Graham Currie 2022

                                                                    Graham Currie BBGS 1957-64

I arrived at Barrow Grammar School in 1957 from South Newbarns Junior School. I was incredibly lucky to have kind and supportive parents and grandparents who encouraged me in everything, in spite of our working class and council estate background. They wanted a future for me that they had never experienced. That they helped me succeed, was always a prime driver in everything that followed. 

In my first year, I was lucky to have Jim Watson as Form Master. Several existing friends joined me including Howard Le Roy , Jim Whitton ,Tony Kite and Geoff Orrell. New friendships were made with Derek Beck, Rob Blacklock, Tony Atkinson , George Metters, and others, which lasted through my days and beyond. My earliest memories are struggles with maths homework, often until the early hours, walks in the Lakeland fells and promotion into the express stream, missing out the third forms. My Maths. struggles must have paid off.

My fondest memories are of singing at school and in St Aidan's Church Choir, primarily under the influence of the golden tenor voice of Mr Siddaway. I owe much to these musical influences.  In my teens at school , my athletic abilities grew and I became County 100yds and 200yds Champion. At 15, I was Northern Schools 100yds champion and record holder. I also became Barrow House Athletics Captain later. Once in the Sixth Form , I played rugby for the school, but used my speed to avoid tackles (and score too ,if possible ) . Prefectship followed.

In the Sixth Form , I developed a real love of Geography under the influence of Alan Hammersley, and Wally  Pearson. They encouraged me to go on The Lapland Expedition in 1962. Sam Price gave school financial support to my Mother to do this. Six weeks  in Norway and Sweden , much above the Arctic Circle on the Svartisen Glacier were instrumental in directing me later into Geography as a degree course. I never looked back. Derek Beck went too. Another major interest we shared was our music. I was encouraged by Alan Garnett and Matthew England to sing in school concerts. One great memory is of 'Hiawatha's Wedding Feast', singing a solo/ trio with Howard Le Roy and John Price. I still have a recording. These were also great times fell walking in The Lakes with Derek Beck, Gary Knipe, and George Metters, particularly in The Langdales, Helvellyn,  Coniston and Scafell areas.

In 1964 , I went to Kings College , London and trained for Secondary School to  teach Geography. My roots were now firmly in the Wimbledon area . Here I found a great and lasting involvement with friends in a local Methodist Church and its choir. There I met Valerie and we were married . Derek Beck was my best man . I taught at a school in Epsom all my days, supported by Valerie. I found myself helping to transform a successful Grammar School into a successful Grant Maintained Comprehensive and ensuring good order and discipline. I was eventually promoted to Deputy Headmaster , lasting for twenty years. Although I retired in 2000, I went on teaching for the joy of field courses etc. I still enjoyed teaching until 2009.

Throughout all my career , music has been my greatest love , challenge and relaxation. I have performed in thirty concerts on average , each year. Half of these have been as tenor soloist in music spread across the classical and light music repertoire. Music and my friends saw me through the darkest days after losing my wife. I have sung in choral groups in The City of London, Wimbledon, and Guildford . Each Christmas , I sing with young professionals at the Ritz Hotel in London. I most love the challenge and opportunity of singing with orchestras and being accompanied by Kate, my Partner of eight years. 

Apart from travelling and sailing abroad in places such as the Caribbean, Turkey and S Africa  with Kate, we visit our caravans in Suffolk and Chichester throughout each summer. Walking on the coast is a great joy.  Also since 2005 , I have run some 25 BGS reunions in London . Some thirty of us meet for a meal on the first Wednesday in November , at the Royal Over-Seas League in London. Several of us including Jim Dixon, Cliff Simpson, Colin Bennett and Sue Hardy have regularly done a walk in Surrey or London in May . It has been a real joy to bring so many together and repay what my school has given me. There have been so many happy times and I would like to pay particular tribute to all those who come so regularly. We have an active list of fifty, including Old Boys , wives and partners and former members of the Girls Grammar School. They come from Barrow and all parts of the UK. Alan Garnett used to come and stay with me.

Finally, I have to say that so much of my story can be traced back to my family , school and church origins in Barrow. It is the friends I have made during and since my school days and the faith my parents put in me that has made me the best of what I am.  I have been very lucky.

Graham

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