Roger Horsfield 2019

ROGER HORSFIELD (BBGS 1947- 1954)

I arrived at BBGS in the autumn of 1947, via Victoria Infants and Junior school.

At BBGS it was at times confusing, being taught French phonetics and Latin Grammar, before we knew what these were in English.

Games were utter misery, having been very short sighted from an early age and being forbidden, as were all of us with poor vision, to wear spectacles for games, I was unable to see even a football and playing cricket was terrifying. This was not helped by the games master, Bob Horne. He belittled all of those who couldn’t see what was happening on the pitch. This was ended by the arrival of an enlightened master who gave us the alternative of cross country running which we all accepted.

The Sixth Form was an enormous improvement. For the first time we were treated as human beings and the teachers were great. Jack Spry and Doug Lewis for Chemistry, Pim Lawton for Physics, Buster Davies for Maths and Fred Robinson for Biology, in the then new Biology department.

The encouragement I had from the latter was outstanding. I passed my “O” level Biology from scratch in 18 months, and gained a distinction at “A” level a year later.

Outside school the discussion group that was held at Chris King’s house at Thwaite Flat was much appreciated. Official relations with the school next door were virtually non-existent. A prefect’s dance and the annual hockey match were about it. The common meeting grounds were, in my case, at least the Furness Cricket Club Saturday night dance, and the post St Paul’s Sunday Evening Service walk along Abbey Road.

From school I progressed to the University of Manchester to read Pharmacy, which led to a career in industry, culminating as Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Ayrton Saunders plc. After retiring from there, I set up a Pharmacy Locum agency which kept me occupied for several years.

Whilst at BBGS I became interested in shooting, and joined the Home Guard Rifle Club based at Holker Street Drill Hall. As soon as I was 18 I joined the Home Guard and not only did I get free ammunition, but the chance to shoot different weapons, including various types of machine gun. 

When I went to Manchester I transferred to the Officers Training Corp and was eventually commissioned into the King’s Own Royal Regiment (TA). I must have liked it as I completed 43 years’ service, ending as a Major in the Royal Army Medical Corps (TA).

I kept up with my shooting, gaining my University Colours. I shot for Lancashire, Cheshire, City of Manchester, English Universities and the Territorial Army National teams. I still go to Bisley several times a year, last winning a medal a couple of years ago at the Imperial Meeting.

Like my son Martin, I am a Liveryman of the Worshipful Company of Gun-makers and a Freeman of the City of London. This involves quite a busy social calendar, which always includes good food and excellent wine!