Trains went rattling by

Photograph of Stanford Road School

“This photograph is of Stanford Road School because I went there from the age of five to eleven. When I think back on it now I realise that in the playground there were air-raid shelters and we used them to sit on and play on. It was a very old Victorian building and the trains went rattling by. We could see the trains from across the road if we stood on the wall and looked over the railings. I have great memories of the school – it was a very happy place to be.”

Comments about this page

  • I was at Stanford Road School between 1954 and 1960 and my two younger sisters, Susan and Anne, followed in later years. I well remember Mr Smithers and his strict regime. If I remember correctly he possessed a stick which he kept on his desk and which he called ‘Percy’. This was occasionally put to very effective use! I met Smithers some years after leaving Varndean, so probably around 1975, on the concourse at Brighton Station. We had a great conversation – either he had mellowed somewhat or I had grown up enough to recognise that he was a genuinely nice chap. All said and done he got good results in class. Mr. Peckham was head at the time and his daughter was Jane. She played the cello in the school orchestra. I played violin but not nearly as well as Graham Mussard or Jonathon Craven. Lesley Hankinson and Rosalind Croft were notable recorder players. I remember that a favourite game was British Bull Dog played with great gusto and not a little violence in the lower school playground. Our next door but one neighbours in Coventry Street also attended the school at the same time. Stephanie Ray went on to become, I believe, a school headmistress in her own right. Happy Days…..

    By David Ward (09/03/2006)
  • I too have very happy memories of my time at this school (1955 – 1961). Of playing in the school orchestra – descant recorder – and singing in the choir. I recall another teacher a Mr Sheppard – I was friends with his daughter Yvonne. Thanks for the memories.

    By Sue Loveridge (nee Shires) (18/03/2006)
  • I attended Stanford Road School from 1939 until 1944 when I passed the scholarship and went to Varndean Grammar School for Girls. I do remember getting a few slaps with a ruler for talking and having to stand on my desk for laughing out loud at the wrong time! We used to have to get under our desks when the siren went and I remember filing out down to the air raid shelters in the playground. I loved the school and the teachers and I am still grateful for their excellent teaching and patience. I remember Miss Canton being injured in a bomb attack in the lunch hour. I also remember that we were all given a ration of chocolate powder to take home in a basin, a present from the Americans. My friend Sheila Grant and I ate all ours before we were at the Seven Dials. I could go on and on… Happy Days!

    By Jocelyn Everest (01/04/2006)
  • I went to Stanford Road School from 1940-1946. I well remember the air-raid shelters in the playground – we used them! I also remember one hot summer a boy sitting on the wall and falling backwards down the steps. One teacher I remember was Miss Baker who lived in Millers Road. I lived at 32 Compton Road and, at midday on 23 May 1943, five houses beside us were destroyed by a low level bomber. One person was killed. We were at home at the time.

    By Ted Bates (22/05/2006)
  • The air raid shelter is still there, and is shown to the children as a reminder of times past. The building is still used by the Junior School – the Infants have moved a few hundred yards down the road. Recently (July 2006) the Infants were all evacuated to the Junior School as a precaution: one of the children had brought in a WWII hand grenade for Show and Tell, but the teachers had no idea whether it was live or not… One other recent event that connects with history, though rather more sadly: the death of Mr Grimes. Not long before, he celebrated his 50th year as a teacher at Stanford: I imagine that anybody reading this who attended Stanford would remember him fondly.

    By Jim Rennie (17/07/2006)
  • I went to both Stanford Road Infants and Junior schools from 1956 to 1963. I remember Miss Wilson (Infants) who I am always grateful to for helping me recognise my artistic talents. At Juniors Mr Smithers was a legendary bully who everyone was scared of. I also remember Mr Bevan who was very friendly! Also a singing tutor called June. At playtime the girls had the upper playground with the air-raid shelters, where we would play ‘the big ship sails down the alley alley ooh’ and skipping games or ‘What’s the time Mr Wolf?’. While the boys had the lower playground and played those noisy boys’ games that us fluffy cardiganed and beribboned girls held in distain. I can remember a special reward for being good was to get to wash the teacher’s cups and plates in a room outside the staffroom! For some reason this was a sought after privilege. I also remember the tuck-shop cunningly placed at the school entrance in Stanford Road. You could buy penny cider ice-lollies (yum!).

    By Sharon Fuller (24/07/2006)
  • I attended Stanford between 1965-1971 and I also remember with fond memories Mr Smithers and Mr Manton. Mr Smithers took me under his wing at the age of 9 and had me running hurdles in the top hall at lunchtimes. I continued through his inspiration to compete for Brighton, then Sussex, and I will never forget the time he spent with me. I have recently returned to Brighton with my son and taken pictures of the old place, remembering also how we fundraised so hard for the swimming pool in the basement. I remember learning to swim there. What happy times we had..although Robert Wardle and his friends used to torment me for being ‘ginger’. I loved being a pupil at Stanford. How many pupils today can say that? What a happy time!

    By Tina Pumfrey (24/08/2006)
  • Does anyone have any information or memories of the house on the corner, next to Stanford Garage, that sits detached? Was it a manor, a teacher’s house? It is number 48 Stanford Road. Any submissions would be appreciated.

    By Loi (02/09/2006)
  • I was a pupil at Stanford road School and can remember the masters mentioned here and also a Mr. Maugham whose son was in my class at one time. Both Mr Manton and Mr Maugham used to live in Cuckmere Way, Hollingbury, and I used to live in Hartfield Avenue which was just a two minute walk away. I also remember not liking school dinners so a friend, Johnny Burton (whose mother was a teacher in the infants) and I used to go down New England Hill via Hamilton Road, to a corner cafe called Divall’s. We could get steak pie, peas and potatoes for one shilling and sixpence.  School dinners at that time cost one shilling and were pretty awful. Most surprising of all was that one day we met Mr Manton, Mr Maugham and Mr Smithers – all with the same idea. All in all I had a pretty good schooling and then, like your first contributer, I went to Varndean until it was time to go out into the wide world where I became a self-employed business man.

    By Brian Hussey (05/11/2006)
  • I, along with my 4 brothers and sisters, was a pupil at Stanford Infants and Juniors from 1957 to 1963 and remember Miss Tinson, Miss Wilson, Mrs Sweet (Infants’ secretary cum matron), Mr Manton (the gentle giant whom I adored) and of course Mr Smithers (who I also adored though he was strict and used to rap knuckles with a ruler…not mine however – whew). And who could forget Mr Bevan and his ‘friendly ways’ or Mr Peckham the headmaster who constantly sucked on a pipe? My dear grandfather, Albert Dungate, was school caretaker for most of his working life and I am sure some people will remember his gentle, helpful ways and wonderful sense of humour. He and his wife Peg lived two doors away from the tuck shop (cider lollies / pepsi lollies and penny humbugs …oh yeah and lemonade sherbet by the quarter, I reall vividly).  My sister Sue, the baby of the family, was a year below me, my brother Tony a year ahead and Pauline and Paul were 7 and 6 years respectively ahead of me. So I am sure many people will have met one or the other of us.

    By Theresa Sinclair (nee Elliott) (17/11/2006)
  • In its centenary year, 1994, Stanford Junior School published a booklet to commemorate the event. It was edited by Susan Middleton and Sue Wood. I do not know whether copies are still available but perhaps QueenSpark Books, the school itself or the printers (Adelaide Print Services of Henfield) may still have a few in store.

    By Brian Dungate (03/12/2006)
  • I went to Stamford Road from 1955 – 1961, I remember several of the teachers already mentioned but I especially remember Mrs Collinete, who struggled to teach me my tables. She told me a tale about a girl who had a doll called Sarah Jane, she was told to call her doll ’56’ because she could not remember 7 x 8, but at an exam on being asked what was 7 x 8, she replied ‘Sarah Jane!’ It did make me remember what 7×8 was! Mrs Collinete was a really kind, patient teacher who helped me a great deal. It was not until I was in my 20’s that I was diagnosed as dyslexic. These were not the happiest days of my childhood as my parents had split up and Mum and I were living in a tiny basement flat in Chatham Place, with a bath under the kitchen table, and a loo outside accross a yard. But I do clearly remember dancing around a Maypole in the playground with all my classmates with parents watching on….and singing in the school choir!

    By Susan Kennedy, nee Parsons (06/01/2007)
  • I went here between 1976-78 (family moved from Bevendean, when I was half way through middle school..). used to go to the local shop (end of Coverntry Street) for sweets most days.

    By Paul B (04/02/2007)
  • I went there from 1970 to 1975 (when we moved to Yorkshire). My grandparents used to live in Park View Terrace (which you could get to from the snicket opposite the corner shop) and I was allowed to walk back there from school .. How times change…

    By Maria Suggitt (27/02/2007)
  • I too attended Stanford Rd School between 1957 and 1960. I then fluffed my 11 plus and went to Patcham Secondary – now that was an education – if only for a year before being moved to the West Midlands area. I remember Messrs Manton, Bevan – whose daughter’s name escapes me now, Smithers (ouch) and Mr Peckham and his cellist daughter Jane. We all used to go home up to Withdean on the No 112 Southdown Bus – until it snowed in Jan ’58 and the bus stopped at Dyke Road and we all walked home in a blizzard! There was one bus stuck on Bramble Rise for over a week! They did give us the basis of the 3 R’s and it obviously stuck because I went on to GCE O and A levels and onwards.

    By Bob Stephens (04/06/2007)
  • I started at Stanford Road in about 1942, going on to BHS Grammar School in 1948. My sister Pauline was in the school some five years before me. I found my six years passed really quickly, except when it was a case of queuing up for the strap – the wait was interminable. I wasn’t really naughty – boys seemed to get the strap as a right of passage, whereas girls were goody two-shoes and it wasn’t the done thing to discipline them. Such is the way of life. I must have got through a pair of shoes a month playing football in the playground. It was a very enjoyable time for me, and we were really lucky to have such excellent teachers. It didn’t do me any harm at all in later life.

    By Tony Hollis (08/06/2007)
  • I went to Stanford Road school as an infant (circa 1934/5). Regrettably I don’t remember much about it except that were some twins there, two boys, and an elderly white haired teacher, Miss Blunden, who, if you were naughty, would slap your legs behind the knee. Very painfull and she would be had up for assault nowadays. The Headmistress, name unknown, was tall, looked very severe and wore a brown jacket and skirt and always wore a brown jacket and skirt. What I do remember however, is that on the other side of the road, the railway side, there was a house that had a model railway, OO gauge, laid out at the front. I always hoped that we would see it in operation one day but never did, although other children said they had seen it working. Looking back, I suspect it was childish imagination.

    By John Wall (08/09/2007)
  • Pupil from 1949-1955.
    Whilst I would never admit to my school-days being the happiest of my life, I certainly have some fond, if hazy, memories of my days at Stanford Road. I remember, for instance, a concert in the school hall, when a large wooden balancing frame fell over and struck the music teacher on the head, rendering her insensible; but try as I may I cannot remember her name. Although I was never a “bad lad”, I can remember on more than one occasion being taken to Mr. Peckham’s office where the “strap” was removed from his desk drawer, unwrapped from its tissue-paper and shown to me as a warning against any further misdemeanours. But the best punishment I ever received was for kissing a girl (which I had done for a dare). For this, all the girls in the class were lined up and I was made to kiss them all. I can remember them squealing and protesting, but the female teacher insisted that I had to kiss them all without exception. Even at that young age, I can remember thinking that I had come out of that rather well.
    A strange memory is the smell of the free school milk, which was always stacked in crates in front of the radiators and gave off a sickly odour, probably due to spillage.
    The “tuck shop”, at the Coventry Street entrance, known as “Queenies”. was a joy to us all, I would daily spend my penny on four Oxo cubes, which I would suck like sweets, I can remember my horror when the price went up to a penny-farthing and I could no longer afford them.
    Does anyone else remember the horrific train crash below the Dyke Road Drive Bridge? For days the railings above the railway were festooned with children from the school, watching the clearance work.
    One last memory which even now gives me the shivers, is that of the St.Barnado’s kids who would walk along the top of the wall in Highcroft Villas in their leather boots, with instant death on the railway side of the wall in the shape of a hundred foot drop. Thank God nobody ever went over.

    By Colin Page (23/10/2007)
  • Hi Colin, Didn’t your dad used to own Pages Garage and ride an Aerial Square Four as a marshal at the speed trials? Did you live at Port Hall Road?

    By Jerry (09/11/2007)
  • My mother was a pupil at Stanford Road School and I believe she was there from about 1910 – 1916 or later. Is there anyone who might remember her or someone who has a relation who was there? Her name was Lilian Mary MacRae.

    By Geraldine Andrew (13/11/2007)
  • My husband is the caretaker of the school now and we are living in the house in Coventry Street that backs onto the playground. I’d love to know if anyone has any memories of the school and the house. I’ve been trying to find the book that was written about it. No luck yet though!

    By Hayley (18/11/2007)
  • I started at the school before I had reached the age of four in 1941 and left for the BH&SGS in 1949. Mrs Canton was headmistress. She lived in an a flat on the corner of Bath Street and Buckingham Place. I had the dubious privilege of watching the bomb fall towards her building before my mother pulled me into a nearby front garden and pushing me below the low wall. Fortunately casualties were minimal but our windows and front door were blown when we reached home.
    Teachers I remember are Ms Baker who coached me for hurdles and I am forever in her debt the discipline she instilled in me. Mr Sid Challis, administrator of Percy the short stick, who was deeply involved in schoolboy boxing programs. Mr Avery, Mrs Furner (music), Miss Wilson, Miss Parks and Miss Burgess. The war was on. School windows were blown in. But the school functioned well and provided many happy experiences as well as a good elementary education. Some of my contemporaries during my last year 1948/ 1949 with no particular reason for the following order: Ronald Parker, Ian Rice, Michael Greenhow, Brian Thomas, Deirdre Fisher, Peter Lynn, Colin Young, Rosemary Richardson, Clifford West, Lillian Bailey, Rita Harvey, Michael Irish, Billy Hollingsworth, Bobby Blount and Pamela Hill.

    By Dudley Seifert (15/01/2008)
  • I attended Stanford Road School in July 1950 and left in March 1955 for Australia. I noted with interest Colin Page, October 24 2007 memories, in particular that of the large wooden balancing frame falling and stiking the music teacher on the head. Mr Pechhams strap I remember well, I had a number of close encounters with his strap as punishment for rolling oranges down from the high side of the playground to the girls sitting on the ground with their legs open. I thought it was fun, Mr Pecham obviously thought other wise The boys walking on the wall at Highcroft Villas in their leather boots were most probably Dr Barnardo’s Boys from Furze Court, Dyke Road Hove. I have fond memories of my early school days at Stanford Road, specially those memories of Maureen.

    By Robert Whiteman (26/01/2008)
  • Hello from Canada, I attended Stanford road school, as did my two older brothers, Brynmor and Euan Bowyer, and my youngers brothers John and Roy. I was there approximately 1939-1945. Mrs Canton was my head mistress and by a strange coincidence I was showing my grandchildren some of my school reports, just the other week. It was good to see a familiar name on the board, I do remember the Bates family. We lived at 125, Compton Road, on the corner looking over Black Hill, and yes I remember the bombshelters and the unfortunate incident when the boy fell down one. I also remember the shop at the back entrance. I went to school with the Wedge boys Allan and Colin and Richard Duplock from Kingsley Road. Although we have been in Canada over forty years my husband, children and I have been back many times to visist my parents. The house on Compton Road was sold after my mother died, she lived there until she was 92. My brother John died soon after. I hear that the council gave permission to split the property and now a modern structure sits on what used to be our garden. Well we are visiting again this year I shall have to go to Compton Road and see. Thanks for the memories.

    By Diana Anstead nee Bowyer (13/03/2008)
  • I would have been at Stanford Road in 1950/52. I was one of those Barnardo Boys Robert Whiteman mentions. We were always known as the home boys. We would run in a crocodile to school in the morning, accompanied by our house master, from the home, Furze Court, Dyke Road Avenue. Grey clothes and boots in winter and khaki and sandals in summer. I was the first boy from the home to pass the 11plus. Went on to B and H Grammar School, and then to Lewes Grammar. The sixpence provide for the mushy school lunch was just sufficient for a currant loaf at the “tuck shop.”

    By Roger Johnson (15/06/2008)
  • I left Stanford Middle (as it was known) in 1979, and have a lot of fond memories of being there. My brother Karl and sister Joanna were also pupils. I remember my form teacher Mrs Sawicka, and the head master Mr Jackson, and I think I also remember a Mr Grimes? We once managed to take a peek at the underground cellars which were quite spooky. I also remember the swimming pool, and that it was tiny, and the lovely clock tower past the library. My friends at the time were Samantha Skinner, Yomi Williams, Joanne Gunn, Sharon and Penny Cater (still in touch with Sharon and Joanne).

    By Samantha Holland (27/08/2008)
  • My name at school was Jon Howard Isaacs. I was at Stanford Road Infants and my sister was at the Middle School, her name is Melissa. We lived two houses away from the school. Miss Wright was my teacher and we were given cod liver oil each day.

    By Jon Howard (18/10/2008)
  • Well I must say that I have read all your comments with great interest. I too went to Stamford Road School and my very first day in the infants was a monday, the very monday that they gave every pupil either a commemorative class or mug 1952. I also remember the little house over the road from the school where the owner used to have a model railway in his front garden, someone also mentioned Porthall Road that’s where my uncle used to live, Mr Allan Killick. Whilst still in the infants we moved to South Woodingdean so I went to Woodingdean infants/juniors, and then on to Whitehawk Seniors. Unfortunately I do not remember any of my fellow pupils of that time, apart from the odd ones from Woodingdean where we lived for many years, eventually moving to Wilson Avenue, where I eventually left home to join the RAF for the next 24 years, the NHS for 15 years, and now live in Southern France. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then.

    By Paul Fleet (20/10/2008)
  • Does anyone know what the origins of the swan logo for the school are? I know it was introduced in 1950 but have no idea what a school by a railway line has to do with a swan. Thanks.

    By Sarah (20/10/2008)
  • To Wendy Cooper,
    Wonderful comments on this site from ex-pupils of Stanford Road School. Were you there at the same time as me? I was there from 1950 to 1957 before moving on to the Secondary Technical School in Hanover Terrace. Was by any chance your maiden name Barton ?
    I have lived in Chicago for the last 18 years, my e-mail is rogersturt@sbcglobal.net.

    Best Regards,

    By Roger Sturt (20/01/2009)
  • Regarding Colin Page’s comment about the music teacher, it was Mrs Furner, who lived at Glen Rise, almost opposite Mr Peckham.
    I was at the school and in Colin’s class, and I had the stick or cane from all the male teachers, and Mr Peckham.
    I was a scruff, who constantly had to stand up for myself, or go under to bullying for my ragged clothes and bottomless shoes and socks.
    But I still loved that school.

    By Jerry (08/02/2009)
  • What a joy to read your stories of Stanford Road school. I was at the infants in 1947, followed by the juniors until 1957. Like the rest of you I remember Mr Smithers, I was punished by him once, when in fact I had done nothingand still remember this injustice. Mr Peckham was a tall dark haired man who always seemed to have his pipe in the corner of his mouth, I also remember his son Stephen. My last teacher was Miss Gunn. Queenies….we all loved thiat tiny little sweet shop. The house with the railway I found fascinating, I always lived in hope of seeing some movement from it one day. Did it ever work I wonder? A friend of mine who moved to Australia in the 1960s, Val Silsby, came here for a holiday a few years ago and we went to the school on a sentimental journey, the head teacher very kindly gave us a tour of the school, even introducing us to a class of infants & letting us go up into what was Mr Peckham’s office. Although I am sure it must have changed over the years much of it was as we remembered. Those school days were certainly very happy years for me. I could go on & on as I remember many of my classmates by name but it would make boring reading for others if I listed them all. Thank you for those happy years Stanford Road!

    By Iris Taylor (Panther) (25/02/2009)
  • I was at Stanford Road from 1943 to 1949(with a short break in 1944-5). I remember going down into the air raid shelter in the infants playground. I have very hazy memories but can remember us sitting on long wooden seats screwed to the wall. I also remember we were all very quiet whilst down there. Teachers I remember were Mrs Furner, Miss Wilson, and Mr Challis, and I remember Mr Smithers starting at the school. He had a very good aim with a piece of chalk, as I remember. I helped Queenie keep her shop going by always buying an Oxo cube to eat. I enjoyed my time there.

    By John Boxell (18/05/2009)
  • With regard to Mr Smithers. I have very fond memories of him, not through Stanford Road School, but through cubs and scouts at the 2nd Brighton Scouts in Stanford Avenue Methodist. He was remembered for his brilliant acting whenever we put on a show and I believe his wife was also an excellent actress

    By Peter (21/07/2009)
  • I was at Stanford Road from 1952 until 1956. I cannot pretend I liked the school, especially disliking the teachers (Mrs Furner was the exception). I have very few fond memories but I did get a solid grounding in education and went on from there to Varndean with my friend Jane, and we are still friends today. I have a class photograph which I’ll post.

    By Valerie Manchee Nee Rodda (18/12/2009)
  • Did any of you know Miss Gunn? She now lives in my care home Meadowcroft in Shoreham-by-Sea, and will be reaching the grand age of 100 on the 22nd February. I was trying to get some of her past pupils to attend a birthday party on the day at 3pm. Anyone who would remember her and would like to come, please email me on rachel@meadowcroftcarehome.co.uk. Thank you.

    By Rachel Mohidin (12/01/2010)
  • I remember going to Standford Road School in 1940/41. On my first day when my mother left me I screamed the school down. I also remember the house opposite had a train layout in the front garden. I never saw it working and to this day I still wonder if it’s still there. Maybe one day I will find out!

    By Roger Posse (17/02/2010)
  • Those ex-Stanford pupils who remember Miss Gunn will be pleased to hear that she was still in good health when I visited her recently. She told me that her 100th birthday celebrations included a visit to the school, where all the pupils attended a special assembly. To me this is typical of a fine tradition of excellence and I was delighted to hear that she was highly impressed by the behaviour of the current pupils and the interest they showed. I am not surprised that the last OFSTED report on the school marked it as outstanding in every category.

    By Brian Dungate (17/04/2010)
  • What immense and diverse information about Stanford Road School which has brought back so many names and memories. I started at the Infants school in 1948 at the age of 5 and on through 1954 following in turn, my elder 3 brothers – Ray, Tom and Bob and sister Valerie. We lived in Coventry Street and could look over the back wall to the school playground. I can remember my teachers in order – Miss Sinden, Miss White, Miss Wilson (infants) – Miss Burgess and then Mr Maugham for the final 2 years (Juniors). In the final year, under Mr Maugham’s coaching, we won the Baker and Fitzgerald Cups at football – not losing a match. Roger Wedge had the golden boot. I can only remember happy times – innocence and ignorance, I expect – only had the cane once from Mr Maugham, can’t remember why but expect I deserved it. If anyone recognises my name or if there is another reunion of the school, please contact me. Love to hear from anyone. roger.blount@btinternet.com

    By Roger Blount (07/06/2010)
  • My sister Pauline was at the school from 1937, the year I was born. I followed her in 1941, staying until moving on to BHSG in 1948. I do not have the same detailed memory that some have on here, possibly because in 31 years in the Army I moved around a great deal and met new experiences every three years. Or maybe I am just thick! I had a very enjoyable time at the school, my only brush with authority coming when I was spotted climbing over the railings opposite, which was as stupid as it gets. I was given the strap (would it have been Mrs Canton?) and given a walloping by my Dad – for the only time. I obviously learned enough to pass the 11 plus, although perhaps more by luck than judgement. My sister still lives in the area, and when I drive down to see her the memories come flooding back. Of gutters where you could play marbles without encountering a car, of being allowed out without any of the care that afflicts parents today, of friendly people who were called auntie but turned out to be no relation at all, and of 21 Stanford Road, which towered upwards like a skyscraper. Happy days indeed.

    By Anthony Hollis (20/08/2010)
  • Roger Posse I remember that garden with a train lay-out in it with absolute clarity. I used to look over almost every day to see if it was going to run, but it never did in my time at the school from 1941. I was told once that the owners had constructed it in memory of their son but I am not sure if there was any truth in that. It was beautifully constructed, with concrete tunnels etc, and left there all the year round.

    By Anthony Hollis (22/08/2010)
  • I love this page with all of its memories. I was  at Stanford Infants from 1960 onwards with Shirley Austin, Gail Neidwidgz,  Nicholas Selsby, Graham Dawtrey, Francis Frazer, Crispin Eley, Robert Ivison, Sindi Puri, Betty lou Frankel and Gillian Townsend. I would  love to hear from you. xxx

    By Carol Bashford (07/09/2010)
  • I have really enjoyed reading through so many memories of Stanford Road School, overall everyone seemed to have loved their time there and had a good solid education. Myself and brothers Michael and John plus my sister Mary (the Connollys) attended from early forties to 1957. I recognise lots of the names, I think if it’s the same Roger, Barnardo’s boy as was, I met some years later at music concert at Hove Town Hall. Michael was a very good footballer as was Roger Wedge, I was the hurdler and Miss Baker used to call me Little Mo after the tennis player. Tony Hollis was good friends with my brother John. Be great to hear from anyone as we are all still around.

    By Maureen Wyatt (nee Connolly) (09/09/2010)
  • Maureen, I remember your brother John with affection, and a friend round the corner from you in Hamilton Road, Roy Whitwell of Brigden Street. And the Pinns, and Colin Addison in the same street. Happy days, when growing up was easy in comparison with today. We had nothing, but made the most of it (if that is possible). I still go back to see my Sister, Pauline, who lives in Highcroft Villas, but am appalled by the way cars have taken over, particularly Stanford Road. How do the children flick their tab cards, roll their marbles, or do their hopscotch? Or kick cans or anything else that would roll? Computer games are a very poor substitute to having real fun outdoors. Please give my best to John (unless he remembers anything shady about me).

    By Tony Hollis (10/09/2010)
  • Carol, although I’m not in your list of names, perhaps you remember me? I went to both Stanford Infants and Primary until 1969. I had Miss Elms (who became Mrs Baton), Manton, Maugham, and Manton again. My brother Trevor also attended the school two years above me. My cousin Graham Caddy was in the same classes as me. My younger sister Deborah attended up to 1975. Even further back in time, my parents attended the school, probably 1931- 1935: Jack Harvey and Irene Caddy. We lived at 52 Coventry Street, three doors from the school entrance. I always remember the distinctive smell of the wooden floors in the school and going to Dyke Road Park in a crocodile to play football.

    By Martin Harvey (22/09/2010)
  • Hello, unlike most of you, I did not attend Stanford School. I do however, have a photo taken in 1916 of my grandfather and others from his regiment, outside the school. I believe the school was then used as a hospital. Does anyone have any information about the school at that time? And are there any records of who stayed there? Any information appreciated. Thank you.

    By Elaine (26/09/2010)
  • My mother attended Stanford Road School, would have been about 1917. She lived in Porthall Road for most of the time, though there is talk that family lived in a sweet shop on a corner. My mum’s name was then Ivy Mockford, her brother was Bert. The family names of Smith and Saunders were caregivers for my mum after her parents died. In 1980 my son Damien Flynn from Australia attended the school for six months and played the part of a King in the Christmas nativity play. He so loved his time at the school.

    By Bonny Cother (07/10/2010)
  • As one of the boys at Furze Court I remember this school, but perhaps not with the nostalgic recalled. Many times here I was caned. It was a part of our daily life as orphans and dare I say outcasts! But experiences and memories can sometimes be a good thing for the future!

    By Wildego Ronald (25/12/2010)
  • Hello Ronald, I rememer you as ‘Willy’. You were in my class and, if I remember correctly, you left with other Banardo boys and were you sent to a Commonwealth country? Miss Gunn who lives near to me in Shoreham remembers you well and always wondered how you got on in later life! Please contact me at: brianwhipp@fsmail.net  One teacher we had was Mr Gooch. I have placed a photo of our class with you on it on a well known web site ‘Friends ReUnited’ with some of the class mates’ names I remembered. I was at the school from 1949 after attending Pelham Street Infants School. I left in 1952 for the ‘horrors’ of Fawcett Boys School. When I started at the school I remember the teacher in my first class telling us stories about the red pillar post box on the corner of Old Shoreham Road that went ‘walkabout’ at night. Sadly this teacher (I forget his name) committed suicide in the school holidays. I remember the tuck shop, the model railway and the railway wall mentioned earlier by others. To me it was a great time. I remember being able to take home a violin for practice and then being at my wits end because a string broke. Off I went to that musical shop in Queens Road (opposite the Regent) to get it fixed. I was caught fighting in the playground by Mr Challis and told to put on boxing gloves later on to fight my adversary and to see if I would make the school boxing team. Thankfully I did well against him but was not good enough for the school! This did not stop Mr Challis taking us to the schools’ boxing tournament where the Stanford Road School team won most of the contests! I remember the walking trips to North Road swimming baths (sometimes also to St Lukes school) and getting so upset on the way home in the afternoon passing my home in Buckingham Road, but not able to go in but instead trudge back to school! After working for British Rail for 43 years (starting at Brighton Signal Box), am now retired with my main hobby being family history.

    By Brian Whipp (15/01/2011)
  • Great times. Mr Grimes, Mrs Sawiski and Mr Jackson. It was around 1979 I left. My mum used to clean the school, her name was Jo or Joyce. My best mates were Karl Pumfrey, Adrian O’ Brian, Robert (Nobby) Clarke. We all lived in Compton Road and my mum still does. The swimming pool was tiny. SCHOOL DINNERS – I loved them. Karl’s mum was dinner lady (extra roast dinner). Most of the girls I loved chasing in the playground went to Margret Hardy School. Sad times. Michelle Bambridge (my girlfriend at the time), Karen Dockerall, Donna reader (page three model ), Donna Maine, Sarah Pope, Sophie Abbott. It would be great to see everyone again. I’m on Facebook as Richard Shattock. I live in Crawley.

    By Richard Shattock (05/03/2011)
  • Re- Miss Gunn, I read about her 100th birthday exactly one year too late, however I rang the nursing home in Shoreham on Saturday 21st May to see if she was still there and happily she was. I spent two hours chatting to her about Stanford Road school, she also talked about herself which was nice to hear. Several times I told her I didn’t want to tire her but she insisted she wasn’t tired and was enjoying our chat. What a lovely lady, she didn’t remember me of course even though my name was I thought an unusual one. I can also remember the many things talked of on this page, Queenies, the air raid shelter, walking to Preston Park with our equipment etc, many, many things. Miss Gunn told me one day she was taking a group of children down the steps which led onto Lovers Walk to go to the park for games and one boy was carrying the basket of balls, which he dropped, they all bounced down the steps and it was a mad dash for us children to get them before they escaped onto the main road. Does anybody remember Roger and  Christopher Elliott the twins? I was at Stanford from 1947-53, then went on to Margaret Hardy. Happy Days indeed those days at Stanford.

    By Iris Taylor (Panther) (23/05/2011)
  • I was at Stanford Road in the early 60s, we left in 1966 to stay with our grandparents in London before moving to Canada in July. I remember Crispin Eley, Nicholas Selsby and Gillian Townsend. Reading the comments brings back some fond memories of England. Hope to get back some day.

    By Mike Gent (24/06/2011)
  • I also went to Stanford Road until leaving in 1958/59 for senior school. Can anybody remember the shops in Upper Hamilton road? I can only remember a certain few, are there any shops there now? I live in Australia so I can only go by my memory. A fish and chip shop, chemist, newsagent, greengrocers, ironmongers, hairdressers, grocers on the corner, bakers, sweetshop, and as we called them then, a haberdashery.

    By Sally Tregellis Nee Kershaw (19/10/2011)
  • I went to Stanford Road in 1945 until 1951 then on to Margaret Hardy leaving in 1955. My brother Derek also went to Stanford Rd, 1940-1945. I also remember the Barrnado Boys- I have a photo group with Peter Hunt, Willy Wildego? Etc. The teacher was a Mr Monday. I seem to remember a Mr Peckham who I  believe committed suicide, also he had a little girl. I remember her- she came into the class room. I also believe she sadly died at that time? The school was damaged in the War, my Mother ran from home all the way to the school looking for my brother- he had just come out the school and ran into someone’s house along with our cousin Donald. Hi Sally- I have not been to Upper Hamilton Rd. I would say most of the shops would be long gone now, I well remember you Sally sitting in your pram outside, as we all did those days, time changes everything but not for the best.

    By Barbara Tregellis Nee Dolton (16/11/2011)
  • Sadly Miss Gunn passed away on the 17th Jan 2012.

    By Rachel Mohidin (18/01/2012)
  • Thank you Rachel for telling us the sad news about Miss Gunn. If you have any information on her funeral I am sure many would like to know. I have been told by Meadowcroft Rest Home that she died in hospital and funeral arragement were not known today. Miss Gunn was 101 when she died. A wonderful lady, sadly missed. If I find any more information I will post it on here.

    By Brian Whipp (21/01/2012)
  • Miss Gunn’s funeral will take place at 2 pm on Friday 3rd February 2012 at Shoreham Methodist Church, Brunswick Road, Shoreham-by-Sea BN43 5WB

    By Brian Whipp (25/01/2012)
  • I love reading about different persons experiences of Stamford School. Long may you all live and keep those experiences and memories coming. By the way does anyone else have old photos of Brian Whipp, Peter Hunt and myself they could share with us oldies. Does anyone remember St Lukes Church or Hove Manor school for boys, another school I attended nearby?

    By Ronald Michael Wildego (18/02/2012)
  • I was a pupil at Stanford Infants and Juniors from 2006 until 2011. I’ve found it really interesting to hear all your stories about Stanford in past times. I’d like to say how the school is currently getting on. Firstly, there is a sweet shop, although not right next to the school (St. Mary’s Convenience Store on Upper Hamilton Road). Queenies is now a house – sadly! The swimming pool has unfortunately disappeared somehow. I wish it hadn’t, I’m sure swimming lessons would’ve been much more frequent if we were only going to the basement, not the Prince Regent in the centre of town. Our new head teacher is Mr Franceschi who’s very Scottish and fortunately does not own a cane! I was fascinated by how long this Mr Smithers served – it seemed like forever. After going to Stanford, I moved on to Blatchington Mill School. Thanks for letting me share my memories with you, Jimmy (12).

    By Jimmy Chambers (25/02/2012)
  • Hi to all Stanford pupils from 1947 to 1956, what a memory some of you have! Smithers, Maugham, Manton, Gooch, Queenie’s tuck shop – the list just goes on. I lived in Elder Place behind Sainsburys and can remember the long walks up New England Hill every morning in snow, rain and hail, The only relief was under the viaduct half way up the hill. School dinners were the pits. I strongly remember the old air raid shelter. I remember having my photo taken with the school boxing team standing on the top my brother (Jim) who also attended Stanford in 1944. Had one of these photos for many years but he has since lost it during his many moves around Australia where we both live now (Perth W.A). So if anyone has a copy or can remember myself or my brother, we would love to hear from you. Bob Brown 1947 to 1954

    By Robert (bob) Brown (26/02/2012)
  • Hi Bob Brown, I remember you, I used to walk home with you on a Monday as I visited my grandparents who lived in New England St. I was in Stanfords boxing team and won the Tubby Edlin boxing cup in 1953. I also rember your brother and mum, you also went to Fawcett and if you get friends reunited up on your p.c. there is a class pic with you in it on there. There may also be one on this site. My aunt Mable used to work at the Duke of Yorks and you might remember her as she was well known in the New England St area. I went round Stanford School about ten years ago, there are many original features still there, the wooden pannelling and cloakrooms in the Coventry St entrance, the ivory and maroon topped wall tiles in what was Mrs Tinson’s infants class, the two halls are still there, so is the underground playground although glassed in now. Nice to see your name again, I hadn’t forgotten you even if its 55 years ago. Regards, Terry Hyde.

    By Terry Hyde (27/02/2012)
  • I remember Dudley Seifert and some of the names he mentioned. Lillian Bailey was one who lived in the street opposite Coventry Street. She had a relative who lived in the same house, he was called Charlie Mitchell I think, I remember he fell out of a tree in Preston Park. I also remember other names from that time: the Knapps who lived in Clifton Street, Brian Wickens and Michael Keighleyare. When I first went there I was sat next to a girl called Daphne Langridge. Fond memories, yes. Miss Canton was headmistress. Sid Challis was the Boxing teacher – he had something to do with Brighton Boxing and there was a cup named after him. My brother Brian was very good and fought at the Dome every year along with another good boxer called Barry Linington. Sadly I lost my brother at the age of 47 from cancer, I also lost my elder brother, he was 59. But I am still going at 75 and living in Lincolnshire. I would love to hear from anybody who remembers me. I often go down to Brighton. My wife’s family live down there and I still have a cousin down there.

    By Kenneth McHale (05/03/2012)
  • Hi Terry. Thanks for your comments re my memories. I remember stepping into the ring at training many times with you. Just to let you know that Barbara and myself are coming over to England in September this year and will be staying with Barbara’s sister in Hove and it would be great to catch up with you. We would probably have to wear a flower in our lapels to recognise each other! If you would like meet up, email me your details to barbaraandbob1@bigpond.com.au and if you have a partner we could meet up for a meal and discuss old times. Hope to hear from you soon.

    By Bob Brown (06/03/2012)
  • Hello Kenneth. I remember your brother Brian and I think I remember you. The blond-headed Barry Linnington was Sid Challis’ favourite because he had an effective and classic boxing style that Sid liked. Mr. Challis entered me in the Brighton School’s competition as a flyweight in 1948/49 and was scheduled to box against a Brian Winterbourne but, for some reason, I never had to fight. The previous year, Mr. Challis had matched me up against Brian Thomas, a significantly taller individual than myself, a year older and difficult for me to engage. I remember getting a bloody nose and feeling embarrassed because it hurt and it made my eyes water. Good experience though and it did me a lot of good. Sorry to read about your brothers, Kenneth. My only experience in Lincolnshire was at the England Minor Counties Water Polo Final held in the Butlin’s Holiday Camp open-air pool at Skegness around 1960. Nasty blustery day and it didn’t help that the water temperature was said to be 52 degF about 11 degC. It felt colder. If you remembered Lilian Bailey then you remembered her friend Rita Harvey. Also Billy Hollingsworth and Alan Dorman. Good luck.

    By Dudley Seifert (29/10/2012)
  • Hi to Bob Brown, Terry Hyde, Ken McHale and Dudley Seifert. My time at Stanford Infants/Juniors was 1943-50 and I remember many of the people mentioned in the recent contributions. Dudley, I knew more from BH&S GS, but his comments on Barrie Linnington remarkably coincided with my thinking of him and Sid Challis yesterday. This arose because Peter James, the crime writer whose books centre mainly on Brighton, drew attention on Facebook to the ‘Save Exeter Street Hall’ campaign. His interest stems from the fact that he was a keen boxer and there is a modern photo of himself in the hall, wearing boxing gloves on the exeterstreethall.org site. Incidentally, the deadline to save the hall, where many fights took place, expires in about 36 hours. Both my sons also attended Stanford, though obviously much later on. One of them, Bob might be interested to know, lives near him.

    By Brian Dungate (30/10/2012)
  • Hi Brian, long time no see. Hallo Roger Blount, how’s my friend Valerie? Had one of those weird experiences just before Christmas. At 71 I’ve just become a first time author when introduced to a lady who asked where she could get a copy of my book I found myself face to face with an old Stanford roadian. We started school together in 1946. Love to all Lilian

    By Lilian Forshaw. Smith (03/01/2013)
  • I attended Stanford Road school approximately 1948 to 1949 and then went to the school in Brighton. I was in Barnardo’s homes at Furze Court till 1950 – in May I was sent to Australia. I remember the teacher spoken about who committed suicide and if my memory is still ok his name was Mr Perry. I just stumbled on this page while googling my old haunts. I had a very enjoyable time at the school

    By Wilfred Holt (07/01/2013)
  • I attended Stanford Road infants and junior school from 1951 until 1957 when I went to Margaret Hardy Secondary Modern School, which at that time was in York Place. I remember some of the teachers from Stanford Road – Mr. Peckham, Mr Smithers, Mr Manton. Trying to remember the name of headmistress of the infants – does the name Miss Ford mean anything to anyone? Have only just found this site, and it has been really interesting to read all the comments.

    By Clare Bright (nee Montague Drake) (12/01/2013)
  • Hello Wilfred. I think you are right that it was Mr Perry. He was my first teacher in the junior school when I joined in 1949 from Pelham Street Infants. (See my comments above about his Red pllar box stories). I remember some of the Boys from Furze Court. One I am in contact with is Ronald Wildego (see above). He did not get sent abroad like others including yourself. There was a film on BBC4 last night about the plight of children sent to the colonies illegally without their mothers knowing and working as child labour. I hope and trust you had a happy childhood in Oz

    By Brian Whipp (13/01/2013)
  • I also went to Stanford. I moved from the original Middle Street Infants to Stanford Infants and then Middle school (as it was then) until 1971. Both were on the same site but infants had the left playground and classrooms down the long bottom corridors and next to the hall. I always remember the tiny pool downstairs and the cloakrooms as being haunted! Have good and bad memories of school, was very different in those days of course! I’m a teacher now so it can’t have that bad!? Mr Jackaman (sp?) was the head. I enjoyed sewing lessons and cricket in the small playground as well as french skipping at playtimes! I hated the visit of the “nit nurse”! Me and my family lived on the corner of Stanford Road for many years and still have great memories of community and friendships growing up.

    By Mandy Curry (01/04/2013)
  • OMG I am SO glad I found this site – all the memories of Mr Smithers who terrified me, Miss Timpson, Mrs Furneaux, etc. the air raid shelter, the boys from Dr Barnardo’s – (I do remember Joe), the model railway that never seemed to work but gave so much pleasure, the tuck shop – yum! Wish I could trace more pupils there from 1945 – 1965.

    By Maggie/Margaret Kirby Nee Turner (08/05/2013)
  • My wife, Diana Bentley, went to the school from 1953 (5 Years old) until her parents moved to Hollingbury and she went to Carden, then Patcham schools. Does anyone remember her?

    By John Snelling (01/06/2013)
  • Hello Roger Johnson from Dr Barnardo’s Home who I remember as being the only home boy to gain a pass to higher education and I remember your accident involving home made darts. However, I did qualify to enter Parkstone Sea Training School and later joined The Parachute Regiment and served until 1980 (go figure!). Feel free to contact on desertflowers3@yahoo.com. I now reside in southern California near Palm Springs. Kindest regards to all.

    By John Flowers (13/02/2014)
  • In answer to previous posts, I was also with John Burton and Brian Hussey on several lunch trip forays to Divalls where we unexpectedly met some of our teachers. The house on the corner next to Stanford Garage was occupied by the Liversidge family during my time at Stanford Road Primary School 1955 to 1959.

    By Robert Steer (31/08/2014)
  • Hi I went to Stanford 1963-1969, my brother Michael was there too from 1958 -1965 and I have great memories; singing ‘Morning Has Broken’; Mr Smithers and the dreaded ‘Percy’ and chalk missiles; gentle and kind Mr Manton; Mr Peckham (rarely seen unless you were in trouble but ran the school effectively) and dear Mrs Sweet who looked after us when we were sick. My first day was scary but I made friends with Julia Ingham so we stuck together. I remember how great our indoor swimming pool was in the boiler cellar although it meant no more trips to North Road Baths except for swimming galas. We had a great laugh the day we had a netball match against the teachers and they all came out in funny costumes! Can’t recall who won, but Mr Manton was so huge he just dropped the ball in the net. I too remember the sweet shop on the way home, probably the reason for all my fillings now! If you are Julia, Alison, Barbara, Tracey, Lesley, Susan, twins Derek and Deborah, you may remember me – Sandra Russell. I went on to Dorothy Stringer and discovered Mrs Smithers was Deputy Head there! No worries though, another great school with inspirational teachers and I turned out alright.

    By Sandra Sharp nee Russell (18/11/2014)
  • I was at Stanford Rd 1947-54 and remember very well Miss Wilson, Miss Burgess, Mr ‘whacker’ Smithers, Mr Maugham, Mr Manton and Mrs Furner. I went to ‘Queenie’s’ every day and remember the day sweets came ‘off ration’ – nothing seemed to cost more than a penny. Lots of people mention  the air raid shelter. I hid behind it once to avoid going in for school dinner because they were so awful. One of the teachers found me wandering along the street a few hundred yards away – I can’t remember who it was. Anyway, I was very surprised when she was very nice – I expected a telling off at least. Had to eat the school dinner though. It was a great school for music and football, because Mrs Furner was so enthusiastic and partly because Mr Peckham, the headmaster, was a music lover. I knew his son Stephen very well and went with him and other boys whom I specially remember – Michael Trory, Roger Verrall – to BHS Grammar School just down the road. I think the school was also very good for boxing but I never fancied it – My brother David did though.  I read the comments from Roger Sturt who was a great friend of his. I will always remember my time at Stanford Road with great affection. I gradually lost touch with most other pupils I knew because of moving to South Wales in 1956 – my father was Welsh. After many years in Reading my wife and I moved to France for 4 years and have finally settled in Cardiff where we first met. Every so often we go back to Brighton and include a short trip to look at the school.

    By John Silk (28/12/2014)
  • I remember you John Silk, I went to Stanford at the same time as you, I seem to remember visiting your house in Highcroft Villas. Other boys and girls I remember from the time are the Burt brothers (twins I think) Andrew and John, who lived near you, Jennifer Pryke, who I think also lived near you, Roger Spells, Ian Hanna, Elizabeth Spratt and Yvonne Roliech, who lived in Coventry St. I am researching the Dyke Rd, Port Hall area and would be grateful if you could put any memories of people and places in that area on site. 

    By Terry Hyde (04/03/2015)
  • I remember loving this school, Mr Manton was my teacher. I had the ruler across my hand a couple of times, I also was one of the workhouse brats in the production of Oliver.

    By Jeannie Bradshaw (06/02/2016)
  • Just read the entry by John Wall 9/9/2007 – my Mum (Kathleen Fuller, known as Kay) was at school at the same time and used to mention Miss Blunden.

    By Sharon Fuller (15/07/2016)
  • I was in Mr Smithers’ class in about 1967 and remember the Barfield twins. I remember doing my 11+ exam and remember playing fooball in the playground and every Friday had to collect all the balls from a neighbours garden.

    By Steve Cole (14/02/2017)
  • I remember Sharon Fuller, we were friends for years! I’m sure she will remember me (Helena Trevino).

    By Helena Canning (08/02/2018)
  • I was in Mr Smithers class in 1967 too, and remember the Barfield twins – Alex and Penny, I think. Also Caroline Harland who was very clever, Julie Sewell, Susan Arnold, Barry Goodchild and David Silver (I might be getting muddled with names from Cottesmore Secondary). I recall Mr Smithers calling us the ‘Near Enough’ class because a lot of us got things slightly wrong. He was a very strict teacher who slapped the back of my legs once – not sure, now, what I had done to deserve it! Memories – feeling so important if you were chosen to ring the gong to mark the end of lessons, being Gate Monitor at lunchtime and going to buy sweets for children, school assemblies, the nit nurse and lining up once a week in the infants school to get a spoon of cod liver oil – yuk!!
    Suzanne Andrews (nee Eves)

    By Suzanne Andrews (27/04/2020)
  • Hello, I went to both Stanford infants and juniors in 1979 to 1985/86 and they were some of the best years of my life.
    I went onto to Varndean, which in comparison were some of the worst years of my life!
    I lived in Porthall Road.
    I was wondering if anyone remembered the delightful head Mr Canning, who had a tic and smoked a pipe! No one has mentioned that name so I’m wondering if I have even remembered correctly!
    I remember Mr Grimes very well and am sad to hear he passed away so young. I also remember Miss Sawicka, Miss Dennis, Miss Marrison – do any one of these names ring a bell? I would love to hear your thoughts.
    My only bad memory is of a teacher in my last year of juniors, called Miss Delacourt.
    Everything about those schools were amazing apart from her!

    By Lucy Mather (03/04/2023)
  • Unfortunately, I do not have happy memories of this school….apart from one teacher!!
    Mrs Sawica smacked me in class in front of everyone, I was physically and mentally bullied for 4 years, ending up with my clothes being ripped and as funny as Mr Canning was, he did little to support me during those times!
    However, there was one teacher who shared with me a love of books which I have never forgotten. She wore beautiful long skirts and had long brown hair..her name has slipped from my mind annoyingly! But she was fantastic!

    By C Maskell (21/12/2023)

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