 1949 to 1955, and on the
teaching staff from 1960 to 1972, replied on behalf of
members of staff, remembering some of the many
innovations and changes which took place at School in the
1960s including the foundation of the MGS Society to involve
parents for the first time in the activities of the School and
the creation of the School newspaper, The Mancunian.
He happened to have the first edition with him and reminded
us of the names of the distinguished editorial board
comprising both masters and boys who produced that first
edition in 1966.
Rodger Alderson, himself a pupil at MGS from 1958 to 1965
and a member of the teaching staff since 1974, once again
acted as an excellent Master of Ceremonies as he has done
for most of the previous reunions.
Many convivial exchanges took place as old friends
remembered school days and talked of the pleasures and
vicissitudes of life since then.
Lawrence Copitch 66 - 73
Chairman of the Organising Committee
You will be able to read a full version of this article in
Ulula 2012
2 3
From the Chairman of Governors
As a direct response to the interest expressed by a large number of Old Mancunians, consideration is being given to compiling and publishing the 4th Edition of the Biographical Register of Old Mancunians to mark the 500th Anniversary of MGS in 2015.
The existence of MGS Global, an online website exclusive to
Old Mancunians, will facilitate the compilation of such a huge
amount of data.
It is hoped that
Old Mancunians
will register details
of their lives and
interests through
MGS Global and
help the School to
collate and publish
a remarkable piece of social history. The Register is not just concerned with those who have achieved special eminence, much as we should honour such men but it is about the whole Old Mancunian family, staff (teaching and non-teaching) and pupils. All Old Mancunians are encouraged to register by visiting www.mgsglobal.org Once you have registered with MGS Global you will be able to complete the fields relating to your academic and career history. The field labelled ‘Biographical Register’ is for any other information that you think may be of interest, such as a significant sporting or academic achievement, voluntary and charity work, honours and awards.
Old Mancunians are most welcome to visit the Ian Bailey Archive Library at the School between 2 – 4:00 pm on Fridays. A member of the Development Office staff will be present to help you to update your MGS Global profile. If you intend visiting the Archive Library on a Friday afternoon, please contact Danielle Shepherd on 0161 224 7201 ext 571 or
Maurice Watkins CBE,
Chairman of Govenors
52-60
From the Director of Development
Many Old Mancunians have expressed a desire to help boys in the School and those in higher education by giving careers advice, offering work experience and speaking at careers events.
We would like to launch the MGS Global
Careers Scheme to bring together these
offers of knowledge, time and expertise.
Careers Evenings and TalksThe voices of people closely associated with MGS always have more resonance for the boys, and consequently they have the greatest impact in terms of enlightenment and motivation. We run a series of careers talks and events in school throughout the year and we would be delighted if Old Mancunians felt that they were able to share their enthusiasm for their area of expertise with our pupils.
Work ExperienceMGS provides a first-rate all round education, usually leading to a top university course but increasingly prospective employers are looking for more. Work experience is one of the best ways to gain employability. This starts after GCSEs at MGS when Year 11 boys are encouraged to seek a week of unpaid work experience in June. Other placements are also arranged for Sixth
Formers throughout the year during
their holidays and for younger OMs
while at University.
Career Mentoring
In some cases a one-to-one relationship
is beneficial to younger OMs who are
looking to progress in a particular field of
work. On an individual basis we would
like to be able to put younger OMs in
touch with wiser Owls who would be
willing to give advice and guidance and
make suggestions as to the best way to
advance in a career in their field.
How can you get involved?
If you would like to be involved with
the MGS Global Careers Scheme, at any
level, then please logon to mgsglobal.org
and visit the ‘career’ tab.
Simon Jones 0161 224 7201 ext 240 or
Philanthropy at MGS
Rachel Kneale The
School Archivist 0161
224 7201 ext 361 or
Above: List of
Donations and
Promises. Building
Fund Appeal 1930.
The well-known bible verse states, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive’. Many old boys acknowledge the debt they owe to MGS and, along with parents, former staff and others, have given back to the school in numerous ways. The school was founded with a philanthropic bequest from
Hugh Oldham and financial contributions from Hugh and
Joan Bexwyke and others. Later bequests followed during
the sixteenth century; Thomas Cogan, High Master (1583 to
1597), gave a groat to every pupil at the school on his death.
A similar bequest was made by William Birch during this
period. Other benefactors, including the Duchess of
Somerset, William Hulme, Hannah Brackenbury and Philip
Wright, gave money for scholarships to allow boys to study
at Oxbridge. Once fees were introduced, many gifts created
scholarships to allow deserving boys to attend the school.
In the 1860s, Edward Langworthy donated £10,000, creating
twenty scholarships in various subjects. Charles Oldham and
Ellis Franklin set up similar scholarships for MGS boys during
the late nineteenth century. Some individuals gave money
for subject prizes, including R.J. Perkes (Latin), Francis Kelly
(Science) and William Caine (Greek and Hebrew).
The growth of the school from the mid nineteenth century
onwards led to the need for new buildings and extensions,
many of which were funded by gifts from OMs and other
benefactors. Edwin Longworth and Edward Langworthy
both donated £10,000 towards new buildings at Long
Millgate in 1870. The twentieth century saw a shift in
benefactions towards buildings and fabric, perhaps thanks
in part to government funding for free places. The current
school buildings were completed at the start of the Great
Depression, and the governors struggled to sell the Long
Millgate buildings to fund the new. An appeal was launched,
and the list of donations and promises still exists in the
MGS archive. The London Section of the OMA paid £130
specifically for the bell turret and bell. The ‘Assistant Masters
of the School’ are listed as giving £258 15s 6d. A War
Memorial fund, initially set up in 1919, paid for the Memorial
Hall. The school clock was paid for by the Receiver, Owen
Cox, and he included money
for repairs and maintenance as
part of the gift. The clock fund
still exists, and has been used in
the past year to carry out repairs.
The largest donations from
individuals were from T.P. Latham,
Robert Turner, Sir Arthur Howarth
(Chair of Governors) and Peter
McGregor, who each gave £1,000.
The list also records a £1 donation
from Form 4A, and 19s 11d from
the Modern 1st Form as result of a
collection! An anonymous ‘grateful
scholar’ donated the statue of
Hugh Oldham that stands near the
Telfer Road entrance. Some later
additions to the school site were
also made possible by benefactions
and donations. The Marks building
was partly funded by a £50,000
donation from Sir Simon Marks,
and the Sieff theatre with £5,000
from Israel Sieff. Ulula records that
donations from parents and Old Mancunians helped to build
the 1956 Pavilion. In more recent times, OMs and others have
given money to fund the building of the new theatre, opened
in 2010 and establish the Foundation Bursary Fund.
Space is not sufficient to mention all the gifts of time,
money and talents that the school has received over 500
years. More incredible still are the many charitable and
philanthropic contributions that Old Mancunians have made
to the wider world
which are beyond
the scope of this
article. Nevertheless,
it is clear that the
generosity of others
has helped to make
MGS the place it
is today.
4 5
MGS was once described to me as a boarding school without boarding.
When teachers decide to work at a boarding school, they are
warned that their evenings and weekends will not be their own.
We issue a similar warning to would-be MGS staff. Although,
possibly with the approval of the Roundheads in our company,
Sunday does tend to be a little quieter – except when weekend
trips are in progress – which is almost every weekend. And
‘holidays’ are for many of our teachers a chance to explore the
wider world, from the delights of Lake District and North Wales
to the magnificence of the Alps and Pompeii – not in well-
earned solitude but with a herd of young men in tow.
It is not unusual to find the School almost as busy ‘after hours’
and at the weekend as during the regular working day.
From 4.00 pm onwards, the rhythm of the day changes: clubs,
societies, practices, competitions, rehearsals, homework in the
library, or just watching the world go by from the couches next
to the Reception desk, perhaps hoping that the passing world
might include the occasional girl from Withington or the High
School – as it almost always does. And most of those there
on Saturday are playing games or rehearsing plays rather than
enjoying the pleasures of an extended PS.
Over 700 boys play competitive sport for the School.
The School’s Community Action Programme and the Duke of
Edinburgh Scheme, with well over 250 boys actively engaged
in service, together ask our boys to consider not what society
can do for them, but what they can do for others. Some 350
are involved in music – from weekly individual instrumental
lessons to ensembles, bands and orchestras. Art, drama, and
debating all add further creative energies. Academic clubs are
thriving too: Philsoc
as a joint venture
with the two girls’
schools; Pi Shop,
DocSoc for aspirant
medics, the Natural
History Society,
Berkeley Society,
History, Politics,
Modern Languages, the list goes on all playing an immense
part in the intellectual life of the School.
What makes this ‘extended life’ possible is the tremendous
commitment from the staff, teaching and support alike.
We do not see this extended life as an added ‘extra’ but
something which is a vital part of the MGS education: hence
we prefer to make this explicit with the use of the term
‘co-curriculum’. Our boys have voracious appetites for that
richer life which the co-curriculum brings. And we are indeed
lucky to have teachers in sufficient numbers and sufficiently
committed to a genuinely all-round education to satisfy
such hunger.
Of course, there are boys who prefer a quieter life. But it is
fascinating to note that the most successful academically
are also typically fully involved in one or more aspects of the
wider life of the School. Most boys find that their academic
work is enhanced simply because they try something new
and are surprised by how much they enjoy the shock of the
new. Pupils find that within this richer life they are able to make
lasting friendships, they learn how to organize their time, they
improve their relationships with staff, and they strengthen their
understanding of themselves.
Many independent day schools would be proud to offer a half
of what is available to boys at MGS. Many state schools would
be overjoyed to provide a quarter. Many boarding schools look
at us in wonder – asking how we are able to do so much.
I have sometimes likened MGS to the ‘opposite’ of Dr Who’s
Tardis: a structure which appears small on the outside but
which is large within – MGS having the contrary quality of
appearing large but shrinking its spatial scale down to friendly
proportions through its tight-knit community operating within
and well beyond the classroom: even the shyest and least
confident boy finds the encouragement and the room to grow.
There is a similar temporal effect. The terrific energy of our
boys and staff appears to lengthen the day, so that more hours
may be packed in: the faster we run, the harder we work and
play, the more time we appear to have. Einstein would not have
been surprised.
From the High Master
Top right:
The Producers by
Mel Brooks.
Dr. Christopher Ray
High Master
Top university offers!21 students have received
offers to study medicine at
the UK’s top universities.
The majority of the boys
have ambitions to become
doctors, with some opting
for careers in medical
research.
Ian Leverton Lecture
Former MGS student Martin
Sixsmith delivered the
inaugural Leverton Lecture,
a new series of lectures in
honour of MGS’s former
Head of Languages, Ian
Leverton, who died in 2009.
Martin paid tribute to his
former teacher, stating that
it was Mr Leverton who set
him off on his admirable
career path as BBC foreign
correspondent.
He said: ‘MGS enhanced
my life because of the
omnipresence of Mr
Leverton, who instilled so
much in me that contributed
to my career.’
Great App-titude MGS pupil Jake Haslam was delighted to be presented with a Blackberry Playbook for his work on the development of an app for Research in Motion. Jake responded to a RIM advert, stating they
were looking for a ‘multi-tasking, speed-
freaking, web-rocking’ app developer. His
app was tested by Blackberry; they were
so thrilled, they sent him a new Blackberry
playbook to assist him in the development
of more apps in the future.
RIM said: ‘Quality software is essential to
the value of any computing device and
Jake’s software development efforts have
been a vital part of this historical product
release. We’re truly grateful that he
chose to participate in this project.’
On the Ball! Former England captain, Bryan Robson, joined a star-studded line-up for the annual Stuart Dale Memorial Match at MGS for the first time since beating cancer.
SOME NEWS AND VIEWS FROM THE MANCHESTER GRAMMAR SCHOOL
The School TodayFor more stories like these visit mgs.org
Above: Jake Haslam
with his Blackberry
Playbook.
Below: The star-
studded line-up for
the annual Stuart Dale
Memorial Match.
L to R, Kevin Moran,
Bryan Robson, Kevin
Nixon, Ian Scott,
Graeme Warner.
The event, now in its eighth year, saw an
all-star and parents’ team – including ex-City
players Eric Nixon and Ian Scott and former
Reds defender Kevin Moran – storm to a 3-0
win against the teachers.
The match raised money for Macmillan
Nurses in memory of Stuart Dale, a much
loved porter at MGS who died of cancer
in 2005. The winners were presented with
a trophy by Coronation Street star, Sally
Dynevor, who plays Sally Webster.
Former MGS parent Graeme Warner,
who organised the event, said: ‘I recently
experienced the amazing work Macmillan
Nurses do when they cared for my mum
before she passed away last December; they
are incredible.’
6 7
OM SectionsMidlandsThe Summer event for
the Section took place on
Saturday 2 June when 18
members and guests visited
King Edward’s School,
Birmingham. The event
resulted from a contact
with John Claughton, the
school’s Chief Master, who
has become a Governor
of MGS within the last two
years. Although he was only
asked to provide a venue,
John generously agreed to
attend the lunch himself,
and gave an interesting and
humorous introduction to
the history, ethos and current
situation of the school.
He also gave evidence of a
strong commitment to the
development of the interests
shared by MGS and KES.
The Section also welcomed
Simon Jones when he visited
Birmingham to make us
aware of the plans for 2015.
As a useful by-product from
this event, two new members
have been recruited and
we would encourage any
OM in the Midlands to
contact Michael Kennedy
michaelkennedy@talk21.
com or Chairman John
Wilson to discuss any aspect
of membership. Please do
not hesitate to get in touch.
The AGM and Luncheon
will be held on Saturday 10
November 2012 and would
be an excellent opportunity
to meet members.
A small number of us still
meet at the Old Joint Stock,
Temple Row, Birmingham
on the first Tuesday of the
month. Any OM is welcome
but it is suggested that a call
to John Wilson on 0121 475
3700 would be advisable
to ensure that others will
be present.
South WestLast year, our Autumn
Event was a very enjoyable
visit to the Roman Baths
in Bath, followed by lunch
at the nearby Gascoyne
Place Public House. It was
attended by 25 people and
we were impressed by new
developments at the Baths
complex showing the varied
history of the baths and
surrounding area.
Our other event, the 46th
Annual Hugh Oldham
Commemoration Service,
was held in Exeter Cathedral
on Sunday 24 June and
39 members and guests
attended including 7 guests
from school, amongst them
the High Master and his
wife, Carol and the recently
elected School Captain,
Sam Calmonson. We were
honoured to have Bishop
Michael Langrish, Bishop
of Exeter, to preach the
sermon at Matins and he
then attended our Annual
Commemoration Service
at Hugh Oldham’s Chapel.
Bishop Michael then
conducted us partly through
Oldham’s Passage into the
garden area by the Bishop’s
Palace and ‘Hugh Oldham’s
Tower’. This provided us
with a very different and
most interesting route to the
Southgate Hotel where the
Bishop and his wife joined
us for lunch. Lunch was
followed by the AGM of the
Old Mancunians SW Section.
Please contact John Smith,
the SW Section Secretary,
for more details. Tel:
01275 843349 or email:
johningsmith@chyanmor.
wanadoo.co.uk
London & South EastAround fifty OMs attended
the Section’s annual dinner
at the Oxford and Cambridge
Club where Old Mancunian
John Leech MP was the
guest of honour. John has
been the Liberal MP for
Manchester Withington
since 2005 and regaled
the audience with some
entertaining tales of the inner
workings of the coalition
government. Next on the
agenda was a visit to Beating
the Retreat performed this
year by the Household
Division. The AGM will be
at Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese
on Thursday 8 November
at 6:30pm. All OMs are
welcome and should contact
the Secretary, Nick Gartside,
for details at njgartside@
hotmail.com
Chess Section This year is the 20th
anniversary of the setting
up of the Chess Section. It
is hoped that an anniversary
match can be arranged in the
autumn. The School has set
up a ‘Chess’ group on the ‘My
Clubs’ section of MGS Global
where you can register
your interest and to be kept
informed or please contact
Peter Webster at
OM 20/30 ClubMonthly meetings in
2012 are: Friday 12
October: Ladies Luncheon
at the Stanneylands Hotel,
Wilmslow. Friday 16
November: AGM. Friday 7
December: School Captain
& Vice-Captain to attend.
Starting in November we will
be back at the Freemasons
Hall, Bridge St, Manchester,
and we expect to continue
there into 2013. If the
postponed Bridge St building
alterations occur in 2013
(perhaps after Easter), we
would expect to return to
the St James’ Club for
several meetings.
Our lunches are at 12.30 for
1.00 pm, usually on the 3rd
Friday of the month.
New members (and new
guests) are always welcome
- please phone or write to
the Secretary, Alex Wells,OM
20/30 Club on 01298 81
2886 or alex_wells@tiscali.
co.uk
Top: School Captain,
Sam Calmonson and
the High Master at
Exeter Cathedral.
Right: The Midlands
Section Summer
Event at King Edward’s
School.
Far right: Hugh
Oldham’s Tower.
High Master
Owl Drop-Ins
Thirty year matured from the clippings of Tom Mather’s first team cricket square, diffused in clear, fresh water of Rusholme spring. This isn’t just any tea, this is Development Office tea and we are happy to share this with visiting Old Mancunians, along with facilitating formal and impromptu school tours.
As well as hosting a 90th birthday party for Peter Medcalf
33-37, we have welcomed back many Old Mancunians in both
official and social capacities. Here’s what some had to say:
Tim Martin 00- 07 reflecting many other comments we have
received ‘Great to see the place again, I’ll be back’
Peter Thompson 68 – 74 visited from New Zealand and
brought his family along to see us. He said ‘Great to see the
‘old’ school again. Fantastic improvements, additions and
memories. Thank you.’
‘Great to come back to MGS’ & hopefully won’t leave it so long
next time’ were the thoughts of Vijay Ahuja 93-00, returning
after leaving the school in 2000.
Ken Stockdale 45 – 49 and Norman Oldfield 45 – 52 attended
together in March for lunch and a tour with OM Brian Taylor
and commented on their visit. Ken wrote ‘A great experience.
Most enjoyable, whilst Norman noted ‘Well worth a visit after
50 years’.
A more recent leaver in Dominic Macklin returned for sporting
reasons but still took time to pop his head into the office ‘Left in
08 – back for Old Boys Rugby game. Just came to the office
to say hello to Mr Jones. Good to be back! ‘
Steven O’Hare 86 – 93 on returning
to the area said ‘Amazing to see so
many familiar faces and buildings.
Great visit. Well worth the trip.
All the best.’
The Lost Region
My appeal in the last edition of TOM for northern based Old Mancunians to come forward with a view to forming an informal local representative section of OMs did not elicit too great a response. In fact, ranking it against the comments normally reserved by my Latin Master for the homework I submitted it would fall just below ‘pitiful’, just above ‘Did your little sister write this?’
However I was encouraged by the number in attendance at
the next 500 launch event at the Manchester Town Hall and
hope that may stir a few out of lethargy so I shall persist.
Our small group of mid seventies Old Mancs currently meets
up for occasional beers and other events and we would like
to invite you to join us. By the time of issue of this article, we’ll
be looking to both the Annual Dinner and our own festive
celebration in December and would welcome more to join
our gatherings.
Please get in touch with [email protected]
John Whitfield 76 - 83
We do prefer some notice of proposed
visits so we can arrange formal school
tours but also welcome OMs who
arrive impromptu. Please contact Jane
Graham on 0161 224 7201 Ext 243 or
Top left: Peter Medcalf
Form 3E.
Bottom left: Peter
Medcalf attending
MGS with his family for
his 90th birthday.
8 9
OM Letters
Eric James
I was most interested to read Jonathan Daube’s comment on
Tony Cockshut’s description of Eric James, I totally agree with
Jonathan. As a pupil 1950-58 we all viewed Eric James as a
distant but powerful person. Out of the blue I had the privilege
to be partially taught organic chemistry by James
when I was in Sc6MB 1955-57. The ‘Chief’ had
decided he wanted to return occasionally to every
day teaching and had chosen, us not the A or
the C form, but the B group who represented an
average MGS ability level, not the best or worst.
He was a fantastic teacher. I remember from 1955
to now, his charismatic approach, for his D.Phil
subject, Organic Chemistry. We had no Plato or
Greek Mythology during these lessons, just an
incredibly simple explanation of how carbon
atoms link up to form organic molecules, and how
such molecules can be created. But also practical instruction:
alcohol is a poison, but a pleasant poison.
Times have changed, but I suspect the present day overall
approach to selection and objectives by MGS would receive
full approval from James. I can also comment that I was a
pupil at Sale Prep School, a feeder school to MGS that James
shut down, as not appropriate for the direct grant status MGS
enjoyed. I left aged seven years to go to another local school,
but took the entry exam one year early aged ten years and
gained entry to MGS in 1950. The recent establishment of the
Junior School is of great interest, and I am sure it will be of
great benefit to a number of pupils in the Manchester area to
be able to reach up and achieve significant academic heights
in their early education and beyond.
Peter Gee 50-58
Rabbi Meir Roberg (April 2010 Reader’s Letters) mentions half
a dozen of the staff whom I recall well, in particular ‘Simmie’
Simkins, my form-master in II Alpha in 1934. I can honestly say
that I knew no more about him after 12 months’ fairly close
contact than when I started. In sharp contrast to my next
mentor, ‘Haffy’ Fields in Sc III a. ‘Haffy’ applied his flexible gym
slipper to my not very penitent posterior more times than I
can remember, yet I liked and deeply respected him, and still
treasure a letter he wrote to me many years after he retired,
light-heartedly reminding me, amongst other things, of my
and my contemporaries’ transgressions, mainly timekeeping
directly connected to lunchtime football in Birch Park. ‘Haffy’,
we knew all too well could see us running in late, through the
windows of the Masters Common Room. He swept into the
classroom to take the 2pm lesson, reached into the lower desk
drawer for the gym slipper, said, ‘come out here the footballers’
and gave us two of by no means his best, preceded by the
offender’s surname and the comment ‘silly ass!’
By contrast ‘Simmie’ Simkins did indeed have a strange daily
travel routine involving my II Alpha contemporary Alan Peake.
Both caught the electric train from Crumpsall station each
morning and completed the journey on I think the 42 tram.
Simkins studiously ignored Peake until, if they reached the
MGS gates together, he would say ‘Good morning Peake’,
but not a glimmer of recognition before that moment.
I also remember that ‘Simmie’ possessed a radio at home
which was only ever switched on for the 6 o’clock news and
never for any other programme.
Sadly Alan Peake died (I think) on active service during the war.
Barry Posner 34-41
An ‘Assistant’ named Schnoeckelborg either preceded or
succeeded Liebeskind. He was most amiable, survived the war
and phoned me once sometime in the 1960s.
Geoffrey Stone 29-36
Barrie Quilliam (47-52) would like to know if anyone can let
him know the name of the book of English Essays that was
part of the syllabus of the JMB, O Level, English Literature in
1950. Replies to [email protected]
Above: Eric James
(and pipe!) High Master
45–62
Thank you!‘We were very grateful for all the comments we have
received to the new-look
Old Mancunian.
They were overwhelmingly
positive –‘brilliant, readable,
interesting’ - and many
people liked the mix of
articles, pictures and news.
We had some constructive criticism too. All we ask is that
you continue to respond and contribute!’ David Walton
67-74 & Chairman of the OMA
MGS Music Memories
Memories of MGS Music continue to be stirred, and since the last Newsletter correspondence has been received from several OMs including Iain Wyder (45-52) and Martin Allinson (46-52), who both have fond memories of their MGS musical experience under Dickie Radford’s tutelage as Singing Master albeit for different reasons. Martin remembers that Dickie auditioned all first formers
for the choir, but was informed by him that ‘Your strange
noises have no place in my choir’ - in a manner which can he
paralleled with Diplomats who are described as ‘those who
can tell you to go to hell in a way that leaves you looking
forward to the journey’. Martin concludes his comments by
saying: ‘It may well be that the school required a Director of
Music to produce the best from those who were privileged
to have great musical talent (and to train them to display it
at musical events); but Founders’ Day and Speech Day were
for all, and a Singing Master who helped all to get what each
could out of the experience was also (maybe, even more so)
an asset to the School.’
Iain concurs with the tone of these sentiments. He was
one of those 200 boys whose voices had yet to break, who
developed a love of music through singing songs from the
‘MGS. Song Book’. His email continues: ’Dickie Radford got
me interested in the weekly Hallé Orchestra concerts which
I attended with my mother in my later years at school at the
rebuilt Free Trade Hall. John Lingard, a much younger man,
was also good for music appreciation. I believe he was a form
master in 1947 but I feel that it was Mr Radford who got us
involved in thinking about music!’
MGS has produced some fine academic and performing
musicians and as we approach 2015 (and beyond) I would
welcome reflections of any sort by any OMs on their musical
experience whilst at MGS.
David Francis
Head of Academic Music
In memoriamSince the last TOM we have been advised of the recent deaths of the following OMs: We would welcome offers to supply brief obituaries or memories for Ulula.
James R Anderson 34-38Arto Arschavir 25-28William G Ashley 41-43William Barlow 35-41Richard A Baxter 76-82David Blain 33-39Brian P A Buckley 65-70John C Caygill 48-56Roger J Courtenay 55-62Donald S Cuttell 36-40Jeffrey Darlington 52-59Philip J Davies 35-42Norman Elliott 32-37John C M Farrer 55-63George Fildes 35-41Frank A Garner 38-45John V Goddard 30-34David M Hammond 45-52Frank D Hemingway 41-48Ernest T Henshaw 48-55Andrew Himelfield 60-67Kenneth G Hilton 43-50David Horrocks 55-62George S Inglis 31-37Aubrey Jaffe 38-44Edward W T Kaye 45-52Richard D Locke 38-42Martyn J Lomas 45-53James S McFarlane 36-43Michael P Newton 61-69William Noble 43-49Hugh D Pinson 35-44Brian Platt 48-54Arthur H Robinson 34-40Douglas T Rossington 43-50Peter G Schofield 44-49Barry Shaw 49-54Ian D Shepherd 39-46Arthur R Whittle 35-41William D Wilson 38-44
We have also heard of the deaths of the following staff:
William G Hamflett 48-62Gordon S Harris 53-88Zygmunt J Kepczyk 71-90J Geoffrey Parker 85-94Nina Vishniak 75-07
10 11
EventsFounders’ Day Service. Friday 19 October at Manchester Cathedral, 11:00 am.
The London Concert. Friday 15 March, at the Royal Over-Seas League, time tbc
Philip Wade Memorial: Old Mancunians Rugby Match and Dinner. Friday 22 March at MGS. For details contact [email protected]
Stuart Dale Memorial: Old Mancunian Football Match. Friday 19 April at MGS. For details contact [email protected]
Details of all the OM events can be found by visiting www.mgsglobal.org
Music events
13 November Senior Recital Class. Memorial Hall, 6:30 pm.
22 November Composition Competition Concert. Memorial Hall, time tbc.
11 December Junior School Christmas Concert. Memorial Hall, 6:00 pm.
12 December Concert by the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge. Memorial Hall, 7:30pm.
13 December School Carol Service. Holy Trinity, Platt Church, Platt Lane Manchester, M14 5NF, 6:30 pm.
17 December Christmas Concert. Memorial Hall, 6:30 pm.
3 February Britten’s War Requiem Performance for CLIC Sargent. Memorial Hall, 7:30 pm.
22 February Quatuor Danel Concert. Memorial Hall, 7:30 pm.
6 March Individual Music Competition. Memorial Hall, time tbc.
12 March Junior School Concert. Memorial Hall, 6:00 pm.
18 March Easter Concert, Gorton Monastery, 89 Gorton Lane, Manchester, M12 5WF, 7:00 pm.
24 April Guitar Concert. The Theatre, 6:30 pm.
27 April Jazz Dinner Dance. Memorial Hall, 7:00 pm.
2 May Summer Concert, Memorial Hall, 6:30 pm.
Drama events
11 & 12 October Little Tragedies by Alexander Pushkin. Produced and performed by boys and staff in the MGS Russian Department. Performed in Russian with English Subtitles. Drama Studio 1, 7:00 pm.
21 November GCSE devised performances. A public showing of Year 11 boys’ curriculum work. Drama Studio 1. 7:00 pm.
5 & 6 December Archibald’s War by Spidersweb musicals. A junior School production, 6:00 pm.
14, 15, 16 & 18 January The Laramie project by Moisés Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project. Drama Studio, 7:00 pm.
5 & 7 February Year 3 & 4 Production Cristóbal and Rosita by the twentieth-century playwright, Lorca. Time tbc.
14, 15 & 16 March Henry IV part I by William Shakespeare performed by the Senior School. 7:00 pm.
9, 10 & 11 May Death on the Dial. The world premiere of a new play written by old boy Dan Dockery. 7:00 pm.
10, 11, 12, 13 and 17,20 June Year 8 Shakespeare Festival, Drama Studio , 6:00 pm.
Dates and times are subject to change. For confirmation and ticket reservations see mgs.org
NoteworthyUlula publication and Old Mancunian Ties
By becoming a subscribing member of the OMA you can receive an annual copy of Ulula (£12 in the UK or £20 overseas).
Old Mancunian silk ties are available at the cost of £20 in the UK or £22 overseas including p&p.
Please contact Julie Wright.
Amazon.co.uk
Many of our members and friends are regular shoppers on the internet, and by accessing the Amazon.co.uk website through the icon link on the School’s own website (mgs.org ) up to 10% of the value of any purchase made is automatically given for the direct benefit of the Bursary Fund. This scheme is at no extra cost to school or those using the scheme.
Get in touch ...
Correspondence to Julie
Wright at MGS, Old Hall
Lane, Manchester, M13
0XT or 0161 224 7201.
Above left: Julie Wright,
Tel Ext 241
Above centre: Danielle
Shepherd, d.shepherd@
mgs.org Tel Ext 571
Above right: Jane Graham,
Tel Ext 243
A full list of contact
details for the OMA and
Sections can be found at
mgsglobal.org
