1. Audrey Harrington Robson

Audrey with her sons Peter and Kevin I was a bit dubious about creating this page but I got this e-mail from Peter Harrington: "I just want to inform you my mother passed away on Wednesday night (23/7/03) aged 76. I thought you might just mention it on the site for any one who knew her. She was Audrey Harrington in South Bank. Later she re-married, becoming Robson, and moved to Eston. The notice will appear Monday night in the Evening Gazette. See you at the next re-union. Peter Harrington."

2. Betty Stevens (nee Richards)

On Friday the 1st of August (03) we went to say our last Goodbyes to Betty Stevens who had passed away suddenly. She and her husband Sam (Steve) Stevens were friends from our early days in Aire Street in 1958 and friends are forever.
Betty was a lovely woman with an engaging manner and sense of humour and, although we hadn't met up for some years, I know she had never changed and she will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her.
This will be felt more especially by her husband Steve and daughters Christine, Carol and April and we send our condolences to her family for their sad loss.
Dick and Marion.

3. A walk in the Cemetery

After the funeral of our friend Betty Stevens we hung back, feeling the sadness of the occasion. We were aware that Steve Tilley's funeral was at the same time elsewhere.

Then we saw a woman whose face was vaguely familiar washing down a gravestone and generally tidying around it. To my surprise the grave was that of another old friend, Alec Power, better known as "Bright-eyes". The woman, whom we had not known but had recognised in her face a family resemblance, was Beryl Forster, sister to Alby and Ray, and long-time companion to Bright-eyes.

Nearby I spotted the grave of "Little Moe" Foster which took me back to when I was ten years old. When I first came to South Bank at that age and went to Cromwell Road School I found myself involved in quite a few fights. Looking back I think it might have been aggression in me at the loss of my father and my mother's subsequent re-marriage. There again, it might have been because I was a Geordie or the fact that I now had to wear glasses and the comment of "Specky Four-eyes" always meritted a fist.
Whatever, Moe was a couple of years younger than me and became my mascot, holding my jacket while I got involved in fisticuffs! Actually he always held it by wearing it, sleeves hanging way over his hands making him look even smaller.

Back to the cemetery and I looked for the grave of my old mate Billy Mullen. I had a job finding his grave which wasn't where I thought it was, even though I was at his funeral. When I did eventually find it, I realised that I had missed it because I had forgotten that his name was actually James, even though everyone called him Billy!

On the way out of the cemetery, we stopped at Kevin Byrnes headstone. 1977. Aged 39. Time flies by. His memory is fresh in the mind. Good looking. Nice lad.

Oh, we also had a sit on the Central School seat. In the words of Arnie, I'll be back...
(That's for sure!!)

4. Peter Connelly

Peter in Aldi, Redcar last year When I heard of Peter's demise I got a shock. I learned that he had died "about three months ago" at his home in Lazenby but I was sure it hadn't been that long since I was talking to him in Redcar High Street. He was a great bloke and a friend since 1946. I can only offer my sympathy to his family. R.I.P.

5. Joyce Carter (nee Gregory)

I didn't know this lady but some of you might have. The following piece was in the Evening Gazette 14/8/03:

Joyce (nee Gregory) Carter
Of Lower Hutt, New Zealand formerly of South Bank Middlesbrough. On August 9 2003, peacefully at Te Omanga Hospice, Lower Hutt. Dearly loved wife of the late Alfred, dearly loved mother of Shawn and Martin...
Messages to
31 Karamu Crescent, Wainuiomata 6008, New Zealand.

6. The Ides of March

Condolences to the relatives of Dennis and Colin who we lost in March The world also said Goodbye to Peter Ustinov and Alistair Cooke and on the day of Colin's funeral The Northern Echo printed the above Cluff cartoon. Colin Townsend: Born 18th August 1935, Died 23rd March 2004. Dennis Breckon: Born 27th September 1935, Died 21st March 2004. Others this month included Jimmy Donnelly and Kevin McGovern. R.I.P.

7. Steve Oxley

Two ages in the life of Steve Oxley Steve Oxley first wrote to me early in 2003 and included a couple of photos. Although I hadn't known him I was impressed enough with his letter to use it on the Achievers page. Take a look. After that he kept in touch in the usual email fashion of passing on the odd joke. Recently he sent another email saying he hadn't been well but he was getting married... Then the other day I received another email: "Hi, Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but I am emailing to inform you that Steve passed away this morning 28th July (one week after his wedding) at approx. 6am.... Regards Lesley Oxley (Steve's wife)" I hadn't known Steve but, like a lot of us, he had warm memories of his days in South Bank and from poor beginnings he went on to achieve a lot in his short life. R.I.P.

8. Ronnie Bullock

Ron pictured in his prime in St. Peter's Club Many will remember Ronnie Bullock from his years working at Smith's Docks but he struggled through his last few years with Alzhiemers Disease which saw him living in a home for fellow sufferers. However he managed to get through to the early days of 2006 when he finally was relieved of his burden. He leaves behind his wife and daughter Denyse who, in the end, were glad to see a conclusion to his plight but who can draw comfort from their many happy memories, some of which are recorded elsewhere on this website.

9. Katy Sharples 1938-2006

This photo of Katy was taken at Christmas 1987 Our friend Catherine (Katy) Sharples has passed on and her funeral service was at the Methodist Church in Cleveland Street, Normanby on Wednesday 8th February 2006 at 12.30 and afterwards at the Crematorium where we were greeted by Dean Martin singing "Little Ol' Wine Drinker Me". Katey would have loved it. Later, family and friends met up at Katy's daughter Jill and Ronnie's house where a buffet was laid on with everyone reminiscing over family photographs about different events in Katy's life. Katy went to the Central and was in the same class as my wife Marion (nee Nixon), her sister-in-law Maureen (Dodds), Pam (Gatenby) Murtha, Marlene (Tranter) Dales and Jean (Kent) Evison. She was a gentle woman who leaves behind a caring family and many friends. R.I.P.

10. Eddie Healey

On the left: A young Eddie. Right: In 2004 with Ray Ward I have 2 email addresses, one being on this website (Homepage) so that anyone can contact me and then I can answer on my regular email. Ann Breckon contacted me to relay the sad news of Eddie's death on the 22nd of May. His funeral was on Friday the 26th. Unfortunately I only opened the mailbox on the 31st. I had known Eddie for 60 years although we had only met a couple of times in recent years but once a friend always a friend. I am sorry that I was not at the funeral to pay my respects but, as it turned out, I was at another funeral at the same time. Sod's Law. Eddie had had health problems for practically all his adult life but he was always cheerful and when he couldn't get out and about he turned his mind to writing poetry. RIP Eddie. My condolances to his wife Ivy and Family.

11. Beattie (Brennan) Bilton

I received the following email from Mick Applegarth...
"Dear Dick, just a line to tell you of the death of Beattie Bilton known years ago in South Bank as Beattie Brennan. She lived in West Terrace and had 36 god children most of which she delivered herself. Although not a mid-wife, every body sent for Auntie Beattie.
She was also called on to lay people out for funerals.
She died aged 99 1/2 on 5th of June and was
buried on the 13th of June from St Peters Church South Bank into Eston Cemetery. Although she had no family she was so popular that she got more
visitors in the care home Astune Rise than all the other residents put together. Most people in South Bank will remember her. R.I.P.
Mick Applegarth"

12. South Banker's Loss

June Marie Winton nee Allsopp June 15th 1944 - January 9th 2007 Gordon Winton, brother of Alan and George, was born and bred in Connaught Street. When he married North Ormsby girl June they moved into Upper Graham Street before, eventually, moving to Redcar. June was always a popular girl and she will be sadly missed by Gordon, daughter Julie, son Ian and their respective families who would like to express their sincere thanks to everyone for their cards and condolences and also for attending the funeral at St Bedes Chapel. Incidentally, after the funeral, everyone gathered at The Bluebell to celebrate June's life and Gordon came up to me to tell me that the presiding priest (June had been a Catholic) had suggested to him that he look at "this wonderful website" - Slaggy Island!

13. Tommy Phillips

Tommy in Redcar Tom Phillips 1937 to 2007 aged: 70 Tommy died on the 17th of January 2007. Born and bred in South Bank he will be sadly missed by all family and friends. I bumped into Tommy in Redcar a few weeks before he died when he said he wasn't well but his passing was a shock. Tommy always had a bit of a reputation but I always got on well with him, probably because I appreciated his dry sense of humour. In St Peter's Church, Redcar, I listened with interest as the vicar read out details of Tommy's life - the perfect epitaph. After the funeral I approached the vicar to ask if I could have a copy to put on this site and he said he would send it to me but he never did. If any of Tommy's relatives see this and would care to contact me I would like to put more details on here. Tommy's niece's son Jamie Reed kindly contacted me with the following which is also on another website called www.gonetoosoon.co.uk. Tommy's wife Cath reflects in a poem of their life together: They met and married a long time ago They worked long hours when wages were low, No TV, no wireless, no bath, times were hard Just a cold water tap and a walk in the yard. No holidays abroad, no carpets on the floor They had coke on the fire and didn’t lock the door, Their children arrived, no pill in those days(!) They were safe going out playing in the park, Old folk could go for a walk in the dark. No valium no drugs or any lsd They cured most of their ills with a good cup of tea, No vandals, no muggings, they had nothing to rob, They thought they were rich with a couple of bob. People seemed happier in those far off days Kinder and more caring in so many ways Milkmen and paperboys would whistle and sing A night at the pictures was their one mad fling. They all had their share of trouble and strife They just had to get on with it, that’s the pattern of life. Now Cath is alone and looks back through the years, She doesn’t think of the bad times the trouble and tears She remembers their blessing, their home and their love And that they shared them together and thanked God above. God bless you Tom. It was while I was at Tommy's funeral that I was told that my old friend Billy Kirkbright had also passed away. Farewell Website

14. Bill Kirkbright

Bill with his wife Sheila Dear Dick, It is with great sadness that I inform you and all South Bankers of the death of my Father - Bill Kirkbright. My Dad was born 20th July 1934 - to Joe & Clara Kirkbright of South Terrace (younger brother of Vincent). He attended St Peters Church and Schools before serving his time at Smiths Dock and completing National Service with RAF (fitness grade A1!). He married Sheila Ramsey (formerley of Napier Street) and they had two boys Stephen and Gerard. Bill had a stroke five years ago and then a further stroke just before Christmas. He died at James Cook Hospital on 14th January 2007. He is a much loved and missed - Husband, Brother, Dad, Grandad and Great Grandad. A true Gentleman. Ged Kirkbright PS. Keep up the good work on this great site!

15. Idris Coles

Idris Coles pictured in Scotland in 2005 I received an email from Jan Burns informing me that her Dad, Idris Coles had passed on in the morning of 25th January 2007. She also sent a photograph "I thought you would like to see this wonderful picture of Dad, taken about 2 years ago on holiday in Scotland. Not bad for 86 years old is it? I would appreciate him mentioned in your sad farewell page if possible as Dad was well known and well liked." Idris (also known as Taffy) used to live in Upper Oxford Street, first house from Redcar road. I remember him from when I lived in South Bank and he had an allotment on Skippers Lane. At one time he played Snooker for St Peter's club and he used to be doorman at Eston Institute in the nineties.

16. "I remember...!" Jimmy Collins

Jimmy Collins in The Cleveland On Thursday morning (19th April) we returned from a one week holiday in Cyprus and I learned that my old friend Jimmy Collins had passed away on Saturday night (14th April 2007) in Stead Hospital, Redcar - probably after "Last Orders". His funeral will be conducted in St. John's Church in South Bank on Tuesday (24th) at 1.45pm prior to proceeding to Eston Cemetery. I've known Jimmy ever since I first moved to South Bank on 10th February 1946. It was a Sunday and I met Jimmy in the first couple of days through his neighbour in Princess Street Johnny Walker who was my new cousin through marriage. One thing about Jimmy was his memory and he would invariably start a conversation off with the words "I remember when you, me, and ..." and he would throw in another name and I think he delighted in seeing a puzzled look on your face while you struggled to recall the incident he was referring to. Often he was right but sometimes I was fairly sure that he wasn't - but my memory could be failing or wasn't as good as his. Then someone said he said that to everyone, knowing that they wouldn't remember! Strangely I was thinking of Jimmy while in Cyprus when we were on a trip to Nicosia. The guide was on about Carib Beans and passed a couple around for our inspection which I recognised immediately although I hadn't seen any since 1946. When the war ended sweets (and other things) were on the ration and Jimmy told me of these sweet things to chew on sale in Waltons shop on Victoria Road "without coupons" and he said they were called "locust". We bought some and ate them although I can't remember what they tasted like and I think it must have been a one off sale because I never saw them again. The name, of course, was wrong although I never doubted it until I heard the tour guide. Was Jimmy having fun even then? (Incidentally, on that trip I was thinking of two other South Bankers at the same time. Rita Walton as she lived in the shop and I see her occasionally at the RAFA Club in Redcar; and Geoff Bray who died in the NAAFI at RAF Nicosia in 1956 when a terrorist bomb exploded under his seat when he was on a stopover from Hong Kong en route to being demobbed in England.) I digress! Even though Jimmy triggers all sorts of memories, to me he will always be The Memory Man. "So, Jimmy, I remember when you, me, and...!" So long, mate. I'll miss you and so will a lot of people that came in contact with you over the years. My condolences to Brenda and family. I received an email from Eugene McElvaney in the land of Oz: "Hello Dick, I'm very sorry to hear that your good mate and my cousin Jimmy Collins died on the weekend. Jimmy was a top lad and will be sadly missed by us all." When Jimmy's funeral service was held in St. John's Church, Father Terry read out a eulogy to his life. The accoustics in the church meant that a lot of people couldn't hear properly so I was glad when Father Terry later sent it to me in order to add to this website. "The life of each of us can be thought of as a series of stories, stories which over a period of time come together and form one story which is profoundly ours and unique to each individual. Jimmy’s story is certainly no exception to this, for as we look back over the stories of his life they reveal to us the story of a man who had many friends, was well read and who could hold his own no matter what the conversation or debate was about. Not surprisingly he always had the last word. The life and story of Jimmy began in Lorne Terence in South Bank when he was born one of four children to Mary and Les Collins on the 4th March 1935. Sadly his mother died while he was only five years old and the family and home were broken up. Jimmy remained with his father and they both went to live with his granny Collins. I think it’s fair to say that as a child Jimmy was a bit of a rebel, especially when he went to St.Peter’s school – he hated this school, especially as they were expected to go to Mass every week, and if they didn’t go they got into trouble off the nuns. Needless to say he missed a fair number of days at this school. In time he changed schools and went to Central School where a lot of his friends were. Once here he never missed a day’s school. Jimmy had a lot of friends on the street where he lived; some with whom he has remained friends with throughout his life; some of whom he would borrow comics off as he was a keen reader, even as a child. Jimmy was well read throughout his life, and enjoyed reading stories as well as telling them. And he could certainly hold his own in any conversation or debate whether it be social political or religious. Whilst he was at school his dad would give him his dinner money, but Jimmy would always go hunger and save the money to go to the pictures to see the last show, which were normally horrors, his favourite. But not all of his life was fun as a child, for there were chores to be done; One which Jimmy had to do was using his sledge to go and collect coal from the goods yard, and if there wasn’t any coal there he had to go the gas works and gather cinders. His work was not in vain as granny Collins liked to keep warm and often stood next to the fire warming her backside. But one day she stood a little too close and her dress caught fire, and she was only saved from serious injury and even death through the fast reaction of Jimmy. Who dashed outside to the back yard and grabbed a freezing cold bucket of water and poured it on her head. Whilst Jimmy was still at school, he worked at Bells Butchers. He liked this job as he often got tips on his deliveries, especially at Christmas. When he left school he went to work at Fleming’s Garage in Redcar; but he soon got fed up with it. Still he got up every morning, took his snack which his gran had prepared for him, and set off on his bike to work. But instead of going to work he would sit in the library all day reading books, then when it was time to go home he would rub some of the oil off his bike chain on his face so that it looked like he had been working under the hood of a bonnet. I’m not sure how long he was hoping to fool his gran, but I’m sure she would have clicked when there was no wage packet on the Friday. Even though Jimmy hadn’t stuck the job at the garage long, he was sharp enough to pick up enough training to do his own mechanics and throughout his life he has always been fixing other peoples cars outside his house. He advised Beverly his daughter when it came to her buying her first car. He had a quick look at a red Nova in Skelton, and told Beverly it was alright. When they got the car home he had a closer look and discovered allsorts wrong with it and said “I told you not to buy it.” Well he wasn’t the type to admit to being wrong, and you couldn’t argue with him as he always had to have the last word. But at least he fixed the car up for Beverly. As well as fixing cars Jimmy also enjoyed going for a run out in them, especially to the moors and Rosedale, Danby, Castleton as well as towards Whitby. When he did head toward Whitby whenever they passed that giant mound that is just off the A171 he would tell his children that it was a Viking burial mound. As well enjoying a drive out in the country and telling his children stories, Jimmy also enjoyed a bet on the horses on a Saturday and going out for a pint. Beverly said that whenever he’d had a drink he was always in a good mood and was the life and soul of the party. It was on a night out at the Oak Leaf that he met Brenda. She said he was a good looking bloke with jet black hair. Mind you he did take care in how he looked, as he seemed to spend more time in the bathroom than most women. At least you knew when he was in the bathroom as he would be singing away to himself all the time he was in there. This is only a brief glimpse at some of the stories that have made up Jimmy’s life and there are many more stories and memories to share, memories like Beverly’s, who told me that when Jimmy was so ill he wasn’t responding to anyone, yet when little Ryan called him he opened his eyes and said "Hi-ya little baba". Whatever the story, whatever the memory, we cannot deny that Jimmy’s story has touched each of our lives and throughout his life story he has given something for each of us to remember him by something that will make him stay alive in our hearts. Now this is not the end of Jimmy’s story. Yes his earthly body has passed away, but that does not mean that his life and story has ended. As Christians our faith offers us hope in the midst of death. Just as the day needs the darkness of night, and the night needs the light of day, so does life need death if the journey towards eternal life is to be travelled and the next chapter of the story of Jimmy’s existence is to begin. You see death is so much part of the story of life, yet death has been defeated by Christ’s resurrection from the dead and because of Christ’s victory we believe as Christian people that God is a God of love and he will remain with us forever. So we pray that Jimmy’s story has not ended but a new chapter has begun, and we hope that he will never leave us as his story moves onward to a life beyond death, a life and story that can never be broken. With this in mind Jimmy’s death simply means that he has now reached the end of one chapter, and is about to begin a new chapter, which by the mercy of God will be a chapter in his heavenly kingdom and in eternal life. So then we know death doesn’t have the final say it isn’t the end of the story, and I hope this small ray of light may give you strength to cope with the loss of Jimmy in the days to come. Father Terry." When I added this eulogy I was looking at the photo of Jimmy sitting in the Cleveland and it brought to mind a quotation by W.C.Fields which was then used the his epitaph on his gravestone. "On the whole, I'd rather be in Philadelphia" I think Jimmy would rather have been in The Cleveland - or Slaggy Island. Reading back through this reminds me to correct something. I met up with Rita Walton and mentioned the Carib Beans and she confirmed that they were called Locust! Oh that I should ever have doubted my friend Jimmy Collins the Memory Man.

17. Jackie Longster

Jacqueline Dunnigan (nee Longster) at the 2005 Reunion Ann Breckon wrote to me to let me know that Jackie Longster had passed away on the 6th of April (2007) aged 64. Although I had photographed her at the 2004 and 2005 reunions I didn't know her but she was a Slaggy Islander and so is on this page. Ann told me that Jackie had lost her husband Arthur, who liked a pint in the United Club, three years previously and leaves two daughters, Gillian and Cheryl, who will sadly miss their Mam. Condolences have also come in from John Richardson in Australia who was an old friend.

18. The Neal Brothers

Kevin and Rodney Neal pictured at the 2002 reunion Kevin and Rodney used to live in Upper Jackson Street near Brian McTurk and their houses were demolished and the site is now a car park for the United Club. Jack Sowerby, who also lived in Upper Jackson and was a lifelong friend of the brothers, told me that Kevin passed away in May to be followed by Rodney two weeks later. I don't know their respective families but I pass on my condolences.

19. Derek Skinn

Derek in the United Club I hadn't seen Derek Skinn for about fifty years until last October or November when I called in the United to see steward John Porritt and to take in a "thank you letter" from the Redcar RAFA for the United's efforts in collecting for the RAFA's Wings Appeal. As I turned from the bar to leave a voice said "Ee, Dickie Fawcett!" When I looked there was Derek Skinn sitting with a pint and, I swear, he hadn't changed a bit! Well, except for wearing glasses! Mind you, he said the same about me which made me think I must have been an old looking kid! We chatted for a little while before I had to leave, not realising that I wouldn't see him again. Still, I got a warm glow from renewing our aquaintance. Although I knew the date of Derek's funeral I was unable to attend and I've lost "Father Terry's" email address otherwise I would have added his eulogy. I commiserate with Derek's family on his passing.

20. Kevin Lennigan

Ray Ward told me that he heard of Kevin's passing when he attended Derek Skinn's funeral.
I last saw "Big Lenna" in Redcar High Street with his wife Margaret a few years ago but that was the only time in over forty years that our paths had crossed.
I always thought of him as a real gentleman and my thoughts are with his family. RIP.

21. Gordon Duffield

One day about the beginning of May I was talking to Jack Sowerby in Redcar Market when someone came into my thoughts out of the blue and I asked Jack if he recalled a one-armed snooker player who used to play in the 'tute and the Peter's Club. I wasn't sure if I remembered him playing in Kingy's (before it became the Cleveland pub) and I thought his name was "Duffy - or something like that"! We both had vivid memories of him and wondered what had become of him.
About two weeks later someone asked me if I remembered "Gordon Duffield" as he had died "about two weeks ago"!
Later I got an email from Terry Kelly about the passing Gordon.
It was strange that I had suddenly thought of Gordon who hadn't entered my thoughts for donkeys years and all I know of him was seeing him play with his little circular rest hooked on the end of his cue.
If anyone would like to add something I would be happy to put it in here.

22. Sid Robinson

I've just heard that Sid Robinson passed away at the beginning of July.
When we were Ted's Sid was well known as having the longest hair on Teesside! When he got married he moved to Brambles Farm and I haven't seen him since maybe the mid sixties. Strangely me and Jack were just talking about him recently and wondering how he was doing.
Actually, we wondered why he hadn't attended Jimmy Collins' funeral and thought possibly he hadn't heard the news. I remember Sid being with me and Jack at the Oak Leaf and meeting Jimmy with Brenda who I met for the first time.
Anyway, Sid was a great lad and it was a pleasure knowing him. If I get more details of Sid's life I'll add to this.

23. Derek Skinn 2

Another photo of Derek taken from the hymn sheet

24. Keith "Yigger" Wilde

Yigger pictured on right with Paul Norton being bottle fed by a waiter Photo from Paul Norton This holiday snap of Keith pictured with his mate Paul (with hair!) being filled by a Spanish waiter shows a man full of life. In that respect he never changed. Keith was found in his flat by friend and neighbour Ray Kilding after a night out in Redcar. Friends who were with him that night said he had never looked better. "A picture of health" they said. He had bought a take-away before returning to his flat in Eston but the next morning Ray was unable to get an answer to his knock so returned to his own flat for Keith's spare key. His shock was equalled by Keith's long time partner and best friend Pauline Lennaghan who still can't believe her loss. The service for Keith "Yigger" Wilde was held in St.George's Church which is just off Fabian Road at Teesville, next to the cemetery and I think there were in excess of 300 people in attendance, showing how well he was known and liked. My sympathies go to Pauline and his family.

25. Yigger's Soulmate Pauline

Pauline Lennaghan with her daughter manages a smile for the camera A reception was held in the Eston Institute to commemorate Keith's life and I felt uncomfortable producing my camera. The trouble is that funerals are often the only place we meet up with old friends. For instance, I hadn't seen Pauline since the early fifties and wouldn't have recognised her with blonde hair elsewhere. After all she had a mane of jet black hair when she was young - just like one of her grand daughter's as she pointed out! Pauline echoed other guests when describing how fit Keith had seemed and said that when viewing him in his coffin she felt that he would suddenly jump up.

26. Cynthia Vaughan

Cynthia with her husband Bill Walker and friend Enid Fish Today (21st April 2008) family and friends said goodbye to Cynthia Vaughan at Middlesbrough Crematorium. The picture above was taken last October at our Annual Reunion and Cynthia will be missed by all who knew her, especially Bill and their family. Please accept my condolences.

27. Cynthia

A quiet moment passes between Cynthia and husband Bill During all the jollity at the 2007 reunion at the Normanby Cynthia has a moment of reflection while a concerned Bill can't hide his pain completely. We didn't know that Cynthia wouldn't be at the next reunion - until we saw this photo.

28. Johnny Goffin

Steve McQueen's Vincent Black Shadow In the fifties/sixties young lads would go round to Aire Street to see Johnny Goffin's Vincent Black Shadow parked outside his house. It had more street cred than the present day Harley Davidson - after all, Steve McQueen owned one! Now, alas, Johnny has gone but if you see a black shadow in the sky at night you can be sure Johnny is revving up. R.I.P.

29. John Simms

30.Michael McLoughlin

Michael McLoughlin Photo from Eugene McElvaney Eulogy to Michael McLoughlin 1929-2008 By Eugene McElvaney It was sad to hear of the passing of ex-South Banker Michael McLoughlin at the Gold Coast, Queensland recently. Michael was the eldest child of Elle (Murphy) and James McLoughlin and a brother to his thirteen siblings, Jimmy, Catherine, Tommy, Winnie, Theresa, Tony, Maureen, Bernard, Pat, Terry, Eileen, Sheila, Kevin and Vincent. Michael McLoughlin had it tougher than most South Bankers; born in 1929 the year of the Wall Street stock market crash. Raised in Millbank Street South Bank during the great depression and having to start work as a 14 year old during WW2. Yet, Michael like many of his fellow South Bankers just got on with it and made the most of his life. After migrating to Australia in 1963 he settled in Brisbane in the sunshine state of Queensland. He was employed as a medical administrator at the Royal Brisbane Hospital - one of the largest teaching hospitals in the Southern Hemisphere. In the mid 1970s Michael became a member of the hospital’s pioneering team, harvesting human tissue for transplantation. Michael’s work involved public relations and he made many television appearances in an effort to educate the public about the importance of organ donations. Thanks to people like Michael, the program has saved thousands of lives in Queensland. Later he became the Police Liaison Officer and also a Justice of the Peace. His hobby, like many who attended St Peter’s RC School was horse racing and on weekends he often acted as a consultant to many of South East Queensland racehorse owners. Michael never married but he had a full and successful life with his pioneering work, horse racing, community duties, church and his love of research of the history of the South Bank district. They say that, “some South Bankers are ashamed of their origins and avoid telling people from where they came, while others tell of their pride in their South Bank upbringing which gave them the toughness to survive and prosper”. Michael was the latter. RIP.