SOME might say it’s a long way to go to bump into a rock ‘n’ roll star.
But during a recent trip to New York, Priestley College student Danny Worthington spotted Noel Gallagher and asked the Oasis songwriter to “stand by me” for an unforgettable picture.
“I spotted Noel in Prada by Central Park – it was a complete fluke,” said Danny, who lives in Frodsham and is a former pupil at The Heath.
“I was nervous, but egged on by friends to say ‘hi’ because it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so I grabbed it.
“In true Gallagher style he didn’t say much, but when I asked for a picture he said ‘if needs be’ in a gravelly voice.”
Bumping into Gallagher – who now fronts the band High Flying Birds – was just one of many highlights for students on the English and Sociology residential.
Those studying literature walked by the Plaza Hotel, a significant location in The Great Gatsby, one of their key texts.
They also visited a prohibition drinking club, which fascinated Sociology students due to what its history tells us about changing attitudes to class, wealth and social exclusion.
For Grace Rowlands, the stop at Ellen’s Stardust Diner – famous for its performing waiters and waitresses – made a lasting impression.
“They are all aspiring actors and actresses who just burst into songs from some of my favourite musicals like Phantom and Les Mis,” said the former Birchwood Community High School pupil.
The 23 students also strolled around Chelsea Market, Grand Central Station and watched Uma Thurman in Broadway show The Parisian Woman.
At the Ellis Island Immigration Museum, Sociology students learned more about demographics, which forms part of their syllabus.
Thoughts of feminism and female emancipation were also sparked by the Fearless Girl statue in Manhattan.
Joe Smith, who previously studied at St Gregory’s RC High School, found the National September 11 Memorial & Museum most affecting.
“It was obviously sad, but also eye-opening to hear from people who were in New York at the time,” he said.
