Belfast Boys Model School

76-81 Sad to hear about Ernie D , whatever happened to Dr Boal? If there is anyone from D class please let me know, our role call was Allen Beattie Bell buckley Carney Coats Craig Darlys Dickson. Did Shufflebottom ever get his head stoved in ... we all promised that at one stage .. I still see Jim Neely on TV!

Signed on: 6/05/09

I did sign an earlier version of the guestbook but my comments seem to have disapeared.

I was sorry to hear about Ernies death. He was quite a character.

I was at the Model between 1974-79.

I live in Brazil at present and I am on my 3rd expat posting with the company. Since 1981 I have lived in England, Wales, Germany and Finland.

When I was at the school I never thought I would go on to be an engineer and now the commercial director for South America for the company. (I bet half the teachers who taught me would be surprised now as well)

Something obviously got through!

Signed on: 5/05/09

I love the Boys' Model. I have met some friends and it's the best school in Northern Ireland and has some amazing teachers.

Signed on: 23/04/09

The sad passing of EWD has been noted by many on the site, so I will add my personal experience of the man. He was hard, he was fair and, while at the time it didn't seem like it as he beat lumps out of you, he made you strive to be the best that you could be...he would not accept second best, why should you!!
As a rugby player at the school I always got his attention both on and off the pitch...I am sure others felt the same way. When he coached us we felt unbeatable and I think we carried that on both on and off the pitch.
Before his death, he had become very frail but no less enthusiastic for his bowls and his rugby.
One of the great characters of school, Belfast and Ulster life, Ernie has left his mark (physical as well as emotional) on all of those he taught.
If not already done, a new part of the school should be named after him as a fitting tribute!

Signed on: 20/04/09

Very sad..happy memories of Ernie, and also the Bull, The Boing, Chalkie Smith, The Dyne, and others.

Signed on: 18/04/09

When I was 13 and newly moved up to '2A' Mr. Davis walked into to our (Mr. Boyd's) Maths class and singled me out saying this - "we expect great things of Mr. Hull". He called me Mr so I shall address him as Mr in this memoir.
Unfortunately I never flourished as much as they expected me to. Sorry about that but its wonderful to have memories of the good old bad old days.
No one has mentioned his distinctive, unique penetrating voice. I suppose I spoke with him in his office more than most for both good reasons and unfortunate reasons so I remember him very well and his unmistakable voice.

Signed on: 15/04/09

Attended 1978 to 1985. Great memories. Brian Boyd and Mr Anderson (Basil Fawlty) were the best teachers in the world. Wish I was back.

Signed on: 13/04/09

I can't believe he has gone.

Signed on: 11/03/09

Just came across the fact old Ernie has died.. shocked!! what a Boys' Model legend....... When I attended the school from 83-88 he knew all the pupils names from the day you landed in the place..

Anyone tell me where I could get in touch with Dennis Russell??

Signed on: 26/02/09

Came upon the site by accident, surfing for something else. So just learned of the death of Ernie. As others said, he put the fear of God in us - but helped make us the men we are. Two of my old classmates have already signed the book. Bobby Magill and Jim Hoy, with whom I also attended Glenwood Primary and played football with regularly in Woodvale Park.

I'm a professional artist now (for my sins...!). Thanks to the Art teacher Don McBride who nurtured my "talent" and encouraged me to apply for Art College in 1974.

Signed on: 18/02/09