Back to school for class of ’59

Class of '59 reunion at Hathershaw Technical College, teachers and pupils .

FORMER pupils who started Hathershaw Technical High School in September, 1959, took a trip back in time when they met up for a 50th anniversary reunion.

Organised by class-mates Keith Royales and Nigel Marland following three months’ hard work, around 60 ex-Hathershaw students and staff met at the Lyceum Theatre.

Keith said: “It was only when the majority of people had arrived, that we finally realised the enormity of the task we had undertaken. Not only had we persuaded 60 people to attend but they had travelled from the far corners of the country and abroad.”

Class-mates and teachers donned name badges before taking a specially arranged trip to their former school on Bellfield Avenue.

Once back at the Lyceum, the party then continued into the early hours.

Entertainment was provided by all but one of the members of the band The Technique, who had formed at Hathershaw, with two of its members having flown in from Canada.

Keith added: “Ironically, it was only last week when they realised they both lived in Canada and had done for 30 years!

“Not only that, they discovered they only live 60 miles from each other.”

Specially-designed posters for the event were signed by everybody and donated along with other gifts to be raffled and auctioned off.

A website www.keith royales.net has been set up to ensure former pupils remain firm friends.

Nigel said: “We decided that any unused monies would go to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice and have managed to raise £600.

“So, not only did everyone have a day to remember but raised a sizeable sum for a worthy cause.”