ISSUE NO 3 AUTUMN 1995 - brgs.me

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THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE BA CUP AND
RA WTENST ALL ASSOCIA TION OF FORMER
STUDENTS.
HONORARY PRESIDENTS:
MR P. L. CLARK M.A., F.R.G.S.
MR M.R. MORRIS B.Sc., M.Ed.
ISSUE NO 3 AUTUMN 1995

EDITORIAL
As edition No. 3 of the B.R.G.S. Associate goes to press there is again much talk
of league tables in both the local and national press. Whatever you think of them they
confirm what we already know - B.R.G.S. is among the best schools in the country: for
present and past pupils alike, a school to be rightly proud of.
That pride in achievement is most clearly expressed in the Schools Annual
Prizegiving held this, year on Friday 10th November. Commensurate with the schools
Technology Status, Headmaster Martyn Morris announced: "Global education has arrived
and the mind-blowing consequences of an educational super-highway have to be
addressed." Whilst preserving all that was valuable in the past traditions of B.R.G.S. the
school "could not accept a philosophy of preserving dinosaurs and had to look towards
the demands and challenges of the twenty-first century." For the present, an 'A' level
pass-rate of92% - the highest ever - certainly bred contentment if not complacency.
Celebrity guest speaker was well known author Michael Dobbs who counselled the
prize,vinners to make their own decisions and reject conventional advice. A list of
prizewinners and brief interview with Michae1Dobbs appears later in this newsletter.
A few correspondents have been asking whether Rache1, Villi and Caroline are
still working as part of the B.R.G.S. Association team. The answer is most certainly "yes"
and they have again played a significant part in the creation of this newsletter. Between
them they have recently gained some twenty-seven grades A's at GCSE - an excellent
success: well done girls. If you are writing to the Association please continue to write as
follows:
Surnames A -I Villi Lee
J - Q Caroline Scott
R -Z Rache1Kennedy
As the work of the Association grows a new member has joined our administrative team -
He1enis introduced later in this edition.
Our next Newsletter in the Summer of 1996 sees the beginning of a re-print ofDr.
Milton Ormerod's article "A History of Newchurch Grammar School, 1701 - 1913" from
which the present B.R.G.S. has evolved. Also included are many other photos and items of
news which I hope are of some interest to past pupils of all generations °
Wishing you a Happy Christmas 1995 and a prosperous New Year.
~2Q~~- "To ~~\~--fCA~
---

BRGS ~A'
class
above
OPTED-out Bacup and
Rawtenstall Grammar
School has the tenth-best
GCSE results in Lancashire
- but local high
schools rest in the bottom
half of government
"league tables".
As plaudits and brickbats
flew, the results came under
pointed fire from head teachers
who said they undermined
their pupils'
academic prowess.
Mr Neil Thornley, h'eadteacher
at Fearns High
School, placed 115th out of
126 in Lancashire, said the
tables were "meaningless"
and snapped: "There is
probably more educational
It's where we expect to be, says hea
as trailing schools offer mixed 'report
on government exam league tables
value in the Beano, and that
says it all."
But there was no doubt
that students at grant-maintained
BRGS had given
hea

Ex-pupils urged
to get in touch
. PUPILS. Caroline Scott, Vicki Lee. Helen Weir and Rachel Kennedy with memorabilia. (P1961)
FORMER students are
being
links
invited to maintain
with their old chums
and
wide
help build a world-
contact network.
Past pupils of Bacup and
Rawtenstall Grammar School
who have lost touch with their
old friends are being urged
form new links.
to
The school's Association of
Former Students is having a
membership drive and deputy
headteacher, Trevor Elkington.
said: "There are thousands of
former students who have lost
touch with each other, and the
school, and we would like to get
in touch - with them all~"
Students are scattered all
around the world and Mr Elkington
is hoping that through
the Free Press,the word \\-ill
get around that there is no\\- the
chance to set up contacts.
/\. team has been set-up to
administer the big
search and members
world\\-ide
write to as
many past pupils as they can.
But Mr Elkington said:
By IAN PILKINGTON
"There are hundreds and hundreds
of past pupils who have
disappeared without trace and
it would be wonderful if we
could establish links and know
what they are doing now."
One of the executive officers,
present pupil Caroline Scott,
said: "It is very important for a
school to maintain links with
its past.
Newsletter
"It has all been verv interesting
for me because (have the
chance to hear the 'gossip' of
past students who can even
remember some of the present
staff when they were pupils."
The Association currently
has a membership of around
250, from as far afield as Canada,
the West lndies and America.
Two newsletters are
produced each year to keep
members informed of recent
events at the school, and
includes news of past pupils.
It has all helped build up an
interesting collection of memo- ,
rabilia, including old photographs,
school ties, badges,
awards, exercise books and
newspaper cuttings.
Plans are already underway
for a re-union in 1998 to celebrate
the school's 85th anniversary,
and in 2001, the 300th
anniversary of Newchurch
Grammar School.
Mr Elkington added: "We
want to make those events
really memorable. "
Present head teacher, Martyn
Morris, and former head, Philip
Clark, are honorary presidents
of the Association and Mr Elkington
said: "The whole idea 1I
came from the school's anniversary
re-union last year and has
grown steadily since, but there
must be a lot of pupils who
would like to get in touch, but
don't know how.
"That is where the Association
comes in and the intention
is eventually that we will have
a full record of every pupil and
what they are doing-..
"Please spread the word that the Association is alive and well -
we need as many new nlembers as possible."

PRlZEGIVING NOVEMBER 1995
Dr. Michael Dobbs confessed to feeling "mildly terrified" at the prospect of
speaking before the parents assembled at the 1995 B.R.G.S. Speech Day,
When questioned further he admitted that school audiences were notoriously
difficult to address but the fact that his younger sister was present made it
doubly awkward. Of course Dr. Dobbs is the headmaster's brother-in-law
and author of "The House of Cards" trilof,ry.
I asked him what his impressions of B.R.G.S. were, He had thought that it
would be rather like a factory tuming out academic high fliers and he was
pleasantly surprised to discover that it took rather more account of the
individual. He said that the school had a friendly atmosphere and in many
respects reminded him of his own secondary school. They were built at
similar times although his was red brick.
At this point, we were interrupted by the local press whose article follows:
- -
Top author tells pupils:
~Go your own way in lif~
ADVICE - ignore it! That is the secret to
success, and the man who handed out the
advice speaks with great experience,
Mlchael Dobbs, best-selling author, busInessman
and political advisor told pupils to do their
own thing when he presented the awards at
Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School speech
day,
The man who wrote The House of Cards,To
Play the King and the current BBC series, The
Final Cut" told pupils: "Throughout my life people
have always been willing to give me advice,
but I have always found it better to go my own
way and do what I think is right at the time,"
When he was offered a job as advisor to Margaret
Thatcher, friends told him he was "barking",
He ignored them and went on to become
Chief of Staff,
When he was offered a position with the advertising
agency, Saatchi and Saatchi, friends told
him he was crazy, He ignored them and became
the company's deputy chairman,
"But what I always wanted to do was write
books and my friends tried to turn me away from
that as well," he said, "By ignoring advice
throughout my life I have enjoyed myself and
done the things I wanted to do, and I can't complain,"
Dr Dobbs, brother-in-law ofBRGS headteacher,
Martyn Morris, admitted that he was unhappy
with the adaptation of the final part of his futuristic
political thriller, The Final Cut.
He said: "I am not enthralled at Birch Memorial Prize for Music. Sarah
all,"
Snape,
"But you have to learn to accept The Strawberry and Cream Award.
setbacks and really go for what you
Anne O'Donnell; Upper Sixth English
believe In. Don't be deterred by people
who try to put you off, "
English literature. VikkiLee; Freda Ebden
Prize and E A Holt Memorial Prize for
And he told pupils and parents: Memorial Prize lor English. Calhorino
"This is one of the best schools in
Livesey; Dorothy Moore Maths Prize.
Andrew Swallow; Year 11 Maths Prize.
the country and the record of Christapher Lord; Year 10 Maths Prize.
achievements proves It. "
Joanne Booker; Michael Churnside Maths
Main award winners were:
Prize for Endeavour. Graham Riding"
Sixth Form Reading Prize. Kathryn Bradlay;
Year 11 Reading Prize. Sarah Foster; Prize. Joanne Palmar; The F Harding
The F Harding Senior Geography
Year 10 Reading Prize, Lorien Stanlield; Junior Geography Prize. Sidrah Aril. Rhianon
Bowen. Sara Richardson, Steven
Year 9 Reading Prize. Taslima Choudhury;
Year 8 Reading Prize, Alexandra Rowley; Munro. Carolyn Suthers. Carolina Scon; P
Year 7 Reading Prize, James Goulding; and S Filtration Prize for Economics.
George Alien Memorial Prize for Music. Darren Barnes; National Westminsiter
ClaireTurner; The Or P lord and 0 M Holt Bank Prize for Economics. Ben Alderson;
Memorial Prize. Matthew Holt;The Music Howard Jackson Trophy for Business
Cup, Bryony Wolstenholme; Junior Music Studies. Tim Goddard; Calway. Hart and
Shield. Christopher Parkinson; The Simon, Sagar Prize for Business Studies. Phillip
. WELCOMEbrother-in-law. Guest speaker. Michael Dobbs. is welcomed by headteacl
Morris and pupils CarolineScott (left) and SidrahArif.
Wilkinson; William Copley French Prize.
Deborah Yates; The E A Whittaker Prize
for German. Catherine Hindle and Carolyn
Suthers; The J E Macleroy Modern languages
Prize. Amarlda Rileyand Peter Taylor;
The Dorothy Chadwick Sixth Form
History Prize. Knthryn Brndlay and Jane
PartinglOn.
Marion Whittaker Sixth Form History
Prize. Sian Buckley;Year 11 History Prize.
Rachel Kennedy. Claire Lomas and VikkiLee;
Elizabeth Culley Junior History Prize.
Madeleine King, Martin Tickle. Taslima
Chaudhury. Jenniler Ball. Amy Bunlinu;
Rowland Rawlinson Prize for Religious
'Studies. Leanne Marrissey; The Religious
Studies Prize. MarkSullan. Amy Bayer and
Katharine Raurke; The GTI Information
Technology Prize for Food Technology.
Esther-Jane Lacke; Geaffrey Wood Prize
for Medicine. Abdul Mannan; Philip lane
Clark Award for Achievement in Sci.
ence. Adam Blamerley;The Or J E Brooks
Upper Sixth Prize. James Ghalaey and
Imran Khan.
The lae Shad lock Juni
Prize. Jennifer Ban; Senior
Darren Hewitsan; Mary Tamlir
rial Cup for Junior Art. Petal
Lisa Rathwell; The Ashley Ty
Sports Personality. Ado," MII
John Metcalfe Prize for S
Warrener; Junior Sports Tral
Edmandsan and Paler Reed;
Classic Cup for Orienteeri
Winnick, .
The Harry Gibaan Cup. ~
Ihu15l; Tho Old RoaaollduliulI'
aline Scan; The Prize for Se
School and the Community,
The Mary Oodds Prize
Scan Cooper. (Head Girl) D.
Mayor of Rossendale's Pro
Shaun O'Leary and Louise R
Owen Memorial Prize.
Rabinsan and Manhew Johnsa
Prize. Susan Kay,

LETTERS
"Dear Caroline,
After reading the Rossendale Free Press of 13th October and the article regarding past pupils of
B.R.G.S., I felt I had to get in touch and add another piece to your jig-saw.
My name then was JANET MAR Y HAYES and I was a pupil from 1969 to 1974, and I was in
the 'G' class. I started at B.R.G.S. in the same year as Mr Clark Became Headmaster and there
were many changes in the running of the school (so the old-timers told us')
After leaving school in 1974, I went on to do a full-time secretarial course at Accrington and
Rossendale College and since then I have always worked in an office environment. I was
Assistant Manager in the Customer Services Department at Airtours plc for 10 years and left
there 2 years ago to move to Scotland due to my husband's work.
I have 3 daughters, Hannah aged 4 years and 17 month old twins Lauren and Megan, so
needlessto say, I don't have a Job 0utside the home at the moment'
I think your Association is a marvellous idea, as I would love to know what all myoid pals are
up to these days and to catch up on all the old gossip. I would love to meet up with all myoId
teachersjust to see if they still frightenedthe life out of me like they used to!
In the fourth and fifth forms, my form teacher was Mr Skeels and he also took me for
Chemistry.Mr Cawthome was Art, Miss Pretty was Maths, Mrs Rowlands and Mrs Thomas
for English, Herr Schultz for German, Miss Harrison for Gym and Games, Mr Maden for
Latin, Mr Wild for Music and I cannot remember the name of my Biology teacher but I was in
lovewith him!
I haven't really kept in touch \vith many old class-mates except ANN TA YLO R, who now lives
in London working in the film mdustry, so I shall pass this article from the paper onto her and
hopefully she will also get in touch with you.
I would love to receive one of your newsletters and any news on people from my past.
All best wishes with your missiOn, I think it is a great idea.
Yours
JAN McMAHON
(Nee Hayes)"

"Dear Rachel
Whilst visiting my father in Stacksteads, I read the article in the' Rossendale Free Press' on expupils
and urged me to get in touch.
My name was Joan Walton and I attended B.R.G.S. from 1957 to 1964. I was in the C form,
and LVI Arts. I remember well Miss Hazel Pretty; she tried so hard to teach me maths and
gave me extra lessons. Please give her my regards. My music teacher, Michael Nuttall, took me
and other students in his mini to the Halle at Manchester Free Trade Hall, to help us in our
GCE studies. Miss Baxter, a French teacher married Mr. Sanderson, a Chemistry teacher. Mr.
Copley was head and Mr. Harding assistant headteacher. Many other memories are still with
me.
The Grammar School stood me in good stead, for I qualified as a Sick Children's Nurse at
Booth Hall Children's Hospital, Blackley, a registered nurse at Crumpsall Hospital, now North
Manchester General. Eventually, I became a sister at St. Mary's Hospital, Manchester on the
Children's Ward, and left in 1983.
My husband Graham and I live outside Stockport, with our children, Sarah aged 12 years and
Karl aged 10 years. I manage to do part time nursing at a nearby hospital - it can accommodate
my available hours as I consider the family my first priority. My sister Helen Loynes (nee
Wa1ton) 3 years younger than I, also attended B.R.G.S. She is now in Sheriff Hutton, York
with husband and two girls. Alice Pickup, my mother, died in May this year. She was 79 years
and also attended B.R.G.S. as did her brothers James and Harold. James Rostron Pickup died
in July 1995. He was 81 years. Harold lives in Tasmania where he emigrated in 1055, with his
wife Gwen and grown up children and grandchildren.
Hope this may fill in some little 'gaps' of information.
JOAN A. ATKINSON (MRS)"
"Dear Vikki,
I was an ex-pupil of B.R.G.S. from 1972-3 in the 'B' form. I trained as an RGN in
Davyhulme, worked abroad for a few years and have now at last gained BSc (Hons) in Health
Studies in the Midlands where I now live and work. I would love to hear from any of my
classmates who were cared for by Mr. Timperley for the whole of our 5 years, especIally
Alison Bell, Lynn Anderton, Colette Powell. My brother Paul Dean also attended B.R.G.S.
from 1975-77.
AUDREY DOYLE (nee Dean)"
We would be pleased to hear from any other past pupils with memories
of B.R.G.S. - please write to us.
Caroline, Vikki and Rachel

Attempt to blow up B.R.G.S. ?
Dear editors
Its a long time since I left B.R.G.S. and my recollections are somewhat dim. I do
remember however the late John Gray departing hurridy from the chemi lab (during
holidays) because his attempt to make TN.T in the fume cupboard was showing an
alarmingrise in temperature -fortunately his attempt was a failure.
I left school in my second year in the sixth form in 1930. In that year five pupils went
to university. In 1995 the figure exceeded 70 - an achievementto be proud of.
I wish the Association well.
BOB HARDMAN
Year Representative Leslie Smith was highly intrigued by the above story, particularly
as it apparently took place "towards the end of the summer holidays". Was this the
result of a break in at school? Perhaps John Gray was BRGS' own Guy Fawkes
attemptingto blow up the school? Subsequent correspondence has revealed the truth.
"Dear Les,
John Gray and I were in the same form at B.R.G.S. and you may be surprised to know
when you consider his career that he always languished at the bottom of the form!
John didn't break into school on the famous T.N.T. event. Members of the sixth form
were allowed in the labs at the end of the summer holiday to amuse ourselves - but we
weren't supposed to blow up the school!"
YEAR REPRESENTATIVES
The following past pupils have kindly volunteered to act as Year
Representatives. Each would be pleased to hear from you if you fall into their period.
pre 1940 Mr. Leslie Smith, (1930 - 34)
152 Haslingden Old Road
Rawtenstall
BB4 8RS
1941 - 50 Mr. Peter Meeks, (1943-8)
Fairfield House
Me'Nith
Bentham
Lancaster LA2 7DL
1951-55 Vacant

1956-60
1961-65
1966-70
1971-75
1976-80
1981-85
1986-90
leavers 1991
Mr. John GreenVvOod, (1956-63)
11 Heys Close
Cloughfold
BB47LW
Mr. Rodney Sellers, (1957-64)
Thomcliffe
551 Chorley New Road
Lostock
Bolton
BL64JT
Mr. B. Martin Hodson, (1966-72)
5 Cheviot Close
Ramsbottom
Bury
BLO9LL
Vacant
MrGraham Spencer (1973-80)
6 Lawton Street
Crewe
Cheshire
CW2 7HZ
Mr. AIi Azfar (1978 - 85)
cIa 65 Duckv.orth Lane
Bradford
BD9 5EU
Mr. Nicholas Hoyle, (1980-88)
78 Schofield Road
Rawtenstall
BB4 8RP
Miss Rachel Hoyle, (1984-92)
78 Schofield Road
Rawtenstall
BB4 8RP
leavers 1992
leavers 1993
leavers 1994
Mr. Andrew Smith, (1985-92)
cIa 58 Dean Lane
Water
Rossendale
BB4 9RA
Mr. Vikas Pandey, (1991-93)
cIa 10 Garth Edge
ShaVl/forth
Rochdale
OL128EH
Miss Caroline Ratcliffe, (1987-94)
cia 258 Rochdale Road
Bacup
OL 13 9RA

SCHOOL NEWS
Natalle lets big sister into her secret...
Anyth ing you
can do!
NATALIE Casey sat
waiting for the curtain to
go up on her sister's big
night nursing a big secret
of her own.
For while Anna-Jane is starring
in a new West End production
of Starlight Express,
Natalie (14) has won a coveted
place with the National Youth
Music Theatre and will appear
in Annie at the Edinburgh Festival
in August.
Natalie, of Union Road, Raw
tenstall, was one of two teenagers chosen
from 5,000North West hopefuls.
National Youth Music Theatre manager
Jill Coggins said: "Natalie was
chosen during national auditions and
the competition was very t1erce. This is
a remarkable achievement."
The youth theatre is supported by
the creator of Starlight Express, Sir
Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Natalie met
him ~ in the role of Anna-Jane's little
sister - on Monday night at a
star-studded party after the show.
Mum, Janice, said: "Natalie is a
fighter, She's proud or hcr sistcr but
Teenager steps out of
show star's shadow
and into national
theatre's top role
By LINDA WHITAKER
she's determined to become an actress
in her own right, not riding on Anna-
,Jane's coat tails. The part
means a great deal to her."
in Annie
Natalie, a pupil at I3acup and Rawtenstall
Grammar School, will discover
which role she is playing and start
rehearsals during the Easter holidays.
And as a spin-off - because her
American accent was so good at the
auditions - she has already been
approached by the BBC to do Bugsy
Mnlone on the mdJo. . Nstslle gives sn impromptu performance for classmates st BRGS.
;,~
(N3231~" "

. A GROUPof the successful bronze ~ward winners who are now preparing to embark on the
silvertrai/.
(P2756)
School's new bronz'e
age., . .
And students aim to develop golden touch
BRONZE could turn t9 gold for hard-working teenagers who
have helped others in their quest for awards. .
But they will need more than the Midas touch if they are to
achieve the ultimate and win the golden award in the challenging
Duke of.Edinburgh scheme.
Thirty-six pupils at Bacup
and Rawtenstall Grammar
School set out on the trail for Arthur Robinson, said: "It is
the bronze award, helped by 16 marvellous to see the children
members of staff, and 33 working so hard and really
achieved success. .
enjoying themselves.
Now many are preparing to "They are also helping in the
set out on the silver trail. .
community and developing
Deputy head teacher, Dr skills outside their usual academic
worK."
Some pupils have been out
and about planting trees, others
visited old people in their
homes, or attended courses run
by police, or helped with
Brownie and Guide groups.
Part of the scheme
involves physical fitness
as well as developing
skills such as
learning to play a
musical instrument
and being involved
with the Young Enterprise
scheme.
All the youngsters
took part in expeditions
in the Ribble Valley
when they endured
cold and wet weather
and 13-mile walks.
The scheme has been
so success, it has
encouraged another
group of youngsters to
become involved, and
Dr Robinson said: "We
are grateful to the
many staff who are
investing a great deal
of time to make the
scheme so worthwhile.'.'

Viki Lane (1988-95) is taking Michael Dobbs's advice to heart by spending a year
developingher creative writing talents.
Here are some examples ofViki's recent work:
WATER-LILIES
I'm seeingthe white water-lilies
On the lily-pad of dreams
Minglingpetals silkilyreflect
A thousand half-flown schemes.
I'm calm among the water-lilies,
I think of times gone by,
Sadness? Yes, but here there is
Such beauty, I cannot cry..
My soul is like the water-lilies,
Afloat though anchored down.
I pray one day I'll come to rest
And sleep in a glossy crown:
Oh yes, to be cradled IDthe water-lilies
And feel their flowered song,
But for now, I'll simply sit and watch
Till I join the lily-throng.
LET ME
Silence?Then come near and let me tell you
The little secrets that are told at night
When the shadows that our bodies make
Are hidden from the wild world's sight.
Let me whisper to your lover's mind
The words which only lovers find,
Let me warm you in the darkness, let me take away the fight.
Crying? Then let me hold you close
And love the salt tears away;
Let me change your sobs for laughter,
And turn your night into my day:
Let me hold you till you lose the pain,
Learn the notes of joy again;
Let me lead you through the sorrow, let me guide you on the way.
Lonely? Then talk to me and let me show
That I'm your lover and your friend,
Let me heal the scarlet wounds she made,
I can help your soul to mend:
Let me hold the fragments of your heart
That they'll no more break apart.
Let me take your burden on me, let me love you till the end.

OWENESQUE
"You are too young to fall asleep forever"
SASSOON
Knife-thrusts of fatigue carving through dimmed sense,
We drag, as dead men, through cratered sloughs of mud
To the steely line of the foe's barbed fence.
The grey air edged with the stench of blood,
Each snowflake a frosty bullet-glance:
Forsaken by God, thus march we to death.
The gun mown, behind, with life's non-chance,
Confront the end with bleeding breath....
Do you find your glory here? The echoing piteous screams
Resound through the hellfire of my dreams;
Gassed-dead faces stain the once-white page:
"Sweet decorum!" smilesthe safe old sage.
You, my mend, you are a liar
Who sees beauty in the goried mire.
YOUNG ENTERPRISE
"Enigma" is B.R.G.S.' new Young Enterprise company which consists of
a number of Year 10 students. They have recently had their first major
selling opportunity at a recent school Open Evening.
This year, they are selling wooden toy kit-cars, jewellery, scrunchies and
friendship bracelets. Bilal Khan the Production Director, got the idea for
the kit-car from a previous technology project.
The stall was very busy and they took £86 on the night - an impressive
start. The group confessed that they had not expected to sell any of their
products and were amazed to have sold 14. Two teachers and other
parents bought gifts for Christmas.
Bilal said that he thought Young Enterprise was great and he would
recommend it to anyone. The only problem is fitting in Young Enterprise
with other commitments!

~--
ii

loe's 2000-year-old
French
friend
'I'd love to be
transported
back in time
to see how
she lived'
A YOUNG archeologist from Rawtenstall is uncovering
the secrets of a 2,OOO-year-old Frenchwoman.
Zoe Poucher (22) broke off from her detective work in the
Auvergne to fly home and receive her degree from Sheffield
University. .
But she'll be back in France at the first opportunity. on
the dig where she made her first big "find" - an Iron Age
skeleton, nicknamed Edwina.
Edwina lived about 100 year:; before Christ was born,
Zoe, a former pupil at St Mary's CE and Ba:::up anG.
Rawtenstall Grammar Schools, said: "She was probably in
her 20s when she died. I think about her a lot because we
are about the same age.
"I'd love to be transported back in time to see how she
lived, but I wouldn't change places with her. I mean, the
Romans were aoout to invade any minute.
"The villagers were farmers and she must have been
fairly well off because her pottery and bracelets were
buried with her. But the great mystery is why her severed
thumb was pushed right to the back of her teeth.
"It seems to have been done after her death and her
hands are by her sides."
Zoe, whose parents live at Greenbank Park, also super
vised the excavation of a double burial about
which even less is known.
The pair have been nicknamed Matty Groves
and Lord Donald's Wife after the Fairport Convention
song, which Zoe and her pals were singing
as they worked.
Zoo's special assignment, which will be published
with the results of the Le Pateral dig, was
to sift through and categorize 3,733 sherds of
tempered clay pottery from a kind of portable
hearth which Edwina's people used.
Painstaking
And when she'd done that, Zoe went through
another 887 from the 'next village.
It was meticulous, painstaking and often boring
work.
But Zoe said: "There's always this excitment
that maybe you'll make a real breakthrough."
The dig moves on soon, to try to find Caesar's
camp. Zoe's greatest wish is to be part of the
team.
. Zoe's
Iron Age
'friend'.-
nicknamed
Edwina.
. Zoe Poucher ... Girl with a
mission.
(N7861)

When I think of the time since I came back onto the staff it is the out of school activities
whichseemthe most memorable. The Youth Hostelling trips to the Isle of Man (and the
itchingpowder) with the bravado of dips in the sea before breakfast. Yet more hockey
practicesand matches and the Saturday mornings when I got up thinking I must be out of
mymind,onlyto return at lunch time thrilled to bits that we hadn't won but everyone had
enjoyedthemselves.Being on the make-up team for school productions was always fun -
especiallythat black hair spray for the Mikado, "who has done this to you?" often rang
out fromDorothy Chadwick, Miss Pretty, came the reply!
The Theological Society of my sixth form days gave way to 3 Christian Unions - now
Icthus, Crew and the 6th form Christian Union. We have had some good times
particularlyon weekend visits to various Church Halls and Plas-Y-Nant. They gave us
timeto reflect on the most important issues of life.
In amongstthere have been one or two Maths and RE lessons. The latter better forgotten
- I never could strike the balance between presenting cold facts and trying to initiate a
crusade. As far as the Maths goes I must record my thanks to Jean White and Roy
Wilson- the latter was Head of Maths when I returned. They were very helpful to a very
greenrecruit. I stillfind Maths the most wonderful of subjects and still cannot understand
whyso manyof my pupils do not. When I started teaching I think I believed that 3 weeks
with me and they'd all be loving it. Alas no ! Each year I have the same excitement about
the results and while its good to rejoice with the A's it's the C's of hard-working nonmathematicianswhich
have given me most pleasure.
Finallythere are two changes I'd like to see. I would like every old student I meet not to
marvelthat I haven't retired yet and I would like someone to invent a shirt which stays
tucked in automatically- I seem to spend a lot of energy on this uniform infringement'
INTRODUCING HELEN
Helen has recently joined B.R.G.S. in the sixth fonn moving here from the
foreignclimes of Hayes in Middlesex - we have all been fascinated by her
accent. She is something of a culture freak studying for' A' levels in Music,
Englishand Geography. Rumour has it that she is also rather good at playing
the clarinetand singing - we have not as yet convinced her to perfonn for us!
At weekends, she enjoys outdoor pursuits including canoeing, rock climbing
and abseiling and is undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award - a
busy younglady?
Her ambition is to continue her studies at university and to then pursue a
career she enjoys,ultimatelybecoming rich and famous - we hope she makes
it.

PROFILE: MISS HAZEL PRETTY
When I came into 2D as a first year pupil in September 1949, I found the place vel
daunting. My sister Joyce was in the 06 but left for university after only a few weeks.
found it very difficult to make friends and spent many breaks in girls loos - I went horn
for lunch. It wasn't 'till the next year when I met up with Elizabeth Pickup, who wa
repeating the year because of illness, that I began to feel I belonged. From then on I wa
very happy as a pupil. When I returned in 1959 I found the place equally daunting bl
several colleagues who had taught me - particularly Miss Mac and Mrs Culley made m
welcome although I had difficultyin not standing up when they came into the staff room
I was very reluctant to leave B.R.G.S. and in fact, on the Friday before I started colleg
on Tuesday, Mr. Copley who was Head all the time I was a pupil invited me to apply f(J
my present job. I had the distinct impression that no-one else wanted it and it was a stop
gap measure. There was no interviewjust a letter ftom Big Bill to say I'd been appointee
It was good to live at home again, to get back to B.R.G.S., to be involved in Church lif
once more and I honestly thought it was where I ought to be.
As I've said, I did find my first year as a pupil a very difficult time. Staff continuall
compared me to my big sister and found me wanting. All, that is, except Miss Reece, th
P.E. teacher who was pleased to see I wasn't a bit like my sister. She started my grea
love of hockey. I also remember Mr. Bridge coaching a few of us for cricket at the end (J
double games when most of the class had gone up early to dinner. Hockey was t4
become a very important part of my life as a pupils and I well remember forking the pitcl
at crack of dawn on Saturday mornings, having persuaded Miss Reece (who lived a
Preston) that the fields would be fit to use.
Other memories of the early days are of the staff stoking the boilers in the prefab (nov
sixth form common room) and of throwing my school beret on the rooS:in my glee tha
the next lessons was to be French, not Maths as I had expected. Memories too of double
games lessons when hockey was abandoned so we could practice dancing with the boy;
ready for the Christmas party. Sometimes they very kindly let me wind the record playe
(or was it a gramophone?)
In 3A the past horrors of Maths evaporated as Big D (Miss Dorothy Moore) fired m~
enthusiasm for the subject I hadn't realised before that Geometry theorems made sense.
they didn't just have to be learnt like poetry. From then on Maths and ,"\o1e were very gOO(
friends.
When subject options had to be made there was a straight choice between History 01
Physics and Geography or Chemistry. I would dearly have liked to have kept on witr
History - it all seemed like one long adventure as little Miss Moore portrayed it. Howevel
Physics it had to be if I was hoping to be a Mathematician.
Miss Macleroy was Glen's House Mistress all the time I was at school ("What did
happen to the House system? - I ask myself) Mac's support was endless and she always
wore a yellow jumper (in Glen's honour) at swimming galas and sports days. Later on
she kept the hockey teams going when Miss Reece left. I'm not sure we ever told Mac
how grateful we were for her help. Raspberry picking in Scotland with Miss Hammel
and Miss Newall and Youth Hostelling Germany with the Humpstons were highlights of
my years in school.

CLASS Ulf 1~:l~
"-
",;
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BACK ROW (1to r)
Harry Depear; Jim Murray; Kenneth Mantle; Jack Roberts; Harry Pilling; . John Brown; John Read;
MIDDLE ROW
Roland Jackson; Sidney Pilling; Harold GeorgeDigby Williams; Fred Humberstone (MASTER); H. Wilson;
Kenneth Howarth; Bemard Glennell; M. Ormf'.rod; -
FRONT ROW
Margaret Warrington; Ruth Greenwood; May Chadwick; -
Bessie Pilling; AnnieHall.
. Mr. Anstey ("Joe Bugs"); Ada Foulds;

WE REMEMBER .......
I
They grow not old as we who are left grow old.....
On November 11th each year present students of the school still observe a one
minute silence in memory of those who died in the two world wars. The names of past
pupils of the school who gave their lives are still reverently read out. The following
Roll of Honour is ITomthe War of 1939-45. I wonder if Association Members could
tell us anything about any of these young men for inclusion in a future edition.
Jack Ashworth
Kenneth Ashworth
Terence Ashworth
Tom Ashworth
Dorothy M. Burslem
Colin Butler
Trevor Carr
Herbert Cook
Stanley Counsell
Albert E. Davies
Frank Day
Max Disley
Jack Fenton
Albert Fox
William Green
Robert J Hardman
George Hargreaves
Ronald M Heyworth
Frank F Hicks
Herbert T Holme
Ronald Jackson
Earnest B Kershaw
Donald N Law
James Law
Jack Lees
Neville S Mitchell
John A Mochan
Malcolm Ord
Patrick Purcell
Leslie Rawson
Robert B Seddon
Alan R Taylor
John A Taylor
Amold Turner
Marshall Wilding
Kenneth Williamson
Donald Windle
of Waterfoot
of Stacksteads
of Newchurch
of Stacksteads
of Stacksteads
of Bacup
of Rawtenstall
of Ramsbottom
of Stacksteads
of Rawtenstall
of Cloughfold
of Waterfoot
of Crawshawbooth
of Waterfoot
of Bacup
of Bacup
of Rawtenstall
of Waterfoot
of Stacksteads
of Rawtenstall
of Crawshawbooth
of Newchurch
of Shawforth
of Bacup
of Stacksteads
of Rawtenstall
of Bacup
of Rawtenstall
of Waterfoot
of Bacup
of Rawtenstall
of Bacup
of Waterfoot
of Waterfoot
of Crawshawbooth
of Waterfoot
of Waterfoot

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PROFILE:TREVOR ELKINGTON
After a year of Mr. Elkington delving into lives of B.R.G.S. past pupils, we felt it was time to
investigate this elusive man and discover how he, not himself an ex-pupil of B.R.G.S., came to
found the Association.
Here are our surprising findings ...
Vikki, Caroline, Rachel and Helen
"I did not work to become a teacher even though 1was on a teaching course."
As he sits nervously behind his desk, vulnerable to the searching questions he thought he was
about to be asked, Mr. Elkington admitted that he actually failed his 11+ examination and only
attended a Grammar School at 6th form level where he gained

FINALLY
Thursday February 15th
all members are invited to attend
B.R.G.S. ASSOCIATION MEETING
commencing at 7.00
AGENDA TO INCLUDE
-membership and financial report,
- forthcoming Re-Unions in 1998 and 2001,
-format of June A.G.M.
- further recruiting of new members,
- Association officers.
COFFEE & BISCUITS SERVED AT 6.45
Forthcoming major Re-Unions will be held in 1998 (85th Re-Union) and 2001 (the
tercentenary ofthe foundation of Newchurch Grammar School in 1701).
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School.
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Pianoforte Solo "Grand Caprice lErien" Walmsley
French Play. Moliere, L'A,are. Act I. Soone Ill.
HarpagOn, a miser, tortured by the thOnght
Argu- that his servants rob him, orders his son's Harpagon - Ashworth I
ment valet out of the room, recalls him to feel
{
} La Fleche (,alet)-Clegg I
his pockets, finds nothing but an apple.
Violin Solo "Little Gleaners" Taylor I
.w~-
German Play. Besseldt. Die-dunkelblane Wiese. (Enigma.)
One boy describes a dark.blne meadowwjlh golden-1
Elliott
Argu- fleeced sheep; the other boys are pnzzled for a Disley
ment time, then find ont that he means the sky, looon
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Bridge
and star.. Coutts
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Song "Bells in May" The School
English Play. ..~lerchant of Venice." Act IV. Scene I.
Duke - Elliott
Shylock,
in the Court
the Jew,
of Vemce
is ~ee];jng
the
to
forfeIt
o~tain
of
\ Shylock l!artley
Portia - Nuttall
his bond with Antonio, the merchaut- Antonio Disley
" \;z. a pound of his-the merchant's Bassanio - Rawlinson I
Argu- ment
< flesh. Portia, dressed as a lawyer, ap- Gratiano Holliday
pears to defend Antonio, skilfully e,,!,i- Nerissa - Baxter
bits the Jew's mali~e and thereby gaIDs Clerk of the '-Drid e
( a verdict for Antmo. ~ Court. J g
Violin Solo
Pianoforte
Solo
"Il Trovatore" Turnbull I
" Polonaise"
Townsend I
Headmaster's
Report.
DISTRIBUTION. OF PRIZES
., BY
EAPIkIN PA1fRJ[K.
All contributions for future Associate Newsletters are gratefully received and should be
clearly marked fa.o. 'The Editors, B.R.G_S. Associate Newsletter', B.R.G.S., Glen
Road, Waterfoot, Rossendale, Lancs. BB4 7BJ