Recollections by Laura Briggs, Mary Norris and Catherine Cowin of their schooldays at Park Road School (1935-1941) centenary celebrations 1994
Audio Player:
Date(s): 1994
Creator(s): Bairstow, C.L.
Scope & Content: Laura Briggs, who lived near Laxey, talks about her schooldays at Park Road School from 1935 to 1941. Laura talks about travelling to school by bus; how the boys and girls had separate buses until wartime petrol rations; bus that stopped at Baldrine and a conductor who was sadly run-over and killed; school supporting good causes; teacher Miss Frasier; the start of the Second World War and air raid precautions; Falcon Brewery cellar as air raid shelter; sports lessons; William Cunningham landing a plane at Tromode during a hockey match; anecdote about the hockey team invited into the Drill Hall during bad weather.
Mary Norris talks about coming to the Isle of Man aged 9 in 1913, living at Port Soderick at a house called Bay View. She talks about attending Park Road School and travelling there by railway and later on foot; Atholl Street and Finch Road; Parson Taggart's wife and two of her children Betty and Hugo; teacher Miss Lace; teachers Miss Lace, Mr Green and Miss Shimmin, head teacher Mr Rich, Mr Grundy and Kate Hasler; Mr Green's three sons who were killed in the Second World War, the surviving son becoming Mr Green the dentist, who went to school with her son Christopher; teacher shortage during the Second World War; Mr Greenwood at Salisbury Street.
Catherine Cowin (Katy) talks about her time in Miss Brown's school, Woodbourne Square and later Murray's Road School. She talks about head teacher Mr Hall and scholarship places to Park Road School; being at the Mona's Herald Office in Ridgway Street for results of the scholarship exam; her father's business 'shattered' by the Second World War and his illness meaning her school fees could not be paid; the start of her scholarship at Park Road; the school building; competing with the boys; masters 'Paddy' O'Neill, 'The Duc' Boardman, 'Ponds' Cannell and 'Beetle' Greenwood.
Administration / Biographical History: Recorded as part of the Park Road School centenary celebrations in 1994.
Laura Briggs (née Kermode).
Language: English
Extent: 21 min. 56 sec.
Collection: Sound Archive
Level: ITEM
ID number: SA 2019-0082/1
Access conditions: All reasonable attempt has been made by Manx National Heritage to trace and request permission (where needed) from the copyright holder(s) in this sound recording. If however you think you are a rights holder then please contact Manx National Heritage.
Subject tags : #UOSH