Eccles
Grammar School
On the line between
Brighton and Lewes on June 6th, 1851, engine number 82 (built by Sharp, Roberts
and Co., 1847-48) was running down an incline between Falmer and Lewes with a
passenger train. At a point where a high brick bridge, known as the Newmarket
Arch, carries the line over a road, No. 82 struck a sleeper which was lying
across the outside rail and became derailed. The engine and two coaches fell
into the road below killing three passengers and the fireman and mortally
injuring the driver. The question arose as to how the sleeper got there. There
were a number of sleepers on the line side because re-laying was in progress.
The men working on the line denied leaving the sleeper on the line and it was
alleged that it was a wilful prank on the part of a ten-year-old boy called
Jimmy Boakes who lived near the line. Despite the fact that he was questioned,
nobody was able to trap him into making an admission.
Now comes the strange
sequel. Exactly a year later, on the same day of the same month, at the same
spot that the accident happened, Jimmy Boakes was struck by lightning and
killed. Doubtless the incident was quoted with relish from local pulpits as an
awful example of the visitation of divine retribution.
J. Simpson, 4L
RAILWAY SOCIETY
During the past year, the
society has had enjoyable meetings with an average attendance of 17. Slides of
steam locomotives have been shown by several of the members and Mr. Coles, who
also brought records and tape recordings of various steam engines working,
while other members brought photographs.
In October, a trip was made
by 35 members to the West Riding of Yorkshire, one of the few areas where steam
engines are still predominant. As well as seeing B.R.'s locos, we saw two
privately preserved engines: the K4 2-6-0 No. 3442 "The Great
Marquess" owned by Lord Garnock, and the other N7 0-6-2T No. 69621 owned
by Dr. R. F. Youell.
On March 6th, twelve of our
members were amongst the 500 on a special trip, organised by Williams Deacon's
Bank to Crewe and Derby works. The train was hauled by the A4 4-6-2 Pacific No.
60019 "Bittern," which was brought down from Scotland specially for
this trip. Interesting leaflets were issued to us all at Derby works, giving
details of the history of the works, and its present activities.
We also ran a private trip
to Crewe in April, where in the works we saw "Coronation" class 4-6-2
Pacific No. 46235 "City of Birmingham," which has since been
presented to the Birmingham Science Museum by B.R.
All members would like to
thank Mr. Coles for his help and support, both at weekly meetings and on the
outings.
R. Peters, 6L Sc. 1
CRICKET REPORT, 1966
The results this season
were variable and matches were often lost by a few runs. In general our batting
was at fault and we usually found runs very hard to make. Bowling, on the other
hand, showed a lot of promise and we "skittled" teams out for less
than 50 on many occasions. Fielding showed a marked improvement on previous
seasons, and was a very pleasing feature of our play.
The 1st XI was mainly
inspired by their captain, Oakes, who finished top of both the bowling and
batting averages. Finch and Ruleman, the opening batsmen, made a good start to
the innings, but usually runs were hard to make. The team benefited by
McCulloch's hard-hitting; he was a new member of the team and often made quick
runs, so valuable in our class of cricket. Draper, another new member, bowled
well and intelligently and was a valuable asset to the team. Stubbs, Maw and
Booth also showed promise that we hope will benefit the team in the next two or
three seasons.
R. Britton and G.
Cunningham shared the captaincy of the 2nd XI and both worked hard
for the team.
Both teams would like to thank Mr. Machin for his
valuable coaching and enthusiasm. Our thanks must also go to the scorers and
the girls who provided refreshments throughout the season.
Colours:
Re-award . . . Gould
Woman walking all alone,
Rubble and fire all around;
Children's screams startle the night,
Children soon to lose their lives.
Bombers coming far away,
Just like cats with mice to play;
But humans are not mice, alas.
Shhh! be quiet, let them pass!
Building down around our head,
This is hell! No good, he's dead;
Bodies heaped upon the floor,
These bloody murderers don't need war.
Silence is forever golden,
Women, men — bodies frozen
In the streets all are gone,
Just a cry of one new born.
Susan Lee, 5M
The cock struts with proud assurance,
Past the heart-rending agony and ecstasy
Of the serf who waits with cringing adoration,
On even a Sabbath morn.
Choir girls raise mascara eye-lashes and worship;
Bowing to the craven images of their idols,
Envious of associates of their god-like star.
Is not the Lord their God an envious God?
S. Dolan, 6LSc.
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