This makes me feel ancient. Attached is a school photo from St. Josephs in the year 1948. The photo was taken at the top of the yard outside the "Cookery Room". This building was also used to teach woodwork to the boys. The Cookery teacher was Miss Jean Seed and the Woodwork teacher was Mr. George Hill who also taught at New Brancepeth School. He lived at Bearpark and I believe Miss Seed lived in the grounds of Ushaw College. Her Dad was the Clerk of Works at the College. I know the building is still there but I don't know its use at the present time.
I will list the class as follows:-
Back Row left to right Brian Thornton, Fleming Gilroy, Cyril Sanders, Dennis Ayley, Terry Kenna, Danny Overton, Kenny Taylor, Gordon Harrison, Jimmy Ward and Tommy Harrison.
Centre Row left to right Billy Oliver, myself, Gordon Gillon, Joe Kirkup, Clarice Howard, Clara Boyle, Shirley Harrison, John George Mc Quillan, Arthur Pattinson, Brian Doran and Peter Howarth.
Front Row left to right Ann Jennings, Emily Bartlett, Ethel Pattinson, Veronice Halpin, Jean Johnston, Shirley Gillon, Margaret Davis, Shirley Kelly, Ann Kavanagh, Mary Maughan and Olga Brown.
Seated left to right Colin Alderton and Joe Mc Nay.I hope this brings back some happy memories to some people.
This photo must have been taken during the Autumn Term as the people I sat the second half of the 11 plus with are not on this photograph. It is just a pity that the close friendships you formed at school do not survive the test of time and distance - I would like to think that one or two from this group have frienships which have stood the test of time and distance. Note that like the children of today we are all dressed in designer clothes, your mothers handknitting or the Co-op best! Best wishes to all.
Thanks to Brian Mc Loughlin for the submitted info.