Jr6468

Hi,regarding your questions in relation to St bede's school. I left the seniors in summer of 63. I was in the Army during that decade and to my limited knowledge the west ridge school was converted to St Bentet Bishop sometime during that period. St bede's junior and senior were holding the same names up until then. When I was told about the change I was thinking of what we had to put up with in comparison to west ridge. We had No football field, metal work class etc. We had to go to Blyth school to have wood work classes. One good thing we did have at juniors was an excellent head master in Mr Gregg. I was pleased for them to have the change. I stand corrected on dates for change. Best I can remember. Regards

Well this was a blast from the past. Plum forgot that I actually worked with Big Bill Thompson at Wilkinson Sword during the 70s at the time magpies were on the 74 cup run. Real Quiet Bill and I suppose he didn't like talking about his time as he must have had many wanting to ask him same old questions. He was a real tough player though. Hope he is still around and in good health.

When I was at St bede's senior in 63 our headmaster was so proud his ex pupil Brian O'Neil was coming to play for Burnley reserve's he encouraged us to go. 2 of us did & we were in his good books awhile. Later I was in the Army near Southampton & Brian was with them. Terrific player. Underated by Alf Ramsey. Funny thing was I was working in an office in Newcastle recently and met a guy from Burnley who told me Brian was very well thought of down their. Can vaguely remember him playing at our school when I was at the juniors. Greatest player from our area. Sir Bobby Charlton without a dought