Techniques re-form for class of ‘59 reunion

REUNITED . . . The Techniques (from left) Ian Wrigley, Derek McCulloch, Mel Brierley, Pete Rostern and Stuart Adams will meet again at the reunion

FROM the Atlantic to Canada and Spain to Scotland — former Hathershaw School pupils will come from far and wide to reunite with old friends.

When Nigel Marland and Keith Royales set about organising a reunion for the class of 1959, they had no idea how successful they would be.

Searching online and contacting people through the Evening Chronicle started to work and interest in the reunion grew.

The event has now been organised for October 10 at the Lyceum Players bar, where Nigel is artistic director.

After meeting for drinks, guests — 56 out of a total of 80 former pupils and teachers have confirmed they will attend — the group will re-visit their old school before heading back to the Lyceum for a meal.

Keith has also created a special website packed with photos, history and details about the staff and pupils who passed through Hathershaw’s gates between 1959 and 1966.

As an extra bonus, members of the The Techniques — a band formed by Hathershaw Technical High pupils in 1963 — will meet again for the first time in decades.

The Techniques broke up in 1977 after supporting the likes of Genesis, Pink Floyd, Status Quo, Gary Glitter, Hot Chocolate, Ivy League, The Four Tops and Freddie Starr.

Nigel said: “All in all the reunion promises to be a day to remember and all the hard work and organisation will have been worthwhile.”