The President - Jan Schofield

Jan came to Bedford from Pensby School on the Wirral in 1978. She was amongst the first cohort of physical education students to be accommodated at Polhill and, except for second subject geography lectures, cycled daily to Lansdowne for lectures. Graduating with a B.Ed. (Hons.), and having led a Guide company whilst at College, she was selected to represent Guiding UK at an international camp and as a spectator at the Commonwealth Games in Brisbane in September 1982. She travelled around Australia for six months before returning to the Bedford area to take up her first teaching post at Sandy Upper School, Bedfordshire. She maintained strong links with College, initially as a school mentor with Bedford students on teaching practice/experience; later as an External Examiner, involved in Under Graduate interviews, leading workshops, the occasional lecture and chairing the 14-19 staff meetings. At Sandy, she held posts as Assistant Head of Year and Head of Physical Education department before leaving after nine years to backpack round the world for 18 months.....read more

Returning to work in Bedfordshire schools, she was seconded two-days a week (whilst teaching and holding senior leadership roles at Sharnbrook and Biddenham Upper Schools) she held posts with a range of education organisations. These included: Regional Co-ordinator with the Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network (ASDAN) a curriculum development organisation and awarding body; Ofsted Inspector for Higher Education Secondary Initial Teacher Education; Practitioner-Researcher with the Teacher Development Agency (TDA); and National Coordinator for Applied Learning with the Specialist Schools and Academies Trust (SSAT). Jan was an Advanced Skills Teacher for Initial Teacher Education, Co-leader of North Bedfordshire Schools Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) Consortium and gained National Professional Qualification for Headship.

Passion for travel led Jan, with colleagues, to develop and teach one of the first Travel and Tourism courses at GCSE and A’level in the school setting. She was appointed a member of the National Travel and Tourism Diploma Development Partnership Group and Expert Panel. Travel dove-tailed, under-pinned and enhanced Jan’s career. Resigning as Head of Sixth Form at Sharnbrook she travelled to Australia to support a former pupil at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, circumnavigating her way back visiting College friends and family enroute.

Associations with the University of Cambridge Faculty of Education influenced Jan personally and professionally for over 30 years. Initially, involvement at Sharnbrook with the ‘Improving the Quality of Education for All’, leading, years later, to gaining an M.Ed. which included research with the UK Department for Education. Jan joined the Faculty of Education in 2012 as a member of staff with the Schools University Partnership for Education Research (SUPER), teaching on the M.Ed. programme and supporting the work of the network whilst continuing to work as an Assistant Headteacher at Biddenham. She worked as a trainer and mentor with Faculty and SUPER colleagues in Kazakhstan supporting school colleagues develop action research to inform their practice.

As a full-time Affiliated Lecturer in the Faculty since 2015, Jan works in research-informed systemic international education reform in partnership with a range of countries including Pakistan, Nigeria, China, India and Tajikistan.

Jan joined BPEOSA when she left College and has been a member of the Committee since 1994. She was Assistant Treasurer and has been a Trustee of the Association since 2009.

Vice President

Professor Margaret Whitehead

Margaret's first job after leaving Bedford was at Oxford High School. She then moved to Homerton College Cambridge where she lectured in Dance and in 1980 she joined the staff at Bedford, initially as Head of Professional Studies. Subsequently she led both the PGCE and the Secondary B.Ed before becoming Associate Head of School. While at Bedford she was very much involved in CNAA work, external examining and the Physical Education Association of the United Kingdom. Read More

Margaret was President of PEAUK from 1999-2001. Margaret continued to study and gained a PhD in 1987. From this work she developed the concept of physical literacy and has written a book and numerous papers on the subject. She was honoured to be awarded a Visiting Professorship and an Honorary Doctorate by the University of Bedfordshire in 2011 in recognition of her innovative research. Margaret retired from Bedford in 2000 and has two children and four grandsons. She has been a member of the BPEOSA Committee since 1985, in 1998 she became a Vice President and then president from 2005 until 2020. Margaret remains on the committee as one of the vice presidents.

Vice President

Eileen Rawlings

A graph of Eileen's career would resemble the trail of disorientated ink-laden beetle. Two years after leaving Bedford in 1958 for her first job at Bournemouth School for Girls, she found herself back on the College staff. Among the third year students were Sylvia McCrann and the Senior Student Margaret Marriott. Having got engaged just before leaving Bournemouth, she then retired from the profession to a life of unalleviated domesticity – as one did in 1961. Read More

The Bournemouth grapevine produced various calls for help and Eileen became the most junior, part-time teacher at Wentworth School under Sylvia MacCrann. As Eileen's children grew up she took a full-time post at Bournemouth School for Girls, eventually becoming Head of Department until her second retirement in 1998. A call from the President of PEAUK, Margaret Whitehead (nee Marriott), to join the Centenary Committee led to the opportunity of devising and producing the Celebration of Physical Education in the Royal Albert Hall on 23rd October 1999. Eileen joined the Old Students' committee in 1972 as the Territorial Representative for S.E. England becoming Editor of the BPEOSA Report after two years – a job she held for 32 editions of the publication. Eileen is immensely proud to be a Vice-President of BPEOSA.

Vice President

Thelma Denton

Thelma trained at BCPE from 1950-1953. She taught at Sherborne School for Girls from 1953-1956 and then at Newbury Girls Grammar School from 1956-1960. She came back to teach at The Dame Alice Harpur School, Bedford for just a year before returning to college as a lecturer from 1951-1966. Thelma taught mainly Dance. She had previously had a ballet training and was lucky enough to go to the Laban Art of Movement Studio in 1962. Thelma also coached Lacrosse having been a member of the West Territorial Lacrosse Team in the 50's and early 60's and played for England Reserves. Read More

Thelma married 1964 and left college when she had the eldest of her three sons in 1966. Since leaving college she did some part-time teaching, ran a playgroup and taught disabled swimming with Helen Elkington! Thelma also played a part in fundraising and setting up a playing field for Turvey where she lived .She now lives in Yardley Hastings and is a busy grandmother, gardens, sews and plays bridge.

Secretary

Angela Newton

Studied at BCPE 1973 - 1976

MA, Cert Ed, Honorary BA Physical Education, Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) Career Highlights Angie trained at Bedford from 1973 – 1976 then spent a year working as a sabbatical officer in the newly formed Bedford College of Higher Education, Students’ Union. Following this she taught Secondary Physical Education for the next 22 years. For much of this time she was Head of Department. Angie started the new millennium in January 2000, with a new role at De Montfort University (DMU) Bedford as Senior Lecturer in Physical Education. Read More

From January 2002 she was promoted to Principal Lecturer, Head of PE Division and Course Leader of the BA PE Course. Since then, she has held several management positions in the Teacher Training Sections both in DMU and The University of Bedfordshire, finally as Portfolio Leader for the Postgraduate Courses in the School of Teacher Education.

Achievements

Angie has co-authored, along with Bedford colleagues, various chapters in Professional texts, notably the “Learning to Teach” series. She received an Association for Physical Education (afPE) award for “Leadership and Influence” in 2014.

Since 1976, Angie has been a committee member of BPEOSA. She served a lengthy apprenticeship under the tutelage of Christine Heath as Assistant Secretary, taking over the Secretaries duties in 2005.

Angie “retired” in September 2001 although has continued to undertake some part time work for the University. When she isn’t working, she looks after dogs for friends and family.

Assistant Secretary

Lesley Clayton (Timms)

Studied at BCPE 1972-1975

Qualifications. Cert.Ed, Dip SPLD, MA, BA. Previous Positions: Physical Education teacher Harrold Priory Middle School, Head of Girls P.E at Ashcroft High School, Luton, Special Educational Needs Coordinator Sharnbrook Upper School, Assessor for special arrangements in examinations for students and exam invigilator at Sharnbrook Upper School. Read More

Current Role: Retired. Membership Secretary on the BPEOSA committee. Responsible for purchase of merchandise for BPEOSA. Writer of Old Student’s news for annual report. Academy Council, member with responsibility for Special Needs at Harrold Primary Academy. Busy grandmother and trying to fit in walking netball, golf, bowls and getting to the gym!!.

Treasurer

Janette Wood

Studied at BCPE 1972-1975

Career: 41 years in Physical Education and English including a wide range of responsibilities in teaching, pastoral and management and the latter years as Development Manager of a School Sports Partnership involving 24 schools. A lifetime spent, quite simply, with a passion for education with full involvement in every facet of the education process and the life of a school from supporting the development of the whole child, promoting development of trainee and newly qualified teachers, examining at GCSE level and running an Apprentice scheme to a myriad of roles in community organisations Read More

Awarded MBE in 2014 for Services to Education.

Almost another career spent undertaking every role possible in Hertfordshire Junior County Hockey, with Coaching particularly enjoyable from U13s to fantastic Under 21s .....and many roles at Regional level.

Current role: Retired! Joined BPEOSA Committee in 1986 progressing to Treasurer and Trustee in 2004.

Assitant Treasurer

Caroline Donnison (Bottjer)

Studied at BCPE 1974 - 1977

Qualifications: Cert Ed, B.A., M.A. Previous Positions: 34 years teaching in secondary education as PE Teacher - inner city social priority school in Wembley, Head of Department in Chelmsford Essex, Pastoral Head, Head of Dance, Head of PE for PRUs in North and East Essex, LSU Manager, Behaviour Support Outreach Teacher & in centre responsibility for Maths & Outdoor Education 6 years LAC Education Advisor for Essex then Southend Unitary Authority, Associate Teacher Essex SEND Inclusion and Psychology Service Read More

Achievements: Club and County Team Hockey Coach, helped set up Essex Active Sport Grass Roots Development Programme in 1990’s, RHS Gold Award for garden project run as part of LSU programme 2005

Current position: Retired

BPEOSA Committee Assistant Treasurer

Editor

Stephanie Daniels

Studied at BCPE

Qualifications: MA in Historical and Cultural Appraisals in Sport and Recreation Career: Head of Department Rotheram High School, Luton, Lecturer at North Hertfordshire College, Senior Lecturer in Physical Education at De Montfort University and then Principal Lecturer at the University of Bedfordshire. Archive Director at UOB enjoyed the challenge of recruiting volunteers, establishing the ‘Friend s of BPEOSA’, research, preservation and making new discoveries. Read More

Achievements: Co-author of 'A Proper Spectacle, Women Olympians 1900-1936’. Written fourteen articles about women for the Sydney Olympic Souvenir Programmes celebrating 100 years of women’s participation. Wrote ‘Big Societies. Bedford Physical Training College During World Wars One and Two’. Recently completed 3 eBooks for BPEOSA (available on the BPEOSA website) using the wonderful photographs from the college albums which depict Bedford College life and leisure from its early days in 1903.

Current Role: Retired but still as busy, co- editor of the BPEOSA Annual Report since 2014. As a Trustee of BPEOSA, Steph is particularly proud of the development of the Plantation in Dynevor Road, Bedford, a project BPEOSA undertook in collaboration with Bedford Borough Council.

Editor

Anita Tedder

Studied at BCPE 1972-1975

Career: After completing her studies at BCPE Anita taught for a while and then followed one of her passions in life - music. She formed a band and spent the following 10 years on tour. After some personal struggles in the late 80's Anita retrained and became a a Senior Accredited Counsellor/Psychotherapist and Accredited Supervisor of Individuals and Groups with the British Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy. She subsequently worked as a College Counsellor before setting up her own practice. Read More

Achievements: She co-authored 'A Proper Spectacle, Women Olympians 1900-1936’. and is now retired. Anita still plays in bands, writes songs and feels "strangely called" to research women’s sporting history, especially that of Bedfords' Old Students.

Anita Gabrielle’s music is streamable and a vinyl release for her all female band 80’s band Zenana is in the pipeline!

Hilary Nellist

Studied at BCPE 1960-1963

Previous positions: 30 years plus experience of teaching Physical Education in Slough and Ampthill. Represented Dorset, Bucks and Beds at hockey and Premier Division Netball in Beds

Achievements: President of Flitwick and Ampthill Lawn Tennis Club and an active playing member; Involved in giving English Heritage Tours Wrest Park. Helps with a special needs adults swimming club (including Center Parcs holidays), steward at the Bedfordshire Festival of Music, Speech, and Drama. Bellringer and allotment owner. Mother of 3 and grandmother of 8.

Current role: Retired and Group 2 Representative on the committee

Jenny Sudworth

Biography Coming Soon

Christine Goodman

Studied at BCPE 1974-1977

Qualifications: B.Ed (Hons) and M.B.A. in Educational Management. Previous positions: 40 years teaching experience. Plymouth High School for Girls, Head of PE; Coombe Dean School Plymouth, English and PE, Cardinal Newman High School Luton, Torpoint Community College, Head of PE and Head of House. Read More

Achievements: 3 sons all PE teachers who graduated from the University of Bedfordshire; in 2012 carried the Olympic torch along The Barbican in Plymouth; elected Torpoint Town Mayor 2019 – 2021. Involved in improving local sports facilities; Torpoint and Rame Community Sports Centre; Artificial Turf Pitch and proposed swimming pool for the town

Current position: Retired and representative for 74 – 77-year group on the BPEOSA committee.

Sarah Lomax

Studied at BCHE 1978 - 1981

Biography Coming Soon

Mark Tindall

Studied at University of Bedfordshire

Biography Coming Soon

Daisy Perry.

Studied at University of Bedfordshire

Biography Coming Soon

Steven Braby

Studied at University of Bedfordshire

Biography Coming Soon

Daniel Reed

Studied at University of Bedfordshire

Biography Coming Soon

Lynne Francis

Studied at Bedford 1965-1968

Cert Ed, Honorary BA Physical Education

Career Highlights: Began teaching at The Alice Ottley School, Worcester then moved to Dr Challoner's High School in Little Chalfont Bucks as Head of Department. In 1974 Lynne was appointed to the staff of Bedford and lectured in lacrosse, tennis, gymnastics, dance and human movement studies. After raising a family she returned to Bedford as a Visiting Lecturer to supervise students on their school experience placements. Achievements: Lynne represented Bucks County tennis teams at senior and veterans level and played for Wales in the Veterans 4 Nation Championships. Captained the Midland's lacrosse team and was Vice Captain of Wales. Read more

She was instrumental in founding the Bucks Squash Association and represented them in County matches. She have served on the Old Student's Committee for several years as a Group Rep and latterly as a co opted member. Lynne is also part of a small committee to assess and propose the winner/s of the Christine Heath Scholarship. Chris was one of Lynne's lectureres at college, she later worked alongside her, and is proud to call her a friend.

Maggie Jackson (Lewellen) MBE

Studied at BCPE 1975-1978

Previous positions: Physical Education Teacher, Head of Year, Assistant Head in Essex Schools, Part Time Lecturer and Mentor at University of Bedfordshire, Partnership Development Manager in the Bedford Area.

Netball: Assistant England Coach 2004-2006. Attended CWG 2006 Melbourne; Interim Head England Coach CWG 2010 in Delhi; Assistant England Coach World Cup 2011 Singapore; Performance Netball Lead CWG 2014 Glasgow; Head Coach Mavericks Netball Super league 2005 – 2012. Awarded MBE Services to Netball in 2012

Current role: Co-opted on to the BCPE Old Students Association Committee

Mark Bowler

Studied at De Montfort University Bedford 1998 – 2002

Qualifications: BEd (Hons); MA; PhD; FHEA

Previous positions: Teacher and Lecturer, Advanced Practitioner, Senior Lecturer in Physical Education, Course Coordinator for BA (Hons)/MPhysEd Physical Education (Secondary) (with QTS)

Current role: Principal Lecturer in Teacher Education / Portfolio Leader for undergraduate Teacher Education courses / Secondary ITE Phase Leader. Licensed Teacher Education/Coach Education Tutor for England Athletics. Association for Physical Education Eastern Region Committee Member. Co-opted member of committee.

Jo McKeown (Roberts)

Studied at BCHE 1978 - 1981

Qualifications: BEd; DMS; DM (CIM); MA (Leisure Management) FHEA

Previous positions: PE Teacher; Teacher (Pupil Referral Unit), Swimming teacher; Leisure Centre Manager; Lecturer in Further Education (Sports Studies, leisure & Tourism; Travel & Tourism; Marketing; Leisure Management); BTEC NQF external verifier, Edexcel.

Current role: Lecturer at University of Bedfordshire (Physical Education and Swimming), Swim England presenter and co-opted member of committee, dealing with communications/website.

The BPEOSA Committee (under construction)

The President - Jan Schofield