Official school website
Elm Grove Primary School
The official school website, with a detailed history section
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Elm Grove Primary School
The official school website, with a detailed history section
Comments about this page
I can’t say I enjoyed my time at the school. I had just returned from South Africa, and bullying was standard practice. I remember the boys and girls were seperated during lunch. Most of the fathers of the kids in my class were on ” holiday” in prison. We lived in Hendon Street, and I could not wait to get out of there; this was about 1958.
I went to Elm Grove Secondary Girls School when I was eleven in 1965. The first two years we were at Fairlight School down the road, and we had to walk up to Elm Grove for some lessons. I enjoyed my time there.
As per Irene’s message, I too was at both Fairlight Girls School and Elm Grove Secondary Modern in the 1960s. I lived in Rottingdean and commuted to school. I have resided in New York since then, but I have very fond memories of commuting to school on the upper deck of the buss that ran along the seafront. I loved it especially on a windy day. It was a two bus commute and needed to change at Pool Valley for a bus to Elm Grove for the final walk up the steep hill.
I too went to Elm Grove after Fairlight, it was a wonderful school. I was there when old Mr Burroughs died. I had Miss Flannel, Miss Taylor, Miss Cole and Mrs Mitchell. The winding stairs upto the heads office was scary and those cloakrooms. The school bell was huge and waiting for the nit nurse was a pain. I remember when we had injections and the nurse would line us up along corridor, two seconds later the last one would come out with horror tales.
I remember the annexe for cookery. Mrs Stoner went onto Varndean sadly when school closed down and we had to travel to Margeret Hardy at Patcham, School. It was never the same after that.
Does anyone remember Mr Walker from the Christmas Carol Service at the Brighton Centre?
I was at Elm Grove in the mid-1960s. I remember Miss Winstone was head of the Infants, and Mr Burroughs the Juniors. I will never forget the day he collapsed and died in the lunch break – I was in the dining hall at the time and the legend was that he had a heart attack as he was telling a boy off but I can’t confirm the truth of that. The first teacher I remember was a Mrs Large, and I also recall we had an American exchange teacher called Mrs Conran – she taught us about special calendar dates on 06/06/66 … a fact I remembered on 08/08/08 as the Beijing Olympics opened! The last teacher I had there was Mr Hawker. I have many happy memories of my time there, from being an angel alongside Amanda Brown and Susan Oglieve in the Nativity play to a starring role in Rumpelstiltskin where Edmund Rooke played the lead. Other names I remember are Karen Hassett, Sally-Jane Attwater, Andrew Spencer and Wayne Bonne. I now live in Oxfordshire but will never forget Elm Grove and my days there.
I too had a fantastic time at Elm Grove Secondary Modern School. I can remember crying on the last day in July 1968 when I left to start work with the National Provincial Bank. I think my most memorable time was being made Head Girl in 1967/68. Having not been a prefect I felt honoured to have been chosen. I can honestly say that my days at ‘The Grove’ were the best days. I would love to hear from any of the teachers if they are still in the area. I know both Miss Butler and Miss Alexander are not longer with us.
I was also at Elm Grove Seniors, walking there from Fairlight School when the two schools joined as one. I remember walking down to Fairlight once a week to do a course of shorthand typing. Popping into the sweet shop on the way (praying we wouldnt get found out). I remember Miss Butler the head, Miss Tindell the art teacher, and my form tutor Miss Threlkeld. Had a good time at the school and was really upset on my last day. I left I think it was 1965. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me.
I was at Elm Grove from 1954 to1960; many happy times. I remember school mates Frank Norris, Terry Mead, David Johnston, and my best mate Keith Hassett (Peanut). Playing kisschase with the girls and watching the trains going into the railway tunnel.
I also went to Elm Grove in the 60s then on to Fairlight, then Margaret Hardy. I remember the day Mr Burroughs died. Luckily I missed it because I went home for dinner. Does anyone remember Miss Morris?
I went to Fairlight Juniors in the 60’s. My teacher at the time was Mr Morrison – we all called him ‘Pop’. I then went to Elm Grove Secondary Modern School for Girls; the first 2 years at Fairlight and then on to Elm Grove section. I remember Diane Barton, Julie Chuka (hope I spelt it right it is Polish), Lyn Medhurst and Jackie Wright. They were great times. The headmistress’ name escapes me but my memories don’t, she was strict. I remember the last year I was there we had a fashion show of some of the clothes we had made in sewing lessons.
My twin sister and I went to Elm Grove Secondary School from 1967 till it closed. I remember having to walk up from Fairlight to Elm Grove for cookery lessons carrying all our ingredients up that hill. My favourite teacher was our form teacher Francis Pinnock. I believe it was her first teaching job from college. She used to play LP’s for us to listen to in the breaks, including ‘Sound of Silence’ by Simon and Garfunkel and Pete Segar. She got me into enjoying the ‘Liverpool Poets’ and introduced us to contemporary literature that was unheard of with some other teachers. We also had a great young PE teacher whose name I cannot remember. She got us into The Beatles ‘Abbey Road’ when we were taught a dance routine to ‘Maxwell’s Silver hammer’.
I went to Elm Grove infants with Miss Winstone. My nan was the cleaner so we had all the left-over milk. Miss Pierce scared me when she shouted. I was also there in the Juniors when Mr Burrows died; he was eating his treacle sponge and it was February 14th – his birthday. I remember my mum having a go at Mr Hawker and Mr Burrows walking around with his cane up his back. I remember Senior school with Miss Alexandra & Miss Sykes & lovely Mrs Stoner.
I also went to Elm Grove Secondary Modern School from aged 11 in 1965. I was in the same class as Irene Harding (nee Hillman) who I remember fondly, in fact I still remember her birthday 6th June 1954. I used to fear Mrs Martin the maths teacher, but loved one of our many music teachers, a locum teacher called Mrs Ship from New Zealand and cried when she left. I also feared Miss Butler the Head Mistress. I too remember walking up from Fairlight but couldn’t remember the name of that school. I emigrated to Australia in 1973. Where are the other pupils from those years? Susan Peters, Denise Hillier, Wendy Pitt? I would love to hear from them. have such fond members of my years at the school. I have only been back to dear old Brighton once since leaving England in 2001. Boy had things changed.
I was at Elm Grove Juniors until 1968. It has happy memories and I think back on the days whenever I pass the school. I wonder how much has changed internally? Mr Burroughs was very strict and certainly believed in corporal punishment. He was either armed with a large learher strap or his cane which he was perfectly happy to use. He would ensure discipline was high and I remember him telling my brother off in class for not crossing Elm Grove (road) by using the patrol further up the road – does everyone remember the monthly updates of road accidents involving children across Sussex given to us at Assembly? I remember the day he died (of a heart attack), he was indeed eating his treacle tart and I seem to recall Miss Carter giving him the kiss of life. I remember that we used to go to St Luke’s to use their swimming pool. Can’t remember many of the teachers – but I do recall Mr Hawker as quite a nice guy.
I went to Elm Grove Seniors from 1968 til I left in 1970. Does anyone remember Sharon Marshall, Carolyn Beard, Jean Linsted or Georgina Buckland? Miss Pinnock was great. By the time we were all ready to leave in 1970, the school was closing and joining up with Maragret Hardy. If memory serves me right, there wasn’t a book left in the place by our last day. Great fun though
I attended Elm Grove Infants and Junior Schools from 1955 until we moved in 1961. I remember being taken to the church in Whippingham Road for RE, and to the Race Course or The Level for games. Mrs Large and Mrs Love are the two teachers I remember in the Infants. Mrs Love gassed herself and the school told the parents not to tell the children, and then it was on the front page of the Brighton Argus.
Hi, does anyone remember my mother Linda Frances Butler, who attended this school?
Hi Carol Spalding (Giles) and all others who may read this page. I left Elm Grove Secondary Modern School same time as you. I remember Georgina Buckland – she left and went on to work at Boots London Road. I disliked the music teacher, she called me a name that doesn’t deserve repeating. I went on to work in a solicitors’ office as a junior (dogs body) and worked up to become a receptionist/telephonist. That’s the last time I saw anybody really that I can remember. It would be great to hear from the gang of the last year that attended EG before it closed. Does anyone remember putting Miss Sykes in a cupboard?
Hi, I’m Maria Williams I was at Elm Grove infants andJuniors before I moved to Margaret Hardy. Some of my class mates were, Jennifer Holmes, Yvonne Lidbetter, Karen Hassett, Julie Yates, Edmond Rooke (who I sat next to), I also remember female twins but can’t remember their names.
Sue Stanley(Johnson): Yes i was in the classroom the day Miss Sykes was put in the cupboard. I think a girl named Marie was involved. I was in A stream class, but had to go to her class for maths. I remember my class teachers were Mrs Alexander, Miss Jollife, Miss Hills and Miss Dobbie. Do you remember Miss Butler, she was so strict. I was school captain 1962, but had my badge taken away as I singed a petition in the Argus for jobs for school leavers.
I went to Elm Grove infants and junior school from 1964-1973 approx. I remember Miss Morris yr 8, Miss Cole yr 4, Miss Jackson yr 2 and so many people. Vanessa Thomas, Km Virgo, Dave Preson, Steven Tiley, Maria Edmond, Sharon Whittington etc. Anyone of those years get in touch. I would love to hear from you. The stairs up to the head’s office were scary not that I ever went up there of course ha ha.
Hi, I’m Edmund Rooke. I pretty much remember most of the above. Of the boys I remember Andrew Spencer, Wayne Bonne, Melvin Linstead, Eric Watton. Seeing the post above from Maria Williams, does anyone remember Mrs Conran singing “Maria” from West Side Story to Maria one time when she was upset? (Very random memory!)
I too went to Elm Grove after Fairlight (62-64). Anyone remember the big enamel chipped sink at the end of upstairs corridor? Headmistress Miss Butler was indeed strict. One morning she picked me from a line of girls, marched me to the sink and put my head under the tap saying, let that be a lesson to you all. I had put a red rinse on my hair previous evening, resulting with a head of crimson blaze. I remember Miss Tindell, art teacher, she was always kind to me. People I remember are, Theo Senior, whom I am stil good friends with. Jean Kennard, Rita Bavin, Norma Netley. My sister Irene was two years under me. I have lived in Chiswick, west London for the past 40 years but have fond memories of my school days in Brighton.
I went to Elm Grove School in 1939. It was a different world then regardless of school. I know children now who go to Elm Grove School and they are lovely and don’t seem to suffer as you lot did. Sign of getting old perhaps?
My mum, Mrs Large was a teacher at the infants. She is in her eighties and is happy and well. If anyone has any questions they want to post on this site, I’m sure my mum would gladly try and help.
Hi, I was at Elm Grove/ Fairlight 1962 – 66. Mr Burroughs taught me to swim, he held out the window pole in front of me to grab in case I went under – it worked!. Miss Bartlet was the history teacher and Miss Stoner the cookery teacher, she was great, I really loved her class. I’ve met up with school friends recently: Judy Lumly and Maureen Fitsgerald. I do remember Miss Cole, Thomset PE, Hawker,he wrote a dictionary and was a great teacher – very patient. I did like school though, would be nice to have a reunion, anyone interested?
Hallo Rosemary Trigwell; wondering if you are connected to Graham and Judy, and Miss Selfridge?
Jill Bright (Large)….I remember you and your Mum so well. We were best friends when we were at Elm Grove together in the Infants and Juniors but I had to leave to go to another school when I was 10.
I went to went to Elm Grove secondary and remember having to walk up from Fairlight for cookery lessons with Mrs Stoner. I’ve recently seen Pat Mobsby, Cathy Matthews and Linda Marchant [from a distance]. I left in 1970
I went to Fairlight and Elm Grove school infants and juniors in the sixties but left in 1964 aged 11 when my family moved to Yorkshire – can’t remember the teachers’ names. I recall my younger brother being in the next playground in Fairlight. My best friends were Patricia Reeves/Alderson and Hilda Humphries who lived near me at 39 Lincoln St. We walked home from school together
Hi Rosemary Trigwell and others, I was at Elm Grove late 50s early 60s. I remember you Rosemary, I remember my friend Melvin Parker and I followed you on the bus, to Rottingdean I think it was, but we didn’t have enough money to go all the way, we had a crush on u at the time. I also remember, Pat Gardner, Violet Little, Maureen Fitzgerald, Irene Perkins, Linda Wray, Yvonne ?, Tony Martin, Tony Avis, Larry Goodman, and Ray Saunders. I used to live in 51 Elm Grove, lets know if anybody remembers me. Phil Fowler…now living Australia
The best of my school days by far. My eyes were opened to so many things that have stayed with me all my life. My love of books, music and the countryside, particularly walking, were established at this school with inspired guidance from Teachers – Mr Hughes, Mrs Carter and Mr Burrows especially. Also fellow pupils -Stephen Bourne, Tony Whickham and Denise Battams. The stay at Burwash was to have a massive influence on my hobbies and interests that have remained so important to me. I was at the School from 1958 to 1962.
For Maria Williams, if I am in the same era, I think the girls names were Helen and Stella Mendoza. The memory that sticks in my head the most was Mr. Walker perching himself on the corner of a desk, clasping one knee and begining a story with ‘When I was a lad about your age….’ I believe he also metioned that he was a teacher for Sally Thomsett (of Railway Children fame). Unfortunately I have lost touch with all pupils from about 1968-1974, except for Lorraine Bostock. More memories are now flooding back, but that is for another time.
I also went to Elm Grove 1966-1969, hated it when I first went, then did not want to leave. Gosh I remember Miss Butler, how strict was she? I wonder what the people I remember are doing now. Virginia Luff (besotted with Mick Jagger ), the Bashford twins Linda and Jacqueline. My good friend Debra Gilbanks, would love to hear from you all. My maiden name was Fuller.
I recall a Linda and a Frances Butler. Lived bottom of Pankhurst Avenue into Downs Terrace? Was at Elm Grove till 64 65. Was Smith then.
I went to Elm Grove Infants and Junior school about 1953-1959, then went to Margaret Hardy. I remember Mrs Mcguire because she rapped our knuckles. My mum went to the school to complain. Joan Barnard & Marilyn Hollingdale were my friends as they lived in Scotland St. near me. I remember Mr Burroughs as he had also taught my mum when she went to Moulscoombe School.
Hi Maria Williams & Edward Rook. It’s Jen. I remember you both really well. I liked school, we had some good times. I’ve lived in Australia for more than 30 years and my daughter is an Aussie. I miss England only for my youth which no longer exists and I wouldn’t return for love or money, but we did have a good childhood and a good education. We didn’t appreciate then how lucky we were.
Hi, good to see a message from Terry Boyle (Eggy). I remember hanging out with you, Keith Hassett, Derek Wakeham, Phil Kellett. Hope life is good for you
Keeping well Allen. I remember playing table football and records at your house at Upper Wellington Road.
Hey Eggy, good to know you are good. The old home made music system did have some volume when we played music in Upper Wellington Rd. I still love music and have been collecting some of the old bands on CD. The Pretty Things, Manfred Mann, Zoot Money, Graham Bond, Dylan etc. Still have a pile of 45’s from back then and a turntable to play them on. Happy days.
I was Coral Parsons when I was at Elm Grove Infants and Juniors in the 1950s. My first teacher was Mrs Large and I am certain her son Roy was in the same class. We lived in Franklin Road with my grandmother before moving to Edinburgh Road off Lewes Road but I continued at Elm Grove. I remember Mrs Love, I didn’t realise she had died so tragically. Sally Thompsett was in my class and Bobby Linsted. Philip Hill, Denis? Mercer. And some I cannot remember. I have a photo somewhere – I must dig it out. I do remember Mr Burroughs, but not overly well. I do remember in the Infants lining up for orange juice and cod liver oil from a spoon! A sleep in the afternoon too. Also wondering why the gates were locked? Going swimming at St Luke’s Baths was a treat although some horrid boy dive-bombed me and put me off swimming for years, he got into big trouble for it. I lived in France for ten years but am now in Bognor Regis.
It’s funny how we remember things. Miss Butler – heavy duty. Miss Scutt – my mum had a go at her because I had the wrong skirt on!, big row, no-one upset my mum. Due to Miss Alexandra I hate needlework. Due to Miss Stoner I love cooking and can cook. Love swimming due to Mr Burroughs – I was sent to sit outside his office for something, he saw me there and just sent me back to class, must have liked me! I remember Linda Collins, Linda Wray, Zena Alfrey, Sandra Scrace, Jose Broughton, Maureen Walters – she had a sister, Kathleen, one was really tall so I used to pick her for netball to shoot, Philip Fowler, Tony Martin, Tony Avis. I loved school but wasn’t allowed to stay on. I also travelled from Saltdean to school – all good fun. The only time I skipped school I got caught but, hey, I was leaving anyway! Love this site, keep putting names up guys.
Hey Philip Fowler, just for the record I had a crush on you as well! Facebook is good as well to find people.
I attended Elm Grove infants and juniors. Doreen Bishop knocked my front two teeth out walking around the sandpit, in the infants, and my mum having a go at Miss Pearson. I remember cod liver oil, and orange, and napping. In the juniors Mrs Carter taught French, Mr Evans used to go bright red with temper. I also remember Peter Peacock, Robin Hatley, Alan Parks, Doreen Bishop, Caroline someone who lived in Hanover Crescent, Jan Francis and Tony Barnes.
I went to Elm Grove school in the 60s and the only thing I regret is I have no photos of myself as I was one of nine children and my parents could not afford to buy them. My daughters would love to see what I looked like when I was younger. I lived at 277 Elm Grove then.
I went to Elm Grove Infants, Juniors and then Senior Girls in 1965. I was good friends with Julie Chuka, Linda Marchant, Jean Linstead, Georgina Buckland and more. I remember walking up Franklin Road from the Fairlight building for lessons at Elm Grove. I loved cooking (‘housecraft’ as it was called then), sewing with Mrs Alexandra, she was strict, and PE and sports day with Miss Hill. I remember you, Susan Johnson, you had lovely hair and I also remember Carol Giles who I think joined the school towards the last year. My last year was the best with Miss Pinnock as our teacher.
Hello Wallace, I was at Elm Grove the same time as yourself. What great memories you have. I remember you well. I have some very special memories of the time I spent at Burwash, they had us walking miles lol. Jose Simmons, Barry Evans, Tony Whickham, Amelia, Roland and two girls always together both called Linda. There was also a girl called Sue from Newcastle. I do remember Mr Burrows, our head and Mr Hughes, he was a lovely teacher. There was also a music teacher who was very scary, he would hit your hand really hard if you were late. Great memories that have also had a big impact on my life. I was at Elm Grove 1959-1962.
I have found some old pictures in a box at a jumble sale of your school along with a handful of old photos. i would love to track down who they belong to. Or at least someone who would be interested.
There is a name on the back of one photo of the school. A Myrtle (lily Rowe. And address that is Compton Road Brighton and an old post card to the same address for a lad called Keith writing to his mother.
Editor’s note: If you were to scan the photos and send them to me – I could publish them and maybe the individuals on them would be recognised. Email me and we can sort it out. jennifer@mybrightonandhove.org.uk
Hello Denise Balmer have just seen your comment from 21.12.2012. Do you also remember Ebeneezer Chapel that we went to as children. I have a picture of a group of us at a Sunday school outing at I think, Hotham Park in Bognor. I did not work hard at School and only enjoyed Elm Grove with very fond memories.
Hello again Denise. A few other memory recalls re Elm Grove. Amelia Demaro is one of the girls you mention who lived on Albion Hill. Rolland Bryan is another pupil who some years ago was trying to contact old school friends. We met a few times before he went back to Australia where he had lived with his family. He had by then become a dual nationalist. You may remember Richard Saunders and Nadia Wanda also perhaps my sister June who is a Classroom Assistant at a Junior School and my twin brothers,Vernon who teaches Mechanics and Vivian who is an Accountant. I retired 3 months ago from a lifetime,[having left School at 15], as a Golf Professional, no where near good enough as a player,but have had an incredibly happy career as what is called a Club Professional principally teaching the game and meeting so many people from all walks of life. it. I hope life has, and is treating you well. It was so nice to see your response.
Hi Rosemary Appleton nee Trigwell, I was at Elm Grove Girls School at the same time as you, left July 1966. I also remember Judy Lumley who was a bridesmaid of Jennifer Murrell as was I. Sandra Scrace and Zena Alfrey I knew also. I lived in Woodingdean at the time and should have gone to a new mixed school Longhill which was closer, but my mother had other ideas! I don’t remember the names of any teachers but the school instilled my love of classical music and reading. I joined the WRAC at 18yrs and never lived in Brighton again. I now reside in Wales.
Hello Wallace, so nice to see you left me another message. Well, you certainly had a very interesting job as a professional golf player. Wonderful to recall all the names of my old friends. Would love to catch up one day. If ever there was a reunion, do please let me know. I still work full-time with vulnerable adults who have an acquired brain injury. I love my job, hence the reason I am still working. Don’t hesitate to get back to me if there is ever a reunion of any kind. Kind regards.
Hello Denise, nice to hear from you. Pleased also to hear about your work which is really worthwhile and rewarding. It would be great to meet up with you and some of our old school. I am not in touch with any of them at present but perhaps they will read these messages and a reunion could take place. I hope all is well with you. Kindest regards
What a lovely site. I went to Elm Grove Secondary Modern School from 1961 until 1964. My maiden name was James Jackie, and I can remember well the Headmistress, Miss Butler, Miss Jolliffe, Mrs (or Miss) Gunn and the science teacher. Playing netball, throwing the disc in the playground. I remember going to the swimming baths, having drama, dance in St Wilfred’s Hall. I remember Trudi Trollope and my best friend Sue. My younger sister, Gillian James went to Elm Grove School too. Oh what memories, happy days.
I attended Elm Grove infants from 1949 to 1954 leaving then because my family moved to Leeds, seemed like a journey to the moon then, I lived at 16 Upper Wellington Road, with two sisters Val and Pauline, virtually opposite you Allan Fowler and Iremember you and your sister very well. I also remember Patrick Dennis Walmer and a girl called Janet. I remember David Northeast at school and a boy called Colin who was football Captain and like me played the violin (I went to his house once for tea and practise but was violently sick and was sent home)and having swimming lessons hanging on to the window pole for grim death. Milk, olive oil tablets and a nap on camp beds also figure in my memories and I think I remember Mr. Burroughs. I was in class 9 when I Left. I now live in Cornwall but would love to hear back from you. I’d certainly be keen on a reunion if one could be arranged.
Hi everyone,hope this finds you all well. As Wallace said I went to Australia back in the 70s and came back in the 90s and I now live in France. As for School friends and acquaintances there are so many but here goes.
Frances Gretton, Josie Symonds,Sandra Miles,Linda Hogbin, Amelia Demario ,I think Christine but definitely Robinson a lovely girl who lived in Ewart St ,Denise? Maureen Fitgerald and Sheila who had a Polish name,Nadia Wanders who used to spend her Summers in Holland and come back speaking Dutch.There are more Ladies but I will look at an old school photo to remind myself.
Of Course Wallace and Tony Wickham and Tony Martin R.I.P, Tony Avis, David Robbins,Richard Saunders,Barry Evans ,David Room and his Sister Caroline who lived in Hanover Crescent,Nicholas hope I get this right Hausdorfer R.I.P I went to his funeral.,Andrew Lovelidge who I bumped into in Worthing years ago,Geoff Wooldridge,a young lad who emigrated to Oz when he was about 8,Ray Thompson,John Dodman.That will do for now and I will get back to you all . Stay Safe.
Just a few more names Angela Vaughan,Stephen Bourne,John Vaughan.I found a photo of à lot of us and have sent it to Admin.
I started at Elm Grove Infants school when I was 3 years old (around 1952). I lived in Edinburgh Road, off Lewes Road, but my grandmother lived in Franklin Road just down from the school and she looked after me when mum was at work. Mrs Large was my teacher, her son Roy, I believe, was in my class. I remember lining up for orange juice and castor oil. I also remember the little beds we used for our naps. I think Miss Winstone was the Infant Head Teacher. I enjoyed primary school where I had Mrs Love as a teacher. Mr Burroughs was the primary Head Teacher. Jill Lassiter, Gerald Oxley, Bobby Linsted and others in my class photo were friends.
My grandmother (Ruth Goff) and my great aunt (Catherine Goff and Faye Dye) were school teachers in the early 1900’s. Any one remember any of them?
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