Updated October 18, 2009 11:20 AM
Listed in date order by last received
My Reply Hi David, Some contents of this communication has been edited removing private information. |
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 Hi,Congratulations on a super website. I love nostalgia and whilst browsing your site I came across Reservoir Street, and the name Walter Cummins. (ref 093) Although Walter was a little older than me, he, and his mum were always very kind in passing onto me his old comics. The Cummins lived ,( Circa 1945-50 )about three doors away from me and I would like to contact him if possible. If you could add my name to the list, Reservoir Street, and school attended ( Clarendon Street ) and indicate to anyone who may be interested that I can be contacted via email, I would appreciate it Of course I realise time goes on and that Walter may no longer be with us, however at least I have tried. Once again my sincere thanks Derrick Hogan ex pupil of Clarendon St School Jul 2009 Derrick can be contacted on the Contacts page |
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Message has been passed on to Peter |
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My Reply Some contents of this communication has been edited removing private information. |
Some contents of this communication has been edited removing private information. |
My Reply Some contents of this communication has been edited removing private information. |
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David Could you update my e-mail address Regards Kevin PS: Keep up the good work, it is appreciated more than you know. Kevin McClusky Class of 1970 (South Africa) Jan 2009 Kevin can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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Junes full photo can be seen on SM113 on the School Photos page. |
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 Hi
DavidI have just had another good read of the web site and its just getting better and better. Keep it going for all our sakes. Going back to "Booths Shop" I am now convinced I was wrong. It was on Fletcher St. I was getting confused with "Bates Shop" on Venture St the back yard gate of which was opposite the back yard gate of my house -No 65 Platt St. A "Senior Moment" sorry. Regarding Mr Hayes's nickname of "Gabby" I think this originated from the Roy Rogers movies. Roy's wife was called Dale, his horse was Trigger and his sidekick was an old guy with a bushy beard called Gabby Hayes who never stopped talking. I also remember that Mr Hayes drove a sports car. Looking through "Weddings", I was surprised to find my Grandparents were married in 1899, (Joseph Gregory to Priscilla). I say surprised because the eldest child was born 20-10-1899. It sounds like a shotgun wedding unless my aunt was born out of wedlock. I always thought the my mum (Elsie Gregory) -she never married -and her sisters Sarah Alice and Priscilla plus their brother Hindle attended St Mark's and were baptised there but I can't find them listed so they must have been baptised, educated and married (except my mum) elsewhere. I was originally baptised at Slaterfield Methodist Church which in actual fact was in Platt St (No 59 I think) just one house (No 63-Foster then Ball families) and one corner shop away (No 61 Phillips family). Later when I started to attend St Mark's Church I had to be baptised again prior to being confirmed. I don't know the dates of either so I shall just keep watching the web site Finally but unconnected to St Marks I wonder if you can give me some pointers as to how to find out who lived at No 28 Calder Road on the 13th of June 1936. My mum's brother Hindle (after whom I am named) was married on that date at ???? Church to Emily Edwards and we the family always thought he lived with his parents at 65 Platt St but, on their wedding certificate it gives his address as 28 Calder Road, and this is the first time this address has ever cropped up. Can you help please? Hope Anne and yourself are keeping well Hindle & Gillian Sept 2008 Hindle requests his email address to be kept private. My Reply |
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David, I am Jeffrey Stewart's dad, Jeff was a student at St Marks from 1967 to 1972, also my daughter Gillian was at St Marks from 1970 to 1972. At that time I lived with my family In Heywood Park View. I must congratulate you on your excellent web site, which I often visit, and an article from the site interested me and it is because of this that I am contacting you. The article to which I refer is from Lloyd Egerton class 52, Venture street photos and comment, particularly about "Herbert's Chippy". I went to Bolton Technical College on Manchester road from 1953 to 1955, and the boy that I sat next to in class was the son from that chippy, Tommy Herbert. We became the best of pals, and I used to see him on occasion, but not lately. Possibly Lloyd Egerton would have known him as he would be probably the same age as Tommy, although Tommy didn't go to St Marks because he was a Roman catholic. Once again, congratulations on a great web site, I will tell my son and daughter of it, I'm sure they will find it very interesting, and probably will contribute with some history. Best regards, Roy Stewart Father of Ex Pupils Jeffrey Stewart Class of 1972 and Gillian Stewart Class of 1976 July 2008 |
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 Hi
David,Hope all is well with you David and keep up the good work on this site PLEASE!! I just found the names of my twin brothers today baptized at ST Mark's in 1944. I knew that they were two boys but never knew their names! Now THANKS to you now I know, does our Michael know about this?? Also David to let you know I also was baptized at St Mark's in 1948. Thanks again and keep up the good work Edward Godding Former Victoria School Pupil. (Canada) Jun 2008 Eddy can be contacted on the Contacts page |
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Mr Dixon I am conducting some research into the old family estates of the Earls of Bradford. From my investigations, I believe the Earl of Bradford of the time donated the land to the St Mark's Parish for the construction of St Mark's School. I was going to contact the Manchester Diocese concerning information to further illuminate my studies on the Bolton Estate. Having seen your web site, I thought you may be able to provide me with a swifter reply. 1. Could you tell me whether the School is listed building? 2. Is the School still owned by the Church or is it now in private ownership? Yours sincerely, Alexander Newport Apr 2008 My reply |
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Michael King Class of 1962 Feb. 2008 |
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 Wishing
you all a very merry Christmas and a great New YearGeoff Wright Former St Bartholomew Pupil (Sydney Australia) Dec 2007 Geoff can be contacted on the Contacts page |
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 Hi
David,Just to let you know of our visits (two) to see Paul Hadfield (Class of 1952) For the last six years, at the end of September, we have been to stay with a friend south of Oban and when Paul told me where he lived I checked the map to discover we drive through his village. So we arranged to pop in for a cuppa on our way up on Saturday. What a wonderful house - in the grounds of an old gunpowder mill. We were made very welcome with his partner, Lynda, and her sister Andy greeted us with hot scones and chocolate cream cake. Lynda had designed a brochure for a walk around the village, so we called back after doing the walk on Tuesday along with our friend and Alison's sister Brenda and husband Tony who were both at Bolton School when Paul was there - although a few years ahead. So an added dimension to our holiday for all to talk of old times and re-new friendships. All due to your hard work on the web - your efforts are very much appreciated - thanks. Hope you are both well. Kind regards Peter Birch Class of 1952 Dec 2007 |
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David's reply by text |
 Hello
David,I have enjoyed exploring your website and wonder if you would like to include these photos of scouts from St. Marks 11th Bolton troop. They were both taken around 1959/60. The one indoors SM105 includes - Back row left to right, Melvyn Nash, Albert Hartley who was the scout master and David Platt. Front row left to right, Raymond Glancy, Joe Kearns (assistant scout master) and myself David Booth. The second SM104 photo was taken on Bridgeman Street on sermons day, with the Atlas Forge in the background (now demolished). Raymond Glancy is front left, Melvyn Nash carried the flag and David Booth on his right. I can't put a name to the other scout walking behind with Albert Hartley. Myself, Melvyn Nash, Raymond Glancy and Roy Pemberton all became Queens Scouts around this time. Hindle Gregory who contributes to your site was also a member of the troop. Hope these photos create some interest with past members. I am still in regular contact with Raymond Glancy but have lost touch with the rest. Keep up the good work David and Anne Booth Anne is the daughtern of Leonard Bellis's Class of 1935 Oct 2007 |
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David I've just been having a browse through the website.Your still doing a grand job. I bet when you started you didn't imagine that it would get 20773 hits!! I've nothing new to report but I am sad to read that Ann Matthews is dead as I remember her well from being in my class. Regarding the guestbook memories of Edna Booth I remember her shop being in Venture St back to back with my house in Platt St not on Fletcher St as the guestbook writer suggests . I can't remember a cooked meat shop on Fletcher St and the only bakers I recall was Powters directly facing the old school. The workplace section of the site is very interesting. It seems a lifetime ago that I worked at Bolton Gate Co ( In reality 20 Years ) Thanks for the memories Hope you are both keeping well Hindle Gregory Class of 1952 Aug 2007 Hindle requests his email address to be kept private. |
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Just been made aware of your site by my sister Joy Hollick nee Openshaw. On photo CH055 second row standing behind the un-named boy is our great aunt Margaret Openshaw. She was Edna Booth's aunt who is standing behind her. Margaret Openshaw had no connection with St Mark's and would only have been there as a guest going on the outing with Edna Booth. David Openshaw Aug 2007 |
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 Hi
DavidVery pleased and excited to discover that this resource is available, thanks to your prodigious effort. It is a thoughtful and selfless act. I spent all last evening going through it and was delighted to connect with the school as I remember it. Hindle Gregory of course was one of my contemporaries although I left St Mark's before he did. Both I and my elder brother Christopher went on to Bolton School. which is why we "disappear". My father was ,as you know, the Vicar of St Marks at the time. If I can find it I have a photograph of my sister's baptism (she is now a Professor of Law at Essex University) .I see that the Tilsleys are well represented. Are they related to you? I recall that that Lily Tilsley lived in High Street, opposite Wadsworth Lifts and they got a pup from our Irish Terrier, Patsy. I'll write again but must get this off before I get distracted. to you before I get distracted. Paul J A Hadfield Class of 1952 July 2007 Paul can be contacted on the Contacts page |
 DavidI still go on your site every so often, you have done a very good job with it and helped a lot of people to remember and get in touch with each other, keep up the excellent work. Cheers Ron Ron Knott Class of 1951 July 2007 Ron can be contacted through the Contacts page |
Hi David,Just had a few minutes to browse the photos on the website and my memory must have improved so the details I remember are - CH022 On the far left I think is Alice Halliwell, next to me on the from row is Connie Williams and then on the other side of the Queen I think is Sylvia Newton. CH025 On the other side of the queen to me is Connie Williams CH030 -Connie again on far left - can't think who the girl is that is being asked about - know why though I should know her! CH031 On the queen's left are Barbara Walker and Joan Thompson. CH032 Queen standing is Janet Smith - who I think became Gent - Miss Booth/Mrs Scrogg is talking to her - she must have been crowning the Rose Queen that year. CH035 The woman crowning me is Mrs Brickles - wife of the ex headmaster of school that is photographed elsewhere. SM053 This is Mildred Tattersall's wedding - she had been Tawny Owl at Brownies - looking over the girls on the left of the picture is Nora Marsden - Brown Owl. next to me on the right is Joan Gallagher. front row on right - Kathryn Forshaw and then Lynne Crompton. next to bride - Alaina Fazakerley I think - but it could be one of her sisters. second left from the groom is Barbara Hardman SM063 - I think that the girl on the stage is Sylvia Newton Hope that's helpful - maybe other names will come as time goes on! Keep up the good work Freema Taylor Class of 1961 Jul 2007 |
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to your excellent website and to Google, I see that one Mary Goodhead
was a pupil at St Mark's in 1933. This was my mother's married name,
and thus merely a striking coincidence. One assumes that there is but
a faint chance of a family connection. Nevertheless, as a proud member
of the Goodhead clan myself, I would be interested to know if any further
information about her might be available. In addition, as a former member
of HM Inspectorate of Schools (1981-2004), I am naturally also interested
in all schools and their histories. May I therefore offer the school
and all connected with it my very best wishes? Clive Goodhead Jun 2007 |
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Sounds as though this might possibly be the function of this cloth. |
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David, Nice to hear from you again, have just had a browse of your webpage again and found a booboo. On the 'Pupils Surname List' you have me down as Derek Robert Brockhouse. It's just Derek. My big brother is John ROBERT Brockhouse and you have him down as John Brockhouse. I was always envious that he had a middle name and I didn't. I was in contact with a classmate, Colin Anforth, whom I haven't seen or heard from since leaving St. Marks and we had a lengthy chat about the old days. He brought back a lot of names and memories that I had long forgotten. It was just like reliving my happy childhood again. Without all your hard work that wouldn't have been possible. Many thanks Derek Brockhouse Class of 1960 May 2007 |
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Hi david Long time no see, came across your website by chance you've put so much work into it I'm very impressed. So many long forgotten names and half forgotten memories. I think that the last time we saw each other was at college in1972 up to then I thought you were still in Australia. By the way regarding St Marks Church do you remember that my father bob was the caretaker there until his retirement and subsequent death in 1968 . Thanks for the memories. Alan Varley Class of 1966 Apr 2007 Alan can be contacted on the Contacts page. |
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was looking at the St. Marks website and discovered myself on the Class
V & VI photo of 1932. I am the little chap on the extreme right
of the front row.My name is Arthur Tomkinson and I now live in Wembley. I moved from Bolton at 17 years of age. My elder sister, Phyllis, sister Rose and brother Fred were also educated at St. Marks. I was also a Wolf Cub, in the St Marks Scouts and was a member of the church choir, for a couple of years. As a reward for being in the choir, Mr Moss, the vicar, used to take us for an annual day out, to Southport, giving us all a slap up meal, in a posh restaurant. I couldn't find my name on the register. This was probably because I then went on to White Bank Central School, for my remaining 3 school years. Could I be your oldest remaining St. Marks scholar? Best Regards. Arthur Tomkinson Class of 1933 Nov 2006 |
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HelloMy name is David Hendry and my older brother is John Owen Hendry and (surprised though I was) we appear on the St Marks web site. We did not stay very long because we were moved to Atherton in 1960 (I think) but I do remember a few things from that time - having a nap in the afternoon on little camp beds and hearing the "Just So" stories. I remember starting school at St. Marks in Bolton. I don’t recall a lot (give me a break – I was only likkle). We would draw and paint and do exercises but what I remember most were the stories. Each day – just after lunch I think – the teacher would tell us stories. Br’er rabbit and Br’er Fox and the tar baby – the “Just So” stories – how the Tiger got its stripes and how the elephant got its trunk etc. I was riveted to the spot – my mind making all the pictures I needed to fit the words – I was there and it was in colour. I lived in my mind anyway and I’d always been a great thinker of my own thoughts and here was someone feeding the machine. After the story we went for a sleep in a series of cots or camp beds – I never wanted to go but always fell asleep immediately dreaming of stripy tigers or tar babies. Best Regards David Hendry Class of 1965 Sept 2006 David can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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Hi David Congratulations on such a well researched site about St Mark's School. I would be grateful if you could add a link to the new(ish) Bolton Remembers the War site. I've just corrected the spelling of two members of the St Mark's teaching staff thanks to the information on your pages! St Mark's is mentioned by one of the interviewees - Audrey Cole nee Miller. I think her brother appears on your registers but she doesn't figure, curiously! Anyway. Thank you for your time. Best wishes Brian Mills July 2006 Bolton Remembers the War project PS there is also www.boltonians.org.uk - My personal labour of love. No-one on from St Mark's yet but I would welcome suggest ions. |
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Hi there My name is Stephen Bibby my father Bill Bibby attended St Marks school he was born in 1933 and lived in Whittaker St unfortunately he died in 1988 and he never used to talk about his family or the past. Myself and my family would love to hear if anyone knew him his wife is Barbara nee Golding we now live in Melbourne Australia. thanks Stephen Bibby Mar 2006 Son of William Bibby Class of 1947 and Former Victoria CP Pupil Steve can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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Hi David Just had another enjoyable meander through the site. It's brilliant. Please keep up the good work Perhaps you can pass on the following to Jennifer Riley in response to her request for info about her husband Albert. My name is Hindle Gregory and i have just read your message on the St Marks Web site. I certainly remember the Riley family and in particular your husband Albert. I lived at No 65 Platt St and the Riley's lived more or less opposite my house.We were never great friends but there were lots of kids about the same age who lived in the street and we all used to play in the street together. Names that come to mind were :- Reggie Phillips, Bernard Foster Kathleen Campbell Lillian Hunt and Victor Forshaw. After the Riley family left the street the house in which they lived was bought by a man named Winrow who turned it into a Joiners shop. Nothing was heard about the Riley family for ages then one day there was a knock on our door and who should it be but Albert.He was i seem to remember home on leave from the Army and had came to see us, At the time my mother and myself were in the process of decorating our front room and Albert after having a brew took his coat off and for the rest of the day helped us decorate.Ater a late tea he put his coat back on said goodbye and we never heard from him or the family again.What happened to him? Do let me know. I also remember Bob (Robert) who was a tall quietly spoken young man a bit older than me -I'm 65 in March 2006 - I am sorry to hear he has passed away. I cant remember the girls to well. Hindle Gregory Class of 1952 Feb 2006 Hindle requests his email address to be kept private. |
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Hi David. Yes I've been onto Google Earth and its amazing. Saw roof at old house in Lowther St plus back garden."Square Field", as it was known to side of house where we used to pretend speedway on push bikes. Have no idea how we survived!. Good view of Great Lever Park etc--a really brilliant site. Best Wishes -Geoff Geoff Wright Former St Bartholomew Pupil (Sydney Australia) Jan 2006 Geoff can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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Hi David how are things going as far as getting a school reunion going,
just make sure it’s during the football season, I will be able
to see the Wanderers. It’s a bit of a journey from Australia so
I will have to make the most of it. I will be working at swimming at the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in March, I have been lucky enough to score the same job as I had at the Olympic Games in Sydney. My position is a pool deck controller (sounds a bit Thomas the Tank engine stuff) but I get to be poolside for all the heats and finals. I control who is allowed on the field of play (poolside) so I have one of the best seats in the house to watch all the swimming and as you know Aussie's are pretty darn good when it comes to swimming. Keep up the good work with the web page, you have done a terrific job. Steve Hardy Class of 1965 Jan 2006 Steve can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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I remember Mr Brickles, he had ginger hairs growing out of his nose and
ears. He was a kind man. Now belatedly I realise he must have been one
of those pre war university graduates who had toured Germany or Austria.
I can now recall a few details of what he told me. I recall Mrs Holt our
teacher once sent me to him for punishment because I kept getting covered
with ink and that horrible blue ink powder. I had a fascination for it.
There was some rumour going around that Mr Brickles liked using the cane,
which was rubbish. He basically told me to behave. I don't believe that,
that man could hurt anyone. However he did have a cane. I remember Mrs
Holt retiring suddenly in 1959? She used to read us Rudyard Kipling stories
and taught us arithmetic. She told us she wanted to go to South Africa
and see Table Mountain again. She showed us a cameo broach, I think it
was from her daughter in Capetown. One day while reading she said, Now
I can only see the world through rose coloured spectacles , I think she
was telling us that she had gone blind. We then had Mr Brickles standing
in until a new teacher took over. Not long after we had a 1960 leaving
do combined with some kind of bring and buy sale Amazingly Mr Brickles
played a tune on the piano for the first time, it was called Katzeneller
Bogan by the Sea . He also tried to sing it . I think Mr Brickles was
also saying goodbye to St Marks in 1960. Most of us were in tears well
before the end. Apart from Mr Brickles, I remember a teacher who took
an interest in me. She was a young lady who didn't stay long at St Marks.
This must have been in about 1959. I remember her saying that she pretended
not to be able to play the piano because she didn't want the overtime
for life. I think it was she who first brought a radio into the hall ,
she had us jumping about pretending to be trees and doing all kinds of
amazing exercises to the music of the BBC. Before that we were all taught
about darning socks . She once felt hungry and sent me to the shop across
the road for a Kit-Kat bar. She then gave me half of it. Such behaviour
from a teacher was unheard of then. I think the old school teachers took
a dislike to her and I was gutted when she left. Have a happy Christmas, all the best from Colin and Family. Colin Anforth Class of 1960 Xmas 2005 Colin can be contacted through the Contacts page |
Hi DavidThanks for your card and good wishes. The same to Anne and yourself for Christmas with good health and happiness in 2006. Best regards Alison & Peter Peter Birch Class of 1952 Xmas 2005 |
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Hi Anne & David Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Just had another enjoyable meander through the site.It's brilliant. Please keep up the good work Gillian & Hindle Hindle Gregory Class of 1952 Xmas 2005 Hindle requests his email address to be kept private. |
Hi there,Going home at morning break on the first day. Well, there's always somebody at every school who had done it. At St Marks it was ME. My Mum marched me back - probably in a state of total embarrassment. I don't remember much about our lessons, except that one of them (History) was usually spent in a dark, miserable classroom on the Church side of the school, copying out textbooks, to save our teacher having to bother talking to us. We'd turn up at a lesson and be told to carry on copying from where we'd left off. I certainly hated History lessons until I changed schools. Here's hoping that you have an excellent Christmas! Take care Ian E Ian Anthony Edmundson Class of 1970 Xmas 2005 Ian can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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| Hello,
I was surfing the web and went onto www.google.co.za and typed in my
name and got your address, as there seems to be an Andrew leece listed
on your site so I thought I would send him greetings from myself in
South Africa. My grandfather, Abraham Bell Leece, born in Cumberland, came to South Africa in the 1920's, I would imagine. My father Kenneth Cunningham Leece was born here in 1930. He married my mother, of Dutch decent and they had 5 children. I am 40 years old, a former Paratrooper and have traveled a bit to London and the USA. Hoping to hear from Andrew soon. Best regards, Andrew Kenneth Leece (Benini South Africa) Nov 2005 Andrew can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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 Hello
DavidThis is picture of my sister Jean as she was before coming to Australia.  Someone
may recognise her. Also someone asked if I knew a guy called Harry Cleworth
who is trying to contact a girl called Violet. Cannot recall last name.
I believe he lived Weston street. It's a long shot but worth a try I
guess. Hope all OK. Regards to your Mum and DadGeoff Geoff Wright Former St Bartholomew Pupil (Sydney Australia) Oct 2005 Geoff can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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Great work on the site, Those pictures brought back a lot of memories.
I was at St Marks from 1963/4-1970. We lived in Plover Street ( next
to the betting shop ) until 1968 when we moved to School Hill. I didn't
want to leave St Marks, and had to catch 2 buses to get there. My sister
Karen was also at St Marks. Among my friends at school were Graham Corristine,
Hasmukhal Chauhan, Victor Makin and Paul Urion. I have great memories
of the school trips that we went on with Mr Porter in 1969 (Isle of
Wight) and 1970 (Kent). We emigrated to South Africa in December 1970,
and lost touch with everyone. Currently married and working as an IT
manager at a construction company. If anyone wants to e-mail me, feel
free. Maybe we can jog each others memories. Keep up the good work! Kevin McClusky Class of 1970 (South Africa) Oct 2005 Kevin can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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recall Joyce Taylor having a wart on her finger and having a bit of
fun she touched my face saying you will get a wart now, and I did!!!
I had it for two years, my mum used to wet a matchstick and rub it on
the wart. And I've still got a small mark to this day where the wart
was. Lloyd Egerton Class of 1952 Aug 2005 |
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David, It was good to remember some of the kids and teachers when I was at the school. I remember Mr Brickles in particular the Head. I vividly remember the top class teacher a  My
Hodgson he had the nickname Tricky Dicky. He was a member of the Royal
Airforce during the war a pilot I think. He was wounded during this
time and had a limp.Ron Knott Class of 1951 Aug 2005 Ron can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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First time I have looked since last year - congratulations - you have
done a wonderful job. Peter Birch Class of 1952 May 2005 |
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Hi David was good to see you again. I hope Mrs Platt's photos can be
of some use. I remember there was a very important football match and it was important that Gordon Egerton played, but he and either Ernie Matthews or Jimmy Jackson had misbehaved and got on the wrong side of Mr Hodgson, who made them stay in school and make ink for the inkwells instead of playing football. We lost the match. I would be interested if a reunion was organised and would be happy to help in any way. I have had another good look at the web site and it gets more impressive each time. Hindle Gregory Class of 1952 Dec 2004 Hindle requests his email address to be kept private. |
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think your site is a really good example of what a community should be
like; I am afraid I have moved around so much, both as a child and an
adult, that I completely lost touch with my background. Trevor Gidman Dec 2004 Trevor has a web site for the Gidman name www.tgidman.co.uk |
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have taken great pleasure in studying your web site and associated links
of the Bolton area. William Cunliffe (Winnipeg, Manitoba Canada) Nov 2004 William can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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were very grateful to find your site Bill & Maggie Whelan Nov 2004 Bill & Maggie can be contacted through the Contacts page or from his site above |
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site, well done. Colin Anforth Class of 1960 Nov 2004 Colin can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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was amazed at the detail on the site, you have done a fantastic job,
I would be very pleased to hear from any of school friends from St Marks. Stephen Hardy Class of 1965 and Former Victoria CP (Sydney Australia) Nov 2004 Stephen can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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wonder if anyone remembers the long weekend trip to Ilkley, Yorkshire,
with Mr Mundy,and Miss P Isherwood, I had a great time, I can't remember
the name of the place we stayed at, but it was a bit Wuthering Heights,
just my kind of trip, as my interests, even then as a 10/11year old was
history and antiques. I think your site is superb, and if I can contribute
in anyway I will do so, it was fascinating that our paths crossed on some
occasions. I will be only to pleased to hear from former school friends, or any ex St Mark's pupils or staff. Also my mother (Irene), and her brothers ( Albert, Jack/John, Robert, Harry), attended St Mark's as did many Colderley's before them, well done David. Paul J Sands Class of 1965 (Chiang Mai, Thailand) Oct 2004 Paul can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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in 1939 the cellar of St Marks was made into an Air Raid Shelter. There
was four passages running parallel with Fletcher St , with three linking
passages at St Marks St , and Lever St , ends and one at the centre. The entrance was down steps in the girls yard. The four passages were divided with solid brick walls three to four feet thick, these were the foundations that held up the centre of the school. These walls were lined either side with wooden slatted seats, the passages being about five feet wide. At the St Marks St end was a sink and a water heater and a large storeroom. One day I remember a large van arriving loaded with dozens of very shiny one gallon tins and some flat tins. We unloaded the van by human chain, passing the tins from boy to boy, from St Marks St , through the yard and down into the shelter. I was with Mr Brickles in the shelter storeroom stacking the tins. He told me some of the tins contained concentrated orange juice and others cod liver oil and the flat tins Horlicks tablets. The shelter was used during school hours by the pupils and the rest of the time by the general public. Sometimes when there was a raid on and we had been down the shelter a long time, the teachers would hand around the Horlicks tablets, these were always well received. I spent many nights down in the shelter, from christmas week 1940 when the bombing started on Manchester and Liverpool, the German bombers used to fly over Bolton, you could hear the engines droning, people would say "he's got a full load on somebody is going to catch it tonight." But by about May 1941 people got used to it and gave over using the shelter and just stopped in bed. In 1946 I met Jimmy Grant the local ragman pushing his cart up Lever St , on the cart was about 10 very rusty tins. He called me over saying "just look at these" he opened one of the tins, inside it was all shiny and full of cod liver oil. jimmy stuck his finger into the can then put it in his mouth sucked it and said "lovely stuff" he said there's loads of these down in the school shelter. Mr Brickles said I can them all if I will shift them.Ii asked him what he was going to do with them, he said he was going to see the Chemist at the corner of Holden St , he might give me a few shillings for them. If not I'll bottle it and give it to my customers, I never saw Jimmy again but I often wonder if he sold or bottled it.You have done a great job on the web site David. Brian Grundy Class of 1943 Sept 2004 Brian can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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Hi Dave, just like to thank you for making it possible to contact someone
close thru' your contact page. Also there was a "knock on" effect and I am in touch with someone with whom I worked in the mid 50's. Geoff Wright Former St Bartholomew Pupil (Sydney Australia) Sept 2004 Geoff can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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| Great
site by the way, can't believe I even found my granddads name and his
brothers and sisters from the 30's who are all dead now unfortunately.
I myself am only 26 so didn't get to see the school running but have heard
all the stories from my family. I have just passed the address on to them
all so any stories or pictures, i'll let you know. Christopher Egerton relative of the many Egerton's who attended St Marks Sept 2004 |
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lad called Shaun Kinley and I were in the toilets one day and had just
got a packet of cigarettes (Embassy No10s) and we decided to light one
up Shaun was sat in one of the cubicles with his cigarette and while he
was puffin away and going on what he would do if the Head caught us and
I was just about to take a drag but who else to our horror popped his
head round and said I'll have one too I felt the blood run out of my face
and Shaun nearly swallowed his cig, well he marched us off to his office
but on the way Shaun put the cigs in the rubbish bin. Back inside he sat us down and disappeared for a couple of minutes and on his return he offered us a cigarette and we refused, when we told our parents what he had done they went mad and there was a big argument and we was sent back to class and every time we asked to go to the toilet we was asked "was it for a smoke". But I must say the headmaster Mr Porter was in all honesty one of the best, he was firm but fair I used to see him for a while after I had left school and we always laughed at this story. God bless you Mr Porter wherever you are Stephen George Robinson Class of 1971 July 2004 Stephen can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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| Hi
David just been on your web site, and I must say I am very impressed
I even found on there some of my old flames (lol). I like the new additions
that you have put on and will be adding to them soon must say though
it's a joy to go on your site thank you it must have taken a lot of
time. I say that I really appreciate the work you have done. Stephen George Robinson Class of 1971 April 2004 Stephen can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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I've had a look at your updated much bigger AND BETTER web site. It's
great Keep up the good work. Hindle Gregory Class of 1952 April 2004 Hindle requests his email address to be kept private. |
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| Hi
David I found your site by chance, when I entered my mother's name in
"Google" search engine. Hope all is well in Bolton. I have a married cousin in Edgeworth, whom I visit on my infrequent trips over there. William Donkin son of Teacher Jessie Donkin nee Abram from the 30s & 40s Mar 2004 William can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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| Roy
Worsley always seemed so neat and tidy and his stockings were never
around his ankles. He wore a blazer but most of us had just a jersey. Norman Wilson Class of 1939 Mar 2004 Norman can be contacted through the Contacts page A Poem about St Marks by Norman Wilson |
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are doing a tremendous job on the site, it's looking great Brian Grundy Class of 1943 Feb 2004 Brian can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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Your site is looking better every time I bring it up, good work David.
I'm off to watch Bolton at Cardiff on Sunday with my son, lets hope
they win, it would mean Bolton in Europe for the first time. Ron Knott Class of 1951 Feb 2004 Ron can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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| I
did not go to St Marks but to St Bartholomew's just down the road. I
also recall taking part in a boxing tournament at the barracks in Fletcher
street. This was during the Festival Of Britain I think and before I
realised that I was not very good. I'm sure our schools must have competed
at sports. St . Bartholomew's appears to have vanished without trace.
I was there in the late forties as was my sister Jean. I am Geoff Wright.
Do not let St Marks vanish. Geoff Wright Former St Bartholomew Pupil (Sydney Australia) Feb 2004 Geoff can be contacted through the Contacts page |
| Hi
David I stumbled across the St Marks site quite by accident and was
amazed! I was born in 1949 and attended the old school between 1954-59.
Looking through the site a lot of names came back to me and I thought
how interesting it would be to meet some of my old class mates again.
How about putting together some e-mail addresses or phone numbers Derek Brockhouse Class of 1960 Feb 2004 I shall ask the class Derek ...... David Derek can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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| Hi
David congratulations on the web page Roy Woodcock Class of 1953 Jan 2004 Roy can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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| Keep
up the good work its a treat to see your site. Stephen George Robinson Class of 1971 Jan 2004 Stephen can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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| David
it was pleasing to see Mary Whittles comments. As you know about my
contacts with Mary and her Husband Peter. Hope you continue to obtain
further information. It will give all former pupils who have access
to the web great satisfaction. Richard Scott Former St Joseph's Pupil Jan 2004 Richard can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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| Just
had another look at the web site. It's great - keep up the good work Brian Grundy Class of 1943 Dec 2003 Brian can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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| I
have just been on your site and I was very pleased with what you had
done, A well constructive and informative site to see, more power to
your elbow Thanks. Ron Knott Class of 1951 Dec 2003 Ron can be contacted through the Contacts page |
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Hi
David
My
reply
After
school we would have a kick about with a few mates in the square at
the front of the school and had to climb up the downspouts in our
turns to retrieve the ball from the roof. then Harry Scot who lived
in lever st opposite Tommy Taylor's mill would take us down their
cellar to see the coffins being made by his father. always tried to
get next to Harry when in double file we marched to High St baths
for the weekly swimming lesson past one of his aunts in Platt St who
furtively always gave us a biscuit. I remember the big adventure when
we would nip across Fletcher St dodging Mr Smiths playtime patrol
and the trams to Dysons toffee shop.
Hi
My
G. grandfather had tragically died about two months earlier and is buried
in Tonge Cemetery. He was an engineer at Hick Hargreaves.
With reference to 
Hi
David
Hi,
I was just looking at the school photo's and noted a picture of me. You
asked if anyone recognises themselves to email 
love from cocker mwha!
Hi David brilliant site. It really brought back childhood memories long
forgotten. I lived on Plover Street and was amazed to find old school
colleagues who attended St Marks. Old land marks that had receded with
the passage of time returned anew. I was double amazed to find a picture
of myself SM29 in Miss Brookes class 1968, looking studios. I spent
most of my days outside Mr 'Abbot' and then Mr Porters office. My brother
John Todd is the little lad having a fantastic time engrossed in the
water play SM38 1968. I belonged to the class of 1972 but actually left
in 1970 to live in Manchester. If any one remembers me get in touch.
I remember Miss Eaton as my reception class teacher. Does anyone from
Plover street or nearby remember the Greyer's? They didn't attend st
marks.
I have asked
Sue to contact William Humphries since the Haydocks are cousins of William.
the
acoustics were brilliant. I remember assembly in the big hall in the
centre of the school, I think it was partitioned off and used for classrooms
afterwards. I remember walking to school in the awful winter of 1947??
and it being so cold and snowy that I lost a shoe and didn't know until
I got to school, I then had to retrace my steps back along Bull Lane
and thankfully found it in a doorway, where I'd stopped to shelter from
the wind and snow. No boots in those days,second hand shoes and thin
little socks, we were poor as most were then, Ah! get the violins out.
Keep up the good work, it was nice to hear from someone from school.
teacher Mr Hayes and we had one of the prefabs as our classroom which
was freezing. The church was between the prefabs and the main school
building. There was a coal merchants beside the main school if I remember
right. Mr Snape used to take us for singing, he had an enormous adams
apple, which was something I noticed about him. Mr Brickles was the
head, he seemed very old to me, but I guess he wasn't really.