Interview with Ann Scourfield
Ann Scourfield, a local
resident of Port Talbot, was a class mate and friend of Richard
Burton.
Ann recalls memories of what
it was like living around the corner from Richard, attending the
same school and being in the same class, at Dyffryn Secondary
School, 1938. Richard was known to classmates as ‘Ritchie
Jenkins’.
How would you describe Ritchie?
“Blinking
awful, he wasn’t very nice to look at”, she says with a smile and
hint of humour. “What I mean is that he had a cheeky and naughty
streak, he was always up to something”.
One particular memory that Ann recalls whilst being in class with
Ritchie, was when a flying boot came towards her and hit her square
in the face. “Ritchie, always the joker. It was him who had flung
the boot; it was meant for his friend Dan Parr”.
Did Ritchie always want to be an actor?
“Yes, from
day one! Ritchie left school to work in Taibach's Co-operative
store, as a gents' outfitter. I don’t think he was cut out for
that”, Ann said smiling.
Do you remember him living with his teacher Philip
Burton?
“Yes, Philip also taught me. He was my
English master and was a tall, biggish and pleasant man. Philip and
Richard lived at Cannaught Street, Port Talbot. During the
War, when the sirens went off, the class was designated to go to
Philip Burton's house, as a lodging home”.
What was his favourite subject in
school?
“I believe his favourite subject was English.
I always thought he would go far with his acting, he had a natural
flair. He always had a projected voice. Ritchie got along
with all his teachers, including the games master, Mr Smith. He
could have easily chosen sport as a career path. He was in the
school rugby team. Another man who helped influence Ritchie’s
future was Leo Lloyd, he was a great man; he took an active part in
all school productions”.
Quotes & memories from Fred Scourfield (Ann’s
Husband):
Fred recalled the first time he met Elizabeth Taylor, when
she came to put the flood lights on with Richard at Aberavon rugby
ground. “It was a very cold night and there was a stove in the
middle of the bar, surrounded by four men and one woman”. Fred
remembers ordering a pint and the lady saying “This is the best
place to be isn’t it”. Fred had no idea she was
Elizabeth Taylor, until someone told him.