Grovian Voices

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In this episode, current Year 12 Sixth Form students Michaella and Harry take over the mic for a relaxed and honest conversation about Sixth Form life at The Grove.

They kick things off with a warm introduction - sharing a bit about who they are, their interests and some fun ice-breakers (including their dream holiday destinations).

The duo then dives into their personal experiences:

• Their journey since joining The Grove
• The subjects they're studying now
• How they've found school life so far
• The recent exam season and how they handled it

Michaella and Harry also open up about the positives and challenges of Sixth Form life - from managing the workload to finding coping mechanisms that work. And finally, they look ahead to the future, chatting about their hopes and plans for life after The Grove - whether that’s university, career goals, or something totally different.

Plus, don’t miss their spin on the Podcast Quick Fire Questions - a fun, fast-paced round to get to know them even better!

Tune in to hear their journey, insights and a few laughs along the way!

Your Host: Eve Corry, Head of Development & Alumni Relations at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

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In this special on-the-road episode, host Eve travels to the beautiful town of Keswick, Cumbria, accompanied by Sam Cadman (’89–’96, st10-), Director of Marketing and Commerce at Woodhouse Grove School. Sam, who has known Mary Webster from her previous visits to The Grove, joined Eve for this memorable meeting in Mary’s home.

Mary is the daughter of George Leslie Grainge (Woodhouse Grove, 1922-29), an Old Grovian and rugby league star who left an indelible mark both on the field and in the hearts of those who knew him. Les Grainge (1910-1983) was a powerful winger for Bradford Northern and earned an England cap in a narrow 17-15 win over France in Paris, 1938. Decades earlier, he had already distinguished himself at Woodhouse Grove as Head Prefect, Victor Ludorum (twice) and captain of the rugby, cricket and lacrosse teams.

In 2013, Mary returned to The Grove to officially open the Grainge 3G Pitch, named in honour of her father’s enduring legacy. In this episode, recorded in Keswick, she shares personal stories from her father’s life and recalls a familiar quote he would often write in the front of his schoolbooks, offering a quiet yet telling glimpse into his character.

In this episode:

• Reflections from Mary Webster on her father’s life, school days and sporting achievements
• The story behind the naming of the Grainge 3G Pitch at Woodhouse Grove
• A handwritten quote from Les’s textbooks that reveals a piece of who he was

 Listen now - wherever you are in the world! 

Your Host: Eve Corry, Head of Development & Alumni Relations at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

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 “David McCarthy epitomised the aspiration of the school to create rounded individuals and capable citizens.” – 'Xaipete' Woodhouse Grove: The First 200 Years by Nigel Watson

In this rich and reflective episode of Grovian Voices, we welcome Mr David McCarthy (53-92), a true giant in the history of Woodhouse Grove School. With nearly four decades of service (1953–1992), David was not only a dedicated teacher of English, Assistant Housemaster for Vinter and eventually Deputy Head, but also a tireless force behind the school’s transformation in academics, arts, music and sport.

A graduate of Cambridge University, David first set foot in The Grove in Autumn 1953 as a young teaching practice student. He would go on to become one of Dr Pritchard’s earliest appointments and a pivotal figure through the headships of both Dr Pritchard and David Miller.

Join us as we explore the life and legacy of a man who helped shape generations of Grovians - not just through his teaching, but through his tireless dedication to developing well-rounded individuals prepared for life beyond the school gates.

Your Host: Eve Corry, Head of Development & Alumni Relations at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

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In this lively episode, we’re joined by Michelle Phillips (86-88), a former sixth-form boarder and her brother James Phillips (84-93), a weekly boarder at Brontë House who later became a full-time boarder at The Grove.

Both siblings share fond memories of their time at Woodhouse Grove - Michelle’s favourite teachers were Dr Wilson, Heather Senior and Roger Howard, while James remembers David Wood and Keith Jones as key influences during his school days.

Michelle Phillips left school in 1988 and began her career in healthcare, starting with nursing at the Royal Free Hospital in London. She later became the school nurse at Rydal School and in 1997, founded Carelink Homecare Services Ltd, a domiciliary care agency providing support for older people living with dementia and end-of-life care. Today, her company employs 150 staff and Michelle’s passion for healthcare continues to shine. In addition to her professional career, Michelle was appointed a School Governor in August 2022, where she brings her leadership and healthcare experience to benefit the school community.

James Phillips carved out a unique career path, spending a decade working for Michael Eavis at Worthy Farm, home to the world-famous Glastonbury Festival. James is now the proud owner of six bars at the festival, which has made him an integral part of the event's success. In 2006, James co-founded the Old Grovians Rugby Team with John Hinchcliffe and he remains an active supporter of the Grove community. Outside of his festival work, James enjoys rugby, golf and long walks with his dog, Winnie, in the stunning Yorkshire countryside. His connection to Woodhouse Grove continues, with his son Charles now attending the school.

Michelle lives in the Yorkshire Dales with her husband, Greg, their 22-year-old son, Harri, and a lively menagerie of animals. From her business and governance roles to her bustling family life, Michelle embodies a balance of energy, dedication and connection to both her community and the natural world.

Join us as Michelle and James share their fascinating journeys, from their days at Woodhouse Grove to their diverse careers and family life today. This episode is full of inspiring stories and insights you won’t want to miss!

Your Host: Eve Corry, Head of Development & Alumni Relations at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

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In this episode, we sit down with Dan Nulty, proud Old Grovian, the current Chair of the Old Grovian Association and lifelong supporter of Woodhouse Grove School. Dan shares a rich and personal story that began when he joined the Grove as a boarder in 1990 at just 11 years old, after attending seven different primary schools due to his father’s Army career. Originally bound for Rishworth, fate and a fee hike led him instead to Woodhouse Grove, where he spent seven formative years.

Dan reflects on his time as a student: excelling in sports with first-team honours in squash, cricket, rugby and tennis; earning school colours in squash and rugby; and taking on leadership roles as Head of Vinter House and School Prefect. He also reminisces about his theatrical moments on stage in The Importance of Being Earnest and Was He Anyone.

After school, Dan embarked on a successful 16-year career in banking with NatWest before switching paths into dental sales, where he’s spent the past seven years. We also hear how he met his wife Emma at Lancaster University - who now happens to be Deputy Head at Woodhouse Grove! The Grove connection runs deep, with their children currently in Years 9 and 12 at the school.

Dan talks about balancing family life, coaching his son's rugby team at Ilkley, cheering from the sidelines at school matches and sneaking in the occasional round of golf.

This is a story of loyalty, leadership and legacy and how one man’s school experience came full circle - continuing to shape not only his own life but now the lives of his children.

Your Host: Eve Corry, Head of Development & Alumni Relations at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

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In this episode, we are joined by Giles Manchester (72-82), an experienced GP with a wealth of knowledge in the medical field. Born in Bradford on January 17, 1964, Giles was the eldest of four siblings. His father was a GP and his mother was a domestic science teacher, setting the stage for a life dedicated to service and care.

Giles' educational journey began at Undercliffe Primary School before moving to Brontë House and later Woodhouse Grove. Though he didn’t initially meet the grades for medical school at 18, he pursued a degree in Applied Zoology at Bangor University in North Wales. After graduating, he spent a couple of years travelling and working, including a transformative experience at a leprosy hospital in India. Inspired by the doctors there, he returned to the UK to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.

Giles went on to study at University College and Middlesex School of Medicine in London, where he won a physiology prize in his first year. After graduating, he moved back to Yorkshire, where he worked in Harrogate and Bradford hospitals before training as a GP. In 1998, he took over his father's GP practice in Bradford, where he worked for six years.

In 2004, Giles moved to Alwoodley, Leeds, to work in a new practice. Over the years, he has worked as a General Practitioner, a police doctor and provided out-of-hours services. In 2016, he spearheaded the development of new practice premises and successfully merged with another practice to expand services.

Outside of his professional achievements, Giles is a proud father of two sons. He is passionate about the great outdoors, enjoys a round of golf and has a deep love for music, which provides him with a well-rounded balance to his busy career.

Join us as Giles shares his inspiring journey from zoology to medicine, his work in both the UK and abroad and his ongoing dedication to improving patient care.

Your Host: Eve Corry, Head of Development & Alumni Relations at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

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In this nostalgic and inspiring episode, we sit down with Stephen Lai (91-95), a former boarder from Hong Kong. Now the Managing Director of the Hong Kong Poker Players Association, Stephen shares his remarkable journey from school days in West Yorkshire to the misunderstood world of professional poker. 

Stephen reflects with fondness on his time at Woodhouse Grove, sharing memories of teachers, academic life, sports, lasting friendships, surprisingly good gourmet options and integrating into boarding life as a foreign student.

Stephen speaks about how Woodhouse Grove fostered key character traits, what he calls “the Bourgeois Virtues”, sparking a curiosity that drives him to connect dots between logic, mathematics and the arts and condense it all into a fulfilling life with strong relationships, healthy risks, sharp strategies and integrity. 

Stephen shares his deep connection with England, in particular the North. He lived in several different places after leaving the Grove and England’s North left a deep and lasting impression, instilling a love of music, wry sense of humour, a culture of toughness and endurance and many fond memories of match days at Goodison Park. 

That resilience forged in the North perhaps served him well as he entered the misunderstood world of professional poker. We dive deep into the psychology of poker, the resilience needed to navigate risk and the disciplined routines that keep him sharp.

Listen now and be inspired by a story of friendship, passion, resilience and the power of saying "yes".

Your Host: Eve Corry, Head of Development & Alumni Relations at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

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Michelle Howard (st22-) is the Energy and Sustainability Officer at Woodhouse Grove, a unique role within the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST). It was a pioneering position at The Grove and Michelle is the first to hold this role.

Originally from Bermuda, Michelle still considers it home, as much of her family resides there. Michelle’s boarding school experience began after completing her GCSEs in Bermuda, when she spent two years studying at a boarding school near Toronto, Canada. Due to the lack of degree-granting institutions in Bermuda, she moved abroad for higher education, attending the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. There, she studied Political Science with a minor in Economics.

Before taking on her role at The Grove, Michelle had a varied career, including her most recent position as a Procurement Specialist at IDEXX Laboratories. The Covid pandemic led to a career shift and she embraced the opportunity to help make The Grove a more sustainable school, drawing on her skills in analysis and negotiation.

In addition to her professional role, Michelle is deeply passionate about nature, animals and the ocean - a love that stems from growing up on an island. Although she now resides in Yorkshire, miles from the beach, she remains deeply connected to these interests. Michelle lives in Otley with her husband and two daughters and can often be found walking on the Chevin. She is also an active member of her local Otley community, participating in various local activities.

Michelle’s work in sustainability is a natural extension of her personal values and her deep commitment to the environment.

Tune in and enjoy this episode! We’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to reach out and share your feedback. 

Your Host: Eve Corry, Head of Development & Alumni Relations at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Roger Howard (71-78, st82-) reflects on his school days, recounting memorable Rugby Tours and his time working at The Grove. 

Roger also shares his deep passion for the importance of giving back, highlighting the various ways Old Grovians can support the school. From offering career insight talks to making financial contributions through the Woodhouse Grove School Foundation, Roger emphasises the meaningful opportunities to help drive the school’s continued growth and success. 

At the age of 11, Roger arrived at The Grove as a boarder in 1971, where he stayed until 1978. 

In 1982, Roger kicked off his career at Woodhouse Grove as an assistant teacher, supporting a rugby programme while teaching various subjects at both The Grove and Brontë House. He also served as a resident boarding tutor in Vinter House and took on the role of Form Teacher. Over the years, Roger's influence grew as he took on key roles, including Housemaster and Director of Sport and PE, later expanding to Director of Sport, PE & Partnerships. His leadership saw the department flourish, with enhanced facilities and valuable partnerships with local organisations such as Bradford City and Bradford Bulls.

Roger’s passion for rugby was evident at every level - district, county and national. He served as Head Coach for Yorkshire U16, North of England U16 and U18 and contributed to the development of England's U18 squad as part of a coaching panel. 

For two years, Roger also worked as a coaching consultant to help establish the Leeds Tykes professional academy (now Yorkshire Academy). In 2019, he was recognised with the prestigious ERFSU Service to Schools Rugby Award by England Rugby.

Even after stepping down as Director of Sport in 2017, Roger stayed active, continuing to coach rugby. He later embraced a new challenge as Director of the Woodhouse Grove Foundation, a role that concluded with the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Today, Roger remains a part-time rugby coach, still shaping the future of the school's senior programme.

Tune in and enjoy this episode! We’d love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to reach out and share your feedback. 

Your Host: Eve Corry, Head of Development & Alumni Relations at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

Send us Fan Mail

With Guest Interviewers: Hisham & Mia, Head Boy & Head Girl from Brontë House. 

Welcome to the very first episode of the Grovian Voices Podcast, where we share the stories of Grovians past and present, celebrating the legacy of Woodhouse Grove School and the incredible people who have walked its halls.

In our inaugural episode, we’re delighted to be joined by Roger Davy (47-57), a distinguished Grovian whose life has been defined by service, leadership and a deep passion for community and culture.

Born in Ilkley on July 28, 1938, Roger grew up with two older brothers, Keith and Peter. The Davy family’s strong connection to Woodhouse Grove dates back to 1938.

In June 1964, Roger married Barbara. They have one son, a Grovian, and three daughters. Roger and Barbara have eight grandchildren, four boys and four girls.

For over 30 years, Roger worked in the family textile business in Bradford, eventually becoming the Managing Director. But his impact extended far beyond the business world. Roger served at the Bradford Magistrate’s Court for more than 30 years, with a particular focus on Youth Courts and he became Chairman of the Bradford Bench in 1999 and 2000.

Roger was a dedicated Governor at Woodhouse Grove for over 25 years, a Vice Chairman for three years. He served as President of the Ilkley Playhouse for six years and worked behind the scenes as a stage manager, overseeing 16 bi-annual productions at the Minack Theatre in Cornwall.

In addition to his love for theatre, Roger has a deep interest in history and English literature, and he enjoys writing about family history. He’s also involved in the Old Grovian Association, where he regularly contributes to Хαίρετε, the Newsletter of the Old Grovian Association.

In this episode, Roger reflects on his journey from his early days at Woodhouse Grove to becoming a pivotal figure in both the business and community sectors. He shares insights on the importance of family, service, education and staying connected to one’s roots.

We couldn’t think of a better way to kick off the Grovian Voices Podcast than with someone who embodies the values that make Woodhouse Grove so special.

Tune in to hear Roger’s inspiring story.

Thank you for joining us on this exciting first episode of the Grovian Voices Podcast! 

Your Host: Eve Corry, Head of Development & Alumni Relations at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School