Famous BPS People.

Distinguished BPCS Pupils.

Do you know anyone who went on to a distinguished career after Binley Park ?
The following are those I know about.

Acting.

Paul Rider

I asked Paul what inspired him to become an actor:
The reason I became an actor I have to say it was largely down to Mrs Ranson. She put me in 'The Caucasian Chalk Circle' at school and had me reading poetry out loud throughout my sixth form. It was her who suggested that Debbie Davies and myself took a look at Bretton Hall College where we both ended up going. Debbie became a teacher and I formed a theatre company upon completing my degree.

I think the first buzz I got from performing though was when as Head Boy I had to take Assembly's. When a lot of people started laughing at a Pam Ayres poem I read out called 'The Dolly on the Dustcart' I must have thought I was on to something.

It was definitely down to Helena Ranson though. She obviously saw something in me that she decided to encourage. That's the secret of a great teacher I guess.
Paul's Film credits include, 'Honest', 'Topsy Turvy' and 'What Rats Won't Do'.
His TV Work includes, 'Victoria Wood Christmas Special', 'City Central', 'Dinnerladies', 'Heartbeat', 'The Bill', 'Drop the Dead Donkey', 'Murder Most Horrid', 'The Continental', 'Whose Line is it anyway'
and on Stage, 'Lucky Sods' 'The Rivals', 'Charley's Aunt', 'King Lear', 'Hamlet', 'A Midsummers Nights Dream', and many others. Most recently seen in TV adverts for Direct Line, and currently appearing in 'Chicago' at the Adelphi Theatre in the role of Amos Hart.

Paul was Head Boy in 1976/77.

Paul's Promotional picture kindly donated by his agent Shane Collins Associates. (Click to enlarge)

Paul at BPCS (1970/75 year-group) in 1974/75

Clive Owen

Has appeared in many TV and Film roles, including, 'Lorna Doone', 'Chancer', 'An Evening with Gary Lineker', and more recently 'Greenfingers' with Helen Mirren, and BBC's "Second Sight"

Clive Owen as seen on TV

Young Clive at School - the image on the left (1976) from his Tutor Group Picture, the picture on the right is taken from the picture of Cliff Richard's visit to the school.

Saul Jephcott

'Mike Stevens' in Brookside (1987)
'Danny Whiting' in Eastenders (1989/90). A married man with Love interest for Michelle Fowler.
Has also appeared in 'Boon' (1988) and 'Inspector Morse' episode 'Service of All the Dead' (1987)

Saul pictured attending an event to mark the closure of the School in 1990. Picture courtesy of Emma McLean (Nee Howard)

Musical.

John Bradbury

Drummer with the 'Special AKA' and Selector, 1970's SKA bands.
The earlier of 2 John Bradbury's at Binley. Click here to see a transcript of a Poem John wrote for the BPCS School magazine 'The Pit'

John Bradbury - the arrowed one

John in the Sixth Form
John in his 6th Form Picture (Constantine 1970) and arrowed, the Drummer in the 'Special AKA'

Mark Rattray

Singer. Mark was a Nurse at the Coventry and Warwick Hospital, before appearing on, and winning 'Opportunity Knocks' the TV Talent show back in 1990. Recently he has been touring as the Lead Role in 'Lanza - The Last Serenade'. Appearing in Dick Whittington at the Spa Centre, Leamington for the Christmas 2000 season

Mark Rattray today
The left hand image was from the Leamington Spa Panto promotional website (2000 season), and the right hand picture taken at the 1990 School closure event (see also Saul's picture above) Again, Courtesy Emma McLean (Nee Howard)

Mark in his School days with friends Michelle Francois and Peter Costello (Click to enlarge)- Note: Both of these friends have signed the Guestbook.

Sporting.

Wendy, Lesley, Adrienne and Simon Wright

Thank you to Lesley for providing the following:
My sister Wendy Wright (now Coulthard) was 7 times British Ladies Champion and European Youth Champion and she competed in the British Senior Team for about 12yrs. My younger sister Adrienne Wright (now McGlory) was also the

British Junior Champion but I can't remember the year. I was the Midland U19 Champion when I was in the 5th year. My brother Simon was also the Midland Champion but he didn't last at the sport because he preferred playing soccer.

I only competed once abroad, in Switzerland, but not as a member of the official England team. It was an Open competition and teams from all over Europe had entered. Wendy, Adrienne and myself won the bronze medals in the team event, 2 men's teams took the gold and silver. I stopped competitive Trampolining after an accident ( I fell off the trampoline from a height of

approx. 17' and landed on my head, knocking myself out - it put me off, I've never been the same since!) When I returned to Binley Park to teach, I took over as coach, when Hazel Benn left. I continued to coach my sister Wendy and Dean Thompson, plus many more. Adrienne's friend Lynne Richardson (now Wright- no relation) also competed in the England Youth team with

Adrienne.
Note: Wendy was in the Guinness Book of records until recently, as the holder of most National Titles.

Wendy in 1966

Dean Thompson

Thank you to Dean for providing this information:
I am currently working as a Literacy Consultant for Coventry LEA. After leaving school I became a trainee manager for Woolworths and then worked for Habitat as a floor manager before deciding on a teaching career and attending Warwick University as a mature student. I have taught in Binley Woods and Mount Nod and now live in Rugby with my wife (a secondary teacher) and two very young children. A combination of my job, sleepless nights with children and a cracked spine from a car accident a few years ago means I no longer have anything to do with Trampolining. However, I did coach and compete up until the age of 32. I was a coach at the Ernesford Grange Trampoline Club after the demise of Binley and coached children at regional, national and international level. I also managed the Midland Squad and assisted with the National Junior Squad for a while.
At school I was National Schools champion twice and a member of the British Squad competing in Germany and Switzerland. I was also the National Synchronised Champion in 1994 after entering (grudgingly!) with a competitor that I coached who did not have a partner. After the favourites fell off we managed to win! I was also, along with Wendy Wright, one of the patrons for Coventry's year of Sport in 1991. I have very fond memories of the Binley Park Trampoline Team, which I was member of from 1970 (6 years before I entered the school!), and I still see Lesley Ryan and Wendy Coulthard ( both nee Wright) from time to time - Leslie's husband sang at my wedding!
It was interesting to see a picture of Hazel Benn who taught PE in the 1970s and first created the Trampoline Squad that had a National and International reputation with stars like Wendy Wright who, up until recently, was in the Guinness Book of Records as the person to hold the most National titles. There were also other honours from past pupils such as Adrienne Wright and Lyn Richardson who were World Synchro Champions and Maxine Thomas who also had International honours- I am sure there were more!? Lesley Ryan (nee Wright) took over the Trampoline Team when Hazel moved to Birmingham and continued the success. Other members of the team I remember include Andrea and Anita Taylor, Debbie Eaves, Debbie and Paul Haywood, Alison and Debbie Rye, Leanne Skelton, Carla Barnes, Tina Jordan, Tina and Shirley Davis, Tracey Browett, Sue Clarke, Lisa Woodbridge, and Simon Wright- there were hundreds more...
Some of the team from the early days went to San Fransisco in about 1972? to the World Championships and I remember helping, along with many others, raising a few thousand pounds to help them get there. We also did a lot of displays over the years at events like the Royal Show, Pebble Mill at One on the BBC, The Coventry Cathedral, Althorpe House and more school fetes and garden parties than I care to remember! I can also remember a lot of happy days travelling about in the first Binley Park minibus all over the country and having to 'sleep over' on crash mats or in some unknown accommodation as we were billeted out to other trampolinists' houses around the country. My sister Melissa was also a member of the trampoline team and was selected for the Midland Squad. Melissa and I also did springboard diving at regional and national level with Melissa becoming the Warwickshire Ladies champion and being selected for national honours.

Dean as he is now.
Dean in 1976

Darren Garforth

A former scaffolder and now Leicester Tigers Rugby player. Has played for Coventry Saracens, Nuneaton, and now Leicester. Made a Full England Debut in 1997

Darren Garforth

David Long

Athlete. Competed at England level. Competed at the Seoul Olympics.

Dave in 1976

John Gray

P.E. teacher, taught Rugby for a short while. Played for Coventry and England, and then I am told he went to play in the NFL. Now living near Sydney, Australia. John had a serious fall near his home, and is slowly recovering in hospital.

Tim Lascelles

Basketball player with Derby Storm.

Tim Lascelles today © DET
Tim in his Derby kit,
Tim Lascelles at School
...and from his days at BPCS (Constantine 76/81)

Robert Gould

Worked on the construction of High block. Who's he?
Bobby Gould, shortly after, he went to Coventry City FC as an apprentice.
Actually Schooled at BPCS's arch-rivals Caludon Castle.
Player and later, Manager of CCFC and Wales. Currently with Cardiff City.

Political.

Neil Rider

Was a Coventry City Councilor.

Other.

Gerry 'Gez' McGovern

Gez was well known for his Artistic abilities, and went on to a distinguished career as a Car Designer. He was Chief Designer for the latest MG incarnation. Believed to have been 'Head Hunted' by Lincoln Cars, he is now Director of Design.

Picture Courtesy of Gerry/Lincoln Cars - Click to enlarge.

Ian McRanor

Ian has been in the England Karate Team. Also a 'Motion capture actor' He was the fighting moves for many of the characters on the Playstation computer games, including Batman & Robin" He was a guest instructor at the Chuck Norris Convention in Las Vegas. Ian now teaches fitness classes in the USA using his own 'Cardiokumite' system.

Left - Ian with his fitness class
Right - Ian with Chuck Norris

Ian in 1970

If you know of any more Ex Pupils or Teachers who went on to fame and fortune, drop me a line. Email Neil.

Sign the BPCS Guestbook View the BPCS Guestbook

Acting.
Paul Rider
I asked Paul what inspired him to become an actor: The reason I became an actor I have to say it was largely down to Mrs Ranson. She put me in 'The Caucasian Chalk Circle' at school and had me reading poetry out loud throughout my sixth form. It was her who suggested that Debbie Davies and myself took a look at Bretton Hall College where we both ended up going. Debbie became a teacher and I formed a theatre company upon completing my degree. I think the first buzz I got from performing though was when as Head Boy I had to take Assembly's. When a lot of people started laughing at a Pam Ayres poem I read out called 'The Dolly on the Dustcart' I must have thought I was on to something. It was definitely down to Helena Ranson though. She obviously saw something in me that she decided to encourage. That's the secret of a great teacher I guess. Paul's Film credits include, 'Honest', 'Topsy Turvy' and 'What Rats Won't Do'. His TV Work includes, 'Victoria Wood Christmas Special', 'City Central', 'Dinnerladies', 'Heartbeat', 'The Bill', 'Drop the Dead Donkey', 'Murder Most Horrid', 'The Continental', 'Whose Line is it anyway' and on Stage, 'Lucky Sods' 'The Rivals', 'Charley's Aunt', 'King Lear', 'Hamlet', 'A Midsummers Nights Dream', and many others. Most recently seen in TV adverts for Direct Line, and currently appearing in 'Chicago' at the Adelphi Theatre in the role of Amos Hart. Paul was Head Boy in 1976/77.
Paul's Promotional picture kindly donated by his agent Shane Collins Associates. (Click to enlarge)		Paul at BPCS (1970/75 year-group) in 1974/75
Clive Owen
Has appeared in many TV and Film roles, including, 'Lorna Doone', 'Chancer', 'An Evening with Gary Lineker', and more recently 'Greenfingers' with Helen Mirren, and BBC's "Second Sight"
		Young Clive at School - the image on the left (1976) from his Tutor Group Picture, the picture on the right is taken from the picture of Cliff Richard's visit to the school.
Saul Jephcott
'Mike Stevens' in Brookside (1987) 'Danny Whiting' in Eastenders (1989/90). A married man with Love interest for Michelle Fowler. Has also appeared in 'Boon' (1988) and 'Inspector Morse' episode 'Service of All the Dead' (1987)
Saul pictured attending an event to mark the closure of the School in 1990. Picture courtesy of Emma McLean (Nee Howard)
Musical.
John Bradbury
Drummer with the 'Special AKA' and Selector, 1970's SKA bands. The earlier of 2 John Bradbury's at Binley. Click here to see a transcript of a Poem John wrote for the BPCS School magazine 'The Pit'
		John in his 6th Form Picture (Constantine 1970) and arrowed, the Drummer in the 'Special AKA'
Mark Rattray
Singer. Mark was a Nurse at the Coventry and Warwick Hospital, before appearing on, and winning 'Opportunity Knocks' the TV Talent show back in 1990. Recently he has been touring as the Lead Role in 'Lanza - The Last Serenade'. Appearing in Dick Whittington at the Spa Centre, Leamington for the Christmas 2000 season
The left hand image was from the Leamington Spa Panto promotional website (2000 season), and the right hand picture taken at the 1990 School closure event (see also Saul's picture above) Again, Courtesy Emma McLean (Nee Howard)		Mark in his School days with friends Michelle Francois and Peter Costello (Click to enlarge)- Note: Both of these friends have signed the Guestbook.
Sporting.
Wendy, Lesley, Adrienne and Simon Wright
Thank you to Lesley for providing the following: My sister Wendy Wright (now Coulthard) was 7 times British Ladies Champion and European Youth Champion and she competed in the British Senior Team for about 12yrs. My younger sister Adrienne Wright (now McGlory) was also the British Junior Champion but I can't remember the year. I was the Midland U19 Champion when I was in the 5th year. My brother Simon was also the Midland Champion but he didn't last at the sport because he preferred playing soccer. I only competed once abroad, in Switzerland, but not as a member of the official England team. It was an Open competition and teams from all over Europe had entered. Wendy, Adrienne and myself won the bronze medals in the team event, 2 men's teams took the gold and silver. I stopped competitive Trampolining after an accident ( I fell off the trampoline from a height of approx. 17' and landed on my head, knocking myself out - it put me off, I've never been the same since!) When I returned to Binley Park to teach, I took over as coach, when Hazel Benn left. I continued to coach my sister Wendy and Dean Thompson, plus many more. Adrienne's friend Lynne Richardson (now Wright- no relation) also competed in the England Youth team with Adrienne. Note: Wendy was in the Guinness Book of records until recently, as the holder of most National Titles.
		Wendy in 1966
Dean Thompson
Thank you to Dean for providing this information: I am currently working as a Literacy Consultant for Coventry LEA. After leaving school I became a trainee manager for Woolworths and then worked for Habitat as a floor manager before deciding on a teaching career and attending Warwick University as a mature student. I have taught in Binley Woods and Mount Nod and now live in Rugby with my wife (a secondary teacher) and two very young children. A combination of my job, sleepless nights with children and a cracked spine from a car accident a few years ago means I no longer have anything to do with Trampolining. However, I did coach and compete up until the age of 32. I was a coach at the Ernesford Grange Trampoline Club after the demise of Binley and coached children at regional, national and international level. I also managed the Midland Squad and assisted with the National Junior Squad for a while. At school I was National Schools champion twice and a member of the British Squad competing in Germany and Switzerland. I was also the National Synchronised Champion in 1994 after entering (grudgingly!) with a competitor that I coached who did not have a partner. After the favourites fell off we managed to win! I was also, along with Wendy Wright, one of the patrons for Coventry's year of Sport in 1991. I have very fond memories of the Binley Park Trampoline Team, which I was member of from 1970 (6 years before I entered the school!), and I still see Lesley Ryan and Wendy Coulthard ( both nee Wright) from time to time - Leslie's husband sang at my wedding! It was interesting to see a picture of Hazel Benn who taught PE in the 1970s and first created the Trampoline Squad that had a National and International reputation with stars like Wendy Wright who, up until recently, was in the Guinness Book of Records as the person to hold the most National titles. There were also other honours from past pupils such as Adrienne Wright and Lyn Richardson who were World Synchro Champions and Maxine Thomas who also had International honours- I am sure there were more!? Lesley Ryan (nee Wright) took over the Trampoline Team when Hazel moved to Birmingham and continued the success. Other members of the team I remember include Andrea and Anita Taylor, Debbie Eaves, Debbie and Paul Haywood, Alison and Debbie Rye, Leanne Skelton, Carla Barnes, Tina Jordan, Tina and Shirley Davis, Tracey Browett, Sue Clarke, Lisa Woodbridge, and Simon Wright- there were hundreds more... Some of the team from the early days went to San Fransisco in about 1972? to the World Championships and I remember helping, along with many others, raising a few thousand pounds to help them get there. We also did a lot of displays over the years at events like the Royal Show, Pebble Mill at One on the BBC, The Coventry Cathedral, Althorpe House and more school fetes and garden parties than I care to remember! I can also remember a lot of happy days travelling about in the first Binley Park minibus all over the country and having to 'sleep over' on crash mats or in some unknown accommodation as we were billeted out to other trampolinists' houses around the country. My sister Melissa was also a member of the trampoline team and was selected for the Midland Squad. Melissa and I also did springboard diving at regional and national level with Melissa becoming the Warwickshire Ladies champion and being selected for national honours.
Dean as he is now.		Dean in 1976
Darren Garforth
A former scaffolder and now Leicester Tigers Rugby player. Has played for Coventry Saracens, Nuneaton, and now Leicester. Made a Full England Debut in 1997

David Long
Athlete. Competed at England level. Competed at the Seoul Olympics.
		Dave in 1976
John Gray
P.E. teacher, taught Rugby for a short while. Played for Coventry and England, and then I am told he went to play in the NFL. Now living near Sydney, Australia. John had a serious fall near his home, and is slowly recovering in hospital.

Tim Lascelles
Basketball player with Derby Storm.
© DET Tim in his Derby kit,		...and from his days at BPCS (Constantine 76/81)
Robert Gould
Worked on the construction of High block. Who's he? Bobby Gould, shortly after, he went to Coventry City FC as an apprentice. Actually Schooled at BPCS's arch-rivals Caludon Castle. Player and later, Manager of CCFC and Wales. Currently with Cardiff City.

Political.
Neil Rider
Was a Coventry City Councilor.

Other.
Gerry 'Gez' McGovern
Gez was well known for his Artistic abilities, and went on to a distinguished career as a Car Designer. He was Chief Designer for the latest MG incarnation. Believed to have been 'Head Hunted' by Lincoln Cars, he is now Director of Design.
Picture Courtesy of Gerry/Lincoln Cars - Click to enlarge.
Ian McRanor
Ian has been in the England Karate Team. Also a 'Motion capture actor' He was the fighting moves for many of the characters on the Playstation computer games, including Batman & Robin" He was a guest instructor at the Chuck Norris Convention in Las Vegas. Ian now teaches fitness classes in the USA using his own 'Cardiokumite' system.
Left - Ian with his fitness class Right - Ian with Chuck Norris	Ian in 1970