Grovian Voices

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, Development Officer at Woodhouse Grove (st24-) Studio Technician: Jay Sunley at Woodhouse Grove (st23-) Music: Paul Corry Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

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, Development Officer at Woodhouse Grove (st24-) Studio Technician: Jay Sunley at Woodhouse Grove (st23-) Music: Paul Corry Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

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, Development Officer at Woodhouse Grove (st24-) Studio Technician: Jay Sunley at Woodhouse Grove (st23-) Music: Paul Corry Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

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, Development Officer at Woodhouse Grove (st24-) Studio Technician: Jay Sunley at Woodhouse Grove (st23-) Music: Paul Corry Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

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, Development Officer at Woodhouse Grove (st24-) Studio Technician: Jay Sunley at Woodhouse Grove (st23-) Music: Paul Corry Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

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, Development Officer at Woodhouse Grove (st24-) Studio Technician: Jay Sunley at Woodhouse Grove (st23-) Music: Paul Corry Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School