JRF initiate a return to school for twelve former students in Harlesden.
Wednesday 30th October 2024
Last Wednesday the boys were back in town as the class of 1963 met the class of 2024 at Newman Catholic College (formerly Cardinal Hinsley) for a long-awaited visit to their former school some 55-years on.
The Cardinal Hinsley dozen who attended school in the 60s travelled from far and wide to have a tour of Harlesden and were then shown around their former school by young students. The group also revisited some of their old haunts in Roundwood Park and Harlesden high street.
Some turned up with their old schoolbooks wearing their school scarves with an enthusiastic skip in their step as though it was the first day all over again.
Amazingly they have kept in touch all this time meeting for monthly afternoon tea on more than 150 occasions, creating bond that is unbreakable.
A nostalgic afternoon was spent in previous classrooms, the woodwork room, and playground for the former students who have forged successful careers in banking, the arts, consultancy, construction and notably Oscar winning sound producer Chris Munro who hails from Church Road.
Head teacher Andy Dunne and Assistant Head Susan Grace were instrumental in ensuring that the current group of student hosts shared stories and ideas with their elders and provided great insight into the school and future plans, with the successful development going forward.
The day ended with discussion, laughter, and memories on the journey back for those who call Brent and Harlesden home.
Kenelm Robert one of the driving forces behind the groups longevity said,
“Thank you for inviting me to list the names and careers of my Cardinal Hinsley school chums who meet for monthly afternoon tea since our phased retirement since 2012. You will remember that we all met, aged 11, at the renamed Newman Academy from 5th September 1963. The school had been opened for just five years and, in the desire to create an exemplary institute of learning, many seemingly quaint and unusual practises were adopted and was the usual criteria.
For instance, the prefects wore boaters and carried short sticks to mete summarily justice to younger pupils who had transgressed. School caps were always worn and, if a teacher was not shown the respect by “capping”, (raising the headgear to acknowledge a master), punishment, usually three strikes of the cane, could be administered at the next morning’s assembly.
Despite these challenges all my friends agree that these were amongst the happiest times of our lives and our afternoon teas are spent reminiscing and reflecting ‘a la recherché du temps perdu!
Our years at Cardinal Hinsley were, educationally and emotionally, the most significant of our lives and the friendships we shared will never be forgotten.”
