Wigan Album

RON, glad to see that recent comments haven't put you off.

Not a very good old book, though, Ron - it doesn't show Kirkby, even though it has West Kirby.

Rev, Kirby wont be on a ninth century map, it was only built in the 1950's as an overspill for Liverpool.

Kirkby - a blast from the past for me. As part of the "pool" of fledgling newly qualified teachers in the 60's, I was sent for interview to the Kirby Comprehensive School - a 2,000 all boys comprehensive with, I was told, "the best school football team in England".
Teachers had been known to last less than a morning - I was offered teaching full time but not in my subject - I struck out on my own, left the pool and spent the next 40 years happily teaching at other schools. I'm not saying Kirby Comprehensive didn't have contented teachers but it does illustrate the challenge facing some newly qualified personnel. I believe the Z cars series was based on Kirkby.

My home town Ken. You probably missed the opportunity of a lifetime. There were 4 Comprehensive Schools in Kirkby in the 60s - two State, Brookfield and Ruffwood, and two RC - St Gregory's and St Kevins.
Unfortunately, I passed the 11+ and went to a Liverpool Grammar School - but I envied my peers who went to the Comps..

This is in reply to Jimmy and I am surprised the Rev.Long hasn't mentioned this the name Kirk is an old Norse word for church and by meaning next to so Kirk by refers to a hamlet next to a church there are literally hundreds of Kirkby throughout the county. Kirkby in Merseyside is traditionally believed to be founded in 870 and is mentioned in the Doomsday book of 1068 having a population of 70

I may have done Rev., but then again the grass is always…… I taught in Sec Mod., both boys and girls Grammars (the latter still one of the best State schools in the country) and the last 25 years at a mixed Comprehensive school with a 70% ethnic intake - I assure you I had a lively and interesting time, without being unduly modest I ran a very successful Department (verified by Ofsted) with fabulous teachers within what was deemed at one time a "failing school" now completely back on course. The children on the whole were wonderful and some were challenging but never dull. I experienced a rich and varied teaching career - I consider myself very fortunate.