Having been a pupil during the 50's at the "Building" school, as it was  often referred to, it was quite a pleasant surprise to see these photographs. They certainly brought back memories to me, particularly the one of the school entrance. That was where we made sure we wore our caps before passing through, as mine was in my pocket until I about ten yards from the gate. As one was threatened with detention if a pupil was spotted without wearing his cap or the school tie, these two items being the only uniform requirements set by the school to be worn.

I was a pupil from 1948 to 1951/2 at what was kown then as the Building School. Great school, rugby and cricket the only sports I recall. The masters all wore their gowns, discipline was strict, very high academic standard, small classes. Lunchtimes at the Level with the girls from Margaret Hardy.  Oh they were days of sunshine and innocence.

I attended what was then BSTS between 1970-1975. The place celebrated, I believe, its centenary in 1971. I remember the woodwork and metalwork rooms on the ground floor facing Hanover Terrace. The teachers at the time were Mr Young and Mr Parfitt respectively. I remember the metalwork room had 'sink' with acid to cure the metal we were working on. You would never get away with it now. Different times. The head was Mr Wilson, and Mr Chappel was deputy head. He retired in around 1972 and was replaced by 'Bill' Rex, a man who did not suffer fools gladly (as I found to my cost!) English and Drama classes were taken by Peter Stockbridge. I understand that he sadly died early in 2007. He was a really good teacher. There was also a Mr Eric Kinley teaching Art. He must have been in his late 60s and was not in the best of health. The Art classes were taken in the assembly hall. The building had a heating system that was always playing up, resulting in the boiler room flooding. There was a flight of steps at the front of the building leading down to the boiler room and after one incident of flooding, one of the staff wrote in chalk on the wall a plea that if any boy finds water filling the stairway he must report it to a teacher. I went past the place around 1985 and could still see this written on the wall! Memories, eh? There was a small-ish gymnasium, and we were taught PE by Mr Webber (who also did Maths, I believe). Some of the other teachers I recall were Mr Nolan for Physics, Mr Carwin for Chemistry, Mr Leete for Technical Drawing (oh, how he loved to tell us about fishing) Mdme Blackledge for French. These classrooms were all on the upper floor. There was a teacher who's name escapes me but he was well known for giving the 'slipper' to any misbehaving boy. The only difference was that he liked to take a run up just to make the event more memorable! History was taken by Mr McNeff, another teacher who would stand no nonsense. Sports were strong on the agenda, with Atheletics at Manor Road in the summer. There was also Football, Cricket and Rugby at East Brighton Park

Although I cannot remember the name Charlie Lyons (unless you had a nickname, mine was Boris), I too was at BSTS during the same time: 1970-75. The teacher who took a run up at our backsides was Mr Carwin ('Rudolph' because of his big nose). I was one of his victims. I was taught PE by Mr Tomkins, where I played 'Murder Ball', rugby on a wooden gym floor with only shorts on and no rules! Mr Webber was the relief teacher for my PE. Mr McNeff was my House Master for my last two years. Mr Stockbridge was such a character, we used to love winding him up, just to get a rendition of his thespian rantings. Did you see the screening of 'Ice Station Zebra' in his class, what an event that was! Mr Craven took Art for our class. Does anyone know what happened to that fantastic 'stained' glass window of the Pavilion that stood at the back of the Art class when we had assembly? It was behind the arched window shown in this site's photograph. Bill Rex was also known by us as T-Rex for obvious reasons, got the cane from him, ouch! Mr Mathews stood in for 'Zip' Nolan in Physics I remember.
I now live in Perth, Western Australia (have done since 1994), coming 'home' to Brighton for a visit in August 2007. Would love to hear from any of the following: Chris Trott, Robert Kasperik, Martin Verral, Richard Marchant, Ashley Lilley, Michael Fallbrown, Marcus Chipman, Tony Fordon, Keith Waller, Gary Pepiett, Steve Strafford and any one else who may remember me. stowell@aapt.net.au
This is a great site, which my other Brightonian friends here in Perth often look at, thank you for your hard work.

I was also a pupil at this school 1970-1975. I do remember Charlie Lyons, but alas can't recall 'Boris'. It was so nice to find this page and read about the people of this school. It has now sadly been demolished and replaced by a row of houses some 4 years back. I certainly remember Mr Nolan the Physics teacher, and always remember how he used to flip a cigarette into his mouth from under the bench. Was Mr Stockbridge the Geography teacher? I remember that we would always get him talking about anything other than Geography. You talk of the football, cricket and rugby at EBP. I also remember the cross country runs we used to do up the side of Wilson Avenue and back down the other side. I still have my steam driven motor we had to make for our 'O' level in Metal Engineering, anyone else got theirs in the back of a cupboard somewhere? Oh the memories......

I remember going here in 1982/3 when it was used as an annexe building for St.Georges House, which was at the bottom of Dyke Road next to cemetry. This was where you were sent when you'd been expelled from your secondary school!

I was at BSTS from 1975. Stockbridge was the English teacher and actor - appeared in ads for 'Marathon' chocolate bars.  Hi Stuart!

I was at the school from 1975-1979. I started the same time that it changed to 'Patcham Fawcett Annexe' - a thinly disguised, but rather clever, way to maintain the illusion of being comprehensive, while actually remaining as a technical school!  I found this page because I was searching for the name 'McNeff' - for some reason he popped into my head today. We knew him as 'Mad Mac', because he was prone to launching into lesson-long stories of increasing oddity and whimsy. Although strict (as mentioned above) and rather old-school, I think by then he was either losing the plot or getting into his second childhood! I remember we would deliberately try to trigger another story, partly to avoid actually working, and partly because they were so bizarre and nonsensical. One I can remember involved a hat-maker who made hats out of fruit and whipped cream delivered by elephant. I think it's no surprise that one term he suddenly retired for 'health reasons'.  Mr Rex I remember well, a strange man looking rather like George Melly (and sharing his love of jazz!) - or a bullfrog, as less kind people said. Mr Wilson before him was another old-school type, like something out of an Ealing comedy or Molesworth book. My memory is that he even wore a gown.  The physics teacher (whose name annoyingly escapes me) was one of those inspirational ones you remember forever. Very strict, but fair with it, and with a great love of his subject. The geography teacher (Brown?) conversely was useless, completely unable to keep control of the class. One fond memory is the deputy head storming into the class and bollocking him in front of us, for shouting at us while an exam was in progress!  Great to see those pictures - I kicked myself for not getting around to taking some before the school was demolished. An awful, grim building (condemned in 1969!) but with hindsight a pretty good school.

I was a pupil at BSTS for one year, in 1963. I must say I hated it. The place was far too enclosed for me. I remember Mr. Kinley, he was in poor health as I believe he only had one lung. Mr. Liddell taught maths, I seem to remember. I was more than happy when, at the end of that year, the head and I came to a mutual agreement that I should find another school to terrorise.

I was there from about 71-76 and Mr. Eric Kinley was still there until about 74 or 75 when he died. He was one of the art teachers. When he caned one of us, we just stood there and took it, as he was so weak and feeble, you barely felt it. A strong draught would have blown him out of of the window. As I remember, he designed and made the stained glass window in the assembly hall. He also designed a craft kit that you could buy in toy shops. It was a set for designing and making your own small windows with colored, transparent plastic and little plastic sticks for the frames.

Wow, memories of my three years at BJTSB (1947 to 1950) have returned after 58 years. The headmaster was Mr Harding who taught economics, Joe Huddart, social studies (his field trips were always great), from the courthouse to the gasworks he took us all over. Mr Weedall the phys ed teacher, ex Navy PI kept us fit. Mr Hargeaves taught brickwork, Mr Pope taught history, Mr Bullock was the science master, Mr Riegate (tyrant of the upper third) taught English there was a lady science teacher, her name escapes me. The woodwork teacher was super. Mr McKinley was the art master, a brilliant man I will always remember he designed the school crest on our gold and blue blazers (plumb bob, steel square and compass). The plumbing teacher was Mr Parfitt, I wonder what he must have been thinking handling hot lead with us all around, no guards, goggles or aprons. Wow, our hands used to be black from handling and bossing sheets of lead into shapes and flashings! I am so glad I had the opportunity to go there. I graduated with Albert Hillyer, we both went as carpenter apprentices with Field & Cox Buillders in Brighton. FHP

Hi Michael 'Tom' Collins - do I remember you? Did you not live very near to St Luke's school. I won't say the name of the road.

I guess its when you start getting towards your 50th birthday when a large case of nostalga kicks in. I find myself drawn towards websites like this and enjoy seeing names form the past and reliving my youth. Alas it only seems like yesterday. However, I attended the school between 1970-75. I will always remember those games afternoons over at East Brighton. The football sessions were taken by Mel Hopkins. It shows the times when a double winner with Spurs in the early sixties had to make a living by pitching up on Wednesday afternoons and teach 11-16 year olds. I wouldn't expect Beckham et-al to do the same. Charlie Lyons I'm sure was in my house (Lutchens). I think green was our house colours. I even have the school cap, emblazoned with the trowel and compass, in my study. Fond memories - keep in touch.

I went to the school between 1966 to 1971 when it was Brighton Secondary Technical School. Teachers I remember were Ben Chapple, the assistant head master, Blackledge was the French teacher for the last 3 years. 'Dolly' Parfitt for metalwork, 'Spud'Taylor for woodwork, Mr Walsh for English, Mckinley for Art, MacNeff for English & History,( I found out later that he was a prisoner of war in Asia which went some way to explain his odd behaviour), Tony Webber and Bob Leal for maths, 'Pussy' Williams for geography. Of the kids that were there at the time several are millionaires, one is an established Tory MP who likes to keep his time at the school quiet, one murdered at Shoreham Harbour and one semi pop star.

Hi everyone, I wonder if anyone remembers me being at BSTS from 1969-1974? Most people called me 'Hewie', probably because of 'Opportunity Knocks' presenter Hughie Green. Friends that I remember include Tony Dunk, Gary King, Andy Barnard, Phil Hall, Paul Snelling, John Weir, Keith Austin, Stewart Gregory, Ian Squires, Steve Brand, Mick Trower, Mark Richardson, Phil Nunn and many more. Does anyone remember the tragic death of Clive Olive who was discovered in Shoreham Harbour? I think it must have been around 1972-ish.

Yes, I remember Clive Olive. He was a couple of years ahead of me. I think he was involved with a motorcycle gang or something like that. I think he snitched on one of them. They dumped his body in Aldrington Basin. I remember seeing his picture in the Argus with the story.

What a scary thought. All of us who left in 75 are approaching 50.
I still feel ill when I think of the changing rooms under the gym. They must have stunk.
I still have memories of Tony Howell and myself being caned  with a metre rule which broke on Tony's hand and then being hit with the remaining bit.
Also Tony Webber dragging me out of assembly for talking, dragging me back to our form room and throwing me over the desks.
Kevin are you still in America?

I remember Roger Higginbottom and Stuart Keir. Stuart had a mass of red hair. Roger I seem to remember was planning to become a pilot. I remember being knocked about by McNeff for talking in class, made my lips bleed. I run a media company in Lewes now. I remember those days with great affection (even the beatings). I still see Peter Stockbridge. I edited his one man show recently about Malcolm Muggridge. Kevin Busby (apologies), I will reply in depth to your email. Hey, Stuart Keir - wasn't my sister (Sue) good friends with your sister?  Regards to all.

Hi Peter: Yes. your sister was and, as far as I am aware, is still good friends with my sister. Glad to see other people contributing their recollections from the past.  Talking of those changing rooms, I remember one year getting the bumps in there and hitting the ceiling every time! And the smell, well you had to be there, can't really describe it, but you knew when you were entering the room.

Hi Stuart: Apparantly your sister was a bridesmaid at my sister's wedding. Unfortunately, Sue lost touch with Linda, but would love to meet up again. If possible can you let me have a contact telephone number for Linda. My email is peter.bluck1@btopenworld.com. What are you doing now?

Hi Nick: What memories this site brings back, all the names I had forgotten, but brought back so vividly. There was also Mr Young who took over woodwork from Spud Taylor. In addition to Ice Station Zebra, the year before we saw "Where Eagles Dare". I remember seeing it at least 10 times in the English Room. Geography was taught by Mr Barrett, always remember a Freudian slip when teaching weather concerning warm fronts! There was also Chris who helped out the staff as a general technician. There was also a teacher who had escaped from Uganda during Idi Armin's reign of terror who made you count the cracks in the ceiling as a punishment! There was also Richard Smith, Ernie Alcock, and Ian Lawrence. I Would really appreciate anyone who remembers me (1969-74) to get in touch.

Peter - Stuart and Roger - can you believe that we are 50 this year? The time has gone by fast and indeed this site brings back some fond memories. I have one of those panoramic photos in my office from 1973 and we are all there; the photo was taken I believe at East Brighton Park. Peter - do you remember the day that you scared the living daylights out of me with a spooky tape recording stuck up the chimney - you were always dabbling with tapes and media. I checked your web - looks like you are in your element. Stuart, I indeed live near St. Luke's, our mothers were good friends. Roger - I believe that our mums still see each other once in a while. My e-mail if you want to connect is mtc@infinisol.com and I am currently in the UK for a few days. With such a packed schedule - not sure it will be long enough to get together, but if anyone is up for a coffee e-mail me. Michael.

Ha ha; Well you might be 50, but I am still but a spring chicken. I do remember those panoramic photos. After visiting this site, I was trying to remember if I had purchased one, but I don't think I did. If I remember correctly one year, Patrick (Paddy) Mc.Gee. (think that was his surname) and myself, tried to be in the photo twice, not sure if we did manage it, you ought to take a close look in case we are!

Michael, where are you living now? Didn't you live just up the road from the swimming pool? I can remember those photgraphs, yes we did all go over to East Brighton park. Everytime I drive down Wilsons Avenue to the Marina I can remember running up that hill during cross country (well walking anyway). I keep hoping someone will post one of those photos on this website so we can all have a good laugh at ourselves.

I will scan the copy that I have and post to my website - give me a week or so. I'm  currently living in the US and have been for 13 years. I remember that run, it was a killer. Also do you remember the run around the school?

Yes I can remember feeling silly running around the block. It would be great if you could scan the photo.

Joe Huddart, 'Ben' Chapell, Reg Pope with any chair legs that were broken in his class so that he had something to 'cane' you with. 'Uncle' Roy Weedall, with his cricket bat at East Brighton Park, 'stamping' Don Bradman's autograph on your backside, 'Boff' Bullock, 'Spud' Taylor, Jack Mitchell, Parfitt, Hargreaves, Coldwell, all names from the past, and who could forget the frenchman Behar. How ever would they fare in today's education system? As for 'Goof' Downing in charge of one of today's schools, well the mind boggles.  Then there was the caretaker, Mr Berry, with his sign for visitors "ALLENQUIRIES" , where he forgot his punctuation, he should have asked Wally Walsh. I was at the Building School from 1953 with Ronnie Carrett, Dave Hancock, 'Ocker' Hawkley, Keith Stewart , 'Boggie' Marsh (is that him with Wogan in the mornings?), Peter Godbee, Bob Cannell, what names, but as regards the building, what a tip!

.........and his name is Wally Whoosh, got a haircut like a bush, like a bush, like a bush.....etc...etc...

I was at the school from 1951 to 54. It was wonderful and set me up for a good career in the building industry. I was lucky to be articled to T J Braybon and Son Ltd as a trainee surveyor. I became a Chartered Quantity Surveyor and stayed with the firm all my working life. I worked my way up and retired as Managing Director. I will always be grateful to Mr Downing, Messrs Chappel, Hargreaves, Taylor, Mc Kinley and of course Boff for all their help. What a tragedy for the industry that it lost its identity and the industry lost the opportunity to pre-train young men.

I attended the school from 1957 to 1962 and remember the names of the teachers well. I remember Mr Pope taking us on a field trip to Harrisons Rocks for climbing lessons when he was our form teacher, a few weeks later he came in to school with a plaster caste on his leg from a rock climbing accident. His weapon of choice if I remember was a " flying jenny" from a weaving machine that he would throw across the class with great accuracy. I got the cane from "Goof" and was asked to leave early on my final day for letting teachers tires down on their cars parked in the street. Even today people remark about my total disregard to personal health when handling lead, acid, and anything that generates heat/flame ( Thank you Mr Parfitt) . I went on to an Engineering Apprenticeship and after that a series of jobs that took me all over the world. I have my own company based in Chicago and still use some of t