Old Rips president's lasting legacy
As we convey our huge debt of gratitude to Old Rips president Derek Crookes, standing down after 13 years of service, he looks back on his time at Ripon Grammar School which, he says, gave him so much and opened up so many possibilities
WHEN Dr Crookes joined the Old Riponians committee in 2013, he saw it as an opportunity to give something back.
He left RGS in 1971 for the University of Manchester, where he obtained first class chemistry degree, then a PhD in organic chemistry, and went on to enjoy a successful career in chemical research.
The most important lesson he learnt at RGS, where he took A-levels in chemistry, physics, maths and general studies, is, he says: “When you give your best effort, you can achieve.”
During Dr Crookes’s 13 years of Old Rips service, he was renowned for his energy and enthusiasm, organising a huge number of school reunions and sporting events and masterminding the digitisation of the RGS archives, containing currently 36,000 of documents, photographs and articles, a major and ongoing task.
Headmaster Jonathan Webb said: “I would like to thank Derek for all the work he has done, especially as president: supporting and organising Old Rips reunions, maintaining the Old Rips database, keeping the school archives up to date, as well as forwarding the school newsletter and fundraising appeals.
“During Derek’s tenure, Old Riponian membership has grown considerably. Derek’s work has ensured that the Old Riponians’ Association’s mission – to keep Old Rips connected with each other and with the school – has been fulfilled.
“We all owe him a huge debt of gratitude.”
Dr Crookes said: “My thanks go to all the committee members over the last 13 years who have devoted their time and enthusiasm to making the Old Riponians’ Association prosper and open to all.
“Special thanks to the year group members who managed to shepherd and ‘press gang’ their friends into a reunion to reconnect with the school.”
His message to all past pupils is: “I encourage you to stay involved with RGS, whether by organising or attending reunions, supporting school events, or simply reaching out to old friends.
“Reconnecting with your year groups is a wonderful way to celebrate the friendships and memories we all share."
Q: What was your dream when you were at school?
A: My hope was to be able to develop the skills to have a career in science.
Q: Who were your favourite teachers and why?
A: David Postlethwaite (chemistry) was always on top of his subject. He had a focused approach to ensure his A-level groups would be successful. For example, in my A-level year, 18 out of a class of 22 achieved grade As.
John Allinson (mathematics) as with David, John had mastery of his subject and the personal skills to pass on his knowledge.
Q: What do you wish you’d known back then?
A: Be confident
Q: What led you to a career in chemistry?
A: While at RGS, chemistry was also a bit of a hobby for me. Back in the 1960s, it was surprisingly easy to order almost any chemical by post except the cyanides.
When I finished my PhD at the University of Manchester in 1978, I had to think about working for a living and found a job in chemical research and unbelievably, they didn’t sack me over the next 30 years.
I rose through the ranks from the fume cupboard to become a research director ( this pretentious title came following a company merger with the Americans!).
Chemistry inspired me as engineering on a molecular scale to solve the scientific challenges on how to build molecules. I was again fortunate to be in teams where we produced products on an industrial scale.
Latterly, with the rise of computer technologies, I led a multidisciplinary team to deliver robotic systems to carry out chemical syntheses.
In my late 50s, I took the early retirement option and moved back to Yorkshire. Like many others, I miss the interactions with colleagues, but I did not miss the bureaucracy.
Q: What has been your biggest challenge?
A: I lost a year of education in Manchester after being hit on my motorbike by a drunk driver. This experience does makes you think and feel grateful for having a second chance.
Q: What extra-curricular activities were you involved in while at RGS and how valuable were they?
A: I enjoyed playing rugby although due to my concerns about getting hurt, I only played for the First XV once.
Wearing spectacles, sports where I could see the ball helped, so tennis was a favourite, but particularly I loved hockey, which I continued to play into my thirties.
Mr Locke was our games master, for some unknown reason he had me in the tennis team and captain of the Second XV.
In my recent role building the RGS electronic archives, I discovered that the Riponian magazine reports that both teams lost every match. I am looking into AI programs to change history.
Living in West Tanfield, I also spent many hours fishing in the River Ure.
Q: What did you miss most about Ripon when you left the area?
A: You don’t need to be Einstein to see the real benefits of living in Yorkshire after spending 30 years near the M25.
Q: What has been your greatest success?
A: At the end of the day, what truly matters is having helped raise a family and being fortunate enough to enjoy good health."
Q: And biggest disaster?
A: Agreeing to do this article!
Ripon Grammar School, 16 Clotherholme Road, Ripon, North Yorkshire, HG4 2DG
Tel: 01765 602 647
E: admin@ripongrammar.com
