Alan Fahey 1 (of 4)It all started off with my father identifying that as an RAF serviceman he was entitled to a grant towards my education at a boarding school and as he had had several postings in recent years and as I had moved school 2 or 3 times it made sense to explore this option. Quite how he found St Hugh’s College Tollerton I don’t know, maybe a recommendation from a priest at Our Lady of Lincoln.
Anyway I was duly delivered to sit the entrance exam. I held out little hope as I had previously failed my 11 plus. Some weeks later a letter arrived and I had passed. (Did anyone actually fail it?)
I remember arriving there in September 1970 and was greeted by Fr Pateman. He said he was a new boy too. It was in fact his first year there on the teaching staff having himself attended as a pupil.
My first night was spent in Campion dormitory. It consisted of about eight cubicles, four I think either side and there were four beds and a wash hand basin in each.
The next week was a bit of a blur! I wrote home and said "it’s OK here but all we seem to do apart from lessons is eat and pray".
I remember the following but not in any order, more like flashbacks!
Paul Caine deciding to streak naked on his bike to the garage at the top of Tollerton Lane and back. He was cheered on by half the school and got back without being arrested.
Michael Cooper being chased down to the lake after lunch by the whole school and HP sauced and covered in grass cuttings in a St Hugh's version of tar and feathering. I don’t know why he was targeted, maybe it was his Dudley accent! He was late for afternoon lessons as he went for a shower and was then caned!
Danny Cronin on dorm duty with his BIC pen taking notes and shouting Hup Laddy at miscreants!
Martin O’Neil who was playing for Nottingham Forest at the time being surrounded by autograph hunters having played a game of squash in our court. I think he was friendly with Fr Bowdren.
Queuing up outside the profs dining room for any leftovers. Chicken breasts were highly prized.
