Melvin Thompson

I recall a young lad of that name.  I hope I have the correct spelling of his forename but it is open to some doubt. I do not recall him ever being in an 'A' Form but he was always capable of getting in one's hair. He was often very assertive and chipper and maybe that was partly to do with his below average height. I do recall once inviting him to one of my birthday parties but sadly he did not turn up. All that jelly and custard went to waste, as well as crisps and cakes and goodness knows what. Never mind, I forgave him!

He was not part of the school football scene: I cannot ever remember facing him but  can imagine that if he had been able to play the game it would have given me some experience of a Billy Bremner type opponent. I would have enjoyed treading on his toes and smiling afterwards even though I was a very clean player as a rule.

It is difficult to assess someone of so long ago, the 1950s era: I was a child myself and lacked sufficient wisdom and maturity to enable me to make a fair assessment. I can comment on bluebells and Spotted Dick but Melvin was quite something else. I think he was a troubled lad and the best example of that was his abuse of Mr Tonks, a very good teacher at Ushaw Moor Modern school. Mr Tonks finally lost his rag [but not his professionalism] in a way permitted by 50s teaching culture and that seemed to be that. Sometime later a man, that I can only assume to be Melvin's father, attacked Mr Tonks on school premises instead of giving Melvin his considered attention and a rocket to boot. 

I am very sorry that Melvin died prematurely and hold no grudges against him. May he rest in peace.

WB