Ermysted's Old Boys' Society

It’s Sports Day at Ermysted's today… so from the archives here’s some footage from the 1970 Sports Day!

Ermysted's Athletics Sports Finals - 23rd March 1970 Pupils from Ermysted's Grammar School, Skipton take part in the school's sports day on Monday 23rd March 1970.This footage was filmed by Ken Ellwood, whose s...

Congratulations to Old Boy Alex McIntyre (2004-2011) who has been elected MP for Gloucester!

That’s 2 former pupils currently serving as Members of Parliament - Alex joins Conservative Party chair Richard Holden (1996-2001) who was elected MP for Basildon and Billericay with a majority of just 20 votes.

It is an absolute privilege to have been elected as Gloucester’s next Labour MP.

To those who have voted for change today - thank you. I will work tirelessly to deliver the change that you have voted for.

To those who voted for other parties today - I promise to represent all of you to deliver for ohr great city.

Tonight voters in Gloucester and across the UK voted for change. Together we can build a brighter future for Gloucester and that work begins now.

It was a lovely sunny day on Friday for the Old Boys v School cricket match. The Old Boys batted first and scored 210-6 in their 30 overs. In reply, the school team were 117 all out from 23.1 overs - so a 93 run win for the Old Boys!

Huge thanks to James Tiffany for once again organising the Old Boys team - and to all who played and came along to support the fixture.

The Old Boys v School cricket fixture is this Friday (21st June) from 1pm at Bolton Abbey CC for any interested spectators - all are welcome! 🏏

The Old Boys XI are looking to build on last year’s victory with a strong team - though there is room for another bowler if anyone would like to play! Please contact James Tiffany on 07736 544014 if so.

On Wednesday afternoon (29th May), starting at 2pm, the Old Boys have a golf fixture against Giggleswick at Skipton Golf Club.

We are desperately short of 2 players to make up the Old Boys team. If you can help out please contact Chris Windle on 07734 794400.

Request for help to place Work Experience pupils in Year 10, week commencing Monday 8th July 2024

Ermysted’s still has a number of pupils in Year 10 who have as yet been unable to source a Work Experience placement for the week, so instead face of week of accessing virtual work experience in a classroom.

A face to face work experience placement, even if only possible for a few days that week, would be the preferred option.

If you work somewhere that could offer a placement, or have a contact that might help, we would be really grateful if you could let EGS know. The employer needs to have Employer Liability Insurance.

In the past, we have had really positive feedback from employers and the pupils.

If you are able to help, please contact Mrs Rose on [email protected]

Old boy Tom Barrett organising the 70th anniversary celebrations of Roger Bannister’s 4 minute mile.

The annual Hitchin Trophy golf competition for Old Boys will be on Monday 13th May at Skipton Golf Club.

The first tee is reserved from 10am until 10.30am. Should anyone wish to play please contact Chris Windle on 07734 794400.

As detailed in our recent newsletter, we are holding an AGM for the Ermysted's Old Boys' Society on the evening of Monday 29th April 2024.

All former pupils and staff are welcome to join us! Attendance can be in person or remotely via Microsoft Teams. If you would like to attend, please email [email protected] and we will send you the Agenda and location/time/joining instructions.

Many thanks

Request for help with Work Experience placements for Ermysted’s pupils.

We currently have a number of pupils in Year 10 who have as yet been unable to source a Work Experience placement for w/c Monday 8th July 2024.

If you work somewhere that could offer a placement, or have a contact that might help, we would be really grateful if you could let School know. The employer needs to have Employer Liability Insurance. In the past, we have had really positive feedback from employers and the pupils. If you are able to help, please contact Mrs Rose on [email protected]

Many thanks,
Pippa Davies (Deputy Headteacher)

We have just launched a new fundraising initiative to support the awarding of prizes on Speech Day at Ermysted's.

Our online shop now has the option to purchase a 10-year sponsorship of one of the prizes. Your name / family name will be attached to the prize for 10 years and will fund the book tokens awarded to pupils.

The deadline is fast looming for this year's Speech Day prizes to be confirmed, so any sponsorships bought this week will be included this year - otherwise we will start your sponsorship from next year.

Tap the link for details and to buy! Thank you for your support.

Sponsor a prize at Speech Day - Ermysted's Old Boys' Society What better way to leave a lasting legacy of your time at Ermysted’s by sponsoring one of the prizes awarded on Speech Day each year? We are looking for individuals or families to support the awarding of prizes. In return for a one-off donation of £250, your name will be […]

RIP VGV.

We’re incredibly sad to report that George Varley died earlier this month aged 90.

Many of you will remember him as a teacher of History and English at EGS between 1966 and 1993, as a Form Master or badminton & squash coach.

George's funeral will take place on Friday, 19th April at Christ Church, Skipton at 1.15pm followed by burial at Waltonwrays Cemetery. Family flowers only but donations to 'World Cancer Research' c/o Howcrofts Funeral Services, Skipton, BD23 2EJ.

Ermysted's set to admit girls for first time in its 530-year history ERMYSTED'S Grammar School in Skipton is considering breaking with tradition and admitting girls for the first time in its more than 500-year history.

If you’re in the Skipton area today, our Founders’ Day service takes place at 2.30pm at Holy Trinity Church.

A few of us may be found afterwards from around 3.30pm for a swift pint in The Castle Inn next door too!🍺

Celebrating the life of Dales scientist Professor Nick Hitchon THE life of a Dales-born scientist who became known to millions through a pioneering TV series is to be celebrated at a Craven church.

A service of thanksgiving will be held for Old Boy and former Chair of Governors Roger Whittaker on Friday 1st December 2023 at 12noon at Ilkley Baptist Church, Kings Road, Ilkley LS29 9AD.

Parking is very limited at the church but the main town car park is only a 5 minute walk away.

We are incredibly sad to let you know that Roger Whittaker passed away on Thursday evening. As well as being an Old Boy (1951-59) and Captain of Rugby he served our school as Chair of Governors for 25 years, playing a pivotal role in the school's history during his time at the helm. We will forever be greatful for all he did for Ermysted's.

We will share funeral details when we have them. Our thoughts are with Roger's family and friends at this sad time.

You can read more about Roger in this piece by Mr Ashworth & Mr Douglass from the 2002-3 Chronicles of Ermysted.

An “Armistice Fancy Dress Ball” took place at Ermysted’s on this day in 1918 to celebrate the end of the Great War. What a party that must have been!

Across the two world wars and in conflicts since, Ermysted's boys, old boys and staff of their respective generations have shown spirit and heroism. They fought for us, and today we remember them with immense gratitude.

We now have confirmed funeral details for Michael Harrison (Clarty) following his death last week:

His funeral will take place on Friday 6th October at 12noon at the Church of St Michael and All Angels, Linton-in-Craven and afterwards at Wharfedale Rugby Club.

John Michael Harrison – Wharfedale RUFC Official Website John Michael Harrison September 21, 2023 We grasp at thin air to find words that capture the character of Michael Harrison. Doubtless we will all try and find those elusive expressions to show our admiration for a truly remarkable man whose life sadly ended earlier this week at the age of 77. Whilst...

We’re very sad to hear the news that Michael Harrison has died this week aged 77.

‘Clarty’ and his family have so many connections to Ermysted’s. He was a pupil from 1957 to 1965. His father, brother and two sons also went to EGS. Michael was a school governor for several years, and his brother Jimmy was a teacher at the school.

Our condolences are with Michael’s widow Christine (another EGS connection - she is Wally Evans’ daughter), sons Dan and Tom and the rest of the Harrison family.

Here’s a lovely piece written by Wharfedale President, John Spencer…

John Michael Harrison – Wharfedale RUFC Official Website John Michael Harrison September 21, 2023 We grasp at thin air to find words that capture the character of Michael Harrison. Doubtless we will all try and find those elusive expressions to show our admiration for a truly remarkable man whose life sadly ended earlier this week at the age of 77. Whilst...

We're sorry to hear of the passing of Old Boy Ian Holdsworth, who died at home in Kirkstall earlier this month aged 89. Ian was at Ermysted's just after the war from 1948 to 1950 and was a regular at our Old Boys' Dinners over the years.

His family say EGS made a lifelong impression upon him and that he always spoke so fondly of his time here. After studying Physics at Leeds University, Ian went on to teach the subject for 33 years at Roundhay School.

Some sad news for those who remember Nick Hitchon (at EGS 1968-75)

Obituary: Dales scientist known to millions through TV show A SCIENTIST from a Yorkshire Dales farming family who became known to millions due to a ground-breaking documentary series has died at the age of 65.

Can you help?

Ermysted's is looking for Old Boys who would be willing to give a presentation to students wanting to study Medicine, Dentistry or Veterinary Sciences. If you work in these areas (or a related area) and would be willing to give a talk on your specialism, please could you contact Dr Sobala on [email protected]

We envisage talks lasting for approximately half an hour, and could arrange a video link if you are not currently local to Skipton.

EGS is currently recruiting an IT Network Manager. If you know anyone who may be interested in this vacancy please let them know about it!

IT Network Manager required at Ermysted's Grammar School to start as soon as possible. Please see the school website for more information and an application form.

It was an absolute pleasure to give a speech at my old school, Ermysted's Grammar School, last Tuesday for their Speech Day and prize-giving. I saw several current and former staff members who taught me – even the person who took this photo, Mr Hopkins, was my old maths teacher! It was amazing to hear about the phenomenal achievements of the current students both in and out of school, and it was very nice of the incoming Head Boy to take my wife and I around a tour of the school – bits of it were new to me, too! The school is certainly in good hands, and seems to be in an even better place than it was when I attended.

Tribute to late Ermysted's sports master, David Stephens David Stephens, a former Ermysted's sports master and Skipton Rugby Club coach who had an illustrious rugby league career has died at the age of 82.

For those wishing to attend Mr Stephens’ funeral, it is taking place at 3pm on Friday 14th July at Skipton Crematorium.

A few more photos from yesterday’s reunion event.

(Photo credit Declan Hayes)

We are very sad to bring you the news that David Stephens, who taught PE at Ermysted’s 1987-97, died this week aged 82.

Mr Stephens had an illustrious sporting career before joining the teaching profession - as you can see from these entries in the school Chronicles.

RIP, Sir.

A huge thank you to all of you who attended today’s reunion event. It was great to have you back after a few years!

We had around 90 Old Boys there in total - some of whom hadn’t been back to EGS since the day they left (For one chap it was 40 years almost to the day!)

Your support has enabled us to raise around £1,000 through today’s event which will be used to continue our work to support the school and its pupils.

Look out for a follow-up survey in your emails in the next few weeks to help us shape the future of the Old Boys’ Society and our events.