THIS photograph proves that life at the old Keighley Boys’ Grammar School could be fun.

A popular Literary and Debating Society used to meet after lessons, debating such motions as “that town life is better than country life” or “that the ‘talkies’ will supplant the ‘silent’ films” – the latter rather surprisingly being defeated in 1929.

The society also used to hold mock trials, town council meetings, general elections and in this case a mock Lord Mayor’s banquet early in 1930.

Between 80 and 90 boys attended, parodying such characters as the Archbishop of Canterbury.

In the centre of the front row, the Lord Mayor of London is being played by science master Leonard M Stockdale, who served on the staff for 40 years.

He also became a prominent playing member of the Keighley Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society and was a memorable Sitting Bull when they performed Annie Get Your Gun.

The boy third from the left on the front row as the Mayor of Keighley – complete with Mansion Polish badge of office – was Tom Bailey, who was to emigrate to British Columbia. He was ordained in Canada in 1938 and led a distinguished theological career.