SCHOOL NEWS// OP NEWS
confident than he’s ever been. He’ll
be in the world Top 16 by the end of
the year.”
Russ Parker, the Prep School’s Head of
Sport and Kyle’s former Year 6 tutor,
added: “Every time I see Kyle play I’m
immensely proud of what he’s achieved.
Our pupils are, too… some of them
have been at school since 6am today
but were still cheering him on as they
watched him in action at 10am. The
enthusiasm has been fantastic.”
Headmaster Mark Ronan said: “Kyle
has captured the imagination of
pupils throughout the school. He’s
a remarkable sportsman and an
inspirational example of where focus
and determination can take you.
“He really does embody the spirit of
Pocklington School and its values of
Truth and Courage. I’ve no doubt
Kyle will go on to build on this fantastic
Grand Slam run.”
MBE FOR SCHOOL
GOVERNOR DARRELL
BUTTERY Mr Buttery was invited to join the Board of Governors on his
(second) retirement. He says: “The prospect of losing touch
with school was unthinkable. I came to everything I could -
rugby, cricket, plays, concerts ... Then I was invited to become
a Governor so I felt I was back on board!
Pocklington School Governor and former teacher Darrell
Buttery has received an MBE in the New Year Honours, for
his services to heritage in York. “In my previous schools we never saw the Governors or
even had much of an idea about what they did. Joining the
governing body at Pocklington was therefore a revelation. Here
was a large team of experts dedicated to ensuring the school’s
continued success. There are many committees assigned to
different aspects of school life. We are therefore often in school
for these as well as being invited to all events and having several
full days a year getting to know school routine from boarders’
breakfast to late afternoon. Support from the Head and Bursar
couldn’t be stronger or more appreciated. For Governors it
is all voluntary work, and rightly so, but I enjoy it so much I
wonder whether I should be charged for the privilege.”
Mr Buttery came out of retirement to teach English at
Pocklington School and now serves as a Governor.
He was Chairman of York Civic Trust for five years, when his
achievements included establishing and running Young York
Civic Trust for sixth formers in and around York, including
Pocklington School. He has been Governor of York’s
Merchant Adventurers, Chairman of York Georgian Society
and has authored several books on the city’s history.
Mr Buttery, 76, said he became involved with Pocklington
School by “pure chance,” adding: I was attending our
Merchant Adventurers’ monthly lunch - 12 of us at a round
table - and when the call came to take our places by incredible
good fortune I found myself sitting next to a new member called
Richard Haynes. I mentioned I’d just retired from teaching
English and he told me he was Chairman of Governors at
Pocklington. We then talked about other things.
“Two days later I received a phone message from the
Headmaster, Nicholas Clements, asking if I could provide
teaching cover in the English Department for the last ten days of
the Michaelmas term. I went to see him, thinking I would have
to turn the offer down as I was too busy, but I liked everything I
saw about the school so found myself saying ‘yes’. The rest, as
they say, is history. Ten days turned into nearly five years. I had
never been in such a wonderful school and if I started to give
the reasons why, this article would be far, far too long.”
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THE POCKLINGTONIAN
Tim Stephenson, Chair of Governors and OP, said: “Darrell
has made very significant contributions to Pocklington School
both as a teacher and also as a Governor. He has a very strong
appreciation of the values and strengths of the School and is a
true ambassador.”