Nostalgia: The class of 1965

Dukinfield's Astley Grammar School for Girls was looking to the future at its annual prizegiving and speech day.

The main hall was full to overflowing with 1,500 adults and pupils, but those unable to find a seat could go along to one of the classrooms and watch on closed circuit TV.

Guest speaker Mr SR Hall, chief education officer for Portsmouth, spoke of the challenges facing the students when they left school. 

Most of them would still be comparatively young in the year 2000 which he believed would bring with it a much shorter working week and more time for leisure. 

Mr Hall suggested the girls should make the most of their spare time by indulging in sports, crafts and other hobbies.

Headmistress Miss G McFarlane said the year had produced some outstanding examination results. Four girls managed to achieve four A Level passes, seven had passed nine O levels and two had gained six top grades.

Mr Hall and his wife presented the prizes. 

Also in attendance were County Cllr Mrs M Bayes, the Mayor and Mayoress of Dukinfield, Cllr and Mrs Robin Denyer and the Mayor and Mayoress of Stalybridge, Alderman and Mrs JW Sleigh.

Main image:

MAKING THE GRADE: Girls at Astley Grammar who achieved good O Level grades including Carol Longden, Pamela Nicholson, Jennifer Wilde, Joyce Falias, Hilary Gaskell and Wendy Mason.