Tony Pickering - A man you could work with

Arkwright Scholarships would not be alive and burgeoning today without the tremendous endeavours, for over a decade, of Tony Pickering.

Tony, pictured right, was Head of Pockington, and one of my Yorkshire SHA members, when we first met, through a mutual friend, Roger Kirk Head of Easingwold. "He's a man you can work with", said Roger.

'We've got a good scheme to help students and industry that I know you'll approve of, and we need your help'. That was Tony's approach to me and no doubt to hundreds of other folk. We need more schools in the North West and more maintained schools; you can get them'.

It wasn't too difficult, Arkwright is a good scheme and, to many in schools, its sells itself: but Tony had to work so hard nationally, especially with Industry.

When he retired he made his home the Arkwright office and Rosemary its hostess and catering manager; Tony gave his all.

Others could say more of his successful teaching career, his love of Rugby Football and of Bloxham School, all I can attest to is his enthusiasm, his cheerfulness, his warmth and his devotion to Arkwright; that was total.

Tony would be glad to see the scheme now in more secure professional hands; we must all build on his inspiration and his commitment.

Roger Haslam, Liaison Officer, Arkwright Scholarships Trust