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In this episode, we speak with Old Grovian Kathryn Leng (85–92) about her journey from growing up in Pudsey to representing England at the highest level. Reflecting on her years at Woodhouse Grove School, Kathryn shares memories of friendships, influential teachers and experiencing three Headmasters at The Grove. She reflects on how the school’s structure and values helped shape her resilience, discipline and leadership.

Kathryn discusses discovering her love of cricket at a time when the women’s game had far less visibility, the people who supported her ambitions and the determination it took to pursue the sport seriously. From captaining England at Under-19 level to making her senior debut in 1995, she offers insight into what international cricket looked like in that era and how dramatically the game has evolved since.

We also revisit landmark moments in her career, including her record-breaking 144 against New Zealand in 1996 and becoming the first woman to play in the Bradford Cricket League in 1999. Finally, Kathryn reflects on legacy, life beyond international sport, advice for the next generation and what cricket and being an Old Grovian has ultimately given her.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about courage, leadership and breaking new ground, and discover how one Old Grovian helped pave the way for the modern women’s game.

Your Host: Eve Corry, Head of Development & Alumni Relations at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Studio Technician: Jay Sunley at Woodhouse Grove (st23-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

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In this episode of Grovian Voices, we speak with Old Grovian Dominic Leclerc (87–97), a screen director whose credits include Sex Education, Skins and Shameless, who reflects on his formative years at The Grove and the experiences that shaped his creative journey.

Dom recalls French with Mrs Hughes as his favourite subject, noting how language and storytelling influenced his early love of narrative. He shares memorable moments from his involvement in the performing arts at The Grove, alongside his participation in performing arts clubs outside of school, which helped him build confidence, find his creative voice and deepen his connection to the arts.

A key theme of the conversation is authenticity, with Dom emphasising the importance of staying true to one’s own voice as a director and creating honest, meaningful work rather than chasing trends or external validation. He also speaks candidly about the realities of the industry, describing it as highly competitive and demanding resilience, hard work and the ability to cope with rejection. Dom encourages students and aspiring creatives to trust their instincts and pursue their passions.

Tune in and enjoy this episode of Grovian Voices.

Advert from Dove in the Room - a member of The Grove Business Directory:

Website: www.doveintheroom.com

Your Host: Eve Corry, Development Officer at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Studio Technician: Jay Sunley at Woodhouse Grove (st23-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

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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, Rich shares honest insights into building a business, the realities of working for yourself and how marketing has evolved in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.

What we cover in this episode:

• An introduction to MADEBY7 and the work they do
• Why marketing is essential for businesses of all sizes
• What a brand really is and how to achieve brand recognition
• The value of networking and crafting a strong elevator pitch
• Rich’s 25-year career journey, including running a business while at university
• The reality of self-employment, including working a second job
• How marketing has changed over the years – from early websites to mobile-first design and AI
• Rich’s top tips for anyone starting or growing a business.

About MADEBY7

MADEBY7 is a creative branding and marketing agency that helps businesses define their identity, communicate clearly, and stand out in competitive markets. With a strategic approach to branding, design and marketing, MADEBY7 supports businesses in building strong, consistent brands that drive long-term growth.

Connect with Rich & MADEBY7

• LinkedIn: Richard Hayden
• Website: www.madeby7.co.uk

Your Host: Eve Corry, Development Officer at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Studio Technician: Jay Sunley at Woodhouse Grove (st23-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

Send us a text

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 rich history of both the Chapel and the wider Methodist Schools Trust. Together, we explore cherished traditions, past and present and look ahead to upcoming Christmas celebrations within the school community.

Rob also walks us through a beautiful detail: the stained glass windows that tell the Christmas story - though noticeably without shepherds! These windows are a rarity for a Methodist chapel and serve as a festive focal point during Advent.

The episode closes with Rob offering a heartfelt Christmas prayer, grounding the conversation in hope, light and togetherness for the season ahead.

Upcoming Festive Events

Mark your calendars:

• Christmas Carol Service – 4pm on Sunday 14 December
• Family Christingle Service – 5pm on Christmas Eve

Rob shares what these gatherings mean for the community and what families can look forward to.

Sending Christmas and New Year wishes to one and all.

Your Host: Eve Corry, Development Officer at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Studio Technician: Jay Sunley at Woodhouse Grove (st23-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

Send us a text

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 solicitor to sports lawyer and ultimately to helping families resolve inheritance disputes through mediation. She talks about the importance of embracing change, loving what you do and why helping people navigate conflict is her true calling.

We explore how constructive conflict can build emotional intelligence, strengthen relationships and support personal growth, along with Julia’s top practical tips for managing conflict effectively.

About Dove in the Room

• Mediation
• Facilitated Family Dialogue
• Family Conflict Coaching
• Family Business Conflict Coaching
• Conflict Awareness Training

Connect with Julia

• LinkedIn: Julia Burns
• Website: www.doveintheroom.com

Your Host: Eve Corry, Development Officer at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Studio Technician: Jay Sunley at Woodhouse Grove (st23-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

Send us a text

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 of David McCarthy, former Head of Vinter House and Second Master and his love of rugby under J. Keith Jones, 1st XV Rugby Coach and former Second Master. From Loughborough University to going on tour with England and the Barbarians, sport shaped his outlook on life and leadership.

Now an entrepreneur and philanthropist, Steve shares lessons from founding Northern Game Feeds, giving back and reconnecting old friends at the 1975 reunion - a conversation about heritage, mentorship and the lifelong spirit of The Grove.

Your Host: Eve Corry, Development Officer at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Studio Technician: Jay Sunley at Woodhouse Grove (st23-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

Send us a text

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 journey from growing up in Carmarthen, Wales, where he captained the Wales U15s and later represented his country at U18 and U19 level, to studying PE and Geography at Exeter University (St Luke’s) under the influence of mentor Goronwy Morgan. After a brief playing spell with Llanelli, his path led him to The Grove via an unforgettable 1978 interview that changed the course of his life.

He recalls early days teaching Geography and PE in gowns and tracksuits, living on campus with his wife Marian, their son Rhodri and developing a new vision for Grove Rugby, as Keith says: "because winning becomes a habit".

Keith reflects on milestones such as the 1991 Canada tour, the 2003 opening of the new Sports Hall and working under Headmasters David Miller, David Welsh, and David Humphreys. With warmth, humour and humility, he looks back on the people, traditions and moments that defined his time at The Grove and the joy of seeing generations of Grovians grow through sport.

Your Host: Eve Corry, Development Officer at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Studio Technician: Jay Sunley at Woodhouse Grove (st23-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School

Send us a text

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 – Stand Out from the Crowd,” Chris shares how the Sixth Form team champions a flexible, tailored approach for every student, whether they’re continuing from Year 11 or joining from another school.

Topics include:

• Why the one-size-fits-all model doesn’t work
• Pathway choices: A-Levels, BTECs, Apprenticeships & more
• How The Grove supports personal growth, wellbeing and future planning
• The Flexible Pathways Programme – because no 16-year-old should have to know exactly what they want to do
• Opportunities through Futures Friday, career mentoring, OG Career Profiles and The Grove Business Directory
• A day in the life of a Sixth Former – from Woody’s café culture to form discussions and weekly themes
• Games afternoons, community service, leadership roles and the real-world feel of the new Sixth Form building
• Sixth Form Tours: Rugby, Cricket, Netball – and much more
• Boarding life for Sixth Formers – flexible, welcoming and supportive

Plus:

• Chris’ personal passions – from family time to all things sport
• His answer to Toby Waterhouse's question: “One pint, one person, past or present – who are you choosing?”

Don't Miss:

Sixth Form Open Evening – Thursday 13 November 2025

Find out how to book, what to expect, and why this event is unmissable for prospective students and families. Click here to book: Open Mornings / Arrange A Visit | Woodhouse Grove School

Listen now on all major podcast platforms.

#GrovianVoices #SixthFormAtTheGrove #FutureReady #GrowDevelopStandOut #IamGrovian

Your Host: Eve Corry, Development Officer at Woodhouse Grove (st24-)

Studio Technician: Jay Sunley at Woodhouse Grove (st23-)

Music: Paul Corry

Contact us: Keep in Touch | Woodhouse Grove School