Probably My Finest Hours But Never Knew It

A Memory of Oughtrington.

I started at Oughtrington as a very shy and quiet 12 year old in 1955. My first impressions were that I had been dropped off the bus, from Altrincham into a holiday hotel, not school.
Progressing through the years I did not excel at anything but the world was alive for me.
I, thanks to much support from my family, helped fund raise for the proposed swimming pool which came into fruition before I left and I used the pool many times.
Talking of sports, some might remember me as the one, wearing his "Whites" for the first time, that mum and dad had saved up for, standing too close as wicket keeper. No fault of the batsman, but I woke up in Altrincham General with my nose over to the left and my "Whites" awash with blood. I have hated cricket all my life since.
One of my more notable moments was in the school cross country run in, I think 1957, where I actually finished second. Never since have I achieved such an honour.
Believe it or not I still have my old school blazer badge.
I think I let the school down badly on the school trip to Arran. I was put in charge of a very large bowl of what was to be, before my intervention, custard. I failed the teachers by not stirring it continuously and you've guessed the rest. I was public enemy number one, that day.
I can remember Mr Canney the headmaster saying to me just before I left that I would never make anything of myself.
How wrong that man was. I have a wonderful adoring wife, two beautiful loving children and a grandson that worships the ground I walk on. I am now retired from a very successful career in sales and still enjoying life.
Life is not measured entirely by academic success. Look at the legacy I will leave.
Best wishes to all that might remember me.
Les Simpson

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