KBGS Old Boys' Forum

A place to discuss Keighley Boys' Grammar School. 


Terms of use.  Anonymous, offensive, or malicious postings will  be deleted. School-related topics only please. If you need to add a "family notice" reply to any of the current messages in that thread, and remember to change the Subject to the name of the newsworthy person.

 

 

KBGS Old Boys' Forum
Start a New Topic 
1 2
Author
Comment
Re: Arthur Woods Seeley

That is very sad news, David, for everyone who subscribes to this website. Most of us may not have known him personally, or at least not well, but his 'Postcards from the Philippines' were always a joy to read, whatever he was commenting on. A great loss for us all. RIP Arthur.

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

Re: Arthur Woods Seeley

I am so sorry to have only just seen this, and offer my sympathy to David, Sione, and other family members

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

Re: Arthur Woods Seeley

Like Brian, I too have only just read this news, it was always a good read from Arthur, beautifully written and always informative and entertaining!
My sincere sympathy to David, Sione & family.

Current location (optional) Torquay

William Brian Pugh

I was saddened to learn of the passing of Brian Pugh in February of this year. He was the same age as myself and went through Eastwood School and KBGS(B Forms)with me, playing in the same Rugby XVs, U14s and Colts, during the years 1945-50.
He initially missed out on National Service after failing his first medical but after gaining his degree at Manchester University, he re-applied and passed, joining the Army as Chaplain to the Forces and served from 1967 to 1988. His tour of duty took him to Northern Ireland and Germany. He retired with the rank of Brigadier.
During his earlier career in the Army, as a Captain, he reportedly shared digs with a certain Captain Mark Phillips!
I'm grateful to Peter Norton, his cousin, for details of his Army career. David

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley

Re: William Brian Pugh

I too was saddened to read that Bryan Pugh had died but the news probably gives an explanation to why I never received a reply to an e-mail which I sent to him last December. Like you David, I played rugby with Bryan when we were both members of the Keighlians. I pushed in the second row whilst he hooked!
I'd heard that Bryan had been honoured by being made a freeman of Windlesham after many years of service to the local community and I thought that congratulations were in order. We had a long telephone conversation but I never had a reply to the follow up e-mail. Perhaps he wasn't in the best of health. But I'm glad we spoke.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945 - 50

Current location (optional) Norfolk.

Re: John Derek Lee

I met Derek Lee in 1955 when I was in the fourth form and he was well left. I had joined a group of young instrumentalists who were trying to play together as a band. I was recruited in the yard at school by Howard Thompson. Most of them were either pupils or old boys: David Scott; Bill Emmott; Howard; (later replaced by Michael Nicholson); Trevor Hargreaves.

Pretentiously we called ourselves The Hillside Six - later The Hillsiders when we augmented to seven. We were practising with no great degree of discipline in the Ilkley Road Methodist Sunday School. One Saturday afternoon Derek dropped in as he was passing, sat and listened , added a few suggestions and left. He was to come back to subsequent practices which were held on Saturday afternoons with more suggestions and he took over the conduct of the practice by getting us all to play the same piece at the same time in the same tempo. This took some doing.

We made it big in time for a Sunday School concert in the Autumn and took an offer of an engagement (“gig” in modern parlance) for a 50/50 dance in a church hall in the New Year. We had a repertoire of about 10 numbers and 2 or 3 months to enlarge it for the dance. We all worked hard. Derek saw to that and we made it in time to provide a whole evening’s dancing. We were kept busy in the district for the next 5 dance seasons – due in no small part to Derek.
Derek was also a scout leader of the 3rd Riddlesden Troop and for several years a youth leader of the Ilkley Road YPF.

An active member of the church, Derek sang in the choir and put in all these activities with young people in addition to his full-time day job as teacher at St Anne’s School.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1952-1960

Current location (optional) Nirvana

Re: William Bryan Pugh

Thank you for your input, Denis. It seems that that Bryan kept going quite well towards the end of his career. Additional information about Bryan shows that he held the honorary title of "Chaplain to the Queen" from 1985 to 1988, and ended his working years as Chaplain at Heathfield School in Ascot between 1988 and 1995. David

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley

Re: Tom Punt


I have just picked up this emailed message from Tom Punt's daughter. A sad loss to us all.

Doug


Dear Doug

It it with great sadness that I am writing to let you know that dad passed away on Friday. His period of illness was mercifully short and when the end came it was quick and peaceful. Mum is obviously devastated; they would have celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary this September.

I know he was hoping to be with you for this year's reunion, and had already coopted my husband to drive him up. I hope, instead, you will all raise a glass (or several) to a fine man and wonderful father.

I should be most grateful if you would pass on this news to anyone who knew dad and also ensure that his name is now removed from your mailing list.

With kind regards
Cathy Kent

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Greve-in-Chianti, Italy

Re: Tom Punt

Very sad to learn that. Tom was always gracious and enthusiastic in my communications with him.

I first got an email from Tom in Feb 1998! I reproduce it below.
Chris
--------------

Dear Mr Firth

Your note in www.knowwhereco.uk/board/kb583 .html mentions a site you
constructed for your dad but without a www address. do you have this ? I
would be interested. I was at KBGS from 1940-1948 and went from there to
Cambridge. I haven't lived in Keighley since 1952. I have completely lost
contact with anyone I knew at school and guess I may be somewhat older than
your dad? Any pointer you can give me to this site would be useful.

Many thanks

Tom Punt

Re: Tom Punt

Yes, Chris, 'gracious' is the right word for Tom. He and I disagreed politically and from time to time had our exchanges (on Facebook) about specific issues, but he never descended to rhetoric or abuse, his tone was always level, courteous and rational. A very civilized man whom I wish I had known better.

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Greve-in-Chianti, Italy

Re: Tom Punt

It is always sad when you hear of the passing of someone from your early days. I recall from my early days at KBGS that Tom was a prefect so we were worlds apart. When we had a brief contact on here a few years ago, I reminded him that when I was a mere 11 years old, Tom was the biggest man I had ever seen up until then. He was gracious enough to suggest that with the passing of time the difference in size would probably not be so apparent. How true, at 6'4" I fill a fair space myself. I always enjoyed reading Tom's posts on here. RIP Tom.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1947-51

Current location (optional) Orewa, New Zealand.

Re: Tom Punt

I have the 46 Panorama in the Hall and always cast my eye over it and see Tom there . Mary and I did call to see him at his home south of London and shared a few memories of the old school . A real gentleman and not a bit like his school photograph . RIP Tom.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 43-46

Current location (optional) Tasmania

Jack Broadley

Published in the Keighley News on 12 November 15
BROADLEY Jack Nelson On Thursday, November 5, 2015, Jack passed away suddenly but peacefully at Bradford Royal Infirmary, aged 88 years, with his family by his side.

He was born in Bradford, but moved with his family to Keighley during the war and lived in the town for the rest of his life. He was a pupil at Keighley Boys Grammar School.

Although I am the same age as Jack, I am afraid I don't remember him at school.



Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1937-1944

Current location (optional) Huntingdon

Re: Peter Neville Coleman


Sad to report the passing of Peter Coleman whom I knew as a child, for he and his family lived opposite us in Wardman Street, Bradford Road, Stockbridge. After he was married (to Enid Petty) he bought the house next door to us - the house in which he had actually been born. He was a contemporary of Jack Martin, Alan Burridge, Peter Nicholson and our own David Seeley. Six years older than me, I inherited both his school satchel and his copy of 'Deutches Leben', the latter in anticipation of learning German at KBGS, which I dearly wanted to do, but never did.


Published in the Keighley News on 17 December 15

COLEMAN Peter Neville On December 12, 2015, Peter aged 81 years of
Stockbridge passed on peacefully at Airedale Hospital. The dearly loved
husband of Enid, loving dad of Susan and Stewart, dear father-in-law of
Chris, much loved grandad of Emma and Claire and a proud great-grandad
of Isla. Relatives and friends please meet at St Mary’s Church,
Riddlesden on Monday, December 21, at 10.30am, for service prior to
cremation at Oakworth Crematorium. No flowers please but donations would
be appreciated for Cancer Research UK. Provision will be made in church
for this purpose or may be sent to Lyndon M. Leeson Funeral Director, 51
Bridge Street, Oakworth, Keighley, BD22 7PX.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

Re: Peter Neville Coleman

I also noted Peter's obit. in this week's Keighley News and would confirm his arrival at KBGS from Eastwood, the same year as myself, which was 1945. Peter appears on the 1946 Panora(section 3) standing behind and between, teachers Burton and Rannard, with Jack Martin next to him, standing between teachers 'Spike'and Preston. Moving six pupils left of Peter and standing behind 'Frizzy' and Freddie Firth, is yours truly with arms folded and in need of a haircut, it seems. RIP Peter

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley

Lord Asa Briggs

Reported in today's Telegraph. Asa Briggs died today . Probably our most famous old boy. R.I.P

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 43-46

Current location (optional) Tasmania

Re: Lord Asa Briggs

Sad to note his passing. He very kindly sent us a message of congratulations on the School's 300th anniversary last September. He was, as you say, Mike, probably our most illustrious OB as both the first Vice Chancellor of the new Sussex University and his elevation to a life peerage for his services to higher education. I didn't swap stamps with him but did attend some of his lectures when he was Professor of Modern History at Leeds University in 1959.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Melbourne

John Poppleton

POPPLETON JOHN Passed away peacefully in the care of Clifton Hospital on 16th May 2016 in his 89th year. Dearly loved husband of Joan. Loving Dad of Sarah, Stephen and Claire. Dearest Grandad and Great Grandad.
Funeral service to take place at Lytham Park Crematorium on Friday 27th May at 10am.
John and I started at KBGS in 1937 in Form 1, the last year before it divided into 1A, 1B etc and became the 11 plus entry forms, and went through school together until 1944.
At the request of John(AKA Hubert)Gough, another slightly older Old Boy, I tried to contact John Poppleton yesterday with a view to obtaining contact details for his school friend Ronald Dickson and was met with the news firstly that John had passed away and secondly that Ronald had also passed away, both within the last ten days. They both lived in Lytham St Annes and one of John's daughters is married to one of Ronald's sons.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1937-44

Current location (optional) Huntingdon

Ronald Dickson

DICKSON Ronald On 17th May 2016, peacefully in the loving care of Hedges House, Lytham, Ronald aged 90 years. Beloved husband of the late Margaret, much loved father of Christopher, Graham and Nigel, a dear father in law and loving grandad and great grandad.
Service of Thanksgiving to be held at St Annes United Reformed Church on Tuesday 31st May 2016 at 12.45pm preceded by a private cremation.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1937-44

Current location (optional) Huntingdon

Stephen (Steve) Johnson

Although any death is a sad occurrence, when someone younger than you dies then it seems to be so much worse.

From 'The Craven Herald':

JOHNSON Stephen (Steve). On Saturday, May 7th 2016.

Steve passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family. Darling husband of Sharon, brilliant dad of Angela and Kirsty and fun-loving CBeebies - tolerant granddad of Finey, Mia, Gerry and Eleanor.

Steve was the much-loved son of Joan and the late Harry Johnson and loving brother of Martin, Susan and Harry. A service to celebrate Steve's life will be held at St. Michael and All Angels Church, Linton Falls (near Grassington) on Monday May 23rd at 1.00 p.m., which will of course be followed by drinks and the chance to share happy memories. The cremation will be for immediate family only. No flowers please, if you would like to make a donation to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance or Manorlands Hospice there will be a collection plate at the church or alternatively please send your donation to H.H. Birch & Son Ltd., Nab Wood, Shipley, BBD18 4BG

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959-1966

Current location (optional) Shoreham-by-Sea

Re Arnold Boddy

It is with deep sorrow that I have to inform you that my brother Arnold passed away today following a short illness. He was 79 years old and was at KBGS from 1950-1954. His photo is on the 1st XI in 1953. He is seated at the right hand side. He is also featured on the 1995 reunion photo (1) and photo(2). He worked for Martins Bank and eventually Barclays before retiring. He was then able to put more time into his passion for music. Arnold will be sadly missed.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959-64

Current location (optional) Keighley

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959-64

Current location (optional) Keighley

Re: Re Arnold Boddy

Sorry to hear this sad news, David. I remember your brother as secretary of Charlie Peach's stamp club in the early to mid '50s. I wonder - did he pursue that hobby in later life or, like most of us, retain a vague interest that didn't actually amount to active collecting any more?

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

Re: Re Arnold Boddy

Thanks Doug he did keep up his stamp collection

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959-64

Current location (optional) Keighley

Raymond Land 1948 - 2016

To KBGS via Highfield Infants (Mrs Swales' [Reception] Class ) in the summer term of 1952, and then Holycroft Infants and Ingrow County Primary, it is with sadness that I have to report the untimely, but peaceful, death of Raymond (Ray) Land on October 5th 2016. Raymond's cremation Service will take place on Friday, October 21st, at Oakworth Crematorium at 11.30 a.m.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959 - 1966

Current location (optional) Shoreham-by-Sea

Re: Raymond Land 1948 - 2016

Many thanks to Dave Baldwin for posting news of Ray's death. Ray was a quiet and unassuming person. On leaving KBGS in 1964 he took up a job at Ramsbottom's on Cooke Lane. His heart was set on working for the Ordnance Survey but sadly that was not to be. He remained in the radio/tv/audio world for the whole of his working life. Dave Baldwin, David Boddy, John Ackroyd and I have fond memories of reunion evenings spent together in the Boltmakers' Arms on East Parade where, despite the availability of Landlord and Golden Best, Ray always drank lager. His final years were difficult, especially following the death of his wife Sylvia in 2012. He was good friend, I had known him for 64 years and he will be sadly missed.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959-1967

Current location (optional) Ebberston, North Yorkshire

Re: Henry Bird

It is with very great sadness that I note the passing of Henry Bird, who first taught me as an eight-year old at Eastwood Junior School, when he was doing his teaching practice from (I think) Bingley Teacher Training College. He then went on to a full-time post at Parkwood, where he remained for several years, certainly teaching my younger brother (by eight years) at that School. He spent several years teaching in the Far East - Singapore and Hong Kong - and it was when I myself was working in Singapore ('65-'67) that I ran into him by sheer chance, at an Amah's market in Serangoon Gardens. We subsequently lost touch again after my return to Britain, but I was delighted to find him and his wife, Beth, at the first of the September KBGS Reunions I attended, in 2007. He and Beth were regular attendees until Henry's ill health prevented their coming last September. He was always a great guy, full of fun and 'stories' and, indeed, what made him very popular as a young teacher was the stories he wrote, and regularly read to us, on a Friday afternoon.

RIP

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick (Cumbria)

Re: Henry Bird

I was sorry to read of the death of Henry Bird. He and I met on rare occasions - usually at the reunion dinners when we always had pleasant conversations. He was a delightful man! Henry had flown in Lancaster bombers and he was interested to know that I had painted a watercolour of the aeroplane in flight for another ex serviceman. He was chuffed when I provided him with a copy! We will miss him.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945 - 50

Current location (optional) Norfolk

Re: Henry Bird

Never realised that the picture was yours, Denis - they have it framed, in the hall at Ben Rhydding!

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick (Cumbria)

Re:David Bryan Baldwiin

Sad to report the passing of David Baldwin wo died peacefully at home on the 11th of March, aged 83 years. David, who lived at Long Lee, was at KBGS the same years as myself although in a different Form, and was a Solicitors Clerk during his working life.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley

Re: Gordon Milne Warin

Sadly also, to report the passing of Gordon Warin of Glusburn, who died peacefully at Beanlands Nursing Home, Sutton, on the 5th of March. Gordon was in the same Form as myself all through our time at School. He was a good cricketer and played with me in the School 1st X1 in 1950.
I spoke to Gordon's wife Marjorie, on reading about his death in the Keighley News, and the subject turned to Frank Wellock, a teacher at the School and a well known local sportsman, who married one of Gordon's cousins. Margerie then mentioned that Frank was also in 'Beanlands'. He is now 94 years old but his memory is 'not very good'. David

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley

Re: Re:David Bryan Baldwiin

Sorry to read about the death of my namesake with whom I spent many a boozy Friday and Saturday night in the Con Club playing thee card brag for 6d stakes.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959-66

Current location (optional) Shoreham-by-Sea

Re: John Waddington-Feather

It is with great sadness that I receive news of the death of John Waddington-Feather, with whom several of us corresponded over a number of years. Allan Robinson wrote to tell me, this afternoon:

"Ian Dewhirst rang me yesterday to tell me that John Waddington-Feather died last Friday. He had sounded very frail the last time Ian had spoken to him on the phone. I'm not exactly sure how old he was, probably in his mid-eighties, but he was still writing stories, essays and poems almost to the end of his life. An admirable feat considering his life was dependent on dialysis for many years. Ian is writing an obit for the Keighley News. I thought I'd let you know (though you might have already heard) as I gather you corresponded with one another."

Farewell, and RIP John.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

Re: John Waddington-Feather

John (Waddy) W-F was a great man who taught me English at KBGS and introduced me to a life-long love for literature, especially Dickens and Conrad to whom I have returned throughout my life. He was a natural born enthusiast who will be remembered for many things, not least his publication The Muse that encouraged many of us to overcome a boyhood shyness to write poetry. Always pupil-focused he never raised his voice or threatened violence and knew when to switch from teaching English to entertaining us with tales of his prowess at boxing and his years of National Service. I wrote to him on many occasions in later life and he never failed to reply with warmth and enthusiasm. A lifelong Christian he was never shy about his faith and work as a prison chaplain in Shrewsbury. There is much I could write about J W-F but he will be remembered with affection by many and sadly missed.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959-1967

Current location (optional) Ebberston, North Yorkshire

Re: Michael "Slim" Easrwood

I just saw this post, even though it indicates that it was posted in 2010.

I have two questions please:

1. After I left KBGS, I worked as an apprentice fitter at H. Widdup, manufacturer of marine diesel engines. There was another apprentice there called, I think, Michael "Slim" Eastwood. Would he have been the subject of this post?

2. The person making the post is Derek A Newiss. My mother's maiden name was Margaret Newiss, sister to Edie and Alice, and step sister to a number of siblings which included Walter Newiss. Does Derek come for this same family please?

My email address is bannock@bigpond.net.au and I would welcome hearing any update on this.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1949 - 1954

Current location (optional) Sydney NSW

Roy Tetley

Sad to note in today's Keighley News, the passing of Roy Tetley at the age of 83years. Roy lived in Long Lee during his school years and I played Rugby with him in the Under 14s XV and the Colts XV during the mid-to-late 40s. A tall lad(second row) and not very talkative; I did bump into him some years ago at Golden Acre Park, Leeds and had a short conversation with him. I learned from him that he didn't much enjoy his years at School, which is sad.
In Roy's 'obit' it stated that he and his wife, prroduced three sons and nine grandchildren!! Well done, Roy. R.I.P.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley(still)

Re: Roy Tetley

I remember a Long Lee cricketer called John Tetley, would he have been Roy's younger brother ?

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

Re: Roy Tetley

Yes Brian. John Tetley was his younger brother. I say 'hello' to John quite regularly down town and only this morning I stopped him and asked the question you had asked. He confirmed. He went on to say that on the day he died he had been gardening and had returned to the house feeling unwell.
Following a 'dizzy spell' they called an ambulance for him but sadly, he never recovered. David

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley(still)

Re: William(Bill) John Walsh

I've just received some sad news regarding the recent passing of Bill Walsh formerly from the Cross Roads area of Keighley. He was 81 years old. Bill(or Billy, as he was known in Cross Roads)emigrated to Australia in his late teens and was looked upon as 'a five pound Pom', the cost of the trip to the Antipodes. He married there, had children and moved to New Zealand, where he enjoyed some success in 'real estate'. I met up with Bill in Auckland, on my one and only trip to New Zealand, 10 years ago, and he showed me around a good chunk of North Island one afternoon.
Bill was regular contributor to our Forum and will be sadly missed.
In recent years he had not enjoyed the best of health and 'lost the battle' some 24 hours after entering a hospice. It was a pleasure to have known you, Bill. RIP. My condolences to his wife and family.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) Keighley(still)

Re Samuel Glynn Richards.

Samuel G Richards

Sad news I'm afraid. A few minutes ago I received a phone call from Sam's
wife Vivian, telling me that Sam, who was at the Grammar School a couple of
years before me, had died. Sam was a childhood friend of mine who lived in
Sutton. We both attended primary school in Sutton and the Baptist Church
where I succeeded Sam as Leader of the Young People's Fellowship. I think I
am correct in stating that after leaving KBGS, he joined the Accountancy
firm of Kitchen's - he would have worked with Geoff Kitchen. I remember him
as a quiet, studious lad, proud of his Welsh connections. After National
Service, he left the area and apart from knowing that he spent some time
working in West Africa, I am afraid that I have little knowledge of his
career - we exchanged Christmas cards! Anyway, the lad is no longer with us.
RIP.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945 - 50

Current location (optional) Norfolk

Re: William(Bill) John Walsh

Just seen your note about Bill Walsh's passing, David. Last year, when Gill and I were in Auckland, Bill was to have taken us on a similar trip to yours but a couple of days before we arrived he was taken into hospital where we subsequently visited him, and met his wife, briefly. On that occasion he was extremely cheerful, needlessly apologetic, and very optimistic about his future - an optimism which seemed to have been a part of his nature. We are very sad to have this news but, who knows, maybe he's back playing cricket again on the Elysian fields, after too long a lay-off. RIP Bill. Doug and Gill

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

Re: William(Bill) John Walsh

I only just spotted this also, I corresponded with Willie for a while as we are in fact distant relatives and compared ancestral info. Another Willie Walsh (1908-1940 killed at St Valery) in his tree married my 1st cousin once removed (Sarah Amelia Clayton) , my mother was also Sarah Clayton. Very sorry to hear that news.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

Neil Howarth (Photographer)

Just noticed that a Neil Howarth (ex Silden) has died and I believe that Neil was an Old Boy.

My apologies in advance should I have made an error but confirmation (either way) would be appreciated.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959 -1966

Current location (optional) Lancing

Re: Neil Howarth (Photographer)

Dave, wasn't it Neil Howarth who did the biennial School panorama photographs?

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

Re: Neil Howarth (Photographer)

And another query Dave. Was Neil Howarth a big lad who was in the same year group as me (one year older than you)?

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1958-65

Current location (optional) Leeds

Re. David Baxter.

David Baxter who lived in Sutton in Craven died a few days ago in Airedale Hospital. He was 83 yrs old. David started at KBGS in 1945.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945 - 50

Current location (optional) Norfolk

Re: Neil Howarth (Photographer)

No Shaun, he was much older than us and had his studio at the bottom of East Parade in what, from memory, was Midgley's radio shop. However, his son attended KBGS but was younger than me.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959 -1966

Current location (optional) Lancing

Re: Neil Howarth (Photographer)

Dave Baldwin
No Shaun, he was much older than us and had his studio at the bottom of East Parade in what, from memory, was Midgley's radio shop. However, his son attended KBGS but was younger than me.
That was Keith Howarth I think.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

Geoffrey Lambert Kitchen

KITCHEN Geoffrey Lambert The family announce the peaceful passing of Geoffrey at home on January 30, 2018. The dear husband of The following announcement has just ben published in the Keighley News.
Jean, much loved father of Judith and Ian and a proud granpa of Oliver, Matthew, Luke, Hannah and Emma and great-granpa of Benjamin and Olivia. The funeral service will be held at Christ Church Oakworth on Friday, February 16, at 10.45a.m., followed by a private cremation. No flowers please but donations would be appreciated for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Provision will be made in church or may be sent to Lyndon M. Leeson Funeral Director, 51 Bridge Street, Oakworth, Keighley, BD22 7PX.

Geoffrey entered form 1 in 1937 and stayed at kbgs for a year or two before moving to Giggleswick School. He later played rugby for Keighlians.



















Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1937-44

Current location (optional) Huntingdon

Re: Geoffrey Lambert Kitchen

So sorry to read that Geoff Kitchen has died. Geoff was a little bit older than myself but for several years,when we both played in the Keighlians XV, we were good friends. I could have said that we were close friends - Geoff was the hooker and I played in the second row - how could we be other than close friends? More recently I saw him occasionally on a Saturday lunchtime in the club house in Utley, together with Malcolm Pickles who ‘propped’ in the same team. RIP Geoff.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945 - 50

Current location (optional) Norfolk

Re: Derrick Birtwhistle

Very sad to report the passing of Derrick Birtwhistle, one of our annual reunion stalwarts. He had had a cancerous kidney removed five years ago but had quickly got over that and soon resumed his regular visits to the gym. Only a month or two ago was it discovered that other parts of his body had been affected. He declined very rapidly, was unable to walk, and died on 6 March, at the age of 89. The funeral will be held at Nab Wood cemetery, Bingley, on Monday, 26th March, at 2pm.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

Re: Derrick Birtwhistle

So Derrick has passed on? Sorry to read that Doug. He was a Suttoner you know? Used to Deliver milk up Bent Lane and on Low Fold before coming to school. I used to wonder how he managed a great big carrier bike with a cart load of pint bottles on board. But he did! Big strong lad were our Derrick. He worked for Frank Ingham who Derrick considered to be the reason for his success in life - his mentor if you like. I don’t think i’d set eyes on Derrick for almost sixty years before I started going to the Old Boys’Linches. We always had a chat - usually about lads we’d known in Sutton in the ‘Olden days’. I’ll miss him next September - confident, Square jawed, Victor Ludorum Derrick.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945 - 50

Current location (optional) Norfolk

Re: Charles David Thompson

It is with the deepest sadness that I record the sudden death, after a short illness, of my younger brother, Dave, on Tuesday, 27 March, at Loughborough. He was at KBGS from 1960 to '68 and went on to take a degree in European Studies at the University of East Anglia, followed by a Ph.D at Warwick University. From '69 on he made his life in Germany, married and had two daughters, and after several years as Director of Language services for AKSO-Enka in Wuppertal set up his own English Language School. Latterly, he and his wife, Monika, taught at the University of Aachen. Although, to the best of my knowledge, he never posted on this site, he was one of our silent, anonymous readers, almost from its inception.

His funeral will take place at 3.30pm on Friday, 13 April, at Loughborough Crematorium, followed by a Reception and Celebration of his life at the Manor House Hotel, Quorn, Leicestershire. The service will be conducted by his friend from their second year on at School, the Rev.d Phil Atack.

RIP Dave.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

Re: Charles David Thompson

Doug,
I was shocked and of course saddened to learn from Phil Atack the other day of Dave's very sudden death.
As you know, we go right back to the early sixties at KBGS and had maintained tentative contact over the years through the obligatory exchange of Christmas cards and occasional 'reunions'. Not wishing to come out with the usual platitudes all I can remember are good experiences of our time especially in the Sixth Form and the various antics which subsequently ensued.
It is so very apposite that Phil (aka Neddy) is officiating and I will endeavour to be at Loughborough on the 13th if possible.
In the meantime please accept both mine and Penny (my wife's) sincere condolences on your most personal of losses.

Current location (optional) Norfolk

Re: Charles David Thompson

Dear AG,

Thank you for your kind thoughts, and I do hope you are able to be present on Friday. Dave would certainly have wanted you to be there.

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

David (Duggie) McDougall

It is with great sadness that I wish to announce the passing of David McDougall late of Southport, Australia who passed away peacefully on 23rd April 2018.
We were great pals through our years at KBGS but lost contact after leaving. It was decades later that we renewed our friendship, through this very site if I remember correctly, and have been in contact ever since.

Gone far too early, rest easy my dear friend.

Re: Alan Wall

I noticed a name in last week's Keighley News 'obits', which rang a distant bell. Alan Wall, aged 85 years, would have been a year ahead of me at School but was always identified by his wavy ginger hair and small stature. Originally from Haworth and later, Black Hill, I often saw him passing through The Airedale Centre. I seem to recall having played against him at cricket during my younger days, probably against one of the Haworth junior teams. R.I.P. Alan

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945-50

Current location (optional) KeighleyStill)

Kevin H Hawkins

I have heard on the grapevine (hope its right!) That Kevin Hawkins has passed away of cancer. He was from Silsden, and high flyer, becoming Midlands Area Director of the CBI, a Director of WH Smitb, and later of Safeway. Then he was Director of the government quango 'The Retail Consortium' . I last saw him about 15 yrs ago when he gave a paper on Genetic Modified food at a conference I attended. He was also into acting and music. Some will remember his 'Major General' when doing Pirates of Penzance with KGGS. He sang and played the clarinet.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

Re: Kevin H Hawkins

Just to confirm Kevin Hawkins passing is in todays Keighley News

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

John Brian Womersley

My notice was recently drawn to the reported death of Brian Womersley of Bingley, details of which I later traced on Google. It seems that Brian passed away on the 3rd January, peacefully in hospital. He was 88 years old.
Brian was 3 years ahead of me at School but I met up with him in later years at the Keighley Conservative Club where Brian was a 'leading light', being a sometime Alderman and Councillor at Keighley Town Council. More recently he was Leader of Bradford Council. During his working life he worked for a time, for Keighley Laboratories.
Brian's Funeral service will be held at St Luke's Church, East Morton on Thursday 24th January at 2.00pm, following a private cremation earlier in the day. David

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945 50

Current location (optional) Keighley

Re: John Brian Womersley

Isn’t it strange how a name can trigger recollections of incidents which happened long ago? I was sure when I read the name Brian Womersley, that he and I had somehow got together at school, even though he was a few years older than myself. Then I remembered! I had purchased from Brian his chemistry set, a collection of flasks, test tubes, glass pipes and rubber tubing, tripods, Bunsen burner, a liebigs condenser ...... the lot! Brian’s sophisticated collection of equipment was going to ensure that I would become Stockdale’s star pupil. Alas that never came to pass. Now I read that he had worked at Keighley Laboratories. I wonder why he disposed of his prize collection? Anyway, it would seem that he made his mark in Local politics. RIP

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945 - 50

Current location (optional) Norfolk

Re: John Helliwell

The death of a John Rodney Helliwell , aged 75 is reported in todays Keighley News. I am fairly sure he went to KBGS but was 3 years older than me. I remember him as a prefect. Can anyone confirm ?

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

Re: John Helliwell

Brian, John Hellawell (different spelling) went to St Bedes Grammar School. Born and bred in Keighley, he was a well known professional footballer with Bradford City, Rotherham, Darlington and Bradford PA. I am proud to say John was a dear friend who will be sadly missed by a lot of Keighley people. His brother Mike was also a pro footballer, an England international who played with Birmingham City, Sunderland, Huddersfield Town and Peterborough.

Current location (optional) Haworth

Re: John Helliwell

Another up-cock Brian.

John is my solicitor and alive and kicking in Silsden!

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959 - 1966

Current location (optional) Warley

Re: John Helliwell

OK Dave, as I said in my post I wasn't sure if it was our John Helliwell.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

Re: John Helliwell

It is with great sadness that I have to report the death of Terry Marston.
I have just received an email from his daughter to that effect.
Currently I have no further information regarding funeral etc.
Though I only met Terry for the first time around ten years ago we hit it off and it felt like I had known him for much longer.
Would have really appreciated more years to enjoy his good company.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1958-65

Current location (optional) Leeds

Re: John Helliwell

I knew Terry Marston for over seventy years. We were always at the same school - Eastwood, Parkwood, then KBGS, he a year younger than me. It was Terry who introduced me to the KBGS biennial (then) Reunions in 2007, and in the middle noughties, having reconnected after almost four decades apart, we had a frequent correspondence, mainly about old times, mutual friends, and memories of Keighley. In those years, we met up on several occasions to enjoy a lunch and reminiscences together, when I still had a base near Hull, and was only 40 or so miles away from him in Lincoln. Terry was, of course, a frequent contributor to threads on this website, with his quirky sense of humour and - though he always denied it - his brilliant recall of people, events and places. I personally very much regret his passing, not least because he has taken a slice of my own life with him, but most of all because he was such a good, decent bloke himself. RIP old mate.

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

Re: Barry M Craven

I vaguely remember Margaret Messenger who lived at the far end of the village of Oakworth, from myself. Roughly bisecting the line between our houses was the church.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1953-58

Current location (optional) Brighouse

Re: Family Notices

Not easy reading this thread. I wonder does anyone know the whereabouts of Mike Hopwood? He went on to Cambridge University I think. Went camping and hitch-hiking ( extinct now just about) with him in our last year at school.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-66

Re: Family Notices

would someone in authority plese delete my above post and this one.Many thanks.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-66

Re: Family Notices

alanb
would someone in authority plese delete my above post and this one.Many thanks.
There isn't anyone "in authority" any more. What's posted stays posted!

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 55/60

Current location (optional) Harrogate

Re:Robert Bracken

I have just had a phone-call from Robert Bracken's daughter to tell us that her father has died in hospital from Covid19, following a collapse at home as a result of a bout of pneumonia. He had been suffering from dementia for a year or so, as indeed, has his wife, June, who is now also in hospital, where she too has contracted the Covid virus (as did Robert). Robert was my predecessor as organiser of the KBGS reunions, for many years, and he and June attended several even after he had given up the task of organising, but not in the last seven or so years since he gave up driving, Beverley being rather too far off the map for them to attempt to get to Keighley and back by public transport. Robert was Head Boy at School in, I think, 1946, and I remember there are some photographs of him in the School play for that year, 'Twelfth Night', if ever we could retrieve them! Robert was a schoolteacher, in Essex, I believe, and eventually a headmaster. He was 93. When I still had a house in East Yorkshire I used to call in and see them periodically, always enjoyable visits, but it must be seven or so years since I last saw them, though we always corresponded at Christmas.
RIP Robert.

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

Re: Re:Robert Bracken

I’m quite a lot younger than Robert but I do remember him well. He was a prefect and in the upper sixth form in 1945 when I started school. As a small, short trousered eleven year old I recall being amazed at the size of those ‘big boys’ in the 6th form. By the time I’d made it into the 6th form Robert Bracken had long gone and it wasn’t til I started attending the old boys reunion lunches that I met him again and he was still as good looking some 65 years later. But I do have one recollection you might like to hear even though Robert was not personally involved in the story. People who know me will know that I keep myself occupied in retirement by painting. I had been commissioned to paint a house portrait of a detached house in Cononley up the Main Street. It was meant for a person living in Bedford who had relations who had once lived in the village. I planned to do the job whilst up in Keighley for the reunion but it was pouring down. No chance - so I decided to take a photo and work the picture up at home . The obvious place to get the picture was from an elevated yard in the house opposite and permission was given by the householder, a pleasant lady who generously supplied me with coffee cakes and conversation. I told her that I was in the area to attend an old boys reunion at Utley and she immediately told me that her cousin used to organise the event. Small world! The only other thing I remember was that both Robert and the lady (who made great cakes) had Farnhill/Kildwick connections. Sorry to hear that the lad has gone.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1945 - 50

Current location (optional) Norfolk

Re: Re:Robert Bracken

Robert Bracken must have been a prefect when I was at KBGS . As a small short trousered lad the sixth formers were way up there with the teachers . I wonder if you ,Denis , could point out Robert on the 1946 panorama of the school . It would be interesting to see if it brings any thing to mind .

Current location (optional) Tasmania

Re: Re:Robert Bracken

After posting the previous note on R Bracken ,I have had a search and found the photo of the school prefects for 1945-6. R.J.Bracken is the Head Prefect . As there is nowhere to post a photo , the rest of the prefects are ,. FK Whalley. S.W.Dawson J.G.Bancroft L.Helliwell J.G. Holt K.Paver J.Sharp and W.R.Marchbank
Guess not many around now to remember them

Current location (optional) Tasmania

Re: Re:Robert Bracken

Denis,

Robert was from Kildwick and I remembered him telling me that he always went home for lunch when he was at the School - a feat which seemed well nigh impossible to me! Would you have been able to do that to Sutton and back in what an hour, an hour and a half?

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

Re: Stanley Holt


I have had an enquiry from someone who is trying to trace this person who was at KBGS between roughly 1958 and 1965, Does anyone remember him? Does anyone happen to know where he is now?

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

Re: Stanley Holt

Doug, I attended from '58 to '65 and I'm pretty certain that he wasn't in that cohort.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1958-65

Current location (optional) Leeds

Re: Stanley Holt

Thanks, Shaun. Apparently he was tall, fair-haired. and a good rugby footballer - possibly played for Keighlians.

Doug

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1951-58

Current location (optional) Keswick, Cumbria

1 2