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2002
[OCT] [NOV] [DEC] [JAN] [FEB] [APR] [MAY] [JUN] [JUL] [AUG] [SEP] [CYH MAIN PAGE]
Calling all Maddie fans! 26/3/02
If you like Kacey Barnfield you'll want to read this: "Just to let you know that I have put up another site , this time for Kacey Barnfield, she has kindly provided all the info for the site. if you could provide a link , that would be great http://uk.geocities.com/kaceybarnfield thanks." Hi Mark - great site! No problem with the link. There's a detailed interview with Kacey so this one site you just can't miss!
Changing uniforms at Grange Hill 26/3/02
Sean Seymour from Aberdeen asks: "I know the uniform changed because of the competition recently but why did the original uniform change to the previous Grange Hill uniform? also you can buy the Grange Hill TX file from www.amazon.co.uk"
Hi Sean. The original Grange Hill badge ran until 1986. In the storyline, Mrs McClusky wanted a new identity for the school to celebrate Grange Hill's merger with Rodney Bennett and Brookdale. So she launched a pupil competition to design a logo for the school magazine. Danny Kendall's design was the winner - his purple and yellow badge was modified into the familiar emblem used until last year. But Danny was far from impressed that he'd be leaving his mark on Grange Hill for years to come! Thanks for confirming the Grange Hill TX File was published - we'd better place our order!
Grange Hill annuals for sale! 22/3/02
Cherry Roberts has a tempting offer: "I have some Grange Hill annuals if anyone is interested in buying them? Contact me at carobert@lehman.com for more details." Hi Cherry! I'm sure you'll get a few takers so if anyone's looking for GH annuals, drop Cherry a line!
Where have we seen Deverill before? 22/3/02
More comments now from Les: "After a very strong episode last Thursday, the programme seems to be definitely winding down this week. Noticed that the cast was shown after Tuesday's morbid episode. There are "sparks flying" at Mr Robson's wedding next Thursday, which I presume is the last GH as we know it. I certainly hope to see a cast after that episode. I have to say that Nicolas Tizzard (what else has he been in?), gives a good performance as (the bogus) Mr Deverill.
I have gone off Vikki this series (she was a favourite in Series 24), and have not seen enough of Shannon. Good news is that Amy Phillips (Jessica Arnold) is in this Sunday's edition of "Rescue Me". Sadly, Amy seems to have appeared in some other duff programmes, such as "Knight School" and "Harbour Lights". She also appeared with Natalie Poyser (Becky Stevens) in adverts for Johnsons Clean and Clear.
More trivia: Dulice Liecier (Precious Matthews), appeared in an underrated detective series called "Call Me Mister", and also in the James Bond film "The Living Daylights". Kevin O'Shea (Mr Hargreaves), appeared as a junior detective in later series of "The Gentle Touch". Liked Abigail Hart a lot as Paula Webster. Dean Harris, Ian's father in current series used to play an undercover detective in 80's Secret Service programme, a spin-off of "Blood Money" and "Scorpion". Would have thought that as GH reaches a milestone at end of current series, why not a satellite/cable station (not necessarily a Childrens'channel), start repeating it again from the beginning ?
Hello again Les. Nicolas Tizzard is a well-known television actors and has appeared in several shows including Casualty, London's Burning and Family Affairs. Check out www.hettychurchill.com for his full CV. Nice to hear Amy Phillips is back on TV - we'll try not to miss her! We'd never have thought Dulice went on to appear in a Bond film - you might also have seen her in early episodes of EastEnders in 1985. As for satellite repeats it's not looking hopeful - why not contact Sky with the idea?
Name that tune 22/3/02
Colin Blanchard asks: "Tuesdays episode (19/3/02) was very powerful. I wonder if you could help me in identifying the tune played at the end though as Amy's mum dies. The episode was very touching and brought a tear to my eye!" Hi Colin. The track was "Fields Of Gold" sung by Eva Cassidy and available on the album "Songbird". You should have no trouble getting it from any record shop. Like Amy's mum, Eva herself died of cancer and her vocal talents were only recently discovered. A moving episode as you say - I wonder how poor Amy will cope?
Sophie has fun on the site! 19/3/02
A big welcome now for Sophie Shad, aka Shona in Grange Hill: "Recently discovered your excellent website and having fun looking round it! We all had fun at the recent Grange Hill get together. If you need any questions answering I'll do my best to help! Keep up the good work - best wishes from Sophie (Shona West)." Hi Sophie - glad you are enjoying the site and it's great to hear from you. I wonder if we'll be seeing you again this series? Thanks for writing in and best of luck for the future.
Jeremy Irvine alive and well! 19/3/02
Gareth Powell has news of an old face: "I am sitting here with the character in person. Jeremy Irvine is alive and well, as Vincent Matthews. We are currently working in the production of various film and television work. He is producing TV commercials and other affiliated programmes. Catch him at www.endorfin.co.uk and follow the links to his photograph. There is a story to tell, come and get it!!! It involves the mob!!!" Hi Gareth! Thanks for solving the mystery of what Vincent is doing now - quite a few ex-GH actors are now working behind the cameras. We'd love to talk to Vincent, maybe you could get him to drop us a line?
* Jeremy Irvine appeared in Grange Hill between 1983-84. He was Jonah's mischievous cousin who transferred to Grange Hill from Rodney Bennett, and soon got on everyone's nerves with his cockiness. Jeremy drowned in the school pool when a prank went wrong - Zammo was distraught and so were several viewers!
Ms Janowitz's pop career 19/3/02
Kyle Pollock has e-mailed from San Francisco: "I have news of Marita Black who was on Grange Hill and played Ms. Patti Janowitz. In Los Angeles she is in a band called Lust Pollution. I thought you might want to know a little more about her. I put up a fan site for the band (it's pretty amateur - I haven't updated it in a while). You can see some more current pix of her. She is Madame the lead singer. http://www.geocities.com/FashionAvenue/Catwalk/2491/index.html Take care." Hello Kyle! We've always wandered what happened to Marita after she left Grange Hill, and now we know. If you want to see Ms Janowitz the singer, check out Kyle's site now!
Where were those tennis courts? 19/3/02
Matt Mills writes: "After reading the table in the new Close Up feature I remembered that in Series 14, the racing car competition scenes were filmed in the grounds of a school totally different to the Elstree site - I think it was only on around two scenes and the location definitely didn't look like the Borehamwood school used in many episodes- from what I can remember it resembled the last "old school" building. I have also noticed a (possibly) different location on the tennis court scenes in Series 17. Regarding the new sets of 1990, I can remember Mrs McClusky saying the school was in need of refurbishment at the start of Series 12, although I'm not sure if this was an indication that Grange Hill was to be redecorated."
Hi Matt. The tennis courts you mention were probably those of Hawksmoor School in Hertfordshire - Hawksmoor has been used for exterior shots since 1994. As for the Car Day scenes in 1991, I'm afraid we don't know the location! Perhaps it was the same school used for hall scenes at the time?
I love Grange Hill - and Matt! 12/3/02
Roxy writes: "Hi, I am probably Grange Hill's biggest fan! I think it is wicked and the boy who plays Matt is really cute! Lots of love." Well Roxy, I think a lot of others believe they are Grange Hill's biggest fan too! Still, Matt is certainly a popular chap - Briony how could you be so cruel to him?
Sarah-Jane WAS in road accident 12/3/02
Malcolm Neale spotted Miguel de Veres' query about Sarah-Jane Webster: "Someone asked about Sarah-Jane being run over. She was not run over but she was knocked off her bike by Miss Carver who swerved to miss another vehicle (1995 series). She was not badly hurt, only a few cuts, but her bike was badly damaged. Miss Carver fainted with shock. Hope this helps."
Hi Malcolm, and thanks for clearing that up. We are missing the first two episodes of Series 18 so I guess it must have happened then. Shame really, I'd have loved to see Miss Carver fainting!
We've certainly got noticed! 06/3/02
Now here's someone who needs no introduction: "This is Adam Sopp, I play 'Darren'. As you know Grange Hill is moving to Liverpool, so on Friday 22nd Feb, the current cast and crew had a get together. It was there that I first heard about your site. Si Spencer, script editor, John Hudson, 'Ian', and many others told me about your site. I would just like to say well done for such a comprehensive site, and congratulations for having your site talked about at the get together! Everytime I walked over to another group of people it seemed as if they were talking about your site! If you need any more information on the show, just drop me a line."
Hi Adam! Lovely to hear from you; we'd never have imagined 18 months ago the cast would be talking about GH Online! Thanks also for the Star File info - your profile will appear on the site soon.
* There's more from Adam on YOUR SHOUT, our new letters page dealing with the planned changes to Grange Hill.
St Joe's cock-up? 06/3/02
Hello now to Christopher Reilly: "Hi. I want to complement you on your website, it's really great and accurate. I consider myself a pretty pedantic with regards to GH trivia (esp the 80s) and I've seen very little that appears to be wrong/inaccurate on your site. The Close Up feature on the location changes and how these were realised in the scripts was very interesting - but just one very minor point, you refer to "St Joseph's Comprehensive", but in one year (about 1991- 2) Mr Griffifhs and one other teacher (can't remember from memory) are visiting St Joe's and they see a nun!! Surely this implies that this school is infact a Roman Catholic school as opposed to a comprehensive (as a comp. covers all religions) - or can a school be both?? As I said it's a very minor point.
"Also, what about a detailed series-by-series/episode-by episode synopsis of the series in its entirety (with a special section introducing new characters at the start of each series)? As far as I can see this does not seem to be in existence anywhere and although this would be a major undertaking, the finished product would be well worth it. I would be willing to contribute on this feature, I have the first 13 series sitting around somewhere in a darkened cellar, with the exception of a few episodes."
Hi Chris! Thanks for your positive feedback and we're glad you're enjoying the site. Looking back over the years, St Joe's has never really been portrayed as a Roman Catholic school - its main function has always been as a rival to Grange Hill. But I'm prepared to admit we've goofed - if there are nuns running around St Joe's must be an RC school? The episode with Mr Griffiths (and Mr Robson) is from 1992. We've often been asked about complete series guide, however there are no plans at present mainly due to web space issues. But one day it might happen! If you're willing to contribute some material, we'd love that very much. Keep visiting!
Michael and Stuart in Sci-fi land 06/3/02
Hello again to Kerr Avon: "I once had a drink with Mr Bronson (Micheal Sheard) at an SF convention a couple of years ago. I'm a big SF fan. And on that connection did you know that Stuart Organ (Mr Robson) appeared in a Dr Who episode called 'Dragonfire', and Micheal Sheard was in the follow up 'Remembrance of the Daleks', as a school headmaster posessed by the daleks!! I just got it on DVD and its F.A.B !!! Anyway that's all for now. The current series of G/H is getting quite gripping even though Sally Morton is not in it (boo hoo!!)" Hi Kerr. We have heard that Michael and Stuart appeared in Dr Who, but until now that was all we knew. I'll have to look out for these episodes! Glad you're enjoying Grange Hill - Mr Deverill is the baddie we love to hate!
Can you help with my essay? 06/3/02
Kathryn Jones is a second year A level Media student: "I am currently researching for my individual research project and I have decided to do mine on Grange Hill. My title is "How does the representation of controversial issues in children's programmes such as Grange Hill influence the audience and the way in which they deal with real life situations". A very long winded title I think! I found your site and it has helped me a lot but I was wondering if you had any links or sites or information that could help further my studies. thank you for your help and time."
Hi Kathryn. There are one or two academic pieces about Grange Hill on the web but we don't know any URLs, I'm afraid. Perhaps the best way to find these is to visit www.google.co.uk and search for "GRANGE HILL". Glad you've found GH Online useful; good luck with the essay and let us know if we can be of any further help!
Max before Grange Hill 06/3/02
Rosanna Urwick knows a famous face: "Just thought I'd tell you that Max Brown also went to Stage Two Drama School in Shrewsbury, Shropshire and had lead roles in several productions at the Music Hall here in Shrewsbury. If you'd like anymore information on him feel free to e-mail me." Hi Rosanna! Thanks for the info about Max, we'll add it to his Star File. Are you still in contact with Max? Do tell us more!
Help me clear up a few things... 06/3/02
Miguel de Vanes watched Grange Hill in the 1990s: "I have vague memories of watching Grange Hill. Was there a character called Josh?" He was mates with Dennis and Dudley who overdosed on sleeping pills whilst revising for his GCSEs. Hi Miguel Yes there was a character called Josh Davis, indeed he was mates with Dennis and Dudley.
"Were there two lads who got jobs working on coaches?" In a manner of speaking! Brian Shaw and Gabriel Woods did work experience at a coach yard in 1995. "Did Mr. Robson have an affair with a French woman?" No. But he did get involved with the American teacher Martha Jordan in 1994. Unfortunately the relationship didn't last. "When Wayne bullied Kevin with Alec, was there a character with a pony tail?" Yes there was - that was Robert Buckley, played by Sam Powell. "Was there a mentally disabled character?" Not that we're aware of.
"Did a teacher give birth, while Dennis delivered the baby during Grease, and was there a French girl (daughter of a teacher?) that all the boys fancied?" Mrs Maguire, the school secretary, gave birth in the toilets during the performance of Grease in 1996. The girl you're thinking of is Cecile Lefevre, Mme Lefevre's daughter who Joe Williams was seeing on the side. Most pupils disliked her but Gabriel gave her Lucy's part in Grease.
"Who was the character whose brother returned from prison, and that's where Kevin got the LSD from (her brother)? And Anna ran away with Chris and was found by Mrs. Fraser?" That was Gordon Wright, Anna's brother. Kevin found the LSD and thought it was a transfer. Anna and Chris ran away to Scotland but it was Miss Carver who found them. Miss Fraser did not arrive at Grange Hill until 2000. "Did Kevin and his year go on a school trip to a science museum, and stayed overnight, and did Kevin's mum not allow him to walk to school, and when she did, Sarah Jane get run over?" Kevin's class spent a night at a science museum in 1995. And yes, Kevin's mum wouldn't let him walk to school on his own! I'm not aware of Sarah-Jane being run over though.
"I watched from about 1994-2000, and sorry about the question overload. Thanks for the information. You have a brilliant website." That's OK Miguel, it makes good copy! Drop us a line if you have any other questions.
Who did Luisa play? 03/3/02
Jen asks: "Hey there, I'm 18 and have watched Grange Hill for quite a few years, but didn't know your site existed until today. I'm just writing to say what a great site it is. We were watching Holby City a few weeks ago, and Luisa Bradshaw White is now a regular cast member. Anyway, I said she played Justine, and my brother said he didn't even remember her being in GH. So, I decided to find a well-informed Grange Hill site, and came across yours! Thanks for (unwittingly!) sorting out my problem!" We'd love to sort out your argument Jen! Luisa played Maria Watts in Grange Hill, between 1991 and 1994. The part of Justine was played by Rachel Victoria Roberts. Hope this ends the feud!
The first Grange Hill school 03/3/02
Ali Jacobs says Grange Hill was close to home in its early days: "Fab site! The original location for Grange Hill was actually Kingsbury High. This was only a short distance from Willesden High, but as a Kingsbury girl, this was a great local coup." Hi Ali - thanks for telling us! Now all we've got to do is identify the other two schools used in the 1980s. Did you see any of the filming? We'd love some backstage gossip!
Writing to Shannon 03/3/02
Luke feels like putting pen to paper: "If I want to say write a letter to a charcter say Shannon Parkes, will the letter go straight to the actor? And do they some times reply? Thanks." Hi Luke. If you want to write to Amanda Fahy, who plays Shannon, go for it! The address is on the IN THE KNOW index. Some actors reply to fan mail, others don't; sometimes it takes several months for actors to reply so don't be disappointed if nothing arrives straight away. Good luck!
Series 25 is great! 03/3/02
Stan has some praise for the new series: "Hi, just writing to say how much I'm enjoying the new series of Grange Hill. Most of the characters are fascinating and the whole teachers v pupils power struggle is great. My fave characters are Lisa, Leah and Maddie. Over the last few episodes it looks like Maddie is gonna turn into a "teen drunk" and this is a subject that has to be approached in a tactful manner. I've every confidence that the producers will take every precaution on tackling this subject but I still have my reservation. It's a subject I know a lot about, through personal experience, and I await to see the outcome with baited breath. Anyways, congrats on an excellent web-site and keep up the good work. P.S Any idea if the lovely Lisa will be leaving the show soon?" Hi Stan! We're enjoying the new series too, and it does look like Maddie has become alcoholic. I'm sure the storyline has been very well-researched as with the many other issues Grange Hill has tackled. With the impending move to Liverpool, none of the cast know if they are going to remain in the show. Still we sincerely hope Lisa won't be leaving, as it won't be the same without her!
What happened to Jonah? 03/3/02
Amanda McCarthy asks: "Does anyone know what happened to the lovely Lee Sparke? He was gorgeous in Grange Hill! Please, please, please could you fix it for me to find out where the wonderful piece of male specimen is? Thanks." Hi Amanda. Unfortunately Lee is one of many ex-Grange Hill stars who has vanished since leaving the series. After leaving the show, Lee appeared in ITV's "Behind The Bike Sheds" but nothing since. Does anyone know where Lee is now?
Mr Brisley turns Dr Brisley 03/3/02
Jen has more news on Adam Ray: "Hey just want to report that ex-Grange hill star Adam Ray, who moved to Australia, appeard on All Saints, which is an Australian medical tv drama on the Seven Network. He played a Doctor. So far he has only appeared in 1 episode but hopefully he will be in more." Thanks for that Jen - Adam has been getting around since he moved to Australia hopefully you will see more of him. Let us know when you spot him again!
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