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Remembering Briggensians Recently Lost
Adam Simms
Adam Simms, a popular student and talented sportsman was killed following a collision with a HGV on the A18, Mortal Ash Hill.
Adam is recalled as always having a smile on his face, made friends easily and was affectionately known as "Tigger" the AA Milne character from Winnie the Pooh because of his bouncy personality.
There is a JustGiving page set up in his memory. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Adam was intending to go to university to study to become a qualified PE teacher.
Ailsa Moore
I regret to report the death of Ailsa Moore, she passed away peacefully on 5th October and her funeral is on Friday 12th November at 12 noon at Woking Crematorium.
Ailsa was a previous Head of Brigg Girl's High School and SJN Sixth Form.
Ailsa was awarded Woking's Eminent Citizen of the Year for 2006 for all her work as a committed peace campaigner and Local Agenda 21 member, She received the Mayor's award and a badge of recognition for her tireless work in the community and her support for refugees abroad.
Ailsa moved to Woking in 1982 and became Head teacher of Greenfield School from 1988 to 1995; she was a director of The Ockenden Venture, now Ockenden International, which works to help refugees overseas.
She was instrumental in installing the 'Protecting the Child' sculpture in Woking Park last year in commemoration of the founding of the Ockenden Venture.
During the civic reception, the Mayor of Woking, Cllr Ian Johnson, told guests Ailsa had been an invaluable member of the community in roles such as helping to produce the Woking Green Pages, a guide that encourages people to adopt environmentally friendly practices.
Ailsa helped Woking achieve its Fairtrade borough status as a member of the Fairtrade group and was a campaigner for the Woking branch of Amnesty International.
She was a friend of Woking Music Festival and sat on the Council of Christians Aware, an international charity working for justice and peace by means of international travel, conferences and publications. This work has taken her to Palestine and South Africa.
Bill Monteith (1937- 1941)
Bill passed his 11+ and was one of only three boys from Crosby Juniors (Scunthorpe) to do so that year. He left BGS in 1942 to join ApplebyFrodingham steelworks as a chemist working in its laboratories.
As you know, there were very close links between the school and Appleby-Frodingham, particularly in science. He booked many famous cricketers to appear at his popular cricket forums in Scunthorpe during Briggensians Newsletter 2021 - 2022: Published February 2022 Page: 11 the 1970s and 1980s, including Colin Cowdrey, Derek Randall, Ray Illingworth, Ian Botham, Alan Knott, Dennis Amiss, John Hampshire and Basil D'Oliveria.
He was a top cricket coach and accompanied U15 teams on overseas tours to Pakistan, the West Indies and South Africa. Thanks to his family and Nigel Fisher for this entry.
Harry Thorpe (1968-75)
Harry sadly passed away on February 12th, 2021, after a short illness.
Many of you will remember Harry at school as a stalwart of Yarborough House who kept goal in house football as well as representing the school as second team goalkeeper.
Modelling himself on his Sheffield Wednesday hero, Peter Springett, he made up for his lack of Springett's agility, with a fun-loving sense of enthusiasm for the game and life.
A farmer's son, born in Brigg and raised at Pingley farm, I first met Harry at Brigg Preparatory school where he suffered severely with Asthma as a child and missed months of lessons. We struck up a close, lifelong friendship and were both delighted to pass our eleven plus exams in 1968.
We began life at Brigg Grammar school just as the Tercentenary celebrations were looming. These were exciting times at the school. Lots of events and festivities to mark 300 years since the "Good Sir John" gave "broad acres" and the opportunity for local boys to receive an excellent education
We both knew we had drawn a winning ticket in life's lottery. We very much valued our time at the school alongside Harry's younger brother Godfrey and sister Patty at the Girls' High School. Sixth form studies were taught at a high standard by talented schoolmasters like Jack Moore, Derek Appleyard, and John Allcock.
They saw us over the finishing line and off he went to study Agriculture at Riseholme College, Lincoln. On the romantic front, Harry literally met Sally in the late 70's and sharing a great interest in all matters equine, were soon married and I was proud to be their best man in 1983.
At this point, Harry was able to indulge more in his lifelong passion for horses. Having hunted as a child, he moved into eventing and competed at a high level with several horses whilst also successfully competing in Point-to-Point races locally.
He was always proud to mention the Grand National success of a horse he had owned with his late father, Jim Thorpe.
That horse was "Glanford Brigg" who ran eighth at Aintree in 1975. Harry was oft heard to say, "Glanford was leading well into the second circuit you know…!" After many years of farming cereals and sheep at Pingley, Harry, Sally, with daughters, Emma and Alice moved off to Hatcliffe near Grimsby and established a smaller unit devoted to breeding horses.
He also Briggensians Newsletter 2021 - 2022: Published February 2022 Page: 12 spent happy times at numerous racetracks helping load horses into the starting stalls and transport them around the countryside.
Horses were very definitely in in his blood. Sadly, he was unable to enjoy much of his family's relocation to a smallholding near Richmond in Yorkshire. A downsized equestrian property was to be his last move into retirement with his horses.
Despite a short illness, first diagnosed in December 2020, Harry remained upbeat and was always keen to discuss "those Grammar school days" on the phone. Conversations that are now sadly missed.
Several friends are due to join Sally, Emma and Alice with Harry's beloved grandchildren, James, and Hattie at Catterick Racecourse in February, to commemorate his life, and scatter his ashes on the very turf he so loved. We will remember him, always.
Mark Proctor
Jeremy Henthorn (1953-1961)
Jeremy was Head Boy in his final year at the school, an honour of which he was very proud.
His father, Frank Henthorn, was the much respected senior history Master and Deputy Headmaster.
After leaving school Jeremy went to police training college in Lincoln and from there he joined the Metropolitan orce in which he served for 35 years.
He was married to his second wife, Aisha, for over 40 years and she was with him when he passed away.
Oliver Baudert OBE (1942-1947)
Daughter Phillipa emailed to let us know that Oliver passed away Wednesday 26 May 2021.
He died quickly with peace and dignity and with all of his much-loved family around him. Dad had been growing increasingly frail physically but was still very much 'with it' mentally and loved to connect with and enjoy the company of his family and friends.
Mum always used to tell us 'your father is the kindest man I've ever met' and we will remember him with unconditional love and affection.
Dad kept us laughing 'til the end and we rest easier knowing he's finally reunited with his beloved Teri in everlasting peace.
For those who have special memories of her Dad - if there's a special (brief) remembrance you'd like read out at the service or left to accompany him, please email it to me by reply. Phillipa Baudert [email protected]
Please consider making a donation to the Australian Cancer Research Foundation in lieu of flowers.
With much love, Hannah, Barbara and Phillipa
The 2021 edition of the Briggensians Newsletter has a piece by Oliver whom was 90 at the time of writing. It is well worth a read.
Owen Hartley (1955-1962)
Carol Atherton emailed to let me know that her father-in-law, Owen Hartley, who attended Brigg Grammar School died after a short illness on 1 June 2021.
Owen was the son of a steelworker, and was destined for the steelworks himself. However, his History teacher at Brigg Grammar School intervened and Owen subsequently went up to St Peter's College, Oxford, to read Politics, Philosophy and Economics. He then went to Nuffield College, Oxford to do a DPhil and subsequently became a lecturer at the University of Leeds, specialising in twentieth-century politics and international relations. He married Sheila McJannet in 1968 and had two children, Helen (born 1970) and Matthew (born 1972). He had one grandson, Levi, born 2004.
Owen was a gifted teacher: precise and rigorous but patient, warm and good-humoured. He excelled as a supervisor of PhD students but also played a very important role in encouraging students who, like himself, were the first in their family to go to university. For many years he carried out mock interviews for sixth formers at the grammar school where I taught in Lincolnshire, and played an important role in encouraging bright young men and women to aspire to Oxbridge.
Owen always remembered Brigg Grammar School very fondly, and recognised the enormous role that the school played in enabling a boy from a very modest background to progress to a distinguished academic career.
Peter Thompson (1958-1965)
Peter could always tell a good story. Very often, it would be based on his own experience.
So, in more recent times around a table or at the bar in the pub we have been regaled with tales of missed trains, lost suitcases, wrong turnings, how he ended up with two left ear hearing aids, the story of the missing wallet, the £10 note from nowhere, falling into the stream during a round of golf......even though the events were often calamitous he (and Gwen) always ended up in the right place or at least going in the right direction even if they might occasionally have been a bit late!
He was an entertaining speaker at the dinner table and welcomed in clubhouses wherever he played or umpired.
Even when chaos appeared to be reigning and disaster looming, his tales always ended happily. So when we ran out of petrol in Alford after a somewhat lively hockey club dinner, the crisis was ended when one of the guests (who had better remain anonymous) magically produced a key to the nearby cricket club where he knew there was a supply of petrol for the mower.....
Peter's friendly character, his sense of humour and willingness to make fun out of his own experiences meant he was well known and liked and these are some of the many reasons why his friends will miss him. Adrian Broome
I recall a couple of memorable incidents from playing hockey with Peter. One time following a game in deepest Lincolnshire, he gathered up his kit and casually deposited it in the back of his car and set off back to Brigg. I followed in my own car and as we progressed along the bumpy rural roads, the tailgate bounced open and items of clothing spilled onto the road. We gathered them up and followed only to have to pause again to repeat the collection of kit on several more occasions. We were able to reunite Peter with his belongings back in Brigg; he was completely unaware of our collection service. After another game, we parked in Brigg Market Place and took refreshment in what was then the Angel Hotel. When we left, Peter got into his car and backed slowly out but unfortunately made contact with the lamppost. He drove forward again, got out, looked at the boot, scratched his head and got back into the car. He reversed again straight into the lamppost. We obviously had had a great win and celebrated a little too hard. Dave Brittain
Rachel Fisk (2000-2007)
An RAF parachute instructor who was educated in northern Lincolnshire has tragically died during a training exercise.
Sergeant Rachel Fisk, 32, sadly died at RAF Weston-on-the-Green near Bicester in Oxfordshire on Friday September 3rd 2021. Her canopy reportedly failed to open on a training jump from 12,000ft.
Her devastated family said she had an 'infectious' personality. They said: "It is with great sadness that we mourn the death of our dear daughter, Rachel. She lived her life with joy and thoughtfulness for others and loved the career she had chosen. Rachel will be missed by so many." Rachel was born in Nuneaton in 1989 to a military family and attended Sir John Nelthorpe School in Brigg.
She was a keen sportswoman and was a regular at Scunthorpe and District Athletics Club in track and field. Sgt Fisk joined the RAF as a Physical Training Instructor in 2011 and initially served at RAF Wittering and RAF College, Cranwell.
In 2016, she was selected for instructional duties at the No1 Parachute Training School at RAF Brize Norton where she learnt how to instruct and deliver parachute training for the Armed Forces. Last year, she moved to deliver Joint Service Adventurous Training at RAF Weston on the Green in Oxfordshire. RAF colleagues of Sgt Fisk have also paid tribute to the 32-year-old.
She was able to transfer her bubbly personality to her students, she consistently gave them the assurance and confidence required to complete that nervous task of jumping out of an aircraft.
Brian Taylor MBE
Brian Taylor MBE (1944-1949) passed away peacefully in Castlethorpe Nursing Home on 13th December 2020 aged 87.
Brian has been a force for good through his many years of dedicated community service in so many ways. He was one of the kindest and most respectful people you could wish to meet.
He was born in Scawby in 1933, the youngest of four children. When the family moved to Broughton in 1947, he joined the Church Choir and the Scouts. He was educated at Brigg Prep, Broughton Juniors and Brigg Grammar School. Later he became a School Governor and Foundation Governor (overseeing the Trust's Assets) at Sir John Nelthorpe School, a capacity in which he served for many years. His contribution was invaluable in charting the school's development to become such a valuable community asset.
Brian was also a Governor at North Lindsey College, Scunthorpe's Riddings Comprehensive and Wrawby Church of England School.
Brian did 2 years National Service with the RAF and then worked for the Co-operative Society for 28 years becoming Personnel Manager before joining Glanford Borough Council as Personnel Officer where he served for a further 17 years until retirement in 1996.
He joined the Pharos Masonic Lodge, Scunthorpe in 1966 and it was during this period that he became Chaplain, Almoner, Worshipful Master and Senior Grand Master. He was a Freemason for 54 years.
He had a lifelong interest in sport and played cricket, tennis and snooker then bowls in retirement. Interest in Athletics, especially when his children were young, led to him becoming an AAA's qualified timekeeper in the days when timekeepers used stopwatches. Brian officiated at many athletics meetings across the Midlands and North of England, including Special Olympics events for the Disabled.
Brian and the late Pam had two children, Stephen and Julie followed by 6 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He was very close to his family and dearly loved by them all.
He was an active Churchgoer and was Treasurer, Church Warden and Sidesman at St. Mary's Church, Wrawby.
Brian was a JP for 22 years until 2003 serving on the Criminal Bench, Family Bench and Licensing Bench, sitting at Brigg Magistrates' Court on Wrawby Street and later in Scunthorpe before retiring aged 70.
Well known for his support for good causes he became a representative for the British Heart Foundation attending many events across the local area, frequently to accept cheques of support. He was a founder member and Vice Chair of the Heart2Heart group, formed in 1998 and helped to raise funds and inform and support sufferers recovering from heart attacks.
The year 2011 was a special time. Brian received his MBE from Prince Charles in 2011 for his community work in North Lincolnshire. He was President of Brigg Probus Club in the same year and the Briggensians Association in 2012 having been Briggensians Treasurer in 1976 and on their committee since he joined. He was also in the Lions for 14 years from 1981.
Brian thoroughly deserved his MBE having had such an active life in support of so many aspects of the local community. Sadly, he will be missed by so many.
Allan Leslie Ladlow (1950-1955)
Sadly we report the death of Allan aged 79 years.
Allan moved to Porthcawl, Glamorganshire, many years ago and is survived by Pat his wife.
Adrian Murray
Adrian Murray-boarding house (1958-1965): Thanks to Peter Thompson for the following entry
Adrian died on 2nd February 2021.
Adrian was born and brought up in Skegness where his father was head of a local secondary school. At the age of 11 he came to Brigg Grammar School as a border and remained at the school throughout his secondary education.
I first got to know him in my last three years of school partly because we both played hockey and he was vice captain when I was captain of the school team. Adrian developed a real interest in outdoor activities and was a keen member of the school mountaineering club and went to the Lake District with parties led by David Jones, Vernon Atkinson and Jack Moore.
In the sixth form, he went on a month's Outward Bound course at Ashburton on Dartmoor. It was the making of him and he came back to school very fit and immediately won the 1 mile race on sports day by a considerable distance. We went together on a camping holiday to North Wales in which he also introduced me to hitchhiking. I remember we slept overnight in a farmer's barn somewhere in Derbyshire. He also spent one summer holiday from school cycling round Holland alone-at least it was flat!
It was a natural progression in his life to join the RAF on leaving school. He became a helicopter pilot and part of the Air Sea Rescue team at Leuchars in North East Scotland to where he had moved. He met Trisha and they married and settled in that area, living on campus.
On Christmas Eve 1978 Adrian was involved in a dramatic rescue off the coast of Scotland near Dundee. He was awarded the Air Force Cross for his part flying a helicopter in the assistance of a coaster MV Fendyke that was drifting in atrocious weather. He airlifted two men from the boat.
The Air Force Cross was "a military decoration awarded to officers, for acts of exemplary gallantry while flying."
The citation read:
"Flt Lt Murray displayed superlative skill, judgement and courage, furthermore by returning three times to the stricken vessel in weather that forced even the lifeboats to run for shelter, he demonstrated leadership and determination in the finest traditions of the Royal Air Force."
Adrian came out of the RAF and flew helicopters to the offshore oil and gas rigs in the North Sea until his retirement at the age of 50.
Much of his retirement was spent in Spain where he bought a house and a yacht and spent much time sailing in that area. He had become friends with Robert Maguire at school, having been entertained to afternoon tea at Robert's house on Sundays while he was in the boarding house. That contact was another school friendship that endured despite the many miles that frequently separated us. Robert and his wife Christine enjoyed two sailing holidays with Adrian and Trisha so Gwen and I resisted several invites to do the same on Roberts recommendation.
We were lucky to see them a bit more when our son David was at Aberdeen University and David used Adrian's garage as a storeroom for the extra luggage that students seemingly acquire and dad's car didn't have room for.
Adrian was diagnosed with Hodgkin 's disease some 15 years ago. In 2020 that was diagnosed to be terminal and his health declined rapidly. I rang him two weeks before he died and he spoke bravely about his illness.
Our thoughts are with Trisha, Tracey his daughter, Simon his son and the grandchildren at this sad time, They will miss him most of all, but those of us who knew him long ago as friends will remember him fondly too
Geoffrey Parratt
Brigg Grammar School Briggensian, Geoff Parrot, has died recently, aged 83.
Geoff Parratt, once of Melton Ross, rose through the ranks to become a senior detective with the Metropolitan Police at Scotland Yard, investigating many murders. He solved more than 80 - said to have been a UK record.
Latterly a detective chief superintendent, Geoff died at his home in Essex, where he had lived for many years.
If you have memories of Geoff or photographs then I would be very pleased to add them to this post.
The Briggensian Newsletter in 1992 gave this news of Geoff:
Our first news comes from a former pupil who left Brigg Grammar School with the words: "You'll never go far without study!" That pupil was Geoff Parratt who retired last summer and had spent plenty of time "studying" many murder cases, so much so that he was nicknamed "Mr. Murder". Geoff retired from his post as Detective Chief Superintendent after 34 years in the police force and to his credit he has solved more murders in Greater London than any other detective. Geoff admits that when he left school in 1953 his academic qualifications were hardly impressive but the school had given him a good foundation upon which to build and he has fond memories of Cabby' Caborne, 'Toddy' Henthorn, and 'Chips' Morris.
Geoff completed National Service in late 1956 and then grasped the nettle and decided to join the Metropolitan Police. When he attended the entry interview he was quickly put at ease by the Chairman of the Selection Board when he was informed that he too, was an Old Boy of Brigg Grammar School. Not surprisingly he was accepted!!
Apart from the first few early years Geoff has spent his time with the CID where he always found the work varied, interesting and immensely rewarding.
Despite the lack of qualifications in early years he was successful in all his promotion examinations and eventually attained the rank of Superintendent.
In 1969 he had the distinction of joining the famous Scotland Yard Murder Squad, now no longer operating. From this point his subject became 'Murder Investigation'. The media suggest that Geoff has solved somewhere in excess of 80 such cases which is a record throughout the country.
Geoff lives at 180 King's Avenue, Woodford Green, Essex, IG8 OJQ and if anybody in the area wishes to get in touch Geoff would be delighted to see you or hear from you. If anybody knows the whereabouts of Geoff's old school friend Martin Harvey who lived at Kirmington during his school days, please drop him a line.
Another Old Boy who remembers Geoff Parratt is Searby-born Keith Lacy who was pleased to hear all about his work. Keith is now match secretary and safety officer at First Division Chelsea and living in West Molesey, Surrey. Keith is a life-long supporter of Grimsby Town and qualified as an accountant after serving in the R.A.F.
When Geoff Parratt was sent a recent copy of the Briggensians' Newsletter he recognised two names - one being Brian Thornalley and the other David Leaning. Geoff was in the same class as David Leaning who was well known as an excellent, cricket umpire.
Geoffrey Turner
Geoffrey Turner (1934-1943) attended Brigg Grammar School and died on 31st May 2020 at the age of 94.
His son Chris broke the sad news and said that,"He attended Brigg Grammar School from April 1934 to July 1943 and for most of the time was a boarder in School House. The Headmaster Mr Daughton described him as follows in a reference
"...he was most reliable and his influence was always healthy; he has an equable disposition, has already developed powers of leadership and is not afraid of taking the initiative"
Geoffrey was born in Scunthorpe the son of Hamer (who became manager of the Midland Bank in the town) and Ethel Turner. After school Geoffrey went to work initially for a steel fabricator in Scunthorpe where he worked in the drawing office and then to a company specialising in the construction of Cement Works.
He met Katharine Moore and they were married in June 1952. The day after the wedding they sailed for Trinidad where Geoffrey was, for the next 2 and a half years, to be resident engineer on a cement works construction project. Upon their return in 1954 Geoffrey became a Chartered Engineer working at several different cement works before joining Ketton Cement in Rutland in 1957 as Deputy Works Manager.
He eventually became Managing Director of Ketton Cement and later of RTZ Cement when the latter bought Ketton and several other cement companies to trade under the name of Castle Cement. He served on several trade bodies including the Cement and Concrete Association.
He was a member of Stamford Rotary Club and served on Ketton Parish Council, The Parochial Church Council and the Rutland Historic Churches Preservation Trust.
In their final years he cared for Katharine who had Alzheimer's Disease and she died just three weeks before him"
Margaret Williams
Margaret Williams married Brian in India and they had been married for 69 years on Brian's death in 2013. The BBC took Brian and Margaret back to India to relive and recall memories of that time and they featured in subsequent programmes about the Raj.
Brian Williams served as a civil servant for the British Government in India during the Raj ("reign" in Hindi) and subsequent partition period. Things got very hostile in India during the separation of the country so they returned to England. Brian took up a post at Repton Public School where he was a housemaster and taught Mathematics.
They moved to Brigg when Brian secured the Headship at Brigg Grammar School in September 1959 and had the task of directing the school towards a more modern age. He and Margaret transformed and ran the very successful Boarding House bringing comfort and a family atmosphere to the mainly forces and farming scholars.
They initially moved to Goulseby in East Lindsey between Louth and Horncastle but their garden became too much and they moved into a house in the grounds of Stewton House in Louth.
Margaret live independently in her home having recovered very well following a stroke. Her health eventually deteriorated. She moved, where greater care was available, into the main house until she died aged 99.
Tony Binns
The funeral of well-known Brigg man Tony Binns, pictured, who died recently aged 82, was held in Scunthorpe on Tuesday, July 14.
When he was a youngster, Tony's family was one of the first to move onto the town's newly-created Newlands housing estate.
He was educated at Brigg Grammar School and went on to serve in the Royal Navy, travelling widely abroad and in the UK while journeying to naval bases far and wide, including northern Scotland.
Later, while on 'Civvy Street' Tony, pictured above, worked in the Scunthorpe steel industry for many years up to retirement, aged 60.
He was a buyer - a management role - arranging essential supplies of raw materials like iron ore and coal, including shipments through Immingham.
Tony started with Lysaght's Normanby Park Works and ended his service in the British Steel era.
He took a keen interest in railways of all kinds, including modelling, and liked keeping aquarium fish.
He was also skilled at solving crossword puzzles - for which he won some prizes.
At weekends, plain-speaking Tony liked to chat with friends over an evening drink or two at the Yarborough Hunt pub, on Bridge Street.
Rather than the Navy's famous rum ration, he opted for gin and tonic; the famous Plymouth variety reminded him of his days in the Senior Service.
Tony would often be seen around Brigg on his bike or walking his devoted pet dog, Charlie.
Walter Cash
Walter was born on 14th January 1917 in Brigg in Hibaldstow after his father has cycled in snow to Brigg to call a doctor.
He passed his entrance to Brigg GS and passed his certificate exams at 15 but he was too young to leave and passed them again at 16.
On leaving BGS he became a cashier at Brigg Sugar Factory but after 3 years moved to London and joined the Metropolitan Police. He was on duty at Heston airport when Chamberlin returned with the 'Peace in our Time' paper and features on the Newsreel of the time.
Walter then joined the army and served in Burma, taking 7 weeks to get there.
On his return to UK at the end of the war he travelled back to Hibaldstow where he met his daughter for the first time, she was 5 years old by then.
Returning to the Police Force in London, he was very successful and ended his time in the Fraud Squad. He retired in 1964 when his wife had a heart condition and they lived in Brigg opposite Ray Barker for several years.
Roger Dobson
Roger Dobson (1952-1960) has died peacefully. I am sure Briggensians are aware of Roger's many sporting achievements at school and then he went on to captain the Durham University football and cricket teams. Following a career in teaching in Chesterfield, Hull and Nottingham, Roger became an active member of the town council in Southwell, Nottinghamshire, where he lived. He was instrumental in setting up the first tourist information centre and he also wrote several books about the town, including two volumes about its second world war history, and another about Southwell's inns and alehouses.
Roger was a regular contributor to the annual newsletter and I remember he submitted an article in 2011 after he had completed a 500km cycle ride in Spain. On that occasion he was raising money for children's Time Travelling workshops at Southwell Minster. Roger attended the Briggensians' Dinner in 2017 with his wife Sue and other members of our family. He will be sadly missed by his family and all those who knew him.
Frank Flear OBE
ONE of Grimsby's greatest seafood processing pioneers, Frank Flear OBE, has died aged 84. Described as an enigmatic entrepreneur, of the like we may never see again, he expanded the legacy of the town's fishing industry, creating factories that continue to thrive today.
Survived by wife of 62 years Marion, daughter Penny and son David, in retirement he was a familiar figure around Cleethorpes, where he lived in one of the seafront-facing apartments, wholeheartedly embracing new eras as he did in work.
Daughter Penny said: "He was a wonderful, warm, generous man – very family orientated. We all spent a lot of time together, we were very close."
"We had discussions all the time about current affairs, politics – Brexit was exercising him greatly!" She said his time as High Sheriff was a particularly proud period. "He bucked the trend a little as they tended to be from farming, he was delighted and very honoured to do that; he had a wonderful year, a very busy year." A grandfather, he went on to become a deputy lieutenant of Lincolnshire, and received the OBE from the Queen in 1998.
Frank was a Worshipful Fellow of the Company of Fishmongers and Freeman of the City of London and served as High Sheriff of Humberside in 1995, prior to the county being disbanded.
Born in the resort in October 1934, and one of a family of eight, he was educated at Brigg Grammar School, but the incentive to start earning was clear.
Despite leaving Brigg Grammar School after O-levels, he was made an honorary fellow of Lincoln University and Grimsby Institute, attending as many graduation services as his diary would allow.
He started work as a buyer for Ross Group as a buyer in 1951, learning the business as he went along.
At 23 he was given charge of a curing factory, before heading across the Humber to Hull, to help develop the expanding frozen food operation.
In 1977, aged 42, he left Ross and set up Bluecrest. The business blossomed, opening the factory in Ladysmith Road recently expanded by Young's, of which it is now a legacy company, producing for the supermarket own label business, as well as for the retail and catering trade.
He remained at the helm through two buy-outs, creating jobs by the hundreds, and eventually buying RossFish.
In the late Nineties he helped bring forward Seachill with a group of former Bluecrest executives - a controversial move at the time as it took Tesco work with it. And it grew with the supermarket, sowing the seeds of a business now hot on the heels of Young's, vying for the pride of 'position number one' in Grimsby.
Frank Flear was also the original Chairman of Grimsby Fish Dock Enterprises Ltd, steering the development of the modern market in the early-nineties, with Ken Beeken, Derek Young and Martyn Boyers. Mr Boyers, chief executive of GFDE, said: "He was very entrepreneurial, very intelligent and very knowledgeable about the industry. He was very enigmatic, always held in high esteem and always commanded respect of people. I don't think we will see the likes of him again, he was a unique character."
A long-term member of the FMA, in 1991 he accepted an invitation to join the board and helped prepare the way for fish dock modernisation, with the 'new' £15 million market opened in 1996.
Sylvia Hastings
It is with great sadness that I report the sudden and sad loss of John Hastings' wife Sylvia.
They had been out to visit friends and Sylvia had a fall that resulted in her having a brain haemorrhage.
It was not possible to revive her and she passed away.
We send sincere condolences to John and both their families.
Robert (Bob) Conboy 1941-1951
Old Briggensians will be saddened by the news from son Peter that his father, Robert, passed away on 5th October after a short battle against renal cancer. He would have been 85 on 15 October 2017. The picture shows him enjoying his 84th birthday.
Memorial Service was held at Stamford All Saints on Friday 20th and afterwards at Stamford Town Hall.
Peter Cox
Peter Cox died suddenly, he was born 28th March 1937 and died 5th March 2017 just short of his 80th birthday and that a funeral service was be held on Thursday 23rd March at Pocklington Methodists Church.
Peter will be remembered as a very good schoolmaster, fine Chemist and Brigg Hockey Club player and umpire for both the men and women's teams. He left Brigg when his wife Ann took over a Methodist Ministry.
Philip Wright
Philip was a boarding student at the Grammar School from 1964 until 1971. His family lived in Cherry Tree Rise in Scotter. Within a few days of starting BGS Philip was became known as Chas after the Grimsby Town goalkeeper at the time, Chas Wright. That particular Chas Wright was born in Scotland but played one game for the Hong Kong national side. Maybe Philip knew about this and wished to follow his namesake one day.
The Grammar school was very science and maths orientated, and although Philip had a wonderful grasp of all the sciences, he was much more suited to the arts.
His displeasure with chemistry was most skilfully shown in an experiment in which we were to drop a piece of sodium into ethanol to produce hydrogen. Something probably not allowed these days. The sodium was carried very gently into the lab, in a jar, immersed in oil as Sodium reacts dangerously with air and water.
All went well until the experiment was over. .. The sodium was supposed to be put carefully back in the jar on Mr Longdon's desk. Philip decided to throw his piece in the sink.
Immediate combustion – He panicked and first turned the tap on, which created more flames and so grabbed the nearest beaker, which of course was the ethanol, and threw that in the sink to try and douse the blaze. Before the school burnt down our very quick thinking teacher managed to cover the inferno with a fire blanket. Philip had turned this into the best chemistry lesson ever.
Philip was a very good sportsman. He represented the school in swimming and football. Later he played football for Scotter United and The White Swan Pub, both from the village where he was brought up.
During the school holidays, Philip spent weeks on the Norfolk Broads with his family. Fishing, motor-boating and sailing a Mirror class dinghy.
After leaving school Philip took off down to London, obtained his degree in planning from Southbank Polytechnic and married Helen. On their return up-north, they bought a house in Kirton Lindsey. Philip working as a town planner based in Brigg.
Philip kept a set of drumsticks under his chair, and whilst playing cards or eating a meal, he would at any unannounced moment, whilst listening to one of his favourite tracks, leap up from the table, dive under the chair, grab the sticks and start drumming along with the beat. Philip REALLY loved music.
Then in 1981, just before the Humber Bridge opened, which Philip was very involved with, Helen and Philip, moved to Hong Kong for Philip to take up a job with the Hong Kong government in Land development and urban renewal.
Their two daughters Kate and Alice were born in Hong Kong. They are both now back in the UK, and married. Philip and Helen moved back to their home in Chinnor in 2003.
Philip played bass guitar with Prog Floyd, The Faith Healers and also with folk and ceilidh bands.
Back in the UK for the next ten years Philip was a research fellow at University College London.
He was always very proud of his northern roots. Philip, whether in Honk Kong or Chinnor, knew more about the school's old boy network, North Lincolnshire events and far more about Scunthorpe United than ever his old friends that lived locally.
He had the most infectious laugh and was very quick witted. He would have made a great script writer. Whatever he did he was passionate about it. Listening to music, playing in the band, art, sport, holidays, town planning and of course most of all, family.
We have lost a very dear friend, the most generous, funny, and an incredibly talented man.
- Alisair Ramsay
Marie Corney (Thurman)
forwarded by Joyce Lunn (Easton) 1949-1956.
On 22nd of December 2016 Marie Corney (Thurman) died suddenly while in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands aged 78. Marie was the loving wife of Alan Corney who attended BGS.
Marie, born in Ilkeston Derbyshire, moved to Brigg when her father was posted to the Nat West Bank in the Market Place. She became a pupil at BGHS.
As members of the Old Time Dance Club, which met in the Parish Church hall, Alan and Marie began a long and very devoted partnership. Marie was a very talented Maths student. She left school and went to work at Lloyds bank.
After Alan's graduation from Keble Oxford in 1961 they moved to live in Oxford. In 1964 they moved out to the States for 2 years during which time Marie began a University Maths Course. On returning to Oxford she went as a mature student to Somerville completing a maths degree in 1969.
Marie had led a full and very active life; her popularity acknowledged by the many local people who attended her funeral held in the church at Adderbury near Banbury where they lived in retirement.
I also attended, (along with my husband), in order to mark our friendship at BGHS, as did others which included Betty Morwood, Lowri Spurr and Barbara Watts. We had each kept in touch since we left school around 1956. The many reminisces of their Brigg connection were appreciated by Alan and Marie's family and as we remembered Marie with affection.
David Coulson (1979-1990)
David Coulson (Head 1979-1990): Retired Headteacher, David, died aged 81 at Warwick Hospital after losing a three-year battle with ill-health. He lived in Knightcote, Warwickshire and his funeral was at Southam Parish Church on Thursday, 2nd February 2017.
Mr Coulson was born in the Hull area and lived at the family home in Cottingham. He attended Hymers College in Hull, before spending two years in the Royal Air Force Signals Unit. He then went on to Queens College, Oxford, where he obtained an MA honours in modern history, before taking a job as a sixth form teacher of history and general Studies at Hull Grammar School.
After nine years there, he moved to Wolfreton School in Willerby and spent another nine years as director of sixth form studies, before becoming the Headteacher at Sir John Nelthorpe School.
David was a passionate advocate of links with industry and pioneered work related problem solving activities for pupils. He also introduced, in conjunction with the then Careers Service, a Careers Fair at the Brigg Leisure Centre with stands from a very wide range of professions, business and industry. He was a highly regarded and valued Headteacher.
He left Brigg in 1987 being seconded from education into the Government Headteachers Into Industry scheme and was placed with Northern Foods plc, where he spent some time working from its Hull headquarters as a consultant. He became the director of the programme in 1989 and took it nationwide, working closely with Reckitt and Colman and the University of Warwick as major sponsors. This took him as far afield as the USA and he became a Fellow of the University of Warwick. In 1996, Mr Coulson started his own successful human resources consultancy business, which he retired from in 2008.
Our condolences go out to his wife Maureen and sons Shaun and Conrad.
Robin Sumpter (1941-1948)
Robin Sumpter OBE died shortly before Christmas 2016, aged 85.
Robin was born in Normanby in 1931. He became a student at Brigg Grammar School from 1941 to 1948 before training to be a solicitor with RAC Symes & Co, sitting his Law Society exams in 1953. He then did National Service in Singapore and Malaya before returning to Symes (now Symes Bains Broomer), to continue his legal career and eventually he become senior partner. He retired from the firm in 2007, aged 76.
Robin was an active member of many organisations including Round Table, Forty-One Club and most recently the Round Table Lodge of Lincolnshire. He was also the current president of Normanby Park Sport and Activity Club.
Robin was awarded the OBE for services to the community in the Queen's Birthday Honours' List in 1996. In 1998 he was appointed Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Lincolnshire.
He was a fine sportsman and played hockey with Normanby Park to a very high standard as many local rivals can testify, including myself.
He was a loyal servant of the school and served on the main governing body, chairing the properties committee and latterly becoming Chair of Sir John Nelthorpe School Foundation Trustees. His legal knowledge was a great asset.
Former partner Richard Wallis described Mr Sumpter's death as "the end of an era".
"He was a giant of the legal profession in Scunny", said Mr Wallis.
"We shall never see the like again in the modern system."
"He lived life to the full with work, sport and church. The last of the 'Gentleman Solicitor' breed whose word was his bond and whose energy and enthusiasm was legendary.
"He gave time and effort without calculation of reward. The law and the area is poorer for his passing and his family can take a small comfort from the love, honour and respect in which he was held. He was a 'one off', impossible to match or replace. "His record stands as a testament to him as husband, father, colleague and man."
He leaves his wife Aileen, children Jane and Robert, son-in-law Alan and grandchild Jamie. His daughter, Jane Carnie, said, "He was a very supportive and loving husband, father and grandpa and we will miss him very much.
His funeral will take place at 2pm on Friday January 6 at St Andrew's Church, Burton-upon-Stather.
Peter Gregory (1933-1942)
Peter Gregory (1933-1942) has died aged 92 years. Peter was a well-liked and respected member of the community. Latterly frequently seen about town on his mobility scooter. He had two older brothers, John and Hugh with all thee going to Brigg Grammar School.
Peter joined the Royal Naval Volunteers after leaving BGS in 1942 and saw active service in the South Atlantic, Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf.
When demobbed he trained as a teacher in Cheltenham and taught English at Brigg Grammar School Peter was a member of the Briggensians for 16 years from 1988 to 2004 and Chairman from 1994 to 1996
He was a member of Probus for 30 years, Vice Captain of Brigg Rowing Club in 1951 and enjoyed walking, swimming, badminton and Morris Dancing
Wife Dorothy taught at Brigg Girls High School passed away in 2007 and they had daughters Susan, Rowena, Kate, and Vanessa
Pat Weightman (nee Bland) (1952-1959)
It is with immense sadness, that I inform all Briggensians, of the untimely death of Pat Weightman aged 75 years.
As many of you will know, Pat, was an active committee member of the association; taking on the role of secretary, organising cricket club teas for the annual matches, raffles and entertaining the head boy and girl at the annual dinner.
Pat's involvement with the school began in the early 1950s when she passed the 11 plus to enter the then Brigg Girls High School, where she excelled both in sport and academically. Pat married Mike and together they raised three sons, Alister, Simon and Edward; all of whom attended the school.
With husband Mike they set up a very successful and well regarded dental practice in Brigg which was taken over by son Alister on their retirement before being sold to Oasis.
Everyone will remember Pat for her willingness to take on any task and for that unforgettable smile that won over all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Air Commodore Patrick James Cabourne (1936-1945)
Air Commodore Patrick James Cabourne (1936-1945): passed away peacefully at home on Thursday 24 November 2016. Following his time at BGS - during which he was Head Boy, and later University, he had an illustrious career in the RAF serving in Suez, the Middle East, Malta and the USA, and becoming the Group Captain at RAF Binbrook in the 1960s. He ended his RAF career as Air Commodore in Saudi Arabia in command of the Air Defence. Uncle Jim, as we knew him, will be sadly missed." Bill Phipps
Terry Pocklington (1946-1951)
Sugarland, Texas - Terence William Pocklington, 81, passed away 16th June, 2016, at Silverado Living Centre in Sugarland, Texas, with his beloved son Brian and daughter-in-law Amanda at his side. Terry, as he was known, was born in Brigg, England, on May 15th, 1935 to the late Charles Frances and Sybil Pocklington; which is where he attended Brigg Grammar School.
Terry spent most of his adult life in Tupelo and Pontotoc. He moved to Tupelo with Ram Golf in 1966. He helped design the Pontotoc Country Club Golf Course. He not only worked in the golf business but LOVED playing the game.
Terry is survived by his wife, Joan, of 57 years; of Tupelo; one son, Brian (Amanda); three grandchildren, Victoria Startz (Chris), William Pocklington and Caroline Pocklington; two great-grandchildren, Emma and Alex Startz of Richmond, Texas; two sisters, Patricia Christopher and Pam Watson of England.
Brigid Vaughan (1958-1965)
Brid' was the immediate past President of the Briggensians Association and had served on the committee for many years. She will be sadly missed.
Brid' was full of fun and always up for any enjoyable activity especially in sport where she was in her element. She lived life to the full and it was very sad that her brain tumour could not be fully removed although she did make every effort to stay fit and fight her subsequent disability.
Brid' was a mainstay of Brigg Ladies Hockey Club and then Brigg Hockey Club following the amalgamation with the men's section. Brid' was one of the long-serving players, juniors coach and President of Brigg Hockey Club and worked tirelessly for the creation of an all-weather pitch in Brigg, which is now nearing completion. Sadly, she will not see its inauguration.
During the time she was married to the late John Allcock they had three sons although sadly David died leaving Jonty and Elisa in Goxhill and Jamie and Nicola who now live in New Zealand.
Oliver Hughes (1970-1975) - from Twigmoor
The owner of some of Dublin's best known pubs and venues has sadly passed away.
Oliver Hughes, who was a co-founder of the Porterhouse Group and owned Lillie's Bordello, died suddenly in his Dublin home on Saturday evening.
The cause of death is suspected to be a heart attack. Oliver had been treated for a heart condition in recent weeks, but had been given the all clear by doctors and was at his home on Saturday night when he took ill.
Oliver Hughes was a former barrister who rose to prominence when he co-founded the Porterhouse Group with his cousin Liam La Hart.
Set up more than 25 years ago, the group now employs over 500 people across its pub network in Dublin, London and New York.
The group incorporates seven bars, five restaurants, Lillie's Bordello nightclub, the Dingle Distillery and associated brewing operation, plus two tapas bars. Dingle's was the first new distillery in Ireland in 200 years.
Oliver and his cousin bought a pub in Bray in 1989, which specialised in stocking world beers and in 1996 they opened their first pub micro-brewery in Dublin's Temple Bar which continues to thrive under the Porterhouse name.
Three years later the company opened a Porterhouse in Covent Garden and then another in Glasnevin and Fraunces Tavern on Wall Street in New York.
More than 10 years ago, Oliver and his co-founder bought one of Ireland's most famous nightclubs Lillie's Bordello, and opened Porterhouse Central on Nassau Street.
Hughes is survived by his wife and two children.
Andrew Brown remembers his friend Oliver:
'Very sad to inform you that Oliver Hughes passed away last Sunday aged 57. Oliver and I were the two boys who "deserted" at the end of year 5 (as it was) and went to John Leggott College together for Sixth Form. We were great mates and managed to stay in touch despite being at opposite ends of the globe. I last saw Oliver in Dublin in September 2013 and had arranged to meet him this October at the Dingle Food Festival in Co. Kerry as part of my wife and I's European trip.'
David Bains
THE funeral of retired Brigg solicitor David Bains was be held on Thursday 16th June at Scunthorpe�s Woodlands Crematorium followed by a reception at The Sutton Arms in Scawby.
Mr Bains died suddenly at his home in Elsham on 1st June aged 81 years, following a four-week holiday in France.
After studying at Brigg Grammar School, Mr Bains was called up in 1954 for National Service duty and served in Germany.
On being demobbed he studied at Cambridge University and later trained as a solicitor at the School of Law in Guildford,
In 1970 Mr Bain and his late wife Liz, a former nurse at Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, celebrated the birth of their daughter Diane.
Mrs Diane Wilson became the third generation of the family to qualify as a solicitor and worked alongside her father in the Brigg practice for 15 years.
Mr Baines, who took over the legal practice started by his father William, led a full and active life after suffering serious injuries while attempting to climb Scafell Pike in 1969. The accident ended Mr Baines� career as a mountaineer and he took up bell-ringing as therapy for his badly-damaged shoulders.
He also followed his passions for walking, opera, rugby, gardening and horse-racing, the latter in his role as a member of the Elite Racing club.
Dorothy Bruce
Dorothy, seen to the right holding a painting by Ken Lamming presented to her upon retirement.
Tributes:Ailsa Moore: I first met Dorothy when I went for interview for the post of headmistress of Brigg High School. Dorothy was so kind and helpful to all the candidates. When I began my stay at the school, I found Dorothy knew everybody and everything about the school, she was a great help to me. I spent time driving Dorothy to Lincoln to visit her beloved brother Phil, together we cared for Phil. When Phil died and later Dorothy moved to her flat in Lincoln I kept in regular touch by phone from Woking, we shared many memories. I will miss her a great deal.
Jill Craig: I was much saddened to hear of Mrs Dorothy Bruce�s recent passing, as will many other staff and [pupils of the former Girls� High School. Dorothy was completely devoted to the school and was a valued member of its community. My personal indebtedness to her came particularly after Mrs Isobel Shepherdson�s departure to a large London comprehensive, when I was appointed acting Head for two terms. After only one year as Deputy, I still had much knowledge to acquire, especially after seven years abroad. Dorothy, however, proved to be a mine of information about pupils and school matters, her assistance greatly facilitating my task. She was, indeed, the perfect secretary � elegant and charming, with both pupils and staff alike. A very likeable lady!
Barbara Kernon: Many High School girls will remember Dorothy the School Secretary. She joined the staff in 1962 and served with Miss Shepherdson and Miss Moore before we went comprehensive. She always took a keen interest in the school, girls and provided many useful items of memorabilia for our reunion in 2007. Dorothy and husband Ray were Founder Members and Chairmen of Brigg Round Table and Ladies Circle. They had two sons David and Ian. After Ray died, Dorothy eventually moved to Lincoln and died there on Sunday, 6th December 2015.
Betty Romans
Betty Romans has died. She was well in her 90's and although in a home retained her sharp faculties. She had one son, Philip, who is a barrister. Betty Romans was Matron. Geoffrey was Housemaster and taught English; he was very good and very keen on cricket. Having met in the Boarding House, they married. Geoffrey became an H.M.I. Regards, Robin Sumpter.
David Leaning
Distinguished old boy of Brigg Grammar School from 1947-1955 and speaker at the annual Briggensians� Dinner in March 2007, former Dean of Southwell Minster, David Leaning, has died unexpected at the age of 79 years.
Educated at Keble College, Oxford, he was ordained in 1961.
David retired after 46 years serving in the Church of England�s Ministry in Gainsborough, Worsop in Nottinghamshire and Kington in Herefordshire. After 20 years in Parish Ministry he became Archdeacon of Newark in the Diocese of Southwell and then Dean of the Cathedral of Southwell, a position he held for 15 years.
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Brian Thornalley
Brian Thornalley (1945�52) who died on July 8th 2015 was at Brigg from 1945 to 1952 in Yarborough House leaving after the Upper Sixth. He was in the same school intake as me. I recall he and I played cricket in the School First Eleven in 1951. Brian was a quickish bowler and quite successful. He also played football for the Second Eleven.
After he left school, he did National Service and then went to College at Loughborough, going on to teach woodwork, spending several years in Cyprus in the course of his career. He was, I believe, inspired by �Willie� Watts our woodwork teacher at school and I know that Brian always kept in touch with him over the years. Brian was, I believe, a keen member of the �Woodlands Trust� and also a family history enthusiast. I caught up with Brian again in the 1990�s and particularly after I returned to the East Midlands as Brian lived at Willoughby on the Wolds near Loughborough. His Christmas �round-robin� letters were always packed with information about his activities.
I last saw him at the Annual Dinner about two years ago. The news of his death, which I only learnt about very recently, came as quite a shock.Peter Wade
Chris Magrath
Chris Magrath (1956-62) Adrian emailed to say, �Dave, sad news always arrives at Christmas from people you don't see regularly, it seems. In case you don't know already, Chris Magrath died last February, from cancer. We received a letter from his family with our card today. Perhaps it is something to note in the Newsletter�. Adrian Broome.
Frank Lea
Frank Lea: (1943-49) Frank had been unwell for some time and sadly died in May 2015. He had a very successful haulage business in Brigg at Scawby Brook and his son has now taken over the business. The funeral service, held at Scawby, was attended by many members of family, friends and members of organisations to which he had belonged. Frank is survived by his wife Jean
J R Lyon
Sorry to note the passing of John Robert Lyon in the latest issue. We were great pals in our BGS days I believe his dates were that he joined Geoge Cabourne in the old Prep department in 1937 moving into main school with the rest of our bunch in 1938. Some names that spring to mind in that bunch were D W Brown Pat Cabourne (George Cabourne�s youngest son) Taffy Snell, Nick Davenport, Buzzer Bee, Roger Cobb to name a few. John and I very often used to go down to the Lyon Bakery at lunchtime. It was a few hundred yards beyond school on the opposite side of Grammar School Road. John and I both left school about the same time in early 1945. I left to join the Army on an Engineering Scholarship; he left to help his mother run the business, his Dad having died a few years earlier. John used to get up early to get the �Daily Bread� in the oven before coming to school. He worked very hard in those days. My last contact with him was about 1978/79 when I managed to find him living in Hatfield, Herts, and if I remember correctly he was working at De Haverland Aircraft. I think his Mum was still alive and living with them at that time. Excuse the meanderings, Put it down to age !! It may be of interest to somebody, Peter Plant: (1938-45)
Elizabeth Belt
Elizabeth Belt (nee Hastings): Educated at Brigg Prep and then the Girls High School, Elizabeth taught for 27 years in many schools across the area. She taught at Scawby and Brigg Primaries and was a long serving teacher at Baysgarth School, Barton, before coordinating Special Needs at SJN. She was heavily involved in the WI and became President at Broughton and Chairmen of the Humberside Federation. Elizabeth had been battling lung cancer for 3 years despite a 12-18 months prognosis. The Coroner at her inquest confirmed that she had contracted mesothelioma through inhaling asbestos dust during her time teaching in schools across North Lincolnshire. The county have agreed compensation with her family and the story was taken up by the national press. She had children, Katherine, Sarah, Charlotte and Chris and had survived her late husband Brian.
Gordon Barrie Eccles
Gordon Barrie Eccles (School House,1944-50) died at his home in Ranby, Nottinghamshire, in May, 2015, following a short illness; he was 81. Barrie was one of the 1940s� group of Briggensians - self-styled because all were at school during the war years. We formed a close bond, which has lasted a lifetime, and Barrie was a great character to have around in those dire times of fire drills, sirens and interminable trips to the shelters. Full of fun and voice, he played an influential part in school activities and was a popular friend to all. He also had a tremendous enthusiasm for the Scout Association reflected by his leadership role locally - and an armful of badges.
After leaving school, Barrie spent four years at Leeds College of Technology and two years� National Service in the Army before running the Eccles family tailoring business, founded in1816. Many will remember the Eccles Outfitters in Brigg. Barrie married Jean Parker in 1958, who survives him, and they had two children, Helen, a gifted artist, and Graham, a talented musician. Barrie�s main hobby was sailing. He occasionally took off on voyages as far as the Greek Islands and the Caribbean. His other passion was making exceptionally finefurniture and he crafted his own dining table with eight Hepplewhite-style chairs and many other pieces. I was privileged to see his work when I last visited him at his home two years ago. We spent several happy hours talking about our days at school, our old friends, our boarding school memories and how fortunate we had been in being a pupil at Brigg under such a fine team of teachers. Peter Wade , one of our �40s group, travelled from his home near Derby to represent the School and Barrie�s old friends at his funeral at All Saints� Church, Babworth, near Retford. Derek Sumpter
David Rhodes (1950-1957)
David Rhodes (1950-1957) - died suddenly in March 2015 aged 76. After a highly successful time at BGS - Victor Ludorum, County Champion at the Triple Jump, leading singer and State Scholar - he went up to Wadham College, Oxford, where he took a First in Physics. Deciding against research, he determined to become a teacher. Following teaching practice at Manchester Grammar School, he taught at Dulwich College and then for over thirty years at Fettes College in Edinburgh as Head of Science, Housemaster, Senior Master and Deputy Head. He was widely respected and held in great affection. He was much involved from singing in the College choir to coaching the College's Vth Girls' Hockey team. He visited China for the College and successfully created links that brought many young students to Fettes.
He played golf, but singing was his passion. He was a member of two top choirs, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra Chorus and the St. Giles Choir, with whom he performed in prestigious concerts all over Scotland in London and abroad. In 1962 he married Mr ('Timber') Watts's daughter, Barbara. He will be sadly missed.
Roy Cochrane
Canon Roy Cochrane has died at the age of 89. Many will remember Roy who taught at Brigg Grammar School in the 1980�s. He served at St. John�s Church in Brigg for 20 years before becoming chaplain at St. Barnabus Hospice, Lincoln, in 1989.
Roy had a long and distinguished career; he served in the RAF during WW2 before joining the ministry and serving at many churches across Lincolnshire, he was the Bishop�s adviser for pastoral care and led many pilgrimages to Greece, Turkey, Egypt and Jordon.
Alan West (1938-1948)
Alan West died at the age of 85 in February, 2015.
Born in 1930 and raised in Barrow on Humber; Alan became a boarder at Brigg Grammar School from 1938 to 1948. He was a keen sportsman and especially liked Rugby but found cricket a waste of a sunny summer�s afternoon.
Alan did National Service as a wireless operator in the RAF and would dearly have liked to be a pilot; he maintained his love of aircraft and historical RAF flying machines for the rest of his life.
Alan started work for Spillers, later to become the Farmers' Company, then Albright and Wilson, and it was there that he met his wife Margaret.
He was a Scoutmaster and treasurer, receiving an award from the organisation for his work, which included the setting up of the outdoor centre at Primrose Hill, Scawby.
Alan completed his working life at British Steel, Scunthorpe, in 1991 and soon joined the Brigg Probus Club which he enjoyed for 20 years continuing to be active even following his stroke in 1998.
Roy Lacy
Roy Lacy died August Bank Holiday 2014. He attended the school 1940 to 1945.
On leaving school he trained as a Male Nurse at Louth County Infirmary and then joined the Royal Army Medical Corps for 26 Years. He served in the Korean War and came through with only minor injuries. He is buried in Basingstoke Cemetery.
Brian Williams
I bring the sad news that Brian Williams (1959-1978) died peacefully this morning at the Stewton House Nursing Home in Louth where he had been transferred to from hospital so that he could be close to Margaret and their home together.
I visited Brian and Margaret last Friday afternoon and I was able to pass on all the good wishes and recollections that Briggensians had sent to me; Brian was able to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and messages but soon slipped back into sleep. His medication was keeping him free from pain and he was still taking water but not food. I will let members know when the funeral has been arranged; typically Brian had chosen his own service down to the last detail.
Margaret was much better than I had expected following her stroke last July and was able to get to see Brian in the nursing home with the support of her walking frame. The family were taking it in turn at staying with Margaret so that one of them was there at all times to help and support. It was Tim who broke the sad news this morning.
I have learned today that the funeral will be held at 1.00pm on Friday, 6th December 2013 at St. James Church, Louth. This will be followed by his internment for family only. The family would like as many of those attending as are able to remain for refreshments which will be available locally. Those Briggensians who wish to send reflections for the Newsletter on school days especially in connection with Brian are encouraged to email me.
R W Porter LDS (BGS 1928-1935)
Mr Porter's daughter has informed us of his passing at the age of 93 and very kindly sent in a short account of his life along with three photos of different stages of his life at school, in the RAF and in later years.
Born on 11 January 1918 in Tattershall, Lincs, he was the eldest son of Bernard Porter, Farmer and Justice of the Peace, and Constance Mary Meggitt. He was educated at The (Sir John Nelthorpe) Grammar School in Brigg from 1928 to 1935 (representing the school in cricket and swimming), then at Leeds University School of Dentistry, graduating in 1940.