Brian and Christine Daglish, visiting RGS in 2016.
Humble Heroes
Adapted from articles for ONA Magazine by Susan Beck (Staff 2018 to date). Explore the ONA Magazine here.
For those of us who grew up in the North East, the iconic skyline, the warmth of its people, and the echoes of history create a lasting imprint. Life may take Novocastrians far beyond the rivers of the Tyne and the Wear, yet a piece of their hearts remain firmly anchored in the North East.
Transcending distance, it’s a connection to a place that forged each of our identities. Among these devoted souls are generous donors – humble heroes who believe in the infinite potential of our homeland. They may venture out into the world, creating wealth and success in diverse fields, yet they are driven by a quiet, profound love for their birthplace. Here are the stories of three humble heroes whose contributions have supported RGS to empower the next generation of Geordies to chase their dreams. These acts of generosity reflect a deep-rooted belief that the North East deserves every opportunity to thrive, just as they did.
These selfless acts are commemorated in stone, literally, on the school building, standing as a lasting tribute to these donors' quiet contributions. Each name, beautifully etched into the stone by Low Fell-based company ‘Strettles’, represents so much more than any individual; it symbolises a deep, enduring bond between Newcastle and its people – a legacy of hope, opportunity, and unwavering pride.
BRIAN CALVERT DAGLISH
The story of the late Brian Daglish is one that echoes quietly through the halls of RGS, not through grand portraits or famous accolades, but through a simple stone plaque. For those who pause to notice, this quiet stone etching will mark a life of unassuming generosity and a commitment that has profoundly shaped the school’s community. Brian Daglish, alongside his wife Christine, became an enduring figure in the RGS story, not as an ON, but as a devoted supporter who believed in the transformative power of education.
“Brian saw an RGS education as a powerful leveller, a chance for bright children from any background to thrive and that ability, not family background, should determine who benefits from an RGS education.”
Brian and Christine Daglish, visiting RGS in January 2022
Though he never attended RGS – his path took him to Heaton Grammar School just a mile away – his dedication to our values and mission was unwavering.
Brian remained deeply connected to the North East until his death in 2023, despite spending many years living in Manchester. He and Christine visited us at RGS often, blending seamlessly into the school’s corridors like any proud grandparents. Christine has continued to support the bursary pupils of since Brian’s death, for which we are very grateful. Following a stint in the RAF, Brian enjoyed a successful career as a Chartered Accountant and settled into a modest life with Christine. Yet, in their quiet way, they have contributed over a million pounds to the RGS Bursary Campaign over the years. It’s an astonishing gift, one that has opened doors for countless students from varied background who otherwise would not have had the means to attend RGS.
So, what compels a person like Brian Daglish to dedicate such a significant portion of his wealth to strangers – children he would likely never meet? At its heart, his giving stemmed from a profound belief in the potential of young people from the North East. Brian saw an RGS education as a powerful leveller, a chance for bright children from any background to thrive and that ability, not family background, should determine who benefits from an RGS education. Brian’s story is a testament to the power of giving – however small or grand. His approach was simple – do what you can, when you can. Over time, his small and consistent acts of generosity accumulated into a legacy that has changed the lives of so many. As he continued to give quietly, without seeking recognition, his generosity became a habit, a source of immense personal fulfilment, and a reminder of what can grow from small, consistent acts of kindness.
In remembering Brian Daglish, we honour not just his generosity but the quiet courage it took to give so selflessly, trusting in the unseen impact of his contributions. Brian’s example encourages us all to consider what we can give to our communities. He remains a humble hero of RGS, a beacon of compassion and dedication whose legacy will continue to inspire generations. He is greatly missed by his widow Christine and all of us at RGS.
“As he continued to give quietly, without seeking recognition, his generosity became a habit, a source of immense personal fulfilment, and a reminder of what can grow from small, consistent acts of kindness.”
PROFESSOR PETER S WALKER (ON 52-60)
Professor Peter Walker, a pioneer in orthopaedic bioengineer, and his wife Mrs Wuliang Walker are enduring supporters who have made an indelible difference to our school. The now New York-based couple are honoured on a stone plaque, for their staggering contributions. Peter and Wuliang have invested in the fabric of our almost 120 year old building, enabling us to refurbish the original lockers, wooden sash windows and essential pointing and stone masonry. We are indebted to these great benefactors, who have made their indelible mark on RGS and our future generations of students.
Reflecting on his time at RGS, Professor Walker highlights the invaluable education and lasting friendships he formed, along with the influence of dedicated teachers and diverse extracurricular opportunities to which he credits his wish to give back.
My memories of RGS include the dedication and skill of the teachers, the opportunities to participate in a wide range of sports and special interests, the guarantee of being able to swim, the enduring friendships that were formed, and the school buildings themselves.
- Peter S Walker (ON 52-60)
Professor Peter and Mrs Wuliang Walker visiting RGS in September 2025, with Headmaster Geoffrey Stanford.
Peter Walker, competing in an RGS high-jump competition, c.1950s.
After graduating from Cambridge, Walker’s groundbreaking work in joint biomechanics took him from the UK to prestigious institutions in the US, where he helped develop early artificial knee designs, including the widely successful Total Condylar. His innovations have transformed orthopaedic surgery, benefiting countless patients globally. The couple, already honoured as RGS Fellows for their generous support of the school’s Bursary Campaign, have continued their legacy by funding essential renovations to the historic Eskdale Terrace building. Their contributions have restored cherished features like the original lockers, wooden sash windows, and masonry, preserving the school’s character for future generations. In recognition of his remarkable journey and generous contributions, Peter Walker’s name will be celebrated on the RGS donor wall as one of the first members of ‘The Sutherland Society’, symbolizing his deep connection to the school and inspiring future students to pursue excellence.
“Looking back, there have been a number of influencing factors on my career. But it is certain that my RGS experience has been a major positive influence. It is difficult to imagine a better high school than the RGS. What I learned there was to be open to new options and experiences, and to make the most of what abilities I had; useful preparation for navigating the various options which occurred during a professional career.”
- Peter S Walker (ON 52-60)
For these humble heroes - and very many more not mentioned above - Newcastle’s proud history and culture are more than memories; they are lifelines of resilience, generosity, and hope. These quiet benefactors – those who never forget where they came from – embody this spirit.
They leave a legacy of opportunity, ensuring that while they may roam, Newcastle’s future remains bright, its promise infinite, and its heart forever strong.