Old Boy Memories

Thanks to Henry Mantell for some very interesting insights into Xavs and in particular Brother Cyril Birtles. As I have indicated before, there were two sides to his character and this article relates an example of his compassionate nature. Henry attended Xavs from 1964 until 1970. Some very interesting insights into teachers and college life … Read more

I was always called Angus at Xavs by both pupils and teachers, which was nice  for a young Scot new to England. Everybody knew my name! Having read all the other contributions it was interesting to see the similarity of opinion about the teachers. I liked most of them but some of their methods were … Read more

Thanks to Mike Ramsay for sharing his memories from over 60 years ago Remembering Xaverian College Manchester Miss Eaton at Ward Hall My grammar school life began in 1958 at Ward Hall, after having spent my early years at the Prep School. Miss Eaton, who had taught us music at the Prep, taught us Maths at Ward Hall. I remember her sending me to be caned for … Read more

  Thoughts on catholic education in the sixties A working class catholic background pre Xaverian Whilst Xaverian paid an important part in my early life I think it’s also important to consider life before Xaverian. The family belonged to St Robert’s, Longsight, a large parish which included Catholics from many backgrounds including the English (us), … Read more

Many thanks to Paul Richards, now residing in Australia for his excellent memories at Xaverian and St Anne’s Prep. If there is anyone else out there who has memories to add, email me at bcweb01@billbl I was there from 1956-63, when Bro. David (rather unkindly known as ‘Chimp’) was headmaster– he twice administered 6 of … Read more