Originally a panoramic photograph
The original photograph these images are taken from was a panoramic image. It was rolled up and I kept it like that for a few years. But when I was working for Machinery Publishing Company in West Street, I mounted it on to a piece of hardboard. This has probably been responsible for its preservation over the many years and the many moves it had to suffer. I photographed it in six different shots so that the images would overlap and no one would be missing.
Click on photograph to open a large image in a new window. Click again to further enlarge.
Fawcett School 1956
Fawcett School 1956
Taken in the playground
In 1956 it was taken in the playground that at the time was adjacent to Trafalgar Street. This of course is now gone and is covered with buildings. To set the shot up, chairs and tables were used as well as benches from the assembly room for everyone to stand on. I remember that the girls in Margaret Hardy school which was right next to Fawcett School, were waving out of windows at us.
Fawcett School 1956
Fawcett School 1956
Can you share your memories?
I am in the front row with my class which was 1a. Some of the pupils in this photo have made contact with me through this website. I do hope that the photograph will generate lots more memories from former Fawcett School pupils. If you can share your memories with us, please do post a comment below.
Fawcett School 1956
Fawcett School 1956
Comments about this page
It really was a great school and a shame it was torn down.
I left this school in January 1959. I have to say the education I received was of a very good standard.
What a fantastic photo much to my surprise I found myself in the line up, and could also name some of the boys and teachers. I was there from 1955-1959 very tough school. But I survived now 71yrs – thank you again for that, don’t often get on this site.
I was at Fawcett Sec. in picture dated 1956 in form 2C with good old Bert White.
My father, Terry Hyde, born 1943 is in the second picture, back row just to the left of the crease on the photo nearest the left edge.
I noticed the name Michael Burrell, I was in the same class and picture.
It’s all still there Gav – and what a fantastic picture Chris. I work at the College if anyone wants to have a look round. Isn’t that right, Bill!
What a great school. It was pretty hard sometimes, but we got a good basic education which stood me in good stead for the past 60 years. I managed to locate myself in the middle of photograph: no.3 second row from the back. My memory is not what it used to be but I think it would have been Class 4B with Mr Fordham. I’m happy to stand corrected if I’ve got that wrong.
Great photos, I found myself in the line up in picture 4, second row up from the bottom middle of the photo. I can name some of the boys in the second row. Next to me is John Robertson and Keith Blewitt and next to him is Peter Dunn. I was there from 1955-1959 – tough school with some great memories for me.
Found this site by chance and it’s great to see this photo and recognise so many faces. I remember Peter Dray well – a good boxer, he gave me a black eye once when we were sparring in the gym.
Wow!! What a great photo and brings back so many memories. I’m in front row 11th from left (with rolled-up sleeves). Tony Fowler was one of my best friends and I also see “Mad” Roy Elliot. I was one of the few boys who wore long trousers! Good school, but the teachers were hard task masters. Bill Benson was our form master. Great days!
I attended Fawcett in 1956 to 1958 when I returned to Wales. I am 14th from the left front row. Chris Kisco were you Canadian!! Names I remember: Mark Fallon, John Hiett, Neil Lipman, Nigel Buxton, Keith Knight and Mike Davies. Teachers: Bill Benson, Miss Sutton, Jaz Bolton, and was there a teacher with the surname Aderith? Big memories!
Hi, well what a blast from the past! Just discovered this web site & photos. I was in 1G at the time, photo #4, ninth kid from photo left, just after the crease. Names that come to mind are Jimmy Timcke, Mike Wright, Ken Thompson, Richard Combes, Phil Bullivant. I emigrated to Western Australia just after getting married in 1969, lived out here ever since but with occasional return visits to Brighton (last 2018) – was sad to see the changes at the old Fawcett. Did manage to visit Mr Pollitt after he retired & just before he died. Likewise I recall Des Moore, Jazz Bolton, Bill Benson, Bert White, Silversmith, other faces are familiar but can’t immediately put names to them. Happy for any catch-ups via email nigel.buxton@bigpond.com. If anybody coming to Perth, let me know &/or if any UK reunions planned.
Sorry Nigel, but we have had to delete your post. We are no longer allowing the posting of requests to find third parties, as sharing information like this breaches their privacy. We recommend you try social media websites if you want to track old friends or neighbours.
Comments Editor
I have this photograph, suitably framed, hanging on my study wall where it has been for many years. It appears to be in better condition than what you show here so will see if it can be copied. I left the school and Brighton in 1957 and can’t say that my time at Fawcett was happy. Perhaps things improved in later years.
Since writing in Sept 2018, I have now been in email contact with Alan Maskell as it turns out we lived just streets apart but were in different years; I think he was 1 year behind me. I arrived at Fawcett in Sept 1956/7 did 5th year in 1961, leaving in June/July? Hopefully – if this darned C-19 permits – I’ll be back for my next visit in 2021 June/July – if there is any planned reunion/s going on would appreciate the chance to know. Happy to receive emails on nigel.buxton@bigpond.com
In the meanwhile can anybody tell me when ‘York Place School for Boys’ became ‘Brighton Intermediate’ & then later ‘Fawcett’?
Hi Folks: Trying find any photos of 1961 class. My father taught there as the Maths teacher. E.L.K.Fordham. This is my email address if anyone has photos. chef1946@gmail.com. My twin brother (Barrie) still lives in the UK. I am in Canada.
Bryan Fordham.
Hi Bryan, bit of a late reply but if you see this, I do very well remember your father. Maths teacher and I think form master of 2A (?) . I used to come to your house for cramming lessons once a week because a) I wasn’t great at maths and b) I’d gone up a stream from 1B to 2A and therefore hadn’t done the 1A introduction to logs algebra etc but the school didn’t seem to notice or care !
Very serious man with quiet authority that rarely if ever resorted to Fawcett style punishments.
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