Distinguished Service Awards Presented at Alumni Lunch | News

February 18th 2026

Before the February half term, Bolton School hosted its annual Joint Old Boys’ and Old Girls’ Lunch. This year, 75 guests attended this wonderful occasion, where old friends, family and classmates from the Boys’ and Girls’ Divisions gathered to enjoy one another’s company.

The Lunch also provided an opportunity for Head of Foundation Philip Britton to present the 2026 Distinguished Service Awards to three members of the School community who have made a long-standing commitment to the School and the Old Boltonians’ and Old Girls’ Associations. These Awards celebrate the significant and sustained voluntary service of the members who help these organisations continue to thrive.

David Shaw was selected to receive the award in recognition of his six decades of service to the School and the Old Boltonians’ Association (OBA). As a former member of staff, David’s career with School spanned several Headmasters and saw him rise from physics teacher to Deputy Headmaster. He was also very much involved with the extra-curricular life of the School: his love of badminton led him to become Master in Charge of Sport, he was a member of the Choir, and was a stalwart of the Saundersfoot Camps. After retiring, he continued to serve the OBA as an Honorary member, holding the roles of Liaison Officer, Committee Member and as President (2017-18).

Margaret Allen (Class of 1957) received the 2026 award in acknowledgement of her exceptional contributions to the continued success of the Old Girls’ Association (OGA), which is deeply rooted in her family’s long and distinguished connection with Bolton School. This began with her father in the 1920s and continued through her children, grandchildren and late husband, David. The award thanks her for her six decades of continuous service to the OGA committee, and her steadfast affection for the School and the Girls’ Division.

Maureen Jones (Class of 1958) was chosen as the third recipient for her decades of exceptional service to the OGA, generously giving her time and expertise as a long-standing committee member, serving for ten years as Honorary Secretary and acting for many years as Editor of the Old Girls’ Newsletter. Her commitment to the wider School community is equally remarkable, reflected in 32 years of dedicated service as Secretary to the Headmaster of the Boys’ Division from 1979 until her retirement in 2011, during which time she supported multiple Headmasters. She was at the forefront of the developments in IT in School and played a key role in the School’s marketing through newsletters and prospectuses.

Margaret and David were presented with their Distinguished Service Awards at the lunch and were invited to say a few words.

Margaret said: “Bolton School has been my life, from my first steps - which I believe I took on the boys’ Levels on speech day - to marrying another Scoutmaster. There has also been an aunt, two brothers, a cousin, children, grandchildren, all attending Bolton School, and not least long-time friendships, at least two of those who are here today, going back with connections to 1919. So how can I accept this for myself? Thank you, from the family.”

David looked back at his more than sixty years of involvement with Bolton School, recalling happy times at Saundersfoot Camp, as Head of Badminton and of Year 9, watching Harwood House rise from eighth place in the rankings to first under his jurisdiction as Master, and as Deputy Headmaster. He said: “If I’d known in 1964 how it would all end up, to quote what people would’ve said when I was a boy where I lived: ‘I’d be reyt chuffed’!”

Though Maureen sadly was unable to attend the Lunch to accept her Distinguished Service Award, she sent a few words of acceptance: “Thank you, I am honoured to receive this award. I gave 40 years of my life to the School and I love the sticks and stones of the place. I am unable to attend the lunch myself but I am very pleased to receive what is a fitting tribute towards the end of my life and I am very grateful.”