The Governors and Staff of Breckenbrough have long been hopeful of establishing some regularised means of keeping in touch with old boys. It is very pleasing to see past pupils and to hear how they are progressing in the world. Hitherto the late Mr Forrest, (Headmaster before Mr Ridger) used to keep in touch with boys from his era and I believe Mrs Forrest generously keeps up the good work. In recent years the school has employed a social worker. Their main function is to see to the needs of the boys currently at Breckenbrough, though they have obviously had a certain amount to do with those who have left.

Alice Carr was the first. I believe Alice is still in touch with a few boys, she was last known to be living in the Whitby area. Angus Green took over from Alice - he eventually went north and we now have Peter Grange. Mr Medd did a lot of sterling work with the files - updating and sorting information, etc.

Most if not all the old staff who have moved on are still looked up by the pupils of their time, and of ourse the present staff have quite a steady trickle of boys calling throughout the year. As you will see there are many channels of contact and a certain number of boys keeping in touch. Keeping in touch is the reason for this newsletter. To this end the school has invited me to take on the job of After Care Officer.

Present Staff. Headmaster, R. Laing and his wife, Deputy Head, Kelvin Gott, David Medd, Peter McGlashon, Derek Griffin, Audrey hapman, Jim Watts, Gordon Valentine, Derek Stratton.

Mr Turner is still taking are of practically everything and still enthusiastically walking.

Nora Rhodes is still mothering everybody, thankfully, assisted by Pat Roger and Jean Turner.

Jean Hall looks after the office still, as well as the goat, ducks, and nuthatches. She is very ably assisted by Vivien Portas

Mrs Laing takes are of the dual role of Domestic Bursar and taxi driver.

Bill Oysten is the school gardener now; he is helped by old Benny Peacock (Henry's cowman, used to live in the middle cottage - deaf, rode a bicycle - still does).

Michael Greenwood is spending a year in York, studying between other things.

Two people who have been with the school longer than anyone else, and I think have contributed very much to the colour of Breckenbrough and will be thought of most affectionatly by all who have been at the school, are those two indestructable ladies, Sophie and Connie. Sophie continues to throw away everyones toothbrush and most valued possessions, while muttering some very basic expletives! She is still capable of chasing a boy or two with brandished broom or of hauling someone out of assembly. Connie's rich voice still floats across the space from the laundry to the art room, sometimes accompanying the radio, sometimes haranguing some poor wretch who has stretched her good nature too far, the morning after underpants and socks change!

Mrs Pattison, continues to come to teach music; I think she has out-lived a dozen Brekenbrough pianoes. She still gets them through the exams.

I, Brian Guy, left the school in the summer of 1978, instigated by a very bad batting average for the season and a need for some sort of a challenge to lift me out of middle-age lethargy. I am now living at Hawes, and taking the biggest gamble of my life, by trying to sell pictures for a living.

In this introduction to what could beome a regular newsletter, you have read one or two names which are I hope familiar. If you would like to know about staff who have left and other old boys, start with yourself. Write to me and let me know where you are and what you are doing. In this way I will be able to pass on news of interest.

I had a letter from Ian McElligot, expressing a great desire for a reuinion with the possibility of an old boys v present boys or staff soccer/cricket etc. If this idea appeals to you in part let me know please. Enver Overend, also I know is very keen to meet 'old boys'; in fact he spends his holidays visiting people all around England.

What has happened to people like:- Sam, Twigg, Fitz, Merry, Shorts, Willie, Ever-Ready, Bon Fig, Duck, Nutty, Betty, Bussy, Des, Halfaton, Philip and many others?

Dates for Reunion (if there is a demand)
July 7th - 8th. This weekend the school is functioning.
July 21st - 22nd. This is the first weekend of the summer holiday.

If you like the idea of meeting old friends and staff, do write to me and state which weekend you would prefer.