John West (SH 61-64) remembers:

“In about 1963 there was a programme on the TV about borstal. It was of interest particularly because the borstal was at Calder Bridge, so although not close to home at Barrow, it was close to St Bees. I've no idea if it's still there, or even if borstals exist nowadays.

Dad wasn't watching, but Lily, my stepmother was. The programme started with describing the school, interviewing a few of the pupils and asking them why they were there etc. I seem to remember that they were mostly inner city boys, aged about 13 – 16, mainly I think, caught thieving and vandalising or similar and sent away for a 'sharp, short lesson.'

The next part of the programme went on to show what happened to them, The presenter saying something like 'This is the first time that they have had any order brought into their lives...'

The school day started with them getting out of bed, washing at a row of sinks in a dormitory, making their beds, all in silence. Waiting for a bell while standing having their beds inspected. Then filing down to breakfast.

They ate breakfast in silence, then went for lessons. Lunch then more lessons. Tea. Prep. Bed. Some days they played organised sports. The emphasis was probably more on practical teaching, metalwork etc.

About three quarters of the way through the programme, I casually said 'Public School is exactly like that - well, except you're allowed to talk at meals after grace.'

My stepmother looked at me wide-eyed. 'You mean we're paying all that money for you to go to...to...to BORSTAL!'

I didn't really know how to reply to that, I may have said something like 'well, we do get to come home for holidays.' She was not a happy lady - I don't know how she thought we lived, but that was how it was then!”

 

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