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Yvonne Pugh nee Forshaw – Old Girl (1945-1952)

Yvonne Pugh  née Forshaw

MTGS 1945-52     Died 8th June 2014

Obituary

On the 29th August 1933, the stork delivered a bonny bouncing baby to the Crosby home of Phyllis and Charles Forshaw.  She was their third child and a sister to Joyce and Adrian and because of her mother’s interest in French she was baptised Yvonne Desiree.

The first school she attended was Forefield Lane and later won a scholarship from Halsall Girls’ School and entered Merchant Taylors’ at 11 years of age.  She was a good all-rounder and always played games to win.  Unfortunately she had a bad fall on ice and fractured a leg so I had to wheel her to and from school each day in an old fashioned three wheeler wicker invalid carriage.

She loved all animals and during the war would clean out the shippens in Jump’s Dairy in order to get a ride on the pony and trap delivering milk.

After leaving MTGS she trained in cardiography at the Royal Infirmary, Southern Hospital, Walton Hospital and other medical institutions on Merseyside.  She enjoyed her job and was especially interested in cardiac malfunction.  Unfortunately, as a result of surgery to fractured legs, she developed pulmonary embolisms and because of this had a lot of discomfort through the years.

She was a Girl Guide and enjoyed camping and the outdoor life and was a member of Hightown Club.  It was there she met Captain Charles Pugh of the King’s Regiment.  He had called there on army leave to look up friends.  Shortly after this Yvonne announced they were to marry and defied her father’s opposition as he didn’t want a Roman Catholic in the family simply because of religion.  It is good that times have changed.  Yvonne and Charles were married on 10th Sept 1955 and had a military wedding at St John’s RC Church, Formby.  Their first child was Tony and the Regiment was posted to Germany where their second son, Mike, was born in 1957.

Her father suffered a severe coronary attack and was compelled to retire to a dressing gown existence but being an active person with fifty years of engineering skills he could not lead an inactive life so invented a paint roller, which filled with paint, from a perforated cocoa tin wrapped in a polyester sleeve.  Charles Pugh retired as a Major and found employment in Liverpool.  Phyllis and Charles Pugh decided to purchase a property licensed for light industry in Bath Street, Waterloo and the Pugh family lived in the upper part of this. Yvonne found herself, along with Joyce, working machinery manufacturing paint rollers and sponges.  We went collecting empty cartons from shops which sold TVs and then made up orders which Yvonne delivered in an old second hand van.

Charles Forshaw senior died in 1972 and the company was restructured.  Phyllis Forshaw was Chairman and Yvonne Works Director.  She could operate every machine in the factory and trained others in different departments.  She had a very responsible job and without doubt contributed greatly to the success of the company.  The business had grown from a cellar to a workshop, a converted dairy and later a designer built factory in Sandy Road, Seaforth and employed 149 workers when it was sold. The Pugh family moved to Lydiate, but unfortunately Yvonne’s health deteriorated.  Each time the farmer had sprayed his fields adjoining their property her breathing became more difficult so they returned to Blundellsands to live in an apartment.

In later years Yvonne carried portable oxygen and moved in a wheelchair.  Her last attack was on June 8th 2014 when she passed away peacefully in the presence of her much loved husband and family.  She was smiling, conscious and peaceful.  It is sad that so many health problems beset her from a young age yet she always had a smile.

It is impossible to do justice in a short obituary to such a multi-talented and unique personality so I conclude with words she wrote for a dying woman in her story “Darwin be Damned”.
Heaven, that is my destination
For my soul is tormented
And it is searching for peace.

Strong winds blow my soul on its journey
Let me not lose direction
As I pass through the stars.

Travelling from the sunshine and shadow
In the wide open spaces
I have found some release.

Bright lights in the distance draw nearer
Weary souls feel the welcome
And are ready to rest.

Joyful is the greeting we get there
Feel the love overflowing
Fills our souls with new zest.

New life in this world of hereafter
For all souls it’s a haven
Called the Land of the Blessed.

Y D Pugh

Joyce Winter née Forshaw  MTGS 1939-45

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Before the end of term, our Year 9 pupils explored Before the end of term, our Year 9 pupils explored the rich architectural heritage of both Merchant Taylors’ school sites, capturing their memories and experiences through art.

With the move to coeducation this September, it’s a wonderful way to celebrate the legacy of the MTGS site and reflect on the spaces that have shaped so many lives - while looking forward to the next exciting chapter in our story. 🏫✨
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We’re excited to welcome boys and girls aged 8–14 to our two-day Cricket Camp, led by Gary Yates (former Director of the Lancashire CC Academy) and Simon Sutcliffe (former Head of Cricket at Merchant Taylors’). 

Together, they bring years of top-level coaching experience to help young cricketers build their skills, confidence and enjoyment of the game.

🗓️ Thursday 14 & Friday 15 August 2025
🕤 9.30am - 3.30pm each day
📍 Merchant Taylors’ School, Harrison Site, L23 0QP
💷 £36 per day or £60 for both days

Throughout the camp, players will work on key aspects of the game, including:

✅ Seam and spin bowling techniques
✅ Batting drills and shot selection
✅ Fielding and catching skills
✅ Game awareness and match situations
✅ Small-sided games and match play

Whether your child is new to cricket or already playing regularly, this camp is a great opportunity to develop their technique, meet new friends and learn from two outstanding coaches.

📲 Places are limited – Book via the link in our bio.
We’re hiring! 📢 Merchant Taylors’ is seeki We’re hiring! 📢

Merchant Taylors’ is seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join our team in the following roles:

🏑 Hockey Coach
🏐 Netball Coach
🎖️ CCF Contingent Commander

If you're committed to inspiring young people and want to be part of a vibrant, forward-thinking school community, we’d love to hear from you.

Find our more via the link in our bio ⤴️
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It was a lovely opportunity to reflect on how far they’ve come - from those first few days in September to the confident, curious learners they are now. There were plenty of smiles, songs and proud moments as we celebrated their achievements together. 💛

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A proud moment for our Year 2 pupils as they celeb A proud moment for our Year 2 pupils as they celebrated their achievements and looked ahead to their exciting next chapter in the Juniors.

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Well done, Year 2 - you’re more than ready for the next step! 🌟

Full gallery available via our Facebook page.
Join us this summer for the Sale Sharks Rugby Deve Join us this summer for the Sale Sharks Rugby Development Camp at Merchant Taylors’! 🏉

📅 Thursday 31 July & Friday 1 August
⏰ 9.00am – 3.30pm
🧒 For U7s to U12s
📍 Merchant Taylors’ School

Delivered by the award-winning @salesharksfoundation, this two-day camp is a fantastic opportunity for young players to sharpen their rugby skills with expert RFU-qualified coaches.

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Expect a fun, challenging and inspiring rugby experience – find out more or book a place via the link in our bio ⤴️
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We were honoured to welcome Deborah MacLaren, Managing Director of LoveReading and an Old Girl of the School, as our guest speaker. Her thoughtful and inspiring address encouraged pupils to stay curious, keep reading, and embrace the exciting journey ahead.

It was a joyful and memorable occasion for pupils, families and staff and a fitting celebration of all that our Year 6 pupils have achieved during their time at Stanfield.

Full gallery available via our Facebook page.
Join us for exciting Summer Holiday Football Camps Join us for exciting Summer Holiday Football Camps led by former professional footballer and UEFA licensed coach, @bobbygrantcoaching! Perfect for young football enthusiasts of all skill levels.

Bobby, who has played for clubs such as Accrington Stanley, Wrexham, Scunthorpe United, and Fleetwood United, brings his expertise and quality coaching to these camps.

As a UEFA licensed coach, Bobby ensures an unforgettable and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Find out more or book a place via the link in our bio ⤴️
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