2002 News
Lonnie Donegan RIP
Dave Hallas Unleashed!!
Old Boys Dinner 2001
St Ambrose has produced its fair share of academics and professionals, including Oxford and Cambridge graduates. John Pethica is one such former pupil (now Professor of Material Science at Oxford University) who benefited from the talent- nurturing environment at St Ambrose. According to Dave Hallas, the Physical Education department at the school led the way in the early identification and special treatment of talented prodigies and in recognition of his future potential , put Pethica in charge of Lost Property.
Following an introduction from Old Boy Pete Riley, Dave Hallas produced an exceptional, humorous and entertaining speech where he reflected on his 25 years at St. Ambrose, recounting memories of fellow teachers and pupils to an audience of 130 old boys, parents and staff.
Dave did not confine himself to his starting position behind a lectern, but opted to roam the full extent of the school hall. With gym pump in hand became the living embodiment of his former self as he called out Old Boys by name to bring them to task over imagined misdemeanours.
This was a terrifying experience, particularly for Johnny Eardley who was forced to take the pump in front of all present.
It became quite clear that Dave has been spending his recent retirement years at Drama School; such was the power of his performance. It was of Sam Wilkinson proportions.
If you weren't there.... you missed something special!
Kieran Charleson
Monday, 4 November, 2002
Lonnie Donegan MBE
29.4.1931 - 3.11.2002
The BBC News website reports:
Musician Lonnie Donegan MBE, known as the "king of skiffle", has died aged 71. The Glasgow-born singer was midway through a UK tour after recovering from a heart operation earlier this year and was due to play a concert in Stoke, Staffordshire, on Monday.
One of the most successful recording artists of the pre-Beatles era, he had three UK number one hits and numerous top 10 entries in the 1950s and 60s. The star was with his wife and son when he died in Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, on Sunday at about 0230 GMT. He had been complaining of back trouble shortly before he fell ill.Donegan was staying with friends during his tour. His last performance was in Nottingham - the first city he played when he became a star in 1957. Queen guitarist Brian May led tributes to Donegan saying: "He really was at the very cornerstone of English blues and rock." May worked with Donegan on his comeback album. He said the skiffle movement, of which Donegan was at the forefront, helped a generation realise they could make music themselves. "I think he's probably the principal reason I picked up a guitar," May told BBC Radio Five Live.
The skiffle king's hits included Does Your Chewing Gum Lose Its Flavour, My Old Man's A Dustman, Cumberland Gap and Puttin' on the Style.
Sir Cliff Richard described him as a "terrific force". "I think what was so good about [skiffle] was it was home-made music... so for those of us who had ambition bubbling, it was a way to start," he told Five Live."And of course, Lonnie Donegan was the man at the time and therefore was very helpful to me."
Rolf Harris added that Donegan was a great showman and his death saddened him greatly. "Lonnie was a stunning entertainer and musician. My condolences go to his family," he said.
His more recent work with Van Morrison led to a resurgence in his career. His skiffle music was a mixture of folk, jazz, gospel and the blues.
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Elvis Presley recorded one of his songs, I'm Never Gonna Fall in Love Again, and in 1978 Sir Paul McCartney was the driving force behind a tribute album.
Donegan has been described as Britain's first musical superstar and his skiffle music swept through the country in the 1950s.
He quickly became a star, although he had only ever wanted to be a jazz banjo player.
In May this year, he had heart surgery in London and seemed to have been on the mend, although he had suffered from cardiac trouble since the 1970s.
Christened Anthony James, the star was married three times and leaves seven children.
A private funeral service is expected although will there will be a public memorial service later.
Lonnie Donegan and St Ambrose
3 Old Boys:
Richard O'Connor, Lonnie Donegan and Peter Mulhearn, Nov 2000 (see below)
Lonnie Donegan (then named Anthony Donegan) first attended St Ambrose at its original site in Dunham Road, Altrincham. At that time, the school was run by the De La Salle Brothers (who, with their pupils, had evacuated Les Vauxbelets school in Guernsey in 1940 to escape the approaching German invasion - see below). The brothers continued to teach their own "Guernsey boys", and from 1941 also accepted local pupils from Altrincham and its surrounding districts at the new school of St Ambrose. Originally born in Glasgow, Donegan was himself evacuated to Cheshire at the age of 8 (from East Ham, London) in 1939 to escape the "Blitz".
Little remains from the school in those earliest years. We don't know exactly when Donegan started at St Ambrose or when he left, but there are first hand accounts from old boys who remember him at the time.
The Easter 1945 issue of "The Ambrosian" (the school magazine at the time - an original copy is at Woodeaves) mentions Anthony Donegan by name. Perhaps suggesting some future potential, it states that Anthony Donegan won the First Prize in Form III in 1945! He was 14 years old in April 1945. His biography mentions that he began his working life in a stockbrokers office in 1946, so we think he left St Ambrose College in Summer 1946, aged just 15.
Donegan himself wrote an article for "The Ambrosian" when he was 13, and we reproduce his article below.
FORM 111.
"Looking back over the last term, it appears to have gone by very quickly, I suppose the concert was mainly responsible for this. Be that as it may, few, if any, regret it.
Shortly after the concert, Brother Director brought in for our admiration two brand new footballs and a set of football jerseys for the first XI. There are four boys of our class in that team, so this affected us directly.
Something new in the way of books has been acquired by our form this year: Verse to Remember, one of the two set books required for the summer exams. We are still short of the other, Dickens' Christmas Carol, but this shortage has not been keenly felt as a bright lad had an idea of bringing a copy from home and Brother Hilary reads out the story to us. Christmas is a thing of the past just now, or perhaps should we say of the future, but this book has made it very present for most of us, and there were yearnings and waterings of the mouth when we read of the Ghost of Christmas Present conducting Scrooge through the streets where the fruit shops were situated.
In January a number of lessons were missed owing to the bad weather, but I don't think any voices were raised in protest. We are constantly told that when we grow up we shall regret the time lost in class. Perhaps some day we shall understand this truth fully, and before it is too late.
To conclude, I think this term has been most successful and I hope we shall have many more like it"
A. DONEGAN.
Old Boy Peter Mulhern met Lonnie Donegan relatively recently while he was touring the UK ; he writes....
Peter Mulhern.
Do any Old Boys have personal memories of Anthony/Lonnie Donegan? If you do, contact saobaweb@hotmail.com or via the Banterboard and we will be glad to publish your account!
Taken from Chas McDevitt's book 'Skiffle The Definitive Inside Story'
(Reproduced by kind permission of Robson Books Ltd)
Anthony James Donegan was born in Glasgow on 29 April 1931. His family moved south in 1933 and settled in East Ham but, in 1939, during the war he was evacuated to Cheshire. By 1946, the young Tony Donegan was working in a stockbroker's office and was able to buy his first guitar. His father, Peter, was a violinist and there was no doubt that music was in Tony's blood; even his uncle played guitar. By the age of 16 he had already been introduced to the blossoming London jazz scene and in 1948 was playing in an amateur jazz hand along with Chris Barber. For a while he also played drums with the Wolverines Jazz Band but this was to be interrupted by two years' National Service, when he was called up. Part of his time in the Forces was spent in Vienna where he was able to indulge his interest in jazz and blues by listening to the local American Forces Network radio station and the easy access to jazz records afforded by his proximity to US servicemen.
On his demobilization Tony played banjo with Bill Brunskill's Jazz Band but, as he was the prime mover and virtually the band's manager, it was decided that henceforth the band should be called the Tony Donegan Jazz Band.
The Tony Donegan Jazz Band was approached by the
National Jazz Federation to appear in a concert at the Royal Festival Hall on
Saturday 28 June 1952. Also booked were George Webb's Dixie Landers, Ron
Simpson's Commodores and guest singers George Melly and Neva Raphaello. The
bands were non-union, this was a necessary prerequisite for inclusion in the
show, and headlining the concert were two American stars: blues guitarist and
singer Lonnie Johnson and the jazz pianist Ralph Sutton. The Musicians' Union
was still in dispute with its counterpart in the USA and wanted to ban American
musicians from working in this country, just as the American Federation of
Musicians had banned the British. (Years later both Donegan and the McDevitt
Group
would be affected by this very dispute when appearing in America.) To get round
the union ban on professional support, which would have condoned the employment
of American artists, the promoters enlisted the use of non-union bands. It was
at this concert that the comperè confused Tony
Donegan with Lonnie Johnson and Tony became forever Lonnie Donegan, a happy
reduplication that Donegan realized was pleasant on the ear and easily
remembered. Henceforth he would for ever be Lonnie Donegan.
Martin Baker performs at the Bridgewater Hall
7:30pm, November 1st 2002
St Ambrose Old Boy Martin Baker, Master of Music of Westminster Cathedral, returned to Manchester to perform an evening of organ music at the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester.
Mendelssohn: Sonata No.1 in F minor.
Franck : Priere
Cochereau (arr. Lombard) : Variations sur un vieux Noel
Mussorsky (arr. Baker) : Pictures at an Exhibition
Baker : Improvisation
"The brilliant young Master of Music of Westminster Cathedral has developed a unique expertise in two specialised areas of the organist's art - transcription and improvisation. This is reflected in his programme, which, in addition to Medelssohn's fiery Sonata and Franck's inspiring Priere, includes his own arrangement of Mussorgsky's colourful Pictures at an Exhibition and a reconstruction of a flamboyant improvisation by the late Pierre Cocherau".
Martin's concert is part of the Bridgewater Hall's 2002:2003 world class Organ Series, which also includes John Scott (20 Feb 2003), Carlo Curley (23 Jan 2003) and Dame Gillian Weir (23 May 2003). This programme is billed as "the world's greatest organists at the Bridgewater Hall"
Congratulations to Martin on achieving such an excellent standard, which should be an inspiration to all. It's been a long time since he played the organ regularly at Holy Angels at 10:30 mass! Many old boys will recall his awesome performance at the St Ambrose 50th Anniversary Mass in 1996, which coincided with the formation of the Old Boys Association.
Kieran Moriarty, CBE.
Dr.
Kieran John Moriarty C.B.E., Consultant Gastroenterologist at the Royal
Bolton Hospital, Greater Manchester, was appointed a Commander of the Order of
the British Empire (C.B.E.) for Services to Medicine, by the Queen in the New
Year Honours List.
Dr. Moriarty, aged 51, has a wife Theresa (née Butler, from Portmagee, County
Kerry), a midwife, and four children. He was educated at St. Ambrose College and
studied medicine at Trinity College, Cambridge, and The London Hospital.
Kieran's
CD raises funds for Lourdes
"Irish music, especially the Dubliners and
the incomparable Ronnie Drew and Luke Kelly, has long been in my blood.
Liam, my late father, as a medical student, hurled and sang with St. Finbarrs
and Cork and the legendary Christy Ring, Jack Lynch and Sean Condon.
Reaching 51, and conscious of my own mortality, I decided to make this CD. All
monies raised from the sale of the CD will fund nurses and sick pilgrims to go
to Lourdes.
My musician friends are Pat and Gerry Brown and the Collins family, Damian, Ged
and Dorothy from Salford Diocese Lourdes Pilgrimage.
We entertain the sick and healthy each year. Frank, Dorothy’s husband, produced,
in close partnership with Arnie, sound engineer. Special thanks to Lol and
Dulcie at Cavalier Studios, Stockport, and the Medical Illustration Department
at Royal Bolton Hospital, where I work as Consultant Physician in
Gastroenterology and Liver Disease. I am also the doctor to the Salford Lourdes
Pilgrimage.
Recording this was one of the great experiences of my life. The songs are my
special favourites. I hope that many will be yours."
Irish Songs & Ballads
1.
The Green Fields of France
2. The Leaving of Liverpool
3. The Town I Loved So Well
4. Black Velvet Band
5. Danny Boy
6. Mrs. McGrath
7. The Fields of Athenry
8. Sloop John B
9. The Wild Rover
10. The Rose of Tralee
11. Weila Waila
12. The Rare Ould Times
13. The Irish Rover
Great Christmas present!
If
you wish to buy the CD, please send a cheque for £9.99 payable to "Bolton
Lourdes Group" to:
Bolton Lourdes Group, 13 Egerton Road, Davenport, Stockport, SK3 8SR.
email:
j.andrew@virgin.net
If ordering from overseas, including
Ireland, please 'phone Northern Record Supplies on 01706-620842 or 01706-367412
Old Boy Simon is Flying High!
After passing a 24-week training course, St Ambrose Old Boy Simon O'Brien has graduated as an officer from the Royal Air Force College, Cranwell. He will now serve as a helicopter crewman instructor, using experience gained training Chilean helicopter pilots during tactical operations. Simon is married and has a daughter. He has made his family proud.
Helping hand for lost kids of India
The old boy who left his home at the age of 14 to sleep rough in Manchester and London has returned from India with something to say. Matthew Norton has been in India for the last 17 years running two children's shelters in the southern Indian town, Vijayawada with his Indian wife Bhakti. He has raised money to run them through a charity, SKCV. The two shelters have been split, one for boys, one for girls. The money Matthew has raised has bought the girls another building and he recently returned to the UK to raise more money to refurbish it. He has been asked to set up other shelters but he has said, " I don't want to be in charge of centres around the world, I want to be close to the children here."
email for SAOBA from Matthew Norton
Dear SAOBA
NEWS!! Well Selfridges have adopted us as their charity for the month of May long "Bollywood Extravaganza" in both their shops (Trafford centre and Oxford St). They have given us £30,000 already and they have set a goal of £100,000 by the end of the year from various fundraising events in both the shops.. I will be over to help launch the thing in mid to end April and for May. In fact, they are talking of a permanent partnership with SKCV. Our religously integrated Yoga, Meditation and Prayer Hall at our Children's Village will be inaugurated by the Commissioner of Polce Mr.Surendra Babu IPS on 1st March We received a grant from Rotary International of $21,000 for support for the children at the village for one year. That was a good help. Other news is on the website under "newsletter" at www.skcv.com Pick any you like. Will see you in April. Are there any Old Boy programmes in April May?
God Bless and regards to all fellow Old Boys.
Matthew
25.2.2002
Contact SKCV @ 5 Trinity rd, Sale, M33 3FB
For the SKCV website click the link:
(also featured on our Links page)
As we have said many times before, the SAOBA committee strongly recommend SKCV.
SAOBA Report for the School Review
We are pleased to report that SAOBA, the St Ambrose Old Boys' Association, had another very successful year. At our 6th AGM in February 2002, Hon. Chairman John Kennedy (who has energetically led the association since its founding in 1996) reported positively on the year:
"It is my considerable pleasure to report following another outstanding year for our Association. Once again, your tireless committee endeavoured to provide several high quality events for our members. Those who attended will testify to the fun and enjoyment witnessed by all present and I’ve detailed the major occasions below for your perusal.
Golf Day – Fri 6th July 2001
Paul Thompson and Johnny Kelsey organised another fabulous day out at Chorlton Golf Club in July, where once again, in excess of forty players (in the loosest sense of the word!) turned out once again striving to compete for the distinguished honour of being our finest golfing exponent. This year the event was won with a colossal score by former Victor Ludorum winner Simon Thompson who assures me will be back to defend his title later this year. I trust as many of us as possible will be there to prevent this unnatural act occurring twice!
As a social occasion for golfers and indeed, non-golfers alike, I can promise you, as a day out, this is just about as good as it gets. Why not come and join us this year?
Marquee Dance Evening – Sat 30th June 2001
Again, in collaboration with the Parents’ Association the Old Boys came forth in huge numbers to a cracking evening where 200+ guys and girls wined, dined and danced the evening away to a superb rock and roll band. The event was held as usual in the marquee in the College grounds on Summer Fair weekend and was a complete sell-out!
6th Annual Dinner – Sat 15th September 2001
Little did I expect that following our inaugural meeting in March 1996, that I would be telling you of our 6th consecutive Annual Dinner!! By way of a brief reminder, can any of you recall Kieran Moriarty CBE’s subtle opening regarding Brother O’Shea’s reflections on psychology and when he thought boys best understood it?
Next came a riveting and enthralling speech by Shaun Grady, who reminded us of the halcyon days of "Donovan & Lynch?" In 98 Frances Edmonds reminded us of the attributes which were to serve her brothers so well in later life…and some that wouldn’t!
1999 saw Shaun Fleming padded up and at the crease. His recollections produced some rapid early scoring and included hilarious memories of the earlier years. He continued to rifle up a good score bringing in the subject of cricket coaching, the Christian Brothers, and an innings by Neil Fairbrother, before being stumped just short of his 100 on the subject of a trip to Knock Airport!
Peter Riley, the rugby playing "Wizard from Warrington" produced a sublime speech in 2000 reminding us of all of some truly great sporting moments, some vintage years and characters as well as reminding me that I had yet to colour in my reading book!
Who on earth could follow all of those magnificent efforts? Well not many would’ve fancied the task, but one David Hallas said he would like the "right of reply." What followed during nigh-on 60 minutes of the year 2001 dinner will remain etched in the minds of all those who were fortunate enough to have been present. There simply was not a dry eye in the house. Dave produced a display as skilful and elegant as any of the teams he proudly coached in over 30 years of teaching at St. Ambrose. Thoroughly rehearsed as one might expect, achingly funny and sensationally delivered. Thank you Mr Hallas. Your place in the Old Boys’ Hall of Fame is assured.
Old Boys' Mass, Sunday 17th September 2001
On a more spiritual note, Adrian Lee kindly organised our Old Boys’ Mass at the Holy Angels the following morning for all our number past and present in a thoughtful service. We have lost a considerable number of "young" Old Boys in the last two years. May they Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the Association, I would like to thank our Headmaster Michael Thompson and his staff for their support and the use of the College facilities throughout the last year."
Apart from the social events as detailed above, SAOBA holds a series of committee meetings through the year, and is responsible for the Old Boys web site. This year the web site has been re-launched under a new, hosted domain name www.saoba.org , redesigned to be more accessible, attractive and user friendly. The Old Boys are particularly grateful for the help and inspiration of Headmaster Mr Michael Thompson in this area.
The SAOBA website is becoming a central focus for old boys on the web, and has an active and lively "Banter Board" attached. As our Hon. Secretary Mark Gallimore put it: "The web is the most effective portal for reaching Old Boys throughout the world. The enormous success of the "friends reunited" web concept provides a tangible example of the potential for interacting with specific groups. It is no coincidence that we are to investigate how SAOBA may exploit this particular site to identify and communicate with non-member Old Boys".
New Year Honour. We are pleased to report that Old Boy Keiran Moriarty, now a Consultant Gastroenterologist in Bolton, received the CBE for his services to medicine in the New Years Honours List. Our congratulations to him on this outstanding achievement.
We were delighted to learn that Old Boy Matthew Norton's charity for Indian Street children (SKCV: Street Kids Community Villages), has been adopted by Selfridges as their charity of the month for a "Bollywood Extravaganza" in both their shops (Trafford Centre and Oxford St). More information on SKCV can be obtained at their website www.skcv.com
Simon Harrop, Honorary Treasurer reports that the Association's finances remain in good shape, even after the abolition of subscription fees in 1999.
Our membership continues to grow. Our Hon. Membership Secretary, Jeremy Simpson reports that we now have over 500 SAOBA members, with full address, telephone number and email address details for each individual. In recent months, twenty-five have joined through a web link with friends reunited.
Once again, we would encourage potential new members to make contact with SAOBA, either via the website or c/o the school. Membership is free and applications can now be made online via the website.
Membership is open to former pupils of the college, fathers of past and present pupils of the college, past and present members of staff, and members of the clergy. If you wish to email us, our address is saobaweb@hotmail.com
Social Events for 2002
Details will be posted on our website in due course. We have plans for a Golf Day in May/June (details tba). The Summer Marquee Dinner Dance (joint with SAPA) will be held on Saturday 29th June 2002, and the 2002 Old Boys' Dinner will be held at the College on Saturday 12th October 2002. You can register your interest for the dinner online at our website www.saoba.org
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Mulhern Investigates!
Peter Mulhern, SAOBA's intrepid correspondent from the North East, recounts his email investigation into the misty origins of our school back in the 1940s.
Peter has managed to track down a photocopy of an advertisement about the opening of St Ambrose to locals in 1941 and an article recounting the history of the Les Vauxbelets school in England 1940 - 1945.
The information was received from Bro Damian who is the archivist for the de la Salle Brothers. See correspondence on 12 & 13 September 2002 below.
Peter's email to Bro Terence.
Hi (to Bro Terry)
I went to a college called St Ambrose from 1942 to 1949. It was located in Bowdon, a part of Altrincham some 8 miles south of Manchester. From its inception 1940 (?) to 1946(?) it was run by some refugee brothers of the de la Salle congregation from Guernsey - Les Vauxbelets College we understood. As I recall the headmaster - "Brother Director" - had a strong French accent, we were encouraged to join "zee cobs", and did. I well recall going to school on Saturday mornings - after all we'd had Wednesday afternoon off for "zee cobs" - and getting "Weekly Reports" - pink, blue or white depending on one's work that week. In 1946(?) when the brothers returned to Guernsey the school was taken over by the Irish Christian Brothers at very short notice. It is now, as you will know, one of the leading Catholic Boys Grammar Schools in UK. I left the "new" St Ambrose College in December 1949 as the subjects I wished to study were not available in the VI form. In 1995/6 St Ambrose College celebrated its 50th aniversary. As a member of the St Ambrose Old Boys Association I pointed out that they were 5 years or so too late!
My queries:
Have you any information on the period of the "exile" in England? Or any suggestions of sources? In particular I am intrigued by the school motto "Vitam Impendere Vero". This I know is a quote from Vergil's Satires VI - 91 and was a motto much used by Jean Rouseau in connection with education in particular. A translation "Risk your life for the truth" would be particularly apposite for refugees. Is my guess that the brothers had a college in Guernsey correct? What was its history? What was its motto?
Any light you can throw on this matter would be most gratefully received by
Peter Mulhern
Reply from Bro Damian:
I am Brother Damian, keeper of the archives of the De
La Salle Brothers in Great Britain. I take note of your e-mail to Br Terence.
Your memory of 1942 to 1945 is quite good. Yes, St Ambrose College owes its
origin to the school, Les Vauxbelets, evacuated from Guernsey in 1940. The
Brother Director was French. There are records here of the Brothers' occupation
and I will post photocopies of some documents. There is no copyright to what I
send. I will need to do a bit more research regarding
the motto and hope to contact you again.
Kind regards. Br Damian.
Peter Mulhern replies.
(to) Bro Damian
Thanks for your wonderfully swift reply. I look forward to reading the
photocopies in due course.
It will be very interesting to see what you can turn up over the motto. A French
Bro Director would be very familiar with Rousseau's works, especially on
education (Emile) and the idea of sacrificing everything for the truth most
apposite for refugees from the Nazi occupation.
Once again
Many thanks
Peter M
Mulhern responds
(to) Bro Edmund
Thanks for the photo copies which I received this morning. Read thru' misty eyes!. Funny how if'd been asked "cold" the names of the brothers I couldn't have answered to save my life. But on seeing them in the Echo (Les Vauxbelets school mag.?), Bro Clarence, Bro Aldhem, etc.. I said "Oh, of course".
I joined the school when it had moved to "Oakleigh". I lived in Ashton on Mersey which is a part of Sale and went to school by bus (1 mile) and train (5 miles). From Altrincham station we walked about a mile to school. As an aside, it's sad that nowadays children are taken to their school even if only half a mile from home by parents in gas guzzling SUVs. On the way we passed houses used as billets by American soldiers from whom we "cadged" sweets!. And kicked leaves, and collected conkers, and looked at the sun through smoked glass, and all the other things that excite small boys. Down the road, a little further from town than the school, was a very large house (Denham?) with gardens open to the public where we had Cub activities. The huge rhododendrons made super gang dens. Across the road was Dunham Massey Park which was the site of a prisoner of war camp. In the camp, opposite the entrance to the large house, the prisoners had built a sort of island mountain with houses and a model railway which fascinated us. May be they weren't POW's but just detainees, but at 8 - 11 years of age.... It is quite possible that one Anthony Donegan (now also known as Lonnie Donegan, of skiffle fame) was a pupil there too. Certainly he was in the early days of the Irish Christian Brothers' St Ambrose. I well remember the school uniform. The blazers had c. inch wide vertical bright blue and red stripes and the cap had circular rings of the same colours, very 1920's! The badge was newly designed to reflect the location of the school (for example a sheaf of corn representing the agricultural nature of Cheshire) so I'd guess the motto was new too. St Ambrose College has even now the same crest & motto.
Enough of this blether.
Once again thank you very much.
Peter M
whose children say "try acting a bit nearer your age Dad than your shoe size (9.5 or 10)"
But I think 9.5 or 10 is a super age, and was.
Peter M
And finally...
Hi Greg
Thanks for info below.
Since writing I have had some information from Bro Damian, archivist with the de la Salle Brothers (
p_bedam@hotmail.com ) confirming that the Les Vauxbelets College moved to Altrincham - near Manchester - in June 1940 where they set up a school called St Ambrose College. Ambrose was the name of the Bishop of Shrewsbury at the time. The brothers moved back to Guernsey in August 1945. St Ambrose College was then taken over by the Irish Christian Brothers. There is a website www.thelittlechapel.org which has information about the Little Chapel and Blanchelande School. Interestingly enough there is a place in Northumbria called Blanchland - no "e" which probably has similar religious associations. When I spent a couple of days in Guernsey a good few years ago I visited the Little Chapel and was amazed to find a shard with the name Middlesbrough - my local main town.Peter M
"And now for the rest of the news..."
That's it for 2002. Have you any news for 2003?
We'd like to hear your story!
Can you help us?
If you can, please contact the webmeister via the SAOBA banter board, or by email at:
Thank you.
