Picture could tell the story of a generation

Author Colin Shindler is tracing fellow Baby Boomers pictured at primary school in 1960 to discover how their lives panned out, writes Neal Keeling

- Neal Keeling

THEIR faces beam with life and shining optimism. Thirty six pupils sat for a school photograph in July 1960. It was a time of hope after the two previous decades had brought war and bleak austerity.

These children were on the cusp of embracing the brave new world previous generations had fought and suffered for.

The pupils were in their final year at Park View Primary in Prestwich. Now, one of their group aims to find them all - and write their story. What happened to them, what did they become, did they fulfil their dreams?

The one inspired to track the rest down is Colin Shindler, who left Park View for Bury Grammar, and Cambridge's Gonville and Caius College, did a PhD in film history, and did not get 'a proper job' until he was 25.

Then he carved out a career in TV script writing and production. He wrote scripts for TV series like Lovejoy, Juliet Bravo, and Heartbeat, and produced the screenplay for the movie Buster.

He is also a successful author, his works include his memoir of being a Manchester City fan - Manchester United Ruined my Life.

Colin, 74, said: "That photograph has been on my bookshelf for 20 years or so. I looked at it every day. I also have friends two boys who went to Park View and another - and we are all City supporters. We set up this Zoom to talk about City indefinitely every month - four old gits.

"Occasionally we would reminisce about school days and I would pick up that picture and show it to the camera. It wasn't a blinding flash, but I thought there is something more to this picture than just the boys I still know.