'A Sporting Spirit' - Merchant Taylors

Merchant Taylors’ Schools
‘A Sporting Spirit’
13 th January - 9 th March 2012

Front image: Stanfield 1932 "drill"

A Sporting Spirit – A Vitreum exhibition
celebrating the history of sport at
Merchant Taylors’ Schools.
To celebrate the Schools’ Sporting Start
Campaign and the opening of the new state-of-
the-art Sports Centre, artefacts and
photographs from the Schools’ extensive
archive collection are being put on show. The
exhibits all have a sporting theme, reflecting the
long, varied and successful tradition of sport at
Merchant Taylors’ Schools.
This exhibition has been made possible thanks to the
sterling efforts of the Schools' archivists, Anita
Barry and Trevor Hildrey as well as the Marketing
and Development team who selected this sample of
photographs and artefacts. The show is an eclectic
mix of historical and contemporary images and has
been curated to reflect this diversity within the
confines of the gallery space.
Mick Gill, Director of Art and Director of the
Vitreum

KEY TO IMAGES
1-4 Mike Slemen (see key players for further information)
5 MR Heath, schools A A Champion winning his heat in the 1
mile race at White City in 1960: Heath went on to win the final in
4m 15.6 secs, 6.2 seconds better than the previous record set in
1953. He went on to Cambridge and was awarded an athletics
Blue, proving a worthy opponent of Herb Elliott, the 1960
Olympic 1500 m Gold Medallist and fellow Cambridge student.
6-14 Assorted MTGS team photos
15 Senior girls practising fencing in the gymnasium 1964/65.
16 The 1 st XI of 1939: The team includes one, R A K Runcie who
went on to become Archbishop of Canterbury.
17 The hockey first XI with teacher c 1910. Note the school ties
and curved hockey sticks
18 MTGS Hockey team 1906-07
19 Anna-Louise Hodkinson, Former pupils, current teacher and
former international swimmer. (see key players for further
information)
20 Assorted trophies and caps (See 24)
21 MTBS Blazer (See 28)
22 The Sack Race, junior school sports day c 1945 held in the garden
of “Daisyfield” prior to the move to Stanfield.
23 MTGS Blazer—worn by cricket and tennis team members
24 The rugby 1 st XI of the 1900 – 1901 season: This team won the
Liverpool Schools Football Shield, shown in the photograph.
Winners of the shield were awarded caps. Three of these, on
show here are being worn in the photograph. These belonged
to: Thomas Eric Peet who went on to Oxford and became
Professor of Egyptology at Liverpool University and Reader
in Egyptology at Oxford. Charles Ryle Fay who went on to
Cambridge and became Professor of economic History at
Toronto university. Henry Thomas Crawford-Smith who
went on to Oxford and eventually Senior Classics master at
MTS, Crosby

25 Old Boy and Ex Rugby International Ben Kay. This shows the
World Cup Final in 2003 (Telstra Stadium, Sydney, Australia,
22nd November 2003).
Australia 17-20 England. The image shows the moment the
final whistle went!
His shirt is also on display.
26 Tony Evans Reaching for Success Sculpture (see back of booklet
for further information)
27-32 Images by Peter Owen (see back of booklet for further
information)
33 Stanfield 1980s gymnastics display
34 Girls posing in the gymnasium for a school prospectus
photograph taken in 1916.The brass plaque accompanying the
photograph records its opening in 1914. This room had to have
its floors strengthened to take the weight of the gymnastic
apparatus, also doubled as the hall. It is now computer rooms
1 and 2!
35 The Cricket Team in 1886: This is the earliest photograph of a
cricket team at MTS. The players include: Percy Wootton
Pheysey [Capt] who contributed this photograph in 1948 and
who went on to Oxford, entered the Church and became
Chaplain to the Bishop of Liverpool.
36—43 Assorted MTBS team photos
44—46 Assorted MTGS team photos
47 Richard and Will Greenwood. (see key players for further
information)
48 Tossing the coin at a match: Probably the fixture between the 1 st XI
and Old Crosbeians [The Camels]. The presence of C F Russell on
the right [with the mortar board] dates the photograph to the time
of his Headmastership [1929 – 42]. The captain of the Old Boys’
team is wearing an Old Boys’ blazer similar to the one show near
the photograph. Some of the boys wear colours blazers which
were chocolate with light blue trim.
49 Girls playing tennis in 1953. Part of a series of photographs
taken for the school prospectus. Note the school summer
dress worn by all the girls including VIth form.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF
SPORT AT MTGS
The early days of games at MTGS were in keeping with propriety
limited to callisthenics, a form of exercise “to develop the beauty of
the figure and to promote a graceful carriage”! Swimming was
however taught at the local public baths and the first swimming prize
was awarded in 1891.
By 1911 hockey, netball, rounders and tennis were introduced with
the headmistress, Miss Shackleton taking netball herself. Sports Days
were held for the first time. Competitive sport was now encouraged
and the girls played matches against local schools. The girl’s first XI
hockey team used to practice against a boy’s scratch team made up
from the rugby XV during the holidays!
The hall also became a gym and gymnastics were introduced from
1915 with annual gym displays from then.
The white blazer on display was worn by a member of the girls’
cricket team, the annual first XI cricket match against “the fathers”
was always a highlight of the sporting calendar.
Sport flourished under Miss Brash’s regime as headmistress, she
herself was an excellent sportswoman and tennis (her sport)
blossomed in school. In 1948, 1951 and 1954 the tennis teams got to
the finals of the Aberdare Cup played at Wimbledon.
By the 1960’s other “modern” sports were introduced such as judo,
fencing and riding whilst still participating in all the other competitive
ones, except cricket which fell out of favour with girls.
More recently girls have started doing badminton, rowing and
athletics, all of which are flourishing.

A Senior Girls’ School mid 1970s gymnasium
prospectus photograph

A BRIEF HISTORY OF
SPORT AT MTBS
Sport has, for most of the recent history of Merchant Taylors’ Boys’ School,
been a major constituent of the curriculum. Admittedly, when the school
was founded in 1620, organised games, as we know them now, were
unknown. However, boys would find ways of ridding themselves of
excess energy by running, wrestling, archery, ball games etc.
The space around the old school building was restricted and not conducive
to organised team games of rugby, football or cricket. Consequently, Rev
John Burnard [Headmaster 1850 – 1861] leased a cricket field for the use of
the school as early as 1854. This he did at his own expense.
It was Canon Armour [Headmaster 1863 – 1903] who really recognised the
benefits of games in education. Armour encouraged the playing of Rugby
and this eventually took precedence over “Association” as the 19 th century
drew to a close; the earliest recorded captain of a school rugby XV was
Joseph George Garibaldi Corkhill who attended MTS 1876 – 1879. The
Rowing 2nd VIII of 1966

earliest team photograph dates from the 1889/90 season. Significant school
players have included HG Periton who was awarded 21 caps for England
and captained the side in 1929/30, JHR Greenwood, who captained the
side in 1968, SB McQueen who played for Scotland and, more recently, Ben
Kay who was part of the England team who won the World Cup in 2003.
Waterloo Rugby Club was founded by two ex MTS players and, under its
original name of “The Serpentine” played in blue jersey with a red sash
until in 1885 they changed their name to Waterloo and played in blue and
red striped shirts. This is a similar story to that of the other famous club
formed by two old boys, The Witty brothers, who founded Barcelona
Football Club, playing in their old rugby shirts of red and blue. The club
eventually adopting red and blue stripes.
Cricket had, to some extent, been played as early as the 1850s but it was
the move to the new school building in 1876 with its adjoining field which
produced more regular matches. Matches were certainly being played in
1882.
Annual school sports started in 1880. In addition to the easily recognised
athletic events early activities included sack racing, throwing the cricket
ball, a three-legged race and a bicycle race.
1894 saw the start of what was to become the House system. This led to the
introduction of other competitive games: tennis, fives, golf and swimming.
The headship of CR Russell [1929 – 1942] saw a continued flourishing of
sport in the school and the introduction of hockey, association football and
shooting. It was during this period that Robert Runcie, Archbishop of
Canterbury, represented the school at cricket, hockey and athletics.
For a short time at the end of the 1940s and the beginning of the 1950s,
boxing proved a popular pastime.
In 1958 an Old Boy of the school, Frank Grant provided the school with a
boat house and continued to support the Boat Club until his death. The
club is still a thriving concern.
Other sports have been added to the list available to boys over the years.
Badminton, sailing, cross-country, orienteering and basketball have all
been introduced. Additionally, via the Combined Cadet Force canoeing,
climbing etc have been made available.
Most of these sports are still to be found being played at some time during
the year though the fives court disappeared under new physics labs in the
1950s and consequently is no longer played.

KEY ‘PLAYERS’
MIKE SLEMEN
Mike Slemen taught at Merchant
Taylors’ Schools from 1975-2011,
during which time he became an
England International Rugby Union
player. Mike also toured South Africa
in 1980 with the British and Irish
Lions and at the time played club
rugby for Liverpool.
Mike still coaches part-time at the
Boys’ School and is the Exhibition
Leader for the Duke of Edinburgh
Award.
IN SPORT
AT MERCHANT
TAYLORS’ SCHOOLS

MAGGIE SOUYAVE
As a schoolgirl my ambition was to become a PE Teacher and my ultimate
dream was to play hockey for England. Most of my life has revolved around
sport and I am fortunate that I have had the pleasure and satisfaction of
achieving my goals. The enjoyment of participating in sport whilst developing a
healthy lifestyle helps us to confront the challenges we face in every day life. To
achieve, motivating oneself when things are going well is easy but finding
determination and commitment to drive on against the odds identifies life's
winners. Sport has given me the opportunity to be active, stay healthy, make
friends, meet new people, share ideas and travel the world, enabling me to
appreciate that everyone has strengths, which combined facilitate success.
Maggie Souyave, Former Staff 1983 - 1995
Maggie is a championship Hockey Player who
was awarded UK Hockey Player of the Year in
1990. She is still active within the sport through
being a Hockey Performance Analyst, and was a
coach for 2008 Olympics and is now an assistant
coach for 2012 Olympics.

PETER LITTLE
During his time in the Navy, Peter Little became a very successful and
accomplished rower and rowed for the Royal Navy 1 st Eight. In addition, he
played rugby to a good standard for a number of years.
Since joining us in 1993, it is fair to say that Peter had transformed what was a
minority sport and turned rowing into a major part of our extra-curricular
life. Each year over 100 boys and girls attend numerous national regattas and
have even qualified for Henley in recent years. This was a testament to Peter’s
drive, determination and enthusiasm for the sport. Equally important to Peter
was his passion for raising money for good causes. Some of the money raised
has been used for new boats and equipment for the Boat Club, but generous
contributions have also been made to a number of good causes. In 2007 Peter
said: “It is all part of the young people’s education. It is about giving and not
just taking, that is the most important lesson we can give them.” According to
Peter’s son, Antonee, who was himself a part-time rowing coach at the school,
in the last fifteen years Peter and the Boat Club had raised over £100,000 for
charity – an outstanding achievement.
Everyone who knew Peter was captivated by his infectious enthusiasm. He
was cheeky but very positive, often irreverent but always self-depreciating. It
was no surprise that before he died he was awarded the ‘Radio City Local
Hero’ award for his
contribution to rowing
and for his fundraising
activities. Peter Little
was a very important
part of the Merchant
Taylors’ family and is
enormously missed by
all who knew him.
Main quad: Luke Shackleton, Bing Bagley, Max Wozniak, Guy Fielding with
Coach Peter Little

KATE HENDRICK
The balance of sport & academic study are important in the overall development
of an individual. I believe sport creates ideals for life: the ability to be a team
player, the creation of a competitive spirit, a will to win & succeed and long
standing friendships & camaraderie.
I was fortunate that Merchants’ put me on the road to sporting success in
hockey. I travelled the world, my first trip for England was to South Africa
when I was 14! I gained so much confidence from my sporting life. I was lucky
enough to captain England at under 18 & under 21 level & also achieved a full
England cap.
My profession as a dentist now occupies most of my time, but the sporting &
fitness ethos I first developed at Merchants’ still exists with my daily runs or
visits to the gym.
Kate Hendrick
Dentist and Hockey Player
Stanfield 1985 - 1992
Merchant Taylors’ Senior Girls’ School
1992 - 1997

IAN ROBINSON
Ian Robinson started teaching at Merchant Taylors’ in 1984 after attending
Leeds University and quickly became Master in charge of Rugby. He was
subsequently appointed Deputy Head of Sport and Master in charge of
Athletics as well as running the Swimming Team. Ian was involved in
pastoral care and was Deputy Head of Lower School for a period of time. He
was also an honourary member of the girls P.E. dept for many years and his
contribution to Sports Day as ' starter' was greatly appreciated. An avid fan of
St. Helens Rugby League Football Club, Ian was a member of the Liverpool
Referees Society and also ran summer camps for students over in the USA
during school holidays.
It was with deep sadness that the School and community learnt of the death
of Ian Robinson in a tragic white-water-rafting accident whilst on a tour in
Australia with the School Rugby Team in 2007.
Headmaster David Cook said of Ian, "He was very popular with staff and
boys alike. He was an
immensely hard-working
and caring professional.
Over a generation of boys
have benefited from his
teaching and care. He is
very much missed and very
fondly remembered."
Ben Kay opening the Ian Robinson Sports Centre in December 2011
Ian Robinson

THE MASON SISTERS
CAROLINE
Caroline represented England
and Great Britain in the 100 and
200 metres breaststroke. Her
first Junior International was in
Holland, at the age of 12, in
1974.
Caroline qualified for Montreal
Olympics in 1976 aged just 13.
Sadly the British Selectors
considered her “too young” to
be taken to Montreal to
represent Britain as an
Olympian, but interestingly,
four years later, a 12 year old swimmer was selected to represent Great
Britain in the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Many believe the selector’s change of
policy to be a direct result of Caroline’s own experience, which opened the
door to younger swimmers and athletes who were good enough for Olympic
selection.
Anna-Louise aged 16
Caroline after her win in the National Age Group Championships
ANNA-LOUISE
Anna-Louise was a Junior and Senior England
and Great Britain International in the 100m
Backstroke and 4 x 100m Freestyle Relay Team
between 1977 and 1984. She was Junior British
Backstroke Champion in both 1979 and 1980
and reached full international level at the age of
14. She was a regular member of the England
and Great Britain team and made 24
appearances for her country.
Caroline and Anna-Louise attended Merchant
Taylors between 1975 and 1985. Anna-Louise
(Mrs Hodkinson) now works for the Schools
as Teacher of Infant PE and Junior
Swimming.

RICHARD GREENWOOD
Educated at Merchant Taylors’ School, Crosby and Emmanuel College,
Cambridge, with an MA in Geography and a Post-Graduate Certificate
of Education, Richard began his working career in 1964 as Head of
Geography at Stonyhurst College. Whilst there, Richard pursued a
successful sporting career in Rugby Union, culminating in 1969 as the
captain of the County Championship winning Lancashire XV, the
Barbarians and the England XV. During the 1970s Richard spent 5 years
in Rome where he continued his rugby career with an outstandingly
successful spell as player-coach of Rugby Roma.
Richard returned to England in 1978 as Assistant Bursar at Stonyhurst
College. During his seven year term at Stonyhurst, he coached England
U23 from 1981 to 1983 and the full England XV from 1983 to 1985.
Richard devotes much of his energy towards fund-raising for various
charities, including the Wooden Spoon, the children’s charity of rugby.
He is also committed to helping Merchant Taylors’ Schools in their drive
to establish a strong, well-funded
Bursaries Fund and has thrown
himself whole-heartedly into
assisting with the Sporting Start
Appeal.

THE WITTY BROTHERS
AND BARCELONA FC
1896-97 Rugby Team
Lionel Messi in the Barcelona colours
The brothers, Arthur and Ernest were at
Merchant Taylors’ in Crosby, during 1890-95 and 1891-96 respectively. They
emigrated in 1899 after their father, Frederick Witty, became British Vice
Consular in Barcelona. The story goes they had responded to a newspaper
announcement by Swiss businessman Hans Kamper that he intended
‘organising some football games’ in the city. Arthur scored the winning goal
against Catalan wearing the maroon and blue rugby kit he used to wear at
Merchant Taylors’ School, Crosby. Barcelona FC was formed by Arthur and
Hans, Arthur was president of the Club from 1903-1905.
Unfortunately the above photograph does not show the Witty Brothers (EFC
Witty played 1894-6 and FA Witty played 1893-4) but it shows the rugby kit
of that time which was claret/maroon with the blue strip. This is the earliest
rugby photo we have in our archives.

ARTIST TONY EVANS
Tony Evans became a regular name at Merchant Taylors' Girls' School
after designing our fabulous 'Reaching for Success' life-sized sculpture of
a girl draped in cloth which is a permanent feature in our Mulberry
Gardens. The famous Liverpool Artist returned to the school as the first
artist to exhibit in the Vitreum and wow-ed us all with his beautiful
sculptures.
Born and raised in Liverpool, Tony now enjoys the beautiful Cheshire
countryside surrounding his home in Kingsley. After working in
Liverpool for The Prudential for over 30 years he turned to his long
suppressed passion for art. At age 55 he attended Liverpool City College
where he achieved GCSE and A Levels and subsequently emerged from
Wirral Metropolitan College aged 58 with a B.A. Honours Degree in Fine
Art.
Tony specialises in animals in action using mainly copper and bronze
and the work is a result of hours of intense concentration and physical
effort. His portrayals of nature capture the spirit and to the splendour of
a whole menagerie of animals ranging from the simplicity of a frog to
the magnificence of a life size Bengal tiger.
Tony was approached by Lever Faberge to supply 3 large sculptural
panels and they are in their permanent collection at Port Sunlight
His work has been included in Southport's Municipal gallery, The
Atkinson and sites alongside the work of such luminaries as Henry
Moore, Alfred Munnings and Elizabeth Frink. He has been accepted into
the Society of Wildlife Artists and included in 'Who's who in art'.

ARTIST PETER OWEN
Peter Owen has worked as a professional Artist for over 30 years. He has
exhibited widely and has work in corporate and private collections worldwide.
Corporate commissions include the Savoy Hotel Group, Ocean Transport and
Trading plc, Pilkington Glass plc, Ciba Specialty Chemicals and Southport
Flower Show.
Peter is in regular demand for his workshops in schools and with community
groups. He has completed over 100 Murals, sometimes working alone or along
side a wide age range of people. These can be seen in and around schools,
children's centres and church properties around the North West, and also the
children's Library, Malvern.
As a tutor Peter has 2 private classes, and leads workshops for adult groups
which have included the Cottage Garden Society and local Art Societies.
Commissions undertaken
peterowen863@btinternet.com
IMAGES
Rugby
From the 2003/2004 season. The opposition team are Arnold School, Blackpool.
Ben Kay Pastel
9th November 2002, Twickenham
England 31-28 New Zealand
England were in the middle of a long unbeaten run, and with the World Cup
2003 on the horizon it was important to retain the psychological advantage.
Ben Kay then stole the injury time line-out ball which ultimately denied New
Zealand’s splendid last quarter fight-back. Robert Kitson, The Guardian 11th
November 2002
Going into that line-out I just asked for a little bit of extra height from the lifters
and they did a fantastic job. Ben Kay quoted in the Liverpool Daily Post 12th
November 2002 under the headline Man of Steal Kay

Merchant Taylors’ boys circa 1967

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