This year saw the inauguration of Distinguished Service Awards for alumni. These are given to former pupils of the School in recognition of the time and commitment they have given to the Old Boltonians’ Association (OBA) and Old Girls’ Association (OGA).
The first pair of Distinguished Service Awards were presented to Carol Haslam (née Bosner, Class of 1966) and ‘honorary Old Boy’ Charles Winder, both of whom have given many years of service to the School’s alumni organisations.
Both Carol and Charles were selected in recognition of their sustained commitment to developing the inter-generational connections between the School, its Alumni and its Former Staff: efforts which have had a hugely positive impact. Their dedication towards and love for the School has remained undimmed over a great many years, and therefore they were worthy recipients of the inaugural Distinguished Service Awards.
Philip Britton, Bolton School’s Head of Foundation, was delighted to present the awards to Carol and Charles at the Annual Joint Lunch, where they were surrounded by many friends, colleagues and family members. Speaking about the Awards, he said:
“The Distinguished Service Awards are a wonderful way for us to honour those Old Boys and Old Girls who have made a long-standing commitment to the Old Boltonians’ and Old Girls’ Associations. The continued success of these organisations is entirely thanks to the voluntary endeavours and enduring dedication of their members, over many years, and these Awards allow us to recognise their significant and sustained service.”
A further three Distinguished Service Awards were presented in the summer term.
Martin Wadsworth, another ‘honorary Old Boy’ and former member of staff, received his Award in May. Martin has been involved Bolton School for over five decades: first as a teacher in the Boys’ Division, where he took on many roles across sporting and extra-curricular activities; then as a sergeant; as a support to the Development Team; and still as a committee member of the OBA.
Gwynneth Nightingale (née Kirk, Class of 1953), who received her Award in June, has been a staunch supporter of the School for over seven decades. She is a regular at lunches and has family connections to School from her late brother (Roger Kirk, Class of 1949) and husband (William Nightingale, Class of 1944) as well as her children and grandchildren; her son Barry Nightingale (Class of 1979) is the current President of the OBA.
Jean Howarth (née Lever, Class of 1961) was also recognised for her unwavering support of the OGA, including her role as Chairman from 2005-2010, and her commitment to the School throughout her life. She sadly passed away before receiving her award, but it was posthumously presented to her sons, Simon (Class of 1981) and Nick (Class of 1989), by Head of Girls’ Division Mrs Lynne Kyle in June. Both of them spoke of Jean’s delight at being chosen for the award shortly before her passing.
Carol Haslam and Charles Winder:
Martin Wadsworth:
Gwynneth Nightingale:
