One of the more pleasing things about the school site is receiving contributions, whether in the form of photos or via the written word, from former pupils and teachers.  Teachers should in theory, have more to input than the pupils do.  Teachers, after all have observed school life across the years whereas pupils can only comment on events in their own relatively small circle.

So far, we have had the splendid contribution from Don Johnson, memories from the sons of Ernest Younson and Pat Casey, as well as photos and a drawing from Wilf Wardle.

Recently, Charles E. Plant threw his mortarboard into the ring (see Guest Book entry 226) and, despite its brevity; perhaps it is a foretaste of greater things to come.  I’m sure that Charlie, having served his time as both a pupil and a teacher at JCS, has many stories to tell—watch this space.

I would also like to mention George Watt’s excellent piece regarding "The Felling" and Noble and Lund—perhaps this will spark others to recount their own experiences of our industrial heritage.

If you have something to say that is of interest even if the link to JCS is only tenuous please let us have it.

Another item that springs to mind is Elaine’s involvement with the Kenyans; I’m sure there is a lot more to write about there.

Lance

28 Feb 06

Editorial 34

Today, George (Watt) and I attended the service held in memory of former JCS and Sunderland goalkeeper Jimmy Thorpe.

It was a very emotional occasion; not least when (coincidentally?) the school hymn was included in the service.  Among those in attendance was Sunderland’s Deputy Chairman John Fitt, former players Jimmy Montgomery and Bobby Kerr, as well as Johnny Spuhler who, at 85, can lay claim to be the oldest surviving Middlesbrough player.

Light refreshments and a photo exhibition followed and Ronnie Thorpe, Jimmy’s son who is now 72, was obviously delighted by the response shown to his father’s memory.

Jimmy died in 1936 aged 23.

Lance Liddle 5 Feb 2006

EDITORIAL 33

Happy New Year to everyone, may you all continue to prosper.

This past year, the site, has had many things to applaud, not least the photo pages created and organised by George.  George is constantly looking for fresh innovations, and photos, to enhance the pages so please keep them coming.  In particular, a few more photos of teachers would be welcome – I’m sure not all of them were used as a dartboard.

Kudos is also due to Colin whose, often unsung, work in ‘The Engine Room,’ ensures that the site runs smoothly and is easy to operate.  The recent difficulty over the code entering in the Message Board wasn’t of Colin’s doing and it seems to be sorted out now.  What was Colin’s doing, was the addition of the Search Engine.  This invaluable feature should make life a lot easier for site visitors, particularly newcomers.  Colin, as most of us know, was responsible for the creation of the site and I’m pleased to report he is continuing to do so.

There were several reunions during the year and I think they were all successful.  It was particularly emotional for many of us, including him, when former art teacher Don Johnson joined us at the Aln Street event in October.

Don’s memories of JCS left a lasting impression; as did the contributions from the sons of Pat Casey and Ernest Younson, so vitally important in drawing up an overall picture of the school, its pupils and its staff.

It was also pleasing to have such strong support from overseas and perhaps this year, we may have some more home support too.  In the words of the song: ‘I Can Dream Can’t I?’

Lance Liddle

3 Jan 2006.

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EDITORIAL 32

As Christmas approaches, once more it is a time to look forward and to look back.  To look forward and see what the future holds for the site; to look backwards and see what it has achieved—if indeed it has achieved anything.

Sadly, I don’t think it has achieved very much.  Despite the number of hits, only the faithful few seem prepared to do anything other than visit in hushed silence.

I find it difficult to comprehend that so few of our site visitors have so few memories or, as has been suggested, they are so deeply personal that to share them would be intrusive.  Amazingly, one of the most enthusiastic supporters of the site is someone who didn’t even attend JCS!

As to the future, we can only wait and see.

Despite all this pre-festive gloom there have been highlights; Spring, Autumn and November Reunions; overseas visitors, including Dr Elizabeth Tindle, and establishing contact with Don Johnson, who channelled so many of us into becoming either artists or housepainters.

Very Best Wishes to both of my readers (I’m only joking – I know there are at least three.)

Postscript: No sooner had I completed this editorial than the postman, who, knowing of my interest in hardboiled crime fiction, always rings twice, delivered a package from Australia.  It was sent by Ted Diggle, ex alumni of Grange and Clegwell schools.  Ted is another one who, despite not being indigenous to JCS, is nevertheless full of praise for the site.  Included in the package was, among other things, two magazine cuttings from a couple of Australian publications regarding the aforementioned Elizabeth, I quote: Runners-up in Seniors with get up and go awards … Elizabeth Tindle, Queensland.

67 year-old Elizabeth is a gold medallist basketball player—she recently returned from a trip to the World Masters Games in Canada, where she won gold.  She has played basketball for over 50 years and although she has a pacemaker, each week still plays, coaches and swims with a swimming club. (Spring 2005 issue, News For Seniors.)

From a different publication … Elizabeth is quoted by an Australian national newspaper on branding, which I gather is a popular pastime amongst the youngsters of Oz.  Probably related to their association with cattle.  However, I won’t print Elizabeth’s comments, harmless as they are; as I feel human branding is of minimal interest to this site.

It did, however, make me think back to school and Archie Campbell.  I have this picture of boys walking across the playground with the word Procrastination or Antidisestablishmentarianism branded across there forehead – or elsewhere.

Lance Liddle

December 2005

Editorial 31

The Autumn Reunion came and went and what an afternoon it was.  Everyone appeared to enjoy themselves and the number, 85 and counting was far higher than at any of the previous gatherings.  The mix was across the board ranging from Gordon Johnson who left in 1934 to Terry Murphy who left in 1975.

Of particular interest was the presence of Don Johnson, retired art teacher.  Lydia read out Elizabeth’s poem dedicated to him and he admitted it was a very emotive moment.  Other art teachers, Charlie Plant and Wilf Wardle, also attended.

Thanks must go to Malcolm Rigg for organising a superb buffet, George Watt for the photo exhibition and my wife, Marlene, for keeping the tea and coffee flowing. 

Colin Carter took lots of photos so expect to see them shortly.

With so many guests, it would be unfair to single anyone out so all I can do is to say ‘thank you’ to everyone.

Val Shearer told me a very poignant story.  Her mother, Doris Richardson, left JCS in the 1930s and now suffers from Alzeimers.  In those days, Ernest Younson who had yet to become headmaster; was one of Doris' teachers.  Val downloaded the photos of Mr Younson from the site, showed them to Doris and was delighted when her mam's eyes gave a flicker of recognition.  You must have felt wonderful, Val.

The day of the reunion brought joy to most of us but sadly, that was the day that Muriel Kinmond's husband died.  Muriel, who is Joan, 'Essex girl' Yeoman's cousin also attended JCS in the 1930s.  Our deepest sympathy goes out to Muriel and all those close to her.

Lance Liddle Oct 2005

Editorial 28

It was great to hear from Don Johnson, in his own words, 85 not out and still batting.  A well-liked art teacher, witness Elizabeth Baker’s poetic eulogy, he must be the last from my era, 1949-1953, who is still at the wicket.  If there are any others out there, as well as those of more recent vintage, please let us hear from you.  If there aren’t then follow Mike Casey’s example and tell us about your parents.

 Mention of teachers prompts me to draw your attention to George’s brilliantly conceived Screen Show pages.  In case you haven’t already sussed it out, this is where the photos are now housed.  As well as photos of pupils, George hopes to have pages of photos dedicated to individual teachers.  To do this we need to build on those pictures we already have and therefore we are appealing to anyone who has a photo of a JCS teacher either from school or from later years to contact us.

 I’m also starting to think of our Autumn Reunion which will be in October – where or when is yet to be decided.  Please let me know if there is a Thursday in October where you are otherwise engaged.  We will do our best to arrange a date suit the majority with preference given to those who bother to reply.  Ideas for an alternative, centrally situated, venue will also be considered. 

Don’t forget that all years are welcome at the Autumn Reunion so don’t worry about not knowing anyone – if you don’t when you arrive you will when you leave.

Lance Liddle August 2005

Editorial 27

An eventful month.  Those intrepid ‘62ers held another social evening at The Clock that everyone seemed to enjoy.  Brenda J has filed her report on the Reunion page and, hopefully, the photos will follow on.  Later that same week the girls went to ‘Ascot at York’ races where BJ backed lots of winners.  Reunions seem to come and go so frequently these days it is becoming difficult to call them reunions.

Lydia Diel (nee Arnott), over here on holiday from New Jersey, met up with Ron French, Audrey Moore and myself for a pleasant afternoon at the Discovery Museum (see photo in Reunion page).

On the subject of photos, George’s Picture gallery is now being expanded and soon it will include the historical photos as well.  So please keep those old class photos coming.

I was pleased to hear from Mike Casey, son of former teacher Pat Casey, and to have his memories of his father added to the site.  Thanks Mike.  I had hoped this would prompt some further memories of his dad as we all have them.  I believe he also took part in amateur dramatics with the ‘Felling Players’ – can anyone add to that?

Mike informs us that his sister Tricia, Pat’s daughter also taught at JCS – if you’re still out there, we’d love to hear from you.

I’m still hoping to receive some memories from Ernest Younson’s son.

One sad announcement this month.  Irene James, a contemporary of Audrey Moore at JCS, died earlier this year.  Although I never met her, I’d spoken to her several times on the telephone; she was always interested to hear about the reunions.  Audrey told me that she had planned to go to the April gathering but, sadly, died in the month preceding.

Lance Liddle July 2005

Editorial 26

I am pleased to say that, for the foreseeable future, Colin Carter will continue as Webmaster.  There had been some speculation that, because of the pressure of his other commitments, Colin would be standing down.  Fortunately this has been avoided and the site should continue to evolve under his guidance.

            Part of this evolution is in the changes to George’s photo presentations which, I hope, everyone will approve of.  Some site visitors had a few initial problems but I think they have now been sorted out.  Anyone still having problems please tell us about it.

            There has been lots of reunion activity lately and there’s more on the way.  After the April bash at The Union Rooms, the following month saw a get together at the Cock Crow Inn, Hebburn to welcome Elizabeth Baker, our ace correspondent from ‘Down Under’.

            She was as charming as we all knew she would be and it was a delightful afternoon in pleasant surroundings.  All present were keen on having our next reunion there but others, who weren’t actually there, did point out the difficulties of the location – having to depend on the 527 bus being a major factor.  My own view is that it might be a bit cramped for our October reunion.

            The 1962 girls are having a Pre-Ascot drink in The Clock Hotel, Hebburn, on 13^th June then, 3 days later, 5 or 6 of them are off to York for Ladies Day.  Let’s hope they win the Fashion Stakes with lots of photos to prove it.

            Other items in the pipeline include extracts from an Oak Tree Magazine of 1969ish vintage supplied courtesy of Keith Cossey.

Lance Liddle June 2005

Editorial 25

If the site appears to be stagnant at the moment it is due to some internal reorganisation which should soon be in place.  Those of you who have sent photos and are wondering where they are, please be patient, they will be displayed shortly.

Those of you who haven't sent photos or memories then please search the attics of your house or your mind - one or the other will be crammed full of stuff.  The trick is finding it.

Those of us who remember Elizabeth Tindle (Baker as was), sister of Lydia, will be pleased to know she is visiting these shores next week and looking forward to re-newing auld acquaintance.

Elizabeth and her husband, because of their achievements, are highly regarded in Australia and I would like to think that, in Elizabeth's case, it was due to the schooling she received at JCS (We won't mention that other place she attended on Field Terrace).

So if you knew Elizabeth through either of her schools, or by her lyrical contributions to this site, she would love to meet up with you from 3.00pm till early evening on Wednesday 11 May at the Cock Crow Inn Hebburn (opposite the site of the former Coke Works).

Please do your best to attend.

Lance Liddle May 2005

Editorial 24

Yet another reunion and, by all accounts, the most enjoyable yet.  It began on a very good note when the photos that went missing at the previous get together turned up.  Despite having contacted the Union Rooms immediately afterwards, as well as on subsequent occasions, they had been with the management all the time!  This took a heavy weight off some of our shoulders and made all involved very pleased.  Whilst most people like the Union Rooms, not least for the cheap booze, it does have a problem for those of us who are not as agile as we once were.  With this in mind we may hold the Autumn Reunion at a venue that is friendlier to the disabled.  However this can only be done by suggestions from yourselves for which I eagerly await.  Your replies can be via the Message Board, by Email or, if you want to discuss it further, in the recently inaugurated Chat Room.  Whatever do let us have your views bearing in mind it has to be a venue as central as possible.

There were a lot of photos taken this year and I hope they will soon be on the site.  As inevitably happens there is always someone who gets accidentally overlooked.  If it was YOU my apologies; it wasn't intentional.

Lance Liddle.  April 2005  

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Editorial 23

More sadness.  Helen Wilkinson, nee Riddoch, died this month aged 86.  Because of her age not many of the site visitors will have known her but she was enthusiastic about her schooldays at JCS - she left in 1932 - and supplied us with the 1930 photo as well as a copy of her school report for 1929.  She spent her latter days at the Beech Residential Home which occupies the site that once housed The Central and, Grange Schools so the wheel has turned the full circle.  I visited her a couple of times and she was a lovely person.  If her husband said that he didn't know something she would reply, 'That's because you didn't go to the Central!'

I've had an email from Len Stephenson who wonders how many, if any, of the teachers from his era, mid 40's, early 50's are still alive?  Perhaps someone can help.

Come to that I wonder how many teachers of ANY era are still out there?  When we started this site we did hope that we would receive some feedback from teachers; we're still waiting.  In the words of Archie Campbell, 'Don't procrastinate.'  The same, of course, applies to all of those former pupils who are interested in keeping the memory of the school alive.  Please send us your stories and reminiscences, if the site is to be kept going it does need regular input.  You do have the memories, so please share them.

Next reunion is Thursday 7 April, lunchtime at the usual place, Union Rooms, Newcastle.

Lance Liddle March 2005

Editorial 22

If I sound gloomy this month perhaps it is understandable.  It isn't just the death of Miss Pattie that upset me inasmuch as the very low response to the announcement on our message board.  Perhaps I am biased towards her as she only taught me for one year and I never experienced her legendary wrath at first hand.  However I got to know her better in recent years and I am pleased to think that she regarded me as a friend.  I even washed the car before the funeral, she would have expected nothing less.

As she once told me 'I know I was strict but I would like to think that I was fair.'

I think she was and, as many of the contributors to the Memories Page of this site have pointed out, if the circumstances demanded it she was more than fair.

There was a respectable turn out for the occasion with the Class of '62 out in force along with others from earlier years.  The service was conducted by a vicar who knew Miss Pattie and was able to speak from personal knowledge.  His humour and insight helped to soften the sadness.

Hilda Pattie always showed an interest in our reunions and she enjoyed reading the list of names after each one.  She would then try to match the faces to the names which she frequently did.  To her credit I never heard her speak ill of anyone whether she was talking about a student or a teacher.  A wonderful lady - R.I.P.

Mention of reunions prompts me to draw your attention to the 1962-64 get together at The Clock, Hebburn, on Monday 7th Feb; details are on the front page.

For those of an earlier age our next shindig is at The Union Rooms (probably) date 7 April.

Lance Liddle February 2005

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Editorial  21

2005! Where did the years go to?  I can remember when I thought George Orwell's novel, 1984, was set at some unreachable point in the future; I also thought that only the very rich had cars.  At JCS, in my day, even the teachers travelled by bike.  Least of all did I foresee the invention of the PC, the creation of The Internet, and the technology which would emerge to make this very website possible.  In those days even pocket calculators were unheard of.  Stuff like that was strictly for Dan Dare!

However, despite progress in technology, a site such as this is built on old-fashioned values and the memories of the simpler things in life.  The memories of us all, interest and provoke other memories, in other people, which all adds to the infinite variety of our site contributions.

The Crook reminiscences from Genia and Mary Futers have struck a chord with most of us, as have the poems and the photos from Elizabeth Tindle Baker and the others.  I hope the stories continue to flow.

Lance Liddle

1 January 2005

Editorial Twenty

It's time to wish all and everyone  a very Merry Xmas, especially those who have made meaningful contributions to the website - without you there would be no site.  Especial thanks to Mary Futers for her 1940 school magazine, 'Vacs Rag'.  Hopefully, by the time you read this, part 2 will be on site.

      I'm pleased to see the poems and recipes coming in and more enthusiasts signing in the Guest Book.  Included in this latter category is Eric Younson, son of Ernest Younson who was one of the most revered of headmasters.  I'm hoping Eric will be able to oblige us with a memory or three of his father.

Former World Accordion Champion, Jim Reavey, is yet another one of the heroes from the past, I wonder how many more are out there, waiting  to be uncovered?

Finally I'd like to thank everyone for the Xmas cards they Emailed us - "Thank you, Len."

Lance Liddle Xmas 2004

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Editorial Nineteen

After causing some soul searching amongst us, Brenda Joyce has finally revealed what no one else knew, the school motto.  Shame on you all, myself included, for not knowing.  Was it displayed in school?  Perhaps it was a Latin inscription that no-one apart from Brenda was able to construe.  Maybe it was in the toilets, if so it puts a completely different meaning on the words.

            It is reprinted here.  I have updated it and added the last three lines.

Good, Better, Best.

Never rest till the Good is Better

And the Better Best.

If you can't make the Good Better,

Or the Better, Best,

Cheat.

                Talking Brendas, Brenda Joyce has still not recovered her photos from the Union Rooms on 28th October please check again as they are of great sentimental value and, even more important, they didn't all belong to her, so please keep on looking.  One of the other Brendas, Thompson, reports that the November reunion in the Quality Inn, Boldon was also a roaring success.           

Many thanks to Len for his Xmas Card, he assures me the house on the card that is so extravagantly decorated isn't his.  Please keep the cards coming to let us know you are all still out there.

The Hebburn Website, with which we have a close affinity (and vice versa), held a social evening in The Clock. Several people spoke highly of the JCS site even though they didn't go to the school.  Those present included Norman Dunn whose own site of Hebburn Photos is becoming legendary (see Links), Judith Robb, a regular attendee at our reunions and Alex and Audrey Baker - brother and sister of the JCS Bakers Lydia and Elizabeth.  Jean Fitzpatrick, a friend of David Porter and Len Stephenson was also there.  Jean has been given that very rare title of an Honorary JCS Site Visitor on the strength of the piece she wrote for our Memories Page.

Finally does anyone know where the word 'Ploat' comes from?  I know the connection with JCS is somewhat tenuous apart from the fact that a pupil, who shall be nameless, once threatened to Ploat me for giving him the wrong answer during Casey's Wall Game.  The way he said it left me with no doubt as to what it meant! Strangely I have never actually come across it in any other circumstances.  Is it a Geordie word or is it a word associated with a trade or what?  Please help me out.

Lance Liddle December 2004

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                                                            Editorial Eighteen

I wonder if anyone reads the editorials?  Apart from George and Colin, I've never met anyone who admits to it.  Frequently

questions are posed but no one answers. Are we all dead?  When the school died did we die with it?

Likewise the Message Board and Historical Pictures, is there really no one out there who can identify the unknown pupil on the

1950 photo?  I don't expect people to supply names for the 1913 football team but,  we have names for 1930's photos so surely we 

should manage a few more names for the later photos.  Still on the subject of the Message Board I'm surprised no one has been able 

to give Harold Doran details about the school camps that he seeks.  The point I'm trying to make is that this site can only be as good 

s you make it. 

There is no shortage of visitors from near and far, is it asking too much to want to hear from them (for 'them' read 'you')?

Lance Liddle November 2004

EDITORIAL SEVENTEEN

Thank you everyone who turned up for the reunion - all 60 of you.  Commiseration's to those who couldn't make it for health or other reasons and disappointment at those who didn't have a reason.

Nevertheless I think everyone enjoyed themselves although there was a major hiccup - our photographic editor forgot his camera, all part of the ageing process, so it was left to myself to take them and the results are more Lord Lucan than Lord Litchfield.

Several questions were posed - do we opt for every six months or twelve months?  Afternoon or evening?  With or without partners?  Let us know your views.

Also as regards this site it was suggested by one of the ladies to open it up a bit to include items by site visitors with only peripheral JCS content such as poems or recipes etc.

In the latter context we could have; Meat Patties, Campbell's Soup, Jackson's Stew, Shirley's Rice and Duck(er)á l'orange washed down with a glass of Dave's Porter and cooked by Lydia and Elizabeth (Baker).

Regards poetry:          There was a young lady from Palmer

                                      Who left to marry a farmer

                                      She had six goats and a kid

                                      I don't know what she did

                                      But it certainly didn't harm her. 

I'm sure you can all do better than that!  Let's hear from you.

Don't forget the 1959ish reunion is also imminent details are back on the front page.

Lance Liddle 29 October 2004

Editorial Sixteen

Colin Carter put together this site after the 16 October Reunion which I think is an appropriate date to celebrate the first anniversary of the site.  Although, to the casual visitor, it may seem that George Watt and myself are the prime movers, without Colin's time and his know how you would be looking at a blank screen.  So as such I am going to use this months editorial as a means of thanking Colin on behalf of George, myself and, I'm sure, all former JCS pupils who have enjoyed visiting the site.

Thank you Colin.

I would also like to take this opportunity to once again emphasise the need for more memories and photos from everyone - you may not all have photos but, hopefully, most of you still have memories.

See you all on the 28th.

Lance Liddle 15 October 2004

Editorial Fifteen

As the Reunion Season approaches I am pleased to .report an encouraging response and early indications suggest there will be at least as many as last time so it looks like another good afternoon is in store for us.

George has often said to me that he thinks JCS was a unique school and, as I have more and more contact with pupils from across the years, I think he is right.  I don't know if it was because of the 'no mans land' we were in i.e. between the Grammar School and Croft/Clegga but I do somehow feel special for having been a pupil there, not that I made any notable impact whilst I was at school, are there others who feel the same?

I'm pleased to see names being added to the Where Are They Now? Feature - I hope we will succeed in reuniting folk.

Did anyone see 'Look North' tonight?

Former pupil and contributor to this site, Ron French, interviewed regarding his book on Lost Shipyards of The Tyne.  Now I know what he looks like.  He spoke well, albeit briefly, and I look forward to reading his book (see 'Books by former pupils' on the home page.)

Ron is one of several ex pupils to have committed themselves to print - modesty forbids Colin and I mentioning the others - and I hope it sells well.

Finally don't forget there is a free drink for the first person to identify Vivienne Franklyn's friend pictured on the home page.

Lance Liddle 28 Sept. 2004

Editorial Fourteen

As the 28 October reunion approaches we also have another important date on the horizon - the first anniversary of this website - 21 October.

As the site was spawned because of the success of last years 52/53 reunion the two October events this year cannot be allowed to pass without reference to one and other although in what way I'm not yet sure, perhaps George will bake a cake.

Suggestions please.

The number of congratulatory messages we get both personally and via the guestbook is stimulation enough for us to continue although at times we despair because of the lack of fresh input.  We have decided to rename 'The Forum' 'The Message Board' where site visitors can chat away about anything they feel is of interest to anyone else.  It doesn't have to be about JCS although, naturally, we hope that the majority of messages are.  We would also like it to be used as a lost and found column whereby we can put former pupil x in touch with former pupil y.  There will of course be a degree of discretion used and results only displayed with the consent of both parties so, if you want to find your long lost mate we will do our best to help.

Talking about meeting long lost friends the story of how George and I met up again 40 years after we'd left school is worthy of repetition.  Unknown to one and other we'd cycled from Tyneside to the tiny Northumbrian hamlet of Falstone on the edge of Kielder Reservoir.  That in itself was coincidental but what was really bizarre was the fact that we were both riding 1950's Flying Scot bikes and wearing identical cycling tops.  In case you're thinking all cycle tops are the same let me tell you that, apart from George's, I've never seen another one like it.

True.

If anyone else has any memories of unusual meetings with former pupils or teachers let us know.

Lance Liddle August 2004

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Editorial Thirteen

I'm pleased to say there has been an upsurge in site visitors over the past couple of weeks.  This has been due, in the main, to some leaflets placed at strategic points across the Borough.  A particularly fruitful source has been the recent photographic exhibition promoted by the Jarrow and Hebburn Local History Society.  Although there was little JCS material on show it was, nevertheless, of interest to local residents past and present many, of course, were ex JCS.  In consequence the response to our notice has been good and a lot of people have responded with photos and memories with, hopefully, more in the pipeline.  So get up into the attic and find that suitcase full of memories and share them with us.

Ron French's memories are, I think, brilliant and he displays a cutting edge that Archie Campbell would have been proud of!

October 28th at Union Rooms is our next lunchtime get together and all are invited irrespective of year.  Please let me know if you can make it.

Lance Liddle July 2004

EDITORIAL TWELVE

 Once again we are thinking ahead to forthcoming reunions.

The 1962 leavers are holding a soirée on 27th July at Langos, Leazes Park Road, Newcastle.  Details can be seen on the home page.  Val and Enid are keen on obtaining a school hat for the occasion along with any other authentic bits of school uniform (does that include the navy blues?) if you can help, get in touch with Val.

The 1953 (ish) leavers are probably meeting up again at The Union Rooms in October. The 28th has been tentatively suggested although not yet confirmed.  Anyone who wants to come but can't make this date please let me know.  We will try and arrange the date to suit the majority.

Both of the above reunions are open to other years. 

Several site visitors have commented on the lack of communication from the latter day intakes.  Despite our pleas we still haven't had much response from the students of the later years, i.e. the 1970's, but we remain hopeful. 

After the feature on Archie Campbell I am thinking of a similar one re Miss Pattie so let's have your favourite Miss P story. 

Our thanks go to Colin Bell for providing, and George Watt for refurbishing the photo's of Colin Buckley who died last year. 

Lance Liddle

June 2004

EDITORIAL ELEVEN