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Memories of the Boys' School in the 1950s [+]
Please share your memories of your time at the Boys' School in the 1950s
From an email received from Dave Champness (abridged and edited)
I have just been reading your interesting piece on St Mary Redcliffe School for Boys which I attended from 1959 until 1964.
I happened upon your historical overview because of the news article on the BBC website today about the changes to be made to the house names to reflect diversity and provide children with (appropriate) role models.
I was in Chatterton House. Not only was there a Colston House, there was also a Colston Day when the whole school attended church and we were rewarded with a sticky bun and a newly minted tanner (sixpence).
Dai Davis was my form master for 2 years (1963/1964). He was a great man and I owe him a lot. He taught English and English literature as well. I corresponded with him for 10 years after I left Redcliffe.
Jake Jeffries taught English during my time and Scott-Moncrieff taught RE. Mr Brench taught French, Mr Williams taught Maths.
The Old Arm Chair was known in my time as ‘The Tuck Shop’ The Mervyn King Hall is where we were taught music by Mr Fowler and where we had lunch (known as dinner then).
Alas Redcliffe as it was is no more. I went back to see the new school and Stan Lowes was still headmaster but he was already quite ill by then. I remember Dai Davis informing me by letter when Stan Lowes died. They were close friends.
From an email received from Dave Champness (abridged and edited)
A couple of other things have sprung to mind.
Mr Graham (we called him Billy after the American preacher) taught Economics which was a new subject at that time. He was a good friend of Jake Jeffries as they were both rugby enthusiasts.
There were four entrances to the school as I remember. The main entrance was on the same street as the Tuck Shop. There was an entrance on Redcliffe Hill that we were not supposed to use but of course we did.
There was another entrance on the side facing Queens Square which I used frequently when I was in the 3rd year as my classroom was one or two floors up. You could also get in via Mervyn King Hall if you knew how.
The vicar of St Mary Redcliffe Church at the time was Rev Sharp. (1959 - 1964)
I attended St. Mary Redcliffe School 1949-1953 Mr Ball, the woodwork teacher, was there all the time I was a pupil. H.O. Grant was known as "Oggy" Grant. There was also a Mr Tanner known as "Bob" Tanner, and a Mr Nelson who took sports and gym. There are a couple more teachers in your list that I remember but I cannot add any additional information. Nice website. Derek Newbury
Note from editor - Mr Ball was still teaching woodwork up to the time I left in 1970. He was my housemaster (Francombe) during my last years at the school.
From emails received from D Tolhurst (edited & abridged)
My Memories of St Mary Redcliffe Boys School 1952 to 1956 - Part 1
I left the juniors which was in Victoria Park to go to the big school in September 56. I
can remember being full of fear and apprehension not knowing what to expect. I had heard stories of the welcoming the older boys gave to the new boys.
We lived in Coronation Road so I walked to school, crossed over the new cut by the Dean Lane foot bridge and turned right towards Bathurst Basin and then up Guinea Street. At that time Bathurst Basin was a hive of industry, the sand dredging boats would bring in their loads of sand which had been dredged from the Bristol Channel. Across the opening of the Basin was a rail and road Bascule Bridge which was raised to allow the boats to enter and depart. The boats were unloaded at the Holms Sand and Gravel Company, the depot for storing the sand, which I can vividly remember on my many journeys to school.
The first day at the big school did not turn out as bad as I was expecting. At 9am the teacher on duty blew his whistle and boys formed lines across the playground leaving the new boys wondering what we should be doing. We were quickly rounded up and placed in lines in the front of the rest of the school. It was then we were all marched off to the Mervyn King Hall for morning assembly which we did every day. Mr Fryer the head welcomed the new boys. I managed to give the older boys a miss as I heard if they caught you then they would torture you. What this torture was I never found out.
There were four houses representing the school, Canynge Yellow, Chatterton Green, Colston Red, Proctor Blue. The new boys were divided up and put into a house which you represented throughout the school years, I was in Chatterton.
It was decided that a first year rugby team should be formed and Mr Johns had this job to sort out the boys that were interested and get a team up and running. I remember playing in the first match where most of us did not fully understand the rules. It resulted in 30 boys all running after an odd shaped ball with plenty of forward passes. However we did draw that match, a fair result on the day. I finished up playing rugby for the school right up until I left school.
The second year had a successful rugby team which was run by Mr Morgan. The team went the whole term only losing one game to Greenway School. But this was the cup final game and we lost 3 points to 0. We felt a bit short changed on this loss as we had one try disallowed but we did not understand why, but I do remember the referee was the Greenway Sports Master.
Every Monday afternoon was sports afternoon the school would assemble on Redcliffe Hill just down from Pets Paradise and four double deck buses would take us up to playing fields at Hengrove.
On a Wednesday afternoon during Lent the school was assembled and we were marched across the road to St Mary Redcliffe Church for a Church service. I can’t remember if this was every Wednesday during Lent or just the once.
Then there was the day of the Polio injections. Each class was lined up shirtsleeves rolled up waiting for the dreaded needle only one boy fainted in our class.
From emails received from D Tolhurst (edited & abridged)
My Memories of St Mary Redcliffe Boys School 1952 to 1956 - Part 2
The swimming gala was held in the summer at Bristol South Baths. The houses would compete against each other. The viewing pupils would sit in the upstairs viewing balcony the noise from the cheering and shouting was unbelievable.
I also remember the annual cricket match the Boys versus the Masters. This took place in the playground and the boys would be seated on the floor around the perimeter of the playground to watch and there was plenty of cheering and shouting from the boys.
The houses also competed against each other at rugby, the matches played at Hengrove Playing Fields.
I remember the visit of Billy Butlin to the school. The school had to assemble in the Mervin King Hall on the afternoon of his arrival. We all wondered what this was all about. It was then were introduced to Billy Butlin. I remember he was very generous and gave every boy five shillings.
I do not remember the Queens visit.
When Stan Lowe started he had a habit of whistling through his teeth when saying the letter S in any word and some of the boys would imitate him.
I can still remember the names of many of the teaching staff. Mr Dia Davies he taught English in my final term. Mr Grant, Mr Roe religious instruction. Mr Jordon Woodwork, I made a bathroom cabinet and a small stool which we were allowed to take home. Mr Ball Metal work, Mr Vaughan, Mr R Williams I remember receiving a hefty clout form him for talking in class. Mr Morgan Science, Mr Bidmead, Mr John, and Mr Sheppard Art Master.
Mr Knight was the P.E. teacher; rumoured to be an ex military PE instructor and a man who took no prisoners. I recall an instance when one of boys had done something that Mr. Knight disapproved of but would not own up to it. So on this frosty January day we were sent out in to the playground in our green P.E. shorts, bare top and daps on our feet and made to do a lap of the playground as punishment. On another occasion I remember Mr Knight decided to give us a change from P.E. and have a football match in the playground. Two captains were chosen and the sides picked. Our side was not doing too well, so Mr Knight decided to play with us. The opposition kept well out of his way. It was rumoured that he played centre forward for Hereford United.
The memories recorded here are as accurate as I can remember of events that took place nearly 70 years ago.
I attended St Mary Redcliffe School 1957 - 1961.. I remember MrVaughan who's Class was in the Basement of the Church Hall which was also under the Dinner Hall. Bert Johns took us for Sport's activities and Mr Jordan Boxing. Our Science Teacher was Mr Wilcox. I remember Mr Fowler the Music Teacher producing a Musical called "Once Aboard The Lugger" Mr Jeffries (Jake) coming in with a Black Eye after playing Rugby on a Weekend. H O Grant (Oggy) our RE Teacher who was very Passionate about everything. Mr's Harrison was Stan Lowe's Assistant. I remember attending a Funeral for a Bristol Rovers Player (Harry Bamford) at the Church one Year
I remember attending St.Mary Redcliffe from 1953 to 1957, Mr. Fryer was Headmaster,and was replaced bu Mr .Lowes,I have recently re established contact with Steven Pearce who was My Friend for Years,I now live in Adelaide,South Australia, now retired from Sales Management,and music I look back with pride and wonderful memories of Redcliffe
From an email received from Dave Champness (abridged and edited)
ReplyDeleteI have just been reading your interesting piece on St Mary Redcliffe School for Boys which I attended from 1959 until 1964.
I happened upon your historical overview because of the news article on the BBC website today about the changes to be made to the house names to reflect diversity and provide children with (appropriate) role models.
I was in Chatterton House. Not only was there a Colston House, there was also a Colston Day when the whole school attended church and we were rewarded with a sticky bun and a newly minted tanner (sixpence).
Dai Davis was my form master for 2 years (1963/1964). He was a great man and I owe him a lot. He taught English and English literature as well. I corresponded with him for 10 years after I left Redcliffe.
Jake Jeffries taught English during my time and Scott-Moncrieff taught RE. Mr Brench taught French, Mr Williams taught Maths.
The Old Arm Chair was known in my time as ‘The Tuck Shop’ The Mervyn King Hall is where we were taught music by Mr Fowler and where we had lunch (known as dinner then).
Alas Redcliffe as it was is no more. I went back to see the new school and Stan Lowes was still headmaster but he was already quite ill by then. I remember Dai Davis informing me by letter when Stan Lowes died. They were close friends.
From an email received from Dave Champness (abridged and edited)
ReplyDeleteA couple of other things have sprung to mind.
Mr Graham (we called him Billy after the American preacher) taught Economics which was a new subject at that time. He was a good friend of Jake Jeffries as they were both rugby enthusiasts.
There were four entrances to the school as I remember. The main entrance was on the same street as the Tuck Shop. There was an entrance on Redcliffe Hill that we were not supposed to use but of course we did.
There was another entrance on the side facing Queens Square which I used frequently when I was in the 3rd year as my classroom was one or two floors up. You could also get in via Mervyn King Hall if you knew how.
The vicar of St Mary Redcliffe Church at the time was Rev Sharp. (1959 - 1964)
From an email from Derek Newbury
ReplyDeleteI attended St. Mary Redcliffe School 1949-1953 Mr Ball, the woodwork teacher, was there all the time I was a pupil. H.O. Grant was known as "Oggy" Grant.
There was also a Mr Tanner known as "Bob" Tanner, and a Mr Nelson who took sports and gym. There are a couple more teachers in your list that I remember but I cannot add any additional information. Nice website. Derek Newbury
Note from editor - Mr Ball was still teaching woodwork up to the time I left in 1970. He was my housemaster (Francombe) during my last years at the school.
From emails received from D Tolhurst (edited & abridged)
ReplyDeleteMy Memories of St Mary Redcliffe Boys School 1952 to 1956 - Part 1
I left the juniors which was in Victoria Park to go to the big school in September 56. I
can remember being full of fear and apprehension not knowing what to expect. I had heard stories of the welcoming the older boys gave to the new boys.
We lived in Coronation Road so I walked to school, crossed over the new cut by the Dean Lane foot bridge and turned right towards Bathurst Basin and then up Guinea Street. At that time Bathurst Basin was a hive of industry, the sand dredging boats would bring in their loads of sand which had been dredged from the Bristol Channel. Across the opening of the Basin was a rail and road Bascule Bridge which was raised to allow the boats to enter and depart. The boats were unloaded at the Holms Sand and Gravel Company, the depot for storing the sand, which I can vividly remember on my many journeys to school.
The first day at the big school did not turn out as bad as I was expecting. At 9am the teacher on duty blew his whistle and boys formed lines across the playground leaving the new boys wondering what we should be doing. We were quickly rounded up and placed in lines in the front of the rest of the school. It was then we were all marched off to the Mervyn King Hall for morning assembly which we did every day. Mr Fryer the head welcomed the new boys. I managed to give the older boys a miss as I heard if they caught you then they would torture you. What this torture was I never found out.
There were four houses representing the school, Canynge Yellow, Chatterton Green, Colston Red, Proctor Blue. The new boys were divided up and put into a house which you represented throughout the school years, I was in Chatterton.
It was decided that a first year rugby team should be formed and Mr Johns had this job to sort out the boys that were interested and get a team up and running. I remember playing in the first match where most of us did not fully understand the rules. It resulted in 30 boys all running after an odd shaped ball with plenty of forward passes. However we did draw that match, a fair result on the day. I finished up playing rugby for the school right up until I left school.
The second year had a successful rugby team which was run by Mr Morgan. The team went the whole term only losing one game to Greenway School. But this was the cup final game and we lost 3 points to 0. We felt a bit short changed on this loss as we had one try disallowed but we did not understand why, but I do remember the referee was the Greenway Sports Master.
Every Monday afternoon was sports afternoon the school would assemble on Redcliffe Hill just down from Pets Paradise and four double deck buses would take us up to playing fields at Hengrove.
On a Wednesday afternoon during Lent the school was assembled and we were marched across the road to St Mary Redcliffe Church for a Church service. I can’t remember if this was every Wednesday during Lent or just the once.
Then there was the day of the Polio injections. Each class was lined up shirtsleeves rolled up waiting for the dreaded needle only one boy fainted in our class.
David Tolhurst 2021
From emails received from D Tolhurst (edited & abridged)
ReplyDeleteMy Memories of St Mary Redcliffe Boys School 1952 to 1956 - Part 2
The swimming gala was held in the summer at Bristol South Baths. The houses would compete against each other. The viewing pupils would sit in the upstairs viewing balcony the noise from the cheering and shouting was unbelievable.
I also remember the annual cricket match the Boys versus the Masters. This took place in the playground and the boys would be seated on the floor around the perimeter of the playground to watch and there was plenty of cheering and shouting from the boys.
The houses also competed against each other at rugby, the matches played at Hengrove Playing Fields.
I remember the visit of Billy Butlin to the school. The school had to assemble in the Mervin King Hall on the afternoon of his arrival. We all wondered what this was all about. It was then were introduced to Billy Butlin. I remember he was very generous and gave every boy five shillings.
I do not remember the Queens visit.
When Stan Lowe started he had a habit of whistling through his teeth when saying the letter S in any word and some of the boys would imitate him.
I can still remember the names of many of the teaching staff. Mr Dia Davies he taught English in my final term. Mr Grant, Mr Roe religious instruction. Mr Jordon Woodwork, I made a bathroom cabinet and a small stool which we were allowed to take home. Mr Ball Metal work, Mr Vaughan, Mr R Williams I remember receiving a hefty clout form him for talking in class. Mr Morgan Science, Mr Bidmead, Mr John, and Mr Sheppard Art Master.
Mr Knight was the P.E. teacher; rumoured to be an ex military PE instructor and a man who took no prisoners. I recall an instance when one of boys had done something that Mr. Knight disapproved of but would not own up to it. So on this frosty January day we were sent out in to the playground in our green P.E. shorts, bare top and daps on our feet and made to do a lap of the playground as punishment. On another occasion I remember Mr Knight decided to give us a change from P.E. and have a football match in the playground. Two captains were chosen and the sides picked. Our side was not doing too well, so Mr Knight decided to play with us. The opposition kept well out of his way. It was rumoured that he played centre forward for Hereford United.
The memories recorded here are as accurate as I can remember of events that took place nearly 70 years ago.
David Tolhurst 2021
I attended St Mary Redcliffe School 1957 - 1961..
ReplyDeleteI remember MrVaughan who's Class was in the Basement of the Church Hall which was also under the Dinner Hall.
Bert Johns took us for Sport's activities and Mr Jordan Boxing. Our Science Teacher was Mr Wilcox.
I remember Mr Fowler the Music Teacher producing a Musical called "Once Aboard The Lugger"
Mr Jeffries (Jake) coming in with a Black Eye after playing Rugby on a Weekend.
H O Grant (Oggy) our RE Teacher who was very Passionate about everything.
Mr's Harrison was Stan Lowe's Assistant.
I remember attending a Funeral for a Bristol Rovers Player (Harry Bamford) at the Church one Year
I remember attending St.Mary Redcliffe from 1953 to 1957, Mr. Fryer was Headmaster,and was replaced bu Mr .Lowes,I have recently re established contact with Steven Pearce who was My Friend for Years,I now live in Adelaide,South Australia, now retired from Sales Management,and music
ReplyDeleteI look back with pride and wonderful memories of Redcliffe