Starting Year 1947
Gateshead Grammar School
Vic Pierson writes
"I was at Gateshead Grammer School from 1947-1951.
Came to South Africa in 1953.
Went to visit the old school with my family in 1993 and found that the buildings had been demolished. Sad even "
***
Hugh Hedley, Musical Director of the Caprians writes of the original Caprian members, all in Starting Year 1947
"Alec Glasgow, George Russell, Jeff Child, Richard Soper,Terry Nelson and myself (Hugh Hedley) started at GGS in 1947 and left in 1954. Barrie Johnson transferred from the Central School, Whitehall Road in 1949 and joined our year group". Richard (Dick) Davies came from a Yorkshire school in 1949. He was one year younger and left in 1955. Ian Wells came from Kirkcaldy High School in 1951 and left in 1954
Sir George Russell b 1935
Kells Lane Primary School 1940-47
Gateshead Grammar School 1947-54
Granada plc and Camelot
Alex Glasgow b 1935
Gateshead Grammar School 1947-54
Songwriter ("Close the Coalhouse Door" et al)
Sang the signature tune to "When the Boat Comes In"
Went to Kells Lane Primary School and the Grammar School in the same year as Sir George Russell and Hugh Hedley. 1935 was a very productive year for Low Fellers
Ian Wells writes
"I am still a member of The Caprians and was also in some school productions:
1952 Our Town
1953 Pride and Predjudice
1954 Dido and Aeneas
I have programmes and some photos of all three."
The first six must have been on the Long Photo of Oct 1947. Are you willing to identify yourselves?
From schoolgirl to author
Sylvia Richardson, better known now as Sylvia Waugh the writer of Childrens' books. See her entry in our Famous Old Boys/Girls section and on Wikipedia
Sylvia writes .... of Joan Lamb, Joan Hughes, Audrey Milburn, Jean Young, Kathleen Raine, Joyce Armstrong, Audrey Stiles, Theresa Greenwell, Grace Belgium, Joan Alderson....
My own best friend was Marion Irving and, all these years later, we still keep in touch from time to time. She too is married with children and grandchildren.
(Webmaster has Sylvia's email address contact )
Joan Alderson living in Australia
Julia Swinburne, later Carruthers
Audrey Watson, later Critchley
Valerie Clarke, later Hawley
Jean Smith, later Hedley
Dorothy Brown, later Lady Dorothy Russell
Maureen Stone
Vera Wilson