Embedded Files
Annual Mass invitation, 1980
This is a rather poignant invitation sent by Mr A.L. Smith, former headmaster, who organised the annual Mass for decades. He had the names and addresses of many old Gregorians and wrote to them in advance of the annual Mass. He also publicised the event in the form of a letter to the Manchester Evening News.
Annual Mass for Deceased Gregorians – at the “Hidden Gem”, November 1986
This photograph was taken by James Gilligan, a pupil from 1926 to 1930, before Mass began at St Mary’s Church, Mulberry Street, Manchester. Pictured are old boys of the school, mostly from the 1920s – “A few of the last,” as Mr Gilligan called them. Also pictured, on the extreme left, is Mr Terence McSweeney, who was appointed the school’s first second deputy head in 1973. For a number of months in 1977, Mr McSweeney was acting head following Mr Smith’s departure to commence preparatory work for his new post as head of St Mark’s, Didsbury. The Mass celebrant was Fr Thomas Manley, an old boy of the school. Afterwards, refreshments were taken at the nearby Abercrombie pub.
Relaxing in the Abercrombie pub after the Mass
These three old Gregorians – whose names regrettably I do not possess – are clearly enjoying themselves and may well be reminiscing about their school days back in the 1920s. The Sir Ralph Abercromby, also known as the Abercrombie, is a pub situated between Jackson’s Row and Bootle Street and is named after Lieutenant-General Sir Ralph Abercromby. Built in the 19th century, it is believed to be the only structure remaining in the area from the time of the Peterloo Massacre in 1819. Wounded people from the massacre were brought to the pub for medical treatment. These three were fortunate – usually it was ‘standing room only’ for many customers on busy Friday nights!
Annual Mass – Crowne Plaza Hotel,1993
These photographs were taken by Mr James Gilligan, a pupil from 1926 to 1930, at the annual November Mass for deceased Gregorians which, in the 1990s, was held at the Crowne Plaza Midland Hotel, Peter Street, Manchester.
Top – included are a number of former teachers. Front row includes from left: Mr K. Horrocks, Mr T. Duddy, Mr P. Purdy and Mr A.L. Smith. Also included are Mr J. O’Malley, Mr F. Leyden, Mr B. Haughey and Mr B. Makin. Back left are Mr C. Hill and Mr A. Hoyland.
Bottom – Front row includes Mr B. Clough, Mr K. Horrocks, Mr T. Duddy and Mr P. Purdy. Mr M. Casey is seated behind Mr Clough. Standing with their backs to the wall are Mr M. O’Brien, Mr J. McDonald, Mr C. Hill and Mr A. Hoyland.
Old boys featured in the photographs include Peter Sivori, Wilf Sudlow, John Cassidy, Peter Kirk, Kevin Barrett and Paul Marciniak.
Fr Tom Connolly
Pictured prior to celebrating Mass at the Crowne Plaza Hotel is Fr Tom Connolly, an old boy of the school, who is flanked by former teachers Mr Bernard Clough, left, and Mr Tom Duddy. In later years, the annual Mass was held at Fr Connolly’s St Kentigern’s Church, Fallowfield, after which refreshments were served in the nearby social club.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse