News MBE story sparks friends' reunion
A story that was featured in the Goole Times in January this year has led to a number of old school friends joining together for a reunion this weekend.
The story told of former Goole man David Cook, who was awarded an MBE in in the New Years Honours List.
David attended Goole Grammar School before working at the then Boothferry Borough Council offices on Stanhope Street. Despite having dyslexia, he studied part-time to gain a business studies qualification.
His career continued to reach new heights, and he has benefitted from scholarships to study leadership at Harvard, Berkeley and Stanford universities in the United States. Last year he completed an executive leadership programme at the University of Virginia.
David's expertise means he is regularly sought to speak both in Britain and in the United States. He is now chief executive of Kettering Borough Council. He was presented with his award in March by His Royal Highness, Prince Charles, at Buckingham Palace.
Since the news of his MBE was published in the Goole Times, a number of former school pals got in contact, which has led to the reunion at The Vikings at 8pm on Sunday, May 4.
Jonathan Humble, a former pupil and friend of David's, is now a deputy head teacher of a primary school near Kendal in Cumbria and reinstated contact with David after reading the article.
He said: "I'd lost touch with David over the years and got in touch again as a direct result of spotting the article in the Goole Times in January."
Danuta Tomasz, head teacher at Vermuyden School (formerly Goole Grammar School) said: "Whilst unfortunately Vermuyden School are unable to host the reunion here at the school, we hope a number of former Goole Grammar School pupils will be able to attend and take the opportunity to reminisce on their school days.
"The school will be celebrating its centenary year in 2009 and we would like to think former Goole Grammar School pupils will have a chance to see the school on this occasion."
David added: "I was delighted so many old school chums got in touch - two from overseas! It just shows how far readership of the Goole Times extends!
"It would be wonderful if a few of us could get together. It would be great to see everyone who was in the fifth form of Goole Grammar School in 1976/77, or in the sixth form in 77/78 or 78/79."
Anyone wanting further details can contact David on 07887 507459 or by email at davidcook@kettering.gov.uk.
Published on 1st May 2008 in News.
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