30 May 2021
Written By Matthew Eastley

Junior Cross Country Squad 1975/76

I’ve recently been contacted by Patrick Calnan, who started at St Mary’s in 1974, and he has kindly supplied a treasure trove of material including photographs, sports day programmes and other documents of historical interest. As mentioned before, the 1970s represents something of a golden age for cross country at the school with a number of fine runners being produced, including Patrick himself.

This particular shot shows the junior squad from 1975/76 comprising boys who started at the school in 1974.

Thanks again to Patrick for supplying all the names.

These lads were three years ahead of me, but I think I recognise all the faces and many of the names, including Jim Jackson, whose wonderful father, Bill, taught me at Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School in Blackfen.

It’s been a pleasure to be in touch with Jim again via this project, as it has Kevin McElhinney, whose brother Tony was in my year and is a good friend and their older brother, Brian (1969 starter), who again has supplied some wonderful memories.

Back row. left to right, Simon Maxwell, Simon Hague, John Twamley, Michael Whitaker, Justin Pratt (son of art master, Brian), Patrick Calnan, Robert Allen, Neil Duncan, Declan Fitzsimons, Des Littlefield, Jim Jackson.

Front row, left to right, Roderick Morrison, Mark Williams, Neil Kavanagh, John Reidy, Chris Reis, Desmond Holden, Kevin McElhinney, Paul Joyce, Terence Brown.

If you’re out there and see yourself on this picture, do not hesitate to get in touch.