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Grovian Voices
Grovian Voices is the Podcast for Woodhouse Grove School. It's your behind-the-scenes pass to life at one of the region’s most vibrant co-educational day and boarding schools in Yorkshire.
Tune in for inspiring stories, insightful interviews and exciting updates from students, staff and alumni.
Episodes
23 episodes
The Business Edit: What Is a Brand, Really? with Rich Hayden, MADEBY7
In this episode of Grovian Voices: The Business Edit, we welcome Rich Hayden, Managing Director of MADEBY7, a current parent and a founding member of The Grove Business Directory.With over 25 years’ experience in branding and marketing, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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48:14
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A Grovian Christmas with Rev. Rob Drost
In this festive edition of Grovian Voices, we welcome Rev. Rob Drost (st22-), Chaplain of The Grove, for a heart-warming Christmas conversation. Rob shares his deep personal connection to the school, the story behind his many roles and some ric...
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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35:14
The Business Edit - Why Conflict Matters: Insights from Mediator Julia Burns
In this episode, we welcome Julia Burns - Mediator, Conflict Coach and Solicitor, founder of Dove in the Room, current Grove parent and founding member of The Grove Business Directory.Julia shares her winding career journey from trainee ...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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24:37
Grit, Growth and Giving Back: The Story of Steve Burnhill
In this episode, we speak with Steve Burnhill (75-82), Old Grovian, former Vinter House boarder, School Governor and Trustee of the Woodhouse Grove School Foundation. Steve reflects on his years at The Grove, the profound influence ...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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46:52
From Carmarthen to The Grove: A Life in Sport with Keith Jones
In this episode, we sit down with Keith Jones (st78-16), who joined Woodhouse Grove in the Summer term of 1978 as a teacher of Geography and PE and went on to transform its sporting culture over nearly four decades.Keith shares his journ...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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1:13:19
Grow, Develop, Stand Out: The Grove Sixth Form Experience
In this episode, we sit down with Chris Softley (st14-), Assistant Head - Sixth Form and Futures, to explore how the Sixth Form at Woodhouse Grove is redefining post-16 education.With a clear focus on the mantra “Grow – Develop – Sta...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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54:10
From Whernside to Whistle: A Life in Sport, School and Service
Join us for a vibrant, nostalgic and heartfelt conversation with Toby Waterhouse (80-91, st18-), Old Grovian and current PE & Games teacher at Brontë House. From his first days as a Year 4 pupil in 1980 at Brontë, through his Grove School y...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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53:48
33 Years, One School, Countless Memories: Donna Shoesmith-Evans
We launch Series 2 of Grovian Voices with none other than Donna Shoesmith-Evans (st92-25), who only just retired this July after an incredible 33-year career at The Grove. From her first steps into the school for a job interview to a heartfelt ...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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48:17
Running the Show (and Literally Running): Meet Kevin Eaglestone
In this insightful and entertaining episode, we sit down with Kevin Eaglestone (st01-), Assistant Head (Organisation) at The Grove, for a deep dive into the intricate workings of the school and plenty more besides!We lift the curtain on ...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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1:03:09
Joe Bedford: Built by Rugby, Shaped by The Grove
In this inspiring episode of Grovian Voices, we sit down with Joe Bedford (00-02, st13-), Old Grovian and now the School’s Head of Rugby. Joe reflects on a remarkable journey that began in West Leeds and took him to the heights of professional ...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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1:00:05
Frontlines, Lifelines and Legacy: A Journey from The Grove to Global Impact with Major General Professor Tim Hodgetts
In this inspiring episode of Grovian Voices, we welcome Major General Professor Tim Hodgetts CB CBE OStJ DL, one of the UK’s most senior military medical leaders and a proud Old Grovian who was a day boy in Atkinson House from 1974 to ...
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Season 1
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Episode 13
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38:45
Behind the Bookings: Events & Energy with Hannah Boggie
In this uplifting episode of Grovian Voices, we sit down with the ever-positive and forward-thinking Hannah Boggie, our Lettings, Events & Operations Manager. From managing the day-to-day operations to curating unforgettable events, Hannah ...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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46:44
From Genoa to The Grove: Franco’s Recipe for Hospitality
Join us for a deliciously insightful episode as we go behind the scenes of catering at The Grove with Franco Caroleo (st18-25), our passionate and ever-energetic Catering Manager.What’s on the menu in this episode? Franco give...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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46:38
Sixth Form Stories: A Chat with Michaella & Harry
In this episode, current Year 12 Sixth Form students Michaella and Harry take over the mic for a relaxed and honest conversation about Sixth Form life at The Grove.They kick things off with a warm introduction - sharing a bit ab...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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27:33
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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15:07
Epitomising The Grove: The Legacy of David McCarthy
“David McCarthy epitomised the aspiration of the school to create rounded individuals and capable citizens.” – 'Xaipete' Woodhouse Grove: The First 200 Years by Nigel WatsonIn this rich and reflective episode of Grovia...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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1:13:22
Michelle & James Phillips - A Family Journey from Woodhouse Grove to Life Beyond
In this lively episode, we’re joined by Michelle Phillips (86-88), a former sixth-form boarder and her brother James Phillips (84-93), a weekly boarder at Brontë House who later became a full-time boarder at The Grove.Both siblings share...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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46:18
From Boarder to Grove Legacy – Dan Nulty's Journey
In this episode, we sit down with Dan Nulty, proud Old Grovian, the current Chair of the Old Grovian Association and lifelong supporter of Woodhouse Grove School. Dan shares a rich and personal story that began when he joined the Grove as a boa...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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55:08
Giles Manchester: A Doctor's Journey from Zoology to GP
In this episode, we are joined by Giles Manchester (72-82), an experienced GP with a wealth of knowledge in the medical field. Born in Bradford on January 17, 1964, Giles was the eldest of four siblings. His father was a GP and his mother was a...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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38:29
Overcoming Unnecessary Obstacles: A Conversation with Stephen Lai
In this nostalgic and inspiring episode, we sit down with Stephen Lai (91-95), a former boarder from Hong Kong. Now the Managing Director of the Hong Kong Poker Players Association, Stephen shares his remarkable journey from school days in West...
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Season 1
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Episode 4
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53:01
A Greener Future: Michelle Howard and the Role of Sustainability at Woodhouse Grove
Michelle Howard (st22-) is the Energy and Sustainability Officer at Woodhouse Grove, a unique role within the Methodist Independent Schools Trust (MIST). It was a pioneering position at The Grove and Michelle is the first to hold this role....
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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51:59
Roger Howard: From Boarder to Mentor
In this episode, Roger Howard (71-78, st82-) reflects on his school days, recounting memorable Rugby Tours and his time working at The Grove. Roger also shares his deep passion for the importance of giving back, highlighting the var...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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47:49
Roger Davy MBE: A Life of Service, Family and Passion
With Guest Interviewers: Hisham & Mia, Head Boy & Head Girl from Brontë House. Welcome to the very first episode of the Grovian Voices Podcast, where we share the stories of Grovians past and present, celebrating the legacy ...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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49:26