An 'Honorary' Ex-JCS Pupil Remembers.
Although I didn't attend Jarrow Central School I enjoy visiting the website which along with past memories gives me a feeling of affinity with the school.
I actually went to Clegga, maybe they changed the boundary lines the year I sat my 11+ or maybe it was because St.Oswalds was only allocated one Central School place per year and, unfortunately, in my year it was a boys turn even though he was less intelligent than me - that was my mam's theory.
Looking at the photos I recognised Heather Waite; we worked together at John Marren's Solicitors. Best of all I love seeing the photos of Len Stephenson, he lives near my sister in Canada and we had a few visits to see him last year. We got on so well and he is the nicest guy. As there are quite a few photos of him in his younger days it would be nice to have some of him today - perhaps he will read this.
One of the other reasons I like the site is because my husband is a Jarrow lad (62 years old in August) who passed for Jarrow Grammar School but his mother insisted on him going to St.Aidens because of their religion. I don't think he ever quite forgave her as he didn't do particularly well (Quote: all that travelling for four scabby O Levels and one of them Religion!). He never had anything to do with his schoolmates when he left school because he preferred Jarrow and Hebburn folk!!!!!
Lance might remember that I noticed Davy Porter's name from one of the reunions. Well Davy was Best Man at our wedding. I also see Sinclair Gordon's name. Sinclair was a good mate back in the 1970's when he was asst. headmaster at Toner Avenue and used to repair cars at the weekend. He used to ask me what it was like being married to 'a good looking bastard'? Well I am still married to him and we will contact him from the Bahamas.
I've had a great time today looking at the site and shouting for 'the good looking bastard' to come and look at this and that.
Jean (Houston) and Leo Fitzpatrick.