This photograph was taken outside the front of Wickford Secondary School, now the Junior School. You can just see the roof of the Junior School, now the Infants School. In the foreground are Spencer and Corks’ greenhouses.
The production was Lady Precious Stream and the year approximately 1951/2. The play was produced by Mr J.T. Phillips (an inspirational teacher who helped so many pupils with their education and helped them realize their dreams). He later became head of The Helena Romanes School in Dunmow. He was ably assisted by Mrs Gray (needlework teacher), Mr Crook (woodwork teacher) and Mr D Pelmear (art teacher).
The children in the picture are :- Back row left to right – Betty Jordan – Marie Jewell – Olive Guest – Rita Boulderstone – Norman Golding – Theresa Vaughan – Corinne Tilbury – Betty Hall – Gordon Bloom – Pat Mattocks – Pat Moss – Moira Henderson – Phillis Pitt – Phillis Wallace.
Middle row seated left to right – Margaret Stephens – Henry Hamber – Brian Evers – Dennis Mitcheson – Roy Smith – Margaret Geare – Margaret Whitlock – Phillis Mack – Shirley Hellings (who played the part of Lady Precious Stream).
Front row left to right: Edward Stocker – Roy Steward – Leslie Varney – Cyril Styles – John Stocker – Robert Croot – Patrick Black.
Other pupils involved with the production were – Michael Blenkarn – Richard Hollis – June Tooke – Veronica Wallace – Evelyn Macklesworth – Robert Catchpole and John Holbrooke, making a total of 38 children. Quite a mammoth production. Does the above ring any bells for anyone?
Comments about this page
Add your own comment
What a good feeling to see the photograph of all the cast in Lady Precious Stream. Brought back many happy memories. Would love to see you all again.
It’s so good to see this photo.
My aunt was Phyllis Pitt, her good friend was Margaret Whitlock.
I know of Roy Smith and I lived next door but one to Peter Steward in Sugden Avenue.
Yes, let’s have a get together of all those in the picture left standing or sitting. Please get in touch, I’m willing, are you?
I was very interested in the ‘Lady Precious Stream’ item. My late wife, Margaret Stephens, was a cast member and often spoke about the play. She died in 2016 after a long illness.
It’s two years since Bob Croot suggested a reunion of the class of 51/2 but it’s still a good idea. Us survivors would, no doubt, have lots to talk about. If you’re still there Bob, why don’t we try to organise something?
How about you survivors make a comment on this page, or better still email or Messenger me?
I remember Shirley. How’s Canada, we have been there a couple of times and correspond with a family who moved there.
Loved seeing this picture, brought back happy memories. I was told of the site by Denis Mitcheson…not bad as I am in Canada.
Hello Corinne, this is Mr Nobody, second from right on bottom row wearing a top hat, whoever he was. It’s nice to hear the names of pupils coming back. How many of us still in Wickford? Perhaps we should get together again.
Add a comment about this page