Derrick Collins recalls/Extract early training school brochure

DERRICK COLLINS RECALLS March 2002 I really had to tie Derrick down to get this profile of his years at St Francis - such a shy boy! Derrick came to St Francis in 1960 as a builder's labourer and then joined the transport department as a driver 4 years later, causing an immediate rise in the standards of driving in Sussex! With the opening of the Albermarle Youth Centre, he was involved in the formation of a group known as Unit 4 with the main organisation of the group being down to a fellow called 'Noise'. (Where is he now - if he logs us then please let us have your version). Unit 4 eventually died away but Sean Cottrell had a group known as Sean Cottrell's Ceile Band (very original!). Derrick was a stand-in for Paddy Shiel on drums. Sean played melodeon and the fare was mainly Clancy Bros and such like heavy metal. In the early 60's Cottrell passed his exams and the group fell apart (?with shock - sorry, only joking Sean). The group used to play in the old Sussex Hall subsequently Budgens and now Trading4U. Following this, Derrick's entertainment career took a turn for the better - sorry worse - when he became road manager for the Saints Disco featuring Brendan Daniels and Pat Donoghue and they had a regular spot at Ravenswood. Derrick swears those were the days of NO wine, NO women and definitely NO song!JH EXTRACT - EARLY TRAINING SCHOOL BROCHURE 'St Francis Hospital is one of two large psychiatric training hospital serving the needs of people from East Sussex, Brighton and Hove. The main building, constructed in 1859, which is being skillfully adapted to modern methods of psychiatric treatment and decorated and furnished in accordance with current tastes, commands a magnificent view across the South Downs and of the beautiful countryside amongst which it is situated. The hospital has its own farmlands which, besides affording deversional occupation for patients, also provides much of its requirements of milk, eggs, poultry, pork and fresh vegetables. Of more recent construction is the Admission Villa of the main hospital and Hurstwood Park Hospital. There is perhaps no more rewarding profession for those who have a genuine interest in their less fortunate fellows and enjoy working with people than that of psychiatric nursing and those students who ultimately qualify as mental nurses and supplement their qualifications with that of general nursing will find that the most senior nursing posts in the country are open to them. SCHEME OF TRAINING (Extract) Prizes are awarded in respect of each examination on merit. In addition, proficiency allowances of £40 and £50 are payable to students who have passed the preliminary and final state examinations respectively.' JH