AN appeal by a former Barnard Castle resident to name members of a school football team from the 1960s has rekindled a few memories.
After reading former schoolmate Dave Thomas’ autobiography, Alan Dawson, dug out a photograph of Barnard Castle Secondary Modern School’s second XI team from the 1963/64 season. Both he and Mr Thomas, who went on to play for England, had been members of the team, but he was unable to put names to all of the 13 faces.
The Mercury has since been contacted by other members of the team and has been able to name all the players, reuniting former school mates in the process.
Mr Thomas was first to get in touch and said he remembered that football season well and in particular Mr Dawson. He said: “I remember Alan fondly. He used to live opposite the school entrance. I was living at West Auckland at the time and it could be difficult getting to school some times in bad weather.
“I borrowed a maths book from him one night, then the snow blew in and I couldn’t get in to school but he could.
“He only had to go across the road and when our maths teacher, Mrs Collins, asked where his text book was he said I had it. Well, I got into big trouble for that.”
Rosamund Walker (nee Sinclair) had been at St Mary’s primary school with many of the players and was able to put names to faces. Mrs Walker now lives in Eaglescliffe but returns most weeks to visit her mother, Connie, who still lives in town.
Another of the school’s footballers also got in touch from north east Thailand.
Michael Parker said he was also a member of the team, but was ill the day the photograph was taken. Mr Parker, who left Barnard Castle to pursue a career in the music business, said he remembered his school days fondly and was also able to provide a few names as well.
