CENTENARY PUBLICATIONS SPECIAL OFFER

Two books were published in 2024 to commemorate the founding of St. Mary’s College, Sidcup in 1924

All Our Yesterdays: A pictorial history to mark the centenary of St Mary’s, Sidcup.

Spread over 316 pages on high-quality paper, this contains hundreds of images, many not previously published, illustrating St. Mary’s over the decades. There are photographs of school plays and sports teams, with accompanying programmes, fixture lists, press cuttings etc. We see St. Mary’s College in the 1950s, the newly opened grammar school in 1957 with building work still and progress and the extensive reconstruction undertaken in 1977 to accommodate the amalgamation with St. Joseph’s, Abbey Wood. There are formal and informal group photos, ephemera such as school reports, bus passes, and items of uniform. Not least, there are photographs of many former pupils and staff members who in their own ways all contributed to the history of St. Mary’s.

Spectrum, 1962 and 1964 Reprint

There had been previous school magazines at St. Mary’s. These were typewritten mimeographs with a home-made feel. But Spectrum was a printed glossy with a professional look, and editorial content to match. It had the usual school magazine fare such as GCE results and university admissions. There are reports on the school’s various clubs and societies. There were reviews of the school plays, now considered legendary performances by those who watched or took part in them. The sports section is not just a list of results, but an analysis of the team’s performances during the year with mention of each boy’s particular contribution. There is a good balance of articles: some academic, some humorous and some controversial. There is even some relatable content for those who joined much later, such as the profile of long-serving French master Neville Wilkinson. This was a significant period in the school’s history, as headmaster Fr Leo McIver departed for the Marist College at Winslade Park was replaced by Fr Charles Howarth. Both heads encouraged the production of the magazine and allowed considerable editorial freedom. Only two editions were produced. But they stand as a valuable first-hand record of life at St. Mary’s in the 1960s.

We are now able to offer both titles at the discounted price of £15 for All Our Yesterdays, £5 for Spectrum or £17 for both, post free to UK addresses. To secure your copies, please email Phil Mackie for details of how to make payment.