19/12/2009 by Russell.

Well I never, I make contact with Sir Geoff Cathey, only to be shortly contacted afterwards by another old tutor Steve Hodgson (Sports Tutor, Tupton Hall). When it rains it pours.  What wonderful surprise number 2. He is well and he too is looking to retirement, I canna believe it.  He is still in the Nottinghamshire area working in sports.  However, this set of communication is not without sadness.  Jenny Irwin (form tutor 6th form and Tupton Hall tutor) has sadly died, she only retired Summer 2008.  I wrote her a letter upon her retirment addressed to her at Tupton, however, it never crossed my mind she had moved on to another School.

On a personal note, she was my form tutor in the 6th form and was a good cookie, she also passed a few secrets on to me about my status in the school amongst the females! lah de dah.  She also organised trips to see the Harlem Globetrotters, which myself and friends had the plaeasure of going to see.  As we left Wembley, we were racially attacked by a set f black lads, all hell kicked off in the car park, in her calm manner Jenny went to confront the troublemakers.   Sadly she will be missed by all who came into contact with her, my only disappontment I should have had another go to contact her, so readers do not put off today - you may miss an opportunity, and of course the funeral had to be Friday at Bretby Crematorium, Burton on Trent, when we had 6″ of snow.

I am still housebound, packed ice on the roads and I can’t move the car…it is very slippy untilyou can get to the main highway.

Christmas Scenes:

Posted in Nothchurch, Jenny irwin, Steve Hodgson, Geoff Cathey, snow | No Comments »

19/11/2009 by Russell.

Fantastic, eureka! its one of those moments all rolled into one.  I have found arguably the most sensible and knowledgable football coach this chap has ever had the privilege of working with(and that includes Jack Charlton) who is now retired and now studying for a Law Degree (in sport -of course).  He was my tutor betwen 1972 to 1978 at Tupton Hall School, Station new Road, Old Tupton, Chesterfield.

Boy did he make us work, but the joy was that we had several football teams at my school which were a joy to behold and play in.

Ever the optimist, I knew someday that i would find this gentleman, and today was that day, probably felt as excited about this moment as those other life changing moments, such as the birth of children etc.To say the least i shed tears at the thought he took time out to respond to my email………more to follow soon.

GOD BLESS GEOFF! - going to bed now to get up tomorrow.

P.S. Ireland were swissed out of a chance to go to the World Cup Finals, - Platini, what about video evidence now eh?

Posted in Platini, School, Geoff Cathey | 1 Comment »