After reading Physics at Wadham College, Oxford, I joined the Marconi Company and worked on the development of liquid crystal displays, until the company decided that there was no commercial future for them! So, in 1975 I made a career shift and moved into satellite communications. I worked on the development of the Earth Station equipment. The major customers were BT and Cable & Wireless. This work led to the start of my globetrotting. Trips to the Middle East and the Caribbean whetted my appetite for travelling. Frustration at poor promotional prospects persuaded me to immigrate to Canada in 1982. My first task was to establish the infrastructure to bring Pay-TV via satellite to Canada. Subsequent projects took me to the Arctic and Australia. I took full advantage of this latter opportunity and went snorkelling on the Great Barrier Reef, visited Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock) and went on a cruise of the South Pacific.

South America was next. I visited the truly awe inspiring Lost City of the Incas at Machu Picchu in Peru, flew over the Nasca Lines and explored the Amazon jungle, where I narrowly avoided stepping on a poisonous snake.

In 1993 I was the victim of a 'downsizing'. After six months without work I picked up a couple of short contracts in Malaysia and the Philippines. Then an opportunity presented itself to work on the Iridium project, a global satellite-based mobile phone system. This took me to Brazil, South Korea and Taiwan. I saw the spectacular Iguassu Falls and went hang-gliding over Rio, landing on Ipanema Beach.

In between my work assignments, I went on safari in Botswana, re-enacted a voyageur canoe trip in Northern Ontario, visited the Monarch butterfly hibernation sites in Mexico and dabbled at vintage motorcycle racing. I still keep active and am now in my 45th season of football. Currently, I'm living in Texas and am the chief engineer on a huge project for the Far East to provide high speed internet access via satellite to 14 countries, two-thirds of the world's population!

 

The 27^th Dinner will be held on Saturday, 20^th March 2004 at Elsham Golf Club starting at 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Gentlemen in Jackets please.

Members and guests are welcome and the places are £15.00 per head.

Requests for places with remittance should be sent to the Sir John Nelthorpe Upper School, Grammar School Road, Brigg, N Lincolnshire, DN20 8AA. (Tel. 01652 656551).

N.B. Half Term closed to telephone calls Mon. 16th- Fri 20th Feb. 2004

Cheques made payable to THE BRIGGENSIANS ASSOCIATION.

Please book and pay for places by 10th March using the form at the end of this Newsletter

For information on accommodation in the area contact: Brigg Tourist Information Centre. Tel: 01652 657053 e-mail: [email protected] or on the web http://www.northlincs.gov.uk/tourism

I am pleased to report that the Association has had a very good year with a well attended 26^th Annual Dinner, when the Guest Speaker was our well known previous Head- the Reverend Brian Williams.

The Briggensians Newsletter was distributed in February and in the future some copies will be sent by

e-mail as well as by the normal method in the post.

The new website- www.briggensians.net has gradually been developed since mid year and hopefully will soon be fully launched.

Other developments have included new laminated membership cards, a database of Association members and the renovation of old film records of the school.

New members continue to join our ranks and a full page write up in the June issue of the Sixth Form Newsletter will be very helpful in encouraging membership amongst school leavers.

A programme of summer and winter sports is continuing. Thanks are due to all those involved in the organisation and getting the teams together.

We continue to have a steady stream of contacts from old boys who have visited the school, sent letters or e-mails. A reunion of former pupils of Brigg Girls High School from 1971 is taking place soon in Brigg.

Our Committee meetings have been well attended throughout the year and I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their help and the support received during my year as Chairman.

Dr. K.S. Proctor 29.09.03

FURTHER DEVELOPMENTS SINCE THE BRIGGENSIANS A.G.M.

Briggensians website- http://www.briggensians.net - is now fully operational and a message board facility on this website has been developed by Jim Flewker with the help of 'Old Boy' Daniel Bloor, who is based in Illinois, U.S.A. This message board is called the Briggensians Forum, which enables members to communicate with long lost friends all over the world. Mike Hammett who is President of the company, which Daniel Bloor is associated with, has kindly donated server space for this venture.

I would like to give thanks to Julian O’Neill and Jonathon Gregory who have retired from the committee after many years of excellent service to the Association. The committee is keen to encourage younger members to join and therefore extends a warm welcome to Jane Gibbons our newest committee member. Jane is the wife of our well-known P.E. teacher at SJN, Adrian Gibbons. The committee extends an open invitation to the Head Boy and Head Girl and their Deputies to attend the Briggensians meetings.

NEWS OF THE REVEREND H.B. WILLIAMS

News comes from Reverend Brian Williams (our speaker for the 26^th Annual Dinner), who said he and his wife were in good health and were now settled in their new home in Louth. They were looking forward to their Diamond Wedding Anniversary next year. He also wanted to say how much they enjoyed the 2003 Dinner and thanked everybody for the kindness shown to them. He will try to come to the Annual Dinner on 20^th March 2004 as he remembers Nev. Miller, this year’s speaker, very well.

Once again I am pleased to report that the students and teachers at Sir John Nelthorpe School have surpassed themselves. The GCSE results achieved in the summer of 2003 were particularly memorable as they were the best ever achieved by Year 11 students at Sir John Nelthorpe School and at any school in North Lincolnshire. A record breaking 65.2% of students achieved 5 or more A*-C grades which compares extremely well with the LEA average of 42.9% and national average of 49.9%. There was also a significant increase in the number of students achieving A* and A grades. This is particularly impressive as this was one of the largest year groups the school has ever had. My thanks and congratulations go to the teaching and pastoral staff who worked so hard to maintain the high expectations we have of and for our students.

The examination results achieved by students in the Brigg Sixth Form were equally impressive with a pass rate of over 91%. Twelve subjects had a 100% pass rate. Again this highlights the excellent teaching, small group sizes, experienced management and pastoral support, which were recognised in a recent Ofsted Inspection Report.

At long last there has been progress regarding a new dining facility. Work began on the access to the site in December to ensure that the drive will be wide enough and strong enough to accommodate the heavy machinery. In January the actual construction work begins. It is anticipated that the new on-site provision will cater for all pupils and become a venue for social events for the school and the local community. The dining room will offer a wide range of foods in line with our bid for the ‘Healthy Schools Award.’ Students will also be able to dine ‘al fresco’ in the summer term at picnic tables in the orchard area that has been developed by the Environment Club. Students from the School Council will be directly involved in the interior design of the dining room. It is hoped that the work will be completed by the end of August 2004 so that meals can be served from the beginning of the next academic year.

The old swimming pool area has undergone its first phase of redevelopment as a social and garden area. The walls of the swimming pool were rendered to make them suitable for decoration this was very expensive as the fabric of the walls had deteriorated. During the summer term a group of AVCE/GNVQ Art students designed and painted a mural on one wall. The theme of the mural is ‘poppies’ in recognition that the site is a memorial to ex pupils who perished in two World Wars. Further developments to the area will be made during the coming year including the second phase of mural painting and the planting up of the garden. The Trustees of the Nelthorpe Foundation have generously funded these improvements. The area will be rededicated once the work has been completed.

One of the old Science laboratories on the Lower School (Girl’s High School) site has been completely refurbished along with the technician’s preparation room. This has increased the availability of specialist facilities for science teaching and learning. Having completed the Science laboratory the fitters moved on to remodel the old domestic science room on the Upper School site. This was completed at the end of the summer term 2003 and is now an impressive food laboratory suitable for teaching food technology up to A level standard.

At the end of each academic year we say goodbye to a number of valued colleagues. We were sad to lose Mrs June Denton, who had been Deputy Headteacher for thirteen years. She had managed the Lower School site for several years and will be missed by colleagues, parents and students at the school. We wish her a very long and happy retirement. She has been replaced by Mr Andrew Williams who was previously Head of Upper School.

Mr Peter Witherden the Head of Mathematics left to go to a school much closer to home. He will be remembered for his very successful leadership of the department. Mr Bob Brown who was second in the department has succeeded him.

After three years at Sir John Nelthorpe, Mrs Julia Bell the SENCO also left for a promoted post in Leicestershire. We wish her well for the future. Mrs Elizabeth Belt has taken over this role on a temporary basis.

The financial management of schools has become increasingly complex and demanding. Despite Government claims there is never enough money available to meet the spiralling costs of staff salaries, curriculum changes and resources. Some of the school buildings at Sir John Nelthorpe are subject to listed status and are very expensive to maintain. No extra funds are given in recognition of this. Despite these demands the Headteacher, Bursar and Finance Committee members at Sir John Nelthorpe School have managed to function within their budget and improve the educational provision for students in the school. We are grateful for the financial support given by the Parent Teacher Association and The Nelthorpe Foundation Trust who give regular donations to the school.

The Sir John Nelthorpe School is now looking forward to its next phase of development, which is to bid for Specialist Status. The subjects chosen by the Governors and Headteacher are Mathematics and Science. ICT is also a part of every bid. This will enable the school to maintain its tradition of academic excellence and build on our current strengths. Once Specialist Status has been achieved the Government allocates a one off lump sum for capital build and extra funding for a period of four years. This will enable the school to accelerate the refurbishment programme and buy more equipment. We will also be able to provide more community facilities, enhance liaison with primary schools and offer after school courses. The benefits of extra funding will be beneficial to all areas of the curriculum. In order to obtain the Government funds the school has to raise £50,000 with a large proportion coming from 'industrial or business' sources. This is a considerable sum but with the support of all connected with Sir John Nelthorpe School we are confident this can be achieved. Anyone who feels able to make a donation should contact the Headteacher. I am sure she will be contacting friends of the school as the 'bid' is developed.

It is anticipated that Sir John Nelthorpe School will achieve specialist status by the beginning of the 2005 academic year. Following this the school will be monitored to ensure that the high quality of teaching and learning is maintained and that examination results rise even further! As we are currently top of the LEA League tables for most subjects this will be a considerable challenge, nevertheless the staff and Governors are ready to take an excellent school and make it outstanding.

Finally, I would like to thank the school governors for their continuing support. School Governance has become increasingly demanding over recent years. There are regular meetings to attend and innumerable documents and changes in legislation. The Governors of The Sir John Nelthorpe School give of their time freely and without remuneration. It is greatly appreciated.

Linda Hewlett-Parker

Headteacher

Students in Brigg Sixth Form College have raised over £3,000 for a variety of charities during their annual TWAG Week. There were a wide variety of fund raising initiatives including the Brigg TWAG awards Talent Show, a Teacher Pop-Idol competition, and a lunchtime market. Two students raised £300 by walking from Bridlington to Brigg dressed as the characters of the Directory Enquiries 118 TV advert. Other fun-packed activities included Slave Auctions, Soak-a-Sixer, Beat the Keeper and Waiter Service in the cafeterias of The Vale of Ancholme Technology College and The Sir John Nelthorpe School.

Directors of Sixth Form, Mr. N. J. Grafton and Mrs. N. J. Williams, are delighted with the outcome. 'It shows how unselfish and caring young people really are about those less fortunate than themselves' said Mrs. Williams. The students in BSFC are a vibrant and energetic group of people who have certainly gained a great deal from involvement in this initiative. 'They really learn about organisational responsibilities and how to work as part of a committee. Skills they gain here will serve them well in years to come' said Mr. Grafton.

TWAG is unique to BSFC and started nearly twenty years ago following the famine in Ethiopia and Bob Geldof’s Band Aid. No other college runs anything like it!

Among the charities Supported this year are: Milly’s Fund, a charity that promotes personal safety in the memory of Milly Dowler; The Chernobyl Children’s Project, helping to restore hope to the people of Chernobyl, Russia; Katie's Concerts, a charity which supports Cancer Research and Blue Cross Animal Hospitals in the memory of a local girl, Katie Louise Darwood, who tragically died of cancer; Dowa School in the Republic of Benin, Africa.

 

BRIGG SIXTH FORM COLLEGE

11  UNKNOWN

Peter Jarvis, who retired to Shrewsbury in 1991, writes to say that prior to that time he worked for 29 years in the oil industry in many international locations including Asia, Africa, North and South America. After retirement he undertook some consultancy work for 8 years, learned to play the pipe organ and had a trip of a lifetime lasting three months, visiting Chile, Houston, Seattle and British Columbia.

It was very pleasing to see Peter’s Mother Gwen Jarvis, accompanying him at the Annual Dinner in April 2003. Gwen is now aged 92, and taught at Brigg Grammar School during the war in place of her husband Geoff (Head of Geography). Gwen still enjoys holidaying in Greece.

Peter’s brother, Steven, is now the Donald Court Professor of Child Health medicine in Newcastle upon Tyne. He lives in the Cheviots and plays golf and sails competitively.

Nick Jarvis, Peter’s youngest brother is a retired BT Systems Engineer and lives in Brighton. After Pembroke College he took an MSc in Systems Engineering at Warwick and worked for British Airports before joining BT. Nick has been providing a home for Peter’s two sons, Michael (31) who works for Kimberley Clark and Gareth (29) who is about to graduate in Mechanical Engineering.

Peter has been in touch with Maurice Payne and Andrew Matthews and would like to contact

Mick (M.A.) Kirkman (1951-59) and Phil Walling if anybody is in contact.

Andrew Matthews is in contact with Brett Butler in New Zealand.

A prospective member of the Association is Frank Gant of Whakatane, New Zealand who was mentioned in the 2003 Newsletter and looks forward to receiving news from Old Briggensians. He has written in December to say that the last Newsletter brought back many happy memories reminding him of school friends. He recognises familiar surnames and wonders if these people could be grandchildren of the “lads he knew”.

Since leaving school Frank “went to sea a couple of weeks after World War 2 broke out and limped home on survivors’ leave in the summer of 1943”. He met Bob North and they “counted up old mates in the lower Sixth Form 1938-39”, sadly some were dead or wounded P.O.W.s and the rest were in the H.M. Forces scattered over the world.

Frank attained his Master Mariners Certificate of Competency and migrated to New Zealand where he now lives in Golden Pond Retirement Village and is keeping fit.

Frank Gant and Ted Nobbs of Flixton, Scarborough have both shown curiosity about the school badge and would be interested to know what the symbols represent on both the old and the newer version.

Further news of Sandy Gurnell, through his cousin George Gurnell, is that he has recently moved from Ontario to Victoria in British Columbia but travels extensively to Florida around Christmas time. He has joined the Old Briggensians and watches events on the Internet. Let's hope he will take a further step and join the message board to chat to other Old Briggensians.

George Gurnell has sent 2 photographs of the Under 14 football teams of 1935-36 and 1937-38, which are included in the Newsletter. Frank Gant is pictured on the 1937-8 photograph along with other pupils you may recognise. On the 1935-6 team photo is Derek Denton who still lives in the Brigg area at Scawby Brook.

U14 XI 1935-6

2nd XI 1937-8

George Gurnell also writes to say thank you for organising and inviting him to the Annual Dinner of 5^th April 2003. At the time of writing George was recovering from a recent operation and making good progress. In spite of his medical problem George has enjoyed a 'glorious summer on the bowling greens and in the garden.'

He goes on to say he is still in touch with Frank Gant from New Zealand (originally Hemswell Cliff) and Sandy Gurnell in Canada who hailed from Scawby Station. Thanks again for an excellent Dinner served under difficult circumstances (due to staffing problems). Looking forward to next year.

There is some news from Nick Lonsdale who attended BGS between 1954 and 1961. Nick was originally from Greetwell near Scawby and has e-mailed the Chairman from Enderby in Canada. Nick and his wife, Yvonne, had recently been back in England for 18 months but are now settling back into Canadian life in Enderby, which is a small community close to Kamloops, Vernon and Kelowna. He says the driving over there is very relaxed and he is within 5 hours drive of Calgary and Vancouver. The U.S border is just 90 miles away.

Nick says he lives in a spectacular part of the world with first class skiing and winter activities in 4 resorts within a 50-mile radius of his home.

Regarding BGS he keeps in contact with Dave Rose, Dave Gilby and Graham (Tab) Hunter who are all on Vancouver Island and also Roger Stokes who is in Winnipeg. Jason Andrew and his wife are also good friends and live in Waltham. They visited Nick and Yvonne in Canada 2 years ago. Nick sends his best wishes to all his friends in England.

John Bale, who was a pupil at BGS from 1954 to 1959 paid a visit to the school in June 2003. He was shown around by the Head and this was his first look at the inside since 1959.

John says “on leaving school I joined the Metropolitan Police in early 1960, initially as a cadet and then as a PC, and transferred to the Suffolk Constabulary in late 1971 with my wife and 4 children.

I retired in 1988 as a Chief Inspector and am currently employed part time at the Port of Felixstowe.”

Some years ago John was re-acquainted with an old school friend, Ivan Bett, who lives with his family near Sheffield. John had mentioned one or two names of friends he would like to contact again and the Association was able to put him in contact with Nick Lonsdale in Canada. Sadly another school friend of John’s, Steph Liebersbach died recently.

John’s visit to the school brought back happy memories and he is hoping to come to the Annual Dinner. He would like to hear news of any old school friends and can be contacted on [email protected]

Further news from a regular contributor, P.D.J. Campbell of South Winds, High Street, East Markham, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG22 0RE

Peter writes to say he appreciates the remarks about his comments from time to time and he was sorry to hear of the death of Lawrie Collins, who he had mentioned last year. Peter was surprised to learn of the demolition of the pavilion and he wonders if there will be a sports pavilion planned for the future.

He says, 'It was most interesting to read extracts from The Briggensian of 1929 sent in by John Lee. I had been at the school since 1924 and building the new pavilion was a great event. It replaced a small shabby old hut and seemed magnificent at the time, the reward of much fund raising. The refectory was originally the sanatorium for the boarders. I was there a short time in 1924 in my first term when I caught Whooping Cough. The names in the sporting events bring back memories. John Dore lived near to me in Barton, where I moved from Elsham; John Lee himself lived in Barton, one of a family eminent there for many years.'

Walter C. Cash of 21 Farside Road, West Ayton, Scarborough, YO13 9LE (1927-33), wrote to say he was always pleased to see a few words from P.D.J. Campbell as he is a welcome reminder of Walter's enjoyable years at B.G.S.

In a recent telephone conversation Walter Cash remembers that he was one of the few pupils who started Brigg Grammar School at the age of 10. He is also a contemporary of Kathleen Vessey and Millie Hancock from Brigg Girls High School, whose photographs were recently featured on the Briggensians' website. He also says that he very much looks forward to the annual visit he receives from John Hastings and reading his annual Newsletter.

An e-mail has been received from Robina Cosser of Queensland, Australia, who was pleased to hear the Briggensians were developing a new website. Robina says, 'After Brigg Girls High School I went to Bretton Hall (1966-69) and spent a very lazy three years studying Art. In 1974 I migrated to 'Awstraylia�' as you Pommies like to call it. I completed a degree and then a Masters in Applied Linguistics at Sydney Uni. I worked with Aboriginal languages and also taught Bahasa Indonesia (studied at a uni in Central Java). It was great work travelling around remote areas like the islands of the Torres Straits. Now I am retired and living in Cairns, a tropical resort town in far North Queensland. I would really be delighted to hear from any old friends in Brigg - I think of my home town very fondly.'

Robina’s e-mail is [email protected]

Latest update from Howard Lee of Western Australia. His e-mail address is [email protected]

Edward Nobbs, who left in 1954, tells us he is now retired after teaching in Scarborough. He now keeps bees, runs a smallholding and breeds Sharpei dogs (best of breed Crufts 2002, 2003). 'Life is great. Doing research into genealogy. Back to 1410 in one line' says Ted.

Ted invites you to view his websites at the following addresses:

Genealogy site www.tednobbs.com and show-dogs at www.forgevalleysharpei.com

The Chairman had a very interesting conversation with David Stockdale who wishes to be contacted via his e-mail. He sends the following message for the magazine,

“I’m one of those oldies who left in 1948! Is there anyone in addition to Derek Bowskill and George Gunson who remembers me?”

David’s e-mail address is [email protected]

Rob Parkinson of South Glamorgan sends his congratulations to Brigg Town on their football success. He asks, “Is Gib still involved?” Perhaps “Gib” would like to e-mail him with the answer on: [email protected]

News from Cliff Turner, an Old Briggensian living in New Zealand. Cliff Turner, who was staying with his brother John Turner in Scawby Brook near Brigg during May 2003, met up with Ken Proctor (Chairman of the Association). Cliff informs us that the Old Briggensian's network is active in New Zealand as he recently met up with Bob Walker (R.G. Walker) in Hamilton, where they both live. Cliff’s daughter discovered that Bob was in Hamilton via the Internet and from there it was easy to trace him in the telephone book.

Bob attended Brigg Grammar School from 1932 to 1936, and Cliff just missed him as he started the term after Bob left. They have enjoyed a couple of meetings since the preliminary one to talk about the old school.

Mr. B.T. Thornalley (1945-1952) contacted the Briggensians with some sad news, he writes:

“ Sadly I have to report the death on 18^th August 2003 of former pupil GEOFFREY METCALF at the relatively early age of 67 years. Known to all as Geoff, he lived at Great Limber during his Brigg Grammar School days—September 1947 to July 1952. He worked in Brigg at the National Provincial Bank for two years after which he completed his National Service in the R.A.F. Geoff spent most of the rest of his working life at Phillips Trawl Products/Cosalt International in Grimsby, retiring at age 60 as Office Manager in the Caravan Division.”

Brian Thornalley is hoping to come to the Annual Dinner in March 2004 to meet up with Peter Wade and friends and also to celebrate a special birthday.

A couple of years ago we reported how Andrew Graeme (BGS 1963-66) was opening a recording studio in his native Scotland. Now we hear that Andrew's The Byre Recording Studio at Culburnie in the Highlands has brought off the considerable coup of buying a very special Bösendorfer piano formerly owned by André Previn. Andrew describes the piano, built only to special order, as one of the most important in Britain today, and says "it is unusual in that it has 92 keys, four more than the usual 88 and has a larger sound board that gives a much richer sound. The mechanics were especially commissioned from Renner of Germany to be ideal for recording." Though the studio has only been open for 18 months, it is already highly successful. Next year two international film companies and one London music agency have booked the studio for a month each. There's photos, much, much more information and some hilarious stories on Andrew's website. http://www.the-byre.com

Lionel Knight emailed to ask how to join the Briggensians and Chairman Ken Proctor soon put him in touch with the web site and necessary info.

Lionel says’ “I boarded at Brigg Grammar in the late 1960s, early 1970s leaving in 1973 to go to Bedford College, London. I stayed in London until 5 years ago, when my career in advertising took me to Dallas, Texas. It’s a far cry from Brigg in every sense, except it’s even flatter. Sadly I have not kept in touch with anyone from those days and would be interested in catching up with anyone who remembers me.”

Keith Lacy emailed to express his pleasure and share the nostalgia experienced at the last two Annual Dinners. “Meeting friends from the 1040s, some for the first time since 1949 has been truly wonderful” he says and adds “I would like to contact more old buddies, Peter Hall, Geoff Hogg, Derek Stones and any others from 1944 – 1949. It was very emotional meeting my closest school friend, Earnest Smith, last year for the first time in 54 years. I am looking forward to the next Dinner on 20^th March.

Former Brigg pupil Jonathan Wells, 45, has led a multi-million pound buy-out in Lincolnshire. He spent the first 18 years of his life in Hibaldstow and Scawby and was educated at Brigg Grammar School before completing a civil engineering degree at Loughborough University.

As former managing director of Birse Civil Engineering, he led the acquisition of a large part of the UCS Construction Group at Rand near Market Rasen, under a BIMBO (Buy In Management Buy Out).

Mr Wells and Mark Eustace, the existing group finance director, have bought the majority of the privately-owned group from the four founding partners who have been with the business since it was established in 1973.

The new group will initially comprise four businesses - Universal Construction Services Ltd, UCS Plant Ltd, Linpave Building Ltd and National Road Planning Ltd.

During his construction career he has been involved with many important local projects such as schemes for Conoco and Lindsey Oil Refinery and the Peaks Parkway highway scheme in Grimsby.

Mark Proctor (BGS 1968-1975) the speaker at our 2002 Dinner sends his best wishes to everybody at the Briggensians and says he bumped into Andrew McCarthy at the Institute of Directors in London. He and Andrew talked and reminisced about BGS and we hope to see them both again at our Annual Dinner. Mark is also in touch with “Old Boy” Harry Thorpe who still lives in Brigg.

Derek Sumpter (1944-1950), who was a boarder at BGS has kindly arranged for the 1950 school photograph to be reframed.

Another boarder, William L Clark recalls from the late 40s and early 50s, “The Headmaster, or the Housemaster, would say a prayer, and for all of one week one of the School House Prefects would read a Lesson, as was also done by a School Prefect in the Morning Assembly in the old School Rooms.” He remembers that the annual prize giving took place in the Cinema where the boarders were allowed to go to the Saturday afternoon matinee. “ It was invariably an early Western, at which the locals would cheer loudly when the Cavalry came to the rescue.”

“The boarders used to walk down to Church on a Sunday morning in a crocodile two abreast, with the Juniors at the front and the Prefects at the back. Just before I joined, I believe all the students actually used to have to wear Mortar Boards for this occasion.” He wonders if there is a photo of this event?

John Morton (1945-51), and Frank Flear (1946-51), two Old Boys from the Grimsby area enjoyed a tour of the school when they visited in 2003.

Bill Clark emailed regarding photographs he has but also recalled “I was followed in School House by my brother Robert , three years behind myself . He also went onto University College London , but he studied Law , became a Solicitor and worked for the big Hotel and Motor Group LEX , eventually becoming head of their Legal Dept . I have passed details of the Web Site onto him .

Best regards, W. L. Clark.

Gillian Huss (nee Cook) and her husband David Huss from Cheshire send their best wishes to anyone who knew them at BGHS and BGS (67-74). Gillian, a teacher is the daughter of retired Chief Inspector Geoff Cook (31-35). David is still very much involved in the Scouting movement and keeps in touch with the Briggensians by logging onto our website.

Peter Cheetham e-mailed to say he would like to join the Association and to contact Mike Weaver or Simon Etty or others of that year (both left 1976). Peter's e-mail is [email protected]

Jeremy Henthorn (53-61) asks if anybody is in touch with Don Parker. Jeremy says “He was at school about 4 years before me. At that time there were Parkers A,B,C and D only two of whom were related.” Apparently Peterjon Dodd is doing his best to get Jeremy involved in the annual O.B.'s golf match.

John Walshaw emailed from Connecticut, USA to say: - I just took the guided tour and have to say that you do have a great web site on your hands... Reading from a distance it's always good to see so much of ones roots. Compliments to the contributors and designers.

Caroline Robinson contacted the Vice Chairman to say:

I'm in the last few months of my music and theatre studies degree at Huddersfield University, after which I hope to work in the theatre world. Ideally I'm hoping to get into musical direction and do lots of shows, but I'd also like to work front of house! I currently hold the Choral Conducting Scholarship at Leeds Cathedral (the only one of it's sort in the country!) And I work there with three of the main Cathedral choirs, training them vocally and conducting sections of the weekly Mass service regularly! All hard work, but good honest fun. Hope everyone else is getting on well and fulfilling ambitions!

Unfortunately I won't be able to make the dinner because I'll be with the Huddersfield Choral Society making a recording for broadcast on Good Friday!

I look forward to the newsletter!

Brian Taylor - Honoured for a lifetime's efforts

People and education have played a major part in the life of Briggensian Committee man Brian Taylor, who was recently honoured for the contribution he has made during 58 years serving on the governing boards of a number of schools within the region. These include, North Lindsey College of Technology, Riddings Comprehensive, Sir John Nelthorpe School and Wrawby Church of England School.

Mr Taylor, a former Brigg Grammar School pupil, is also a qualified Amateur Athletics Association (AAAs) timekeeper, keen charity worker and member of the Brigg Bowls Club, was presented with a certificate marking his years as a school governor during a special ceremony at Frederick Gough School, in Scunthorpe.

Mr Taylor also served as JP on the Scunthorpe Magistrates' Bench from March 1981 until he retired on his 70th birthday in May this year.

He is, however, still heavily involved with the British Heart Foundation and is the organisation's In Memoria secretary for this area.

NEWLYWEDS Julie Lawson and Richard Cook, from North Lincolnshire, were in the pink after love claimed them the second time around.

Literally - for Julie was pretty in pink and the guests stepped out in her favourite colour, too, to celebrate their marriage.

The ceremony was at Lincoln Register Office and the picturesque, pink wedding party, around 60-strong, walked up and down a hill together to and from the venue.

At age 44, neither Scunthorpe-born Julie nor Richard, who hails from Bishop Norton, was looking at the world through rose-coloured glasses. But their big day definitely had a rosy glow, romantically reuniting them after drifting apart nearly 20 years earlier.

The former sixth-form friends - he went to Brigg Grammar School and she went to the Girls' High School - rediscovered each other through the 'school pals' website Friends Reunited.

Brigg is where they will live after returning from their honeymoon in northern Spain.

Nowadays, Julie is a project manager for the local youth offender team. Richard is national sales manager for Towerite Ltd, a Northampton-based water treatment company.

Both were keen on sport. Julie played hockey and tennis, while Richard played football and represented Humberside. Now he runs and plays golf.

Julie went on to study at Huddersfield Polytechnic, gaining a Higher National Diploma (HND) in business studies, and Richard graduated from Leeds University with a BSc in food science.

"We moved to different parts of the country, and Richard travelled all over America and the Caribbean with his work," Julie recalled.

BRIGG GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL REUNION- 4.10.03

Diane Crutchfield (nee Green) got together with her friends from her BGHS days at a reunion, which took place in Hardy's in Brigg, helped by Donna Yates and Shirley Harris.

Diane, who now lives in Peterborough and is in Management for The Boots Company, arranged for 20 former pupils covering the years 1971 to 1978 to meet and enjoy an evening of reminiscences. Friends had travelled from as far away as London, Leeds and Manchester and they all enjoyed a superb buffet in Hardys.

4 weeks later half a dozen or so other former pupils, who had been unable to attend the first reunion got together for a further event. Diane, whose parents, Mr. and Mrs George Green, still live in Brigg, hopes to plan a further get together in the future.

Barbara Kernon (nee Lomax), previously Brigg Girls High School Chemistry teacher and now hard working secretary to the Briggensians Association, visited Alan Brignall (High School Geography teacher 1960s) in Devon last year. They had not met since Alan and Pauline left Brigg nearly 40 years ago. Barbara and Alan are both on the current mystery photo on the Briggensians website. Sally Dewberry apparently has had a very good shot at guessing the names on the photo. Sally has also been in touch with Nev Miller as they were at school at the same time.

Obituaries

Dr. Robert Brian Taylor

A FUNERAL service and committal was held for Dr Robert Brian Taylor of Broughton who died aged 65 years.

The service at St Mary's Church was conducted by Norman Fenwick. Brian had been associated with the Daisy Bus Service, for whom he drove when on holiday.

He was educated at Broughton and then at Brigg Grammar School before going on to university and he taught in Scunthorpe and later at Ossett School, Yorkshire, where he was the deputy head.

His main interest was football and he was a keen supporter of Scunthorpe United and Grimsby Town.

Stefan Liebersbach

HUNDREDS of Scunthorpe United supporters helped to make history when they attended the funeral of ex-policeman and Briggensian Stefan Liebersbach. The board of directors had agreed to break with a 91-year tradition to allow a funeral service in the stadium

United players, directors and staff, led by vice-chairman Rex Garton and club manager Brian Laws, were among those witnessing history being made.

Eight hundred mourners gathered in the main stand at Glanford Park to laugh, cry, sing and pray in memory of a top fan.

The Rev Alan Wright conducted the service for Stef who had died suddenly aged 60.

Mr Liebersbach had joined the London Met Police in 1960 as a cadet. Six years later he was on duty at Wembley when England played Germany in the World Cup soccer final. He worked in the Brigg area for many years and retired from the police force in 1992.

He was a founder member of the Cardiac Rehabilitation Interest Group. In a final tribute to the Iron's number one fan, an in-stadium collection and other contributions raised an estimated £800 for the group.

Colin Miller

As brother-in-law and Briggensian, Keith Smith said at Colin’s funeral: “Colin was one of life's "good blokes" - down to earth, always cheerful, good company, and always willing, if you needed a favour or some help. He was born in Cleethorpes 69 years ago. His father Les was a Butcher and his mother was a Brigg girl. He came to Brigg at the start of the Second World War when his mother Marjorie returned to her home town, whilst dad Les was away in the army, and apart from a short spell in Habrough, he always lived in Brigg.

He attended Brigg Grammar School and when he left at the age of 16 in 1950, the School Magazine, The Briggensian, noted that: He played cricket for the School Under 14 side, was a member of the Art Club, and a member of the Geographical Society.

He started work in the Building and Undertaking firm of his great Uncle John Robinson and there he became a joiner. In the early sixties Colin decided to set up his own Joinery business and that is how he became so well known in the town.

Around 1990, Col decided to give up doing his joinery work full time and became the caretaker at the School he had attended as a boy which by then had become the Sir John Nelthorpe Comprehensive School. His Uncle Walt had also done that job some years previously. He loved the job and was a natural with his down to earth approachable manner and the ability to carry out minor repairs when required.

Colin always thought a lot about his family but sadly his long marriage to Helen ended in the mid -Nineties and they never had any children.

Seven years ago he was forced to retire from his Caretaker job when he became quite ill.

He recovered from that illness, and he thought that he had beaten it, but sadly that proved not to be the case.

Away from work, Colin had many interests. In his younger days he was a member of Brigg Operatic, taking part in the productions and later using his skills to help behind the scenes.

He was a pretty nifty badminton player and in the Seventies enjoyed many close games and some happy sessions at the Glanford School.

Col’s great passion was of course Brass Bands. He played in the Brigg Band during their very successful period in the Sixties, Seventies and early Eighties, and he was also an active committee member. He played the cornet in the early days, but then after a mild heart attack and a short break he returned to play in the bass section.”

Ken Wood

Tributes have been paid by members of the local legal profession to solicitor Ken Wood, who died at Scunthorpe General Hospital following his battle against cancer.

Senior partner of the Symes Bains' legal firm, Stuart Cranidge, said he and Mr Wood began their professional life together. Symes Bains' consultant Robin Sumpter recalled when Mr Wood left Brigg Grammar School in 1965, he went to work with the then RAC Symes firm. "He was articled to us and qualified as a solicitor in 1969 and stayed with the firm until around 1980."

It was then he joined forces with Harold Beverley to launch their own firm - Beverley and Wood. The two men continued in practice together for many years until Mr Beverley's retirement, which saw Mr Wood carrying on, ultimately singlehandedly, until he went to work for North Lincolnshire Council's legal team in 1996.

Mr Wood married his second wife, Stella - a social worker - in the spring of this year. As well as Stella he leaves five grown-up children, two of whom were his stepchildren.

David Allcock

Sadly David, 36, died in December 2003 on Ward 19 at Scunthorpe Hospital after a long fight against cancer. David was the eldest son of Brigid and John and leaves two children, Jake and Morgan. He was brother to Jamie (in New Zealand) and Jonathan.

BRIGGENSIANS NETBALL

Lost to School in close match

BRIGGENSIAN LADIES HOCKEY

Beat School 4-1

CRICKET 

 THE annual Briggensians' cricket match, held on June 13, 2003, proved highly memorable - in a whole host of ways.

1) It featured a current first class cricketer from the other side of the globe - in the form of Nathan Daley of Central Districts, New Zealand.

Surely an international first in the long history of this fixture!

2) The format was changed from the traditional School v Old Boys to Briggensians Over-30...ish v Briggensians Under-30....ish!

3) The weather was magnificent (compared with a run of rainy Friday evenings in previous years).

4) A magnificent free spread, with lashings of chips, was laid on for the teams afterwards at the nearby White Horse Inn by landlord Andy Cooke, who was rewarded with a big surge in his bar trade.

But back to the cricket....

The Older Old Boys took first use of the artificial strip - the grass square has now been effectively put out to grass - and totalled a creditable 114 for five in their 14 overs.

Openers Andy Sharp, who plays Lincolnshire League cricket for Bottesford Town, and Neil Fisher, who does the same for Haxey, went cheaply, off the quick bowling of Carl Taylor, who appears for Yorkshire Leaguers Appleby-Frodingham.

Craig Benson, once a big-hitter with Brigg Town CC, made nine and another Bottesford club player, David Willey, contributed two but the bulk of the scoring came from big-hitting Adrian Gibbons (Briggensian and current Staff), who got off the mark with a six, and bludgeoned seven other boundaries before being bowled by Richard Antcliffe for 43.

Peter Briggs (Keelby CC) contributed a handy, unbeaten 14, including an all-run five which, for a 47-year-old, would have been a major talking point if he still had any breath left in his lungs!

Nathan Daley - a friend of Carl Taylor's who was spending the summer playing for the Scunthorpe steelworks club - had come along merely to spectate, but was immediately signed up as an honorary Briggensian for the night by quick-thinking captain and Briggensians' committee member, Nigel Fisher (Brigg Town CC). The idea soon paid off as "The Kiwi's" quickfire 15 not out included a massive six to the longest part of the ground.

Some good bowling figures were returned by the Younger Old Boys, Richard Antcliffe, who captains Grimsby Town CC in the Lincolnshire ECB League and who has played Minor Counties cricket for Lincolnshire, took two for nine, and Carl Taylor two for three in three extremely tight overs.

James 'Foxy' Fowler also relived his glory (?) days as a regular medium-pacer in club cricket with Brigg, by taking one for 25. However, any hopes of a Senior victory were soon dashed by some awesome batting from their younger opponents, who raced to victory with 32 from Paul Taylor, another Appleby-Frodingham player, 19 (retired) from Carl Taylor and 35 (retired) from Richard Antcliffe.

Nathan Daley, who is an extremely fine wicketkeeper by profession, was unable to unseat Andy Sharp from his accustomed position behind the timbers and so found himself employed somewhat further away from the bat than normal. Indeed, when the Taylors and Richard Antcliffe were in full flight, very, very much further away from the bat! However, he proved himself to be a more than useful, if reluctant, bowler, Nathan managed the best figures of the innings (one for 15) and held a catch (minus the gloves).

Phil Dewfall, captain of Brigg Town 2nds, chipped in with one for 31.

The final margin of victory was six wickets, with the Younger Old Boys having a couple of overs to spare. That, of course, meant a bit more time for socialising.

And after toiling on the field, with bat and ball, the teams repaired to the White Horse to talk over the game and refresh themselves in the time-honoured way cricketers love to do.

Over a pint or three, a number of players from both sides finally got round to signing up as member of the Briggensians' Association - with a little gentle persuasion from one particular member of the committee.

And thoughts then began to turn to the 2004 re-match.

The Younger v Older format - dreamed up by Jon Taylor - was an undoubted success but it remains to be seen whether it continues this summer or whether the fixture reverts to its more traditional School v Old Boys format.

Certainly the standard of cricket - most of the participants being either current or past club players - was encouraging, although the participants would have loved to have seen seniors like Gerry Longden, David Brittain, Jon Allcock, John Hastings or Roger Holmes.

It's never too early to pledge your services for this summer's encounter - date to be announced through the Scunthorpe Telegraph and our website, www.briggensians.net -as either, player, umpire or just spectator.

If you wish to book a place in any of these three categories please contact Nigel Fisher on 01724 273273 (office), 01652 655134 (home) or on either of these e-mail addresses [email protected] [email protected]

And finally....Would members like to see the fixture continue on a Friday evening or revert back to its once-traditional Sunday afternoon berth?

Regular club players have other commitments on Sundays, whereas Friday is generally a free night for them. But the Briggensians' committee would welcome members' views before sitting down at their May meeting to set a date. Sunday would seem to be more popular with the ladies, who, of course, run their own summer sports alongside the men's cricket.

BRIGGENSIANS GOLF. 2003.

FOREST PINES. 27^th MAY 2003 SPRING MEETING.

Once again Derek Stones organised a fine day for our gathering, 27 competitors collected outside the refreshments area and the same were ushered into start formation by Gerry Longdon. In fact I understand that one of the golfers did not get his name ticked on the competitors list and was duly sent to the back of the queue by our very organised starter.

It was noticed that a certain ‘school’ member had the use of a caddy, with instruction and guidance, all the way round the course. Mmmm not sure this is classed as fair, but we will check with the R&A re ‘school golf rules’.

Our Briggensians Association Chairman, Dr Ken Proctor, was at the 18^th to welcome us in, and I’m sure he enjoyed the social gathering after the match.

Captain Dave Brittain presented the first prize and the ‘old school cap’ to Craig Holmes, who I understand returned a very worthy score of 37pts, second was Dave Brittain with 34 pts and third with 32pts was Keith Barnes.

BRIGGENSIANS V SCHOOL 8^th JULY 2003 ELSHAM.

This was another match well organised by John Hastings, early and late arrivals were shuffled into a logical order and a brisk start was made to the game.

School won this match 4.5 – 3.5. and were presented with the trophy by our captain, splendent in his official blazer of ‘blue and blue’ .

It should be noted that Matt Mosey won his game whilst playing as a singleton, a task not to be made light of.

During the meal, which followed, we heard those famous words ‘hole in one’. Half empty glasses were trembling and eyes were searching for the identity of the hero; then came the news that it had occurred on a winter green. I think it was young master Geddes informing Ted Cox and Geoff Sells what they could be in for.

ELSHAM 19^th October 2003 AUTUMN MEETING

This meeting was a little different to those of the most recent past; it was not too warm, we had a couple of holes in the rain and the wind was blowing from 3 of the 4 corners of the course. When we arrived at Elsham, ‘hon sec’ Derek was ready with his list to quickly send us out on our way. 27 players were soon to be seen battling against the elements. A 6 inch putt on the first green was awarded the title of ‘a gimme’…..it was explained that this was not a mid week match with the ‘old gang’ but a competition of considerable standing so the ball was replaced and tapped in .This did not effect the final score on that particular card which was a grand 21 pts. When we arrived back in the clubhouse, last years winner David Howson was wearing the winners blazer, waiting to see who was to be this years recipient. We had to wait for the final pair to complete their round before the results could be finalised,and when J Hastings and M Boast appeared at the lounge door a score of 44 pts was mentioned….

this was an individual match and not a team event so a recalculation had to be made. Capt Dave Brittain thanked his playing partners, C Holmes and D Jeffrey, with mention of the distance the youth of today can propel a golf ball.

The winning scores were:        

• 1^st D Brittain  37 pts
• 2^ndC Holmes� 36 pts
• 3^rdR Holmes 35 pts

Dave was presented with the trophy by President Gerry Longdon. As is the norm on these occasions Dave said he would put the winnings behind the bar…..our ‘hon sec’, (he who collects names and subs) etc stated that he had already deposited the same.

During the AGM which followed, J Montieth was presented with the blazer to confirm his post as Captain for the coming year, this was presented to him by past captain Dave, who was in turn presented with his winners blazer by President Gerry.

I am not sure which blazer fits who the best, but I’m pretty certain that over the years ‘mans’ basic shape must have changed.

The scores for the day were:                                                                           

            D Brittain                    37 pts                          G Longdon                   31 pts

            C Holmes                     36                                PJ Dodd                       30

            R Holmes                     35                                A Taylor                      30

           K Barnes                      35                                C Mailing                     29

            A Powell                      35                                J Hastings                     28

            M Boast                       34                                A Gibbon                      26

            A Lukianczuk               34                                N Good                        26

            J Boulton                     33                                D Hutchinson               25

            J Montieth                   32                                D Jeffrey                      25

            N Golland                     32                                D Howson                    23

            D Stones                      32                                M Golland                    22

            T Rodgers                    31                                A Ladlow                     21

            R Rivron                      31                                T Phipps                      DNF    

The next 'Spring Meeting' will be held at Forest Pines on Tuesday, 1^st June 2004.

The Briggensians' Association, c/o The Sir John Nelthorpe School, Grammar School Road, Brigg, North Lincolnshire. DN20 8AA Telephone: (01652) 656551, Fax: (01652) 658229

I/We have received the 2004 Newsletter

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