CAMPBELL COLLEGE
For many years there was a very pleasant relationship between Jordanstown Schools VI Department and the boys of the Belfast school Campbell College.
It started when a group of boys started visiting and performing plays like "The Importance of Being Ernest" and "Charlies Aunt". When I say performed they actually sat in a semi-circle in the Assembly Hall and read the play using appropriate voices. They were quite excellent and much appreciated.
It was then suggested to James Anderson that it would be nice for some of us to visit Campbell in return and see how things worked there.
Surprisingly this idea was well received and a visit was organised very quickly.
A substantial from the department was bussed to the magnificent Campbell building for a real eye-opener!
Firstly the school had its own swimming pool which we were allowed to use. Lessons were given to some of us in the squash courts etc. We were treated to lunch in the canteen and there followed small group tours.
Two memories stick in my mind one was Billy Warwick getting permission to play the magnificent school organ in the main hall the other was a pleasant few minutes when Richard chambers sang "Red Sails in the Sunset" onto one of the senior pupils tape recorders.
A very pleasant group of boys who were happy to spend time with us. Many thanks!
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Added May 2003
Campbell college Archivist Keith Haines was kind enough to delve into the
school records and reports that "The Campbellian" had the following references
to Jordanstown ---
Vol.XVIII, no.1 (May 1967)
The Social Services group gave two play-readings at Jordanstown School for the Blind, and made tape-recordings of 'O' Level books for them.
Vol.XVIII, no.5 (June 1969)
A play-reading was given at Jordanstown School for the Blind.
The Social Services group was formed in the 1960s by Mr Fred Parkes, and
he was heavily involved in its work. Two other members of staff who seem
to have taken a role were Mr Graham Broad (who went on to become Headmaster
at Rockport School) and Mr John Knox (who is still currently Head of Modern
Languages at Campbell).
Notible names include: Brian Good, now Dr Brian Good. Also David Blake-Knox, who is now a Director and Producer with RTE in Dublin.
This page was last updated on
Thursday February 17, 2005
