DEVELOPMENT AND SCHOOL NEWS
GRAYS & CO BURSARY FUND
SUPPORT
Estate agent Grays & Co, which has offices in
Pocklington and Beverley, will be launching an
exclusive offer this November for members of
the Pocklington School community which will also
benefit the John Dolman Trust’s Bursary Fund.
Providing residential sales, residential lettings and
commercial estate agency services, Grays & Co is
owned and run by Old Pocklingtonian Chris Ray
(82-91). Chris commented: “We’re delighted to be
supporting the work of Pocklington School with this
initiative which, as well as providing a great deal for
current and former Pocklingtonians, will also enable
us to give something back to the school to support
the Bursary Fund. This in turn offers students who
would not otherwise be able to attend the school
the opportunity to receive a Pocklington education.”
Full details of the offer will be available on the school
website in November 2016.
GRAHAM USHER IS PRIZEGIVING GUEST OF HONOUR
The theme of what makes a great person ran
through Pocklington School’s speech day this year,
with both Headmaster Mark Ronan and OP guest
of honour the Rt Revd Graham Usher (81-89),
Bishop of Dudley, offering opinions and advice.
MICHAEL VAUGHAN GUEST
OF HONOUR AT SPORTS
DINNER
Michael Vaughan OBE is the guest of honour at
the inaugural Pocklington School sports dinner
taking place on Friday 21 October 2016 at
The Oaks Golf Club & Spa. Michael assured his
place in cricket history with England’s historic
Ashes victory in 2005 and has gone on to
become one of the sport’s most respected
commentators. During the evening Marcus
Townend (72-82) will lead a question and
answer session with Michael about his extensive
career. The event is open to current and
former parents, staff, OPs, friends and colleagues
and it is hoped that the dinner will become a
biennial event.
Taking inspiration from David Bowie’s song,
Heroes, the Headmaster said heroism took many
different forms and could spring from apparently
unremarkable people. Any one of us could be
heroes, he said, because the traits demonstrated by
those who achieve outstanding things are shared by
us all.
“If the idea of a hero is being selfless, generous,
respectful and persevering, in other words a state
of mind, then it is a choice,” he said. “Everyone here
can make a difference. ‘We can be heroes just for
one day’.”
Bishop Graham, who attended Pocklington School
between 1981 and 1989, said great leaders
frequently use five words and phrases: Thank you;
well done; sorry; please; and what do you think? He
added: “Ultimately, it’s not what we say that people
remember, but how we made people feel.”
Both speakers also mentioned the school’s most
famous alumnus, William Wilberforce, whose
CCF BIENNIAL INSPECTION
the third place trophy for the Welbeck Leadership
Competition to team captain, Henry Foster.
On Thursday 6 May 2016, Colonel Neil Smith from
203 (Welsh) Field Hospital visited Pocklington
School to carry out the Biennial Inspection of
the Combined Cadet Force. After inspecting the
Guard of Honour, the Colonel took the salute as
the Senior Cadets marched off.
He then spoke to the cadets and cadet NCOs
commenting on how he was immensely impressed
by the range of activities, the enthusiasm, behaviour
and rapport of the cadets and the leadership and
knowledge of the NCOs.
Following lunch with the Headmaster, the
Colonel was escorted around the training activities
by Cadet CSM Sarah Lancaster. The training
programme involved a wide selection of the
activities that cadets experience during their time
with the CCF.
At the final parade, Col Smith presented the 15
(NE) Brigade Skill at Arms Individual Best Shot
trophy to Cadet Sergeant Oliver Peeke-Vout and
compassion, gentleness and tireless campaigning
for a cause he believed in made him a truly great
person.
The prize-giving ceremony, held in the school’s
packed sports hall on the last day of term, celebrated
the achievements of pupils which, whether on a
big or small scale, drew enthusiastic support and
applause.
The Pocklington School Swing Band entertained the
pupils, parents, staff, governors and friends as they
arrived, and after the ceremony the guests enjoyed
Pimm’s and canapés in the school grounds as they
reflected on a successful and productive year.
In the evening, a mess dinner was held in the school
dining hall to celebrate the day and to mark the
retirement of Major Nick Toma