Rank Fellowship North West Dinner
Twenty-three Rank Fellows and guests gathered at the Bolton School Arts Centre for a reception and dinner on Friday 22 June 2007. Mervyn Brooker, Head of Bolton School (Boys’ Division), welcomed guests who included Fred Packard, Chairman of The Rank Foundation, Gill Richards, Headmistress of Bolton School (Girls’ Division) and Jerry Glover MBE, Chief Executive of Bolton Lads’ and Girls’ Club.
Rank Fellows of all age groups were well represented, including current School Fellows Chris Moffatt, Rob Sharpley, Leanne McGing and Tom Oyebadejo. James Williams, orchestral manager of the Royal Northern College of Music, was able to find an understudy for the evening and it was excellent to see him there, along with Jenny Stone and old Boltonians Dave Orchard, John Conlon, Stefan Horsman and Alex Turner. Caroline Broadhurst was able to represent the Rank Executive team.
The venue was a fine illustration of what can be done with an old indoor swimming pool and the Bolton School staff looked after everyone with great warmth and hospitality. In his speech, Mervyn Brooker paid tribute to the Rank Foundation Leadership Scheme and its contribution to the all-round education which is such a feature of Bolton School. Fred Packard outlined the history of The Rank Foundation and his inception of the Fellowship. He emphasized that while the origins of the Fellowship might be in London, the establishment of regional strength was a major priority.
There was a prevalent feeling among all those present that Fellows in the North West would want to move forward with the planning of a substantial regional event. This excellent evening (appropriately, in the hull of a former swimming pool) would serve as a springboard.
Tim Young