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Hello once again, or for the first time for some of you. I'd love to begin with something witty , pithy or really erudite,
or even something deeply moving - but, I suppose, I'll just have to tell it the way it is.
Peter Mills, 40-ish now, continues to lift himself out of not such a good place into an increasingly strong, wholesome and sunny place. He's now self-employed, sub-contracting to a pipe fitting company who install feeding systems in piggeries and poultry houses. He employs several men who travel the country together, working and playing hard. Unfortunately, they have to take lodgings in pubs. You can imagine it, can't you? I haven't heard from him in several years but Nathan Sharpe used to do a similar job based in Wales. Speaking of travelling, the latest from Brandon Killey is that he is now in Australia with his long-standing girlfriend. They continue to travel and work in the hotel trade together. Martin Kelly, I believe, is in America this year, on a student exchange scheme for Media Studies. I've just torn myself away from this riveting task, and been for a spin on the old bone-shaker, pretty cold and drizzly. The strange thing is that the gorse bushes are in full bloom, and I saw a few dandelions in flower. Another noticeable feature of the hedgerows was the huge skeins of bright red bead-like berries draped like discarded necklaces. A Headmasterly WordIf you can come, or if you have visited Breck recently, you would find the place the same but different. The same in so many ways; the Great Hall, the building, the staff room, classrooms, gym, etc., are all the same. New building developments, new staff and new boys have meant that the school has changed, but I hope it hasn't changed too much. I hope that things have changed for the better, that the life of the lads is more comfortable and that their time is occupied with a greater variety of things to do. I am certain that the food is better, but the football team is not what it used to be. I remember watching a Star Trek movie with Mark Ashberry, and Captain Pickard was asking for the help of Captain Kirk. "Why should I?" asked Kirk. "Because together we can make a difference," replied Picard.As I go through my sixteenth year at Breck, I think that is the one aim I have. I hope that together we can make a "difference" and that we make a difference for you. All the best to you and your families. Trev, Wendy, Lyndsay and Steven It was wonderful to hear from Jordan Sellick (Simon Hill). After some years in the wilderness since leaving Breck he has, in his own words, "stopped blocking his life". He's moved down south, where he lives by himself and works full-time - even overtime - and enjoys his life very much. He is also doing a bit of climbing. Simeon Jackson says I have to say from him, "Keep smiling". He's working in an estate agency, selling well and doing well. Very recently we had a 'phone call from Chris Mattinson who was really chuffed because he had got an interview for a job at the local Nissan factory. That says something about the scarcity of jobs. I was just recently talking to Dan Worthington who is now at Leeds University studying Sports and Leisure. We briefly looked at the cost of further education currently and the fact that, after this year, there will be no more grants. This means that someone like Dan may leave university with a good qualification and an overdraft of £10k, and not be certain of gaining employment. Quite a thought, eh! And so it might be a good time to remind you of Bernard Lockier's bean soup to get you through the lean times. Yep, I know Bernie, it was quite a special exotic recipe as well as being economic. The problem was I missed half the ingredients out when writing up the Newsletter. Bernie's latest challenge is being diagnosed as having angina to add to sugar diabetes, and the trauma of having had his head sawn open to cauterise a haemorrhage in the brain. 'Keep on Trucking' I believe Jamie Dodd should be back at Durham University now having had a year out. I heard, but it is unconfirmed, that Alan Brown is also studying Music and Art. Great news. Would be nice to hear from you Alan. Duncan Lander, Paul Batten, Gavin Bannister, Mathew Brown and Bob Willowby turned up for last year's Carol Service Duncan is working as an electrician, but is very keen on all forms of modern dancing, and would like to take this direction in life and get some training. Paul, with partner Marie of 5 years, and daughter Shannon Marie, born 14.6.97, looked and was very happy. He had, at that point in time, been in work as an exhaust fitter for 9 months and was buying his own house. Quote from Gavin: "Having recently resigned I intend to start relaxing from the main agenda of living and see a bit of the world instead. Spain via France is my first destination. More news if I get back, and I don't box". He also came to the Christmas play sporting a shaven head. Matt was surprised by the changes at Breck. For a while he had studied at Salford University, then at Teeside. For one reason or another he decided he'd had enough of learning. After a shaky start he found a job, which he enjoys greatly, as a workshop engineer, repairing/maintaining gaming and amusement machines. He still lives at home and has a small circle of friends whom he values enormously. Bob is still the same cricket-loving, food-loving, knowledge-absorbing man of words and poetry. He's still unemployed, but helps out in a few places. Ray Beadle JokesQ. WHAT IS BLACK WHITE, BLACK WHITE, BLACK WHITE? A. A PENGUIN IN A REVOLVING DOOR Q. WHO IS A PENGUINS FAVOURITE FOOTBALLER? A. CHRIS WADDLE Q. WHAT HAS KNOBS AND WOBBLES? A. A JELLYVISION Q. WHAT DO YOU CALL A THREE-WHEELER WITH TWO EXHAUSTS? A. A WHEELBARROW Q. WHAT IS BLACK, WHITE AND RED ALL OVER? A. A NEWSPAPER Q. WHERE DOES TARZAN GET HIS CLOTHES FROM? A. JUNGLE SALE Q. HOW DO YOU START A TEDDY BEAR RACE? A. READY, TEDDY, GO!!! Q. WHAT DRUG DO YOU GIVE TO A SICK PARROT? A. PARACETAMOLPaul McGillicuddy, who had his 40th birthday party on the 28th February this year, keeps in fairly regular touch. He sometimes invites me over to Newton-le-Willows for a night out. I must confess the prospect makes me nervous! It took Ian McElligot (Capt. - I've got to put the captain bit in because we are all so proud of him) nearly a week to recover from a night or two out with Paul. Richard Loverage (Sludge) has been posted to Barton on Humber, a more autonomous position, but a place stuck in the musical time-warp of the 70's. His son Ben, is following in father's footsteps and playing in goal for Hessle Rangers. He's eleven - could be twelve now - and is better than his dad.Daughter Nicola is playing netball and doing very well. Sludge sent me copies of his regimental magazine, hoping it would update and improve my style. No Chance! He's also come across Wally Gow and Adam Hays, though no information about them and he keeps in touch with Bill Craik. Noting those ages reminds me that this Newsletter coming out once a year means that it can be significantly out of date. People are older, babies born, moving house, changed jobs, etc., so do bear with me on that score and accept my apologies in advance for any misinformation. For example, is Richard Dickens preparing to go to university to study tree surgery or is he already there? David Hunt, so I'm informed by Martin Waite who went to see him, was married in 1997 and he's closing down the jeweller's shop he owned and managed. He's going into paid employment. I've been in touch with Martin a bit more of late. He's still a postman but a lot more energy is going into his painting just now. He wishes me to include the following: THE CLAYTON WOODS ART GALLERYMartin Waite's art on the web, log onto http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/martinwaite/Many Breck related works are on the site such as a portrait of Brian Guy in the style of Francis Bacon, the school itself, Gordon Valentine and work painted by Martin Waite at the school under Gordon Valentine in 1979-80. In September 1998, Martin Waite got his first painting on permanent exhibition. The painting depicts the Battle of Arnhem in 1944 and can be seen at the Airborne Museum, Oosterbeck, Arnhem, Holland and on the Web site. This painting is now the property of the Dutch Government museums. Steve Baird, familiar to most of you as a care worker at school, has received a couple of contacts from old boys on the Internet. Raymond Jury was one. He was at Breck in 1969. He's now living in America, and that's all the information I have other than that he's married to Tess. The other was Rolly Budd, now called John McCall. John left in 1982, and has had a vary chequered life. He worked for many years in the catering trade putting in very long hours and seven days a week. He then went into accountancy and eventually started his own business in Leighton Buzzard. Due to ill health, unstable angina and blood pressure, the business declined and he is now back at square one except that he has a great wife and four lovely kids. Breck Visit To The Bobby Charlton Soccer SchoolWe left Breck straight after breakfast on the Monday. Seven of the lads and two members of staff travelled to Manchester by minibus. We arrived at our accommodation, Hopwood Hall College, in Rochdale at 11.30am. As soon as we got there we were introduced to our rooms. We got settled in, played football in the Sports Hall, met the lads from the other schools and had lunch. After lunch we went to Old Trafford, the home of Manchester United F.C. At Old Trafford we looked at the museum and the ground. What impressed us was the size of the ground and the extent of the museum. The museum showed us the history of M.U.F.C. We were particularly interested in the George Best and Brian Robson memorabilia. Outside, there was a statue of Sir Matt Busby, which commemorated the Munich air disaster of 1958. DAY 2 We played the tournament, which lasted all day. There were nine teams competing, including Breck. We won 2, drew 1, and lost 5. This might not sound very good but the competition was tough, and we were proud of ourselves. We played very well and, from the captain's point of view (S. Taylor) we all worked very hard to achieve something from the games. It was frustrating at times because we were getting heavily beaten, but team spirit was high. After each match we played, the lads always shook hands with the opposition and wished them good luck for the next match. After the tournament we returned to our rooms, got changed and went for tea. The food was very nice throughout our stay. In the evening we played snooker and pool with the lads from the other schools. There was a cinema in the college, and some watched films. DAY 3 Breakfast Presentations Home Thought of the whole trip Fozaly Ahmed Much earlier in the year Paul Gillies was in touch wanting to contact Jamie McClaughton. James moved, and we didn't know where to. However, Paul is living in Middlesex but no longer playing soccer due to a knee injury; otherwise, he's O.K. Linda Grant got married this year and had the reception at the school in August. Sheena did the catering, and Cynthia did the flower-arranging. A splendid affair. Bob Wilkin died late October. Bob was a local farmer and long-time drinking partner of many Breck staff. Gordon Valentine was at the funeral with his family, and so were Alan Edwards and Peter McGlashon with his family. We met at the reception at the Busby Stoop after and, as you do, had some good laughs over reminiscences like the old black long-playing records. Andy Cranshaw has been very busy again this year building and dismantling the floats for the York Mystery Plays. He's now been diagnosed as having gout which is one of those complaints nobody takes seriously, a music hall joke type of illness like haemorrhoids. However, like the last-mentioned, it is said to be very painful. Again, this news via Martin Waite. Andy Renshaw is reported to be living in Canterbury organising gigs and concert venues for Irish Folk Bands. Believed to be still painting. I met Mike Loftus earlier this year. He's living in Plymouth, not in work there but seems quite cheerful. Daniel Pearson is doing fairly well. He did work at the Bacon Factory in Malton, then packed it in for a job outside at Flamingo Park, but has returned to the Bacon Factory because the money is better. A regular cricket and soccer 1st team player, he is still in contact with Jonathan Bennet. Brian Lancaster is still pushing back the frontiers of experience. This year he holidayed in Greece armed with a smattering of the language and creams for the sun. Right now, outside my window, bathed in golden light, is a column of dancing midges. Just wanted to share that with you! Tony Gibbon ran his car into the back of a stationary vehicle in September. By some minor miracle no one was hurt except for his mother-in-law which is even more astounding, as he sees it as an act of justice because he was turning round at the time of the accident to tell her to shut up because he couldn't concentrate on his driving. She suffered a broken leg. David McClean Thorne lives very close to Tony. David, now 45, is Director of Whitestone Head School. The school is coeducational E.B.D. It was founded, perhaps 25 years ago, by John Ridger, former Head of Breckenbrough before Roy Laing. David tries to inculcate some of the then Breck ethos and values into the school. So, as they say, it would seem that every soldier does carry a potential field-marshal's baton in his kit-bag. John Ridger, who remarried after Poppy's death, sends his regards to all who knew him. * A Letter From Eddie*To this end I walked the mountains in North Wales, supported by my wife and Trev. To date, we have raised £468. With all the positive memories of Breck, I am hoping that you will put your hands in pockets and boost the coffers for us. Any donations should be sent via me, Eddie Fearnside, here at Breck. Thanks, and a Happy New Year! The three lads who left prematurely this summer all seemed to have turned the shock to good advantage. Luke Seers, I'm told, is living and working with his uncle, who is a builder, in Oxfordshire. Wayne Rigden, with his wonderful gran's encouragement, has secured a place at grammar school. He's fitting in well, playing rugby at school and working in a pub at weekends. Magnus Frykman, I believe, has had a good summer, well at least some good parts. He's been canoeing, hang-gliding and climbing. He's organised himself a course at Chesterfield College doing his G.C.S.E.'s, including Law, so for the moment he's fairly settled, I think. Ben Hendy, the last time we were in touch, also was doing fine. Also at College doing G.C.S.E.'s and working part-time cooking chickens. Chris Colley, when I finally tracked him down, said he was doing great. At Sixth Form College taking Biology, Chemistry and Maths at 'A' level. He's got some good mates and enjoys singing bass in Hartlepool Youth Choir. He was to take driving lessons for his birthday, 6th June, so he has probably passed by now. Congratulations! James Harron, I believe, is still at South Otterington with girlfriend, and working at the ice cream factory at Leeming. Not much change in Darren Salt's life. He's still a staunch Newcastle supporter, sporting team shirts - dreadlocks next! He gets some of his computer programming published with credits to himself, and he seems in good fettle. Adam Colley really surprised me by sporting a short-back-and-sides haircut he'd acquired at great expense, in preparation for an interview. He's now doing a computer course, which is well beneath his present ability, thrust upon him by the D.S.S. Gary Smith appears to be enjoying life. Car, mobile 'phone, girlfriends all over. When last I heard he was "Blagging", which I believe, means he's shouting out the wares at Blackpool to entice people into the arcades. I've just received a letter from Steve Alford who, since being made redundant from his computer graphics job, due to liquidation, and since doing those 40 appearances in Supermarket Sweep, has not been able to procure further employment. He's sold his Lamborghini Countall (replica) for money to live on, but he's hoping to buy a Sapphire Cosworth. He says, "Merry Christmas, everyone!" Gareth Essex did start a college course but has changed direction. Feeling he would prefer Trade, with some money now but that also offered training, he is now, I believe, working as a plasterer. I can't help feeling he's probably got the right idea. The way things are moving it could well be that artisans will be the most consistently in-work group. Ian Webb had a great holiday and a good start to his new life at college in Stockport. He's doing Law, Biology and Science and feels, all-in-all, he's doing very well. Good social life and part-time work in a hotel. Craig Wylam is also comfortably settled into further education. College going great, he is studying Computer Science Technology. He's finding it easy to mix and make friends. I spoke to Scott Deakin recently. He contacted us in fact. He called in at school during the holidays and had a look round what he felt were the luxurious improvements, as most every boy has his own room now. "Different to my day, when dorm 8 had eight boys in it". Scott is still in his chosen career in the Royal Navy. He's just taken Petty Officer exams. He works on the Trident Nuclear Submarine. He used to box for the Navy but had to give it up because of contact lenses. He now plays rugby. He's been married but is divorced and is now living in his own home with partner. He has one daughter, Saffron, four years old. If you watched, you will have seen him on T.V. in 1994 in the Royal Tournament throwing the big guns about. Forgot to mention he boxed at heavyweight. He is now 30 years old, and still not keen on home cured fatty bacon! Geoff Turner, who left in 1971, wrote in with a change of address, which is great - very helpful! He likes to receive the Newsletter. Unfortunately, he doesn't give me any other information. It really is good to hear from you all, and one of the spin-offs of reading about each other is it is clear that almost all ex-Breck lads do achieve a comfortable status in life. Richard Davies says "I'm doing well". He's at York Tech taking Information Technology. He wanted to do Science but there wasn't a course available. You know, almost everyone seems to be going into computers - it makes me wonder who is going to grow the spuds to make the chips! (Ha Ha!) Mark Ashbury's doing fine.He's taking G.N.V.Q. Business Studies at college and also works part-time in the local supermarket, not to mention trekking. Tom Easterfield is difficult to get out of bed, but otherwise is doing just great. He's been exceptionally lucky to get on a "modern day apprenticeship". He's the first apprentice in 10 years. The company is Duth and has a chemical factory in Rochester. He gets good money and, one day a week, goes to college. He is being trained to be an engineering technician. Graham Rogers has moved back up to Northallerton and is living with his girlfriend's uncle. I don't think he's working, but his mother says it seems to be working out quite well. Mark Smith (Bradford, 1981) wrote to say he's moved to Belfast with his girlfriend; he's moved mother also. He's got a job working with the blind, helping to make talking newspapers. Kris Braeme's still motoring. He recently lost a car valeting job through no fault of his own but had, when I spoke to him, a job with Littlewood Home Shopping lined up. I think he's generally on the up. Hope so, anyway, Kris. Andy Blackwell has just changed direction and begun a full-time N.V.Q. in Sports and Leisure course, and works part-time in a Nursing Home. Simon Hamey has been in touch with Trev. All I know is he's doing O.K. Martin Rogers is, I believe, still out of work but developing his computer skills. Ian Pitts packed in college and is now working for a central heating firm. He also helps his brother in the bakery on night shifts. He describes his life as "brilliant". Thanks to Steve Baird we are beginning to get a trickle of Old Boys from the Internet. The two I,ve already mentioned and a third who is as yet nameless were discovered by Richard Loverage while he was trawling or surfing or something. Steve says he intends to put this on the Internet, so I'll ask him to say a few words about that. *Breckenbrough School WebSite*Well that's about it. I'm going to hand this over to Peter Guenin, (who is an old boy, now retired, recieving money just for breathing, and is a member of the Board), for spell checking and typing up. So from me, the boys, all the staff and the Board have a Good Christmas and an enjoyable and successful 1999! Best Wishes Brig. |