Terence Ward — [Heath 1951—1958]

‘Terry’ Ward was born at Fern Street, Boothtown in ; the Battle of Britain was about to reach its height. His father was serving in the War and the separation was, as with many families, traumatic. Terry was five years old before he met and recognised his father.

An only child, he was brought up in Boothtown and his love of sport soon became clear. He joined the Salem Boys Brigade where he enjoyed the ‘shows’ and the football. He was no mean performer either on the stage or in Cup finals at the Shay. At all times, he was an easy and affable companion.

Having passed his 11 plus at Boothtown Junior School (and as a chorister at the then Halifax Parish Church), he arrived at Heath Grammar School in .

Inevitably at Heath, he was drawn into the sporting arena — rugby, cricket (school and Northowram CC) and athletics. His era was part of the halcyon days of rugby at Heath .

Ever of small stature, he nonetheless proved himself a splendid addition to the pupil stock and, throughout his eight years at School, his influence and status increased as the years passed by.

He was an outstanding scrum half — indicated by his selection, in 1958, for the Yorkshire Schools XV, including his appearance against the Welsh Schools along with Bob Lee, Stan Watkin and Malcolm Bussey.

His academic abilities enabled him to prosper in both his O and A levels. He left School in 1958 planning to pursue a career as a PE teacher at Loughborough but he was diverted into local commerce. He was invited to join the Insurance firm of Hargreaves Peake by Freddie Hargreaves, a prominent member of Halifax RUFC. He did not look back.

He was well known and his popularity, knowledge and easy relationship with people enabled him to build his business in the insurance world, conducted exclusively in central Halifax.

After a short time with Heath OB RUFC, he joined Halifax where he had a brilliant career and was President of the Club for 2011 and 2012. He was Captain for three years. In 1966/7 he did not miss a game playing in 42 games.

Then, happily, Jean came into his life through their membership of the local Tennis Club; they were married at Salem Methodist Church and were blessed with a family — Tina and Paula. At their home in Northowram, they had many joyous years, holidaying, honing their dancing skills and helping to run the Northowram Social Club. Jean’s and his dancing skills emboldened them to always be first on to the floor and even to Jive.

The Rotary Club of Halifax Calder was formed in 1980. Terry was a prominent member from the start with Presidencies in 1984 and 2008. He was a ‘doer’ of good works, especially at White Windows and in local schools, and enthused about the annual Rotary Conferences in Scarborough.

Little known fact: the diminutive Terry Ward, in 1991, was about to lodge the week’s takings in the Bank when he became aware of a ‘hue and cry.’ A police officer was chasing a thief. Never the most effective tackler, he nonetheless felled the culprit for which he was awarded a Certificate from the High Sheriff of West Yorkshire — and £100 reward.

He is sadly missed .

Grayham P Smith [Heath 1952—1959]