South Shields Grammar-Technical School for Boys   
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Viewing messages 171 to 180

Mike Todd | old~DOT~boys~AT~boyshighschool~DOT~co~DOT~uk
Can I just say a huge thank you to all those who have visited the site since it was created 20 years ago this week, particularly those who have commented here. I don’t often say much, but I read all messages (I think!)

There is so much affection for the old Alma Mater (yes, we do “revere thee, standing guard on northern shore”) and I’m pleased that the original plan to knock down the old school was ditched.

I had a couple of discussions with Ken Gibson at the time and stressed the hope that the old building would be preserved. I like to think these, and some of the content of this site, might have had some influence on the decision to preserve it. We even talked of trying to get it listed, but that didn’t happen.

The old building will be 100 years old in 2036 - I don’t know if I’ll be around then, but who knows.

2021 has been an awful year all round – not just with Covid, but on a personal level I ended up in hospital a couple of times in the early spring, had a burst gallbladder removed then went into severe sepsis. This latter has certainly affected my cognitive abilities, but I'm hanging in there.

Then my car fell apart - so I’m now driving an electric. And then the big storm hit. I was lucky to be less affected than many others here in Rothbury and the rest of Northumberland.

So I wish everyone here a VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS, and big hopes that 2022 will be markedly better for all. I also hope that the site continues to attract Old Boys over the coming years.

Sat 18-Dec-2021 22:49 - Rothbury, Northumberland
Robin Leslie | robin~DOT~leslie~AT~yahoo~DOT~com
I just want to say how proud I am to have South Shields High School for Boys as not just a memory but as a living reality in my life that has continued to influence my thoughts and hopes. I was sad when the local Labour Party changed the name of the school to South Shields Grammar Technic School, which sounded and felt clumsy and mediocre. I'm not a snob but we have seen the emphasis on technique and technical destroy the older and slower considerate and more wholesome education that Bruce Graham, Alan Wightman and I were fortunate to receive. However we must build and hope for a better tomorrow and in that vein I wish Mike, Bruce and Alan and anyone else involved with this lovely site A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A BETTER NEW YEAR.
Sat 18-Dec-2021 21:14 - Cobham Surrey
Bruce Graham | bsgraham~AT~btinternet~DOT~com
I read with alarm the message concerning the "mooted" idea of demolishing the "old" school building. Is it true?

It led me on to look at the officially "Listed" buildings in SS, convinced that our old school would be included. It isn't and therefore has no protected status.

I join with Robin Leslie and Alan Wightman in extending seasonal greetings to anyone reading this site and hope that Rothbury has recovered from its prolonged power outage!!
Sat 18-Dec-2021 20:33 - ruskington lincolnshie
alan wightman | aconlan111~AT~gmail~DOT~com
BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL.

We are fortunate as a plan had been 'mooted' to demolish the 'old' school and replace with the now 'new' Academy.
The main entrance was the 'back-drop' to many class photos. The 'iconic' pond no longer exists but 'substituted' by a fish-tank for Carp in the then, green, green, 'quadrangle'. Then it was pleasing to the eye and synonymous to 'higher' learning per universities and calming as per 'cloisters'.

However, on occasions used by 'Basher' to perform exercises on the 'Rings' to our unbounded admiration.

The Organ in the hall was paid for by the 'High School Old Boys' Association.' The Acting Headteacher assured it hadn't been played for years. Perhaps this after-school visit be opportune for his rendering of Handel's 'The Cuckoo and the Nightingale'? Instant response of 'Norway'! (Sandancer).
Tue 14-Dec-2021 14:24 - south shields
Robin Leslie | robin~DOT~leslie~AT~yahoo~DOT~com
For Mike and all OBs
Wishing you all a VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS and a GOOD NEW YEAR
Very little snow down here but very cold. Shields is an attractive seaside resort now but sad to see so much of its heritage and history being demolished and much of character being torn out of it. Keep safe and well. Thank you Mike for your dedication. I learned of Ian Murray's death through dementia. Ian was a brilliant sportsman and it was all the more devastating to hear of his sufferings leading to his death. God bless all. Back in the New Year
Mon 13-Dec-2021 15:23 - Cobham Surrey
alan wightman | aconlan111~AT~gmail~DOT~com
BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL. (2021).

WE WISH MIKE AND EVERYONE WITH MEMORIES
OF OUR BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL:

"A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR"!

'In the Bleak Midwinter' Poem (Carol) by
Christina Rossetti.

These past few days, thankfully, have not been so bleak in 'Geordieland.

'Sandancer'.



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Fri 10-Dec-2021 11:43 - south shields
alan wightman | aconlan111~AT~gmail~DOT~com
THOUGHTS FOR MIKE & CO-RESIDENTS IN NORTHUMBERLAND. Nine days without power,
collecting supplies at Rothbury Hall.
Candles, logs, batteries + hot food and drinks.

Army assisting with many volunteers.

Best Wishes and Happier Days soon!

'Sandancer'.

Mon 6-Dec-2021 13:43 - South Shields
alan wightman | aconlan111~AT~gmail~DOT~com
BOYS HIGH SCHOOL. (1951-58).

Mike still having a 'frantic' time in Northumberland. Army has described the storm-suffering as the most 'resilient' of people. i.e. resident 'Geordies'.

Six-hundred properties still without power and flooded roads. More to come!

'Norway' (and counting!)

'Sandancer' in 'Geordieland'.








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Sun 5-Dec-2021 10:09 - south shields
Bruce Graham | bsgraham~AT~btinternet~DOT~com
Sutton Dances.

I don't recall the "kids" afternoon dances but the Saturday evening adults event was very well attended - probably the sprung floor was a great attraction for the serious dancers. The Friday evening teenagers dance was the one that we both recalled.

Don't remember the swimming club at all.
Sat 4-Dec-2021 15:32 - ruskington lincolnshie
alan wightman | aconlan111~AT~gmail~DOT~com
BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL.

No storm damage at the school but flooding in the town.

Army arrives in the North-East to help residents still without power after storm Arwen. Major incidents declared in County Durham.

Hope all is well for Mike.

'Sandancer' in 'Geordieland'.
Fri 3-Dec-2021 11:17 - south shields

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