For all the local information go to the main entry for Rayleigh

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Roger Ball (Member 10232298) on 30-Sep-2008
  Hi,
  Roger Ball here Sweyne 1958-65. I remember most of the people you mention but it will take some thought to identify all of them. In final year I was in Jack Coopers' class close to the metalwork shop. Your name doesn't ring a bell...I was in the B stream...which means squat today! I have been trying to contact any old Sweyne person from my era for years! Please reply if you receive this.
  
  Regards....Roger...now in Canada.
  ... more >>

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Chris Tandy (Member 10219519) on 9-Nov-2008
  To Roger Ball;
  I deduce that you must be a few years older than me, as I attended Sweyne from about 1963. However, your name rings a faint bell in my mind; I assume we always looked up to older pupils, and rarely looked down at the younger ones, thus it is hardly surprising that you do not know me.
  I might have known other kids of your year, however. You will have to name names! Nice to see a r
  eply, although, I had rather given up with the 'Knowhere' link.
  Reply any time,
  cheers!
  ... more >>

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Roger Ball (Member 10232298) on 25-Nov-2008
  Thanks for the reply Chris. As I said, I left Sweyne in 1965 after 'A'levels and went to Univ.
  Names from my year would be Chris Pryor (head-boy), Jacques Robinson,Chris Smith,Alan Bignall,Kay Ancock, Anne Harding.
  Did you start in 1st year in 1963, in which case I would probably not have even 'seen' you!?
  Chippy Wood was not headmaster back then but was relegated to the woodshop. Jack Cooper w
  as the ex-navy metalshop guy. 'Jughead' Jackson (PT)was a viscious brute, Stenbridge was not much better!
  Miss Crystal was the strangest little creature. And who could ever forget Monsieur Main. I am located in Ontario, Canada. Anybody else out there? I'm out of space!! Please reply, cannot think how to get my email address to you safely. Rog
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Chris Tandy (Member 10219519) on 21-Dec-2008
  I suspect we barely crossed paths! You may have been a prefect on corridor duty as we first-years shuffled back to class.
  Mr ('Ben')Bowman was my headmaster; in fact Chippy Wood became head several years after I left. Miss Crystal was indeed there... who could forget her, and Mr Jackson was the dreaded PT instructor, I think I made mention of him in an earlier posting See my page [ Sweyne
  , 1971, page 10; send a private message there...] for more details as to why he unwittingly played a significant path in my career......
  Was there not a head boy contemporary to you by the name of Barry Ife, or similar? I believe he played the tuba (a certain way of endearing oneself to Mr Bowman). The name 'Chris Pryor' rings a feint bell.
  I remember Mr Cooper as my first metalwork teacher, and Mr Main, although I studied German. I remember him because he happened to be a friend of my uncle Doug Rose, once a French teacher at 'the other' Rayleigh school, and now still translating at the UN in New York. I, too, have a Canadian connection; my other uncle lives in Ottawa, and I've been there once in my life, and very nice it is too.
  Other teachers who had to put up with me:
  Mr Rawson for history, Mr Pethorick (corduroy jacket with leather elbows) for english, Miss Bishop for biology; others have faces but sadly their names escape me.
  Subsequent to Sweyne School., I studied Theatre Design and have spent most of my time ekeing out a living as a theatrical propmaker, and making artefacts for what is termed the 'Heritage & leisure' industry ( ie, fake museums, living history and the like) And have lived in York, Yorkshire for ten years or so.
  Enough of me! Talk again soon, and have a happy Christmas.
  Best wishes.
  
  ..
  .
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Roger Ball (Member 10232298) on 30-Dec-2008
  2nd try. 1st try locked my comp.
  Jughead lived in the semis immediately outside the main gates. Barry Ife was in my Spanish class and became THE English Spanish literature expert in UK ( google him). Mr Rawson was the most droll and boring history teacher known.I think he had psoriasis. Do you remmber Mr Waghorn (rotund full gown English)..I think he was there until late 80's. Mr Turner was I bel
  ieve the Geog head( snappy dresser and glasses) Roger 2pharm@rogers.com
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Chris Tandy (Member 10219519) on 20-Jan-2009
  Indeed I did 'Google' Barry Ife, and had no idea he had gone to do such great things. Another of Sweyne's great and famous.
  A kid I remember from the art room, older than me, is I believe head of fine art at the RCA. So Mr Bowman and his wacky team must have been doing something right.
  One of my contempories, a lad named Nigel Benjamin (who was also at my Primary school; Ashingdon) ran away to
  join a rock band and ended up roady-ing for Mott the Hoople, a heavy metal blues group of some notoriety, who possibly passed you by. However, when they acrimoniously split up, Nigel, so far as I know, formed a 'mark 2' version of the band. I think he missed a trick; he ought to have called them 'Nott the Hoople'.
  So famous Sweyne-ites went in many ways.
  Anyway, tried your email link, but doesn't work, bounces back. Is it correct? Try sparrohawk@toucansurf.co.uk. That's me....
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Glenn Cannon (Member 10238908) on 14-Jul-2009
  Hi Chris, just read your post on the 'Sweyne' of the 60's. I feel that I ought to know you but memories are not always sharp. I was there from 61 to 68.
  
  Staff... ''Ben' Bowman retired to Lewes and dies at the age of 95 round about the turn of the millenium. His exploits with the cane were legendary; On one occasion (early 60's he caned the entire 6th form (boys) in response to a corporate compl
  aint about the School Canteen service. The girls went off for an ear-wigging from Mary Crystal.
  Mary Crystal retired to Great Oakley, became a much lioved 'village character' and died around the same time. I called to see her in about 1997 and had 'Earl Grey' tea and cakes on the lawn. She was one of the inspirations of my teaching career - a person who' despite her diminutive size, could silence a riot by the raising of half an eyebrow. Inexplicable!
  Cliff Waghorn still lives in the same house in Westcliff. He became deputy head (or 2nd deputy) when ChIppy Wood became head. I exchange a Christmas letter with him every year. He is frail now but in good spirits.
  Chippy became deputy head after Ben retired and David Carruth took over (for a couple of years) Ex School Inspector. Chippy served his career out there and retired about ten years ago just before the amalgamation with Park School. Chippy died earlier this year.
  Peter Peacock became an Art Lecturer in Lancaster (Uni I think) and retired to South Devon where his family came from. Peter used to play Banjo for the Acker Bilk band in the late 50's. He was also famous nationally as a calligraphist.
  Saw Jeff Jackson at a school reunion in the mid 90's. We had a laugh over my broken leg which was down to some damn fool exercise that he dreamed up in the gym and for which undoubtedly a modern parent would have sued him! I got my own back to a small extent in a Staff / Student rugby match but succeeded in only giving bruises and abrasions!
  Roy Wales (Music) went on to direct several choirs and orchestras here and in Oz and the USA and is now retired and somewhere down near Brighton. He formed the British Choral Institute and is still a major Festival adjudicator for choral singing. Other eminent musicians on the staff include Mike Stride (who now goes under his 'stage name' of Simon Ballard - he is the country's leading expert on the Mozart piano Concertos and a composer in his own right. Lives in Lemington Spa. And almost as brilliant - pianist Piers Spencer - with an amazing plumage of wild and frizzy blac
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Glenn Cannon (Member 10238908) on 14-Jul-2009
  Hi Chris, just read your post on the 'Sweyne' of the 60's. I feel that I ought to know you but memories are not always sharp. I was there from 61 to 68.
  
  Staff... ''Ben' Bowman retired to Lewes and dies at the age of 95 round about the turn of the millenium. His exploits with the cane were legendary; On one occasion (early 60's he caned the entire 6th form (boys) in response to a corporate compl
  aint about the School Canteen service. The girls went off for an ear-wigging from Mary Crystal.
  Mary Crystal retired to Great Oakley, became a much lioved 'village character' and died around the same time. I called to see her in about 1997 and had 'Earl Grey' tea and cakes on the lawn. She was one of the inspirations of my teaching career - a person who' despite her diminutive size, could silence a riot by the raising of half an eyebrow. Inexplicable!
  Cliff Waghorn still lives in the same house in Westcliff. He became deputy head (or 2nd deputy) when ChIppy Wood became head. I exchange a Christmas letter with him every year. He is frail now but in good spirits.
  Chippy became deputy head after Ben retired and David Carruth took over (for a couple of years) Ex School Inspector. Chippy served his career out there and retired about ten years ago just before the amalgamation with Park School. Chippy died earlier this year.
  Peter Peacock became an Art Lecturer in Lancaster (Uni I think) and retired to South Devon where his family came from. Peter used to play Banjo for the Acker Bilk band in the late 50's. He was also famous nationally as a calligraphist.
  Saw Jeff Jackson at a school reunion in the mid 90's. We had a laugh over my broken leg which was down to some damn fool exercise that he dreamed up in the gym and for which undoubtedly a modern parent would have sued him! I got my own back to a small extent in a Staff / Student rugby match but succeeded in only giving bruises and abrasions!
  Roy Wales (Music) went on to direct several choirs and orchestras here and in Oz and the USA and is now retired and somewhere down near Brighton. He formed the British Choral Institute and is still a major Festival adjudicator for choral singing.
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Glenn Cannon (Member 10238908) on 14-Jul-2009
  Other eminent musicians on the staff include Mike Stride (who now goes under his 'stage name' of Simon Ballard - he is the country's leading expert on the Mozart piano Concertos and a composer in his own right. Lives in Lemington Spa. And almost as brilliant - pianist Piers Spencer - with an amazing plumage of wild and frizzy black hair - became a music lecturer at Exeter Uni.
  Pupils you have m
  entioned ... The 'lad' in the art department was Graham Crowley - as you say, now Professor of Painting at the RA. Graham and I used to collaborate in the frequwnt 6th form society reviews. He wrote the brilliant scripts and had the 'off the wall' ideas, I did the silly songs and incidental music.
  Remember Chris Prior - was head boy a few years before i left and he came back for a 'gap' year to work as a teaching assistant. Followed by Charlie Gale and then Chris Ball who went on to the Bar, took silk and is now a senior Judge at Chelmsford. As well as Barry Ife who made his musical mark there was also Roy Carter who became Principle Oboist with the LSO and lives in Docklands somewhere.There are probably several more who made a significant mark, unlike me who followed the usual prescription of being 'pushed' towards teaching (which I actually enjoyed doing for 25 years) and living perhaps more anonymous lives.
  Got a huge stock of further memories and info on other staff and pupils but at the risk of boring you to the point of slashing your wrists it would be safer to email me with names.
  My work website is www.roomfield.co.uk and email is minister@roomfield.co.uk
  Glenn Cannon
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by John Bastock (Member 10236044) on 23-Jul-2009
  Hi Chris, you probably don't remember me but I was a couple of years ahead of you with your brother Peter, whom I found a couple of years back but seemed to have lost again. Have you any e-mail address for him?
  
  With all this nostalga regarding teachers everybody has failed to mention the infamous Sid King, an English teacher. He was always a square peg in a round hole at Sweyne and was a comple
  te "one off" and had nothing to do with any other teacher. In fact when we were in the 6th Form we often used to bump into him in the Travellers Joy at lunchtimes.
  
  Can anybody out there can remember the following
  fellow "students" and where are they now?
  John Thorn, Neil Hubbard, Donald Babbs, Peter Claus, Kevin Sallett, Gary Reeve?????
  
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Chris Tandy (Member 10219519) on 27-Jul-2009
  Aha! All of a sudden this otherwise fossilized website has metamorphosed into an alternative Friends Re-united.
  Glen, the next time I am passing through Tod I'll call you up. I lived there for many years and happen by occasionally. Many thanks form mentioning all those teachers that I also have memories thereof. Some fonder than others....

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Chris Tandy (Member 10219519) on 27-Jul-2009
  John Bastock, howdy! I do indeed remember you, even though you were more a chum of my brother. He left Sweyne to work at the Natural History Museum in the rock department, where he still is to this day. If you ever pass through South Kensington, go in and ask for him.
  Very nice to see the name of Sid King. I remember him, although he never taught me. But like you, I remember seeing him in pubs
  , where we were both mutually embarrassed; he caught marking essays whilst supping a pint or three, fag in hand, and me obviously underage. Hey-ho, it's all part of one's rich education, I suppose. A bit of a rebel, I suspect he was; encouraged us to read 'Catch 22', which I doubt would have been found on Miss Crystal's reading-list...
  My favourite rebel in the staff-room was Mike Frost, my history teacher, and (I always imagined) part-time anarchist I gleaned most of my political, vaguely anti-establishment leanings from him, as he taught us about Cromwell and the Civil War. A fine fellow.
  
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Roger Ball (Member 10232298) on 31-Jul-2009
  Hi Chris,
  Sorry, but I am still following the thread here, even though it seems to now have evolved into a later era than I remember ( 1958-1965)
  I will continue to check in occasionally in case I can have a meaningful input. Roger

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Glenn Cannon (Member 10238908) on 5-Aug-2009
  Glad to see any ex Sweynies who are passing by my cave in the frozen north. email me or contact through my websiote www.roomfield.co.uk/
  
  John Thorn - is a consultant anesthetist at Torbay Hospital

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by John Bastock (Member 10236044) on 5-Aug-2009
  Hi Chris,
  Nice to hear from you. Have you got an e-mail address for Peter as he seems to have slipped from the radar.

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Bill Cl;arke (Member 10240087) on 29-Aug-2009
  Hi
  I was at Sweyne at the very start Sept 1958. I was in the top year as I transfered over from Rayleigh Secondary/Technical School as it was then known. My year only had one year at the school as we left in 1959. The school field was still ploughed up so we had to go to Rayleigh Recreation ground for games and sports. I remember Mr Waghorn, Mr Rawson, My Cooper and Mr Pike. I travelledfrom Pitse
  a to Hadleigh and then on a school coach from Hadleigh.Some of the pupils in my year were Vera Watson, Valerie Welton, John Thayer, Vernon Wright, Keith Michell, Terry Selby, Derek Steed, Tony Evans,Roger Storey. Can't think of any more at present ....but it was 50 years ago.
  Bill Clarke(clarkebill@btinternet.com)
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Roger Ball (Member 10232298) on 3-Sep-2009
  In 1958 I was a low life 1st year pupil and I seem to remember that Steed was appointed Head Boy but was removed for some unworthy deed and John Thayer replaced him. John was a strict no nonsense chap who travelled the corridors in exagerated long strides!

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Ray Chinn (Member 10241209) on 3-Oct-2009
  Hi there but have lost touch will allCanvey each day by bus, friends were Derek Smail, John Bottomley, Pete Fryer, Kieth Trevarthen Simon ??? (6ft tall and in the rugby team)anybody know of their whereabouts? I left England in 67 to do 2 yr stint in Solomons and now live in Queensland Australia.
  
  regards Ray Chinn

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Hilary Smallwood (Member 10243425) on 31-Dec-2009
  Hello
  What a fascinating discussion. I was at the Sweyne School from 1959 to 1966 and was then Hilary Pitt. I remember Miss Crystal - who could forget her? She used to make us stand in the sick room with our backs to the mirror and bend over - if our underwear was visible in the mirror, our skirt was deemed too short! I remember Mr Bowman standing in the foyer flogging ice creams at a school conc
  ert, and my Dad thought he was the caretaker! My brother Mike Pitt was in the year above me. Some of the posters here would have been his contemporaries. My happiest memories are of singing in the choir - but I cannot remember the name of the music teacher who ran it - we sang Messiah when I was just 11 and singing has been my life ever since. I certainly remember Mr Main. We did indeed learn Latin there - I did O-level. The teacher was small and scruffy, but I can't remember his name either. I also remember Barry Ife - didn't he go out with a lass called Christine Chalk? Bowman and Crystal are truly from a different era - what a crazy combination they were. I went onto the shcool website today and it is now the Sweyne Park School.
  After A-levels and university I pursued a career as a social worker - but now work in the arts and photography. I spend a lot of time running singing workshops - all from the happy beginnings in the school choir at Sweyne.
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Roger Ball (Member 10232298) on 1-Jan-2010
  Hilary,
  
  I think you will remember the first music teacher at Sweyne 1957+ as 'Mr Swainson'
  I was there 1957-65 in the B stream..where were you? Did you have a small gap between your 2 top front teeth? No insult intended, just trying to put a face to a name!
  Roger Ball

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Hilary Smallwood (Member 10243425) on 2-Jan-2010
  Mr Swainson indeed! - many thanks for jogging my memory on that one.
  No tooth gaps - so not the person you were thinking of. I was skinny with dark brown hair, usually short cut. Can't think of anything else to distinguish me, except I used to sing a lot in school concerts, and I went around with a girl called Glynis who had white blonde hair, so that was quite distinctive.
  Do you remember my b
  rother Michael? - he too had dark brown hair and quite dark complexioned like me, and went around with a guy called John Armitage.He was at Sweyne from 57 - 65.
  I was in the 'S' class that did O and A's a year early - boring swot really! It was a bad decision as I finished up going to uni a year early and I was really too immature to get the most out of it - but Bowman thought it would get the school some kudos I guess.
  Happy New Year!
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Roger Ball (Member 10232298) on 8-Jan-2010
  Hilary..I think I remember Armitage and he had 2 cronies, 1 dark haired and the other light brown...all 3 were bullying body-builders
  ...sorry if one was your brother! Darned if I can remember you though.I may be thinking of a girl called Margaret Pitt. Are there any old Sweynites out there living in Ontario, Canada like me???

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Hilary Smallwood (Member 10243425) on 14-Jan-2010
  No - definitely none of those was my brother!

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Glenn Cannon (Member 10238908) on 17-Jan-2010
  Hi Hilary,
  
  Now I think I remember you too, although a few years younger - I also sang in that first ever Messiah as did the lass who was to bcome my first wife, Diana Patrick.
  Dominic Swainson left Sweyne the year before Messiah to become head of a school in ... chelmsford or Colchester - I was never sure. the new music teacher - for two years only was Bill Arter and oit was Bill who began
  the Choral Society. Bill was succeeded aslo briefly (2 years) by Roy wales. Roy conducted "Elijah' in 1967 St Matthew Passion in 1968 and began the Gilbert and Sullivan series with Keith Mitchell doing the stage direction ... Trial by Jury in '67, Pinafore, then Mikado.
  In 1969 Gerwyn Parry took over as Music Director and remained at the Sweyne for around 16 years. I sang a second Messiah under Gerwyn, and the school G&S did Ruddigore and Princess Ida before I moved away to Essex to go to Exeter Uni.
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Derek Steed (Member 10246542) on 8-Apr-2010
  Like Bill Clarke, I attended Sweyne in my last year at school, 1958, after going to Rayleigh Sec/Tech from 1954 to 1958. I have been in contact with Roger Storey, Des Pitt, Keith Mitchell and Colin Luckman. I never did make head boy, not even prefect, so I must have done something bad as there were only two of us who didn't make prefect! Age has a way of clouding unwanted memories!
  
  I do reme
  mber many of the teachers and students in my year.
  
  I wonder if anyone recalls the first week the school opened, torrential rains hit the South East, and the school was flooded delaying the start of the school year.
  
  Anyway, if anyone wants to say hi, drop me a line.
  
  
  
  I emigrated to Canada in 1967, and live just outside Toronto
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Roger Ball (Member 10232298) on 14-Apr-2010
  Derek,
  I was a 1st form pupil in 1958 when it opened and remember the flooding very well. It was so bad that all the oak parquet flooring in the dining room and Assembly hall was lifted up and was floating about on 6 inches of water! We all got an extended holiday. Do you remember John Thayer? I thought that he took over being Head-boy after you were stripped of the title for some transgression.
  I live in Ayr, Ontario..1 hour away from you! Roger Ball
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Chris Tandy (Member 10219519) on 23-Apr-2010
  Roger,
  it's been several months since I have browsed this 'Sweyne School; a creative life' thread that I started.
  It appears to have rather taken off for your generation of Sweynites. My follow-up here is regarding the Gilbert & Sullivan operas that became a feature of Sweyne life; I was involved with scene-painting and back-stage work particularly on Ruddigore and Princess Ida. Since I have s
  pent my life as a theatrical propmaker, I suppose the lure of the (back)stage must have started here. However, later I did make my debut on the stage with a roar, as I played the Lion in 'Androcles'. It was directed by my then history teacher, Mrs Matthews, but apart from a chum named Bob Read, I cannot name other young actors who starred.
  I remember Gerwin Parry's direction of the G&S operas; he once threw a tantrum in rehersal and broke his baton, mercifully not upon a boy-soprano's skull.
  Also, one of the new-wave hippy art-teachers I so admired had a starring part in Ida(?); I believe his name was Paul Lambillion. And a chum of mine named Phillip Izard had a leading role.
  Anyway, the ultimate lure of thespian life came via the first-night party, when I barely remember getting home, so drunk was I for the first time in my life.
  But not the last! Happy days!
  
  
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by janet nikolic (Member 10248479) on 8-Jun-2010
  Hi I was at Sweyne till 65 I left in the 5th form as did most of us.I remember you Hilary, I
  was in you class a couple of times. You probably
  wont remember me(Janet Lewis) as I was VERY
  reserved at school but I hang out with Pat Bligh
  Madeleine Wheeler and Hilary Berry .I remember very well Mr Swainson and his music lessons, do you remember his "Ode to Woad" that we all sang
  at the top o
  f our voices (even the boys loved that). I also of course remember Miss Chrystal
  and our hair that shouldn't touch the collar and
  of course no heels, make-up, jewellery etc. It was pretty strict at the time but we didn't have
  all the problems that they have now! I remember
  Miss Eales the maths teacher who wore short skirts and her toga off the shoulder but nobody
  messed around in her class not like poor Mr Phillips the french teacher who couldn't control
  even the easiest classes. There was Mr French the french teacher who swooped down on his prey with his batlike wings he was a very good teacher
  I worked in computers for 8years after school and then I married a Yougoslav and I live in France since 1973 where I was a home help (which I loved) for 20years and I am now retired since last year.I have kept in contact with Maddie (who is a reputated foot surgeon and Hilly who was owner of a travel agency and lives in Canada)
  If you read this one day ,DO get in contact.
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by janet nikolic (Member 10248479) on 8-Jun-2010
  It's me again.I've just seen what a mess I made of my letter.I'ts my first intervention and I didn't know that the lines flowed automatiquement .I'll do better next time,sorry.

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Roger Ball (Member 10232298) on 12-Jun-2010
  Janet,
  Just a note to correct you. I think that the bat-like French creature was a Mr Kenneth Main, a man with a good heart but who scared the s..t out of 1st & 2nd form pupils. After that you could see through him, God Bless him!
  Roger

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by janet nikolic (Member 10248479) on 24-Jun-2010
  Yes youre right it was Mr Main I remember now.

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by janet nikolic (Member 10248479) on 25-Jun-2010
  I mentioned the song that Mr Swainson made us sing in music class and I've found it on the web! Just tap Ode to Woad and it's there! Somebody MUST remember that. Nearly 50years after our intensive culture course it's amazing what get's stuck in your mind isn't it.

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Bill Cl;arke (Member 10240087) on 25-Jun-2010
  Derek Steed. There's a name from the past.We both went to Hadleigh on the bus before getting the coach to Rayleigh. Do you remember when we left some of us went on a biking holiday to the Isle of Wight and stayed in Youth Hostels.I now live near Portsmouth on the south coast but it seems that you have moved farther afield. Can't believe that we left school over 50 years ago!
  Bill Clarke

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Roger Ball (Member 10232298) on 28-Aug-2010
  Hello, is there anybody else out there who would like to continue this Sweyne School saga with swaggering stories of heroic deeds?! There must surely be more people interested enough to want to connect with old school chums to open up and write something to stimulate memories! Mr. Archer & Mr. Waghorn would be most upset to think that their ministrations over the English language had been for nought!

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Chris Tandy (Member 10219519) on 15-Oct-2010
  It's a rather obscure website, Roger, and I only happened upon it by...well. I cannot really remember. Possibly by web- searching 'Rayliegh', if memory serves!
  However, it has stimulated more interest than 'Friends Reunited' ever did, for me, at any rate.
  How does one lift it from the relative obscurity of 'Knowhere' and allow it to broadcast its message to Older Sweynites everywhere?
  The t
  hought of 'Facebook' sadly comes to mind...
  ....Sadly, because 'F-book' seems to attract too many people with too little to say, whereas this has been a stimulating dip into our recent past.
  I'd like to hear from some of the teachers we have been praising, or lampooning, before they all become history. Even those from whom the mickey has been taken at least left indelible images in our minds!
  
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Roger Ball (Member 10232298) on 3-Nov-2010
  Ray,
  I do not know how to contact or involve our 'genre' in this discussion. But I do think that our 'teachers' may well be beyond the ability to be involved in the 'internet'. How many 80+yrs are with this sort of technology?
  How will we be be able to interface with the technology of 2030?? Obviously we would now totally welcome the inclusion of our 'teachers' here, but it is unlikely to happen
  . We can only remenisce and enjoy the thoughts of times gone by. In retrospect, I would love to go back to Sweyne 1958, but with my brain of today!
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• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Chris Tandy (Member 10219519) on 4-Nov-2010
  Roger,
  Being a few years younger than yourself, I suppose a few of my teachers might be in their late 60s; some, admittedly seemed of indeterminate age from the viewpoint of a first-year pupil at Sweyne...
  ...but it seems that very few others, teachers or pupils alike, have chanced upon this Rayleigh 'Knowhere' site. I see it like a message in a bottle. It may yet be washed up on farther sho
  res, who knows?
  However, in the meantime, if there is anything else than I remember of The Sweyne School, I'll post it up. I do glance from time to time, as indeed I'm doing now. Best wishes!
  
  ...
  ... more >>

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Richard Byford (Member 10254393) on 15-Nov-2010
  I have just stumbled across this message board.
  
  I was at Sweyne school from the moment it opened in 1958 until I finished the 6th Form.
  
  Excellent memories of all the old teachers and fellow students like Christopher Pryor, Jacques Robin
  son etc.
  
  I have few photos of those times, except some of the 'Under 13 rugby teams' that will put faces on some of those names. Those were the days when we had no playing field and had to practice on coconut matting! Post your e-mail address if you would like to see them.
  
  I also emigrated to North America and have lived in Toronto, Ontario since January 1971.
  
  I was generally known as 'Biff' during my high school days-hard to believe that it was 50 years ago. Best, Richard Byford
  ... more >>

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Roger Ball (Member 10232298) on 15-Nov-2010
  Richard???
  Are you the Richard Byford whose relations owned 'Byford's' hardware store up the High Street, in which case we went to Sweyne together?
  (1958-65). I also emigrated to Ontario in 1973 and have lived in the Kitchener area since then!
  One hour away from you. Please email me at
  edgeman@rogers.com Roger Ball

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Roger Ball (Member 10232298) on 1-Dec-2010
  Just to let you other Sweynites know that this forum works!! I have just contacted a friend (from my era) who actually has lived 1 hr. away from me (in Canada)for the last 38 years, and we both did not know it!! As you get older, these contacts mean so much more to you...believe me.

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Mike Grant (Member 10262666) on 22-Jun-2011
  Finding this thread prompted a visit to the loft to trace some "Viking" school magazines. Here's the staff listing from the first edition:
  
  The Sweyne School Staff
  1961 Viking School Magazine
  
  Headmaster R. A. Bowman, M.A. (Cantab.), A.R.I.C., L.R.A.M.
  , A.R.C.M.
  Deputy Head and Senior Mistress Miss Phyllis Pattison, M.A. (Sheffield), F.R.S.A.
  Second Master A. E. Turner. B.Sc. (Lond. & Dunelm)
  
  English
  H. Cunnington, B.A. (Lond.)
  C. C. Waghorn, B.A. (Wales)
  P. Archard, B.A. (Southampton London)
  C. J. Prime, B.A. (Wales)
  P. D. Schooley, B.A. (Reading)
  A. K. Harrison, B.A. (London)
  Miss June Griffin, B.A. (Hull)
  
  Mathematics
  A. E. Turner, B.Sc. (Lond. & Dunelm)
  D. G. Osen, B.Sc. (Bristol)
  Mrs. Elizabeth Pudsey, B.Sc. (Leeds)
  D. G. S. Scott, B.Sc. (Lond.)
  Miss Janina Płoska, M.A. (Warsaw)
  J. S. Cartwright (Newland Park)
  
  Religious Instruction
  W. N. Greenwood, B.A. (Manchester)
  Miss June Griffin, B.A. (Hull)
  
  Latin
  P. Archard, B.A. (Southampton & London)
  
  Modern Languages
  K. A. Main, B.A. (Lond.)
  N. D. Monk, B.A. (Reading)
  M. J. Parr, B.A. (Lond.)
  R. J. H. Corkill, B.A. (Bristol)
  D. I. Phillips, B.A. (Southampton)
  
  Chemistry
  I. S. Mason, M.Sc. (Lond.), F.R.I.C.
  B. W. J. Hodgson, B.Sc. (Nottingham)
  
  Physics
  R. J. Shreeve, B.Sc. (Lond.)
  Mrs. Hilda Hartley. B.Sc. (Dunelm}
  Miss Jessie McQuarrie, B.Sc. (Liverpool}
  
  Biology W. L. Colloby, B.Sc. (Nottingham)
  A. P. Trinci, B.Sc. (Dunelm)
  
  General Science
  A. R. Ferriss, D.T S. (Lond.)
  
  Art
  C. B. Mellish, A.T D. (Leicester}
  N. Jones, (Wrexham & Cardiff)
  
  Music
  D. W. Swainson, G.T.C.L., A.R.C.M.
  
  History
  J. H. Rawson, B.A. (Lond.)
  R. H. Nicholls, M.A. (Cantab.)
  B. Goodwin, B.A. (N. Staffs.}
  
  Geography
  G. E. Pike, B.A. (Bristol)
  J. G. Richards, B.A. (Wales)
  Miss Myra Evans, B.A. (Wales)
  
  Domestic Science
  Miss Brenda Cotgrove, (Battersea)
  Miss Ann Edwards, (Battersea}
  Miss Irene Hotten, (St. Osyth)
  
  French Assistant
  J. P. Parron (Paris)
  
  Engineering & Allied Crafts
  J Cooper, M.I.Mar.E. (R.N. & Garnett)
  K. Wood, (Shoreditch)
  K. Jones, (Shoreditch)
  
  Boys' Physical Education
  D. E. Stembridge, D.P.E. (St. Luke's, Exeter)
  J. Jackson, D.P.E. (Carnegie)
  
  Commerce Mrs. Freda Cawston, (Garnett)
  
  Girls' Physical Education
  Miss Ann Readman, D.P.E. (Nonington)
  Miss Helen Threadgold, D.P E. (Nonington)
  
  ... more >>

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Mike Grant (Member 10262666) on 22-Jun-2011
  And by 1966 it was:
  
  The Sweyne School Staff
  1966 Viking School Magazine
  Headmaster R. A. Bowman, M.A. (Cantab.), F.R.I.C., L.R.A.M., A.R.C.M.
  Deputy Head and Senior Mistress Miss M. Chrystal, M.A
  . (Oxon)
  Second Master A. E. Turner. B.Sc. (London & Dunelm)
  
  English
  H. Cunnington, B.A. (London)
  A. Pratt, B.A. (Leeds)
  C. C. Waghorn, B.A. (Wales)
  R. C. Petherick, B.A. (Wales)
  Miss M. Holford, B.A. (Southampton)
  B. H. Watson, B.A. (Avery Hill)
  S. M. King, B.A. (Leicester)
  
  Mathematics
  W. A. Watson, B.Sc. (Southampton & London)
  A. E. Circus, B.Sc. (London)
  D. G. S. Scott, B.Sc. (London)
  Miss J. Clutterbuck, (Leicester)
  Mrs. I. Clark, B.Sc. (Econ.) (L.S.E.) A.C.I.S.
  Mrs J. Irwin-Hunt, M.A. (Southampton & London)
  P. G. Harris, B.Sc. (Leicester)
  D. A. Richards, B.Sc. (Wales)
  Miss M. Harley, (Reading)
  
  Physics
  R. J. Shreeve, B.Sc. (London)
  P. G. Blatchford. B.Sc. (Nottingham)
  K. W. Sharratt, B.Sc. (Birmingham)
  E. L. Williams, B.Sc. (Liverpool)
  
  Chemistry J. B. Prothero, B.Sc.,Ph.D. (Wales & St Andrews)
  B. W. J. Hodgson, B.Sc. (Nottingham)
  J. L. Meers, B.Sc. (London)
  J. M. Dagger, B.A. (Keele)
  
  Biology
  W. L. Colloby, B.Sc. (Nottingham)
  Miss D. Bishop, M.Sc. (London)
  C. B. Westall, B.A. (Cantab)
  
  Economics
  A. D. Chandler, B.A. (Oxon)
  
  History
  J. H. Rawson, B.A. (London)
  Mrs. H. Blaby, M.A. (Wales)
  M. J. Judge, B.A. (London}
  
  Geography
  J. G. Richards, B.A. (Wales)
  A. W. Sail, B.A. (Dunelm)
  C. M. Pack, B.A. (Cantab)
  
  Latin
  P. Archard, B.A. (Southampton & London)
  
  French
  K. A. Main, B.A. (London)
  Miss E. Marshall, B.A. (Wales)
  Mrs H. Ballard, B.A. (London)
  Miss A. Calver, B.A. (Exeter)
  
  German
  N. D. Monk, B.A. (Reading)
  N. J. Blaby, B.A. (Leeds)
  P. W. Allen, B.A. (Bristol)
  D. J. Beele, B.A. (London)
  
  Religious Instruction
  Miss M. Norgate, B.A. (St Mary’s Cheltenham)
  D. G. R. Little, B.A. (Wales)
  
  Art
  C. B. Mellish, A.T D. (Leicester}
  Miss D. Hosley, A.T.C. (Hornsey)
  
  Music
  W. L. Arter, A.M.C.L.
  Miss V. Henry, G.T.C.L., L.T.C.L., L.R.A.M.
  
  Engineering & Allied Crafts
  J Cooper, M.I.Mar.E. (R.N. & Garnet)
  K. Wood, (Shoreditch)
  K. J. Matthias, (Shoreditch)
  G. Broughton, A.M.I.Mech.E.
  
  Domestic Science
  Miss B. Cotgrove, (Battersea)
  Mrs. S. Carke, (Bath}
  Mrs. I. Corless, (Berridge House)
  Mrs. J. Binder, (Battersea)
  Miss C. Holmes, (Worcester)
  
  Physical Education
  J. Jackson, D.P.E. (Carnegie)
  D. J. Bailey, (Cardiff)
  
  Miss M. Chad
  ... more >>

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Richard Byford (Member 10254393) on 23-Jun-2011
  I was at the school from day one and I have no recollection of the 'Viking' magazine......however I can remember almost all the staff ....with mixed memories. Great finds!! Richard

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Mike Grant (Member 10262666) on 24-Jun-2011
  The first issue of the magazine was dated Spring 1961 and it continued annually - although I've no copy of a 1964 edition. It was a mix of items from pupils together with the more formalised news reports and records. The 1966 edition had A-level results so it's been relatively easy to extract names of some of your and Roger Ball's classmates:
  
  Upper Vl(ii)
  
  Allen C.R.
  Arm
  itage J.D.
  Batty T.J.
  Beckett N.J.
  Bunting I.J.
  Byford R.A.
  Clamp P.
  Dixon P.J.
  Farrer M.P.
  Fitzgerald M.E.
  Furze P.E.
  Green D.J.
  Harris G.W.
  Holloway D.R.
  Houghton C.
  Hughes P.J.
  Johnson K.D.
  Leatherland G.K.A.
  Nicholls B.J.
  Pluck R.A.
  Pond R.E.
  Samuels D.P.
  Taylor M.L.
  Thomson D.V.
  Withers R.A.
  Cowie, Celia
  Snook, Jennifer
  Spencer, Wendy
  
  Upper Vl(iii)
  
  Albert H.
  Ball R.P.
  Banks D.U.
  Cook M.J.
  Dowling I.J.
  Edwards J.C.
  Glover R.
  Greenley G.R
  Harvey W.J.
  Letchford C.W.
  Membery P.S.
  Pull S.J.
  Robinson J.A.
  Smith A.C.
  Todd P.R.B.
  Towns I.S.
  Walker M.
  Wesolowski P.S.
  Wood S.L.
  Belsham, Lynne
  Brewer, Angela
  Hobart, Janet
  Potter, Rae
  Sequien, Wendy
  Stroud, Kathryn
  
  The names mean little to me as I must have been in the year following you. It seems the 6th form was a very male dominated place then - with girls only getting a mention at the end of all the lists!
  ... more >>

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Richard Byford (Member 10254393) on 24-Jun-2011
  That's quite a list- but it seems incomplete....some of the 'stars' like Prior, Shorter,Ife and Mckay etc.are missing!

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Roger Ball (Member 10232298) on 24-Jun-2011
  I would love to peruse those old 'Vikings', what a find. I did note that only the girls had their christian names added!! I agree with Richard that the list does seem incomplete ...were these just a sample?
  Just to let you all know that I still have my old school cap, scarf, tie and prefect's badge.
  If it wasn't for us packrats........

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Mike Grant (Member 10262666) on 24-Jun-2011
  There are five separate lists for Upper VI, then Upper VI (i) to (iv). I don't know what the rationale was. Some of the "missing" names are in the other three groupings. As they're of interest I'll copy and post them too.
  
  A whole Sweyne cap must be a rare thing. By my year there was almost a ceremonial requirement to destroy it on the last day of the term when it had to be worn - presumeabl
  y the end of the 5th year - but I can't be sure - maybe earlier.
  ... more >>

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Mike Grant (Member 10262666) on 24-Jun-2011
  The remainder of the list follows. I now realise the first batch "Upper VI" is just a listing of those who passed an O-level in 1965. Some names are therefore repeated in the (i) to(iv) groups which record A-level passes that year.
  
  On reflection I recognise two names - Richard (or was it Roger?) Dumbrell. I delivered newspapers to his home in Ramsden Bellhouse and followed him to Bristol Uni
  versity. He went to read modern languages but switched to study something theatrical after a year there. The other is head boy Chris Prior. The Friends Re-united website (www.friendsreunited.com) has a lot of information about past pupils and he has written - "Have just retired from teaching Media at the University of Huddersfield. Married with two grown-up children."
  
  Upper VI
  Albert W.J.
  Battell R.D.
  Broad D.A.
  Dawkins H.W.T.
  Edwards J.C.
  Layzell K.F.
  Pond R.E.
  Redsell P.J.
  Spencer W.J.
  Terry E.J.
  Warren D.M.
  Wilkinson R.V.
  Wybourn J.W.
  
  Upper Vl(i)
  Barnes G.D.
  Battle R.D.
  Bignold A.J.
  Coles R.R.
  Duff A.H.
  Hales M.W.
  Henn A.J.
  Hunt A.P.
  Layzell K.P.
  Magill P.A.
  Mayston D.J.
  Pitt M.P.
  Prior C.N.
  Randall R.B.
  Rush A.J.
  Shorter R.J.
  Smith C.P.
  Terry E.J.
  Thomson A.M.
  Warren D.M.
  Wilkinson R.V.R.
  Wright D.A.
  Wybourn J.W.
  Ashton, Jennifer
  Large, Yvonne
  McKay, Rosalind
  Perryman, Margaret
  
  Upper Vl(iv)
  Alderton P.D.
  Allin R.J.
  Angel P.W.
  Broad D.A.
  Davies G.S.
  Downey J.E.
  Dumbrell R.B.
  Ife B.W.
  Nioholls C.D
  Nunney R.P.
  Scarth A.M.
  Treherne P.W.
  Ancock, Kay
  Harris, Lesley
  Bobbins, Barbara
  Stuart, Joan
  Wyatt, Penelope
  
  ... more >>

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Richard Byford (Member 10254393) on 25-Jun-2011
  I think the 'preserved school cap' is a miracle!
  
  A group of us held a ceremonial burning of school caps on the top of Rayleigh Mount...I think long before the end of the 5th form.

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Mike Grant (Member 10262666) on 25-Jun-2011
  Yes - perhaps it was at the end of year three. I think that also tied in with the rule for girls' summer polkadot dresses changing from blue to pink - but it's all a long time ago!

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Chris Tandy (Member 10219519) on 4-Aug-2011
  Mike, a tall order, but I remember having only one copy of 'Viking', relevant to my years as a Sweynite; about '63, I guess.
  I remember very little about it, except that it had a poem, penned by a pupil,(not me, sadly!) called 'Porron'.(A Spanish drinking vessel).
  Staggeringly, I am convinced I remember the first line of said poem was 'Oh, porron! crystalised for ever in one second, miracle o
  f glass and craft...', which is pretty amazing word-smithery for a kid at school; unless he (?) cribbed it...
  If you have it in your archive,I'd love to see more of its contents, if that were at all possible.
  I'm amazed somebody still has the old two-coloured school cap! Mine must be well-rotted in the nettles up Pearsons Avenue by now....
  
  ... more >>

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Mike Grant (Member 10262666) on 25-Aug-2011
  Here's the full poem - from the 1965 Viking. The author went on to greater things - http://www.ems.kcl.ac.uk/content/ppl/bwi/ppl-bwi.html.
  
  Amazing memory you've got there ....
  
  PORRON* by B. Ife. U6
  O
  , porrón,
  Miracle of glass and craft,
  Crystallized for ever in one second
  Into a purity like the soul of running water,
  Your polished facets softened by your warm blood,
  Give me to drink!
  There you kneel at prayer like an eastern prince
  Clothed in the rich red of the gift you bring
  And shining with the fire from which you sprang.
  Your head, thrown back and held high in devotion,
  And your two arms, made one in their resolution,
  Offer at an unknown altar
  The fruit of your soul.
  Make me your god, then,
  Oh blind but faithful server at my mass;
  Pour forth your sacrifice at my altar
  And so doing regain the chastity of your birth!
  
  (* Spanish drinking vessel.)
  
  ... more >>

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Roger Ball (Member 10232298) on 12-Dec-2011
  Okay, Okay, I know that you all really would love to own the one remaining Sweyne school cap in existence, so let the bidding begin! I may even throw in an original school blazer pocket crest. Now you are really excited....
  Roger Ball

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Richard Byford (Member 10254393) on 13-Dec-2011
  Perhaps Roger Ball and Mike Grant could donate their memorabilia (cap, crest, badges,Viking magazines)to the school to be be put on permanent display in the school entrance lobby to commemorate the early years at Sweyne!

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Chris Tandy (Member 10219519) on 22-Jan-2012
  Belated thanks, Mike, for the full rendition of 'Porron'. My memory is 'crystal'-clear, if you pardon the reference to the lady who instilled into many of us the importance of reading and taking ideas on board.
  It is something of a mystery as to why I should remember the words of Barry Ife's poem. I didn't really know him. Perhaps we ought not question why, but relish in the fact that we do oca
  ssionally remember what is trivial; trivial to me, if not Mr Ife.
  If you've got a minute, I'd appreciate if you might have a look and see if there's a piece by Stuart Lynn (spelling?) about a wild bird he captured. It's just another fleeting memory of Sweyne via that issue of 'The Viking'. He was a good friend of mine with whom I lost contact after leaving school; and his dad was a teacher at Ashingdon Primary School, where we both started our formal education.
  Happy New Year, by the way, to all ex-Sweynites worldwide!
  ... more >>

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Mike Grant (Member 10262666) on 31-Jan-2012
  Hi Chris - no problem with the research and scan - here it is:
  
  “FRED”
  by S. Linn. 2B.
  During the bad winter of a few years ago, as some of the sea birds could not get their food they came inland. One bird, a redshank, did this but as there was a blizzard when he flew over our house he crash-landed in our back garden. We brought him in and warmed him on our donkey boiler while Dad rang up
  the local ornithologist. He suggested giving "Fred", as we called the redshank, whisky, if he was faint, or worms.
  When Dad came home he went into the garden to try to get some worms, Fred would not look at them, let alone eat them. We decided, therefore, to get some fish for him. Mum got some frozen fish and we forcibly fed him it with a knitting needle. After a while he got used to feeding himself so Mum or Dad had no need to get up very early in the mornings. During the weekends he got his strength back by flying round the kitchen, banging his head on the ceiling and taking baths in the kitchen sink.
  We kept him for three months, until the thaw came, when we took him back to Paglesham Marshes and let him fly away.
  
  ... more >>

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by JANIS HOLLINGBERY (Member 10271086) on 25-Feb-2012
  Hi. I attended Sweyne from 1962. My name is Janis Hollingbery and I travelled from Canvey.
  I remember Mr Blaby English, Mr King (just read something, I've just driven my car into a wall) English, Mrs De Groot, Miss Clutterbuck, Mr Blackwell,of course our illustrious heads (my dear are you sure they are entirely practicable} and so many more I just can't put a name to for the moment. I remember
  being in the "Headmasters Choir" (for those of us that couldn't really sing) and belting our Where Ere You Walk.
  ... more >>

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by JANIS HOLLINGBERY (Member 10271086) on 25-Feb-2012
  A couple more. Miss Bishop (did she marry Mr Blaby?) and Mr Westall who was so kind and gave people money to buy "rough books".

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Chris Tandy (Member 10219519) on 27-Mar-2012
  JANIS, you were roughly my contempory at Sweyne I'd guess. I think I started in 1963. Possibly you shared some classes with my older brother, Peter.
  Mr Blaby was my German teacher in my first year, and if I remember, he married a teacher named Miss Eales, although I've no idea what she taught.
  I don't see him pairing up with Miss Bishop, who at the time was my biology teacher and I feel rathe
  r sorry for her now, but at the time I really took against her; I don't know why.
  ... more >>

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by Chris Tandy (Member 10219519) on 27-Mar-2012
  Mike Grant,
  Nice to dip in once more to the Sweyne nostalgia-fest and find something new! Many thanks for taking the trouble to scan 'Fred' by Stewart Linn.
  Trivial stuff really, but these little snippets are like golden pins on which the weaving of our life-stories is pegged....
  I think Mr Pethorick (English) would appreciate that.
  

• Re: Sweyne School in the '60s. A creative life. by John Patston (Member 10273439) on 4-May-2012
  Just stumbled across this wonderful thread purely by chance. I joined the Second Form in September 1960 and moved schools again at the end of the Fifth in 1964. My sister Gill also attended, two years behind me. We travelled in from Great Tarpots.
  A couple of teachers I've not seen mentioned - Gus Goodwin (History) and a Mrs Litherland - an Italian lady teaching us French? I seem to remember she
  had some sort of breakdown...I know we played her up terribly. Am I right in remembering a Mr Monk as my German teacher?
  I'll have to put on the thinking cap and get little sister involved too!
  ... more >>

• Re: searching by Derek (Member 10131999) on 20-Dec-2007
  I have been contacted re SID BARKER.

• Re: Searchlight Battery on Hambro Hill by john (Member 10245291) on 3-Mar-2010
  I did not know there was a search light on hambro hill my recollections are have cycled up it.I used to live in Hockley and used this route to get to Runwell Hospital

• Re: Do you know him? by ian (Member 10220028) on 21-Jan-2008
  o

• Re: Do you know him? by ian (Member 10220028) on 22-Jan-2008
  hi...i know this person. he now lives in wales with his partner lucy, and has six kids. he works with people whom have mental health problems. he has longish hair, a beard and wanders around the hills of snowdonia like a modern day yeti.

• Re: Do you know him? by ian b (Member 10270213) on 1-Feb-2012
  i am Ian, and i do indeed live in snowdonia. i am no longer with lucy but remain in the same line of business. if you wish to contact me email me at brickylad@gmail.com