Legacy on the Wing: Mary Webster on Her Father, Rugby League Great George Leslie Grainge

In this special on-the-road episode, host Eve travels to the beautiful town of Keswick, Cumbria, accompanied by Sam Cadman (’89–’96, st10-), Director of Marketing and Commerce at Woodhouse Grove School. Sam, who has known Mary Webster from her previous visits to The Grove, joined Eve for this memorable meeting in Mary’s home.

Mary is the daughter of George Leslie Grainge (Woodhouse Grove, 1922-29), an Old Grovian and rugby league star who left an indelible mark both on the field and in the hearts of those who knew him. Les Grainge (1910-1983) was a powerful winger for Bradford Northern and earned an England cap in a narrow 17-15 win over France in Paris, 1938. Decades earlier, he had already distinguished himself at Woodhouse Grove as Head Prefect, Victor Ludorum (twice) and captain of the rugby, cricket and lacrosse teams.

In 2013, Mary returned to The Grove to officially open the Grainge 3G Pitch, named in honour of her father’s enduring legacy. In this episode, recorded in Keswick, she shares personal stories from her father’s life and recalls a familiar quote he would often write in the front of his schoolbooks, offering a quiet yet telling glimpse into his character.

In this episode:

• Reflections from Mary Webster on her father’s life, school days and sporting achievements
• The story behind the naming of the Grainge 3G Pitch at Woodhouse Grove
• A handwritten quote from Les’s textbooks that reveals a piece of who he was

 Listen now - wherever you are in the world! 

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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