You should definitely come along Chris. It would be great to met you and put a face to your name! It would also be good to see OKs of the 60s generation. Last time we met (back in September 2005) there were only 4 of us ('young' Spike Ranyard, Dave Baldwin, John Ackroyd and myself). So come on you guys, get signed up and let's make it a real reunion this time round. I live and work in London and managed to get there and back in the day so others who also live at a distance could make it too. Most of the guys who attended last time were of the wartime generation - great guys, but we need the (relatively!) younger set to give this event a boost for the future.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 59-67

I couldn't agree more with Geoff's sentiments.

If you're over here Chris then you could certainly be an 'Honorary' Old Boy for the day - without your help where would we be?

We might be able to drag Dave Boddy along this time!

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 59-66

Current location (optional) Embsay

Ok Mr Baldwin point taken - I'll be there, all being well.

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

Current location (optional) Keighley

What a marvellous thing if you could be there Chris!I hesitate to tell those of you who are clamouring for the 'younger' generation to be represented that I am definitely going to attend although I started at KBGS in 1940, aged 10.I hope of course that many attenders will be of my generation or. like Robert Bracken, even somewhat earlier!

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) '48-'51

Current location (optional) Epsom

If the webmaster can attend the 2007 reunion, that would be a tribute much appreciated by the contributors and readers of the website he has created. He can be assured of a warm welcome.
Similarly, I would urge all Old Boys (taught and teachers) of whatever generation or intake to attend - and furthermore to share with others, through this forum, their remembrances and experiences of KBGS . I am aware that there are Old Keighlians who read this forum and who have yet to make an entry even in the Guestbook. How much more could they also add to this Forum!
I have not the demographic skills to forecast exactly when there will be only readers surviving contributors - but what a great tragedy it would be for the readers to depart this mortal site without ever having declared their presence openly and without ever having shared their experiences and perceptions with the rest of us.
This website will die soon enough "faut de combattants". We don't need tombs for unknown warriors - just a few recollections to keep the pot boiling.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 52-60

I've sent off my cheque for a "ticket", and will do my best to find time off work that week to fly over from Singapore.

Chris

I agree entirely with what Terry says. We have a great opportunity to preserve for this site our memories of what it was like to be educated in a Grammar School which, after the 1944 Education Act, was open to everyone on the grounds of ability. Apart from being richly rewarding to us it will also provide a valuable social document for the future. I am trying to persuade some of my own past business colleagues to contribute similarly to a website I run and it is an uphill battle in spite of the fact that nearly all are computer-literate to some degree and didn't hesitate in the past to make their voices heard!

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 40-48

Current location (optional) Epsom

In the souvenir edition of the Keighley News 22/02/07 there was a re-prodction of their report of the great fire of 62,in which it states that the group playing at the Mechanics on the night of the fire was the Beat Squad.(didn't this band include former pupils of KBGS ?)It also quotes Watthey giving the school the week off excepting those taking GCE & A levels and form 4X ????? anyone know what form 4X had done to deserve this?.I don't know if this sovenir supplement is available on line but I would think that copies could be obtained from the KN office

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 56-62

Current location (optional) keighley

In answer to Pete's question, somewhere in the recesses of my mind I feel sure I remember that ROGER MANTON was a member of that band,
If anyone has contact with him, Roger will certainly complete the information regarding the Band and the evening.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 1950-55

Current location (optional) Keighley

If anyone is looking for Roger Manton, who did a Nero act while KBGS burnt, he lives at Great Missenden, Bucks. Don't have his email address.

Pete, you are quite right . Its because Form 4X was also a GCE form. Several of the regular posters were that form, eg besides myself, Allan Jones , Brian Craven
I think we had lessons over at the Central Youth Club in Alice St for a bit.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 58-64

Current location (optional) Wirral

Is that what the X was for? Wasn't it like the film classifications? - "May contain strong language, violence and nudity".

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

Current location (optional) Leeds

Yeah - Well most of those anyway!

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

The Beat Squad were originally called The Beatniks.
The Beat Squad were Bruce Russell, Ricky Hardacre (ex KBGS)Mike Pickles(He Became an Airline Pilot) and Roger Manton. Can't remember the drummer's name but he lived at the Oakworth Road end of Victoria Road.

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

Current location (optional) Keighley

For more info on Keighley's past rockers have a look at www.thenomads.co.uk

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

Current location (optional) Keighley

I thought this subject heading was all about the reunion, noot some obscure Rock bands

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 43-46

Current location (optional) Sassafras, Tasmania

Mike. Most of the 'obscure' rock bands were formed at the schools in Keighley and quite a few from KBGS - but yes let's get back to the Reunion 2007. How many more have signed up?

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

Current location (optional) Keighley

Sorry to digress from the reunion theme, but the following might be of interest to a couple of you!!
The X in 4X, as far as I can remember, which is not very far, stood for Express. We did our GCE O-Levels at the end of the 4th year, when some of us were only 14 years old. I have always suspected the wisdom of this move, as I spent a lot of time in my 3 years in the 6th Form, taking O-Levels to try to catch up on what I'd missed in form 4X. I only took 6 in 4X, and failed one of them! English Lang, would you believe? "Yes" came the answer, in unison.

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

You are absolutely right Alan.
I was the only one to take 8 (Most did 6 or 7) subjects in 4X , as I did music as an extra (not taught by BV Paynes, but they let me take it with the other three doing it with BVP) . I also shamefully failed English Lang first go but got a high grade on the resit.

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

Current location (optional) Wirral

I am hoping to go to the Reunion in September, but as I have not stayed in or near Keighley since I left in 1946, can anyone suggest a suitable hostelry within ten miles or so ? I have to say I like my creature comforts and these days expect to have to pay for them. I would appreciate the views of anyone who is currently familiar with the area.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 41/46

Current location (optional) Isle of Man

Peter.The Jarvis Bankfield Hotel at the Shipley end of the Bingley By-pass(A650)is a well-established hotel in the area. The new(ish) by-pass would enable you to get to Utley in 15mins or so. Also, The Hollins Hall Hotel and Country Club on Hollins Hill, Shipley(Marriott Chain)looks like a classy establishment. Add another 5/10 mins travelling time to the above. Both hotels are listed as '3 star'and details of their respective amenities can be found on the internet, of course. Hope this is of help to you,Peter.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 45-50

Current location (optional) Keighley

Thank you,David, for your email and the information. I will keep a note of the two hotels, but as I will be coming (and going) on the IOM ferry from Heysham, and also visiting Sedbergh, I was thinking more of somewhere on the Skipton side of Keighley. ( I am not the keen driver I used to be !). I certainly look forward to meeting some of you in September. Kind regards , Peter Nichols

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 41/46

Current location (optional) Isle of Man

Peter. I was given another 3 star hotel last night, which might fit in with your thinking. The Rendezvous Hotel(formerly Randall's)is located on the main Keighley road about a mile this side of Skipton. I've never been inside but it's a big place, backs on to the canal, and the interior looks good on their website. Also two 2 star establishments which are 'very clean', are The Beeches Hotel opposite Victoria Park in Keighley, which is a Toby Inn; and the Dalesgate Hotel which is virtually 'next door' to Rose Cottage at Utley (our venue,of course). Both have listings on the internet. Hope this helps. David

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 45-50

Current location (optional) Keighley

Peter
The Beeches Toby Hotel Bradford Road Keighley is very good The telephone number is 01535 610611

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 59-64

Current location (optional) Keighley

Ah, the dreaded Isle of Man Steam Packet Company and the good ship Ben McChree. I have spent many a tedious and expensive journey in their company. Next one August bank holiday weekend.

With recent experience. The Five Rise Locks Hotel in Bingley is civilised with a nice view of the Aire Valley and quiet rooms. Or the Apothecary Hotel in Haworth is great for atmosphere and closeness to the Fleece in the high street which has a full range of Timothy Taylors. Bingley about £50 a night, Haworth about £30. Both with breakfast.

Thank you all for your recommendations, a response much appreciated. Souinds like things have improved a lot since 1946, when I was not aware of any !
If I knew who " I.W." was I would say drop in for a coffee when you over here in August; we are in the phone book.
Hope to meet some of you in September--Peter Nichols

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 41/46

Current location (optional) Isle of Man

Only five more weeks to go! So don't forget, if you intend going, you must send in your completed Application Form to Robert Bracken by the 24th of this month, together with payment, of course. We all hope you are still'on course' for making it, Chris, and if so, look forward to meeting up with you, our 'Webmaster', on the day. Safe journey to all OB's making the trip, and Chris, of course!

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 45-50

Current location (optional) Keighley

I am coming up to the reunion on September 7. How many others. who visit this website, will be there? I know Spike is coming and we (my son-in-law and myself) will be there witn Paul Greenwood.It would be great if we could have a list of those intending to be there particularly any from the Arts 6th 1947/

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) '40-'48

Current location (optional) Epsom

I just wanted to wish all those who attend the reunion all the best for a happy and enjoyable weekend. No doubt we will read of it on here, with a few giveaway photos. How many attendees are expected? Cheers.

Years at KBGS e.g. 1958-1964 (optional) 47-51

Current location (optional) Auckland,NZ