I remember Beverley School’s glorious past with pride

From Clifford H Fisher

SIR. Further to your recent correspondence, as the first headmaster of Beverley School, I think it is important the achievements of the past pupils should be recorded.

First, two of the Old Boys won the Victoria Cross while serving in the RAF in the last war. They were Flying Officer (pilot) Cyril Barton and Squadron Leader Ian Bazalgette. Regretfully, both were awarded posthumously. Squadron Leader Bazalgette also won the Distinguished Flying Cross. Few schools had such achievements.

Rugby was introduced in 1964, by which time the school had grown from 300 pupils to more than 600, later reaching 1200 with a sixth form of 140.
Rugby was so successful that the school was invited to be part of the public schools sevens and were quarterfinalists on four occasions, beating such schools as Eton and Harrow.

With the successes in sport, the academic standards rose dramatically and university places at Oxford, Cambridge, Imperial College and others were achieved by the pupils.

Other sporting successes include rowing. The pupils won many trophies, including the Head of the River and rowed in the Henley Regatta.
In sailing the school won the world champioinship in the dragon class in Bombay. The trophy is still in the school.

In fencing, the school won national and international trophies on a number of occasions. Mountain climbing was another achievement. The school had two full orchestras, a big band and two choirs.

One of the greatest successes was the Parent Association, who assisted with building the boat house and old boys club.

The pupils were known for their good behaviour. Speech days were always a success and the guests of honour were of the highest calibre: ministers of the crown, and many other guests of high renown.

May Beverley's name live on forever in the minds and hearts of those pupils and parents and staff who contributed to the school I knew.