Month: March 2015

Andrew Talbot

1987–90  Drama

“As a viola player as well as a ‘thesp’, I did find the sedate company of music students at Bretton for much of the time.”

I knew someone from my sixth-form college in Lancashire, who had just completed a few years of the drama course at Bretton. He was full of enthusiasm for the place and aspired to be a sixth form drama teacher. Whilst I hankered after a place at film school, I was unsuccessful for my first eligible year of entry in 1985, I re- sat an A Level and got my place at film school. I guess Ilacked confidence   try for the London drama schools, although to ‘name drop’, I had a twentyminute chat with a younger Gary Oldman, when he visited my college in Wigan to talk about drama schools and I realised that Bretton had a lot to offer and at that time a degree as opposed
to a diploma. I tried Bretton again, this time as a late applicant. I ended up with an audition with John Hodgson in his stable block office and my ex Bretton friend from Wigan drove me overthere for support. By this time I was well versed in the legends of the  Scissett flats and Arthur knew me by name.

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Introduction by Andy Talbot

Litherop

Study Bedroom

Swithen

Link to Facebook page


Marcia Corfield

Marcia Corfield

 

1968-1971

 

Music

 

“Marcia inherited her love of music from her parents who both sang to her as a baby, so the first musical instrument she discovered was her voice!”

Click on images for enlargements

 

To read Marcia’s reminiscence, click on the link below.

 

 Reminiscence of Marcia Corfield


Liam Arthurs

Liam Arthurs

1968-1971 Art

“I did the job of teacher in various countries and in various languages ’til 1989.   I can say, I admire teachers and I can say, I never want to be one again.   Thanks, Bretton Hall!   You were my Harley Davidson kickstart!     A bloody good kick, and then I was started!”

Click on Images for Enlargements

Liam Arthurs’ detailed summary of his thoughts and feelings about Bretton Hall provides controversy and stimulus for thought.   He examines what he considers the good and bad aspects of life as a student at Bretton, and he successfully conveys a student’s confusion, fears and attempts to cope.   Liam’s reminiscence deliberately provides no conclusion, but, without saying as much, invites the reader to answer the question:  ‘What did it all mean?’

This is compelling reading!

To read Liam's Reminiscence, Click on the following link.

Reminiscence of Liam Arthurs


Peter Castle

Peter Castle 1968

Peter Castle and Sue Brown
1965-68 - Art

Pete Castle met fellow Art student, Sue Brown, at Bretton in 1965. At the end of their second year they were granted the permission of the Principal to marry.

We met in our first term at Bretton - we had to, we were doing the same course (Art), were in the same tutor groups and were even Teaching Practice partners.

By Christmas we were engaged and caused a bit of a stir by getting married at the end of our second year. For that we had to get special permission from the Principal. He said we had been “quite faithful” so he let us. We’ve continued to be ‘quite faithful’ and are celebrating 40 years of marriage this summer (2007).

To celebrate May Day - a highlight from my career that started about 55 years ago in Kennel Block! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXnO1NzT8Vo

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1968 - Sue Brown

Peter Castle 2006


Ken Stott

Ken Stott

1963-66  Music

“I remember fondly the Grace Choir, led by Helen Ritchie, the eccentric and universally admired Daphne Bird, and long-suffering music staff, like Brian Longthorne, Gerald Arran and Mr. Marsden.”