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Photos of Wigan
Photos of Wigan



Wigan Album

Highfield Secondary School

45 Comments

Highfield c1964
Highfield c1964
Photo: Jack Charnock
Views: 11,190
Item #: 5888
As far as I can tell, I only know two people on this photo. Trevor Halliwell(third from left on back row), and my brother Ray(on the right sat on the floor).

Comment by: JOHN BELSHAW on 20th April 2008 at 18:28

My brother david belshaw is sat on the end, far right of the front row.

Comment by: Jean Smith ( nee Gaskell ) on 15th July 2008 at 11:39

My brother Allan Gaskell is on the middle row, 3rd from the left.

Comment by: John Jarvis on 2nd September 2008 at 21:32

I know these fellows and some were great friends of mine...
Back Row: Alan Conroy, Keith Ford? Trvor Halliwell, Mick Dewhurst (The Galloping Major),Alan Wood (Spoony),Graham Pyke, Don Caulfield.
Middle Row: Ian Winstanley, the late Stewart Doherty (Dosh), Alan Gaskell, Tony Tomlinson, Dave Rimmer, Ronnie Belshaw, Graham Pilkington (Pilky), Graham Clarke, ...?..., Ian Atherton (Ginzie).
Front Row: The late Malc Pyke, Alan Byrom, Ian Belshaw (Rarc), Keith Grindley, Richard Mason, Derek Johnson, Dave Bellis, Dave Belshaw (Bella).
Sitting: Peter Davies, Fred Charnock.
I followed these chaps in 1965. There were some good lads here...Most of us didn't have much in these halcyon days as far as material things go , but we had some great times at Highfield...Wish I could go back...

Comment by: Don Caulfield on 17th November 2008 at 19:50

The name of the lad 2nd from left on the back row I am almost certain is Raymond Greenhalgh. On the middle row between Graham Clark and the late Ginzie is David Hurst and on the front row in between David Bellis and Dave Belshaw is Alan Brown. 44 years ago !. Doesn't time fly.

Comment by: John Jarvis on 17th November 2008 at 20:22

Correct Don...I would never have got Raymond G. though.
Was Barry Adamson in the B class?

Comment by: Don Caulfield on 15th December 2008 at 17:57

Hello John. Barry Adamson was in the A class but from memory he didn't start Highfield at the start of the new term. I think it was a couple of months later. I honestly thought that Raymond G. was in the B class.

Comment by: John Jarvis on 20th December 2008 at 19:10

Thanks Don. Not many uniforms knockin' about on this photo, only yourself, The Galloping Major, Graham Pyke and Dave Belshaw...This lot were always a bunch of rebels...I remember the school dinners in the canteen: the late Dosh (God bless him) was at the top of our table; we used to take those coloured powders in to make the water taste like pop....Ughh, it tasted dreadful...
Remember Miss Todd? What a character...
Happy days havin' nowt at Highfield.

Comment by: Barry Adamson on 20th January 2009 at 19:21

Don I started school the same day as you Must have gone fishig the day of the photo

Comment by: Don Caulfield on 6th February 2009 at 17:49

Sorry Barry you are obviously right, probably on both counts. There is still somebody missing though - Paul Aldridge who I do think started later with his brother Geoff in the year below us if I am not mistaken and his other brother Barry I think, was in the same class as my brother in the juniors.

Comment by: John Jarvis on 18th February 2009 at 08:12

You are right Don, the Aldridges arrived about the time of the building of the Merton Road estate; I would say Paul entered your class in the second year...And do you remember Joe Speakman who came from Blackpool; think he came very late, about 1968, just before you all left.
Would be interesting to know if anybody had photos of the B class of your year, or, a photo of my year (1965-1969).
Remember the table tennis Christmas knockout; was always Derek Johnson and Pilky in the final...?

Comment by: Don Caulfield on 24th February 2009 at 18:12

John, Don't remember a Joe Speakman but Jimmy Ridyard comes into my mind. Don't remember when he started but must have been quite late.

Comment by: John Jarvis on 24th February 2009 at 19:09

Don, yes I remember Jimmy Ridyard; but I'm sure he was in the B class. Joe Speakman was only there for a couple of months; early summer 1968...tall lad, came from Blackpool to Wigan. Do you remember playing bingo at Christmas with Mr Gaskell (Dickie) in Room 3? We had bars of chocolate for prizes...

Comment by: cliff unsworth on 25th March 2009 at 21:30

Hello John Jarvis, Do you still support wolves? I recon you must have had a crush on miss Todd! Good news for you I have photos from our 1st year and 4th year you'll be surprised at the difference! And even better news for you Pat Todd is on the 1st year one. I believe our of-springs where at the deanery together. Iam new to this and am going to try and publish the photos. Watch this space!

Comment by: John Jarvis on 26th March 2009 at 21:00

Hiya Cliff...How are you doin'? Yes, our boys were in the same year. I do remember that you always bought the class photos (minted eh? ha ha ha). Yeah, perhaps I did have a crush on her...but thinking back, I doubt it; just thought she was a great teacher. Yes, I do still watch Wolves, and our Gary comes with me...What you doin' these days? Nice talkin' Cliff, and get those photos uploaded!
Good times at Highfield eh? What a laugh....

Comment by: Allan Conroy on 30th March 2009 at 21:59

What a treat to see all those familiar faces from the past, my daughters had a good laugh at my hair cut. Joe Speakman and I became very close friends and went shootin and fishin together for many years. Sadley we lost contact some time ago.

Comment by: raymond charnock alias fred on 3rd January 2010 at 15:28

Dear Don
I remember the good old days from 1964 at Highfield do you remember the science teacher named dave redhead and the good looking miss pat todd.

Comment by: Dave Rimmer on 2nd November 2010 at 18:58

OMG Cant belive this Photo im in the middle second row. There used to be a gang of us. Me, Ian Atherton (Ginzie) RIP, one of my best mates, we used to always have a fight lol, Keith Grindley (Gramps), Ronnie Belshaw, Barry Adamson,David Hurst, Graham Pyke, David Bellis who I knocked about with for a bit after leaving school and a couple of more who slip my memory. Yea thoses were the days great memories thanks for the Photo.

Comment by: david bellis on 18th December 2011 at 08:41

what a surprise , my wife just told me she came across a school photo . love it .a lot has happened since then , what happened to malc pyke ? r.i.p .. please drop me a line .

Comment by: don caulfield on 19th May 2012 at 23:17

Hi Raymond, nice to hear from you again after so long both in terms of us being in the same class but replying to your message from 2010. Yes I do remember Miss Pat Todd and Mr Redhead only too well. Hope you are keeping well. email me.

Messrs. Halliwell and Bellis please give me a call. Any other former classmates PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE MAKE CONTACT. NICE TO SPEAK TO OLD FRIENDS.

Comment by: One Who Survived on 22nd July 2012 at 13:38

sticks in my craw to read you all going on about the so-called good old days at Highfield. The only decent lads I knew were Alan Brown, both of the Pykes (and I am truly sorry to hear about his and good old Doshes passing - Ginzie too. Dewhurst and Wood were okay. With one or two other minor exceptions the school was a bullies paradise.

Comment by: don caulfield on 8th December 2012 at 19:51

To:- One Who Survived
I don't recall things being bad all the time between 1964 and 1968. I do remember some upsetting times. Why don't you name yourself and let us all know what your problems were.
Overall it wasn't that bad especially with Miss Todd to think about. What do you say Mr Jarvis.

Ha Ha.

Comment by: John Jarvis on 24th February 2013 at 21:52

Don: It was a great old place. Miss Todd made it bearable because she was a GREAT teacher. I learned so much from her and English was my favourite lesson. The last year for me was brilliant...until Miss Todd left to be replaced by the grumpy Miss Nicholson. Also Mr Heaton was good (Monty). Remember A.S.? Andrew Sudworth...Metalwork...

Comment by: Derek Johnson on 3rd March 2013 at 17:02

John Jarvis: Hope you remember me. I'm still friends with Ronny Belshaw, sadly Peter Davis recently passed away.
Great happy times at school, wouldn't change them for anything!! Can never forget out teachers especially Andrew sudworth. I must have made one hundred pokers lol
Hope your well.

Comment by: one who survived on 18th March 2013 at 10:43

Seems like I have been airbrushed out of your rose tinted memories of the school. Do you really not know who I am? Gwilliam used to call me Custer but all of you little darlings had another name for me. Howvever, no problem with you Don - or anyone else now. Water under the bridge and all that. Just remember that for those who didn't fit in it was not a great school.

Comment by: jan on 6th April 2013 at 01:38

Hi Allan conroy do you have a brother barry ?
and did you live near saint pauls church

Comment by: custer on 8th April 2013 at 10:37

Al Conroy -I remember you and the pykes as if it were yesterday. You guys were good eggs.

Comment by: Jarvo on 11th August 2013 at 20:32

Derek Johnson: How you doing? Glad you remember me: I was Wolves and you Latics. Indeed, I'm fine. I still see Ronnie some Saturday nights on Pem. Hope you're keeping well...I do remember John Unsworth; always reading...He must have read every book in the school. By the way, John, I never called you any names...Hope you're ok...Derek, you must come up Pem for a drink sometime...We go in Fifteen. That line about pokers made me laugh...A.S. was a grand old bloke, but was always losing his rag! Great days...Get in touch, all of yer! Ok,Don?

Comment by: mickey murray on 27th August 2013 at 21:46

this is my 1st posting, just come across all these pics. I'm Mickey Murray and I was in the same class as Cliff Unsworth. Just had a flashback to when John Unsworth did some superb sketches of handguns, rifles, etc. Pat Todd found them and ripped them up,just 'cos she hated that sort of thing. I remember thinkin why couldn't she see how good they were, john obviously had some talent, instead of destroyin em.

Comment by: Custer on 5th September 2013 at 12:14

Hi Jarvo - I am fine. Just needed to get 3 years of bullying off my chest. However, like I said -water under the bridge! I am glad that some of you from school made it to this point - Yourself, Ray Charnock, Alan Conroy, Graham Pyke,Don and a couple of others. Sorry about Dosh, Malc Pyke and Guinsey. Couldn't give a toss about the rest.

Comment by: Graham Pyke on 5th January 2014 at 21:19

Hello Lads, I remember all of you so very well and I hope that, all of you that are left are healthy, wealthy and happy! My thoughts go out to those no longer here.
It was so good to see the photo on the internet. What a group of characters! It brought memories flooding back...
It was nice to see the interest in Malc and the mention of our names (thanks).
I was glad to read that most had fond memories of Highfield, but sorry to read that John had such a bad time. But just think lad, that what does not kill you makes you stronger.
So we all must have come out much stronger.
My best goes out to all of you and remember. All hail Dickie Duster. And dont forget Pat Todd, plus the rest of the SS teaching staff.
Was it a great escape when leaving or just a better chance to educate ourselves.
Best Regards,
Pykey

Comment by: John on 17th January 2014 at 12:31

Hi Graham! Hope you are fine and thanks for your words. I always had a lot of time for you and your kid + Alan Conroy - you guys were wicked!
I did come out strong but in spite of rather than because of the bullies there and the look the other way staff. Like you the pic brought back memories - a lot of good ones but some bad. And like you I am really sad that lads like Guinsey and your kid and Dosh aren't here any more. But as for the rest - I don't give a toss.
You take care now and God Bless you and yours!

Comment by: Allan Conroy on 24th February 2014 at 19:31

Hello Custer. Are you the lad who was very interested in the American west (bit of a clue in name I suppose), as I recall you were an expert. Wasn't that the time when American civil war cards were out with chewy. I remember some of those were a bit gruesom,. good for swappin. I think I remember your name but I'll keep it to myself

Comment by: Graham on 16th March 2014 at 22:24

Bloody hell Allan. Cards with chewy!!! Who could afford them? It was the penny or half-penny tray, at the 2 old ladies shop, near the bottom of Enfield Street. Blackjacks, Dainties, Refreshers and fizzy power to put into the stagnent jug of warm water given at lunch time.
I remember all of this and John Uns----- fondly!

Comment by: Jarvo on 12th April 2014 at 15:13

Ok, this must make you all laugh. Anybody remember George Tyneman's home made Beatle Boots? A pair of old wellies with a pair of his mother's high heels cut off and stuck on...? Unbelievable. And who remembers the cool mod that was Evan Walsh?

Comment by: Jarvo on 17th April 2014 at 17:51

Just heard that Dave Rimmer has passed away. R.I.P. Dave. Sad news.

Comment by: Custer on 15th June 2014 at 22:33

Hi Al Jarvo and Graham - good to hear from you guys. Yes I was obsessed with the West and Yankee history. Got a BA in history majoring in American History so all that reading paid off in the end! I have fond memories of you guys and as I have not seen any of you for over 40 years in my minds eye you are still young sprags. Sorry to hear about Dave Rimmer - was also sorry to hear about Malc. God bless them both! Will say adios now - but before I do I think it was my fellow Poolstocker George Timon who manufactured the home made Beatle boots.

Comment by: Jarvo on 21st August 2014 at 20:03

Good to hear you did so well, John. They were good days with Al, Graham and Malc. Fantastic memories. Good times, great mates. Stay well. :)

Comment by: Derek Johnson on 6th November 2014 at 17:19

Hello jarvo how you doing am new to computer business as you can tell! you doing ok wished i was back at school.Still miss football team, we didnt win many tho. you was right about me& pilky in tt but he beat me every time.

Comment by: Jarvo on 20th November 2014 at 09:39

It was good to see Graham Pyke on Pemberton the other day. Take care, Graham, and all the best.

Comment by: Jarvo on 20th November 2014 at 19:17

Derek Johnson, we should all get together and have a footy match on Robin Park. Ask Richard Milady to come as well...Stay well, owd lad.

Comment by: Jarvo on 18th April 2016 at 13:25

It was good to see you, Derek, the other week. Don't forget to come up to Pem for a pint any Saturday night. You'll find us...Stay well.

Comment by: Derek johnson on 21st April 2016 at 16:24

Thanks for the invite john, will take you up on the offer of a drink in the future. I saw munch up town the other day do you remember him? see you soon.

Comment by: Jarvo on 22nd April 2016 at 08:33

Derek: Yes, I do remember Munch. We'll have much to talk about when you come up. Good luck to the Latics in their final few games...Hope to see you soon. :)

Comment by: Jarvo on 3rd July 2022 at 20:37

Message for Graham Pyke:

How you doing? Get in touch if you can - a few surprises...

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