Welcome to the Official COBA Website

This Site was last updated on 25th May 2023

LATEST: 

Chas Newby here

Mal Howard here

Doug Eaton here

The Collegiate Story.

The Foundation of a School. click here

COBA lunch 24th April 2023

Yet again this was a most enjoyable luncheon meeting and attended by our best attendance of 33. Sadly some of our group were committed for other reasons as the date not convenient.

Our Chairman thoughtfully managed to take pictures which are attached together with a list of those present.

As usual I am very grateful to the Artists Club for their hospitality and of course the loyal support of our members.

Derek Corlett

Some information and images of the School organ here

Tribute for Arthur Southern click here

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Arthur Evams

The funeral of Arthur took place today (13th March 2023) and was attended by a number of our members.

Arthur was Vice President of our Association and had served on the Council for many years. He died at the age of 93 and when his health started to deteriorate he was unable to actively participate in our affairs. Prior to my involvement in arranging our annual dinners Arthur prepared a very helpful and comprehensive guide for me when I took over. I was greatly impressed with his support and expert guidance.

From the age of 16 until he retired at the age of 60 he was employed by Liverpool Corporation which is of course now Liverpool City Council. He enjoyed a successful career and rose to become Personnel Director there. I can just imagine the complexity of this role especially with all the trials and tribulations of the City which confronted him. Fortunately, he possessed all the qualities required to calmly manage all that came before. Yet another fine product of the School and  which had made him so proud.

The service was very well attended and we were invited to a light lunch held at Woolton Golf Club by his proud family.

Looking for memories of Billy Wray here

Letter: Steve Brady- Article from the Caribbean from a Scouser on the loose!

Eulogy for former Collegiate master Gwyn Jones here

COBA Lunch meeting Friday 20th January 2023

24 Old Boys attended our lunch today and thoroughly enjoyed their meal and the warm hospitality of the Artists Club.  Sadly a few of our loyal supporting members were unable to join us for various reasons.  The continuing success of these events is enhanced by the  enthusiasm of our group. In turn the Artists Club are most appreciative of our patronage and keen to welcome us more frequently. I am hopeful that we can have another early meeting and I will notify you of available dates in due course.

For the benefit of those who were unable to attend today I am attaching photos which I hope will be of interest. Please click to view

Our previous and  late Chairman wrote to me observing that he was surprised that only 20 attended at one meeting and coincidentally our current Chairman, David Winsland, expressed exactly the same sentiment today. Hopefully more will bear this in mind and will join us on the next occasion.

I started at Collegiate in 1955 and sadly cannot say that I enjoyed my 5 years there. However, as time has passed I can now see the benefits of my education and accompanying qualities of discipline etc which have proved to have been a real asset and provided a base for a successful and rewarding career in my one and only job. Like most pupils I have so much to be thankful for some 68 years later.

Regards to all,

Phil Williamson (1951-1958) recollections here

David Peate photographs from the 1950s here

Derek

WALKER ART GALLERY

The following is a minor incident from former times involving the Collegiate.   It was early in 1955 when seven or eight scholars from VIα English visited the Liverpool Walker Art Gallery together.  I believe that the group consisted of Gordon Adamson, Gordon Duggan, Ronald Mathison, Peter Myatt, George Hughes and David Peate.  I do not recall the names of the other pupils though one of them may have been Bob Griffiths.  Perhaps members may be able to supply the missing names of the other students.

There was an exhibition of twentieth century paintings.  The gallery was running a competition with the express intention of acquiring the painting that received the most votes from the viewing public.  We were enormously impressed by a colourful but bleak yet vivid painting by John Piper of a blitzed building which might have been a church.  We boys discussed the choices and decided to vote for the Piper image.  We voted multiple times to ensure that the Piper painting was selected.  Between us, we must have cast well over two hundred votes in favour of this painting.  We were informed some time later that the gallery had acquired John Piper’s work though I have not seen it on show during subsequent visits there.  However, our stratagem seems to have paid dividends.  If the painting were obtained, I wonder if it is on display or perhaps in store at the Walker Art Gallery.

David Peate (1947-1955)

Liverpool penbroke harriers

I was meandering through the website of Liverpool Pembroke Harriers a few days ago when I came across a photograph that ignited some early memories.  The picture is of the Pembroke relay team of 1953.  On the left is James Arthur Noel (Jan) Railton and second from the right is Geoffrey Brandwood.  Both of these were pupils at the Collegiate.  The late Jan Railton is well-remembered for the number of athletic events he won while at the school and after.  He was later a college coach.  In addition, Jan was a superb pianist.  Geoffrey E. Brandwood was a fine athlete who once appeared on television dancing in the early 1950s.  He was teased with glee about his terpsichoral activities on the following Monday.  Other fine athletes (sprinters) at the school at the same time were Arthur Howarth and Arthur (Arty) Dean.  I do not think that Pembroke Harriers would object to the photograph’s being reproduced on the COBA website.

David Peate (1947-1955)

Teachers at Liverpool Collegiate Grammar School

from the late 1940s to the Early 1950s

 BY DAVID PEATE (1947-1955)

ASHCROFT, W.E.M.  I do not know what he taught.

BAMBER, H., BA.  He taught history.

BANYARD, Francis Edwin, MA.  He was a history master from Oulton school.  He came to the Collegiate in 1943 when Oulton school was merged with the Collegiate.  Evacuated to Bango.  Fond of throwing chalk and dusters at disinterested and noisy children.  On one occasion he threw a length of metal chain at one objectionable pupil.  He was the only teacher in the school that taught my year who sympathised with me after my having broken my right arm during a cricket match in 1948.  He supervised National Savings on Monday dinner time.  He was fond of saying to a recalcitrant boy that he was a “BF”.

BELL, J.E., BA.  A French teacher who was known as Bunny Bell.  He was a returning soldier.  His form room was the CCF range.  The desks were at one end of the room and the rest was just space with sloping boards positioned for firing.  He was involved in the CCF in some capacity.  Seemed to favour wearing a blue tie.

CARTMEL, Harold Reginald, BSc.  I think that he was one of the staff that was recruited from Oulton High School.  Evacuated to Bangor.  He took us for chemistry.  He was as bald as a coot and was known as Curly.  He used to say that he spent more on polishing his head than we did on having a haircut!  An affable man.

CHALK, Sydney Francis, MC, OBE.  Retired army major who ran the CCF.  Evacuated to Bangor.  In the late 1950s, he stood as a Conservative candidate in the local election in Wallasey.  His subject was woodwork and metalwork where he was fond of saying “do it in this fashion, boy”.

CROFTS, Kenneth, MA.  Vice-principal and headmaster often referred to as Creaky.  In my view, not an approachable person and was a poor headmaster.  However, he was an erudite man.  He was both a Quaker and a pacifist which did not deter him from handing out corporal punishment.  It was rumoured that, at one time, he considered banning the CCF but he relented.

DAFFURN, W.R., MA.  I do not know what he taught.         

DARTON, A.J., MA.  Dicky Darton was the best English teacher one could have had in any school.  He was certainly a child of the Reformation.  He was an inspiration for me and many other pupil at the school.  He practised some form of religion in a group which was “controlled” by an American (Big Sam?).  The latter did not agree with pensions so I cannot say what Dicky did without such funds on his retirement if he toed the “religious” line.  Some boys called him Tidy Darton rather than Dicky Darton.  He was always immaculately clothed.

EDWARDS, G.R., BA.  I do not know what he taught.

ELLIS, H.B., BA.  He was kind enough to lend me his rucksack when I went hitchhiking in France with Gordon Adamson.

EVANS, Neil, MA.  A Welshman who went by the nickname of Ben.  A practising Christian who taught Latin, Greek and R.E.  He was a little “scatty” and did not understand the boys’ smutty innuendos during questions in R.E. but he was well loved and respected by all his pupils.  He referred to every boy with the forename of David as Dai and it stuck.  David Cottingham and I were always known as Dai by our school mates throughout our times at the school.  He was the outstanding intellectual amongst his peers.  A rugby fanatic.

FALCONER, R.S., MA.  Latin was his forte.  I believe that he was very artistic.  His wife died suddenly and his hair turned white in a short time afterwards.  Nice easy-going man.  He wore colourful shirts and ties.

GAWLER, John H., MA.  A gentleman who taught Latin.  Johnny Gawler personified languid.  He was a teacher who was deservedly respected by everyone.  A bit thin on top.  Did he have a slight moustache?

GIBBS, William J.R.  Dr. Gibbs was the head between 1943 and 1947.  He came from the closed Oulton school.  Evacuated to Bangor.  I went to the Collegiate the term before he retired.  However, we were told (true or not) that, during his headship, Liverpool Collegiate Grammar School was technically a public school because Dr. Gibbs was a member of the Headmasters’ Conference from his Oulton days.

GILLESPIE, W.B., BA.  I do not know what he taught.

GOLDMAN, J., BA, BSc.  At one stage, he was my form master but I cannot conjure up anything about him.

GRIFFITHS, W.S., MA.  For some unknown reason he was known as Nit.  He was not very tall but he was an extremely good cricketer.  I do not recall his subject.

GROSVENOR, E.H., RCA.  He taught art.

H….., B.  He signed one year as my form master using fancy initials BH but I do not remember him at all!  Who is this man?

HALL, Daniel, BA.  Danny Hall taught geography quite successfully.  I recall that he introduced us to Gondwana which, in those days, was quite daring.  His explanations were consistently first class and comprehensible.  I can still recall learning the facts about escarpments.  He was another colourful and nattily-dressed teacher.

HANLEY, F.F.C.  Called Tommy for obvious reasons.  Repetitive, boring gym activities.  Tried to be funny without much success.  He was smaller than most of the boys and lacked a full head of hair.  Successful competitive gymnast in the 1910s/1920s.

HAYES, S.D., MA, BSc.  I do not know what he taught.

HEYS, H.L., MA.  I do not know what he taught.

HEWITT, Thomas H.  Tommy assisted Mr. Cartmel in chemistry as a laboratory technician.  I cannot remember his ever teaching solo.  He was the scoutmaster of Liverpool Collegiate School (26th Fairfield) Troop.

HILL, Mary H., BSc.  What more can anyone say about “Ma Hill” that has not already been debated?  She tried to teach us physics but her harsh, sarcastic and unforgiving manner always put the mockers on this.  Perhaps she just detested boys!  Her hair colouring was to be seen to be believed.  She would rub each of her arms in turn quite vigorously.  We learnt nothing from her classes except instant attention at all times.

HIRST, Herr.  I recall that he was German and had the form-room opposite that of the Vice-principal. He was quick to send boys to the headmaster for instant punishment.  I had the impression that he was in the school on secondment for a limited period.  See HURST below.

HOWARTH, Mr.  (I think that this was his name.)  He was not a master.  We saw him everyday when he came round with the huge school register. We came across him occasionally in the corridors.  I had to make sure that I was extra polite to him as he attended the Shaw Street Baptist church where my maternal grandmother also worshipped and knew him well.

HOWARTH, John H., MA.  I do not know what he taught.

HURST, R.B.E., MA.  I do not know what he taught.  Am I confusing him with HIRST above?  Was this Butch?

JAMES, E.G., MA.  Egg James taught French with little results.  We had a set book Le Mas Théotime.  He said that he would give us some questions that we were likely to have in the examinations.  This was great news only to be deflated when he went on to propose over twenty-five questions!  Useless!  His son was in the same sixth form French class as I.

JENNINGS, H., BSc.  Biddy Jennings was a chemistry teacher.  I cannot bring to mind anything about him except that he was the careers’ officer.

JONES, A., BSc.  I do not know what he taught.  He was an accomplished chess player and ran the chess club.

JONES, J.F., BA.  An English teacher who married one of the “school’s girls” (Alice?).  I seem to remember that her younger brother was at the Collegiate.  The brother reported that Geoff would pay him to leave the room when he visited their home.  If we were reading, say, Othello in class, he would monopolise the parts of Othello, Iago and Desdemona while the boys would get the scrag end parts.  Quite a pleasant, easy-going and friendly fellow.

JONES, W.E.  Laboratory assistant.

KNEEN, Arthur L. (Pat), BA.  Vice-principal and down to earth teacher of history who lived for and was the heart of the school.  Fond of saying this or that response was “airy fairy Lilian”.  He created the Kneen Prize for History in 1955 of which I was the first recipient.  He taught us to sing “St. Patrick was an Irishman and came of decent people”.  He told us about a boy in the 1920s who wrote a crime play for the school to produce.  It had so many “dead bodies” that there were insufficient boys to perform it and it lapsed into obscurity.

LANGTON, W.A., BSc.  I do not know what he taught.

LANGFORD, G.E., DLC.  I think that he was an assistant to Major Chalk.

MANSELL, E.D., MA.  He was in charge of the school’s library and the tuck shop.  Delicious ice buns and cream buns from the shop in Moss Street.

MATHISON, Ronald J.  I do not know Ronnie as a teacher at the Collegiate.  However, he was a classmate of mine at this school.  He was a reasonably good footballer and cricketer.  He had a fine singing voice and he really should have made his name in this genre.  I believe that he married his long-time girl friend, Jean, in 1961.

MORGAN, C.L., MA.  I remember the name but I cannot recall much about the man or anything about his subject.  He was a well-built individual.  He was intricately involved with the school football teams.  There was friction between him and Mr. Woodward in the early fifties.  They fell out over something to do with the first eleven and the first fifteen.

PENNYCUICK, Mrs. M.H., MSc.  She was at the school but I was never taught by her and cannot bring to mind her subject.  However, the boys in her classes seemed to have liked her.

POBJOY, William Edward (Bill), MA.  Stern but very fair and an extremely good teacher of French.  He married one of the “school’s girls” (Dorothy Evans?) whom the boys called Chloe. Was involved with running the “chicks” football team.  Left to become head of Quarry Bank school.  He edited the Esmeduna.  His father had a substantial jewellers’ shop in Kirkdale Vale.  He introduced us to the Foyer Français.

PRITCHARD, John A., BA.  No prizes for guessing that his nickname was Jap.  He taught English and was a well-liked, gentle and unassuming person.

QUAYLE, M., MSc, Med.  I do not know what he taught.

SCALE, Edward Thomas, MA.  He was known as Buck and had an excruciatingly lugubrious and boring voice.  He was always pleasant to parents on their annual visits but not so to his pupils.  Spent his time opening the bottom drawer of his desk, putting each foot in turn on it and polishing his shoes.  To draw attention, he would rap a long, heavy ruler on the desk.  Nobody could possibly have learnt any mathematics in his class.  Evacuated to Bangor.

SILVERWOOD, John, BA.  I do not know what he taught.  Evacuated to Bangor.

STAMPER, J.S., BA.  I do not know what he taught.

TAYLOR(?), Miss.  I cannot say that this was her surname.  She was a lovely and kind woman who took us for art in the 1940s.  Gentle, even-handed and patient.  She was particularly patient with me as I was the worst at drawing in my class.  She used to pair boys and “mark” their added scores.  She paired me with John Davies who was an excellent exponent of both drawing and painting.  I remember her being caring when one of my teeth decided to fall out during her lesson.

TRUBRIDGE, R.W., MA.  At least once during his history lessons, he would disappear for ten minutes to go out for a smoke.  We used to sing to the tune of Miss Annabel Lee, “Who’s wonderful, whose marvellous, R.W.T.”  His nickname was Tubby.  While we scousers said thrippence, he tried to correct us unsuccessfully to say thruppence.  His classes were always happy experiences.  Once he caught a student reading a Hank Janson book in class.  He observed that there is more sex in the life of Charles II than in such books and then just got on with his history lesson.

TYRRELL, George Arthur, MA.  Gat was a well-liked and easy-going English teacher.  He was at the forefront in producing the school play.  He encouraged pupils to write the prologues to the annual plays many of which were performed.  I remember that Peter Myatt wrote one of these.  Why Mr. Woodward was preferred to Gat for the post of headmaster is quite inconceivable.  Evacuated to Bangor.

WALSH, P.G., MA.  He was chairman of the school Gild.  There were some dozen interesting lectures and debates annually.

WHITE, G.S., BA, LRAM.  Known quite naturally as Chalky.  He was a practising Presbyterian.  Pleasant and enthusiastic music teacher who tried to involve the boys.  He played the organ at assembly.  He allowed J.A.N. Railton to play during lessons.  Jan was an exceptionally fine pianist.  One day, he permitted one of the boys to play the organ at assembly.  The young lad concluded the proceedings by playing the can-can.  Chalky was hauled over the coals by Creaky Crofts for allowing the boy such a liberty.  He organised the school’s performance of The Messiah.  The eldest of the three “school’s girls” took the soprano role.  We were surprised at her competence in the role.

WHITE, W,G., MA.  I do not know what he taught

WHINCUP, H.H., BA.  I do not know what he taught

WILDE, James.  I think that French may have his subject.  A mild mannered man.  I remember a story that he told us.  I think that it occurred in Marseilles during the war.  A man he knew came up to him and said, “What are you doing here Jimmy?”  He replied, “Shut your face and speak France, you bl**dy fool!”  I gather that Jimmy must have been something of a spy.

WOODWARD, Cyril R., MA.  He specialised in English.  Quite a severe taskmaster who controlled his class with an iron hand.  Like marmite, you either liked him or hated him!  He took us for football which he despised as he was an out-and-out rugby man.  One day during football practice, he shouted to Stan Hughes, “Come over here, Hughes!”  All the boys around rushed to him and enquired what he wanted.  He was not amused when the boys said that they thought that he had said, “Come over here, yous!”

YERBURY, Edwin, MA.  His nickname was Pimp.  He taught biology.  He was a small man with scars on his face and neck.  It was alleged that he had received these during the war.  He looked much older than he was.

Below is a little piece of ephemera from 10 February 1955 which I have just found.  It is an exeat which permitted boys to leave the school early for a good reason.  It is initialled by Pat Kneen.  It was supposed to be handed in at the office but obviously I did not do so.  Why I had to leave a little earlier on this Thursday is lost in the mist of time. 

David Peate (1947-1955)

Festival of Britain on 19th July 1951 David Peate (1947-1954)

The Liverpool Collegiate organised a coach trip to London to see the Festival of Britain on 19th July 1951.  This included lunch in the very cramped Lyons’ Corner House where the soup was quite atrocious.  The artistic John Davies took a number of photographs at the Festival particularly during the trip on the River Thames.  Unfortunately, I did not get any of John’s pictures.  I recall that one of these was of the Skylon as if I were holding it in my hand.  The attached photograph shows a group of school friends on that trip.  It was taken by Kenneth Milne at the Tower of London.  From left to right, the boys are: Peter Neville Hughes, Brian Edward Whittington, Brian Wilkinson, Allan Farron, James McCracken and David Peate.

Annual Dinner. 21st October 2022

Some 58 old boys attended the dinner this year which was as usual held at the Athenaeum Club in Liverpool. We are most grateful to the Club for hosting our dinners and for the use of their impressive facilities. (Photographs below)

Each year a number of old boys travel some distance to reunite with their colleagues but none travel as far as Steve Brady. Steve lives in the Cayman Islands and has been intending to join us for a number of years. In fact he had reserved a ticket 2/3 years ago but tragically his car broke down in the UK whilst travelling to Liverpool. Although he had confirmed his attendance in the morning at the last minute he was unable to join us on this occasion. The numbers this year roughly equate to last year’s attendance and I am amazed that bearing in mind that the School closed in 1985 we are still able to hold our meetings. This is a real tribute to the passion, loyalty and respect we hold for our days in Shaw Street. Long may this continue and what a great advertisement for our School.

Our Guest Speaker this year was Captain Tony Ravera MBE who was at School from 1968 to 1975. During his time there he was an active member of the CCF. His involvement was the perfect foundation for embarking on his outstanding Military Career. I learned that he had received his MBE from our new King - previously the Prince of Wales.

After his introduction to the School CCF he pursued a career in the armed forces. His qualities were soon recognized and promotion after promotion followed leading to his appointment as Captain. During his army service he had traveled widely to many areas including a number of war zones. A very varied and dare I say there must have been many worrying times for him and his army colleagues. In spite of his success he addressed us with due modesty but was obviously so proud of his old school and his later career. Like many previous speakers he was so privileged to be appointed as or Guest Speaker and emphasize his passion and respect for the Collegiate. I am sure that former teacher and leader of the CCF, John Butler, must have been so proud to be with us.

This year was yet another hugely successful and enjoyable event and on behalf of the Association may I thank all who those who attended. For various reasons some old boys have been unable to be with us but some photographs of the evening have been taken and will be posted on our website and Facebook pages.

In the meantime a provisional booking for Friday 20th October 2023 has been made and I do hope that as many as possible can support the Association then.

In the early part of 2023 it is intended to hold a lunchtime get together over lunch at the Artists Club in Liverpool. Once a date has been confirmed details will be posted on our website and Facebook pages. All will be most welcome!

Derek Corlett

PS:

Since drafting this report I had been watching Liverpool playing against Nottingham Forest when a car parked on the pavement outside our house. During the course of the morning my wife had been listening to recordings of Church Meetings led by Steve Brady. To our surprise Steve alighted from the car and spent a few minutes with us but was unable to stay for a longer chat and share a cup of tea.

He told us that he again encountered problems on the motorway traveling en route from Christchurch in Dorset. He did phone the Athenaeum but they failed to pass on his message.

Steve is so disappointed to have been absent this year and has apologized profusely. This visit was such a surprise and my wife and I were both honored to have seen him for this limited time. His preaching is of the highest order and he would be a first class candidate to address a future meeting. Yet another outstanding product of our School.

 DC

AGM

Top Table (Table 1)

Table 2

Table 3

Table 4

Table 5

Table 6

Seating plan

Latest News:

Death of William Gerald here

Death of Ken Tollet here

Death of Alan Turnbull here

Letter from ex Teacher John Butler:

Dear Derek
You know that I don't do Facebook however I do look from time to time. I am sometimes surprised at the misinformation purveyed. Today for example I read of a non existent oxbow lake at Farndon where the outdoor pursuits centre was erected. Checking today the road is still there and a thriving fish farm next door.

The history of the centre might put some unknown information to the fore.
Head directed GAJ and JMB to try to locate a suitable site.
Looked at three sites close to Chester.
Denamere Villa for sale for £5000. In Farndon
Condemmed by Liverpool City Council because of Dry Rot
Bought for £2500 subject to Charity Commissioners approval.
Knocked down by mistake!!. Commissioners were not happy.
Site hut - 60 x 20 ft purchased in Manley.
Owner wanted it removed speedily.
Demolished in a gale by about 12 staff
24ft low loader sourced and loaded.
Chester Waterworks stored it for 2 years.
8 x 20 ft concrete footings laid by local builder
Found a retired site manager to help staff (14) to bricklay in Flemish bond.from 3 bricks high to 20 bricks high. He seemed to want to help female staff more.
Site hut recovered by low loader from waterworks. Building constructed and fitted out.
Hundreds of bulbs planted thanks to the manager of Bees of Chester (Collegiate O.B.)
School closing so building sold to Birkenhead Scout Group.
Money raised from sale provided a minibus for Breckfield C. S.


Panoramic school and staff photos were taken every four years. 1968. 1972. 1976.1980. & 1984. (not panoramic)

Regards
John

Mike Loyley Images

Collegiate old boy, Mike Loyley has some photographic plate negatives preserved by the late Tommy Hewitt, Senior Laboratory Steward in Room 12, the Physics Workshop and the Tea Room. Mike became Senior Tech upon Tommy’s retirement in 1977, The ones below were found printed off.

J A Pritchard (English teacher)

Sorry to have to inform you that JAP sadly died this morning. He was 95 years old. He has been in hospital recently for about seven weeks and died in a Care Home near to his family.
A gentleman and popular English Teacher. Probably the last of the "old school"

Past Pupil - Charles Briscoe, 1930s

We have had a request to establish if Charles J. Briscoe attended the school in the 1930s. Below is a copy of the email sent in. If anyone has any old documents that show that attended the school. please email my at webmaster@liverpool-collegiate.org.uk

I believe that my husband’s grandfather, Charles J. Briscoe, may have been a past pupil at Liverpool Collegiate School in the early 1930s
.
As I understand the school is no longer operating, my request may be difficult to fulfil as as archives are no doubt difficult to access. Would you be able to advise if he indeed was a past student and any information relating to his enrolment or time there? He went on to be a scholarship student studying natural sciences at Magdalen College at Oxford around 1934.

Many thanks in anticipation.

Jennifer Briscoe
 

We are attempting to compile a list of speakers at the Annual Dinner. Below is the liast so far. If you can fill in any of the gaps, please sent the name(s) and year(s) to webmaster@liverpool-collegiate.org.uk

Collegiate Old Boys Association   Guest Speakers
 

1974           Sir Stanley Holmes

1975

1976

1977

1978

1979.           T Curig Roberts

1980.           T L Ellis

1981.           R H Z Montgomery

1982.           W R Spencer

1983.           T Boundy

1984.           Dr A Smeardon

1985.           J G Morrison OBE, QPM

1986.           Lt Col E Ashley

1987.           J A Pritchard

1988.           Dr G T Smeardon

1989.           Cllr G Harding Mayor of Brecon

1990.           John H Lea

1991.           A McMinn

1992.           P H Morris

1993.        

1995

1996

1997

1998.           E O’Hara MP

1999.           D R Edwards

2000.           John Parry

2001.           Prof George Clayton

2002.           Len Horridge

2003.           Prof David Canter

2004.           Bob Wilson

2005.           Rev Malcolm Carter

2006.           Paul Goulden

2007.           John Tasker

2008.           John R D Jones (Taffy)

2009.           Rodney Baldwin

2010.           John Stephens

2011.           David Winsland

2012.           Bruce Beatty

2013.            Jim Graves

2014.            Doug Eaton

2015.            Jason Smith               

2016.            Graham Stow

2017.            Prof William Hughes

2018             Steve Darby

2019             John Butler (Teacher)

2020.            No meeting- Covid pandemic

2021             Chas Newby

2022.            Tony Ravera MBE           

The Old Boys Annual Dinner is customarily held at the  prestigious Athenaeum Club in Liverpool on a Friday evening close to the anniversary of Founders Day each year.

The dinner is preceded by the AGM when the finances and programmes are discussed.

There then follows an address by a former scholar lasting for 20-30 minutes. Not surprisingly many Old Boys have enjoyed highly successful and varied careers since leaving school and volunteered to act as our Speaker. The speaker this year has already been appointed but we are now inviting former pupils to offer their services for future years and I would welcome indications from any Old Boys who would like to be considered for this role.

Our School has now been closed for some 37 years and we are so proud to have produced many star pupils who have achieved so much since leaving. I hope that we can persuade you to put your name forward if you feel that you could volunteer for this important part of the evening.

In spite of the long time since closure we are still able to hold our dinners and attract a healthy number of attendees. Many travel long distances and thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to revive their memories and experiences in Shaw Street.

The next dinner will take place on Friday 21st October 2022 and details will be incorporated in the next newsletter and our Website. Please do your best to support this event which will ensure an enjoyable and successful evening.

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Ian Alexander (1971-1976) Obituary can be found by clicking here.

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School Play & Football Team Photographs

Dave Barrow kindly sent the following via email:

Annual Dinner 2022

The dinner arrangements have been confirmed for Friday 21st October 2022, The speaker will be Tony Ravera who enjoyed a distinguished career in the Army.

If you are interested in attending, please contact me by email:

derekandnin@msn.com

Latest: To read Stephen Murphy (1968 - 75) obituary click here

School Organ Photograph

John West posted a photograph on Facebook and has kindly agreed for us to use it on our website. John said "Came across this pic I took of the school hall, I think in the mid seventies when I visited the school on a trip from Australia".

COBA Lunch Meeting 25th January 2022

We were able to resume the popular lunchtime meetings today at the Artists Club after the enforced delays due to Covid.18 Old Boys were warmly welcomed by the Club and enjoyed a fine three course meal. The meeting was again a huge success and I am grateful for the support of our members which is so vital to ensure the viability of these events. Photos of those present together with a list of those present are below.

I envisage that a further meeting will be arranged before Easter and I will circulate details once arrangements are confirmed. I would welcome everyone to support these events and you are assured of a warm welcome with a fine three course meal in pleasant surroundings.

Meanwhile best wishes to all and grateful thanks to those fellow old boys who were able to join us today.

 Derek Corlett

ANNUAL DINNER 2021

This year the Annual Dinner took place on Friday 29th October. The Dinner was preceded by the AGM. Here are some photographs from the evening, the table lists follow as well as a summary of events by Derek Corlett.

Table 1

Table 2

Table 3

Table 4

Table 4

Table 5

Table 6

After missing the Annual Dinner in 2020 due to Covid restrictions we were able to resume our normal event on Friday 29th October 2021. During the last year a number of our regular members have sadly passed away and others have not been able to join us for various reasons. Some have reached the age when night time travel has become a problem. In spite of this we were able to attract a creditable number of 52 which is commendable bearing in mind School closed in 1985.
As ever we are grateful for the cooperation and hospitality of the Athenaeum who provided the delightful facilities at their impressive building. We are indeed privileged to hold our meetings there.
Our dinners are welcomed by fellow colleagues who treasure their education at Collegiate. Many members still travel from far and wide to attend our meetings.
Our speaker this year was Chas Newby, (1952-1958) who addressed the audience with a review of his musical career. Chas recalled his close connection with the Beatles and mentioned occasions when he played in their group early in his career. Much of his involvement with well known names was covered in the press and he demonstrated this by bringing relevant articles with him. It soon became obvious that he enjoyed his life in music and is now able to proudly reminisce.
Personally I can recall being a member of the School Scouts, 26th Fairfield. At that time Chas was a leader in our group and respected by junior members such as myself. Our meetings were held in the old wooden building at Holly Lodge each Friday evening. An eerie area in the darker days with no outside lighting on the long path to the Scout hut.
After his interesting and engaging address all present identified themselves for the customary roll call. This was following by the proud enthusiastic singing of the School Song and the followed the School Chant.
This year neither our President, Gwyn Thomas or our Vice President Arthur Evans were able attend, Both have now reached the age of 90 and their absence is understandable. However they still retain a keen interest in the affairs of COBA. Unfortunately our Treasurer, Ron James was expecting to join us but sadly his wife suffered a fall at home and Ron was providing care for her.
For the benefit of all our members photographs of those present will be posted on the COBA website and Facebook pages. Council member, Phil Brown kindly brought his equipment for this purpose. We thank Phil and also my old schoolmate, Doug Eaton. Doug lives in Sussex and travelled from his home to be with us. Doug is a man of many talents and a keen musician. I had asked him if he would kindly lead the singing of the School Song on the keyboard. Initially, in jest, he told me he was taught by the late Les Dawson playing all the right notes in the wrong order! In the event he provided expert accompaniment for our rendition. Our regular MC, Lionel Ross, has been suffering from a serious eye condition and regrettably could not attend on this occasion. Previous speaker Steve Darby kindly volunteered to step up and expertly filled the role. We are fortunate in having such a capable member to deputise. Well done and thanks to Steve.
These events need a degree of organisation and on your behalf I thank everyone involved including of course the Athenaeum staff.
This Dinner was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone present and without the support of our members would not be as successful. I thank all who managed to attend and encourage all former pupils to join future Dinners. Certainly all present could walk tall after a fine meal and a great atmosphere. Long may it continue and all Members are encouraged to support these events. You will all be most welcome with the opportunity to re-unite with former pupils.
Our next Dinner has been booked for Friday 21st October 2022.
We are also proposing to resume our informal lunches at the Artists Club in the new year. Previous meetings have been a resounding success and we are awaiting confirmation from the Club when dates become available. Presently they are not able to accommodate groups.
As and when we resume details will be posted on COBA website and Facebook pages. If you prefer to be notified by email please contact me with your email address.
All in all a thoroughly enjoyable evening where I could not fail to sense the level of camaraderie within our group which was higher than ever. A lot for us to be proud of!


Derek Corlett

Ps: Since writing this report may I acknowledge an unprecedented number of complimentary emails from our members which are greatly appreciated. The success of these events depends on the support and enthusiasm of our members especially at a time when the membership is inevitably reducing. Hopefully we can continue to rely on your support and also we would welcome other Old Boys to attend future events. You can be assured of a great evening and a fine four course meal. Please note Friday 21st October 2022 in your diary."

Derek
 

RECENT :

Redevelopment of former prep school for Collegiate here

John Benson correction to the School song here

Trevor Delves memories of Peter Galvin here

Death of Peter Galvin here

Death of Derek Long (45/53) 1935/2021 here
                      
Malcolm Carter here

Charles Gains  here

Tom Farrell  here

John Butler (Collegiate Teacher) here

John Benson  here

 Bob Brown  here

Remembrance Day 2020

Due to the extraordinary events of this year and the restrictions imposed by the latest locakdown rules, our Remembrance Service at the school could not go ahead. To mark the day, our Chairman David Winsland attended the school with his wife. David laid wreaths and recited 'For The Fallen" (Laurence Binyon) which was followed by a two minute silence and the Khima epitaph. By doing this David has tried to give our former pupils the respect they deserve.

This Association was formed in 1909, following the transfer of the Shaw Street Schools to the Liverpool City Council, and it maintained a strong connection with the "Liverpool College School" up to the time of the School's closure in 1985. Since then the Association has kept a watching brief on the future use of the Shaw Street building, which is Grade II listed. The building has been converted now for residential use, containing some 90 very tasteful apartments. We hold a service on Remembrance Day, the 11th November each year, in the Entrance Hall of the Building. (Click on"Memories", for details).

Here is a set of LINKS to recent changes to the Site -

To view the associated item, just click on a link :-

 The Fire or Evacuation or Facebook or Farrell (Olympics)  or Gallery(Lunch)

or Staff Memories or Dinner or T I E S

N.B.  We have been getting reports that some of our members have not had any luck, when using the above (email) links.  We are aware that the successful members seem to be the ones who use "Outlook".  It is possible, that the unsuccessful ones may be using "Gmail" or "Thunderbird"  etc.  If some problems do seem evident, you might try using your usual email procedure and an address of :-

<webmaster@liverpool-collegiate.org.uk>

Stop Press

This is the first of the many messages that we receive, in appreciastion of the "Collegiate Times". Emails are perfectly welcome and we would like to see the writers add in that little extra, such as a memory that "brings it all back to them" - AND INCLUDE THEIR YEAR'S OF SCHOOL ATTENDANCE, AFTER THEIR NAMES - THANK YOU

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A COBA Lunch

Due to THE VIRUS, our most recent lunch was held on Thursday 27th February 2021 and 20 Old Boys attended. The venue was (as usual) The Artists Club, Eberle Street, off Dale Street, Liverpool at, 1pm.

Dress Code was Jacket and Tie - but (of course) No Jeans.

Once again, we were indebted to Norman Kennett (email " normankennett@tiscali.co.uk") for masterminding this operation. As usual, this lunch proved most successful and presented a great opportunity to meet fellow old boys and chat over times in Shaw Street. You are free to invite other former pupils .

Frankly, we can't wait for the next one and are already looking forward to it.

One point, that is worth consideration is, that we were so busy enjoying ourselves, that we did not get around to taking more photos for our viewers to spot old pals from the fifties or sixties. I suppose that it would be wishful thinking to envisage (say Frank Galvin) bringing in an old photo from (say form '3-beta-1' from the early forties) with rather a long-gone-memory. You never know - 'maybe next time' !

Derek Corlett

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HELP A MEMBER ?

Here is a letterfrom a member, with regards to his Father, who appears to be someone of whom we should all be proud. If any of our members have any data that you feel he might be able to use

You may note that we are not publishing his email address, IN PUBLIC and YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS would only be forwarded to him confidentially.

LETTER

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Hi, I read with interest a letter from Mr Benson on your site from 2016 and wonder if he is still alive and whether you could somehow connect us. My father Samuel (Julius) Goldstein was a classical scholar at the school at the same period and I feel certain they must have known each other.

He died last month at the ripe old age of 95 and I am piecing together the story of his life much of which he kept secret even form his own family.

As you can guess, from our title, we have finally got COBA Ties in stock. You'll be pleased to know that we managed to beat down their price to only £12 each (Including Postage). Of course, this means that you can all FLAUNT your nice new tie and be the envy of ALL your friends.

All it takes is an email to <ron@liverpool-collegiate.org.uk> and 'all will be revealed', including the fact that you can pay by Pay Pal.

Replacement Officers

Here at COBA, we are still looking for a reserve team of members who would be capable of taking over the duties of certain present Officers of the Council, when the time comes for them to pass on their duties.

We have identified two of the offices that could suffer most, from an hiatus due to a retirement. These are Secretary and Treasurer. With this in mind, we are trying to prepare for all eventualities, by:-

(a) Keeping a set of (up-to-date) Backup Data for each of the jobs.

(b) Inviting volunteers from the membership who would be prepared (at this time) to acclimatise themselves as to how the duties of a retiring officer are performed and how the data is organised. This, of course, is with a view to taking over the duties when a retirement occurs.  Thus, we are inviting interested members to contact our Chairman, by clicking on Chairman for further details.