HOVE GRAMMAR SCHOOL WEBSITE

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Current Comments:
Post number:
84
30th of August 2010 01:18 PM by Bob Kennett
Had a great mini reunion with Rod Lowery and Rod Norris (1952 - 1957) come on Zebo you next!
Post number:
83
9th of August 2010 05:55 AM by Mehrdad Khadem Shar
Attended this school from 1980 - 1983.
Post number:
82
4th of August 2010 11:03 PM by Gareth Denyer
Thanks for setting up this site. I was at the school from '73-80.
I must say that I was in agreement with the people that were upset at certain teachers - many hid behind the façade that they were masters at a Grammar school and this did not automagically make them good educators.
That said, there were some superb teachers that flourished in a system that had enough discipline to give them the latitude to teach without distraction. I would make special mention of those that either encouraged me personally (Mr Clarke, Chemistry), inspired me (Mr Ross, Latin) or, in one case, just made me 'see' a subject that for the previous 5 years I had totally struggled with (Mr Flewitt, Maths).
Post number:
81
31st of July 2010 06:28 AM by Simon Grant
Last comment for the next few years, and a salacious one at that: didn't AAH get into some sort of legal trouble!!!?? You will definitely know if you know.
Post number:
80
31st of July 2010 06:14 AM by Simon Grant
was there a mr leckie somewhere along
Post number:
79
31st of July 2010 06:10 AM by Simon Grant
Picture 3 of 22 has its dates truncated, but looks to suggest 57-58. Not so, definitely 67-68. I can recognise a lot of these people, and reckon back row from left to right is lawer, viney, kennedy, wellard, don't know, next guy is a young guy, may have retired only a few years ago, can't recall name. Neil Shepherd is in front of wellard, don't know guy with shades between lah and ballsdon. in middle row, bennett, braund, jones, liddell. Know quite a few more of them, but getting tired now, it's past 1. If i am wrong on any of these, please enlighten me, there's a lot of suppressed memories being released!!!
Post number:
78
31st of July 2010 05:36 AM by Simon Grant
Alright then, one more. I guess a shrink would say this is cathartic. I don't do Facebook, friends reunited or basically have any desire to contact people i once knew long ago: AAH (mr melanefy's predecessor, and successor also maybe??), peter thaxter, martin self, steve horn, some kid from yorkshire coming to the school, winning cross country, we all thought some stimulants, what was his name, simon sharron, tony pike, now inspector i believe, ray evans, peter edwards. The aforementioned Salkeld, telling my folks on parent night, "well, he's no genius", Williamson advising me against A levels, thanks Austin Frederick, glad we ignored you on that one, Prefect provided entertainment at end of first term, just before xmas, xmas carol concert at Bishop Hannington, day trip to Dieppe
Post number:
77
31st of July 2010 05:20 AM by Simon Grant
I don't think I live in the past at all, you must have me on a vulnerable night: Wellard, the woodwork teacher, Hawkins the art teacher, who had a student teacher in summer 67 who played SGT Pepper (my first time) and told us to paint what we felt. I still recall that sunny (maybe it wasn't actually??) double art period on that friday, hearing she's leaving home and LSD for the first ever time. Mr Hill, the RI teacher, who may have got the short straw and had to teach us sex ed and who i met later when i was teaching, and i really liked him. My God, his car license plate almost flashed in my mind. Hitchman and Ballsdon, two geography teachers. I was there from 66-73, still know Trevor corrall, alan reynolds, simon driver. That's it, I am done, good night.
Post number:
76
31st of July 2010 05:09 AM by Simon Grant
"basil" bush, history teacher, cope, robins conway and maxey, AFW (definitely not a fan), LAH (i believe my form teacher in 2c (sept 67 july 68??) nigel ogilvie, ashley pelligrini, perhaps head boy in my first year, i had never heard a name like that in my life, malcolm (?)redford, a real good one, taught economics, which i did for a few years, mr lucas, looked liked batman's The Penguin, jack liddel (who was looking for a present for a young female relative, i remember suggesting Freda Payne, Band of Gold), Gary Newton, Joe King the caretaker, Peter Brackley, the soccer (sorry football) commentator's mum who worked in the office, Dinsdale Landen being an old boy, made it on tv as micky dunn, a chancer like budgie and arthur daley . Pope, Ken Garland, Mr Pibworth, Mr Braund, goodnight all
Post number:
75
31st of July 2010 04:56 AM by Simon Grant
Midnight Eastern time in a NJ suburb of NYC: 44 years ago today England won the world cup. Spent the day with my wife, my 13 year old and a friend of his in Greenwich Village, as we often do. A stroll, couple of meals, few drinks, then home. Kids playing, wife on phone to sister, me on computer going wherever my mind (aided by a few Peronis) takes me. And tonight, it was Connaught, Road, Ellen Street, and Hove GSB. A little on connaught road, Ellen Street (Goldstone) seems to have never existed. And this website on the old grammar school. Mr. Melanefy, I remember you well, you were a gym teacher who did not seem to focus only on the stars, but on all kids. What other names come through: Kennedy, Lawer, Brooks, Miss Bassett, Mrs Hovell, Andy Kipping, Colin Ellis, Salkeld moretocome
Post number:
74
3rd of July 2010 08:21 PM by mike melanefy website: http://mickeymelon@yahoo.co.uk
I loved the school.I was only there for one year as Head of Physical Education in 1968?Enjoyed coaching the soccer teams,and it was fun to have a squash team and squash court in the school.Coached a brilliant basketball team that got to the Quarter Final of Nationals-they all new more than me,and I learned a lot.!!! Actually shared a house on Hogarth Road,with 3 of the staff.Left after one year,as I was refused one week off to take Professional Tennis Coaching Exam .I now run The South Florida International Tennis Academy in Miami
Post number:
73
2nd of July 2010 08:50 AM by Pat Sayers website: http://pat.sayers@tesco.net
I was at the school 1943 to 1949
Post number:
72
22nd of June 2010 09:08 PM by David Morris
Have just found this sight. I was educated here from 1952 until 1956 and on the whole enjoyed my time.
Never really liked woodwork with Harry Barker but most of the other teachers were amenable. Anybody out there in the early 50s?

David Morris
Post number:
71
19th of June 2010 02:54 PM by Mark Mortton
At HGSB 1969 to 1976. Good education, but not sure I enjoyed it. I was pleased to leave.
Post number:
70
16th of June 2010 01:15 PM by Geoff Stoner
I agree with Ron Riches. We ought not to be disparaging about former teachers - friendly banter excepted. Even if they have passed on they will have relatives who might well be upset by adverse remarks.
Post number:
69
14th of June 2010 09:12 AM by Ron Riches
When Bob Kennet opened this web-site, I do not imagine that he anticipated its being used by a couple of ex-pupils to vent their spleen on a master whose methods they found to be not to their liking. Neil Woolley having arrived fresh from the comfort of a primary school apparently found himself suddenly confronted with a master who applied his own form of discipline and it was too much for him to handle. I can certainly recall one senior master into whose efigy I would have happily stuck pins but I would never have afforded him the benefit of thinking that he still aroused in me such passion as that which the late Mr Williamson seems to have managed.
Post number:
68
8th of June 2010 05:45 PM by Rod Norris
The latest picture on the gallery page is of a 5th year group from 1957 - taken by Ken Garland. I have added the names -I remember all but two - anyone remember the missing names.
Regards
Rod Norris
Post number:
67
7th of June 2010 11:29 PM by neil woolley
I must agree with Richard Grennan's view on Williamson's methods. He 'taught' latin in my first year (1971) and I loathed the man.True, as headmaster, he had to command respect but teaching by rule of fear and threat of the 'swish' led me to learn by rote and hate the subject. I moved up to 2L and then had the privelige and pleasure to be taught by Mr Ross (form master in 4L) through to A level.This great man commanded respect because he gave respect to others. I was a struggler thanks to Williamson but one- to -one encouragement from RHJC made me determined to pass:and I did. I am now taking dancing lessons with a view to a saltation on Williamson's grave.
Post number:
66
21st of May 2010 11:03 AM by Ron Riches
Many thanks Frank for helping me to convince myself that my long-term memory is far better than its short counterpart. The likeness is to much for Geoff Bending not to be the brother of David who on reflection was more my age. How did he get away without wearing a tie? Mr Forder once put me in detention for walking up Holmes Ave without my cap.
Post number:
65
20th of May 2010 12:44 AM by frank langley
You are right, Ron, about Newell. According to the Nov 1946 School Magazine, "RA Newell, the captain, was playing for his fourth season in the School XI , and much of their success was due in considerable measure to his splendid bowling, whilst he also contributed some useful innings with the bat."
The Bending in the photo was Geoff, a train boy, and never known to wear a tie.
J Plummer played Hotspur in the 1945 production of Henry IV Part 1, and the reviewer, Geoff Bending, said "Hotspur's dying speech (so difficult even for professional actors) was excellently rendered." - a poignant remark in view of your news of him...
Post number:
64
15th of May 2010 10:08 AM by PHOTO ALERT
-------------------Stop Press--------------------------------
NEW 1950's PHOTOS IN THE "GALLERY" AND "SCHOOL PHOTO" (top right tab). Kindly supplied by William Brock
1950s. KEEP THEM COMING - THE MORE WE HAVE THE BETTER THE WEBSITE.
Please note that in future formal school photos will will be posted in the SCHOOL PHOTOS page(s) and others in the GALLERY page(s)
Post number:
63
8th of May 2010 10:10 AM by Ron Riches
Of the prefects in the photo, I remember Plummer who lived in Haywards Heath and with whom I once entrusted my watch when he umpired a house cricket match after which I spent the next few days chasing after him to retrieve it. I believe that he sadly died shortly after leaving the school. I recall a David Bending also from Haywards Heath and Newell who was a very good fast bowler.
Post number:
62
6th of May 2010 12:46 AM by frank langley
On the school photos site there is now a photo of 1946 prefects. Does anyone have any news of any of them? I believe Alan Martin, School Captain, was killed in Cyprus in 1948.
Post number:
61
4th of May 2010 10:01 AM by james beresford harwood website: http://jamesharwood2004@yahoo.com
attended school from 1948 to 1953. Have many fond memories of those years and have just remembered that David Langley will be 73 on May 11th. Happy Birthday to you on that day. I would like to hear from you and anybody else who remembers me from then.
Post number:
60
18th of April 2010 11:34 PM by Ian Sheldon website: http://aede.osu.edu/programs/Anderson/trade/
Attended HGSB from 1967-74 - looking back, I think it was a great education, and I have fond memories of some of the teachers - especially Liddell, Lawrence, Lucas and Ross. I was in Windsor House, but I was only so-so at football and cricket. Ended up doing badly in my A-levels, but got lucky with a place at Salford University where I got a BSc and PhD in Economics. Now I hold an endowed professorship in international economicds at Ohio State University. Would love to hear from Robin Emery and Robert Cohen if they are still around - great mates from the sixth-form. My younger brother Michael was later head boy, and went on to Magdalen College, Oxford.
Post number:
59
4th of April 2010 02:39 PM by Peter Seale
HGSB 1958-65. Now retired and living in Hertfordshire. Would like to hear from any who did their A levels in 1965.
Post number:
58
30th of March 2010 10:40 AM by Bruce Hunt website: http://www.maps.thehunthouse.net
HCGS (B) 1964-71 Eric Skilton is sending me his magazines. If I turn them into webpages for all to see and search can you host them? Assuming whoever holds the copyright won't grizzle.
Post number:
57
25th of March 2010 10:32 PM by Eric Skilton
HGSB 1961-69. If I hadn't been clearing out my loft before moving house I would never have found this site which has brought back some wonderful memories. I came across my old school magazines which were destined for the skip but once you open one you realise there is too much history to throw them all away. I have a set from 1962-1969 and would much prefer to give them to somebody else who may get as much pleasure as I have from reading them. If you are interested drop me an e-mail to ericskilton@hotmail.com and I will gladly send them to you. Likewise if any of you out there remember me it would be nice to hear from you.
Post number:
56
16th of March 2010 08:54 AM by Ron Riches
What was it about HCGS that made so many ex pupils flee to the colonies. It wasn't that bad!
Post number:
55
15th of March 2010 05:57 AM by Kevin Obermuller
I was at HGSB from 1961 and certainly remember many of the names in the posts so far. Now living in Melbourne Australia, I have a management consulting and training business. This site was a surprise..shame it is not known better...will send the url to all I can to see if we can fill in some of the gaps..Thanks for hosting this
Post number:
54
12th of March 2010 09:48 AM by William Brock
I was at the school 1948-56 before reading chemistry at University College London and then teaching the History of Science at the University of Leicester for nearly forty years. Does anyone know what happened to my contemporary in the Arts VI form, John Richards, who married the headmaster's daughter Simone Greatwood?
Post number:
53
11th of March 2010 12:21 PM by Geoff Stoner
Rod. I think I'm washing my hair in August - both of them!
Post number:
52
9th of March 2010 10:39 PM by rod norris website: http://norris.1@bigpond.com.au
Let it be known that Rod Norris(1952-1957) will be gracing England's green and pleasant land sometime in August !!
Will anybody care?
Post number:
51
7th of March 2010 11:04 AM by Ron Riches
Congratulations Bob on reaching the half century of contacts on your web-site. It was an inspired idea.
Post number:
50
6th of March 2010 05:34 AM by Nick Pattenden
I attended the school from 1953-1958. Have to admit I hated it most of the time. Moved to Canada in 1967 and have lived there ever since. On my frequent visits back to the UK, I've met up with a few of the 'old boys' and enjoyed that.
Post number:
49
4th of March 2010 03:53 PM by Ray Szynowski
I was at the school from 1972 to 1975. Some of the best days of my life. Loved it. Much more fun than university and certainly better than work!
Post number:
48
2nd of March 2010 06:58 PM by Ron Riches
I suspect that the Raymond John Banks referred to by Frank Howlett was a contemporary of mine and attended HCGS from 1944 to 1949. If I am correct, we knew him simply as John and sadly, although I was quite friendly with him, he was a local lad whilst I was a "train boy" and I never kept in contact with him. I remember him as a thoroughly nice chap, tall, slim and dark and rather shy. Sorry I can't be more helpful Frank but thanks for reviving another memory.
Post number:
47
27th of February 2010 11:25 PM by Bob Kennett
We have received a request from Frank Howlett for any information about Raymond John Banks who attended the school in the very early years. The HGSB website does not have school records (but wishes it did) of the early years so we depend on information from fellow old boys.
ANY ONE OUT THERE REMEMBER KNOW OF R .J. BANKS?
Post number:
46
25th of February 2010 06:40 AM by Peter Hardstone website: http://peterhardstone@yahoo.com
I attended Hove Grammar as a sixth-form student from 1965 to 1967.

Later proceeded to Queen's, Belfast to take B.A./Ph.D. degrees.

Now lecturing and resident in Singapore.

I remember so many of the masters of the mid-sixties - sorry to learn from this website of the passing of Jack Liddell (Maths) a year or two ago.

I'm searching to make contact with old classmates from the Lower/Upper Sixth Economics classes - e.g. Ian Gates, John Drew, L.J. Thomas, Steve Howe, David Stockman, Martin ? (who joined at the same time I did - he came from the Nevill Secondary), Michael Hannus - and many others whose names have since escaped me.

Would love to hear from you all!

Peter Hardstone
Post number:
45
22nd of February 2010 10:28 AM by Bob Kennett website: http://web@hovegrammarschool.org.uk
hello Phil - why not send us your photos for inclusion in our gallery? You can scan and send to the above address by email or if you contact us we can give you the address to post to - we would then scan and return your photos.
Post number:
44
20th of February 2010 05:45 PM by Phil Howard
I was a pupil from 1969/76, sticking it out to take (and fail) my A levels. It had been suggested that I was wasting everyone’s time but it didn’t go any great harm as I went on to spend 30 years in Banking before they parted company with me. I am now a driving instructor in Hove under the banner of Phil H (07925 752252) living a much more relaxed lifestyle.
If there are two claims to fame I was part of the School Team that won the Sussex Young Driver of the Year School trophy (76) and part of the team that constructed the pond in the east quadrant in c1975/6. I have photos of its construction which also involved Chris Grant, Alan Honeysett, Paul Strawbridge, Chris Cherriman, Stephen Ashcroft and apologies to other names I can’t remember.
Post number:
43
13th of February 2010 11:45 PM by Richard Grennan
Never liked the "Nisi Spiritu..." motto myself, despite the immortal RHJC Ross so brilliantly passing on his love of Latin - no small achievement after Williamson had done his damnedest to make us hate it through his sadism and sheer lack of teaching skill. That said, I'm sure that Mr Ross would have agreed with your sentiments, Ron, as his valedictory sonnet of 1979 testifies.
Sad to think that Charlie Cope is no longer with us. Having done his back in just before our A level exam in 1980, he invited us round to his house, sent his 10 year old son out to the off licence for beer (at 11am) and gave a lecture on Lenin to a group of increasingly drunken sixth formers. Needless to say, we all avoided answering any exam questions on the Russian revolution.
Post number:
42
4th of February 2010 06:32 PM by Bob Kennett
Hello Carla : I have looked in the 2006 reunion attendees list and there does not appear to be anyone from 1956.
1955 : Phil Redford,Terence Reed,Keith Sullens,Richard Wagner
1957 : David Garbutt,Roger Martin
That's not to say there were none from 1956 - maybe this will jog some memories.
Post number:
41
1st of February 2010 06:03 AM by Carla Hills
This is the school my Dad went to; he was born in 1945 so I'm guessing from 56-60? I'm not sure what ages "grammar" school would have been attended then. His name was Peter Hills, blondish skinny fellow. Very good friends with Dennis Goldsmith, who still resides in Steyning. Did anyone know him?
Post number:
40
26th of January 2010 07:30 PM by Ron Riches
As stated below, Blatchington Mill school scrapped the old HCGS motto for "Involvement, achievement, care" in 1980 and they ascribe this piece of cultural vandalism to the following. The new motto represents "What we will do" rather than "The way things should be done", and what I consider to be absolutely priceless, the Governors might consider the old motto inappropriate in a modern secular multi-cultural school. The implication seems to be that the mild religious theme may be offensive to some ethnic groups whereas their sensitivities must surely be more injured by the implication rather than the motto. It was also pointed out that Latin is no longer taught in the school but neither is it taught in the army although several famous regiments still proudly honour a Latin motto.
Post number:
39
25th of January 2010 03:12 AM by frank langley
No point in putting into Latin what are essentially late 20th century corporate and educational buzzwords (see Don Watson's "Bendable Learnings" for more)
'Nisi spiritu Dei nihil' was a clever four-word linking of the windmill, driven by the 'breath' of God, with a reminder that nothing is achieved without God. Whether you believe this sort of thing is quite another matter, of course, but that was the sentiment of the authors.
Post number:
38
24th of January 2010 05:47 PM by Bob Kennett
Maybe the Blatchington Mill motto would look better in Latin I've got Adeptio for Achievement ; Cura for Care but Involvement seems to be more or less the same word in translation - any Latin scholars out there - wake up at the back there Stoner!
Post number:
37
24th of January 2010 09:37 AM by paul klein
hello! found this site recently. i was at hove grammar from 64-70. i was wondering if anyone has any photos from then or contact me on chasemaria21@yahoo.com would love to know what happened to those guys!
Post number:
36
24th of January 2010 04:49 AM by frank langley
As school mottos go these days I suppose it's better than a 'mission statement', but it certainly doesn't have any dignity or provide any sense of continuity with the school's history
Post number:
35
22nd of January 2010 06:35 PM by Ron Riches
I finally emailed Blatchington Mill School on the subject of the school motto and find that "Nisi Spiritu Dei Nihil" was discarded 1n 1980 in favour of "Involvement, Achievement, Care". OK but hardly the same is it?
Post number:
34
13th of January 2010 05:28 AM by frank langley website: http://fflangley@yahoo.com.au
Your mention, Ron, of Mr Griffiths (how unkind we were to call him 'Jumbo') reminds me of his vivid portrayal of Falstaff in the 1945 production of Henry IV Part I. Producer Mr Bell; sceneshifters trained by Mr Tabrett; costumes by Miss Griffiths. In 1947 the school put on Richard of Bordeaux and later, I believe, Capek's RUR.
But that was in the days when the stage was also the dining hall, and when it was separated from the assembly hall by huge sliding partitions. The same partitions which separated Jews, Roman Catholics and late train boys from morning assemblies.
Post number:
33
12th of January 2010 07:33 PM by Ron Riches
Many thanks to Frank Langley for convincing me that I didn't imagine the school motto. I well remember (Jumbo) Griffiths and our attempts to get him onto the subject of cameras. If I remember correctly, Mr Bartlett became the school secretary and the name Bell just about rings one. I Might add that it wasn't only the sixth form that was captivated by Miss McTurk
Post number:
32
12th of January 2010 12:15 AM by Frqnk Langley
I was at HCS 1941-1947 and can add a few names to Ron Riches' list of teachers (post number 29): Messrs Griffiths (French), Bell (English), Bartlett (History) and Miss Griffiths( Geography). All of Upper Sixth Form French were in love with Miss McTurk and were devastated when she married. The Latin teacher who devised the motto Nisi spiritu Dei nihil was Miss Apperson, after an idea by Mr Norden who left in 1946 for Lancing College after nine years as headmaster of HCS. It was adopted in 1946 as part of the school's 10th birthday celebration.
I have School Magazines from 1941, 1945, 1946, 1947 which contain a lot of information about staff movements.
Post number:
31
10th of January 2010 11:24 PM by Derek Lennard
I was a pupil of HCGS from 1963 to 1968. One of my clearest memories is of the organised school holidays, particularly in Interlaken in 1966. We visted Basle (I think) and while there Mr Playll suffered a very serious traffic accident-it was very serious and seemed quite shocking at the time, though I recall that he had quite a good recovery,
Does anyone else remember this?
Post number:
30
6th of January 2010 12:07 AM by Bob Kennett
Happy new Year to all our visitors - and hello to Ron Riches
and thanks for the school motto background . Blatchington Mill School does use the windmill,and the sea in its emblem but does not appear to have any motto thereon.The school seems to have a good reputation locally and the website is very informative - why not visit the website and see for yourself.
Post number:
29
5th of January 2010 07:14 PM by Ron Riches
During my time at HCGS (1944 to 1949) an elderly lady latin teacher whose name alludes me proposed a motto which was adopted by the school. It was "Nisi spritu Dei, nihil" which translates to "Without the breath of God,nothing".Can anyone tell me if taking into account the many changes that have taken place if is still in use? Ron Riches
Post number:
28
28th of November 2009 11:51 PM by Anthony Heine
Hello there Gary Lester I remeber you well and your families business " Lesters"....Also remebre you as very errratic buy quite spectacular, at times , batsman , hitting sxes all over th place.....I am sending to the site some fotos from school days.
Geoff Stoner is correct in that it was indeed a very special school at that time with a very special brand of teachers and we were lucky to have them although at the time we did not appreciate them very much.
Post number:
27
18th of November 2009 08:51 PM by bob kennett
Ron Riches (see entry # 25) recognised the following names from the 2006 reunion list and would be happy to hear from them. John Maskell,Cyril Black,K,Nash,John Gargett . Ron was a "train boy" in the 1944 >era so especially remembers like schoolfriends. Ron also has a 1930s early school photo which we will hopefully publish on the site in the fullness of time. Thanks for your interest and support Ron.

Please note any email communication via the
Contact Us page on this website is kept private and details will not be published or passed on without the emailer's expressed permission.

Also please remember any email address included in your guest book post becomes public knowlege as the site can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection.
Regards
Bob K
Post number:
26
18th of November 2009 07:54 AM by Alan F. Bone
Hove County Secondary School was built in1935 off Holmes Ave., Hove next to the old Blatchington windmill - the mill featured in the school blazer badge and cap badge. Some time in the 50's the name became Hove County Grammar School and has since developed into the very large school it is now. I have been unable to find any trace of the old boys of my twin brothers' time there from 1935 to 1941 nor of mine during WW2. THe current school website does have photographs of many of the staff that I remember (vividly in some cases!). I would welcome any help (e-mail: alan.bone@talktalk.net). Interestingly, Mrs.Wall & Mr. Bates both moved from Hove & Aldringyon High School at the same time as I and my long time chum Ken Butcher. Nobby Clark had been with my brothers; taught us English post WW2..
Post number:
25
14th of November 2009 06:17 PM by Ron Riches website: http://ronriches@googlemail.com
It was Hove County School for Boys when I arrived in 1944. It soon became Hove Grammar School for Boys and the Headmaster, Mr Norden, absconded to become deputy head at Lancing College. Mr Greatwood became his replacement and I remember Mr Tabbret, Mr Baxter, J C Romer, Nobby Clark, Mr Brown, Mr Reynolds, Harry Barker, Mr Farrance, Mr Reader, Buster Burnett, Mr Andrews, Mr Lawrence,Joe Allan and Basher Bates. A few temporary lady teachers were replaced by some of the gents when they returned from military service and I can recall Madam Whall, Miss Bartrop, Miss McTurk, Miss Beagly and Edna Watkinson.
I departed in July 1949 and at seventy-six wonder how many of my contempories still survive. Please tell!!
Post number:
24
13th of November 2009 01:14 PM by Mike Attree
I was at Hove Grammar from 1959 to 1964 - when I was 'asked to leave.'
Post number:
23
9th of November 2009 10:00 PM by bob kennett
Hi Rebecca : yes I agree - Rod Norris is a cheeky chappie but Geof Stoner is cheekier!
P.S. Re Geof's "perhaps one exists" anyone interested or just curious may like to visit www.ngsa.org.uk
Sorry you will have to type in or google the web address as this comments forum does not seem to permit links.
Post number:
22
9th of November 2009 09:18 AM by Rebecca Rogers
We are good Aussie friends of Rod Norris - he is a cheeky chappy and superb ambassador for Britain.
Post number:
21
6th of November 2009 12:20 PM by Geoff Stoner
Greetings to all who might remember me; and to all who don't I was tall, suave, good looking and a brilliant scholar. Hello to Tony Heine, Gary Lester, Les Hamilton, Dolly Mason and Jim Duncan, whom I remember well, and to Rod Norris whom I'm trying to forget. Can't help noticing that most contributors to the site are of a certain age - must be when nostalgia kicks in. As I approach the age of reason (I trust), I realise how lucky we all were to attend a grammar school, and our's in particular - shame I didn't appreciate it at the time. Were I not so indolent I might start a campaign to bring them back. Perhaps one exists. Must go, I seem to hear the words of the immortal bard, Harry Barker, 'Hurry off home now, kippers for tea.....'
Post number:
20
3rd of November 2009 10:24 AM by Bob Kennett
Hello Gary - can you really "make contact" with the departed?
SEE ME Lester boy!
BobK
Post number:
19
2nd of November 2009 08:29 PM by gary lester website: http://grace.lester@ntlworld.com
I was at hove county grammar school 1952/1959 in the best house YORK.After leaving school I worked in the family business in Hove until I retired last year.
Three weeks ago I started walking for pleasure and I met John Mason who was the walk leader ----- What a pleasant surprise?
I have also met John Sturman and Ian O.Neill who were in my year and are also both retired.
I knew Michael Kalisher and was invited to his funeral when he died and for information he is buried in Hove Cemetery.
Anybody who wants to make contact please e-mail me.
Post number:
18
26th of October 2009 06:50 PM by Anthony Heine website: http://anthonyheine@cantv.net
I remeber John Mason well and have a foto of him taken by Ken Garland at a Sports Day and will send it to the web site. I heard from Rod Norris and it was nice to hear from old school aquainteces. They may remeber two good friends who are no longer with us. Brian Bennett who studied at Birmingham Univ with me died whist hiking in the Alps where he tought English at Montreux and Mike Kalisher who became a QC died fron a Brain Tumour at 55 and has keft a foundation in his name.
John sorry about you being in Gloucester house anf I hope that despite this handicap life has treated you well
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5th of October 2009 05:53 PM by les hamilton
I was a pupil at the school from 1952 until 1959. I then returned as a teacher from 1964 to 1979, ending up as Head of Maths and senior Kent housemaster. My brother Peter was also a pupil, I believe from 1967 to 1975. It seems hard to believe that the school closed 30 years ago, so most of the older teachers that we knew have passed on. To the best of my knowledge many of my generation of teachers are still alive and kicking.
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1st of October 2009 02:52 PM by Martin Wilde
I was at the school from 1976 to 83. In response to Mr Booker's question (I dimly remember that he was in the year above me) the much-loved Charlie Cope sadly died a few years ago. Mr Ross (Latin) died a good while before that, although he was reputedly still playing rugby for Hove Park well into his fifties. He was easily the scariest teacher I ever had - although I have to say he achieved his iron discipline in class through sheer force of character, nothing more. Happy days!
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15
28th of September 2009 08:20 AM by Steven Fleming website: http://www.acaivf.com.au/
Just wondering whether anyone knows Nick Griffiths (left HCGS in 1975).
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14
21st of September 2009 10:04 PM by John Mason website: http://johnwtax@fsmail.net
I remember Tony Heine, a good boxer in York House, and also Rod (Norris?) who was in Windsor House.
I was lucky enough to be in Gloucester House!
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13
17th of September 2009 08:17 AM by Jim Duncan website: http://jrpfduncan@xtra.co.nz
Attended Hove County Grammar from1953 to 1958. Travelled overland to New Zealand in 1966 where I established my Salvage Diving company. Finally retired from this biz in 2001. Now living on Banks Peninsula in the South Island of NZ. Would like to hear from anyone who may remember me ?
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12
11th of September 2009 01:52 PM by rod
G'day
I'm an old boy of /57 I knew Tony Heine.Any body else out there?
Would love to hear from you!
norris.1@bigpond.com.au
I've been in Oz since /66
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11
9th of September 2009 04:54 PM by Alan Pratt
Funeral details for Eric Witherden:
Thursday 17th September, Worthing Crematorium 2.20p.m.
Follow A24 out of Worthing to north of Findon. Well signed
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10
8th of September 2009 03:18 PM by Alan Pratt (1953/58
Regret to announce the death on Sunday 6th September of Eric Witherden Old Boys Assoc Chair for many years.and life long members. Funeral details to be published when known
Meantime our sympathy to Widow Norma and son Malcolm
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9
24th of August 2009 08:15 PM by Paul Heath
Hi all
I left Blatchington mill in 1984. I don't remember too much. Was part of the computer club for a while when the computers were "Comodore Pets" :) Remember Mr Frith and playing lots of squash ( are the courts still there ? ) Stay press trousers and white socks, "war of the worlds" in music class. I'm still in contact with a few freinds through "Freinds reunited". My e-mail, if anyone remembers me, is paulneoheath@hotmail.com
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22nd of August 2009 06:13 PM by Michael Cohen website: http://www.leathersassociates.com
I was at Hove Grammar around 1965 to 1971
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18th of August 2009 03:04 PM by michael john horabin website: http://j.horabin@talktalk.net
t rying to find anyone who was at the shool between 1948/1953. final year teacher was mr ken garland.classmates .were dick knight,trevor bolton ,sid campion, don hole,bob pinnock,derek edwards,mick thwaites,mr lawrence taught me to play chess,i was in windsor house
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9th of August 2009 08:25 PM by bobk
Hello Annette : this site was set up primarily for Hove Grammar School Boys but who knows, someone may be able to help.
I have had a look at the Blatch website and couldn't find any "social" elements where you could enter such a request-shame really as even the big sites like Friends Reunited don't really provide the "does anybody know" service .
Good luck . BobK
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7th of August 2009 10:52 PM by annette stangl (Goldring)
I went to BM in 1978, Is there anyone else out there who went about the same time???? I remember a Lisa, Kim, Joanne, and I still stay in touch with Caroline Titlow!!
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29th of July 2009 10:38 AM by Mark Brunet (Business Manager, Blatchington Mill School)
Re: the mural - yes, it still exists - it was restored about twelve years ago but needs some work doing again, which we are currently trying to organise. There's a blurb on the Blatch website - see http://www.blatchingtonmill.org.uk/story/story.htm for this.
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2nd of July 2009 08:22 PM by anthony heine website: http://anthonyheine@cantv.net
I attended HGS from 1952 onwards and was present and cooperated with the painting of a Mural on the main starecase depicting all the current staff including Mr. Greatwood the head master. Does this mural still exist ?
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2
18th of June 2009 03:30 PM by Duncan Booker
I was at Hove Grammar from 1975-82, latterly during its transition to Blatchington Mill. I commuted from the broader catchment area for the school, travelling by bus and train from Hurstpierpoint. I have especially fond memories of walking through Hove Park and seeing the gantries going up on a Friday for the TV cameras to cover the next day's game at (the late and much lamented) Goldstone Ground during the glory days of the Albion's progress to the old First Division. Wonder if anyone has news of what happened to our old teachers, such as Mr Ross (Latin), Hitchman (Geography), Cope (History), etc? And does anyone out there still recall (I do) a rather scurrilous song about Mr Frith from the squash courts?
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1
27th of April 2009 09:04 PM by Bob Kennett
just testing