I attended the infant school from 1967 to 1970. 1970 was its last year as an infant school. I was passing it the other day with my own children and I took them around the back to see the old playground. They were amazed at how small it was.

I was at the school between 1965-68 and have very happy memories....of being milk monitor and poking the straws through the lids. I spent a lot of time on the naughty mats in the cloakroom and even had a spanking from Miss Wright in her office.... with a boy called Neil. I think Miss Wright was married to Mr Rowlfe who had something to do with 'the big boys' school' upstairs...was he the head? I moved on to Goldstone,Ellen Street, another great school.

The school cannot have closed in 1966 - I was there until 1973 (maybe even '74?)! I have only the very best memories of Connaught Road. Great friends, talented, caring teachers, sing alongs around the piano, dress-up and school plays. Such a fabulous, warm atmosphere, excellent, abundant school supplies - all those fantastic art projects! Everything a school should be. Oh, and I was milk monitor too!

I went to this school in 1962. My teacher was a Miss Woodfall, and the dinner lady was a Mrs Broome who I happened to meet some forty years later and she still looked the same.

I attended Connaught Road School in 1940-42. The headmaster was Mr. George Ralph. His brother, Willie, was a form master. Mr. Barker who had been gassed during WW1 taught carpentry. Another teacher I remember was Mr. Humphrey. Many of the boys joined the armed forces after leaving school and some of them did not survive the war.

To try and clarify, I don't know the exact history but it sounds like the name\use of this school changed over the years. The school that closed about 1966 was called Hove Manor Secondary, I understand that it was housed in the Connaught Road School building. Perhaps someone can clarify the exact detail?!

My mother went to Connaught Road School in about 1915 to learn typing I think. She used to walk there and back from Fishersgate along what is now New Church Road but was then a track between fields and market gardens. If it was raining she was given a penny to catch the horse-tram.

I was delighted to find this site. I attended the Connaught Road Infants School in the very early 1930s just after we came to Hove. The photographs bring back memories. This was followed by Ellen Street Junior School, and wonderful years at the Hove County School For Boys on Holmes Avenue.

I left HoveManorSecondary School for Boys in 1965; I believe it closed the following year. It was the upper part of ConnaughtRoadInfantsSchool. I have fond memories of all the staff, Willie Ralph (Head), Peanut Lewes (history), Basher Bate (Remove), Percy Frost (R.I and music) and his slipper with his initials carved into the sole which he rubbed chalk into, ally slocombe (great PE and swimming teacher), Fred Tremayne who used to nip out for a smoke during lessons, and others whose names I don't remember.

Well, I went to Connaught Road First school until 1984 before moving to Portslade and going to Benfield Juniors. It was a great school and I believe it closed completely a few years after. There were only 4 classes left and we only used the ground floor and a prefab in the playground. I believe the upper floors were already being used for Adult Education and they were always out of bounds to us kids. Myself and a friend always found these out of bounds areas alluring and very scary. We were told off for sneaking up the stairs one playtime - obviously never repeated that adventure.

I went to Connaught Rd from 45 to 47, lots of memories have returned since finding your site. I well remember being sent to Ralph's office by Mr Shorten the art master for 6 on the hands for dirtying an art project. Mr Sheppard was the woodwork teacher who had perfect aim with wood blocks at errant students. Mr Ralph and his brother ran a great shool for which I will always be grateful. I left there andwent to BJTSB(Hanover Road) and graduated in 1950. Mr Sheppard's early woodwork training allowed me to obtain a distinction in carpentry and joinery, which has allowed me to spend my life doing the work I love. Thank you.

In reply to John Cording. I left Hove Manor Secondary in 1962, at that time some of the teachers were: Willie Ralph (headmaster), Fred Bacon, Charlie Burgenor, George Ely, Percy Frost, Ally Slocombe, Fred Tremaine, Basher Bates, ? Austin, Peanut Lewes, ? Hastings, the rest of the names escape me at present, maybe some other "Old Boys" can fill in the spaces.

I would like to correct an error made on the previous comment. The teacher Fred Bacon is more properly Fred Mutton, sorry for the error.

I attended Hove Manor school upstairs until 1963. I would like to hear from anyone who was at the school from 1960 to 1963.

I was there from 1959 to 1964. William Ralph was headmaster, Peanuts Lewis English and history, Austin metalwork and technical drawing, Mutton maths, and SlocombePE. Charlie Burgenor, Humphrys, Tremaine, Noonan, Percy Frost, Basher Bates and a few others whom I can't remember without digging up my old report card.

I attended Connaught Road infants 1953 to 1956. I can remember my first day there; I sat next to a boy called Keith Bannister. I lived in Goldstone Villas, and then moved briefly to Canada.

I briefly went to EllenStreetSchool. I can remember a psychotic RI teacher. I can also remember my classmates; Susan Lana, June Hayler, Seamus Slaney, Bob Maeschler, Ray Scot. Where are you all now? Especially Susan Lana.

Wallace was the name of the RI teacher at Ellen Street. Are there ever any Reunions of ex Ellen Street or Hove Manor?

Looking at these pictures brings back some good and bad memories! I was searching for an old schoolpal, Geoffry Ozin, (found him, I think, he's now a prof. in Canada), when I stumbled on this page.  It was a hard life in them days! Charlie Burgenor, he was a tough guy, did P.E. and bashed us a lot. George Ely, my swimming teacher, great guy with a big hairy motorbike!  Lastly, I remember Mr. Rothwell, the Head, who ruled our lives with a massive cane.  The good old days................

I have added a photograph of the Connaught Road School cup winning football team 1908-09 to this website, a link to which can be found at the top of this page. The photograph shows my grandfather Reginald Barnard and his cousin Geoffrey Barnard who were both born in Portslade, and lived in Gardener Street and Vale Road respectively.

Anyone out there who was at the Infants School c. 1952 to 1956? What a wonderful place. I remember Miss Cook, Miss Brannan, Miss Woodfall (who was quite scary and threatened us with 'The Witch' if we didn't finish our dinner) and the Head Teacher Miss Wright. I shared a desk with Wendy Stairmond, where are you now? Most of us went on to the also wonderful and now long-demolished Ellen Street Juniors, of which I have an excellent ESCC archive photo c. 1959 if anyone wants a copy - nosewarne@aol.com

It bought a tear to my eye to know that they have not pulled down my old infant school (1971 - till around 73/74). I have longed since moved away but I always remember this wonderful place with fondness and of course Miss Wright. There was a wonderful little secret garden in the lane behind the school where I remember enjoying a lovely summer sports day. Does it still exist?

And who is Connaught Road School's most famous pupil ......... Bernard Youens who played Stan Ogden in Coronation Street. I remember walking along the twitten on my way to Hove station early one wet and dark morning circa 1993 and nealy being knocked down by a young kid being chased by a copper coming the other way.

How interesting to see the lovely photos and read comments from ex pupils of Connaught Road. Percy Frost was my dad and he kept us entertained with hilarious stories of his teaching days. Sadly, he passed away in December 2002.

I went to Connaught Road Infants too, from about 1972-1975. I Have fond memories of the school. The infants just used the downstairs as upstairs was already used as an adult education centre. I remember we had quite a big playground and we took it in turns to pedal cars around the top end of the playground. I seem to remember the toilets (outdoor of course) being in a block about half way down the playground area. We used to eat our dinners on long tables in the hall, which we used for TV and most other stuff and we had a gym as well with ropes to climb. I remember Nativities in the gym too, think I have some very embarrasing photos of angels etc somewhere. After I left I went to West Hove Junior School. Hope they never pull Connaught down, such a fantastic building that must hold so many memories for the people of Hove.

Hi Margaret (nee Frost). I went to Hove Manor 1954-57. Your father was one of the better teachers, a lovely man who lived for his music and R.I. Sad to learn he is no longer with us.
I thought his equally lovely daughter was Barbara and lived at Lorna Rd.
His teachings must have rubbed off on me as I did a Biblical Studies Dip. (Masters level) at Sussex Uni. Sadly not until later in life, but I enjoyed completing it. I think he must have inspired me. Cheers Percy, God Bless.

I was at Connaught Road School during the War. Mr Ralph was headmaster and I was in his brother's class (Willie). We had to move away to East Hove Girl's School in Cromwell Road in case the nearby gas holder was hit. It was hit by a cannon shell shortly after. We were put in the infants section and had use infant toilet pans.

Thanks to all who remember my Dad Percy with fondness. Needless to say how much he is missed. His happiest days were teaching at Connaught Rd School and the staff were like family to him. Thanks also for your kind comments Bruce. Oh! Those were the days.

Percy Frost was one of the best things about Hove Manor.

I started Connaught Rd Infants in 1940, a couple of months shy of my 4th birthday. I could read by then, which accounts for the young age, and more flexible admission criteria. I have lots of memories still, although I've been in Canada for the last 42 years. I recall the war years there very well, sheltering in the air-raid shelter out back, and emergency rations that we carried in a little tin, along with our gas-masks. We used to get in trouble for snacking on the Horlicks tablets. I believe there was war damage to the gas works at one point, and we were moved to the Salvation Army church in Sackville Rd, which terrified me as there was a portrait in the main hall of an old gent with a long white beard. I thought this was God, and he was keeping an eye on us. No-one told us it was probably General Booth. In my first year I was puzzled by a picture on the wall behind my desk which I couldn't make out what it was meant to be,.Still no wiser, it was handed to me at the end of term to take home, apparently it was my drawing of a bus, still puzzled, but I guess we knew better than argue with the teacher in those days. One event I shall never forget. There had been an air-raid, and while we were safe in the shelter, a rumour had been circulated in town that the school and the gas-works had been hit. I can still see all the frantic mothers running down the street, as we were let out for the day, fearing the worst for their children. I went on to Ellen Street school then Brighton and Hove High School. It's sad to think the former has been torn down, and hope Connaught Rd never suffers the same fate. We received a great education from both schools, that set many of us on the road to further academic success.

I went to Connaught Road School from 1943 to 1946 during the war. I remember the air raid shelter and the toilets. We put blotting paper into the ink wells and flicked them with a ruler at the blackboard. I got caught out and was sent to the head master for the cane. O boy did that cane sting my hand! Michael Stevens and David Hackett were both in the same class as me. We all lived up in Shirley Street, Hove.

I am the Manager for the current Adult and Community Learning Centre based at the old Connaught Road School site. This year (2009) is the quasquicentennial of the building (125 years) and we will look to be celebrating at some point during the course of this academic year. It would be great to have a display of '125 reminiscences' similar to the ones above that people have already left. You are welcome to send anything to me c/o my email hms@ccb.ac.uk or give us a call on 01273 667744! Many thanks in anticipation.

About the drink bottles - we put the top cream from the milk bottle into a small asprin bottle and shake it up to see what it turns out to be.

My Dad, Jeffery Thomas Pett, was a star pupil at the Ellen Street School in the early 1900s. I would love to see a photo of the school if anyone has one.

Have just been reading all the comments about Percy Frost, who I remember as just Grandpa. What a wonderful Grandpa he was, he made us laugh with his magic tricks, took us on 'surprise' outings. He was a terrible driver, but that made it all the more fun. It is so nice to read comments about his working life.

I have just discovered the web site for Connaught Road School and what memories it has brought back. I started in September 1937 and left July 1940 when I was 14. I have found my old Autograph Album listing names of teachers and pupils for that era. Headmaster George Ralph who loved to cane any boy who stepped out of line, myself included, his brother Willie Ralph was my form teacher all the time I was at the school. Other teachers were J W (Boggy) Marsh - Biology, W Heather, T Forward, BAR Richardson, Jack Shorten, MS Prince and Mr Shepard - Woodwork, I agree with a previous pupil, he was very accurate when he lobbed a piece of wood in your direction. My form mates were, and I can still recall some of the Register from memory: Bannister, Barber, Bourne, Braine, Budden, Care, Compagnoni, Denman, Dickens, Dowden, Eggleton, Feldwick, Hammond, Hardy, Hughes, Jones, Knight, Lavey, Leslie, Lush, Major, Short, Smith. At the start of WW2 a school from London shared the premises with us, which meant one week we attended in the morning and the second week in the afternoon. I can only remember playing games at Hove Park or going to the Long Hedge or the Copse when we were not in school.

Peter Ford:  I can recite this class from memory. This was my class also. I have been looking at this page with my daughter and if we had looked last week your post would not have been here.

A note to those of you with any personal or ancestral connections to the schools and adult education centre at Connaught Road, 1884 - 2010. On Saturday March 20th, from 11am - 3pm, we will be celebrating the building's 125 years in continuous educational use and its recent Grade II listing by English Heritage. The full programme for the day, which highlights both the social and architectural history of the building and its current vibrant activities as an adult education centre, can be found at: http://www.ccb.ac.uk/public/news/connaught-125 Hopefully some of you can get over.

I was at Connaught Road from 1945-1948, and reading what these good people have to say of the school brings back very happy memories. I often go down to the school just to look around, to keep my memories fresh.

Clifford Richardson, sorry to read that I stopped your contribution to these pages, perhaps you could add to the information, such as where did we continue our lessons when we went part time at Connaught Road? I'm sorry I missed out your name, can you fill in the others that I did not include? A teacher I missed was our French teacher, Madam Fuller, do you remember the first French lesson we had? We sat at our desks waiting for her, she came into the classroom, and immediately admonished us for not standing up, she said it was very bad manners not to stand up when a lady entered the class room, and in future we were to say "Bon jour Madame" when she entered. She about turned, went out of the class room, then returned, we rose as one and greeted her as instructed. Our first lesson on good manners and speaking French. Ah, happy days.

I am Peter Ford's younger brother (see his entry above). I only went to Connaught Road Infants School from 1939 for about 5 years before going to Ellen Street Juniors. I can remember filling the fire buckets with water out the back. We used to climb up and sit on a higher place to get to the tap. You could also stick your fingers in the live electric light socket from this place! One girl's name I remember from my class was Francis Wilderspin. Other pupils were Colin Brazil, John James, Bob Humphreys, Donald Lambert, Roy Hale. Miss Nicholson was the head. She asked us what the hardest wood was. One bright lad said TEAK. She shook her head and said that was wrong. Oak was the hardest wood! Edna Watkins and Marjorie Pape were two of the other lady teachers, and possibly Majorie Clothier. The men were away at war of course.

I went to Hove Manor from 1955 to 1958 C grade form, the thickest of the thick - but I did very well with my life. The headmaster was Rothwell, the rumour was he was a Japanese prisoner of war and would have attacks of malaria from time to time. Discipline was very strict; you got the cane for just talking. It was that discipline that set me on a very successful life.

I went to Hove Manor during 1958 -1962. I fondly remember Percy Frost as our Music & RI teacher. His slipper was famous, but he never ever hit anyone hard with it. It was more used in fun. He did have a good sense of humour. I remember he took the school choir (of which I was member) to a sing at a nearby old folks' home one Christmas - maybe 1961. Sorry to hear he passed on. Nice to know his daughter and granddaughter miss him and have such kind words for him.

I attended Connaught Road infants school as it was then from about 1966-1971ish. I recall some of the teachers, most were ok, but we had one woman that was pshycotic, was fond of humiliating fidgety kids in her morning assemblies, she would drag them out in front of the entire school and slap the backs of our legs, the offending child would then be made to stand and face the wall for the remainder of the assembly. I think her name was cleveland, may have been the headmistress, not sure. I will never forget her on a personal level though.  Another nutcase was Basher Bates, I had the pleasure of him at the Knoll a few years later, quite handy with a ruler that guy, can you imagine the teachers of today getting away with slapping and whacking kids with rulers? Unthinkable really, yet that's my earliest memories of schooling. My best friends in those days were Mark Caplin and Peter Huet. I lived in nearby Ellen Place, long since demolished.

I went to Hove Manor from 1954 to 1958, and my Form teacher the first year was Percy Frost. Up until that time, I'd never felt inspired by any teacher. This man was magic. His influence was a turning point for me. When the school day finished, I would often hang and listen to him play the piano. He smoked his pipe, and would sometimes send me to buy tobacco. One night I saw him outside St John's church. He had his old bike with a wicker basket, and being real as he was, he let go a "damn," or something like that, trying to get his lights working. We rode up to his house, and I declined his polite invitation to go in. I missed seeing him during his sabbatical. Some years later, I met him on George St. He made me feel good again, by taking interest in my attendance at Brighton Tech.

I am currently campaigning with Save Hove to bring this wonderful building back into use as a much needed infants school for Hove-if you would like to support my cause please sign the online petition on the council website.many thanks.

Lovely to see such happy memories here of Connaught School, Hove. Coincidentally, my first school, in Ottawa, Canada, was called Connaught. And now I would like to invite readers of this page to sign the e-petition online at www.brighton-hove.gov.uk as City College are vacating it for adult education purposes by September and saveHOVE is campaigning for BHCC to bring it into immediate re-use as an infant school or, if possible, an infant primary school. Who knows; perhaps the school could enjoy shared use by infants, juniors, secondary and adults in years to come.

A further comment. Ninka Willcock and Selma Montford with Zoe at Hove Library have organised a Connaught School exhibition stand inside the main entrance of Hove Library giving a lot of information about its history and past students there.

I was at Hove Manor Boy's School, upstairs left I think in about 1963. Also I played cricket with Peter Graves who later played for Sussex. I remember Mr Ralph who used a cane walking stick, also Colin Trott, Peter Shade, Ted Brown. I enjoyed my time there very much and also George Eley the swimming teacher.

G'day, I have just found this page. I was at Connought Rd infants from about 1949, then Ellen St. My parents had a corner shop just up the road. I was then at Hove Manor but left in about 2nd or 3rd year, '55. I remember Percy Frost, he thought I could sing; he was wrong. I don't know about the slipper but I remember his cane being hidden in the piano. George Ely fell off his Triumph and broke his leg but continued to coach us in the swimming squad. Another ex pupil Geoff Hudspith who also moved to Australia many years ago like me and who died just recently, also remembered George. Charlie Burgener was a hard nut. Rothwell I think must have had some connection in Europe, because on a school trip to Brussels he had us marching down the main street with himself out front. No idea what it was all about, I was only 12 or 13 at the time.

Are there no people out there from the period of 1959 to1964? Dave Boxall, Gary Inkpen, Jim Noonan, David de Groot, John Starr, Frank Davis, Chris Page etc etc. get in contact.

I was at Hove Manor from 1953 to 1957. We used to bait poor old Percy Frost in the music lessons, leading to him then giving us the short cane he kept handy always applied across the palm of your hand- it was almost an honour. As for the headmaster Mr Ralph he was also very handy with the cane and I have seen him cane a boy in front of the whole school, it was quite a well disciplined school. But for sports we had to walk to the Hove Rec once a week lugging all the sports gear- we sometimes had a sports day at the Dog Track. First lesson on a Monday morning was swimming at the King Alfred winter and summer.

I finished at the infants school in 1973 I believe it stopped there after. I remember a rule of not being allowed to run in the playground! But we did, we couldn't help ourselves! I also remember the horrid girls toilets being dark and full of cobwebs. The boys use to run through screaming as a dare and the dinner ladies trying to catch them by hiding in the toilets! I also remember the police dog and horses when they did a visit. Our coat hooks and pictures next to them to remember, I had a clown. And the twitten at the back of the building for the infants and all the crowds of parents waiting.

I'm trying to find out if my mother went to Connaught School and what years she attended the school during WW11. Mum said she lived in 40 Hova Villas, Hove and walked to school which is a few streets away from Connaught. In 1939 Mum would have been 11yrs old and remembers the air raids. Would she have been to0 old to attend Connaught? I'm looking for pupil records, does anyone know where they would have been sent after the school was closed? Also, was there another school near by from Hova Villas?  Mum is C of E and is still alive today age 82yrs.

I attended Connaught Road Infant and Hove Manor Secondary leaving in 1961. Others at the time were Len Connolly, Clive Brunton, Ian Turner, Richard Ansell, Howard Attree and John Leigh. We managed to arrange a 40 year reunion thanks to Clive Brunton. Jack Mutton was the maths teacher who, if I remember correctly, went to school with my father. The woodwork teacher was Berniston. Rothwell, the Head, had been a Japanese POW and allegedly he had been ill treated causing his teeth to be misshapen. Charlie Burgener took over the swimming squad from George Eley and brought Sylvia Jacobs, a good swimmer from Davigdor Girls School, to train with us. We ended up married and still are, with Charlie coming to the wedding. Percy Frost was another character with Jack ? who seemed a giant in those days. Fond memories of the walks up to Hove Rec for football. We were allowed to play rugby for about a month but someone got a broken arm and that was stopped. Oh for the discipline of those days to return.

Very interesting. I went to Hove Manor in September 1948 and left to start work at Christmas 1951. Because of the date of my birthday, myself and one other boy were not allowed to leave in the July like the rest of our year, and we had to return in the September leaving at Christmas. I was in the 'A' stream throughout. I would be glad to hear from any others who were at the school at the same time. Thanks.

I attended Connaught Road Infants School from 1951 until going to Ellen Street School. I remember Mrs. Woolridge - a teacher back then. My time there was a very happy one, especially competing at the now Greyhound Stadium on sports day. I was one of the lucky ones when at Davigdor Girls School to join Sylvia Jacobs, and a few others to enjoy extra swimming training with the boys team from Hove Manor Boys. Yes Bev remember you and Sylvia like it was yesterday

I went to the school in the 1970s, I was there between 1974 and 1976, then it was an infant school. I remember a wooden house in the playground and a rowing boat. I loved it there.

Guess what? From September 2011, it is becoming a school again. So many young families in the area, the Council have had to restart the school for 7-year olds, one 100 at a time.

I attended Hove Manor School from 1958 to 1961. I have many memories and could go on for hours but special mention must be made of some of the staff: the headmaster Mr Rothwell was an expert with the cane (I didn't ever go back for a second helping). Percy Frost, Jack Mutton, both magnificent inspirational teachers, alas both passed on now. The iron discipline instilled within me and a respect for common decency which has shaped my life. Thank you guys RIP.

Just doing some reasearch and how fantastic, what a lovley site. I attended Connaught Rd Infant school and lived in Malvern Street, which meant we had to walk through the twitten. All my memorys are fond ones and I often find my self going down those days spent at Connaught Rd. Well done to all the staff who were there, Im now 52 years of age and its seems like yesterday I was enjoying the start of my youth. I won my first ever art project at Connaught Rd, and have since achieved O level and A level Art and design which to this day stands me in good stead. Lets have a reunion, it would be fantastic.

My Mother, Sara Stein, attended Connaught Road Junior school from 1920-1923 before moving to Brighton and Hove High School with total exemption from tuition fees throughout her school attendance. Does anyone know of any records from the school in those days?

I was at Hove Manor from about 1965 for 2 years before moving up to the Knoll Hole. Percy Frost was our form master one year also he was the music teacher. He was fond of using the slipper and I remember getting the most in one term ( a record was kept by messrs Richards and Schneider). It was neck and neck between me and Mcquorquodale and Percy used to give us a top up depending who was in the lead. I got a box of Roses chocs for my trouble and shared them with the class.

I am doing some research regarding my father-in-law who went to Hove Manor between 1953 and 1956. His name is Gerald Anthony Lea. Does anybody know where I can find out information about the English schoolboy swimming championships 1956 records which he said he won? Any information would help. Thanks.

I do not know what year I was at Hove Manor School for Boys as it was then called but I remember well George Ely- he was the swimming instructor who used to come to school on a lage cylindered motorbike. In this scool I was made milk monitor and left the class to bring in the crates of milk for the boys of the classroom. If any boy did not want milk I saved it and drank it later.Being from Furze Court( the Barnardos boys home) I got up to everything especially fighting and ending up in the ring. I remember we went with George Ely to the swimming pool somewhere near the Palace or West pier. I hated swimming and still do but I learned very quickly when George Ely thew me in at the deep end and then had to dive in to save me from drowning. Does anyone remember me? I was in the class with Janet Simonds and Brian Sanders whose mother and father ran a grocery shop in the locality. He would loan me his bicycle to ride since my own was under lock and key at the orphanage. It would be good if someone else could add a little bit more to my stay at this school.

Well, where do I start! I went to Connaught Road firstly after the war, fresh from Coventry, aged 6. The family had been sent there for the war effort. 1948 I was in the Infants before going to Ellen Street Juniors to be regularly disciplined by Miss Bulbeck with her infamous ruler across the back of the hand. Returning to Connaught Road in 1953 - the coronation year, celebrations well remembered - still got the mug. Yes, George Ralph was head and his brother Willie for science. I remember he only had one good eye, and we were told he had been an all-in wrestler and been gouged in the ring. Percy Frost, Jack Mutton and Jack Langstone are remembered as top class. Also George Ely the brilliant but tough swimming coach, he had been a good county swimmer and water polo player. He formed the special group of swimmers of which my brother Gerard and I were both involved. The team were winners of the English Schools Championships for about 6 years running with great swimmers like Charlie Carter, John Murray, Lewis Whitby coming to mind. All to George Ely's credit. Charlie Burgener is not remembered with much kindness, he was brutal by today's standards and I dreaded school dinners when he was on patrol - nothing was to be left, even cold greasy mutton had to be swallowed. George Ralph went to be replaced by Mr Rothwell in 1956 and the school renamed Hove Manor. Nothing else much changed but it sounded good. I left in 1957. School mates were Bobby Dugard of Eastbourne Speedway fame, Tubby Willis, Brian Saunders the greengrocer's son, Chris Turner a real pal, Tim Dingley etc.
On leaving I got a good job as an estimator for a roofing and flooring company called Maxwells. Did well but left 3 years later to join the Royal Engineers where I stayed for 6 years becoming a Senior NCO. I then joined the Marley Tile company at the bottom rung, eventually becoming a Director of the DIY business and later the Managing Director of Payless DIY. That company was taken over by Boots where I was Director before early retirement at the ripe old age of 48. Ever since I have enjoyed golf and travel and have a home in France which I visit every month. So, thanks to Connaught Road and Ellen Street, I have had a great life - so they all did something for my make up and character!