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The Stopfordian 2011–2012
CENTENARY CUP (Combined Inchley Bowl & Oppida Cup)
Winner; David Withington 62 points (30 + 32)
Runner Up; David Oldham 58 points (31 + 27)
Mr Dunlop; Paul Atkinson
It was excellent that 10 schoolboys and Mr Ehegartner took
part and they were enthusiastic about playing next year.
Indeed more young blood is necessary in the Society generally
as older members near retirement.
David Withington
Hon Secretary
MALCOLM LINTON HALL OS 1936
We were saddened to hear of the passing of former pupil and
Governor of 15 years, Malcolm Linton Hall, who died in
Tenerife, where he lived, on 19 th August 2012. A distinguished
member of the Stockport legal profession, Malcolm founded
his own practice later to be known as Abson Hall, served as
Clerk to the County Justices, as a Deputy Registrar of the High
Court and County Court and as President of the Stockport
Law Society. A wartime commission in the Fleet Air Arm led
to active service in Egypt, Malta and North Africa and two
weeks shipwrecked on the desert skeleton coast of Namibia.
In 1946 Malcolm was elected the youngest member of
Stockport Town Council and maintained a lifelong
commitment to public service. Malcolm leaves a son Nicholas
and wife Diane who kindly sent us a copy of the life history
that Malcolm had written. This is now available on the Old
Stops’ section of the website. A Memorial Service to celebrate
Malcolm’s life was held at St Mary’s Church, Market Place,
Stockport on the 13 th September.
R. Horsford
SARA PILKINGTON OS 2009
Sara Pilkington passed away
suddenly on 28 th February 2012
from a rare cardiac complication
resulting from a viral illness.
Sara joined the school in 2002.
As a young girl, her obvious
pleasure in learning was evident
to all those teachers lucky
enough to have her in their class.
Her new friends, who became
friends throughout her time at
the school and beyond, grew to
rely on her for support, advice and good humour. As she
moved up through the school, she would look back on her
days in 1Q with fondness. In the Middle School, Sara began
to show her genuine intelligence and determination to do well
in her chosen GCSEs. An outstanding set of grades (5 As and
4 A*s) were deserved recognition for Sara’s hard work and
testament to her impressive and wide-ranged ability.
It was also in the Middle School where Sara really started to
involve herself in music at the school. She sang at a number of
school events with Chorus and Chamber Choir. Sara also
played the flute in the wind bands at many different concerts.
To every activity, she gave her skill and commitment willingly
and reliably. Sara was particularly proud of the school’s
production of “Les Miserables”. She thrilled at the talent of all
involved alongside her in the cast and her enthusiasm for the
successes of others should inspire us all.
By the Sixth Form, Sara had become the well-rounded and
giving young woman we remember with such affection. Her
network of friends had now expanded to include most of her
year, and many in other year groups whom she had met
through music, singing or drama. Many of these friendships
were cemented on school trips or on D of E expeditions; while
chatting on a walk through historic Weimar, singing along at the
back of the bus on the way to Delphi, or even shivering in a tent
in the Peak District. To count Sara as a friend was a privilege
shared and valued by so many. Sara continued to excel inside
and outside the classroom achieving three A grades at A-level in
Classics, English and History, and being awarded her Gold Duke
of Edinburgh award in April 2010 at St. James’ Palace.
Sara’s choice of a Combined Arts course at Durham University
studying Classics, History and English reflected both her broad
interest and her unwillingness to leave behind any of the
subjects she had enjoyed so much at school. The staff and
students at Durham responded to Sara much as we did here.
She continued to thrive on the study of literature and history,
making the most of the academic opportunities offered by
higher education. Sara also involved herself fully in the wider
life of the University, venturing to the Philippines to support
charity and educational initiatives there and jointly organising
a highly successful charity fashion show in her graduation year.
She was very happy at school and in life and she sought always
to share this enthusiasm with those who, perhaps, did not have
as much to smile about as she did. She made the most of her
time at Stockport Grammar School, just as she made the most
of every opportunity at Wilmslow Preparatory School and at
Durham University. Whenever I think back to Sara at SGS, she
is smiling, and so are those around her.
A. C. Thorley
Old Stopfordians’ Association 131