Touch Line - The Gilberd's Sports Magazine 1968-69
Firstly, those not local to the area might not be aware that the Gilberd is one of the schools affected by the Government’s decision to close all school buildings which contain reinforced autoclave aerated concrete (RAAC). You can read more details about the closure and how it will affect the school here.
We would like to wish James Mitchell and all the teachers, staff and students at the Gilberd the very best as they navigate the challenges ahead. We hope things return to normal as quickly as possible for everyone affected.
So from the present to the past...
(Photo courtesy Michael Springett)
This issue, priced at 6d, was probably published at the end of 1968 or early 1969 as readers were invited to support the school at the annual Earls Colne Six-A-Side competition on Saturday 22nd March 1969.
The content is quite similar in style to the sports reporting in The Gilberdian which ceased publication in 1967. I'm guessing Touch Line was created to fill the gap and continue informing parents and students about the school's sporting achievements.
In addition to the termly sports reports other highlights in this issue include:
- A spotlight on second year students.
- Michael Springett describing what life is like for professional footballers at Colchester United.
- P. de Quidt and M-A Bailey discuss 'Horse Riding for Beginners'.
- J. Pizzy provides commentary on the football, hockey and netball teams recent weekend visit to Germany.
You can view and download a PDF copy of Touch Line here.
There are no images in the magazine but I have been holding onto some photos Michael Springett had given me from his sporting days at the Gilberd. As they are from the same era as the magazine this seems a good place to include them. (If you recognise yourself or anyone else in these photos please do post a comment below or email us.)
Both Danny and Michael's sporting prowess is favourably described in Touch Line.
The 'Spotlight on Second Year Students' reports ...it is very difficult to get a word in edgeways if Leedham, Gentry and Game are present. The first two, the star double act of the second year, are members of both teams, and anyone who has seen Danny Gentry's cross field runs in a game of rugby will remember them with a falter of the heart beat.
Michael, who was captain of the 1st XI Football team, is described as ...an outstandingly good and talented player. A strong runner with the ability to keep the ball close. Can produce extremely powerful shots with either foot and has the tenacity to turn half chances into goals. An inspiring captain who has led the team with great enthusiasm on the field and during training.
One passage that caught my eye in the magazine was from the account of the weekend visit to Germany by various school sports teams. The article ends as follows: Thanks must go to Mr Glazier and Mrs Marshall who made the whole trip possible, and more pleasurable by frequently turning a 'blind eye' to certain activities. Hard to imagine that happening or being written about in a school magazine these days!
If you have any other editions of this magazine (or other Gilberd related memorabilia we can share with past pupils) please don't hesitate to drop us a line at eddiesphotos@icloud.com
All photos on this page are courtesy of Michael Springett. If you click on any of the images you can view a higher quality version.
Jerry Goodenough writes: in the last photo the third boy from the right standing is Terry Barton. Some familiar faces in the other photos but all from people in the years above me, so no names I'm afraid!
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