JANUARY 2002
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Show GH from the start again! 31/1/02
Adele can't get enough of Grange Hill: "Now that the new Grange Hill is back on and it repeats itself on Sunday morning, I was wondering if they would repeat the very old ones again like they used too?" Hi Adele. I think it's unlikely the BBC will repeat the series from the beginning, especially so soon after the last time. However the BBC are launching two children's channels on digital TV shortly, so there could always be a repeat here - keep watching!
An episode guide would be great! 31/1/02
Sean asks: "I really like your site. Please can you try and put a Grange Hill episode guide? I have tried looking everywhere and can't find one. I would be very grateful if you did put up an episode guide, please let me know." Hello Sean. Sadly we have no plans at present for an episode guide. Because there are so many series of Grange Hill, an episode guide would be rather impractical. It would also require much more webspace than we have. But keep looking in, you never know!
Grange Hill boy strikes Capital Gold 31/1/02
Dean Martin has swapped television for readio: "Hello There! I was in Grange Hill for 2 years played a small part called Joe and was an extra. I am now a DJ for Capital Radio in London; just go to DJ homepages at www.capitalgold.com and check me out." Hi Dean! Whenabouts were you in Grange Hill and did you have any memorable scenes? Let us know. In the meantime we'll check out your site!
Many happy returns Kacey! 30/1//02
Jessica Russell spotted a mistake in the Star File: "Kacey Barnfield (Maddie) is actually 14, it was her birthday on the 14th January." Hi Jessica - thanks for telling us, and we've updated Kacey's Star File with her DOB. Are you a friend of Kacey or have you been in Grange Hill with her? And if you're looking in Kacey, hope you had a wonderful birthday!
Was Paula Holby's pregnant lady? 30/1//02
Chris Selby thinks he's spotted a familiar face: "Hi, Just wondered if you could confirm if it was Paula Ann Bland (Claire Scott) who appeared in Holby City on 29th January? She played a woman who needed a caesarian section. Curious, Keep up the great work on the Site." Hi Chris. Sorry to disappoint you but it wasn't Paula you saw in Holby. The actress was in fact Pippa Hinchley, who played Curly's boss in Coronation Street years ago. As far as we know Paula is no longer acting - she hasn't been registered with Spotlight since 1992. Does anyone know where Paula is now?
Sorry you've left us Tracy! 30/1//02
Les B has a bone to pick with us: "As a viewer of the programme from the start, I have just discovered your excellent website. On seeing today's first episode of Series 25, I was very disappointed that Tracy (Sally Morton), seems have left the programme (according to Lisa, she has gained a music scholarship). What is annoying, is that until today (when she has been deleted), she was listed as a sixth former, in your 2002 cast. This non-appearance is as bad as when the excellent Sian Welsh (Laurie), did not reappear for Series 22. I await your comments."
Hello Les. We're also disappointed that Sally has left. Like everyone else, we just don't know who's left until the series starts, and that's why we moved Tracy temporarily to the sixth form page. So apologies for any confusion. When Sian left the series there was much disappointment at her departure, also the fact there was no explenation in the script for her disappearance. However this happens all the time in soaps and dramas like Grange Hill - viewers notice but not the other characters!
New Grange Hill cast photos 30/1//02
Mark Burns asks: "Hi, could you tell me if the stars of the new series will have new publicity shots? I don't want to send off for someone who was in the last series and get the same pic again,plus a contact address for the pics would be appreciated." Well Mark, there are going to new photos but only for certain cast members. They should be available from the Grange Hill office in a few weeks - write to Grange Hill, BBC Elstree Centre, Clarendon Road, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire WD6 1JF. In the meantime you can preview the new snaps at www.bbc.co.uk/grangehill - click on Cast Profiles.
New Grange Hill site! 28/1/02
Hello now to Pete and Pete, aka QZ and Snoop: "My friend and I have set up a Grange Hill website [ http://www.grangehill.r4f.com ] as we are huge fans of the show. We are more focused on the current era of Grange Hill [98-present day]. We discovered your website and both agree that it is the best Grange Hill site out there on the web. we wondered if you would consider helping us and us you? We shall be adding your link." Hi there! We've had a look at Grange Hill 2002 and it looks promising. Our Links page now has a link to your site, and we'll be glad to help however we can. Good luck!
Grange Hill pupils who lasted the course 27/1/02
Michael has been thinking: "I read your article on Colin and Arnie being the longest serving pupils. I thought I had a good knowledge of Grange Hill but this question is bugging me. When pupils start in the 1st year, out of the original first year intake of each series, how many have gone on to complete all 7 years of schooling, the five standard years and two years in the 6th form. To my knowledge:
1. 1988 1st years: Justine only (Clark and Susi left in 1989, Tegs in 1991, Matthew and Chrissy 1992)
2 . Ziggy's year: Calley and Trevor only. (Hollo left 1987, Gonch and Vince 1989, Robbie 1990). Ziggy, Imelda, Georgina and Helen did not start until 1986. Is Ronnie eligible because she only did one episode in 1991?
3. Zammo's year: I believe only he and Fay finished but they did one year in the 6th form only, what about Roland?
4. Not sure at all about Tucker etc!
5. Clare and Pogo's year: possibly those two?
6 Arnie and Colin's year: them only, am I correct?
7.Wayne's year: Wayne and Kelly only.
longest serving pupils. Calley Donnington was the first to complete seven years in 1991"That's my conclusion, can you extend the answers any further?" Hi Michael. Surprisingly, no Grange Hill pupil went all the way from the first year to the Upper Sixth until 1991. Two pupils remained from the original line-up of first years; these were Calley and Trevor as you say. In 1994, Justine Dean was the sole survivor from her first year (1988), making it all the way through the sixth form. In recent years it's become more common for pupils to complete all seven years of schooling.
In the early 1980s, Clare, Stewpot and Precious were introduced as first years in 1981 and stayed until the lower sixth in 1985. However the series jumped from their first to third years. Tucker did five years but only made a few appearances in Series 5. Fay, Zammo and Roland all lasted from first year to Lower Sixth, when all three were axed. More recently, Arnie, Colin and Dill made it to the Upper Sixth but Dill left early to take up a scholarship in America.
Colin and Arnie broke all records last year when both repeated their final year. Will anyone beat that? We'll have to see!
The original title sequence 27/1/02
Marco asks: "Do you know where I could view pictures of the old animated opening sequence?" Right here Marco, in our Video Vault! You'll need RealPlayer 8.5 to view the clips; to view the movie, right-click on the title and select "Save Target As". Happy Viewing!
Rachel on stage and screen 24/1/02
As our quest for a Star File on Rachel Victoria Roberts continues, Andrew Startup offers some considerable help: "I have some info of Rachel Victoria Roberts. She has appeared in:-
Agony (Live TV) 1998 in various roles
The Bill (Thames TV) 1998 as Sandra Bassett
Dick Whittington (on stage) 1997 as Alice Fitzwarren
Snow White (on stage) 1996 as Molly the maid
Back Up (BBC TV) as Sheila 1996
An Independent Man (TV) 1995 as Zoe
Respect (Yorkshire TV) 1995 as Janine
Dick Whittington (on stage) 1994 as Buckle
A Touch of Frost (Yorkshire TV) 1992 as Mary Louise Harding"Sadly I do not have any info on her birthday. I also noticed an omission from John Alford's Star File. Last year he appeared in Mike Bassett: England Manager, as one of the England Team. His characters name was either Dean or Deano, as he played one of two midfielders who looked alike, who were called Dean & Deano. Finally Clare Buckfield will be touring shortly soon in Godspell. Info is on the Godspell website as to the tour dates at www.godspell.co.uk"
Hi Andrew. If we can get some info on Rachel herself, then we'll have our Star File! Thanks too for telling us about John's role in "Mike Bassett" and the latest news on Clare!
UPDATE: Pogo's pub 24/1/02
A few days ago Steve Goldfinch asked if we knew the location of the London pub run by Peter Moran, aka Pogo Patterson. Keith Roberts e-mailed the details: "Peter's dad owns The Nag's Head pub in Kinnerton Street, SW1 off Wilton Place. It's very small and as far as I know Peter does not own or work there." Thanks for that Keith. So it's not "Pogo's pub" after all then! Still, I'm sure a lot of GH fans must drop in hoping to get a glimpse of the man himself. We'll check it out if ever we're in London!
Missing from Star File - Justine Dean 21/1/02
Peter has just discovered GH Online: "First visit to site - very good. I am surprised to see nothingin Star File about Rachel Victoria Roberts who played Justine Dean from 1988 to 1994 I think she holds the record for longest stay at GH being there from age 11 to 17. She was in a Ford Fiesta advert and a comedy series with George Cole plus a couple episodes of The Bill. I wonder if she is still acting?" Hi Peter - welcome to the site! We're also disappointed there isn't a Star File on Rachel, unfortunately there isn't any information available on her (DOB/hobbies etc.) Surprising really, considering Justine was a popular character. However Rachel is still acting - you might also have seen her in "Respect" and "A Touch Of Frost". Justine isn't Grange Hill's longest serving pupil - the record is held jointly by Colin Brown and Arnie Arnold who joined GH in 1994 and only left last year. Can anyone beat that?
Where is Liam now? 21/1/02
Nicola Calvert had a massive crush on Justine Dean's boyfriend: "I was wondering if anyone can help. I fancied Justine Dean's boyfriend from St. Joe's, Liam (Danny Cunningham) & when he was killed in the show I was devastated & never really saw him in anything after that. Recently I was talking to work colleagues & Grange Hill came up after someone mentioned Liam & I remembered him. I just want to know what happened to Danny Cunningham after Grange Hill? Where is he now and do you have any pictures of him? Many thanks."
Well Nicola - Danny's been a busy chap since leaving Grange Hill! For a few years he had a lead role in "Soldier Soldier" and these days he pops up in Coronation Street occasionally, as Linda Sykes' nasty brother Jimmy. Danny has also appeared in "Holby City" as a patient who died on the operating table. No photos I'm afraid, hope this helps!
Getting our teachers in order 21/1/02
Michael has some queries about our In The Know listings: "Like your improved cast listings for pupils and teachers a lot, but one or two things have confused me: 1. How come every year has names in alphabectical surname order, but teachers have not? 2. Firstly I considered you was doing "teachers" in order of stature, top dog etc and so on, especially as it read Mr Robson(1), Mrs Holmes(2), because that is the order, head/deputy. Unknown to me Mr Devrill has taken over as deputy, so what order are you aiming for as it seems out of context with the other listings. Surely it's not on "pecking order" is it? Anyhow the work you do is phenomenal. PS who is 3rd in command any ideas? Looking foward to this Devrill chap, personally I hope he knocks Robson off his perch."
Hi Michael. Our "In The Know" pages list pupils alphabetically by surname as they are all equal. But this isn't the case with the teachers, so we've listed the head teacher first (Mr Robson) and his deputy second. The others are listed randomly after that. I suppose we should list them longest-serving first really!
The Staff page does list the teachers in a slightly different order to our In The Know index as you say. This is because we think there's going to be another new teacher as well as Mr Devrill, but we can't be certain yet! Like you we're looking forward to seeing Mr Devrill, he seems a bit of a sadist so that should be fun!
Do you know where Peter's pub is?Name these GH locations 16/1/02
Steve Goldfinch has three more Grange Hill posers for us: "We have come up with three more Grange Hill problems: (1) Were the schools used real or BBC mock-ups? If real, where were they situated? (2) Was Hayes Green Newsagents real and if so where is it? (3) Whereabouts in Bethnel Green is the pub Peter Moran (aka Pogo Patterson) runs? We are in Mile End next week and might pay a visit. if there's enough time. Thanks."
Hi Steve. Until 1985, Grange Hill was filmed at several different real schools. Sadly we don't know where these schools were but the series moved around every few years because fans apparently disrupted filming. Eventually production moved to the BBC's Elstree studios; the show remains there today but the canteen scenes are filmed in nearby Hawkmoor School, Bushey Fields.
Sorry we can't help with Hayes Green Newsagents, though it could have been real! And we don't have an address for Peter's pub either. Shame on us! Still hope you manage to find it. If YOU know the locations of the schools used in early Grange Hill episodes please drop us a line!
Dennis' cyber-girlfiend - Lovebyte! 16/1/02
Tom Lainton remembers when Dennis was in Year 7: "Do you have any pics of Lovebyte when she was in Grange Hill? Cheers." Hi Tom! "Lovebyte" was a girl Dennis was e-mailing in the 1992 series. He arranged to meet her, but in the event she brought her mates and Dennis ran off! Debbie Chadwick (left) was the actress who played Lovebyte.
New series starts 29th January 16/1/02
Wendy Garde has the start date for Series 25: "Grange Hill is back on Tuesday the 29th January. I can't wait. Happy new year to you." Thanks for that Wendy. I thought it was the 29th - we just weren't sure! Less than two weeks to go now - not long!
Name the stink bomb jokers
Ann Johnson hopes we can solve a Grange Hill puzzler: "We are a group of secretaries in a London firm and every year are given a quiz to complete for Charity. One of the questions in the television section is: "Which two troublemakers let off stink bombs on their first day of Grange Hill?" We have tried many many websites connected with Grange Hill but cannot find the answer. Would you be able to help ?? Many thanks."
No problem Ann! The two jokers who let off stink bombs were none other than Zammo Maguire (Lee MacDonald) and Jonah Jones (Lee Sparke). Their practical jokes meant the whole class had to move to the canteen! This episode was first shown in 1982. Good luck with the quiz!
Hill Hogs in the picture 04/1/02
Happy New Year to Tali Simpson: "Hi how are you doing? I was wandering if you had a picture of the roller hockey team the Hill Hogs that Arnie started could you send it to me. Also I was wandering if I could put in a nomination in for cover star of the week and it goes to Ben Freeman who played Chris Longworth 1996-1998. Thanks." Hello again - we're fine thanks! We've got some magazine cuttings of the Hill Hogs so watch this space and I'll publish them here soon. Ben's already been on the front page but you never know, he might be there again!
Now FHM give their verdict on us 04/1/02
GH Online has notched up another press review, as Andrew P. Ralph explains: "Back a while ago I informed you about GH Online being featured in the Metro, well now it seems FHM have reviewed your site. I was flicking through the February edition of FHM and found a promo for the their Newsletters from their website (page 158). I noticed that there was a photo of Zammo on the image from a "big eye on the web" newsletter. Since there are few Grange Hill sites I guessed it would be yours. You can also read the review on the FMH site at www.fhm.com: click on "Big Eye on the web" and select "School daze: www.grangehill.co.uk" from the drop-down box "More big eye stories from the archive".The article reads:
It's all very well logging on to friendsreunited.co.uk and seeing what that first girlfriend is now up to (happily married to a wealthy private doctor, since you ask), but what of our televisual friends from the past? Those young actors that accompanied us from our first day at school all the way through to our first wielding of the pork sword? Well this splendid site has tracked down the stars of Grange Hill through the years to reveal the current whereabouts of, among others, Pogo Patterson and Mauler McCall. And Justine is currently working in a mobile phone shop in Bromley, should you be curious. Reminisce at www.grangehill.contactbox.co.uk"
Also although they give the home address both the text and the photo link the Star File index. Hope this helps." Hi Andrew - wow, this is great exposure! Nice to know word is spreading about GH Online, and the Star File seems a great place to link to. I'm just off to the newsagents for my copy!
In search of Simone's autograph 02/1/02
Lucy Diamond is desperate to get the autograph of her favourite actress: "Hi there! I just stumbled across your Grange Hill web site, in my search for a contact address for my favourite actress - Simone Hyams, formerly of Grange Hill fame. I am very keen to write to her in the hope she may be able to sign my Grange Hill photo, but I don't know where to write. I have already tried asking the BBC, who are unable to assist. Can you please help me?? I look forward to hearing from you." Well Lucy, you're in luck! Try writing to Simone (aka Calley Donnington) c/o Thomas & Benda Associates, 310 Edgware Road, London W2 3DY. You could also try www.ordinarypeople.co.uk where Simone is registered for modelling work. Good luck!
Justin Bennett tracks us down! 02/1/02
Remember Justin Bennett from the 1970s? Robert Morgan, the actor who played him, kicks off our postbag for 2002: "I have just found your site on Grange Hill while having a search about it with a group of friends. I must say it is very good indeed, a great source to find out info about the cast of the programme past and present. The information has brought back a whole list of names I had forgotten who were involved, it was so many years ago !!, I am now 37 and was only 13 when it began as a planned 9-episode series to be called "Grange Park". We (Todd Carty, George Armstrong, Terry Sue Patt, Michelle Herbert etc) thought we were on a bit of a short journey to nowhere, but well the rest is history. I'm moving from London to live in Ireland at the end of January 2002, but if I can be of any help to the site regarding any history or cast/production details before then please do not hesitate to contact me. Again keep up the great work!"
Hi Robert - lovely to hear from you! None of us had any idea what you're doing these days so thanks for letting us know. As you say the rest IS history - we're looking forward to Series 25 of GH which is just about to start. Good luck with the move to Ireland, and thanks again!
