Newly donated tractor will help Lancaster grammar school continue its sporting success
Lancaster Royal Grammar School has enjoyed sporting success yet again this year – but often overlooked are the grounds staff who prepare the pitches and wickets for the students to excel on the field of play.
LRGS head groundsman Lewis Cassidy sported a big smile at the recent official handover of a Siromer tractor bought by the Old Lancastrians to replace their ancient and worn-out machine.
Parent Louise Howard, who runs her Siromer Tractor business in Pilling, was delighted to be asked to help when the OL Club raised the £15,000 to purchase a replacement.
She generously gave the school a discount and LRGS has the added reassurance that pupil Orion Woodcock, Louise’s son, is a Year 12 student at the school and a dab hand at mending farm machinery.
Orion, at the official handover of the tractor, on the Dowthwaite Field, confessed to being a ‘petrol head’ and revealed he wants to work in Formula One as an engineer before he settles down to help run the family business.
Recently awarded a prestigious Arkwright Scholarship, he is already building an impressive CV.
His mates also value his know-how: “When someone’s car breaks down, that’s the point of me, to fix things. I’m everyone’s car friend,” he said.
He even reversed roles with headmaster Dr Chris Pyle, giving him an impromptu tractor driving lesson.
Dr Pyle was full of praise for Orion’s patience and teaching prowess and described the tractor as amazing, but admitted he was probably more comfortable in the classroom.
He went on to thank the Old Lancastrians, who support the school with many smaller grants for clubs, societies and academic departments.
"This year alone they have bought rowing machines, microscopes for biology labs and digital cameras for the art department,” he said.
Mike Barton, secretary of the OL Club, said: "LRGS continues to lead the field and as OLs we are proud to maintain our contact with the school and do our bit to fund the ‘nice to haves’.”