Photos and articles about Brighton and Hove in the time of coronavirus. See our collection and add your own!

School choir c1963

I was in the third year at this point and the man conducting his pride and joy was Mr Taylor my class teacher. There are a mixture of classes in this photo though, and some of the choir were from the year above.

Front row: I am fourth in from the left of the front row (although slightly behind) to the right of Gary Watkins. I’m not sure who that is to the right of me but the rest of that row is (I think) Stephen Staphinedes (looking behind) then June Inman and Diana Gillings who were always together, Neil Dunk? and Simon Muschamp?

Second row: I can’t make much of the next row back, although the girl with the ponytail might be my friend from infant school days, Pauline Paris? 

Third row: I think the chap turning round is Keith Sylvester and fourth in is Nicola Gillings, older sister of Diana. Next to her is probably Jane Older and then I think Angela Everest from the fourth year. Next to her are Pat Harland, Linda Stevens, Christine Shears and Sheena Carr (possibly) from my class. Not sure who that is at the end of the row. 

Back row: I don’t recognise many in the back row, possibly because they were not in my class, but the leftmost of the boys is John Field and perhaps Neil Judge next to him. That may be Janet Patterson bending down with her hand over her mouth and the girl on the far right is, I think, Aileen Common. 

We sang in competitions

I remember the choir as being of a pretty good standard. We not only sang at concerts and Carol Services at school, and were the chorus of ‘The Charcoal Burner’s Son’ there; but also at The Dome and in competition at the Corn Exchange. I think we won a cup or two because I remember Leonard Bransbury and I having to polish some, probably as a punishment for some mischief.

If you recognise yourself or anyone else, or can share your memories of the choir at this time, please leave a comment below.

St Luke's School choir c1963: click on the photograph to open a large version in a new window.
From the private collection of Tim Riley

Comments about this page

  • Oh gosh, it is as clear as yesterday! Until I saw this photograph I had forgotten all about it, although I do find myself singing ‘All in an April evening’ now and again!

    By Laine (23/03/2012)
  • Hi Tim, what a surprise seeing this photo. I’ve got to be honest, I have no recollection of being in the choir at all and Tim, I’m sorry but I can’t place you either! The first girl to the right of me I see sometimes, her name is Margaret Thank you for the photo – can’t wait to show my children and grandchildren.

    By Pauline Ansbro (nee Parris) (22/09/2013)

Add a comment about this page

Your email address will not be published.