The Cestrian

The tattered flag still flies but numbers on parade diminish. We lost Eric Bolton, John Slee and Peter Noden in 2024, this year, Keith Rowles. Dave Walker may also have dropped off his perch.

Regular contacts include Mike Duffield from Devon, Malcolm Burrill from Blackpool, Ray Hills from Fleetwood, and Colin Hunt from Longton. Simon Nanson survives, near Newcastle. We are all aged ninety, slightly plus or slightly minus. It is about seventy years since some of us were settling into our first term at Chester College, as it was then. I wonder how many of the present crop will remember their experience with as much affection as we do?

Ken Morgan (in Ormskirk)

This year’s notes are focused mainly, but not entirely, on Keith Hayhurst who passed away in May after several years of illness.

Alumni from 1960/61 will remember Keith as a brilliant pianist and Jazz musician. Many will also remember the well photographed attempt to place over 15 students in and on his car. He became a very good head teacher and a well-respected school inspector, but it was in his work at Lancashire Cricket Club that he gained national and international recognition. An extremely keen and knowledgeable cricket historian he founded the Lancashire Cricket Museum in 1983. Apparently, he was tireless and relentless in tracking down unique memorabilia for the Museum’s archives. He was a founder and chairman of The Cricket Memorabilia Society in 1987, which now has over 700 members.

He also wrote several Cricket History books. In 2003 he was appointed a vice president of Lancashire Cricket Club and until recently attended every Lancashire fixture home and away! An article in a recent club magazine writes of Keith, “He was an Institution at Emirates Old Trafford.” He dealt with everything with imperturbable equanimity and his motto, “keep smiling” aptly summed up Keith and his attitude to life. Lawrie Cooke and Bill Ainslie, who were close friends, attended the funeral on 11th June and are keeping in close contact with Ann Hayhurst.

My close friend Harold Hinchliffe fell and broke his hip in early June and after an operation is making a slow but steady recovery.

Earlier in the year I received an email from Brian Hall’s daughter Carolyn, in Tasmania. Brian and his wife Frances (90 years old in May) have decided to remain in Tasmania and have found a house there, close to local amenities. These include a College for Seniors where they attend fitness classes, Creative Writing and French courses with homework set.

Eric H. Draper

We are planning our next mini-reunion for mid-July next year along the lines of those of the previous few years, but sadly missing will be Neil Wales who passed away in July. Neil was an influential member of our year, becoming vice president of the guild council, and vice-captain of cricket. He was a good all-round sportsman, continuing to play football into his forties. A fuller obituary is present below. Tony Lawton and John Broady attended the funeral, very much to their credit given the distance involved, travelling to North Cumbria. Neil's widow Sue, is keen to attend our reunion and we shall be making her especially welcome.

I keep in touch with Bill Donkin via his daughter Christine, a fine musician like her father. Bill sadly is a dementia patient being looked after in a care home in Vancouver.

Colin Rodgers   (colinandpamrodgers@gmail.com)

This has been a very eventful year. I was appointed as Chair of European Table Tennis Para Committee in October 2024 for a 4-year period, then I went and had a stroke on 10 December which completely paralysed by right side and I lost my speech. However, thanks to quick reactions of my husband and Whiston Hospital Regional stroke unit, I managed to walk out to the car park at 5pm the next day. Trying to take it easy has not been practical due to so many events taking place, but I have tried to listen to my body more.

This year I was invited to speak to Skipton Rotary Club on 15^th May by Barbara Thompson (nee Cann), ex Chester College 1968. This was challenging as the first time I had spoken since my stroke, but all went well. Barbara has a lovely garden backing onto a wood with lots of wildlife, which she shares on Granny Thompson facebook page. It was lovely to spend an hour or two catching up about our past friends at college.

I then flew to Doha on 17 May for the first time since my stroke, to attend the World TT Championships and ITTF Para Committee meeting.

Finally, on 14 November, I was reappointed for a further two years onto the International Table Tennis Federation Para Committee. I have just finished as deputy chair of Sports & Recreation Alliance Games & Sport Division attending St James' Palace for their 90th Anniversary celebration – a great occasion to go out on.

What an interesting 12 months, needless to say with the monitoring support of many NHS staff and husband I am making good progress in my recovery.

If any of our year read this please get in touch with your news.

Karen Tonge OBE k_tonge@sky.com

Once again, I regret there's not much in the way of news from the 1970 leavers. All of us now have over three-quarters of a century of memories behind us, in which Chester College continues to feature with fond affection.

Andrew Boden was in contact with me in July to report the sad death of his wife June Boden (nee Ray) (1970). Her obituary appears below. We offer our sincere sympathies to Andy and his family as they reorganise their lives in the days to come.

Keith Morrison retired from the University of St. Joseph in Macau, during the September of 2024, in the same month as he was 76 years old. He is now an Emeritus Professor at his university and still lives in Macau, China. He is still producing books and is currently writing his 22nd book on education! He continues to play the piano and when I last heard from him, he was about to start giving organ lessons in Macau.

Apart from some Christmas cards from a faithful few, I have received no other communications this year. I'm therefore working on the principle that “no news is good news”, but I'm hoping to hear from some of the 1970 cohort in due course.

Kelvin Young kelvinyoung27@outlook.com

Someone once said that we were the generation that took our youth into old age. That youth that came together one afternoon in Gladstone Hall in mid-September of 1968, were creating friendships that have endured for a lifetime.

This year we lost two of our 1971 Cestrians; Bobby Blackburn and Phil Roycroft. What bound us together all those years? Was it the music of Cream or Led Zeppelin, the tales of Liverpool under Bill Shankly, the Saturday nights in the Common room of Fisher watching Match of the Day, or was it our admiration for the rugby internationals like Barry John? How rich those years appear in our memories.

Of course, we were young then and we were creating ourselves under the guidance of tutors like Stan France. Chester College of Education was small in comparison to the University of Chester as it is today, but these are still our hallowed grounds and we remember how amongst so many enduring friendships we went from there to create our professional lives.

How fortunate we all were. Sadly, we are now a dwindling cohort of septuagenarians now remembering our glory days but we have our lasting connection to an era of hope, prosperity and promise which still resides in this Christian centre where good men and women still gather together to create a better world.

When we remember our years together at Chester College we remind ourselves to be grateful for our friendships and our lives created in that place.

Mike Booth

Bill Watmough … Rev Arthur Poulton … Alan Bownas … Joan Cann … Phyllis Mason. How many of our college lecturers do you remember and what did they mean to you?

Well, appreciations of these lecturers were shared at our College Memories get-together in September. A group of us had been meeting online to share our memories and it was a wonderful opportunity to meet colleagues on campus. This was during the occasion of a reunion weekend organised by 1975 alumni and open to all Cestrians.

We were extremely grateful to Rev. Gill Reeve, Senior Chaplain, for the use of the Community Hub for our meeting. Gill in welcoming us, shared the many ways Chaplaincy are supporting present day students, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment. During our get-together, we were able to reminisce about our lecturers whose dedication has left a lasting impression on our academic and personal growth.

Year groups represented at the reunion weekend were invited to display memorabilia in Grosvenor House and it was fascinating to discover what these groups shared about their time as Chester students. They often sparked lively conversations as forgotten photographs and cherished keepsakes were rediscovered.

Our own display included an interactive element when we invited others to share what college had meant for them, by writing their thoughts on a leaf to attach to a tree. As the accompanying text explained, “Let’s create a tapestry of words that reflect the roots of our friendships and the growth we have experienced together.” Each leaf on our tree of memories represented a unique perspective on what college had meant for us – friendship, growth, discovery and belonging.

Present day students are now going to be invited to add their own leaves. It will be interesting to discover what the University means to present day students compared with our own experiences over half a century ago!

Our thanks and congratulations to 1975 alumni who organised this special weekend.

Do contact me if you would like to share your own memories of our college years or if you have any news to share for future year notes.

Kenneth Kay (Year Secretary) k.kay5@btinternet.com

Thanks to Brenda and Alex (1975 leavers) for inviting us to join in with their reunion events and for putting on a very entertaining display of photos and memorabilia in Grosvenor House. Quite a few from our year (Sue, Liz, Gaynor, Wendy, Sheila, Tree, Dave R, Eddie, John, Ken and Bob) were there as usual.

The buffet in the evening which university staff put on in the bar was excellent and well attended and we even sang the college medley.  I hear that the meal on Saturday was also very good.

There are always changes afoot on campus and this year the old student union/ guild building (which we think may have been built in 1971-2) has been demolished.

We all reminisced about the "new-fangled" things called microwaves which allowed us to warm up our food and drinks. Most of all I remember spending many hours playing table football whilst listening to Don Maclean's "American Pie" and Neil Diamond's "Sweet Caroline".

I had a long chat recently with Carol Cain (Dickinson). Although she has some health problems, she remains positive and is still busy with church activities.

Sue and Gwil are still travelling to the far corners of the world and went to California and Hawaii this year. It was good to see Bob Drillsma again as his scouse humour is always a delight.

I think Sheila Nicholas (Johnson) and Liz Oliver enjoy playing pickle ball when they can. I don't think Ken (Oliver) plays but he is looking well.

Gaynor Hale is still involved in choreography for her local theatre group.

I still play golf regularly, mainly for exercise and fresh air.

Wendy Thompson (Vaughan) divides her time between volunteering with the upkeep of Upton Memorial Gardens and supporting local charities as a soroptimist when she's not working in her own garden.

Dewi Butler is still very active and enjoying the outdoor life in Utah, where he climbs a few times a week and plays golf. Oh for that Utah sunshine!

Dave (Spike) Mulligan was recently in Antibes so couldn't attend the latest reunion.

Dave Robertson is still cycling regularly and in May, he cycled across several Croatian islands and in October, cycled the length of Portugal beside the Spanish border. He is in regular contact with Nic Fearnley who also cycles across Cheshire and the Wirral.

Several of the PE lads, Barry Lord, Gordon Booth, Eddie Lewis, Dave Robertson, John Williams and Paul Jude got together and shared memories of their times with Dave Hadden at his funeral on 24 July, whose sudden death shocked us all. He was very popular and there was standing room only at the service.

As always if anyone has any news to share it would be lovely to hear from you.

Tree (Kawecki) gouldteresa51@gmail.com 

We had a wonderful craic with the 1975 cohort who celebrated their 50th Going Down Anniversary in September. All thanks to the tenacious Brenda Rigby, with Alex Long as treasurer who made it possible.

Please step up if you are willing to take on the task next year. Thanks to the teams who brought original material and set up the display. Gail Abrams (the first Plattsburgh student to attend a reunion to my knowledge) brought a hoard of memorabilia including Rag Day stickers, mags and press cuttings from 1974. Several boards of photos and information were the backdrop of the all-day meeting room, a great addition to the weekend. Brenda edited a Commemorative 1975-2025 Anniversary booklet and Barbara Anderson provided a super MP3 of student days.

With tea, coffee and nibbles it was a great place to hang out. Steve Davies led the Chester Melody singing in the bar on Friday where a buffet was served, and following the dinner on Saturday.

The 1976 cohort easily outnumbered 1977, represented by Hilary (née Crawshaw) & Tony Askew (Italy/Yorkshire) and Ann (Cherry) & Barry Creegan (Runcorn). I managed to meet non-attendees like Jane Fairclough Rushton and stayed with Keith Mistry (Southport), who still teaches EFL and is looking forward to travelling following hip replacement. Denise Mather Deighton has moved from Cornwall to Devon, but has not repeated her 2021 London Marathon run.

Sue Beattie and Barbara Twiname Stevenson with daughter Laura, tread the boards on both sides of the Mersey with regular BOST Birkenhead Operatic Society Trust productions. Broomfields Junior School – Keith Greenwood’s final post as headmaster, won a Silver Artsmark Award for innovative arts projects, including a sculpture of The Beatles' inspired Octopus' Garden.

Batala-drumming Karen Cream performed a 77-second birthday “plank” on Southsea beach at sunrise and crossed the arctic circle with ice down her back, befitting her favourite tipple. 

Alison Rook cycles Yorkshire roads and makes grand European tours look easy.

Gary Prescott, the record-breaking high altitude “Green Biking Birder” (Peruvian Andes) has also covered the whole of mainland Britain and is currently (Nov. 2025) cycling around Rwanda birding and fund raising. Isatu Hyde (Virginia) still coaches tennis and yoga, but works as an accountant. It was deeply disappointing when she was bumped off her flight to the UK in August. Cheryl Hart Pepper travels extensively from her home in Victoria. Hilary “Dierdre” and Paul Matthews have been growing their own veggies around grandparent duties and holidays abroad. They also caught up with Shirley Bloor Adamthwaite in London, following a 45-year blip.

Northern Ireland remains well represented by Olivia Gibb (Ayr) and Astrid Thompson, but there is still no news of Wendy Wright or Jennifer from Ballymena (1976). Many of us have celebrated graduation and weddings this year, as children and grandchildren move on in their lives.

Unfortunately, several deaths have been reported too.

Alan (1977) and Jackie Platt Wright (1976) who are still working on their 300-year-old inn on the A6 in Shap, Cumbria, said, “Anyone we know heading Northwest is welcome to come for coffee”. They are lifetime Caravan Club aficionados who have seen RV driver Andy Chapman and family, and Jeanette Glendinning this year. Jackie lists a recorder group, Caravan Club Concert Band (clarinet) assistant church organist, two choirs and assists the Shap community band, for whom Jackie is learning yet another new instrument. Alan still plays table tennis and loves his archaeology.

Sara Geddes Salvidge has moved to Malvern from Gloucester twelve days after her 70th birthday. With clean air and views of the hills, she is enjoying the social and cultural ambience. With Susan Sedgley in Worcester, they can now be ladies who lunch weekly. Sara has started Italian classes, had a wonderful trip to Italy to see Herculaneum and Pompeii with daughter Hannah and is contemplating learning to ice skate.

Like Sara, I have been unable to hold a birthday party due to extenuating circumstances, but plan to make up for it sometime before the next significant one! Those who live longest will see most.

It is the duty of each Year Secretary to provide the link between the past and present, but without material and contact it is impossible to sustain. Please keep in touch and encourage others to send news via email. 

I’d appreciate your help contacting many of both years to explore how viable our 50th anniversary can be.

Janet Kaiser (nee Hankin) ejfkaiser@yahoo.co.uk

I retired early in 2019 having taught PE for 32 years. I enjoyed playing a variety of sports at College but in 1987, tried and loved rugby union and decided to focus on the sport. I played for, and captained England during a long and distinguished career.

As part of the England team, we won the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 1994 and after a 14-season international career played in four World Cups. I retired as a player in 2002, with a World Record number of caps and was immediately appointed as the President of the Rugby Football Union for Women, a post I held for a decade.

I received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth ll for services to rugby in 2005 and was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2014.

I am still actively involved in rugby being a Board Member for Lancashire and a regional committee member and National Ambassador for the Wooden Spoon Charity. I am also a trustee to a local dementia charity and her old school trust.

I received an Honorary Masters from Chester University in 2013.

Gill Burns (1982-1986) B.Ed (Honours)

The 2025 reunion weekend in September clashed with prior engagements so we met a month earlier.

We chose Saturday 2 August as tribute bands to Depeche Mode and Human League were playing at Chester’s Live Rooms that night.

Our cohort included Lawrence Bee, Adele Thompson, and Chris and Pam (nee Catherall) Green. We met at Storyhouse after lunch and headed off to Grosvenor Park for a peek at activities taking place during the Open Air Theatre season. After a pit stop at the café and a walk through town, we enjoyed a meal at Bella Italia. The restaurant was very busy, but as always they accommodated our party of five with ease.

It was then off to the Live Rooms by way of the Premier Inn (very conveniently placed on City Road with its easy access to Café Belong, Chester Station and a £1 regular bus to the city centre).

Luckily the gig wasn’t sold out and we enjoyed an excellent evening. The lead singer of both bands turned out to be the same guy, which caused a wry smile, but didn’t alter the fact that he worked the audience and was a great singer – so much so that by the end we ‘Just Couldn’t Get Enough’. Leaving was ‘No Good’ as we listened to the ‘Sound of The Crowd’ with ‘Fascination’, reliving our ‘Electric Dreams’. By the time we left, we were buzzing with the vow: ‘We’ll Always Be Together’.

Another great reunion weekend with the same great weather.

2026 will be our 40^th anniversary of graduating from Chester College. If you started at Chester in 1983 and left in either 1986 or 1987 and would like to be involved in our celebrations, please contact me.

Since meeting up we have learnt that Kathryn Sargeant (nee Howard) from our Year Group passed away in October this year following a short illness. Her husband Stuart and family have been in our thoughts and prayers.

Sharon Forsdyke sharonlforsdyke@gmail.com

It is with sadness that I begin these notes by reporting the loss of three our number during the past year.  Alan MacQueen, Dave Tipper, and Keith Henney were all popular and active during out time.  Keith was the oldest at 95 and that title is now taken by John Herbert.  This reduces our small group of Nonagenarians to eight.  Last year I attended reunion and enjoyed the day despite being rather lonely as the only representative of 1953.  I was also the oldest attendee at the event and as such received a special greeting from the Vice Chancellor.  Unfortunately, I was not well enough to attend this year’s event, but I have only missed two reunions of the 70 held since we left College.    

Our small group keep in regular touch mainly by telephone. Hopefully we will manage to avoid further illness and thus maintain the memories of Chester during the early 50s and College days probably rather different to those of today!  

Best wishes to all   

Alwyn Peel  

Alwyn passed away on 29th Nov 2024, peacefully in hospital. Obituary below. Anyone wishing to have information on the 1953 cohort should email pjghayward@hotmail.com (daughter).

I was a student at Chester College in 1957/59.  This February I sadly lost a dear friend from the 1958 Mid-Year, the Revd Graham Martin. We kept in touch over these 64 years.  Graham is one of the last contacts from that era, except for an annual Christmas card from, Revd Ron Leatherbarrow, another of my good friends. Mr Bradbury, Vice-Principal and ‘Ernie’ Pickup my French tutor I remember with great affection. 

I ended up as a Primary Headteacher of 2 schools in Essex and then was ordained as a minister of the URC.  My main subjects were English and French both at Advanced Level and I was awarded the College English Prize, which was quite an achievement as I failed GCE O level English Literature!  For a while I enjoyed teaching French in the Primary School in West Riding Schools. 

 My interest in French took me on many wonderful holidays, and I later studied Spanish, German and Italian and toured all over Europe.  It would not surprise anyone that I remain a firm Remainer. A German friend, made through Town Twinning activities, is coming to visit this month. 

From a young age I loved dancing. In retirement I have enjoyed Ballroom dance and enjoy teaching this still. Once a teacher…!   I have enjoyed the 33 years’ retirement, enjoying the pursuit of the above activities, together with gardening and art and pottery.  I finally gave up conducting church services this year but do the occasional reading. 

At the beginning of the Covid epidemic I wrote a book covering my childhood memories and am now in the middle of relating my National Service in the RAF.  Maybe I will reach my college days eventually. 

I would love to hear from anyone around in 1957/9. 

Revd Colin Knight 

Time flies by, numbers dwindle. Aches and pains ebb and flow, bits fall off, pills are popped, slowing down becomes normal. All at ninety, slightly plus or minus, we can't complain.    

 Regular contacts include Ray Hills, Malcolm Burrill, Colin Hunt and Mike Duffield. Simon Nanson is in a care home near Newcastle, close to daughter Rebecca, a talented painter. Losses this year have been Eric Bolton, Peter Noden, John Slee and John Smith. Dave Walker has dropped off the radar, Brian Martland a couple of years ago. 

As for Ken and Jenny, we continue to be regular customers of Jet2.  The motorways of the UK often see us travelling to our various HPB holiday locations.  The shrouds are locked away, the Grim Reaper can wait. 

Ken Morgan 

I must first mention my debt to my pottery lecturer Mr Peter Ainslie. He gave me a very valuable lesson when he showed me what was good and what wasn't. When I started teaching in a small country primary school Staffs L E A gave me a kiln for my classroom and the kids enjoyed many sessions making pots and sometimes parents tried their hands in the evening. 

 I was lucky enough to be picked for the college badminton team and found that our first match was against Saighton!! I finished my badminton career coaching local teenagers in my hometown’s School of Excellence. 

My final teaching practice was at Birkenhead - Cathcart Street Junior Mixed near the docks and I had a classroom on the first floor. The view through the window was of ship's funnels! 

For the first year of my college life, I was in digs at Upton and each morning the roar of the sea-lions was the first thing I heard. In my second year I had a first-floor room in Exton Park and my friend Clive Wrench had a ground floor room. We still exchange e-mails and cards. We were lucky because in the drive outside there was a converted bus which toured local villages selling groceries etc and the owner at the end of the day would sell off stuff cheaply to us starving students. 

Does anyone remember the albino blackbird on the principals lawn? And speaking of the principal the Rev Price, the college suffered badly from an outbreak of Asian flu one time and I was a victim. As the sanatorium was full, I was treated in the Reverends spare bedroom - quite an honour! 

 Thank you - yours faithfully 

 Mr Trevor Pearsall 

I am pleased to report that most of us are still surviving fairly well, although the Rev. Stephen Sandham had a stroke in March.  He is now making a steady, but slow recovery. We all wish him well. Keith Hayhurst is also having health problems, and I understand Lawrie Cooke and Bill Ainslie have been to visit him. 

Bob Carr had a hip operation in July and is recovering well, whilst Mike Hutchinson informed me that he has sold his house in France. The remainder of us appear to be continuing as before, but at the slower pace demanded by our advancing years. Examples that spring to mind are Richard Lawson participating in Fun Runs and Dick Skerritt baking with fruit  picked from his garden. The only alumni I have been unable to contact has been Brian Hall. I can only assume he is visiting his daughters in Australia. 

During a recent telephone conversation with Ian Cleland he optimistically remarked that it would be interesting to see if we would be having a reunion in 2030 to celebrate 70 years of starting our Mid-Year course in 1960!!    
 

Eric H. Draper 

Janric.bleeberry@btinternet.com 

It's a sobering thought that by my reckoning there is now no-one from our year under the age of eighty. We have lost a few along the way, and I know of some others who are in poor health. In July I attended the funeral of Malcolm (Malc) Thomas who had been a long-term dementia patient. John Bush and Doug Fitch were also there, and it was Doug who presented an excellent eulogy. On the other hand, we have Geoff Lomax who is fit as a fiddle, not needing any medication whatsoever. Perhaps we should take note of his lifestyle - cruising and ballroom dancing! 

We had our mini reunion in February, starting with morning coffee in the refectory, then moving on into the chapel. No set programme here, just the opportunity to reminisce which several of us did. Doug Fitch (him again!) gave us an amusing insight into the duties of a chapel warden, which he was. 

We then moved on to the home of our worthy year president, Mike Perkins, where we were royally entertained. Mike and Angela had performed miracles of catering for which we are indeed truly thankful. So now we go our various ways, looking forward to meeting up again early in the new year. 

Best wishes to all. 

Colin Rodgers. 

This year has been quiet for news with September reunion cancelled. Recommend reading Granny Thompson Facebook page with observations on wildlife and countryside of Yorkshire. Known to us as Barbara Cann. 

Last year I concluded my second term as Chairman of British Para Table Tennis. However, I continued as Deputy Chair of European Table Tennis Union and as one of six members of the International Table Tennis Zpara Committee and also national council of British Paralympic Association. It was a great honour to be invited to Paris and to be asked to be a presenter in a Victory Ceremony at Para Table Tennis. I also was asked to look after visiting VIPs including European Royal Family guests 

Karen Tonge OBE 

My Report commences, as we honour yet another mighty warrior from our Year, in Alun Stoll, a hugely popular, admired and respected educational practitioner and headteacher, who joined Bridgenorth Rugby FC, following Chester College in 1969, and served them up until this year! He was Club President for 17 years! Our thoughts and prayers are with Liz and the family, following a packed funeral, at which Dave Cowell delivered a superb eulogy. We were also represented with Kathy Cowell, and Jim MacMullan and Pat. 

In March, a group of former PE folk held a mini reunion up on Teesside, which went very well, with Alun and Liz Stoll joining us, together with Dave and Kath, Jim and Pat, Jeff and Chris Moulder, and John and Lorna Leithead, we were also joined by locals from the north east, Jackie and Mick Pink. 

We sadly lost another great sportsman and geographer in Neil McMechan, who gave much support to us from his Year group when we held those amazing reunions in 2016 and 2019. 

It is also with great sadness, we mourn the loss of The Revd Canon Dr Peter Jenner, Dean of Chapel, who gave me much support when I served on the Alumni Exec. I walked with him and his wife Vicki on the 175th Anniversary Snowdon ascent in 2015, representing Alumni. His welcome to everyone at Graduation ceremonies was very special and included our Foundation prayers. 

As Year Secretary, I’m anxious - whilst I’m still around - re organising another special reunion for us in September 2026. I desperately need your help in order to maximise contact with any from our Year! Sadly, the list on which many of you gave contact details in 2019 has been lost (not down to me!). Please, therefore, send me any ‘contact’ information, from of our group, for me to do ‘our 60th’ anniversary. Anne Cowen has kindly offered me support. We’re a dwindling group, and I’ll do my best for you! PLEASE do contact me in order to hopefully move forward, celebrating CC whilst we move forward into those years we have left in celebration of our very special College, as part of an integral part of the University of Chester. 

Best wishes, 

Geoffrey Mackenzie 

Another year, another Reunion and again the weather in Chester was lovely. 

We were disappointed not to be able to stroll around the campus but a group of us, Gaynor, Sheila, Sue and Gwil, Liz and Ken and myself and husband met up in Hoole and had a long lunch and lots of chat together. 

Sue and Gwil are still travelling and spent a few weeks in Canada in the summer, they even came across a town called "Chester". Shorter trips have included Perpignan and Limoges.  

Sheila is still busy with her 8 grandchildren but some if not all of them are at school now. 

Gaynor is still very involved in choreography and performing arts with U3A in her hometown. 

Liz and Ken are keeping well and enjoyed another trip to Monte Cassino this year. 

I still play golf, and it keeps me fit if nothing else as Cavendish golf course in Buxton is quite hilly. Last year I went to New York for the US Open tennis and saw some good performances from the British players. This year we went to Malta to escape the rain and enjoyed some real sunshine. 

I spoke to Stephen Cooper earlier this year and he is definitely living in the suburbs of Stoke on Trent. 

Dave Robertson is still cycling around in the UK and abroad. John Williams continues to farm sheep in Wales and Dave Hadden still spends time in Spain and who can blame him after this year's summer.  

I spoke to Carol (née Dickinson) recently. She had a fall at home in February and consequently needed a hip operation. That went well but Carol still has problems with her knees, but the pain is eased by injections when needed. Fortunately, her son is a great help and on the whole she is doing well. 

Hoping everyone is still busy and in good health. 

If anyone from our year group has any news to share, I would love to hear from you. My email address is... 

gouldteresa51@gmail.com 

Tree  

Regrettably, news from the 1970 cohort has been slim, though I am grateful to those who make the effort to keep in touch. Some of our alumni use their Christmas card as a means of communication. This enables me to exchange annual greetings with David Hutchinson, John Astbury and John Watts. 

I was saddened to learn of the death of Melvyn Chivers on 2nd June 2024 and I’m indebted to his close friend Mike Thornton, who readily offered to write the obituary that appears elsewhere in this publication. 

Dick Gillingham tells me that largely due to health issues, this has been one of the few years since leaving College that he hasn’t been back to visit the city of Chester. Despite medical problems, he has managed to continue his voluntary work of Trustee at Fleetwood Museum as well as delivering numerous illustrated talks. Dick is still in contact with Marjorie Glover and more recently John Lord, with whom he exchanges news and views. 

Keith Morrison finally retired at the end of July 2024, but still plans to do some University work, doctoral supervisions and a little teaching. He still has two books to finish on research in education. One will be published in 2025 and the other ‘monster edition’ will be in print by 2026. During August 2024 Keith returned to the UK for a brief family visit to the northwest of Scotland, followed by a stay in the Scottish borders before returning to Macau. 

Lesley Wheeldon has sadly spent more time than she wishes in hospital wards and corridors. She has now got used to living in Lancaster, where she enjoys its lovely buildings, but finds the pavements and facilities for the disabled are dreadful. Like so many of our handicapped alumni, we admire their courage and determination. 

My own health has been a cause for concern. After a very successful second hip replacement in February, I contracted a cellulites infection which developed into some seriously painful and debilitating leg ulcers. However, after four months of treatment I am now well on the road to recovery and back to gentle jogging again. 

Kelvin Young 
kelvinyoung@kelvinyoung.karoo.co.uk 

Although our annual alumni reunion was not to be this year due to an overall decline in numbers five of us did get together this summer. Phil Roycroft, Bob Blackburn, Dave Parker and I were guests at the Derbyshire cricket club thanks to the club President Alan ‘Bud’ Hill. Although Lancashire got trounced by Derbyshire in the T20 on a gloriously sunny afternoon in Derby my partner Christine and I enjoyed all the hospitality laid on by the club President. Well, we four septuagenarians Cestrians do like an afternoon of first-class cricket. So what if it was fifty years since our college days together, we just picked up where we left off.  

Now nearly halfway through our Mayoral year, Christine and I are enjoying being the ambassadors for Hyndburn. At one of my engagements as the Mayor this autumn I came upon the University of Chester’s stand at a ‘Futures’ event held in the hospitality lounge of Accrington Stanley FC. This was a careers convention for the secondary schools of the borough of which I am the Mayor. As well as the township of Accrington it also includes Church, Clayton-le-Moors, Great Harwood, Oswaldtwistle and Rishton with the villages of Altham, Baxenden, Huncoat and Knuzden. In 2022 the borough had a population of 83,213. So why am I mentioning all this? The reason is that higher education has changed so much since our college days through blended learning in our technological age. Universities are reaching into areas like Hyndburn providing the validation for degree courses run in our local FE colleges. So, to get to the final point I’m liaising with our alma mater to bring Sports Science courses to my area under the banner of ‘Health & Well Being in Hyndburn’ because isn’t that what alumni do? Create links and forge out opportunities? The NHS is changing too with much greater emphasis on prevention and early interventions. Is it a dream? Will it be possible to bring together a founding member of the English football league, with Accrington & Rossendale College and Nelson & Colne College and the University of Chester to create a Health & Well Being centre in the very heart of Accrington in our plans for the redevelopment of our town centre? Who knows but I’ll give it a good try. Old Cestrians can still make things happen! So, I’ll be back at college this month kicking these ideas around with a couple of the key players at the University of Chester - wish me luck! 

Cllr. Mike Booth 

Mayor of Hyndburn 

“So, what is a year secretary?” asked my neighbour during lunch in the refectory at Chester Cathedral recently. He was a Chester graduate from the 1990s when year secretaries no longer existed. 

We were taking part in an informal get-together of Chester alumni, meeting on the same day originally planned for the Cestrian Day reunion but which, sadly, had been cancelled. However, it seemed a good opportunity still to meet up even though under different circumstances. 

Of course, the main job of a year secretary is to compile these year notes. However, over the past year I have helped members of our year group get into contact with each other. In July’s General Election I even acted as a proxy voter for one of our colleagues, voting in the polling station next to the university’s campus. 

It’s always good to hear how those from our year group keep in contact with each other, especially as this year marks 55 years since we started as students at Chester College. I well remember Sir Bernard addressing us as Chester’s latest intake of students. We were so small in number that we could easily fit into the chapel for this introductory talk. 

Last autumn I visited Switzerland, travelling entirely by train. Thankfully, the British trains to Eurostar seemed to be as efficient as the French and Swiss trains – at least on this occasion. As some of you may know, Tom Spencer has lived and worked in Switzerland since leaving College. It was a totally unexpected pleasure that we were able to meet – the first time since our college years. Tom had arranged a day sailing on a paddle steamer on Lake Geneva. As you can imagine, we had a great deal of catching up to do! 

Back in Chester Cathedral’s refectory, it was good to share with other alumni what studying at Chester has meant over the years. Joining me on that occasion from our year group were Sue Hadfield (née Iddon) and Pat Ransome (née Salter). As you may recall, Sue and Pat were involved in organising our own reunion events in 2019 and 2022. Before we know it, we will be celebrating 60 years since starting College! 

So, as The Cestrian magazine moves to an online version I look forward to hearing your news or updates to share here. Keep in touch! 

Kenneth Kay (Year Secretary) 

k.kay5@btinternet.com 

49 years since we started at Chester College on our B.Ed course in Physical Education!  

Paul Jelly (Leicestershire), Clive (Jago) Johnson (Kent), Stuart Buck (Chicago) and I (Gateshead) shared Jelly's room at Fisher 71, a flat at 37, Cornwall St and back to Hall were our residences!! 

Pete Pearce (Wigan), Paul Keighley (Brisbane) all meet up bi- annually at Stuart's House in Florida for golf! 

We met Ross Demming last year, in Wigan, and Les Carroll, over from San Fran! Alan Whitehead (Withernsea) keeps in touch as do Ali Rice, (Melbourne) Dave Richards, (Chester) Graham ' Seadog' Callander and Jeff Mason, all from 1974. 

We talk about Geoff Allen, but lost touch when he went to France. 

I see Dave Young (Gateshead 1967) most weeks and Dougal Moir (Berwick 1971) when visiting Berwick. 

Anne Marie Nicholson (m.Parker, South Wales) at a Wales v Eng Rugby game!! 

Rest assured, lots of college stories are still being discussed! Will they ever cease to amuse us all?!! Probably not! 

Please get in touch via below email. 

donheelbeck@aol.com  

The 2023 reunion weekend coincided with a China Crisis gig at the Live Rooms on the Friday evening. It seemed an apt way to celebrate our 40th anniversary so three tickets were purchased and Lawrence Bee, Adele Thompson and I enjoyed a memorable evening dancing to 80s classics. 

On Cestrian Day we met Gill Keight (nee Nelson) and Pam and Chris Green for the Chapel service and the blessing of the fig tree. The event, presided over by Chaplain Gill Reeve, was well attended by a large cross section of alumni.   

We enjoyed another lovely meal at the Neighbourhood Bakehouse in Northgate Street. During the day we stopped at places that held a special memory for each of us such as Old College, The Red Lion and the River Dee. We finished with drinks at The Architect, supper at Bella Italia. As usual the weather was glorious.  

In March Pat Ransome, Kenneth Kay and I were invited to be stewards on campus for the biennial Choir Festival. We were honoured to be a part of this event and to share our enthusiasm and passion for Chester with Chaplains and Vice Chancellors from other Universities.  

I met with my year group in May for lunch in Bridge Street. Chester Castle and the Agricola Tower happened to be open that weekend and we had a blustery wander round the ramparts. The tiny chapel was fascinating and the guides informative. We finished at Alexander’s for some live jazz.  

In August I caught up with Jane Speakman, Lynne Barton and another mutual friend. Jane and Lynne hadn’t seen each other for a number of years, so there was a lot to catch up on. 

Sadly, I was unable to attend the informal alumni get-together in September but I understand it was well attended. 

It is a testament to the Power of Chester that we stay connected whether we meet on campus or elsewhere. 

If you wish to contribute an update, please email me. 

Sharon Forsdyke 

Year Secretary 1983 Starters 

sharonlforsdyke@gmail.com  

John, Bob and Neil all loved their sports and spent many happy hours playing. This might well have included visits to various Chester watering holes. Mention has also been made of a comparison with "Top Gear" - travels across Europe in an old Dormobile, a petrol leak which Neil investigated fag in hand, and a car bought for £7 each which lasted for one month before giving up the ghost in Oldham....

These college friendships lasted a long time, and the shared holidays and the annual reunions at Chester with John, Les, Les, Dianne, Colin, Pam and others meant so much to both Neil and Sue.

Neil and Sue enjoyed their foreign holidays, notably staying with Mike and Angela Perkins at their home in Greece and helping aboard their boat in the Med and Aegean. And in Rome Mike and Angela were in St Peter's Square when there was an unexpected tap on the shoulder from who else - Neil. Another destination was Harold and Jill Williams's wonderful hideaway in Provence.

In September 2019, celebrating the college's 180 years of existence, students of our era were awarded B.Ed (honoris causa). Neil was delighted to receive his award along with many friends.

And we are also delighted that Sue and Rob will be joining us at our next reunion in July next year.

Rob Wales and a few alumni.

With great sadness, we report the death of our good friend Dave Hadden, who died on 7 July this year. 

Dave grew up in Sunderland and was very proud of his “Mackem” roots, even though he’d be one of the first to join in the Geordie anthem “Bladen Races” in the college bar singsongs. 

He was a naturally gifted athlete at school and so it was no surprise that he came to Chester College to do PE. His all-round sporting ability was evident to all and throughout his 3 years, he represented the college at both soccer ( 1st XV) and gymnastics. He even played on the wing for the college rugby 1st XV, earning him the nickname of Grant Batty (a famous All Black winger of that time) - due to his remarkably physical likeness. 

On leaving college, Dave decided that teaching was not for him and had short spells working in South Africa, London, Cornwall and his native Sunderland, before returning to the North West to be close to his college friends in Liverpool. He joined Liverpool Council in the Finance department and had a successful career there before retiring. He took up mountain biking, although not always successfully, as Sam ( John Williams) recalls, “little legs going ten to the dozen, misjudging the track at Llandegla and hurtling into the undergrowth, only to reappear doing a David Bellamy impression.”

He was popular at college and kept in close contact with many college friends over the years, and was a driving force behind the very successful “40 years on” college reunion in 2013. He took up golf seriously whilst living in Liverpool and joined Childwall Golf Club. He became a director at the club and won a number of trophies, sometimes playing with his wife Sue. About 15 years ago, they bought a property at the Desert Springs golf resort in Spain and were planning to move there permanently later this year. Sadly, that was not to be. 

Family, friends and former students alike will miss this unique character with his “Ola mate” greeting, his 'Mutley' snigger and his sincere friendship.

From his friends - Ruth Smith, Eddie Lewis, John Williams and Dave Robertson.

We are saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Patricia Routledge, at the age of 96. Dame Patricia received an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt,) in recognition of her outstanding contribution to theatre and television from the University of Chester in 2019.

At the time of receiving this, Dame Patricia said: “The University of my home county of Cheshire does me a great honour in inviting me to accept the honorary degree of Doctor of Letters and it gives me great pleasure to acquiesce.”

Dame Patricia is probably best known to audiences for her roles on television which have included appearances in Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads, A Lady of Letters, Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, and Marjorie and Men. She is known especially for her many varied comic roles, which have included appearances in Steptoe and Son, Victoria Wood as Seen on TV, and she was twice nominated for a BAFTA for her role as the eternally elitist Hyacinth Bucket in the BBC series Keeping up Appearances. This role made her a recognisable figure the world over and it remains BBC Worldwide’s most exported television programme of all-time. Film credits include To Sir, with Love (1967,) appearing with Sidney Poitier, and Don't Raise the Bridge, Lower the River (1968), which she starred in alongside Jerry Lewis.

Dame Patricia was involved in many charitable organisations across the country, and her diverse list of patronages includes St Richard's Hospice in Worcester, the Sussex Snowdrop Trust, and the Guild of Musicians and Singers. Dame Patricia also served as an ambassador to the organisations Kidney Research UK and the Royal Voluntary Service, along with supporting a wide variety of other groups.

We send our condolences to Dame Patricia’s family at this difficult time.

At Chester College (Cheyney Road) June studied for a Cert. Ed (Primary) with main studies of Drama and Music. At college, during her career as a primary school teacher and amongst family and friends she was known to be a cheerful person, though mostly known for her calming and caring nature.

June married Andrew in 1972 and lived most of their married life in North Shropshire until, in 2016, they moved to North Hertfordshire to live with our daughter and family.

June leaves a husband, Andrew, two children, David and Clare and three grandchildren, Poppy, Rose and Harry. 

A beautiful soul, now greatly missed.

June Boden (nee Ray) B.Ed Hon. Cert Ed.

Keith attended Chester College 1964-1967 and did PE and History. He taught at Seedfield school, Bury, followed by St. Lukes in Ancoats and finally at St. Christoper's C.E. High School in Accrington.

Keith played football, and cricket for the College and was also in the athletics team.

He kept in touch with the College and was one of the footballers who was part of the team reunions which he enjoyed, particularly their golf competitions.

Robin was in the same Education group as I was and we sat through many lectures together, given by the inspiring lecturer, Mr. AG Bamford. 

One of the stories, Robin was always ready to tell me was the time he came into the lecture with a hood covering his head. When he sat down, he removed it and apparently, so he reminded me, I let out a piercing scream. Instead of his lovely blond locks, Robin's hair had turned black overnight. This was not because we were in the "Swinging Sixties", but it was for the sake of the Drama Society. The girl playing opposite him in the production had black hair, as they were supposed to be related, the producer of the play asked Robin to dye his hair, saying it was easier for him to go black than the other way round. 

 Robin lived in Ipswich for many years and his love of drama continued all that time. He would often go to productions in London, even though he had failing sight, which made it very difficult for him. 

 We have often talked about the Chester Spirit, which is very difficult to summarise, but this was evident when I chatted to Robin and heard how important Chester was to him. 

 
Written by Sue Carmichael  

As Year Secretary, I was truly privileged to represent our College and University at Alun’s funeral, together with Dave and Kathy Cowell, Jim MacMullan and Pat, plus several hundred others wishing to give Alun and Liz their support. 

In addition to brave words from Liz, tributes were paid by former teaching colleagues, as well as Bridgnorth Rugby Football Club, honouring an amazing man, born in the delightful Criccieth seaside town, where he attended the Primary School, and then Eifionydd School in Porthmadog. He spoke fluent Welsh, and continued to walk in his homeland right up to the end, including his favourite mountain, Cade Idris. 

Alun met Liz at Kingswood School, Albrighton, where he continued his PE teaching. He eventually settled at Penn Hall, which was a school for physically disabled youngsters. His genuine care for pupils and staff was such, that he unsurprisingly became Deputy Head, and from 1987, was Head for 23 years, and in his final year, the school was awarded the ‘Outstanding’ grade, reflecting on Alun’s very special leadership skills. His Deputy described him as ‘a champion of children with special needs and disabilities’. He added, ‘Alun was always calm, measured, balanced, and non judgmental, he led the school with aplomb’. 

Alun was a quite superb athlete and rugby player. He served Bridgnorth RFC right up to his final days. He became the Club Captain, Chairman, and President for 17 years! Throughout, ‘he maintained a strong moral code, and always saw the good in people…..he was an eloquent and classy guy, and touched so many lives. He will be remembered by all and sorely missed’. 

Dave Cowell represented Chester in delivering a superb eulogy, which is duly summarised as follows …. 

Written by Geoffrey Mackenzie 

“Sadly our year group has this year lost one of the absolute shining lights in terms of achievement and popularity. Alun Stoll, a proud Welshman from Criccieth. 
He was a born leader but not in a demonstrative way, rather a gentle and coaxing way.  Thoughtful, kind, carefully spoken, with a quiet smile. He retired from teaching as a highly successful Headteacher in Special Education.
In rugby sporting terms, he was our marquee signing, but it was in athletics. Given his future intense participation in rugby, he played rarely at college, although not surprisingly he used his 9.7 seconds 100 yards speed to brilliant effect in Inter-College Athletics competition and Welsh Championships. His forte was athletics, and he was supremely good at it.
He played rugby, scoring tries for fun, until in his fifties with Bridgnorth RFC.  He was player, Captain, President and the focal point of the Club set-up for many years.
There will be many anecdotes, but one worth recounting is from Mick Pink. He recalls that at the culmination of our college three years, exams were completed, term hadn’t quite ended, and many of us had part time jobs in Chester. Alun had a labouring job. The College had organised an end of year decathlon for all who wished to participate. Alun arrived for the hurdles straight from work without his spikes so competed and won in his hobnail boots! A lovely man, a great mate.”

Alwyn was elected Year Secretary in 1953 and held that post for 71 years, only missing 2 years of reunions. He greatly enjoyed his time at Chester and was active in drama, sport as umpire, referee, secretary and chess secretary and a member of the history and geography societies.  

He began teaching in ‘53 in Doncaster and soon met his wife Anne while they were both members of an amateur dramatic society. Alwyn rose through the ranks of the teaching profession, introducing many innovations to the schools in which he taught including his last post as head teacher at a Middle School in Wakefield from 1968.  

He served on the executive of the National Association of Head Teachers as the West and South Yorkshire representative from 1986 until his retirement in 1992. Alwyn was also president of Wakefield and Yorkshire Philatelic Societies.   

In September 2019 Alwyn attended a ceremony at the University to receive his degree, conferred as recognition for the rigours of the Certificate of Education he received in 1953.  

His abiding interests were history and philately. He became an expert on the life of Captain James Cook, taking the role of Secretary of the Captain Cook Society in 1993 on his retirement from education. He was made a life member in 2011. He enjoyed travelling - often in the wake of Cook's voyages, visiting members of the society from all over the world. 

He is deeply missed by his four children, nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren and many friends and colleagues with whom he made a point of keeping in touch. 

 Pamela Hayward (daughter) 

Tony went to Barnsley Grammar School before serving the last couple of years of the war in the Cameron Highlanders. Tony played the bagpipes so when he went into the Army Education Dept he joined the Pipe Band, both piping and dancing. 

 Tony was accepted at Chester College, where the men just demobbed were expected to be back in college by 9.00pm at night.  Tony loved his time at Chester, cycling between Barnsley and Chester, even in winter. He rowed for the college, played rugby and joined the local Scottish Dance group. He played his pipes for their dancing and as a crowd attraction on Rag days. He was also very involved in the life of the College Chapel. 

 His first teaching post was a Secondary Modern in Barnsley. Tony became a Fulbright Scholar, exchanging with a teacher from Pelham, New York. He became Pipe Major of Yonkers Kiltie band while there and marched in the 5th Avenue parades 

Tony studied at Leeds and Manchester Universities for further qualifications including an MA. He lectured at St John’s College York, moved to work for Sir Alec Clegg as an adviser, and played with local Pipe Bands, including the West Yorkshire Fire Service. He became honorary piper for many local Scottish Societies and was still piping at 96 years old.  

Tony played and danced at big events all over the continent and into China, making friends everywhere he went. He loved languages and trying them out and became an Emeritus Reader in the Church of England. 

Tony had an abiding zest for life and learning, he was still learning Gaelic and studying Hebrew and Greek to the last few weeks of his life. Deeply missed by his wife Cynthia and their family. 

Born in Wigan in 1935, Eric passed his eleven plus and attended the local grammar school, like most lads from those schools leaving aged sixteen. He told me he worked in a factory. National Service gave him a chance to change career directions, as many of us did.  In 1955 he entered Chester Teacher Training College, and apart from anything else, became a stalwart of the rugby team.  He left with his teaching certificate in 1957. 

We lost contact so I don’t know what happened after that. His career path is unknown to me. However, contact was resumed in the late nineties, and we exchanged regular emails, often humorous, after that. I asked him about his career since teaching and this is what he wrote. 

“In 1973 I became an HMI and in 1983 became the Senior Chief Inspector of Schools for England and Wales (Sci), a post that combined being the Head of HMI, the Government of the day's chief professional adviser on education and one of the 4 deputy secretaries of state in the Dept of Education & Science. I was honoured with a CB in the 1980's but can't recall the year exactly. I resigned in 1991 when Ofsted was created by the Major government.  

I worked directly with 6 Secretaries of State for Education: Shirley Williams/Mark Carlyle /Sir Keith Joseph /Ken Baker/John MacGregor/Ken Clarke but was never a Deputy Secretary of State - that is a political post. I was the Senior Chief Inspector (SCI) and a Deputy Permanent Secretary in the DES - the second most senior civil servant level in a department, the Permanent Secretary being the top dog.” 

Eric passed away peacefully in the early evening of 12th July in a care home near Eastbourne, surrounded by his large family.   As his son wrote, “he even shared a final glass of champagne with us (his idea)”. 

Ken Morgan, also 55/57 

Ken was an active student, being a member of the rowing club especially.  

He qualified as a teacher and began his career in his own area working in Junior schools. He moved into the new Middle school system where he stayed working with mixed nationalities and thoroughly enjoyed working with less able. He ended his career as head of his own school. 

He took early retirement due to deteriorating health problems

He was married to Patricia who was also a teacher for 62 years and received Congratulations from the king on their Diamond anniversary.

During retirement he enjoyed motoring and outdoor activities in the Peak District

He died peacefully in hospital in May this year 1940 -2024 

Patricia Bradshaw 

Colin was born into a mining family in Shilbottle and retained his love for his native county of Northumberland throughout his life. 

After leaving The Duke’s School in Alnwick, where he studied art, he became a Chester student, where he was a member of the PE wing and also studied history. His interest in art continued however and more than one of his college contemporaries has examples of his work on their walls. 

At the end of his college course, he taught for a short time in the Gosforth area before spending two years in Canada, where he became part of the PE staff at Saskatchewan High. 

Outside school he played and became a big fan of ice hockey, and his purchase of a Ford Mustang led to cars becoming another area which had a continued appeal.   

He returned home in 1970, and joined the staff of The Chantrey School in Morpeth, where he was to spend the rest of his career, teaching PE, art and history. Shortly after his return he was to meet his future wife Joan and they were married in Seahouses in 1972, before having three children Lauren, Greg and Dougie, and later three grandchildren, to whom Colin became a devoted grandad. 

Sport was to be a passion throughout his life. He played football, rugby and cricket as a young man, but found his main area of success on the golf course. He was a member of three Northumberland golf clubs, bringing his handicap down to four and taking part and winning trophies in many competitions, which included the county final in 1998. 

From the early days of this century, Colin became a member of a group of 1966 Cestrians who regularly wandered around some notable walking spots, highlights of which were completing the Dalesway in 2005, and a three-day hike along the Northumberland Coast in 2010, which Colin organized, greatly assisted by Joan, who organized lodgings and provided transport. The same 1966 group and our wives also enjoyed many sociable weekends away over the same period, and Colin and Joan were very much part of those.  

On one of our early walking trips in Ambleside, Colin told us that at the age of 59, he’d been diagnosed with prostate cancer and the outlook was bleak. To the admiration of all who knew him he was to doggedly fight against this for the next 21 years, continuing to enjoy the fullness of life and accepting every treatment which was offered, until he finally succumbed in March of this year. 

Several of us were able to represent our year at his funeral, when the crematorium was full to overflow, as was the later gathering at Morpeth Rugby Club. We all extend our sympathies to Joan and to all their family     

 
Ian Crickett 

Neil was born on 2nd February 1947 and died on 16th August, 2024. 

At his funeral, his younger brother, Ian described him as ‘The most honest, decent, friendliest and kindest human being that one could ever meet’, which indeed says it all! 

Neil was an outstanding fellow Cestrian who gave his all to Chester College. He was an incredibly humble and modest man and earned the respect of all who were fortunate enough to meet him. This was exemplified when he was Chairman of the Geographical Society. He organised field trips with supreme efficiency, and the ones to Malham and Castleton were truly memorable. Derbyshire figured in walks regularly up until July 18th, less than a month before he passed away. 

He was a fair sportsman and represented the College at football, and beyond. He took up refereeing and advanced in standing. He modestly showed me the letter from Anfield, inviting him to run the line for the fixture between Liverpool and Blackburn Rovers. He was a keen Preston North End supporter. 

He was highly successful in primary education, and became a headteacher, and then an adviser in Lancashire. 

Many College friends clearly greatly valued Neil as someone very special over the years, including Peter and Gwen Thompson, Pat and Richard Ransom, Angela and Derek Pattinson, and Frank and Sue Pennington. Pat said, ‘Neil was always consistent, affable, and kind, with his special sense of humour’. Angela and Derek affirmed that, ‘Neil was always great company, whatever the context or occasion’. David Whittaker said, ‘Neil was a good friend, and he was popular with many people. He was a true and loyal friend, who always made you feel special’. Jim Watkins remembered Neil ‘as a person I was always happy to be around, and I am better for having known him!’ Dave Hodkinson said, ‘I’ll never forget his magnetic smile!’ Andrew. Brakes, a retired Staffordshire Head said, ‘We are all the richer for having met him……Neil McMechan….a good man true!’ 

Neil, may you rest in peace good man. 

Geoffrey Mackenzie 

Mel Chivers was born on the 19th September 1948 in Halifax, Yorkshire,  but ‘grew up’ in Raistrick, close to Brighouse. After he left Raistrick Grammar School in 1967 he undertook some voluntary work in Naples during a tour of southern Italy. He was obsessed with all sports and excelled in football and cricket with an ambition to follow a career in teaching. Mel was one of the cohorts of PE students at Chester College in September 1967 and he represented the college with success in football and cricket. 

Mel started his teaching career at Sacriston Secondary in the early ’70s where he made many lifelong friends. He quickly progressed to become Head of the PE Dept. and later to teach History and Careers. His growing reputation in the school and local community was recognised when he was appointed Head of Sixth Form as the school became Fyndoune Comprehensive. Mel dedicated thirty-five years to teaching and he finally retired early due to his ill health in 2004. 

Mel met his first wife Mary whilst at College and they settled in Durham where Lucy was born, followed three years later by Paul. Mary tragically died at a young age. Mel later met Cathy and they married in 1984. Beth was born in 1985.  

He played football for a number of local teams but achieved notable success in an outstanding career in cricket. He was a founder member of Plawsworth CC and a member of a very good team in the ’80s and ’90s. In a memorable Cup Final against Whickham he managed a sixty run partnership against an Australian Test team bowler and he appeared in ‘The Times’ following more batting heroics in a National Village game where he shared a last wicket partnership.    

In his later life Mel and Cathy enjoyed cruises and time spent at home and in their beautiful garden. On Sunday June 2nd Mel finally succumbed to multi organ failure and passed away on the 7th of June in hospital with his family by his side. Over 300 of his friends attended his funeral.   

Written by Mike Thornton (1970) 

Mick passed away on February 14th, 2024, aged 74.  

Mick, originally from Thorne in Doncaster, taught in High Schools in the Newcastle and Durham area until his retirement. 

Although he never learned to drive, he managed to climb every one of the Scottish Monroes, getting there mostly using public transport and his bicycle! His enthusiasm spread to many of his students.  

Mick also completed several marathons. His activity was restricted, but never stopped by a number of knee and hip replacements. 

For those who knew him, he will be fondly remembered as a true character. 

Mick leaves behind, his wife, Pam, and 2 children, Paul, and Suzanne from his first marriage. 

Eddie Berry (a contemporary)