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

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