+- Leyland Forum (https://leylandtown.co.uk)
+-- Forum: Leyland Forum (https://leylandtown.co.uk/forum-5.html)
+--- Forum: School Talk (https://leylandtown.co.uk/forum-51.html)
+--- Thread: Balshaw's Grammar School (/thread-52.html)
- noel - 21-Mar-2007
Derrick, surname is Eckton. I am 3 to the right of Brian on the 1959 photo picture 2, between Bill Elliot and Barry Chilton .
. I had no interest whatsoever in taking part in dramatics , cross country running and cricket were my main interests though I did enjoy watching School for Scandal Mikado and The Importance of Being Earnest during my 7 years at Balshaws. I thought the actors and actresses were excellent as was the singing in Mikado, the tunes and some of the words have stayed with me for ever.
- Lynne - 23-Mar-2007
My recollections of drama at Balshaws go back before the ones mentioned .There were some really good early productions.
I remember 'The Antigone' -Downer was in charge in those days.
I doubt if it would go down very well with modern school audiences being a tad heavy.
But it was visually lovely.The Greek costumes were superb and I think Miss Whewell would have been responsible for those.
My small contribution was to help with script learning.
To balance the Greek drama there was a shorter play 'Pygmalion and Galatea' which was lighter than the Sophocles production.
Wish I had kept programmes now.
[8D]
- Derrick - 23-Mar-2007
Hi Lynne,
The Greek plays were a bit before I went, but I guess not too many years, as I recall a photo from the production was in either "The Balshavian" or a Speech Day programme. There was also a Mr. Downer production of "Romeo and Juliet" the year before I came I think.
Derrick
- Lynne - 23-Mar-2007
With a bit of thought I may remember some more performances -maybe Androcles and the Lion???.
Memory is a bit dicey now!!
I can vividly recall though that J.W. - aka W J Downer used to be in a trickier than usual mood when the play rehearsals were underway.
I was in his Classics lot and we all knew to keep our heads well and truly down, as the air got decidedly purple at times.
Cheers
[8D]
- Derrick - 26-Mar-2007
Hi Lynne,
I do remember seeing a photo of Androcles and the Lion, probably up on the school walls somewhere. Also - now I'm really guessing - "Ambrose Applejohn's Adventure"????? or some such, round about 1950.
I wasn't there - at Leyland Fox Lane Junior School then, along with Frank Damp - anacortesdamp - and co.
Mr. Downer taught me Latin too, though in the first years I think our teacher was Mr. Leathley (his favourite quotes " You blocks, you stones , you worse than senseless things" and "You, xxxx ( insert name of recalcitrant youth), you remind me of E-PAM-I-NON-DAS. E-PAM-I-NON-DAS, you ain't got the sense you was BORN with".
I seem to remember Downer as a very patient producer; though he was a bit given to demanding alterations of the scenery and lighting , to the irritation of those building or operating them. I recall Scrat Harry (Mr. Hewartson) coming down from the lighting gantry muttering "Pools of light! I wish he'd drown in his xxxxx pools of light!"
Derrick
- Fur Seal - 29-Mar-2007
For David. Yes. I did know. Thanks. We quaffed a few in the Labour Club I remember, followed by fish, chips and perhaps a steak pud! So much for the arteries!
For Derrick. Correct. Scott Polar. In some quarters, being 'from the north' was still somewhat circumspect! And I believe I remember your dad cycling up Fox Lane. Better shape than I was then!
For Frank. Could have been Black. His report card mentions "could do better" at singing! Strange! But Brown always seemd to be the one for me... "come on Dickinson boy!!"
Tony D
- LeylandGB - 31-May-2007
I'm still looking for names for about 5% of the folks on the 1972 school photo, if anyone can help.
www.angelfire.com/ex/reunion_balshaws_1974
Thanks
- Frameil - 31-May-2007
Does anybody remember my brother, Paul Rameil who went to Balshaws until about 1971. Mick should remember. I even remember Mick coming to our house in Edale Close a few times. Do you remember Lee Briggs?
Mick, you once took a large pile of Leeds posters, Billy bremner, Allan Clarke, THE Mick Jones, Peter Lorimer etc. from my collection of football magazines, interesting to hear that you still support them.
- LeylandGB - 31-May-2007
Sorry, it has been pointed out that my link to the website doesn't work. probablky because it's the wrong llink!! Thanks Pat!!
Should be www.angelfire.com/ex/reunion_balshaws_74
- LeylandGB - 31-May-2007
Yes I remember Lee. Him, Paul and me had to go to St.Mary's church every Friday so we could avoid the heathen influence of having to go Balshaw's!! Don't recall taking all the pics but hope I at least asked before taking them!! I say I still support them but haven't seen them in years and don't even know any of the players any more! And even they're likely to be all gone by the time the season rolls around again. At least they'll have the best looking stadium in Division One!! Division One doesn't sound too bad does it?? :-)