Celebrating 70 years of the Deeley Family at Bloxham
Michael joined the school in the post-war years in 1952 and boarded in Wilson until 1956 when he left to work in the family business, Manor Farm, in Launton, Oxfordshire. The family have been farming the area for over 350 years. Michael still lives in the village with his wife Audrey, and they have recently celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary, receiving a card from HM King Charles III. For several decades, the Deeley family have been, and continue to be, a constant and huge part of Bloxham’s community. Michael has a number of cousins, children and grandchildren who are OBs and some who are still at Bloxham today.
I’ve always enjoyed helping the school; as an Old Bloxhamist, as a Governor and as an Egerton Society member. Bloxham has been a big part of my life, ever since I left and my closest friends are local farming families who are also Old Bloxhamists – we all see each other quite regularly.
Recognising his commitment to further the development and advancement of the School, while upholding its special values, Michael was appointed School Governor, a position he held for a record 22 years. “Being a School Governor was a position I enjoyed and meant a lot to me as I had the privilege of seeing the School from different angles, including the finances, not just ensuring excellent teaching standards and improving the offering for pupils. As a Governor one of the roles was ‘assessing’ the lessons and a memory which particularly stands out was sitting in one of the late Nigel Furley’s Geography lessons. He was such an excellent teacher and it was so interesting and I was always sorry when the bell rung signalling the end of the class. In my time, there was just a blackboard and white chalk which was, comparatively, all a bit boring.
“During these years as a Governor, Bloxham developed in leaps and bounds and there were many advances, notably the introduction of girls, starting with just 30 girls and in no time at all there were over 100. Through being a Governor I got to know well the Bursar, Nigel Halfpenny (Staff 86-10) and knew there was need for a hockey pitch. I had just sold some farmland and wanted to help. I knew a couple of Old Bloxhamists who I thought would also been keen to help and after just a couple of calls, it was job done: we funded the Astro turf pitches. It is wonderful to know how much use the School has had from the Astro not just for hockey, but tennis too – a real multipurpose facility.”
Like many Bloxham students, sport played a big part in Michael’s school life, enjoying the gym, rugby, cricket, tennis and golf. “It was as an Old Bloxhamist that I continued playing sport and getting together with old friends and forging new friendships. Playing OB rugby was always fun and I particularly remember a match in London against Hurstpierpont as John Hartley (Wf 45-54), a dear friend, captained the team. I also started the OB squash team and played in the annual cricket and tennis festivals.
Favourite subject? Biology. I found it interesting as it was the closest subject to farming and therefore useful to me as I knew my path was into the family business.
Favourite food? In the 1950s the food was not like it is today! Mealtimes were never something we particularly looked forward to, but that was just a sign of rationing and the times in post-war England.
Favourite place? The Egerton Library was special to me, as was the Gym – sports have always been a big part of my life. Boarding was very different to how it is today, in my time it wasn’t unusual for there to be 24 in a dorm. I wonder what the children there today would think of that!
Favourite activity? In my final year I was appointed at Chairman of the School’s Young Farmers’ Club and have fond memories of the Young Farmers’ Rally, judging sheep and cattle in Oxford. The Gould Club was where we went to play games like table tennis and have fun together. In those days everyone was in the CCF; I got to Corporal level and at the time Major Gibbs was in charge. It was very strict as most of the Masters had returned from war and become teachers.
What is most special about Bloxham? The good atmosphere. There has always been a good atmosphere, even in the pretty tough post-war times, we still had fun together and continue to do so today. Friendship is what makes Bloxham unique – the Old Bloxhamist Society is so important to keep up the links and to keep everyone together.
When I have been able to, helping the School has been a big part of my life. As well as in many other ways, in 2010, along with the late Peter Barwell (Wf 45-53) we founded the School’s legacy club, The Egerton Society, and this now has over 50 members who have all pledged to leave a gift to the School in their Will. We must keep the success of the School going through supporting the academic opportunities and assisting with bursary funding where appropriate. It is also the Old Bloxhamist Society that is so important – the OB events help to keep that connection with the School and to ensure that friendships stand the test of time.
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