Spirit of Birkenhead Institute
The History and Heritage of Birkenhead Institute
VISITORS' BOOK
Birkenhead Institute
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Welcome, and please feel free to add your thoughts and comments here. Please ensure that all comments do not give unnecessary or extremely adverse opinions to anyone or anything. Offensive comments will be removed.
I look forward to hearing your thoughts, and the email address for any of your memories or photographs is :-
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114 Comments
Reply
Phil (Editor)
5:32 AM on July 1, 2009
Hi, Dave,
<br>Many thanks for your comments about the site and glad it brought back some memories. If you wish to send in any more memories for the site, the email is:- <a href="mailto: [email protected]">[email protected]</a>
Reply
Alan Jones
11:46 AM on July 26, 2009
I have been asked to identify the pupils on the photographs at the end of the school year 1955/56, which are being shown on The Pupils section.
<br>
<br>Grahame Lloyd,Keith Hopner,Jeff Walsh,Terry Fitzgerald,Norman Cooper,Eddie Lutner,Don Hodgson,William Arthur. There is one gate crasher I think he was ? Hubard from the 6th form. Apologies for any wrong spellings.
<br>Regards,Alan Jones
Reply
Alan Jones
4:13 AM on July 29, 2009
My previous comment should have been for school year 1954/1955.
<br>
<br>Regards,Alan Jones
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(Graham) Ben Johnson
9:25 AM on August 8, 2009
Hi, great site indeed, brings back many memories that I will not try to include in this note. I was at the BI from 1962 to 1969, in Stitt House, so Davy Jones was my housemaster. We got on well since I loved drawing (still do) and I represented the house ns school in just about everything: cricket, chess, rugby and athletics. In response to Paul McLean's comment (April 7th) the lady French teacher was called Miss Wikely.
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Ken Kerr
11:09 AM on August 21, 2009
Brilliant. Found it via WikiWirral. Lots of memories just from reading through. All those names, all those faces. Dickie Bolton even taught my Dad. I was there 54-58, Tate, left before my GCSE's but BI still stood me in good stead. Met one teacher some 5 years later in a Submarine control room, but he was a Lt and I was a low life so we never got round to speaking. Look forward to perhaps seeing some BIOB if and when I get to return to B'head. Power to your elbow.
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Phil (Editor)
9:52 AM on August 23, 2009
Ken,
<br>Very many thanks for all of your positive comments above the site, and please keep on looking for future additions.
<br>Phil
Reply
Paul Murphy
7:43 PM on August 24, 2009
What a trip down memory lane times really were good PEB and Lenny Malcolm ( Paul Murphy 1966 /1971
Reply
andyhalliday
3:56 PM on August 25, 2009
It hyas been great reviewing the times of B.I, I was there 1961-1967,and belonged to scouts under Don Coughtrie, Frank Tomlinson-who I think was an editor on the Liverpool post.They were assisted by Rob Brookes and Prof Jones-he lived in Woodlands .We tored kit in the basementof the old junior swchool.I could then imagine following in my dads fotsteps.He too was a member of 23rd,and like me went on to serve movement as aleader for many years.My first Patrol leader was Mike Shaw,then David Thorne was Troop Leader.My colleagues as PLS were Pete Watson,Phil Vaughan, John Williams, and Stuart Dawson.We hasd camps at Hwawkshead,Slaidburn, Dinas Mawddwy-where we were helped by Pete Farrell, and David--I met Pete recently,in the Library in Bath where I am a manager,he is a football scout for Portsmouth,and lives in Wiltshire,.One old boy I woul;d much love to write to is Peter F Taylor--who at our time lived in Pemberton Road.I have heard from Tom Howarth, and Hal Darlington-both contempories at school. One teacher not mentioned in notes is Stan Pierce,who taught me French I remember to tis day,and still find useful.He lived in Irby,and with his wife lead us on school twinning trips--great experiences.I also recall with thanks J.P.Langley--whose R,I, lessons encouraged me to find Church--and still am active in our local Chapel in Keynsham nr Bath.Thank for letting me fill up some space on this well presented web site-good luck with future developments,Andy Halliday--often known as Hiram-Holliday.
Reply
Phil (Editor)
6:17 AM on August 27, 2009
Andy,
<br>I do remember you well and also your nickname Hiram-Holliday! Many thanks for all your memories and positive comments, and if you have any more, please send them via the email address.
Reply
Paul McLean
5:51 AM on September 18, 2009
Just catching up with some of the updated memories, they really do start you reminicising and recalling your own experiences.
<br>One set of experiences sprung to mind recently whilst I was in conversation with my wife. I remember staying for lunch during my first couple of years at B.I. (1965-69). I recall that during my first year in the annexe building our form master. Mr E. V. Shaw used to insist that the five shillings required for a weeks meal had to paid with two half crowns, which had to be lined up on his desk first thing on Monday morning. I remember the tension as each boy was called to the front to pay his the alloted amount, and the severe reprimands experienced by boys who failed to have the correct coinage.
<br>I also remember eating lunch being a time of little compromise, with newts having to collect trays of food and plates for their chosen table. Manners I recall were strictly adhered to with a master at the head of each table monitoring behaviour. After lunch was finished I can recall Mr Malcolm standing in front of the serving hatches asking boys why there was food left on their plate? no excuse would sway him from returning the boy to his table to finish his plate of food.
<br>It is strange now to write about these things within a world where political correctness prevails. But I am so grateful for the principals of good manners and self discipline that B.I. gave me. It would be interesting to see if anyone else can remember these events.
Reply
Phil (Editor)
12:32 PM on September 20, 2009
Many thanks to Paul McLean for all your memories, especially about good manners being taught at the B.I.. I completely agree, and I have to thank the B.I. for all of the positive things I learned there.
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mike worthy
4:26 PM on September 26, 2009
Paul - Mrs (Granny) Bowden taught us French via Audio Visual in our first year! Mrs Kendrick certainly was there before leaving to go to Nocturum High! there was also Mrs Hocknell at the Tollemache Rd school - taught English!
you should come to annual reunion dinner to discuss further and the missing lines you owe one Mr. Malcolm!
you should come to annual reunion dinner to discuss further and the missing lines you owe one Mr. Malcolm!
Paul McLean says...
I attended BI in the late sixties when it was situated at Whetstone Lane. I recall that most of the teachers were men. However, reminiscing the other day I seem to recall being taught by two women. One was a French teacher who taught me in first year, 1965? The second, Mrs Kendrick I think her name was taught Biology in my second year, 1966? I remember that she caused quite a stir amongst a class of pre-pubescent boys whose only exposure to the female gender was probably our mothers and firtive glances at the girls from Holt Hill Convent. Can anyone else remember either of these two ladies?
Reply
Mike Worthy
4:35 PM on September 26, 2009
Phil are people aware that there is an ASnnual Reunion dinner at Caldy Golf Club on Oct 2nd? i believe therews about 60+ attending so far! its a good night and well organised by Harry Burkett and colleagues.
i have also located numerous copies of the Visor plus the 3 that I have - will organise getting them scanned now i have more time!
keep up the good work. Mike
i have also located numerous copies of the Visor plus the 3 that I have - will organise getting them scanned now i have more time!
keep up the good work. Mike
Phil (Editor) says...
Many thanks to Paul McLean for all your memories, especially about good manners being taught at the B.I.. I completely agree, and I have to thank the B.I. for all of the positive things I learned there.
Reply
Phil (Editor)
4:04 AM on September 28, 2009
Mike,
Many thanks for your comments and reminding people about the BIOB reunion on Friday, 2nd October. Thanks also for letting me know about the Visors, and I shall look forward to seeing them, and they will be great for the site.
Many thanks for your comments and reminding people about the BIOB reunion on Friday, 2nd October. Thanks also for letting me know about the Visors, and I shall look forward to seeing them, and they will be great for the site.
Mike Worthy says...
Phil are people aware that there is an ASnnual Reunion dinner at Caldy Golf Club on Oct 2nd? i believe therews about 60+ attending so far! its a good night and well organised by Harry Burkett and colleagues.
i have also located numerous copies of the Visor plus the 3 that I have - will organise getting them scanned now i have more time!
keep up the good work. Mike
Reply
Phil (Editor)
4:18 AM on September 28, 2009
The BIOB Annual Dinner is to be held on Friday, 2nd October at Caldy Golf Club. Tickets are £25, and information about the event is available in the BIOB page of this site. Harry organises an excellent evening, with many former pupils and staff, so please contact Harry if you would like to attend.
Reply
RAY BETTLEY
8:14 PM on October 2, 2009
Fantastic site ! brought back many happy memories. I was at B I from 1960 to 1965. I remember Dave Jones (art) Peb shaw (music Mr langley (english I think) Mr Webb (head master) Mr Phipps (french) Mr Squires (english) Miss Wikeley (french) I was pleased to find myself on the school photo 1960 on the end by the dinner ladies and school caretaker can anyone remember his name. Ray . P.S. keep up the good work great site !
Reply
Ben Johnson
3:03 PM on October 5, 2009
Great discussion! The caretaker with the hat at a rakish angle was called Ben Wiggins.
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Phil (Editor)
4:21 AM on October 6, 2009
Thanks, Ben for reminding us of the caretaker's name : I recall now him being called Mr Wiggins. He was a real character, and was an essential part of the school staff. Please note I've also recently added the 1949 B.I. school photo to the B.I. Visor site.
Great discussion! The caretaker with the hat at a rakish angle was called Ben Wiggins.
[/Ben Johnson]
Great discussion! The caretaker with the hat at a rakish angle was called Ben Wiggins.
[/Ben Johnson]
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Phil (Editor)
5:13 AM on October 8, 2009
Please see the BIOB page for the link to the excellent photographs taken at the BIOB Annual Dinner, held on 2nd October, 2009. The link is repeated below:-
http://entertainment.webshots.com/album/574917188InICcc
http://entertainment.webshots.com/album/574917188InICcc
Reply
Alan Jones
2:41 PM on October 14, 2009
The following article appeared in the local paper during the 1954/55 rugby season,
Birkenhead Institute Rugby team completed one of their most successful seasons in the school history on Saturday ,with a 14-0 victory over Grove Park, Wrexham, at Ingleborough-Road.
"During the season they have won 12 out of 14 matches and the only school to beat them was St. Anselm's, who gained a double over them. During the season, the forwards, in particular, have improved a great deal under the coaching of Mr. J. D. Robins."
The victories over The Birkenhead School and Wade Deacon Grammar School were the highlights of the season for me.
Regards
Alan Jones
p.s. has there been a more successful season since this?
Birkenhead Institute Rugby team completed one of their most successful seasons in the school history on Saturday ,with a 14-0 victory over Grove Park, Wrexham, at Ingleborough-Road.
"During the season they have won 12 out of 14 matches and the only school to beat them was St. Anselm's, who gained a double over them. During the season, the forwards, in particular, have improved a great deal under the coaching of Mr. J. D. Robins."
The victories over The Birkenhead School and Wade Deacon Grammar School were the highlights of the season for me.
Regards
Alan Jones
p.s. has there been a more successful season since this?
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