Category: News

OS Alistair Williams writes about his new book:

I have recently self-published my second book, The Persolus Race: Voyages into the Unknown. It is an anthology of science-fiction short stories which follows on from a book I co-wrote and released back in 2021. Voyages into the Unknown is made up of six separate short stories, all of which share the common theme of ‘journeying into the Unknown’. Some of these stories were left over from that first book, unfinished stories of other people’s which I finished with their permission, and others were original ideas of my own. Each one follows different characters in a different setting, their tones falling into different sub-genres of science-fiction.

The original idea behind the Persolus Race was to imagine a future where the human race explorer the stars, invent a plethora of fantastic technology, only to find that they are the only intelligent life in existence. While this is not something I personally believe, I felt that it was a great launching point for many stories, and pitched the idea in a writer’s forum at the start of the first COVID-19 lockdown. Several writers in the forum came forward with ideas for short stories that could belong in that universe, and over the course of the next 18 months, we wrote up those stories and published them in late 2021 as The Persolus Race: Volume One.

I found the experience of writing and editing both books very interesting, exciting and at times frustrating. I have been lucky to take the books to multiple small to medium scale comic cons, including Sci-Fi Scarborough in 2024 (and will again in 2026). Through these events I sell paperback copies of the books, where I meet many other traders, including other authors. The books are also available to buy from online retailers such as Amazon, Waterstones and Blackwell’s.

At the end of next year, I will be bringing The Persolus Race project to its end, but I plan to continue writing. I have started working on my third book, which will be a standalone fantasy novel about something very different.

I attended Scarborough College from Year 6 to Year 11, leaving in 2013. In my main job I am now a secondary school Geography teacher and my time at College still holds a special place in my heart.

Thursday  6th November

Funeral Service: St Mark’s Church, Coldyhill Lane 1:00pm

Donations to Dementia Forward & St Mark’s Church

“Please wear bright colours & sing well”

Private Cremation: Woodlands Crematorium 2:00pm

Funeral Reception:

The Park Manor Hotel, Northstead Manor Drive 2:10pm

The funeral of Dorothy Berry will take place at St Mark’s Church on Coldyhill Lane at 1 pm on Thursday November 6th followed by the Crematorium at 2 pm. A Funeral Reception will be held at The Park Manor Hotel,  Northstead Manor Drive. Officiating at the Service will be Revd. Tim Jones – OS, Lisvane and College (78-86). For details see 

https://www.funeralguide.co.uk/obituaries/138111

Following our post on Facebook of Dorothy’s passing, we have been heartened to read some of the comments about Dorothy and her impact on students. Do take some time to read them both on the OSA and Scarborough College sites.

We would like to reproduce below the appraisal of Dorothy from the 2005 Report of the Year which recognises her contribution to Lisvane and College for over 30 years and also a tribute from  David Hempsall – former Head at the College 1985-95.

From Report of the Year 2005

The end of this academic year marked the retirement of Dorothy Berry after 31 continuous years in the service of Lisvane School and Scarborough College. In 1989, Dorothy transferred to the senior school from the ‘old’ Lisvane on Sandybed Lane, where she had been a pastoral deputy head. An RE specialist devoted to her subject, this versatile and remarkably generous woman also taught English up to GCSE, as well as junior History.

She gave fine, clear, measured assemblies; she ran popular and oversubscribed activities; she sorted meticulously the practical demands of ceremonies, services and presentations; she led her duty team firmly and fairly; she made herself available to those lucky enough to be in her tutor group – and to many more – half an hour before school, every day of every term. Always there with a smile to support students and staff and to celebrate their successes, 

Dorothy shored us up in times of crisis and sadness with strength drawn from her faith. Quite simply, Dorothy Berry was the moral touchstone of the College community which she graced for so long. We wish her every happiness in retirement.

David Hempsall 

I first encountered Dorothy in September 1985 on the first of my weekly visits to the preparatory school. My first impression was of someone a bit guarded: perhaps this was inevitable as who was I, the incoming whippersnapper, when compared with such a Lisvane fixture? I soon came to appreciate how well-regarded Dororthy was: valued by her teaching colleagues and loved by her pupil charges, all of whom knew she was a woman to be trusted.

So it was when she joined the College staff, as senior school colleagues will attest. She was an accomplished class-room practitioner who threw herself into the extra-curricular, especially music and drama for both of which she had a special affinity in contrast to her own rather self-effacing manner. She contributed enormously to the vital behind-the-scenes work without which productions and performances could not be staged.

Without question, what I shall remember – as will many others – was Dorothy’s singing! Never one to seek the soloist’s limelight, she was a choral regular: but, oh, what a regular! Her voice was singular and distinctive. No matter the size of the ensemble, Dorothy could be heard not because of volume but because her pitch cut through the sound produced by everyone else.

Over the years, I came to know Dorothy as a fine teacher and a principled but thoroughly unstuffy individual. She was liked and admired by all whose path she crossed. The community in Scarborough is the poorer for her passing.

We have just been informed, by his son James, that Clive Anthony Francis Bentley who was known all his life as Tony, has sadly passed away. He was at Scarborough College as a weekly border from the late 1940’s to the mid 1950’s. He was born 7/8/37 and died on 27/8/25.

He enjoyed a school reunion dinner down at the Spa in early 2020, but since then had been suffering with dementia. He spent his whole life working for the family business of Bentley’s Garage and Coaches over in Amotherby near Malton. He also rallied a Mini Cooper in the 60’s and 70’s, which he always loved to rally around Oliver’s Mount circuit. His love of motor sport came from attending Scarborough college, he said he could hear the racing from school but could never see it as the racing circuit was ‘out of bounds’ to pupils. 

We are saddened to report that Dorothy  passed away peacefully today with Father Tim Jones (former OS President and former SC Governor) at her side.  No further details are available at present. 

Dorothy was at Lisvane from 1974 and was Deputy Head with Mike Evans from 1984, she joined the senior school 1989 until retiring in 2005.

Sally-Ann Fawcett, a former Miss Scarborough contestant in the 80s,  has been head judge at Miss Great Britain and has judged dozens of pageants over the past decade. She has also written four books on the subject. Her latest trip was to the Pageant Industry Awards – the PIAs – held this year at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall.

Sally-Ann requested specially that she could present the award to the Best Pageant Newcomer, because the winner was none other than her former classmate from the College, Tina Boden. Both  were in Crews House.

Tina and Sally-Ann haven’t seen each other since they both left the school in 1984, so it was a joy to reunite on a pageant stage all these years later says Sally-Ann.

Tina, who lives in Flixton, became part of the pageant world when she took her life coaching skills to the organiser of the Galaxy UK pageants and became intrigued by how modern-day pageants inspire women in midlife.  As part of her campaign to bring confidence to women at that stage of life, she decided to take part in the Mrs Galaxy UK pageant in Chorley, and has since become a popular and inspirational part of the industry.

They now plan a Scarborough Pageant Queens meet-up for the increasing number of local women who are taking part in, and benefiting from, pageants across the country.

Photo credit:  Brian Hayes Photography

The photo  – (courtesy of Charlie H) shows the four ex Scarborough College students, who represented Scarborough RUFC – first team-  over the weekend.

From left to right, Ted B, Seb H, Nathaniel B and Rufus P

Scarborough beat Bradford Salem 28-0. Rufus was making his debut and Nathaniel scored the second try of the game.

Streaming order summary

Streaming details for the service of John Stephen Bartlett at 11:30 (BST) on Friday 22nd August, at Haltemprice – Chapel, run by Robert A Drew & Son are as below.

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We have been informed that Stephen Bartlett (Lodge 1959-1964) has died. He had been taken into Hospital 3 weeks ago and unfortunately died during the night of 22nd July.

John Isles, former OSA President says that Stephen  was one of the main helpers to him on the Archives site and spent many hours uploading photos and recording information. Most recently he attended an OSA Local Group meeting where the archives were discussed. 

Stephen worked for Spillers most of his working life and he leaves a wife and 3 children (son & 2 daughters).

His funeral will be held at Haltemprice Crematorium, Willerby, Hull HU10 6NS on Friday 22nd August at 11.30.

On Monday 14th July, Andrew Frost  (College, 1958-62) passed away in Scarborough Hospital from Covid Pneumonia. He used to own the Majestic and Everley Hotels, and was also a successful rally driver.

OSA President, Miles Cartwright writes – “Andrew was my old rallying partner. He hadn’t been too well recently, and went on a cruise to Iceland. Whilst away, he developed pneumonia and was hospitalised on his return to the UK where sadly he caught Covid. Despite battling hard, he lost his fight on Monday.”

“The picture below is of Andrew and myself at the start of the 1973 Mintex when he’d asked me to step in when his regular co driver had to drop out 24 hours before the event started.

I stayed in the left hand seat for 2 years when he stepped away from the sport.

We returned to rallying together in 2008 in a Lotus Cortina, later using a Mexico and Chevette. He retired from the sport 3 years later. We had been friends for over 50 years and I’ll miss him and our banter. My condolences to Sandra, his children Andrew and Alison  and their families.”

Andrew’s funeral will take place on Wednesday 30th July at Octon Cremetorium at 3.30.

Over 60 former students and staff from the 80s enjoyed a very entertaining evening and a buffet at School. The Alumni Award was presented by President – Miles Cartwright to Nick Jones (Lisvane & Hartford – 79–87).

Click the image below to scroll all the official photos from the event taken by Richard Ponter.

Some of you will have noticed that recently it has not been possible to access the archives.

 The reason for this drastic action is because we have been advised that certain details that are publicly available could break the data protection laws, ie, dates of birth, names, dates students joined and left the school. Although it has been argued that this information is already in the public domain, it is still an area which COULD leave the OSA failing to comply appropriately.

To that end, the Chairman is speaking to  various authorities & individuals   to ensure we operate according to good custom and practice. We have also checked with 10 other schools which also have archive sites, and barring one, all have password protected areas for their archives.

We hope to have the archives re-opened again, in the near future, probably with a password or some of the information redacted/ removed.

Thank you for your patience in this matter.

Miles R Cartwright

President

February Newsletter 2025

https://www.scarboroughcollegeosa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/OSA-Newsletter-February-2025.pdf

Phil has come along way and Sarah is coping admirably as his full time carer but they still have a long way and time ahead of them. There is no end date to his rehab and the support that they will both require.  Both want to show Phil’s progress and thank those who have donated and supported over the last two years. We were delighted to see Sarah & Phil at the recent Prize Giving.

The information below is taken from the GoFundMe page link –
http://Donate to Help Phil rebuild his life after brain injury, organized by Zoe Harrison

4 December 2024 by Zoe Harrison, Organiser

Six months on from our May update, the time feels right to check in and share with you the many ways in which your donations have made a difference.

We want you all to know that we would have struggled to remain hopeful, resilient and motivated without your kindness and generosity.

Although we’ve been able to thank some of you in person since you donated, we’re very aware that there are many more we can only thank virtually. Please know that we are grateful every day for what your donations have enabled us to do; on our more challenging days, the knowledge that there is a whole network of people who care about us has helped us keep going. This GoFundMe has been like a huge ‘virtual group hug’, a tangible connection with all of you at a very vulnerable time in our lives.

To communicate the many ways in which the money has been used so far, it’s over to Zoe, the ever-resourceful, absolute superstar who eventually persuaded us that this was a good idea. She has created a slideshow with infographics, photos and videos to help you appreciate exactly how your donations have been used to help Phil, and show you the progress he is making on his rehab journey.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLWfQi0BXq0https:

Sarah and Phil xx

Wicstun Distillery run by ex Scarborough College Pupil Jago Packer, based in Market Weighton, East Yorkshire, is excited to announce they have been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor for Sophie Ellis Bextor’s new Limited Edition, Rosé Wine, “Rosé On The Dancefloor”

This has been a project a long time in the making. Sophie has been working with the Italian Winery, Claudio Quarta to produce her new wine which is called “Rosé On The Dancefloor”.

The wine is a premium Rosé Wine which has been inspired by Sophie’s hit, Murder on The Dancefloor. It is made 100% from Primitivo grapes from organic farming in Italy. It stands out for its bright pale pink colour with coral hints, and its great aroma of cherries, pomegranate, wild strawberries, raspberry, and pink pepper.

Wicstun Distillery was approached by Sophie following the launch of a Toffee Vodka for her husband’s band The Feeling. Wicstun was asked if they could bring the wine to market in time for Christmas 2024, so that her fans would be able to purchase it in time for the festive season.

Sophie said, “Making music and travelling the world is my life and sharing a really delicious wine with those you love is pure joy! Puglia makes me feel this way and it’s been a pleasure to help create this delicious rosé. I hope you love this wonderful wine – drink while dancing! Cheers! Sophie xx”

Jago Packer, Director of Wicstun Distillery, said, “We are so pleased to have been asked to work on this project by Sophie, it shows a great deal of faith in our small business. We hope that this will introduce us to a new customer base across the UK and help with our growth.”

www.rose-on-the-dancefloor.co.uk

CONTACT INFORMATION
Wicstun Distillery
Jago Packer – Director
[email protected]
07962 057412
www.wicstun-distillery.co.uk

We have been notified of the passing of:

Tom Pindar  who was Chairman of the Board of Governors for 13 years from the mid 1970s to the late 1980s. His membership of the Board covered some 29 years. A tribute, by Dr Hempsall, of Tom’s work for the College can be found on the Archive section of the OSA website – School magazine 1988, page 6

Tony Chico who was the College Medical Officer from the late 70s until the mid 90s.

David Bryden, who attended College from 1960 to 1965

Our sincere condolences to all their families and friends.

October Newsletter 2024

https://www.scarboroughcollegeosa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/OSA-Newsletter-October-2024.pdf

This term, students are benefitting from a  resurfaced netball and tennis courts, and new cricket nets. Hockey spectators and players can keep an eye on the score with the new electronic scoreboard which has been sponsored by the OSA. The next phase will be a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA)  on the site of the old cricket nets.

Some 40 plus former colleagues & pupils together with  friends from the local art community spent time reflecting on Ian’s life in Lisvane Hall. After a welcome from Annie all were free to wander amongst the many exhibits of Ian’s life – painting, photos, military figures meticulously painted, parts of a glider Ian was building and cameras covering many years. The visitors enjoyed a chance to retell memories of Ian whilst having light refreshments and a drink. All agreed that they were unaware of all of Ian’s many hobbies and passions. We produce a selection of more than 50 Facebook comments/emails about Ian.

Annette Waddington
Really sad news, I remember him as a wonderful teacher, he was very encouraging although he sometimes didn’t mince his words! Thanks to his support and belief in me, I went to art college, did a degree in interior design, and have had an incredible career as a result. My condolences to his family at this difficult time.

Miranda Percival
Sorry to hear this news. I remember Mr Parkinson’s art appreciation classes in the 70’s and they led me to a love of art I have had ever since and have brought him to my thoughts often during the subsequent years whilst visiting galleries. Thank you to him, and condolences to his family and friends.

Jeni Elise
One of my core SC memories is the smell of black coffee and ciggies whilst learning to develop negatives in the dark room.
Always gentle, patient and kind. A true role model

Mandy Harrow
Memories of ‘Parky’ striding up Filey road with a newspaper under his arm, he was a kind and gentle , lovely man R.I.P x

Peter Caton
Thank you for letting me know, and I hope you are well.
This devastating news has hit me hard. Mr Ian Parkinson was instrumental in introducing me to photography, and after a 25-year career, I have a lot to thank him for.
I have sent my condolences to his wife, Annie, and hope to be able to attend the memorial while I am in Scarborough before I head off on photo assignments in Uganda.
Please let me know when you know of any memorial dates,

David Hempsall 
Sad news indeed: Ian was a good colleague and great character. Odd that when I visited, we discussed Ian at some length and you said how his visibility had reduced recentlly. I well recall Ian’s saying that “Robert’s got it!”, a reference to Rob’s having some real flair for art and design. I remember thinking at the time: “Oh no! Not a blessed Art student!”. Well, as you know, Rob went on to study graphic design and has a very successful career in the field. Long may that continue.

Cat Walker
RIP Parky
Such a character. Kind, witty, pleasantly sarcastic, always with a twinkle in his eye! A gentleman from a bygone era, I feel blessed to have been taught art by him. He taught me everything I know about photography. Love to his family and friends x

Kester Hodgson

Parky. Thank you for your patience and dedication. You were a fabulous teacher. I was sadly not a talented student, but that didn’t seem to phase you! RIP, sir