Revelers enjoy Burnley Grammar School class of '63 reunion

Former pupils of the Burnley Grammar School recently attended a class reunion, as the former classmates embraced the happy coming together after so many years.
(Left to right) Alna Brunskill, Andrew McLauchlin, Ron Tate, Mary McLauchlin, Keith Law, Christine Brunskill, Barry Dearing, Lili Yeadon, Maurice Yeadon, Jack Aspden, David Pickles, Stuart Barnes, Carol Barnes, Sheila Ormorod, Ian Ormerod, David Magson.(Left to right) Alna Brunskill, Andrew McLauchlin, Ron Tate, Mary McLauchlin, Keith Law, Christine Brunskill, Barry Dearing, Lili Yeadon, Maurice Yeadon, Jack Aspden, David Pickles, Stuart Barnes, Carol Barnes, Sheila Ormorod, Ian Ormerod, David Magson.
(Left to right) Alna Brunskill, Andrew McLauchlin, Ron Tate, Mary McLauchlin, Keith Law, Christine Brunskill, Barry Dearing, Lili Yeadon, Maurice Yeadon, Jack Aspden, David Pickles, Stuart Barnes, Carol Barnes, Sheila Ormorod, Ian Ormerod, David Magson.

The jaunty group of (mostly) septuagenarians met at the Oaks Hotel, with the former fresh-faced students, who attended the school from 1957 to 1963, reminiscing with keen happiness.

One of the happy revelers, Andrew McLauchlin, said: "These youthful 70 year-olds (with one 69 year old youngster) had lost none of their vitality (or marbles) as they reminisced about their days in their old school, first in the original 1874 building in School Lane and then in the new 1959 building in Byron Street.

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"Sadly, although a decade younger than its former students, the Byron Street building was in a worse state than any of them and had to be demolished in 2014," continued Andrew. "Stories flowed thick and fast, and evil quiz questions, including identifying old teachers, proved no match for their razor-sharp memories. This reunion was held 10 years after the first, in 2006.

"It was suggested that the next two should be held in 2016 and 2036!" he admitted. "But most likely sooner, when it is hoped to see some of those who were unable to make it this time!"

As contact with many former school friends from that period has been lost, Andrew said that the group would be grateful if any of them, or their friends or relations, could email him at [email protected] to get involved in any future reunions.