Short Stories - The Old Bostonian (12/2003)

Rower Chris Thomas returned from an international meeting with a bronze medal. The 18 year-old Boston Rowing Club member represented Britain. Chris competed in the Munich International Regatta where he finished in fourth place in the Cox Fours and picked up a bronze medal in the Coxless Fours. He was selected to represent Britain after attending a training camp where teams were selected. Boston Grammar School student Chris said: "I've been to training camps before but this is the first time I've represented the country. To get the bronze feels good." Chris has been rowing for three years and names winning the Pair's Head event – along the Oxford/Cambridge boat race course – with Alex Green of Boston College, as his other proudest achievement to date.

Jason Simpson (BGS 1992-1998), a Corporal in the Royal Electrical Engineers, has been in the British Army for five years. As a Controlled Equipment Technician he repairs and maintains the electronic systems on armoured vehicles. Jason is on his second operational tour in Iraq with the 26th Regiment Royal Artillery. His first tour was with the 3rd Royal Horse Artillery during the initial conflict.

Stuart Wright (BGS 1986-1993) completed his Bachelor of Science in Technology and Environmental studies with the Open University in January 2003. The certificate ceremony took place at Ely Cathedral in May. These studies built upon his Higher National Diploma in Automotive Technology and Management from Loughborough Technical College. The four-year study programme was supported by Lotus Engineering, his employer of six years. His current role of Resident Powertrain Engineer has taken him on many assignments all over Europe and Scandinavia. Currently his work is based just outside Frankfurt in Germany with an Automotive Joint Engineering Venture to Russia for the next 18 months. Stuart is the eldest son of Alan and Christine Wright of Sibsey.

New graduate Robert Brocklesby received a record five university awards during his time at Loughborough, including the Business School final year prize for best overall degree mark. Robert, 25, is the only son of John and Shirley Brocklesby, of Bradford Road, Boston and he attended Staniland Primary and Boston Grammar Schools. He gained a first class BSc honours degree in retail management. As part of his course he worked for a year with Reebok UK and has been asked to return to the company’s sales planning department to work in sales analysis and forecasting. He is now based in Lancaster.

A career in law looks to be on the cards for Simon Kenneally. The former Wrangle County Primary and Boston Grammar School pupil graduated from the University of East Anglia with an Honours degree in law. Simon took his course at Norwich Law School, based at the university, where he is now reading employment law.

Richard Holmes, 22, who attended Hawthorn Tree and Boston Grammar Schools, has graduated with a BA honours degree in graphic design from Norwich School of Art and Design. Richard, who also spent a year at De Montfort University’s Lincoln School of Applied Art and Design, is the only son of Ron and Jean Holmes of Kenleigh Drive, Boston.

Boston Grammar School old boy Alan Tree has been awarded a Master of Education degree after four years of part-time study with the Open University. Alan, who works at North Sea Camp, specialised in aspects of adult education. He said: “At times it was quite a juggling act fitting in the study with the demands of home life and work, but the hard work was worth it and the sense of achievement is very rewarding”. “My new knowledge and understanding have already had an impact on my work.”