Bygone days! An important feature of Whitby for many years was Functional English, a language school founded by John and Jill Karlik, occupying for most of its life the now-demolished former convent on Chubb Hill.
Students came from all over the world to learn English, sometimes for professional purposes, and in many cases, to enable them to serve as Christian missionaries abroad. Many of them went on to learn another language through the medium of English before taking up this latter career. Marcus, Stefan and Andy, all Swiss German, are pictured in Pannet Park, just opposite the school, posing with symbols of their career or interests (folk-rock music, IT and brass band).
The school closed only last year bringing to an end a period which had enriched the life of the town and particularly of the churches of Whitby which many students attended and served in regularly during their stay.
The 80s?
ReplyDeleteI just saw this post, as I was looking to see if Functional English is still functioning ... I was a student in the early 90' and enjoyed my time very much. A great school, wonderful staff, students from different parts of the world. It was the beginning of my missionary journey. I've been now in the Philippines for over 18 years. Functional English had an important part in preparing me for service. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I were students in this school! Great time we had there!
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