I went to Fawcett and Patcham. At Fawcett I remember George Horrobin the woodwork teacher and one of your contributors, Edward Castle. I must admit that I hated school and was glad to leave - but one teacher stood out for me as a great man. He was Peter Holland. I think this is a great website.

I must agree with Patrick Kite (27/08/2006).  Peter Holland was the one and only teacher that Fawcett School had who was worth his salt.  I went to Fawcett from 1957 until 1962, and Peter Holland was the only teacher that I had time for. I would love to know if he is still alive and, if so, where he might be found.  I love the site. Thanks for all the good work.

I was a teacher at Patcham Fawcett from 1974 to 1989 when it closed and knew Pete Holland well. He retired in 1989/90 when the school closed and amalgamated with Margaret Hardy to become Patcham High School. As far as I'm aware he's still alive and living in Patcham at his old address. I saw him last about four years ago. Still smoking his pipe! Most of the teachers you knew however are dead: "Chalky" White, Frank Ingham, Ernie Pollard, Bill Rex, Des Moore - the list goes on.....

I attended Margaret Hardy from 1947 till 1952. Miss Fairhurst Scott was the Headmistress and I can remember when, being sent to her office, climbing those narrow stairs and sitting on the chair outside the office waiting trembling. I loved Mrs Ellis Barker. I went to her house once for tea and the place was lovely. Full of books. I had a rather unfortunate upbringing and she was my rod. So kind. Miss Bolton, Miss Bland, Miss Samways, Madame Le Sech (French Teacher) doesn't that bring back some memories? My brother Michael Norrell went to the Fawcett School. The School was very old as my grandmother Matilda Gundle was top of her school which was Margaret Hardy in 1900. Aren't schools different now? The old radiators did their best to warm the school. Our uniform in the 40s and 50s was a navy gym dress, white blouse with a navy and green striped tie and a navy beret with the badge on the front. A navy garbedine coat and black shoes and white socks. Winter 3/4 grey wool socks. Navy bloomers were the order of the day. Fleecy bodice in the winter for extra warmth. I live in Brisbane so don't need any of those anymore. If anyone remembers me, I would love to hear from you.

I lived in Hollingbury and attended Patcham Fawcett School in the early seventies. I have good memories of that time. You forget how old your teachers were when they tutored you and you were so young. It's sad to hear of so many that are not alive any longer. The location of the school reminds me now of the old war movies and the prisoner of war camps (no disrespect to the school). I remember playing truant and escaping through the fence and charging down steep embankments (part of the East Sussex Downs ) surrounding the school and making it to the corn fields then waiting until class started and it was clear to make a total escape to the local sweet shop! I think it's sad that our heritage and lineage is wiped out to a large degree when a school is torn down, while the more prestigious schools have hundreds of years of artifacts, photos and memories that can come back to life when past graduates and their family's go back in their later years. Saying that, can anyone post any photos of the Patcham Fawcett School from the sixties or seventies? That would make me very happy and bring alive some old fading memories.

I used to go Patcham Fawcett School from 1968 to 1973. I too remember it as a prison camp. If you dared go out of bounds Frank Ingham would shout out the window at you, "You, boy, come here". You knew what for; he would say "hand out" and give you a lash of the cane then thump you in the chest. I believe he was killed coming out of Stanmer Park on the old road - he was hit broadside. I remember Mr Kenwick who in his mind was still in the army. If you misbehaved he would say "come here boy" then bounce you off of his big belly firing you across the room in a heap on the floor making all the boys laugh! Then he would do the same to anyone caught laughing - I kid you not!! If the kids today had our time at school there would be many a court case.

I went to Fawcett grammar stream from 1954 -57 before they built Westlain. It was a bit different to todays teaching. Some of the teachers I recall were Mr Dyer, the PE teacher, ex Army I think, who used to punch you into line. Mr Bond, music, rumoured to have had a metal plate in his head following a war wound. I once saw him break a violin over a boy! Mr Bowles the French teacher never strapped you, but kept you in after school, which was worse. My memory of Mr Tibbles (I think he later went to Queens Park), was of him walking you around the room if you misbehaved holding your sideburns - I still feel it. Happy days!

I attended Fawcett School between 1948 and 1952. Four happy years. I have only good memories of the teachers. Some not mentioned by Alan Brown are Mr. Benson, Mr Bolton, Mr Lane who had taught my father, and Mr Summers who I later encountered lecturing in Engineering at the Preston Technical Institute. I went on to serve an apprenticeship at the Brighton Locomotive Works.

I was at Patcham Fawcett as a first year when it opened in 1965. As it had not been completed, I remember we did not have full days for the first couple of months. Great memories of playing football for the school. What happened to Harry Bradford? My worst experience was spending two years with Mr. Sambrooke in Woodwork. What a misery he was!

I attended Margaret Hardy School in York Place. I remember most of the previous teachers mentioned, and have some more: Mrs Room, Miss Sacchi, Miss Williams, Miss Matthews, Miss Roberts, Mr Tomlinson, Miss Englander to name but a few. Does anybody else remember them? Margaret Hardy was a brilliant school and I think we were lucky to have been taught by such teachers. I am so glad I left before the school moved to Patcham. The reputation it now has is not very good I'm afraid.

My sisters and I attended Margaret Hardy School late 1940's and early 1950's. We remember Miss Wholly? and Miss Stoner. I went to Miss Stoner's wedding to Mr Smithers (also a teacher at Stanford Road School). Miss Stoner was very strict. We also remember many of those mentioned above. Miss Pike was one of my favourites - her parents owned a fish shop which amused me, with a name like Pike! I also really liked Miss Samways. She was so gentle and honest. My sister remembers Miss Gott.

I attended Patcham Fawcett School when it first opened and remember a lot of the teachers names mentioned. The teacher I respected most was Maurice Packham despite the fact he hated sport. I also had a good time in 'Rogues and Gentlemen'. Only one teacher I didn't have time for was a Mr Dyer. Good times. If you read this Maurice I hope your keeping well.

I remember Mr Bolton very well as a short and kind man. He must have been near retiring age when he was my form master for the A form at Fawcett. Although I remember him well as being very kind he would brook no nonsense. He was a tough little man and had I understand been a commando during the war. This came to the fore once when upon remonstrating with a boy who was a bully, the boy took a swipe at Mr Bolton who parried, kneed the boy in the groin and told him something to the effect that it would be a cold day in hell when he could ever catch him out like that. Though I do not approve of violence, I could not then, nor do I still, feel very sorry for that boy as it was in fact a quite unprovoked attack.

Nice to see Patrick Kite's name. I had to be honest I had forgotten but now I remember. Sorry to see that Des Moore was dead as I remember him rather fondly as a very eccentric character and will add a bit about him later.

I remember Des Moore very vividly from my time at school. He was eccentric and something of a throw back even then, with his Calvinism and ultra-patriotism. I liked him a lot, despite rather than because of, these traits. In many ways he still seemed a boy himself, something I attribute to him having gone (as far as I know) from public school to university and straight into teaching without any intervening experience between. I remember him asking which of the class had been baptised and which, if any of us, had not. A forest of hands shot up, he looked pleased. Only myself and Leon Braunstein (my best friend and Jewish) had not. Somehow Leon's reason was acceptable. He turned on me - "Why in heaven's name not?" he enquired.

I remember Des Moore. What a dodgy man he was. I remember one day in swimming lessons he pushed a boy in the pool who could not swim, in the deep end. A boy confronted Des about this act and pushed him in too, complete with sports jacket full of chalk etc fully clothed and brogue shoes. Well he did not swim very well and almost drowned, the boys only pulling him out when they thought he had come up for the last time. I bet he did not do that again to boys who could not swim.

I remember David Maynard and thought his contribution re Des Moore very interesting insofar as it shows a very different aspect to the man that I remember. It does not of course contradict it. In fact it fits rather well (although in an unexpected way) with my comment that he seemed like a boy himself and the implication that he had not grown up.

One of the most difficult masters at the school for me was Mr Shields who taught Maths. Actually he failed to teach me it at all and today I would have no doubt he would not be let anywhere near a classroom. He was a bully at a basic level and I suspected that he had some suggestion of mental ill-health. However, the way that he treated me was unjustifiable. He would pull me about either by my hair or my ear when I failed to understand him. His red and sweating face would be held near mine and he would breathe foul cigarette tainted vapours into my face. I took to finding any reason to be away from school when I was due to have a lesson with him. This impacted of course on other lessons and he could have affected me in other academic areas of my school life. I have speculated subsequently as an adult whether he was suffering from some sort of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(he had been in the military in some connection). His constant mopping of his brow, profuse sweating and licking of his lips all suggest to me anxiety and stress. His red face would have also suggested high blood pressure. I assume that he is no longer alive and I have long imagined that he would have had a heart attack some time in his life. He was a real horror but part of me feels sorry for him.

Pat Brewerton (who must have been either in my class or near at Margaret Hardy): I also went to the wedding of Miss Stoner who was married in a church in Stanford Avenue. I remember throwing rice (with a bit of force) at the happy pair. Miss Stoner was very sweet and was one of the younger teachers. I went through the school mainly in the B classes. I can remember some names that might ring a bell with you: classmates Pamela Voice, Pat Corrigan, Edith and Elsie Claridge (twins), Shirley ?? a good diver and swimmer who collected all the prizes at North Road Baths. We used to go convoy fashion to sports at Preston Park. Rounders and hockey and tennis and athletics. Learning lifesaving at North Road Baths which always had far too much chlorine in the water.

I remember Mr Shield (Bill). He was my maths teacher. In some lessons he would get bored with teaching us maths and say, come on boys let's do questions and answers. He liked to answer questions from boys, he would work his way round the class and if you gave him a question he could not answer he would strap you! (I kid you not!) So when it got to me, I would ask him a simple question he could answer, so no strap. I think he was also not right, like Edward he did have mental heath problems. We would call him 'fly catcher' because he had a tongne which flicked in and out all the time. He would go red in the face and rage like a bull if you upset him.

Yes David I remember well the name 'fly catcher' for Mr Shields.  If we could only travel back in time, I would like to view  some of what we experienced with teachers like him as my adult self. To this day I am very poor at maths, something in part I think to Mr Shields and at least one other math teacher who was completely insensitive, although not physically violent to me.

I remember Pete Holland from 80-84. A no nonsense teacher and a good one.
Mr Dyer is still alive and well. I used to live next door to him must be about 90.

I remember Roy Dyer. I think he was a great teacher, however one problem if you upset him (which was not hard) he would say, "right you saucy git, lap of honour for you. I will give you 5 seconds start." There were no holes barred, you could run around the class anywhere, over desks, stand on them, whatever. After 5 seconds he would start the chase after you, lashing out with the cane as he chased you over the desks, beleive this or not! It was not adviseable to sit at your desk while this was going on because you had a good chance of getting a lash of the cane as it was waved about after the one he was chasing. So the best thing to do was to open your desk lid and bury your head in the desk to protect yourself from the cane lashing about. He was a good teacher never the less and I  liked attending his lessons, thinking this should be fun!

I read your comments regarding Mr Kenwick and wonder if you could help me at all. I am looking for Mr Philip Solomon Kenwick, and wonder if you remember if this is the same person? Many thanks and looking forward to hearing from you.

Hi Vivenne, the Mr Kenwick I knew would now be about 95 years old. With a christian name like Solomon he may have been Jewish, and I beleive he had downs syndrome child. That's all I knew of him, sorry.

I remember Mr Kenwick as a name only.Vague memories have been stirred in the references given by David Maynard to his having had a Downes Syndrome child.I had not realised that he had the middle name of Solomon which I think would be unusual for someone not Jewish.The only Jewish teacher that I was aware of at the school was Mr Silverman.He taught science{or tried to} as I dont recall that any of his experiments ever worked.I think that this might have been due to his rather excitable manner that led to his waving his arms around a lot and catching experiments with the cuff of his jacket thereby knocking them to the floor.His walking about whilst hectoring us loudly on top of the lab tables had much the same effect.From this vantage point he would sometimes have recourse to gain our attention by shouting out "Look at me I'm Jesus-Jesus".For a presumed Jewish man his strong likeness to Adolf Hitler in physical appearance,the lock of hair and the "tache" was an irony that I hope passed him by.An eccentric man I think I can safely say.

Does anyone remember two teachers who taught French at Fawcett? The first was Mr Seville who was I believe from Paris.I remember him as rather a pleasant man who smelled strongly of both cigarettes and garlic.The garlic was rather unusual in England at the time.The second teacher was Mrs Brandwood who was as I remember the only female teacher at the school{actually the "New" Patcham Fawcett }-she was a from the North and rather strident in the class room.She was a neighbour and friend of my Mother and completely different when out of school.She died eventually I believe of heart disease

I went to Margaret Hardy in the 60s I was in the same year and class as Carol Hollick.I remember you very well Carol-you always had a great sense of humour. I hated the school but ironically I am now teraching in the annexe-now part of City college

jennifer Fraser-Smith (nee Mann)

I attended Fawcett 1953-58. A mixed blessing having my father as the woodwork teacher. Very interesting reading many remarks of various teachers and knowing things on the other side of the fence so to speak. Mr Webb, Mr Bowles, Mr Fordham and several others gave me an education in life as well as in the academic subjects. I am thousands of miles away now but, when I do occassionally go back to Brighton, it seems very familiar. Does the 5B still run from Patcham out to Hove?

The last comment from Mick Harris - is that the Mick who was a great footballer (right half) andwent to Westlain, and ended up in the police force in west sussex? If so I remember your dad, strapped me with a thin rubber band for using a pencil instead of a marking knife must have worked because I remember to this day.

I attended PatchamFawcettHigh School between 1985-1989, I remember a few teachers from back then, Mr Rolinson used to teach metalwork? Mr Tregear was a PE teacher and could of been head of upper/lower school - I can't remember which. Mr Wilkinson was also a PE teacher and also our form tutor for a while. Mr Patterson? was a supply teacher. Mr Ashdown was head of upper/lower school - can't remember which. If my memory serves me correctly, Mrs Jenner was our first form tutor in my first year (2C1) Another teacher was Mr Wilcox, Mr Blewitt? Anyone remember these?

If you attended Patcham Fawcett please join the facebook group Patcham Fawcett and add your memories there as well.

A recurring theme in these comments is the injustice felt by former pupils at various punishments administered. They were in those days arbitrary and of dubious educational value. One wonders if the inspirations of teachers only happens in films like "Dead Poets Society".

I stumbled upon this site and have just read the contributions which stirred my memory of what it was like at FawcettSchool. I was in Des Moore's class 2b and 3b, I thought the move when it became Patcham Fawcett was going to be to my advantage but blow me if I didn't end up in his 4b there. I disliked him immensely as did he me, the only thing I learned from him was a healthy dislike of all authoritarian figures. We all have different memories of the school don't we, depending on so many personal circumstances? I could choose to remember a lot of bad things about some bad teachers but prefer to recall the good. The teacher I had most respect for was Mr West, he was deputy head at Fawcett in the last couple of years it was open. He would have made a first class head of the new Patcham and Fawcett in my opinion, but was sadly overlooked and I think he retired instead of going to the new school. I remember your names David Maynard and Edward Castle-Herbert but its over 40 years ago so forgive me I can't picture you very well, I think you were in a year above or below me, Ian (ceana) Brook ...best buds with Micky Mantle.

Just a correction on the deputy head I mentioned, it was Mr Sam Web or Webb and not Mr West as I put, ..Id have got the slipper for that mistake back then for sure!

Sam Webb was my form and English teacher in the fifth year at Brighton Fawcett and a man I greatly respected for his good humor and ability to inspire and excite interest in the subjects he taught. We sixteen year old boys were introduced not only to literature but also to life when, under his guidance, we read "The History of Mr Polly" by H.G.Wells and put on a play just among ourselves "She Stoops to Conquer" by Oliver Goldsmith. I too can remember bad things but it is so much better to dwell on what is pleasant since none of it can be changed now.

I also stumbled across this site being very interested in Brighton history. Ian Brooke now there's a name I remember, David Ide, Freddy (Fleddy) Harrop, Tony Puttock and Leon Braunstein. I was at the old Fawcett and also Patcham Fawcett from its first year, now that was a dump, totally without any character. Reading all the comments about the teachers it seems as though they were as much misfits as us pupils. Seville who alleged he had mirrors on his glasses so he could see what we were doing behind his back and would readily lob a board rubber at you with some accuracy. Makes you wonder if they wouldn't all be locked up nowadays. Happy Days?

Who was the teacher who taught biology in the house at the Pelham Street end of Fawcett playground? He made boredom an art form in that subject. I often wondered why there were always men standing outside by the railings when the girls next door were doing P E. I realised in later years that they were watching the girls getting changed in the playground. That would be unheard of now. I used to get the strap across the hands fairly often, so perhaps i was paying too much attention to the girls as well?

Brilliant Site. My experience of Fawcett in the 1950s has moved me to write a fictionalised memoir relating events through a boy's eyes. It was undoubtedly a school with master bullies and doubtless some boys' lives and ability to learn was impaired by the school's harsh disciplinary code. Punching, strapping, caning et al (I tasted them all). But the teachers - characters like Dyer, Shields, (Mad) Bill Benson, Bond (Frenchie), not forgetting the wonderful Miss Sutton (violin), remain indelibly printed. It was no place for the faint hearted. Luckily I was expelled, having begun in the Grammar stream I soon managed to upset all the teachers. I did not like being beaten and so became incredibly disruptive. For details see http://www.brightonboy.co.uk/

I remember you too Tony Belcher, we started at Fawcett in the same year and I think we were mostly in the same class of Des Moore's until, if my memory serves me well, you went up to the A stream. I've a useless memory so I've probably got that wrong but I do recall being friends with you, we sure needed them, didn't we? I remember Leon Braunstein and David Hide, Jimmy Green (both in a different stream I think along with Peter Aundray (not sure of spelling). Can't remember who taught Biology, that wasn't Stan Smith was it?  I know he taught science extremely boringly.

I attended Fawcett School from 1954-56 and remember George Horrobin well as he was the first teacher that I had for woodwork. He was a very tolerent man, he had to be with us lot. Does anyone remember the following maters?: Bert White, Basher Bond, Billy Benson, Jazz Bolton, Mr Ward, Daddy Dyer, Mr Lowe. The memory grows a bit tired now.

I attended Fawcett from 1951-1955 my last year I was in Mr Lane's form 4T1 in the basement. I had mad 'bondy' for music and he used to fly into a rage if we did not play correctly. Mr Carter was head master at that time and we also had Billy Benson. Mr finimore and Mr dyer. All the teachers wore gowns and did look the part of teachers.

I recently found this site and was excited to see so many names of teachers from Margaret Hardy in the early 1960s that I did not know. I remembered Miss Matthews, Miss Roberts and Miss West to name but a few.  One thing that stayed with me always is learning to knot a tie and playing sports in my navy knickers.  Also there was a comment from Jennifer Mann who I feel must be the girl whose parents owned the restaurant. Would love to hear from you. I now reside in Victoria, Australia.

Hello all, I attended the Fawcett School in about 1955-56 but only for a year or so before moving to Edinburgh. Strangely - my name then was Kenneth Hamilton, I lived in Old Steine. The only name I remember from my class friends was Anthony (Tony) Goyer. I think he had come from Canada. I can remember being segregated from the girls next door by a big iron gate! I was previously at the Downs Primary off Ditchling Road, I can remember more names from there!  And does anyone remember B-I-S-O-N ??

I also went to the Downs County Primary School but a bit earlier than Jim Tarbet. I was told that Fawcett School used to be called 'Brighton Intermediate School'. After it was bombed in the war it was repaired and so the school carried on and the school emblem became the B.I.S.O.N ('Brighton Intermediate School carries On'). I left Fawcett in 1955 - did they still have the Houses for all the school for sports day? I think they were Fawcett, Godwin, Pelham, Russel, Stanford and Tattersel. I now live in Perth, Australia, and wonder where any other old boys are living.

Hi, it's me again! First of all, just to check Alan Brown - are you the same one that was a chorister at St Nicolas Church? If so, I think your nickname there was 'Li ll' - one of Frank Pilbeam little jokes. Anyway, back to school - now Mrs Brandwood lived over the road from me in Upper North Street. Her husband, as I remember, was the librarian at Patcham Fawcett and was totally deaf. Billy Benson taught me Religious Instruction, Charlie Griffiths was my first Form Master at Fawcett, Mr Sambroke taught me Woodwork, a Mr Patterson T/Drawing, I think Mr Polly Art, Headmaster Mr Pollit, Sam Webb Assistant Head, Mr Kenwick Careers, Mr Blasby gym master and swimming. I think Jazz Bolton's car plate was JB007 - what is it worth now? Edward, do you see anything of Derek Emmery now?

The quintessential list of masters in the 1950's. Bert White; strapped me on my backside for "talking in lines", Wilf Benson; did great recitations of Stanley Holloway monologues, Jazz Bolton; you never knew what to expect when he taught a class, Sam Ward; in biology if you make a pretty enough diagram you are sure to remember it, Roy Dyer; strict but fair, Jock Patterson; liked to look over the top of his glasses, Les Coxhead; gave you a choice of canes, thin, thick or flat, they all hurt. Bill Shields; Metalwork in the basement. George Bowles; great character with amazing facial expressions, Sam Webb; managed to see the humor in just about everything, Les Fordham; made math and physics interesting, managed to cause a huge explosion one day in chemistry, Mr Lowe; PE, Mr Polly; Art. Headmasters, Pollit and Carter.
Schoolmates whose names I remember but haven't seen since forever: Ted Lear, Phillip Witten; Martin Payne.
Reading all the anecdotes it seems that the Fawcett when it was down opposite St Peter's was a place of character and a place that forged memories.

Hi all. I left Fawcett in 1974 and remember Sloppy Erb (Mr Kenwick) and Des Moore who I met later on whilst fitting an extension to his phone. He lived in Lewes and must have been 80 by then. I also remember most of the teachers in the post by Mick Harris. I was in Dyke House and if you were good or liked sport you were OK, if not I don't think this school had much too offer you. As a 4th year you were allowed to use your form room at lunch time, ours in Dyke House was the art room. We used to have wars throwing the stuff around at each other but it was all tidy by the time Mr Polly came back. We used to bully a boy called Graham Mackton - and I mean everyone, but some more than others. He must have been one of the strongest kids mentally at the school. Mr Coleman was my first form master followed by the fly catcher Bill Sheilds. I hated woodwork with Mr Seddon and French with Mrs Brandwood (old cow), Frank Ingham used to throw your maths books out the window if anything was wrong inside. Each sum was done on scrap paper first, then marked, then copied into your book, it was hell. Thank God for the sport and Mr Wilcox. Mr Dyer was OK if you could get him talking rugby as was Harry Bradford who kicked me out of the football team in the second year because he said I was too small. My mates were Terry Newland and Mark Rowland. I look back at school as a good time, but I had my fair share of beatings.

I have just discovered this superb site. I attended Fawcett School York Place from 1948 to 1952. Seeing your letter Ron Hart, I remember you being in my class. One thing that was interesting was that you went on to work at the Loco Works. I too went on to work for the Railway, As a coachbuilder at Lancing Carriage Works. I remember a lot of the teachers, notably, Harry Bond, Harry Bradford for football, all going up to Loder Road on the trolleybus. Mr Benson took us for English, and we used to play him up until he lost his temper, when he would throw the lid of his desk up, and pull out his strap. Once I remember we got some nails and a hammer from the woodwork room, and nailed his strap inside his desk. We fell about laughing when he next went to get his strap out. Something else I recall doing was, a group of us would get these broken pieces of mirror, and when the sun was shining would reflect it across the playground into the windows of the girls classrooms in Margaret Hardy School. If anyone out there can remember these times, please add a comment. Three names I can remember that I played football with, are David Gunstone Terry Jackson, and Colin Wilkinson,who played in goal the same as I did. We both had a trial for Brighton Boys, coached by one-time Albion goalkeeper Jack Ball. I didn't get selected as he told me I wasn't tall enough.

I recently found this site by chance. I remember most of the teachers referred to circa 1955 to 1960. Dyer, Bradford, Silverman, Holland, Shields, Polly. Does anyone remember a History Teacher called Froment. I see there was an earlier contribution by Mick Harris. We were joint Head Boys -not sure which year.

What have I stumbled on here then? Great stuff!  I was around for a while back in the 1970s. Mostly I remember at least twice a week - in Bertie White's French lessons, getting the strap, or the cane, or the size 10 plimsole. Or even sometimes, the blackboard rubber thrown at me.  But there were good as well as bad days. I remember Mr Kenwick and his "You sloppy herb boy" Bless him! I remember the flycatcher Bill Shields, Trevor Coleman - he was a blinder.  Learnt a lot from him - can't remember what it was though. This is all bringing it back now. I remember Miss Prosser and her long skirts. Will be browsing here now and then.  Be lucky and may life be sweet to you all

Steve Whittington - you mention there is a Patcham Fawcett Face Book - where would I find that?

Hello to all ex-Patcham boys.  I was at the school from about 1973-1976 then on to Varndean.  Any old memories to share would be great!  I too remember Mr Moore, God, his name takes me back!

Yes - Stuart 'Froffie' Froment  used to froth at the mouth every time he spoke. The year I left, he left, I think to go to Lancing College

Wow, I remember lots to do with Patcham Fawcett. I used to be best mates with a guy called Colin Blake, he came up to Fawcett when the Pelham street school closed. His dad was called Adrian and there was nothing you could teach the guy about engines, he was great at mechanics and Peggy (Colins mum) looked after me very well when my family hit the skids, I moved in with them and had a blast, I thought we would be mates for ever, but I moved out rather rudely an then lost track (all my fault). But any way back to the school, I remember Des Moore more than any other teacher mainly because he used to keep treats in a cupboard in the classroom and if you ran an errand for him (letters posted in the postbox down Deeside) he used to give you half a packet of Polos or a small Kit Kat or suchlike. I remember a few of the louder lads 'borrowed' some tools from Mr Sambrook's (YAWN) woodwork class and smuggled them in to Des' classroom, then procceded to saw through the top of the cupboard where the treasure (treats) were stored and threw them to all in the class, to implicate us all rather than being generous I guess. It was a wonderful feeling to liberate the sweets, we all felt like we had won a small victory, well that was until he found out, blimey he went mad. I remember he used to give us the slipper when we were naughty, we had black trousers and he used to chalk a swastika on to the slipper then smack you with it. Yeah it stung but you also had a swastika on your bum for a while. Happy days.

I remember going to Patcham. It was around 1971-1973, after that I emigrated to Cyprus only to be caught up in a war and having to come back to England. I always remember a teacher called Mr Smithers. I got caught running across the car park and got the cane across my hand. He always had this smarmy grin on his face too. I had two real good friends I remember who I came up with from Stanford Road Primary School: Andrew Burnett and Mark James. Does anyone else know of them now?

Its amazing what you can find on Google; Patcham Fawcett - I went to both the old and new. Some of you may remember me for running the illegal snack shop. Unfortunately my prices were to competitive for the school as my sale increased theirs dropped and I was exposed, still great while it lasted. The six of the best from Hodder was worth it! I see Peter Rowlands made a comment, Hi Pete would like to make contact with you, send message if reciprocal.

Wow! It was by accident that I stumbled upon this site, and have seen mentioned a good few of the teachers that I remember well from Margaret Hardy School when I attended in the early 1960s. I remember Miss West the head teacher, and the little stairs that led up to her office. Miss Bland, Dep Head, quite an ogre, but a real good teacher. Miss Matthews, Miss Englander, Mrs Ellis-Barker. Oh she was so lovely. I also remember Mr Lacey, he was adorable, and Mr Tomlinson, Miss Philpott, Mrs Room and Mrs Kinght the cookery teacher. But the one I remember the most, and disliked the most, was Miss Oxford, Margo Oxford! She used to call me Debooora Vora, she wouldn't get away with calling you names if she was teaching nowadays! She was so rude. What ever happened to her I wonder? My memories of Margaret Hardy at York Place next to Fawcett Boys still actually brings back happy memories though and I will never forget Mr Fry and the Science Lab, and the old Bunsen Burners. Oh happy memories of inkwells and great friends. I think that all who attended in the same era will agree with me. Our uniform consisted of a pale green shirt with red tie, navy jumper and skirt, not allowed to be more than 3 inches above the knee, a beret and I loved the scarf! We actually used to get points for wearing all the uniform, leading to credit points for your house. The houses, Slessor, Browning, Anderson and Fry, all named after famous women.

I have just found this website and I was at the school between 1966 and 1971. I also remember the teachers Des Moore ,Daddy Dyer, Flycatcher Shields, "Pervy Pavey" the sports teacher last seen teaching at HovePark in the nineties. I remember some of my class mates not seen for years! Graham Boullier, Nigel Thomas, Garry Nunn, Steve Simmonds, Graham Bishop. I am now living in Spain and would be interested to hear from any of my old mates to catch up on old times!

I have just stumbled across this site, I moved up from Patcham from form 2b to 3b in 1965 to the new Patcham Fawcett school the year it opened. Mr Pollett was Head, Sam Webb was Deputy, Mr Hodder was senior (having previously been headmaster at Patcham). I recall Pete Holland for Science I believe he was ex-commando, always thought he would blow the school up. Disappointed to learn Frank Ingham died, I still recall his lessons in maths, and the one afternoon he taught us the metric system, always recall him saying we spend years learning the imperial system; he taught the basic Metric principle that afternoon that I use to this day. I had Frank as a form master, he used to live down the road from me in Brighton, and I was always late running to the bus, he frequently gave me a lift to school. The only students I recall are Allen Davis, fantastic 100m sprinter and Frank Pilbeam, neither of which were in my class. The only student I still have contact with is Phil Meason (nickname Crab). We all look on schooldays differently, I found all the facilities at the new school fantastic, seem to recall Patcham Fawcett cleaned up against all the other schools in Rugby, Football etc. in the first year. I was also in Dyke house, but cannot recall any other names. As I recall I was the only Boxer, in year 4 (1966) and went on to win some trophy.

What a great site, and what memories. I was at Fawcett from 1949 - 1955. I was in Pelham House, which I seem to remember did not win very much. Mr Bond the music teacher. He was reputed to have a metal plate in his head which maybe accounted for his eccentric behavior, such as taking some poor errant boy into the corridor outside the music room and shouting at him so loudly you could hear it on the top floor. Mr Tibbles was my form master in 5A. "Jazz" Bolton, Mr Fordham, Mr Fenemore, Mr Dyer, Mr Hodder, Mr Webb were others I remember. I remember us all going to the schoolboy football at Wembley Stadium, where Mr Webb brought along his two daughters. I was amazed that he was normal, with a wife and family. I also remember a school trip to Oxford (about 1951?). Does any body else remember it?
From 5A I remember Derek (Tom) Long, Nigel Spencer, John Hughes and Mike Halliday. Happy days!

For Edward Castle-Herbert: The other French teacher at Fawcett was Mr Adereth (from Welsh Wales). He used to take distinct pleasure in dishing out the slipper and rubbing the offended part better!

Does anyone remember the very glamorous Miss Conniff who taught at Patcham Fawcett when it was still a very much all male establishment circa 1969/70 ? Miss Conniff only had to walk across the playground and she was greeted with a massive chorus of wolf whistles. Most of the male staff had an eye for her as well.

Hi I went to awcett back in the early sixties, then we moved to Patcham. I  was in the football team along with Tony Avis, Arthur Knapp, Keth Chapman, David Hyde, Ian Davey, Butch Stunt. Others I can't remember. I remember Des Moore, used to knock about with Farid Ullah. My girlfriend was a girl called Betty Lucas, if anybody kows where she is I would appreciate it if you could contact me on the email address, Cheers

Very kind of you PETER ROWLAND. Yes I remember you well when you were in the school play. You are absolutely right. I always described football as twenty two men in little knickers kicking a ball about. Never could understand why boys who were physically very fit with an obsession for winning should be regarded as special. However! Hope you are doing well in whatever you started in. Remember happy days at the PF School. The building was badly planned. I can remember, during a rehearsal of a school play, when a bewildered boy appeared on the stage. He'd taken the wrong door from the gym! Pollit was a very fair, sincere man. So was Alan Hodder who, sadly went into a decline mentally and died. Regret many unkind things I 've said to pupils and hope they will forgive me.

I went to Fawcett school from 1950 until 1954 when I joined the R.N. One of the main things I can remember is sitting in the classroom freezing cold because the coal/coke hadnt arrived for the boilers,a couple of times we were even sent home.

I attended the Patcham Fawcett school from 1966 to 1970. My form masters were Benson , Fromont, Silverman and Ingham. Mr Griffiths took the chess class. Other masters were Bolton, Packham, Holland , Patterson, Kenwick, Shields, Billingsby, Passant, Pavey ,Brandwood, Pollitt, Webb, Hodder, Moore, Wilcox, Leate, Harris , Sandbrooke and Bradford. Patrick Galvin mentioned Miss Conniff. Yes I remember you both after 40 years have passed. Ian Stapleton - I remember my father helped him after his leg fracture playing for the school at Hove Park. I can remember Mr Bradford saying before the football matches "it's all in the mind", how true is that in life .Patcham Fawcett 66-70 so glad I was there. I eouldn't have missed it for the world .Great days, great memories.

Is G. White (22/06/2009) Gordon White who used to live in Porthall Place? If so, he might remember walking to school with me when in our first and second years at Fawcett. I also remember Mick Harris in the first year being carried on the crossbar of his father's bike. Sorry for the embarrassing memory. Very few of the teachers had cars in those days. A great site, what memories.

I went to Fawcett and Patcham Fawcett between 63 and 67, probably the worst school in Brighton. I remember Des Moore, Flycatcher Shields and two or three of the others. I remember how most of the lads used to copy Des Moore's signature on the blackboard at breaktime (dfgm) if they wanted to stay in the classroom, and how he used to slipper lads when he used to tell them to bend over and face the head mistress at Margaret Hardy school when he was at Fawcett. I remember the question times of Flycatcher Shields instead of doing maths. Does nobody remember Larry Lazelle the music teacher, I thought your writer Alan Llangley would as he was in the choir the same time as me and he used to do most of the solos, so if you read this Alan please get in touch, I would love to hear from you again-it's been a long time, do you remember Tony Albrect? If anybody else remembers  me please get in touch. I would love to hear from anybody who knows me from all those years ago. I live in Farnborough but am very often in Worthing, all the best

The full term for the slipper from Des Moore was being ejected into Miss West's. Just thought I would tell you Ronald Jarratt.

Hi, I attended Fawcett School from 1952 until 1957.  One of my form masters was Daddy Dyer; I remember his slippers Horace and Henry, both administered a nasty sting on one's posteria if you misbehaved. I must say that it certainly didn't do me any harm - I know its controversial, but they really should bring back class punishment. We are now breeding a nanby pamby state. Enough of that. Does anyone remember Frank Knapp or John Manthorpe? Fab site for ex Fawcett boys. Look forward to hearing from someone.

Thank you for the reminder; how could I forget.

It would seem all my school mates must either be unaware of this site or they have sadly passed away. Of course it could be they don't want to commuicate with me....

Judging by the lack of responses all my mates must be dead.

Wow! What a way to remember the past.

Maurice Packham was my form master at Patcham too. I was only in his class for 2 terms (13+ recall in 1953) but in those days he put on Toad of Toad Hall as the school play. I was the scene shifter who had to walk Toad's caravan onto stage and keep it upright for the entire act, whilst remaining hidden behind it.

I too went to Patcham Fawcett until 1974, being in Firle house I had Frank Ingham as form and house master. I remember sitting next to Gary Hann. Frank Ingham had the key to the house toilets and kept them locked permanantly for his own use. I was friends with Clive Polling who was in Clayton house. I also remember Maurice Packham as a very good teacher, along with Pete Holland.Ssorry to hear of the recent death of Mr Sambrook, who although strict, was a willing teacher if you showed real interest in woodwork. Does anyone else remember Mr Leete who ran the school fishing club and tech drawing? Cyril Bear was the music teacher, who was obssesed with Sir Malcom Saergent. Having only recently found the Fawcett site (not on the net, having to borrow e-mail address) found it really interesting that other peoples experiences of the school were as bizare as mine.

I was at Fawcett, then Patcham Fawcett, 1963-68. I remember some names from my year: James Pond who much to our amazement had a full blown row with Mr Fromont in class and won the arguement. Terry Mead, Frank Pilbeam, Peter Jarrett, Stepan Lazinsky, Steven Albrecht, Steven Oliver, ---- Gonzales, I remember Frank Pilbeam standing opposite me in Woodwork when his face dropped, it was then that I felt the smash on the back of my head - the tirade of abuse as my folding stool was smashed to bits by Mr Sanbrook. Happy times?

Thank you Chris Groom for your kind comment. What an ill planned school was PF. When the curtain was drawn across the side of the hall, nobody was prepared for the steps! There were steps everywhere. I remember the heating system. Hot air driven through pipes. It sucked the air out of the toilets and redirected it into a dining room! My most enjoyable (and traumatic) times were doing the school play. An excuse to put on my plays! There was the occastion when, druing a GCSE exam in the library there was rumblings from above. Then hot water dripping through the ceiling. I ordered the immediate evacuation and they boys sat on the grass. Sorry to say that Patric Galvin who went into the theatre world and edited a theatre magazine died last year of cancer. Only in his fifties, poor chap. One thing occurred to me. Use the slabs in the yard as a big chess board. I think, when I suggested it, Mr. Hodder thought I was joking. Can't blame him: I usually was.

Interested to read the reponse from Maurice Packham. Graham and I were at Fawcett with Brenda Stopp, later Mrs Packham, in the Fifth Year 1950. Would be delighted to receive any news of our classmates.

Hello Mary and Graham. Maurice and I and both married children, Simon and Francesca, all live in Horsham now. We'd love to have more news of you and perhaps you could let us know your present address.

Having recently read the response about Mr Sanbrook's woodworking class from Gordon Vickers about the destruction of folding stools, I thought that I should mention that not only have I still got my stool made all of those years ago, but my son who has now also left school sat on it for years. Perhaps it was better made than the one mentioned or Mr Sanbrook, was mellowing by this time and could not manage a clip round the ear and the destruction of a whole stool at the same time. After all these years it is so interesting to hear stories that bring back so many little memories that go to make up the story of our school days. Thank you Maurice Packham for being among the most humane of the Patcham Fawcett teachers and not only doing your best at the time to drum some sense of learning into us all, but also for currently sharing your memories of things that are becoming a bit hazy in the memories of many of us. Chris Groom.

Patrick, sorry to respond to your question re Derek Emery several years late but I have not read any of this material for a few years. I have not in fact seen Derek for decades. When I last saw him he either had got married or was planning to. I do recall turning up at his house in my full hippie phase and I think rather shocking him by my very long hair and unusual clothes. He was always a very conventional dresser by contrast. Quite possibly I was at Art School in Eastbourne at the time. For those that have read my comments about the suspicions I entertained about a certain master's psychological stability it might interest them to know that the lifelong fascination I had with the human mind led me in later life to train as a psychotherapist and I still work in mental health.

I recognise some of the 'girls' from Margaret Hardy from when I went to York Place from 1965 to 1967. I was also in Miss Ellis Barker's class 4R2. She was such a character! I enjoyed those two years at Margaret Hardy, York Place more than Patcham school (1962-1965)! I can't believe Miss Ellis Barker's 'pets' as she often called us, will be 60 next year! It would be good to make contact with old school friends!

Patrick. I remember Mr Froment very well and have some fond memories of him. I recall that due to (was it a slight speech defect?) he tended to project a spray of spittle forwards when he spoke. I remember having to wipe my glasses from time to time when I sat in the front row. He was also a convinced socialist and I wonder how he might have got on with Des Moore who was a very conservative character with his Calvinism and public school background. Des was also quite a Little Englander and his History classes were amazingly entertaining to me because of his evident and extraordinary prejudices. I presume that Froment took a more Internationalist perspective. Ah to have been able to eavesdrop on the staffroom? Froment also from time to time would entertain us with his imitations of the headmaster tendency to pace and draw out school assemblies to what seemed like ages as he filled his pipe and got the odd word out whilst you waited for the sentence to be completed. One day I think he was caught out doing this by the headmaster who drew him out into the corridor for a chat - or so I presume.

I appreciate Mr Packham's comments about the badly planned nature of the school. I have written elsewhere on this site about it. It managed both to be very poorly planned and shoddily built - what a bad combination. The real mystery being how poorly scrutinised the plans must have been prior to approval. I can only speculate just how much money must have been spent over the years trying to cope with, as well as repair, an inherently faulted building. It reached completion just before the cusp where the 60s met the 70s and for me as a piece of architecture reflected a sort of nadir of that period when many nasty buildings were rushed up as well as quite a few good ones built. It was a proverbial house of cards and it's remarkable that it stood as long as it did. Does anyone have any pictures of the then new school by the way as I have searched on the net but not found any?

I went to Margaret Hardy from 1961 to 1965. Would love to get in touch with anyone from those years. Some of the people in the class were Sandra Lawton, Sheila Smart, Susan Long, Anita Eckberg. I'll always remember those uniforms that I hated and Miss West always used to make us wear those berets. Now live in San Francisco area so it would be fun to have some kind of reunion on line.

I went to Patcham Fawcett High School brighton in 1981. It was horrendous. I was bullied and bashed about though in later years was advantaged as a musician and care worker. I am doing an event with Mervyn Peake's son.

Hi, I just wondered if anyone remembers my dad David Vaughan who attended this school in the 60s and also my mother Linda Butler who attended Margaret Hardy for a short while? It would be great to hear from anyone who remembers them.

Hi all, I stumbled across this site by accident. The tiriad of names does bring back memories of my time at Fawcett, not all happy but the masters I liked on the whole. I remember most of the names mentioned especialy Pete Holland, Colin Ashdown, Mrs Brandwood - who incidently used to come with her son and husband on some of the fishing club trips-she was never the same after her husband died. Ron Dyer was quite a character - my house master during my last year - I always remember the awful smell of food in the room after lunch. Maurice Packham, yes I remember that name well - one of my English teachers along with Mr Bolton who I got on well with. I seem to remember Mr Packham describing football as " 22 grown men running after an inflated pigs bladder and kissing" - one of the few masters there that hated sport almost as much as I did- it always seemed strange to me that athletic prowess was deemed of greater value than academic achievements - but I suppose being useless at sport didnt help!

I attended Patcham School from 1964 until it closed for refurbishment, we then joined Margaret Hardy. I found the adjustment very difficult and hated the school. I was in the A stream at both schools and remember a pupil joining us from Patcham who had been in a much lower stream. Presumably we were to show her care which I believe we did, but the example of our form mistress was to ridicule and humiliate. It was clear to me at fourteen that the pupil concerned had really bad nerves and I could not understand why the adults in that institution did nothing to help. Miss Bland was the only teacher to show her care, I had great respect for her. I left the school before I was legally allowed to. Had Patcham remained as was I believe I would have remained and completed my education. A school where pupils were treated as young adults with mutual respect between teachers and pupils.

Interesting to read the comments from Maurice Packham regarding the hot water coming in through the library ceiling. I remember that well. It was 1983 and the exam (Electronics I think) was my last day at the school. You evacuated us safely and we had to sit 1 metre apart on the field! I recall you teaching me History for a while in room C2. I always found your lessons enjoyable and, as others have said, you were one of the respected teachers. I also remember the plays your organised on that somewhat pathetic stage! Some of the other teachers I remember are Mr Piddock (Maths and my form teacher for the final 2 years, a great bloke who always livened up lessons with a corny joke or two (some of which I can still remember!); Mr Bender who taught Computer Studies and thus the person I should thank for my career; Mr Ashdown (Physics and Electronics); Mr Marsh (Chemistry) who I believe left teaching to become a priest; Mr Holland (Biology); Mr Gillard (German) and Mrs Dockrill (English). All of you played a part in turning me into the person I am today and for that I thank you.

I was at Patcham Fawcett from 1984-88. It was not the most pleasant experience in life! The best times were when school was closed by snow, striking teachers or the 1987 Great Storm. I also remember a Canadian PE teacher who got so fed up with us he jumped into the pool with all his clothes on to get our attention (can't remember his name though.) A couple of good teachers were Pete Holland and Robert Marsh.

I stumbled upon this site  like most do. I cannot understand the harsh comments about P F particularly those of us who went to the old Fawcett school which I happend to carry out some building works on when they built student accomodation in what was one of the playgrounds. It may not have been the best designed school but come on in comparison it was a palace and the food was very good. Did you also know it was the first comprehensive school to have a swimming pool. I cannot remember Mr Packham, if he sees this does he remember me? Lastly if my spelling and grammer is bad let's face it- no surprise when you remember the standard of teaching. If Dave Arun sees this, I would  like to hear from you.

I am really sorry to bother you, but I have of recent months become a member of Facebook. I like to look up people from past and present and as I knew the family of Leon Braunstein (his late father was the Rev. Braunstein of Middle Street Synagogue) i came across this site and wonder if i am on the right tracks. I was introduced to the Braunstein family by my late grandfather Chaim Kaye from Brighton in 1962 at the age of 17 when I had a month's holiday in Brighton before I started work. As Phyllis, the eldest daughter was nearer my age, I spent a lot of time with her. There was also David, Norman, Hannah and then came along Allison, if I am correct. I often wonder where they all are today because they were all such a warm family. I lived in Southgate, now Cockfosters North Lonon

Well like most of us I've stumbled on this site, brought some memories back, like how good we were at basketball; great team around 1971. Sorry lads just can't remember names. And then there was the boxing team Keith Funnel, George Georgeou to mention a few and as for certain teachers, Des More. Not sure if any of you will remember me but be nice to hear from some of you.

Hi Janice Foster, I remember you well, we were in the same year 1960-64 or thereabouts. We were also at St. Bartholomews, I have a couple of photos with us both on. Have a look on Friends Reunited, you will find Stephen Ferrone who lives in California and Vanessa Trangmar who lives in France as well as some from Margaret Hardy. I live in Nottingham now since 1965. Funny how a lot of us moved away. I looked for you on Facebook but, didn't find you. I know my stepsister Eileen Needham is still in Brighton and Pauline Coles but, don't know of any others. You will find me under my married name Anne Ball on Facebook.

Ahhh - great memories of Patcham Fawcett, Hollingbury - and, yes Pete, Holland was brilliant and Mr Wilcox was great as well. I am trying to find some photos of Patcham Fawcett before they tore it down to build houses. I keep finding lots of pics of Fawcett London Road but can't find a single pic of Patcham Fawcett on the web. Can anyone help?

Stumbled over this site whilst looking for house prices in Brighton in 1974. I don't know how some of you can remember so much detail of your time at school. I was at Patcham and only attended PF in 1966. I do remember we did really well at swimming, having used the pool so much. Two names I recall are Chris Blackwell and Brian Wall, whose mum and dad had a shop in Upper North Street. Brian was from Rhodesia, I think, and he swam like a fish. Chris went down to the West Country and joined the police. I think Frank Ingham was a great teacher, as long as you showed an interest in Maths, but he was deadly with the board rubber. One Sports teacher I've not heard mention was Nick Shildcamp (probably wrong spelling). Good to hear some of the old names, and I still haven't found house prices in 1974!

A friend refered me to this page after seeing my name mentioned here and I haven't stopped chuckling reading many of the comments posted. I left in 74 I think. Glad to here from Chris Groom, used to get the old 13 bus home to Lewes Road with him. Again good memories of Jazz Bolton, Pete Holland (still playing golf), my housemaster Frank Ingham, Wilkox, Trussler and Maurice Packham who I remember scolded me for taking life far too flippantly, he was quite correct, I never did change, Maurice, is it such a bad thing? I remember Kenwick in Careers asking Steve Mahkonen what his chosen career would be, but not only had the class never heard of it, neither had he. I think perhaps he was used to bricky or plasterer as a reply. Not sure, but was it Histology Steve - did you do it? Some great memories, but a hard school, tough discipline not always deserved and plenty of bullying. I was happy to get out and never looked back, till now.

Nice to hear from Gary Hann - it just goes to show that so many of us manage to find our way to the Patcham Fawcett site by accident. Yes memories of the 13 bus, and trying to fight your way on board, especially in the winter when the snow at Patcham could be to Arctic proportions and we used to hope it would not make it to the top of Coldean Lane, thereby meaning a day off, and sledging etc instead. Driving by now it seems strange one of the few things left of the school is the path that still goes up to the new estate from the Carden Avenue end, where even the bus stops for, I think it was the 46 bus, have gone. I guess Deeside would still be good fun in the present snowy weather, but my bones and joints probably would not cope so well as when I was at school.

Hi Ian, I was at Fawcett the same time as you along with David Hyde, Jimmy Green, Farid Ulla ( My Bruvverinlaw). You can contact me on facebook if you wish  regards

Hi; I wrote on this page last September and said I lived in Farnborough, i have now moved to Goring by Sea and am on Facebook. If anyone knows me please get in touch.

I remember Ron Hart he was learning to play the violin at the same time I taught myself to play piano. I started off in class 3b and then onto 4T1 for my final year. I then went on to Preston Technical Institute followed by Brighton Technical College. Ron may remember me as he called for me at my Dad's pub the 'White Hart' York Hill. Mr Lane put me in charge of his science lab. I remember one break time I was setting up the lab for the next class when a couple of the lads were cheeking me. I connected My Lane's bunsen burner to a water tap and sprayed the culprits, then re-connected the bunsen to the gas tap. Later that day I returned to the lab and saw a large wet patch on the ceiling. I asked Mr lane what happened, he told me that some prankster had filled his bunsen with water. I looked suitably shocked!

What a wonderful website. I was at Fawcett between 1948-1952. Mr Bradford was my form master. I remember Jas Bolton teaching French as well as Mr Bond, Mr Lane, Mr Dyer, Mr Finnimore. The head was Mr N Carter. I have a photograph of the 1951 Barlow Cup winning team which I cannot find at the moment. It has been put 'safe'. Colin Wedge, Adrian Hoyle. Harry Panther, 'Spinner' Barker, Ray Long and David Gunstone are all featured. I recently met an old Fawcett boy on holiday, Mike Keep, who tells that Harry Panther died about two years ago. We will all be in our 70s now, but great memories - especially of travelling to Loder Road. Terry Jackson

I stumbled across this site whilst surfing the Internet and avoiding doing any real work, so must of subconsciously been thinking about my school days (84-88). To sound a little more positive then some of the comments I've read, I had a great time! I genuinely remember laughing throughout most of my school years, but then probably didn't learn much as a consequence. I have fond memories of being taught by Mr Wilkinson, Mr Trigear and Mr Wilcox (PE teachers) and Mr Atkinson the English teacher, I loved his lessons and teaching style. And Mr Gillard the French teacher was also pretty cool. I'm a youth worker now and I'm sure I adopt their various teaching styles and humour in the work that I do. The impact these guys had on me will last a life time.

I was in the first year that moved into the then-new school in 1965. I work at the Royal Sussex County Hospital and it's amazing how many old colleagues you meet. My late father was a watchmaker and fixed several teachers' watches. Mr. Fromant died in 2010 - he ran the library until he left to take up lecturing. I agree the building was very 'sixtyish' but it is amazing how the old York Place site is still thriving. I attended the then Brighton Technical which it became between 1970-73. There were several old Fawcett lads there who told who had each classroom. I think when they demolished Patcham Fawcett I am surprised they never kept the swimming pool for community use as it would have been a good local asset. It was silly to site that school where they did as it was so prone to weather disruption. Who remembers that Friday in December 1967 when we all had to walk home? I was keen on sport although in fairness not too good at anything - Mr. Billingsby never really liked me because of it! But generally I think I am a better person for the experience. Like Mr. Packham I have the odd letter published in the Argus.

Has anyone got any photographs of the Patcham Fawcett school? There is plenty of data and pictures of the old York Place school, but very little after 1965.

I was at Patcham Fawcett from '72 to '77 and remember most of the characters and teachers. It really was mayhem ha ha. I left with no qualifications but I could handle myself a bit! Oh well  I ended up as a solicitor.

I was at Fawcett from '79-'83. I look back on my time there with a mixture of fondness and horror. I noticed Mr Packham's comments re PF being extremely ill planned and cannot but agree. That being said there were some fantastic teachers there who helped shape me into the man I have become. In particular Mr Wilcox who was a truly great man but also Miss Dockerill - a brilliant English teacher who had a huge effect on the career path I ended up in.

I have some pictures of Patcham Fawcett High School.

Hi I also stumbled on this site it was great to take a trip down memory lane. I was at Patcham Fawcett in the late 60's. My memories are of Des Moore, swimming teacher who was always good to borrow a bus fare when you needed it. I used to swim for the Shiverers, shame I discovered girls. Can't remember too many names - it was over 40 years ago - but Bert White springs to mind. He was my form master in my last year at school. Caught me smoking with the big boys. Boy, could he give you a smack! Friends I can remember - John Rudkin - great footballer, last I heard he was living in America. Jimmy Legge - met up again ten years ago when I ran Flappers & 20's in Worthing - now a massive block of flats! Eggy and his brother George Georgio (probably spelt that wrong). Now live in Spain - have done for the last ten years with my wife and 2 daughters, and have just become a grandad. If you remember me please comment - would love to hear from some old faces.

Yes John, same Gordon - still alive and kicking!