Wigan Album
UpHolland County Secondary School
4 Comments
Photo: Philip Gormley
Item #: 18430
Front row (l to r): Harold Abbott, Anthony Jones, Philip Gormley, Kevin Mousdell, David Hitchen.
Upon starting our ‘new school’, thoughts centered on the rumours that we could possibly be having a 1st. Year Football team ensured that 1960-61 would be an exciting time.
Indeed, we hadn’t long to wait before finding ourselves playing properly organised football matches for the first time; everyone donning the same-coloured jerseys emblazoned with school badge of Phoenix In Flames and eagerly awaiting news of our next opponents.
Our new Sportsmaster Mr. Peet had given us twelve-year-olds every encouragement from the outset and despite the team securing its only point in the last match of the season - away to Abraham Guest, had also continued to impart his knowledge of health, fitness and general well-being onto us - he had indeed represented Marine A.F.C.
Mr. Peet’s expertise had benefited Anthony Jones in particular as Tony was probably the best all-round athlete among us; running, jumping, throwing – he could do just about anything!
I also vividly recall how nervous I became during the pre-match kickabout of our last
match of the season when recognising that Abraham Guest Schoolteacher
Mr. Magnall was to take charge.
The reason being was that some weeks beforehand both Mr. Magnall and my own Headmaster Mr. Clarke had given me a deserved ticking-off for a schoolboy prank (snowballing) gone wrong.
I needn’t have worried, Mr. Magnall came directly over to me and, preceded by a hearty smile and brisk hand shake, wished me well for the match.
Mr. Magnall’s warm welcome and understanding had certainly helped to put me at ease – I went on to score a hat-trick in the three-all draw.
The photo above includes seven Billinge lads – and may even have been eight if Malcolm Green’s boast during one of our lessons had held sway.
Malcolm’s claim was that while his living-room was in Orrell; his kitchen was in Billinge!
What you say of John Magnall is a typical gesture of him, I always admired him, he was fair and firm, if you responded he
would soon forgive and forget,and would be a teacher and a good friend.
Peter Draper's boots look familiar - they were handed down to me, long after he outgrew them!
Just by chance, I happened to pop i here as I always love to see the photo`s. While reading the above account, I noticed the name of a teacher called John MAGNAL, this being the first time I have seen this name mentioned, and which is our family name.
Can anyone tell me anything about Mr John Magnall or if any of his family are still in the area?
Any information gratefully received.
Christine Ward ,comment dated 2011
I am part of the Mangnall family..John Mangnall was my dad.