I attended Finsbury Road Infants and Juniors from 1933 to 1940 when I passed the 'scholarship' for Varndean. I was the School Bell monitor until 1940 when the ringing of bells came to be the signal of a German Airborne invasion. I have tried in vain to discover if the bells were ever rung again after the war or if I had the honour of being the last Bell Monitor. Old Daddy Brown was also the Juniors headmaster at that time. I have published my biography which of course covers this early wartime in Brighton. Anybody interested just do a Google on my name Alf Commons + 'From the Ground Up'.

I also attended this school and recall the laydown time, also the spoonful of cod liver oil and orange juice we were given. I have a photo of my classes harvest festival some time between 1950 -53.

I also remember cod liver oil, but we were given it with a spoonful of malt in 1947 onwards and we all shared the same spoon. No wonder we all got colds so easily in those days.

I spent a wonderful time at FinsburyRoadSchool; I remember the sleep time. plus I was chosen to play Christopher Robin. The years were 1950 to 1960, by then it became St Lukes Secondary School.

I went to Finsbury Road in 1946/7, living in Lincoln Street.  I can remember walking up Southover Street in snow that came up to my armpits! My biggest challenge at school was Janice Sheldon,no matter how I tried , Janice beat me every time. Lovely period in our lives when you think back .It was the time when we had nothing ,but equally didn't want for anything either.

Hello Billy, do you remember me from school? I was very good friends with Janice. I got in touch with her in January after nearly 50 years, it was great to catch up. I used to live in Ewart Street. Do you remember Eric Bacon, Barbara Tucker, John Demmario, David Main, Joyce Finnimore, Dorothy Willie? I remember loads more. If you look on Finsbury Road School on friendsreunited, I think you are in the photos. I hope you write back on this page. You are right Bill, we had nought but our friends were there.

Hello Pamela. Unfortunately my memory is failing (must be my age), however Eric Bacon emigrated to Canada and became a member of the church. He is now the 'Reverend'. I have worked in Rottingdean since 1967 and Eric came to see me last year. It was the first time I had seen him since about 1964. I remember all the people you have mentioned - also David Etheridge who has a business in Brighton going under the name of Etheridge Distribution. Beryl Brown (who is also listed on this page) has a business opposite mine in Rottingdean on the coast road. That is enough for now - time for bed. Fascinating site.

Hi Bill. Thank you for the info of all our friends from way back when. Look after yourself.

Does anyone remember the air raid shelters situated along finsbury road? I used to shelter from the rain in them. I also remember Mr Brown the headmaster, also teachers Mr Webb, Mr Davis and Mr Sharp the science teacher. I used to near enough live in Queens Park, so many happy memories.

In my earlier message I forgot to mention my class teacher Mr Davis. He was a good teacher but, having come home from a difficult war, was prone to blackboard kicking tantrums. We were all frightened of him which is unfortunate.

Anyone who went to Finsbury Road must remember Mr Bowyer (about nine foot high)who frightened the life out of all of us. Come to that so did Miss Wallace who taught us in the third year!

I see that Janis has written a book- 'Snapshots: Childhood Memories of Southampton Street 1942-55'.

I was at Finsbury Road until 1949. I remember Mr Bowyer, Mr Brown and Miss Wallace. Periodically we would have to take a tin to school for a distribution of chocolate powder. I seem to remember being happy at school. No bad memories or bullying.

I have just discovered this website and memories came back of the years at Finsbury Road School. I also was pleased to see the note from my next door neighbour and friend Bill Spencer. We both left the school in 1953 and went to Varndean. Somewhere in my belongings I have a picture of the drum and triangle band taken when we performed at the Dome. As Bill points out I am now a minister (The United Church of Canada) and will be retiring at the end of this year. I was pleased to catch up with Bill three years ago. Best wishes to all who may remember me.

Hi Eric, do you remember me from Finsbury road school?I lived in Ewart Street and I was friends with Janis Sheldon, Pixie Newman, Gillian Bishop, Margaret Lambert and all. I asked Billy how you were, he told me of your job. How are you? I seem to remember you had a cousin named Barbara who lived near you -am I right? In the photo you mentioned I am standing the last girl in your line with dark hair with ribbons playing the cymbals - that was a great day. Look at Pat banging the tamborine with Joycee Finnimore from Grant Street and Gillian Bishop playing the triangle. Do you remember Janis's dad making us our post office for our class-  bless him! Please get back in touch with the site one day - are you on face book? Take care of youself from Pammy Carpenter, that was.