I log in and read the forum on a sporadic basis, I cannot get over the remarkable spirit with which this forum is conducted. I look back over some pretty miserable times back at KGBS, especially when I was in 1C and Beaky (cannot remember his name) our Maths Master succeeded in making my life a living hell. Yet I must admit that I feel good to hear from you all again, especially you Beetroot.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 68-61

Current location (optional) Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia

Just remembered his name, A Birch, I used to be able to do quite a good caricature of him

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 68-61

Current location (optional) Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia

Yes Marcus,
Arnold Stancliffe Birch (to give him his full "Monica") taught us maths in 1C. He was semi-retired at that time, working mornings only I think. He lived on the main road at Riddlesden, close to the house with impressive topiary, and sometimes travelled on the 67 bus.
Don't remember a "Beetroot", however. ("Little Rocks", maybe!)

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58 -65

Hi there, Being an ex KGGS girl and having lots of contact with KBGS boys ;) I was hoping that someone out there who was a pupil between say 1957 and 1962 may remember Peter Vincent (P.V.) Mitchell. I have no idea what class he would have been in but I was hoping there may be a photo somewhere in someone's collection which includes and identifies him. As I am in Australia I have lost touch with most people, but if there is anyone who can help perhaps you could post a picture and let me know or send a copy in an email to me ... coralkay@hotmail.com ... would be greatly appreciated.
By the way John Felvus, I think I remember you ... did you have a London accent? How did YOU end up in Australia??

Current location (optional) Currently Australia

I just about remember PV. He was a funny guy with a healthy dose of ant-authority about him. Often saw him standing outside Joe's office, awaiting the worst - but he always seemed to have a smile on his face! I think he might have been expelled? Anyone else remember him?

Ah yes, I remember PV very well indeed as he was in my class for a number of years.
You can find him on both the '58 and '60 panoramic school photographs.

1958 - counting the front boys sitting cross-legged from the LEFT, PV is between the 9th & 10th boys in the 4th row.

1960 - counting the front boys sitting cross-legged from the RIGHTt, PV is between the 17th & 18th boys in the 2nd row.

Yes Krisk, whatever he might say, Marcus Felvus definitely had a weird accent! I'm sure he originated from "dahn Sahth" - maybe even south of Doncaster.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-65

P.V.Mitchell came to KBGS from Keighley Technical School I seem to remember. He was quite an accomplished pianist and he took up the church organ at the Parish Church in Keighley, Unfortunately I'm sure I heard that he passed away some time ago. His brother Ralph also ex KBGS is still around the Keighley area.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959-64

Current location (optional) Keighley

David are you sure thats right, because there was a smallish guy called Colin Mitchell who was also an organist, he was a mate of that other organist John Ball. I dont recall PV being a musician, but I could be wrong. I also think PV got expelled.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-63

Current location (optional) Wirral

No Brian. Colin Mitchell was not related to PV. Colin is the brother of Steve Mitchell(also ex KBGS)PV was a piano player of some considerable talent. Yes he was expelled.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959-64

Current location (optional) Keighley

A reply to John/Marcus' posting about the misery inflicted by Birch. I know I've mentioned this in a different thread, but Birch seemed to enjoy spreading misery and putting insecurity into his pupils. Makes you wonder what sort of a mindset he had because, like you, my early days at KBGS were made thoroughly miserable by him. If he could find a chink in your knowledge, he would exploit it and delight in belittling you. As a naive first former this came as a huge shock. He should have been trying to make us enthusiastic about maths, but instead had exactly the opposite effect. 50 years on, and the experiences of humiliation are not forgotten.

Brian Craven's mention of the topiary in Bradford Road, Riddlesden fortunately brought back more pleasant memories. I had quite forgotten about those figures in the bungalow garden. They were a marker for knowing when to go downstairs to get off the bus when we were travelling back from Bradford on the 67. One of the hedges was cut in the shape of a horse and jockey - just corrected this typing having typed in "hore" instad of "horse". That would have been interesting...

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-63

Current location (optional) Exeter

Like Brian, I don't recall PV's musical talents either. We had a John Mason in our class and he was good on the ivories, or was it Stewart Hebden - oh dear!!
PV was certainly a sod of the first degree. We had a Sod's Club which rated the lads from the most mischievous/disruptive sod downwards. There was no competition for Sod No1 - PV. John Mason was No2 and I think I came in round about 5 or 6.
I distinctly remember JM throwing a pump at Crud and it hit him fair on the jaw. He was sent to Joe's office and we never saw him again.

yep, PV was "sod" No 1,He was eventually asked to leave kbgs and went to the Tech. He was a brilliant pianist. The last time I saw him was years ago playing the piano at Haworth cycling club. I think he finished up playing in a band somewhere south of Sheffield.It's sad to hear that he is no longer with us .He was a great character.

Yes Pete I got it the wrong way round PV started at the Tech and then came to KBGS. Thanks for confirming his piano playing I was beginning to doubt myself.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1959-64

Current location (optional) Keighley