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TBGS-MADE VIOLIN FOR SALE – PROCEEDS TO OUR YOUNG MUSICIANS.

Inspire young violinists and own a piece of TBGS musical history at the same time

A TBGS alumni would like to sell a beautiful violin made by a former TBGS teacher and has very generously offered to donate the proceeds of the sale to the Music Department, in order to inspire the next generation of TBGS violinists.

The donation would allow the department to purchase a range of good quality instruments, to be made available on loan to disadvantaged students, and to fund taster events for those interested.

Young students often give up because they aren’t able to produce a good enough sound on a cheap violin.  Enabling them to play better quality instruments would help them to persevere and develop the life-long love of the instrument that I have been fortunate enough to enjoy.

The maker, John Cottrill taught at TBGS between 1917 and 1934, and made this violin in 1924 during his time here.  He was a skilled enough luthier to be included in Henley’s Dictionary of Violin Makers.

I’ve played the violin and found it to have a good tone, despite being un-played for some time, particularly in the lower and upper registers.  As with any string instrument, this would improve with regular playing.  It would be perfect for an intermediate to advanced student, or for an amateur player looking to upgrade. It would be fantastic if it ended up in the hands of a TBGS student!

The violin has recently been refurbished, and is for sale for £3000, with the £2000 remaining after refurbishment costs coming to the school.

Below are some notes on the violin from a respected local luthier.  The image is of a different John Cottrill violin.

“The violin has a hand written label:

 Hand made on True Tone Principles by  

 J.Cottrill Torquay Zeta   1924

J Cottrill made violins between 1923 and 1936. Rather than numbering his instruments he gave each a letter of the Greek alphabet, Zeta being the sixth.   

The general quality of craftsmanship of this instrument, and the selection of tonewoods, is excellent. The back of this instrument is of two pieces of maple with fine regular flame. The ribs are of the same maple. The pegbox and scroll are of maple with a similar fine figure. The scroll is neat, 

symetrical and well proportioned. The belly of this violin is carved from fine grained spruce. The f holes are neatly carved, quite upright, with the lower wings fluted. Both plates are neatly inlaid with a single line of purfling set close to the edges. The beestings are elegant. This violin is finished with a soft warm orange­brown varnish over a golden ground, which is in very good condition with some fine craquelure.” 

If you are interested in purchasing this instrument and would like to view and play it, please contact me Chris Eastman (Head of Music):  ceastman@tbgs.torbay.sch.uk

TBGS SWAT Model UN for Primary Schools

After the successful Model UN simulation during the last academic year where the whole school debated the issue of Climate Change, we decided that the opportunity should be provided to students in our local primary schools as the Model UN simulation allows young people to gain a broader awareness of the world and to learn key life skills such as communication.

Four of our local primary schools sent a team of year 5 and 6 students to participate in the simulation and it was a fantastic experience for all involved. The simulation was led by a team TBGS students ranging from year 9 to year 13 who supported the young students every step of the way and as a result, a fascinating and challenging debate occurred!

At the end of the debate, a resolution was found to solve the issue of climate change with each country represented by the primary schools willing to work together and compromise. We look forward to running another Model UN simulation next year!

 

Torbay Art Show Raises £7k For School

The inaugural Torbay Art Show exceeded everyone’s expectations and raised a phenomenal amount of money towards the refurbishment of Torquay Boys’ Grammar School Sixth Form Centre. Over 1,000 people visited the event with overwhelmingly positive feedback.

Headteacher, Mr Lawrence, said of the event, ‘It was wonderful to see so many people at Torquay Boys’ Grammar School for the Torbay Art Show last weekend. Our Cavanna Centenary Hall was transformed into a fantastic exhibition space for the high-quality art on show from around 70 artists, as well as our own very talented students. The feedback on the show has been exceptionally positive and I would to thank the sponsors for their support and, in particular, the Parents’ Association for all of their hard work which enabled the show to take place.’

The Centre, a hub for the sixth form students, offers a unique area where study and socialising work alongside each other. The investment will see the Centre taking on a brighter, more spacious appearance with computer and study rooms for unsupervised learning and a new café style area where students can socialise and relax. The new Centre will lend itself to the wider Torbay Community as a venue for meetings, clubs and other activities.

This event exists due to the support of some prominent local businesses, including main sponsor Cavanna Homes, Tolchards, St. David’s Equine and Artizan Gallery. We would like to extend our thanks to all the sponsors who have embraced our idea and supported us with their generous investments. Thanks also go to the numerous companies that donated to the raffle.

For those who weren’t able to make the show, there are still works of art available from the art-hub which can be accessed at www.torbayartshow.co.uk if you’re quick!

© Guy Newman. 12.10.2018. Keith Miller, MD of Cavanna Homes who sponsored the Art Show at Torquay Boys Grammar with L-R Lisa Creswell, PTA Organiser & Peter Lawrence, Head Teacher.

 

 

 

 

 

Families, Schools, Agencies, Organisations, Health Professionals and Councillors coming together to enable Families to Flourish

Wednesday 17^th October saw Torquay Boys` Grammar School, with the support and sponsorship of Wollen Michelmore LLP solicitors and Councillor Jackie Hook, host a free event that brought together over 200 people, consisting of Families, Schools, Agencies, Organisations and Health Professionals with a view to address the issues facing young people and their families today.

The focus was Family Support and Emotional Well-Being: 38 agencies and organisations were represented covering a huge range of issues from Drugs, Sex and Relationships, Online-safety, The Law, Emotional Well-being, to Community Sport and Activities.

Three key-note speakers gave talks through the evening providing insight, support and guidance: Rupert Chapman, of Magdalen Chambers, presented on parental responsibility and working with the authorities to provide a nurturing environment for families, whilst Chris Evans, a parent of a former student of Torquay Boys` Grammar School who sadly died from a drug overdose, shared her emotional and powerful story, giving insight and guidance to parents on communicating with their children, emphasising the importance of education and open dialogue surrounding drugs. Spencer Akerman and Phil Walker, Child Sexual Exploitation Analysts for the Southwest Regional Organised Crime Unit provided an informative talk and advice on online safety for young people and their families.

The event was open to all parents of primary and secondary schools across Torbay, Teignbridge and South Devon, as a rare opportunity to have a cross-section of support for families in one room alongside the ability to network with other families.

The event fits with the recent publication of the Transforming Children and Young People’s Mental Health, highlighting the increasing need to support the young people in our community, and at a time of economic difficulties for families and education alike, it is imperative that we do all we can to offer advice and support to young people.

Health and Well-being Boards for South Devon and Torbay have ratified the local transformation plan to develop Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Organisers of the event, Rhys Davies and Sharon Walker said, “At Torquay Boys’ Grammar School, we wholeheartedly support the plan, and support our partner agencies in their initiatives to drive this forward.

“We take our responsibility to safeguard our young people seriously and recognise the importance of working collaboratively with families, agencies and anyone else involved the wellbeing of our young people.

“We would like to thank all those who attended, particularly the agencies and organisations, our key-note speakers and our sponsors, Wollen Michelmore.

“We feel that it is important that families are provided with further information on the pressures faced by their children and are able to use the content of the evening to have conversations at home about potentially sensitive issues in the knowledge that a consistent message of ‘making informed choices’ is being conveyed.”

Another event is already in the planning for next year. The hope is to provide a consistent and shared message to help young people and their families stay safe, healthy and happy.

 

Star Achievements

Prize winners and their families joined us to celebrate student achievements at the annual Lower-School Celebration Evening on 20^th September.

 

 

 

 

 

The evening started with a Jazz performance by year 11 trio Rob Harrison, Kit Oliver-Stevens and Austin Incles, before Heads of House awarded certificates and gold lapel stars, with a personal message to each student awarded in their house.

Awards were given for Endeavour, Progress, Attainment and Resilience: over 100 students from last year’s years 7-10 were individually congratulated at the event.

The evening was a testament to the school’s house system, demonstrating just how well students are known by our Heads of House, and how a nurturing pastoral system is core to the school.

Congratulations to all students on their awards.