Schools
 

Hi, remember the lovely building of the old Grammar School. Just five years ago this very month since they demolished it. The entrance gates I heard were sold to someone who was taking them over to Ireland. Sad, innit? Doesn't time fly?
It was 1968 when the school, still a boys only Grammar School, was preparing to move to the smart new building in Queens Road West. The good old days, when the cane was still in use! I remember being told once about a laddie called Terry Wilkinson who as he got on the bus one day was greeted with cheers off his pals, he had just received his 100th whack in his five years at the school. Now of course, there is housing on the site.

What a shame we have lost so many of our old buildings. The area where the old grammar was is now some newish houses called College Court, and they are tiny inside.

Schools
 

Hi, here is a view of the old Woodnook St Marys which used to be in Belfield Road. I vaguely remember going there as a kid, to the Sunday School, which was connected to Christ Church, but .. I dont know why we went there, when there was Christ Church Hall available? I remember we sang hymns and they came round with a collection box - a little wooden "box" with a handle. I can still remember (and sing!) to this day the song we sang

"Dropping, dropping, dropping, dropping, hear the pennies fall,
They belong to Jesus, he shall have them all"

I have been known to suddenly burst into song!

The second photo was taken in 1960. Maybe some of you recognise yourselves on it? Do tell us if you do!

And .. again .. same old story ... houses now on this site!

I remember the school well, i was there from 1957 to 1964. Then it was up the road to woodnook secondary untill 1967 then finished off my schooling at Hollins. I dont recognize any of the kids, only the headmaster MR BARTON. The girls and boys played in separate yards, but it did not stop us having snowball fights. We would chuck them over the wall in hope of hitting someone.

You're correct Janet. That is Mr Barton. His wife was a chiropodist. He used to live up Burnley Rd almost opposite Peel Park. I was there in the early '50's. I thought the building was really nice and was very upset when they demolished it. I don't recognize any of the kids but in a generic sort of a way I recognize them all. Did every class look the same. I went up 'thill to Woodnook Secondary too.