Harrogate Technical School And Football Team

A Memory of Harrogate.

I lived in Ripon and caught a bus to Harrogate each school day where I attended Harrogate Technical School between 1955 and 1957. I was house captain, a member of the school football team and also a member of Harrogate Schoolboys Football Team.
We played our games on another school's pitch, just off The Stray.
I remember quite clearly walking from the school to the pitch, in all weathers, it must have been at least a mile from the school.
I was also a member of the school Army Cadet Force, and we attended the local branch, in town, during our lunch hour and after school on Fridays. It was run by our gym teacher, I can't remember his name, (I think he had the honorific of Colonel, or Major), but I do remember his gym classes where we were taught the basics of teamwork and physical exercise. He was a very strict gentleman, white haired, stood very straight and had a very dry sense of humour. I think we all respected him and most of us liked him.
The school yard, tarmac if I remember correctly, was sloped down, away from the entrance into school and allowed wonderful ice slides during winter.
The art classroom was at the top of the building and the woodwork room was in the cellar.
Our sports days took place on The Stray, with the track, all grass, marked out in an oval to produce a 440 yards lap.
Last time I visited Harrogate I went through the small tunnel by the bus station and down the street to the back gates of what was once the school yard, only to find that it now looked like flats or apartments.
I assume there is now a new one and I wonder where it is.


Added 19 February 2015

#337388

Comments & Feedback

The name you should never
have forgotten.......Killer Kendrew. Headmaster .Jack Speak .I was in catering taught by Miss Jean Riding. 56/57. John Whitley
Hello John Whitley. I don't remember you but perhaps we were not in the same class. Thanks for reminding me of 'Killer' and Mr Speak, whilst I can still see them in my mind, I'd forgotten their names. You're right, how could I have forgotten 'Killer'?
I think now that I remember a Colin Stacey and a lad with the surname Lord, in my class. There was also a lad with a false hand, who I have spoken with on 'Friends Reunited'.
I have also forgotten the name of the Art Teacher, who was brilliant at sketching.
Do you know where the latest Technical College is John?
I was at the Tech same time 55/57. Came to school each day on the Wetherby bus, ( my home East Keswick.) remember all you mention, Played football in junior and Senior teams, our home games were played at Wheatlands School, I am Michael Rowlands, (was known as "slim". Because of my build , (anything but slim). Big pal of Colin Kemp who scored lots of goals.
My mum was at Harrogate Technical College 1950-1953, Shirley Wright, travelling in from St George’s, the home/house for children of deceased or injured police officers. She would very much like to make contact with anyone who might remember her (her memories are a little vague due to the circumstances she was in), but she particularly remembers Karen Hall, who also made particular effort to be at mum and dad’s wedding in 1957. Karen, or anyone who remembers her, please get in touch!
My mum was at Harrogate Technical College 1950-1953, Shirley Wright, travelling in from St George’s, the home/house for children of deceased or injured police officers. She would very much like to make contact with anyone who might remember her (her memories are a little vague due to the circumstances she was in), but she particularly remembers Karen Hall, who also made particular effort to be at mum and dad’s wedding in 1957. Karen, or anyone who remembers her, please get in touch!

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