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Post by mikepad on Sept 17, 2012 21:43:05 GMT 1
Who remembers Hawes Down School. I was there from 1955 to 1960. It would be nice to have a few memories. It only seems like yesterday. Wonder if Monty Myram is still alive. My best memories are of the 3 trips, 2 on the T S Foudroyant(Now refurbed and up in Hartlepool Dock and know as she was HMS Trincomalee) The other trip was a trip to Switzerland I think it would have been in 1958. My worst memory getting 4of the best from Dolly Dawson for being out of bounds in the air raid shelters, core blimey it did sting the cane that is !!!
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Post by The Historian on Sept 24, 2012 20:13:29 GMT 1
I saw Myram a couple of years ago in Beckenham, he looked well. Brent is still with us if you look here www.bandbhac.org.uk/great%20heathens.htmlI left Hawes Down in 1970 and have only seen Myram and woodwork Davis and 2 other teachers since. The likes of Dawson, Powell, Jollife, Hardgreaves, Barton and Spurdens are long gone now. I went onto the old playing field last year to show someone where the cricket square used to be, the only other time I returned there was a few summers ago, I walked in and asked some builders if I could look around, everything looked small. The place still gave me the creeps.
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Pete
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Post by Pete on Sept 28, 2012 21:51:22 GMT 1
I remember it well Mike, only too well, and it still gives me the creeps too. I had a bad experience with a teacher which didn't help, but there you go. They say things were better then, and how we were "better for this, and better for that"... true in many cases but not all.
There's quite a lot regarding Hawes Down on Friends Reunited if you if you care to take a look, including a really clear panoramic photo taken May 1961 with many of us tagged. The teachers are there too (giving the creeps yet again), but it's still a good photo.
Yes, the cane was something to be avoided at all cost, although many of us got it, including me. My earliest memory was Powell's initiation ceremony as 1st years, lining us all up outside and letting us know in no uncertain terms he was to be feared, flexing his cane in a menacing manner - and feared he was. Another memory as 1st years was the fear of getting 'The Bars'. The older boys would get the new boys, push them back against the railings near the toilets, pull their arms back over the railings and yank them back up around the bars... that hurt! Somehow I got away with this - maybe it was my 6' 4" mate who was never far away! The best days of our lives? Not mine, that's for sure.
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Post by nigelhberry on Feb 22, 2013 8:59:55 GMT 1
I have better memories of Hawes Down and the great teachers there and I am eternally grateful for the education they gave me. I was there from 1962 to 1967. First experience was of Mr Powell lining us all up flexing his cane acting like God. He was in Changai in Singapore and was dealt with severely by the Japanese. You could see its affect on him. My first teacher was Mr Spalding a lovely teacher, they did not stream the first year that year so we were all mixed up. Mr Barton was also my teacher in the 5th year and a great maths teachers was he. I think he was a Sargeant-Major but an amazing person who taught me so much and just commanded respect. Mr Spurdens was my 3rd year form master and he was a gifted musician trying to drum the joys of classical music into us boys. We sang heartlily in his lessons: "What shall we do with the drunken sailor, er-ly in the morning..." nowadays you have to sing stinking sailor, what tosh! Mr Davies for Woodwork and skiing. He taught me me how to do my first dove-tail joint and the love of working wood has never left me. My Valey in my 2nd year and the introduction to physics, my great passion. Mr Joliffe for metalwork with hands so big and his paddle with leather insets, a brief tap with that and you were in an awed silence. "The Bars" the most terrifying aticipation when you heard you were going to Hawes Down, but the older boys did not hurt you much putting your arms around the bars and lifting them up. It was the fear that was worse rather than the actuality. Similarly stading outside Mr Powell's room when talking in assembly. He just left you there to suffer on what was to come, in fact two of the best was over in a flash and didn't smart too much. Who was the games teacher? Mr Brent? He made sure we all got undressed and had a shower after games on Wednesday afternoon. A bit spooky when you think back on it! Mr Dawson, prisoner of his office and great man, they do not make men like that anymore, tempered by war and duty, something the 60 generation lost in our quest for freedom and self-discovery.
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Pete
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Post by Pete on Apr 18, 2013 11:06:36 GMT 1
I've only just spotted this Nigel, and a few names I had forgotten in there, especially Mr Spalding who I think everybody liked! It's good to hear you had somewhat better a time than I did, but whatever times we had as individuals, I certainly think we came out of it better than they seem to today. My years were 1960 to '62, so I wasn't there that long as I had the option to leave after the episode at the hands of Beecham (I find it difficult to refer to him as 'Mr' Beecham I'm afraid). From there I went to Hayes, a totally different way of schooling altogether. Yes, 'The Bars' at Hawes Down were the most terrifying prospect as a new boy, somehow we all got to learn about them in the run-up to starting at Hawes Down; luckily for me my best mate (who was already over 6 foot tall!) was already there and kept me out of trouble with his infamous glare!!! The games teacher's name escapes me I'm afraid - it was possibly Mr Brent, as you say. I do remember the showers though and I was never keen on that. Mr Dawson (known as Dolly) seemed quite fair, from what I remember. My favorite teacher was Mr Short (Ben). He was great, and I swear I learned more from him in one lesson than all the rest in my whole time there. I distinctly remember his 'Book Of Books' and how he seemed to have the answer to just about everything in there! To this day I have kept my own 'Book Of Books', and still draw bits of information from it taken over the years. He treated us all like human beings and everyone liked him. Some interesting memories here.
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Post by chrisjeepman on Jun 14, 2016 1:29:45 GMT 1
Hi Guys, just discovered this site, June 2016. I read with interest and agreement, the postings (above). Nihil Sine Labore the school motto. Nothing without work. A good motto that has stood me in good stead over the years. A pity that it's no longer displayed as it was on the front wall of the school building by the road for all to see. It inspired me to try to do well, and I am sure it would have the same effect on youngsters today. The teachers at Hawes Down came from a very different age. When they were young the received wisdom was 'spare the rod and spoil the child', etched still further into their minds by the harshness of military life that most of them had endured, not to mention the violence that was WW2: Mr Powell, for example was an ex POW and chain smoked all day long as a result. For many, teaching was a calling where they felt they had a duty to instill discipline in an otherwise unruly generation that had not experienced the guidance and 'grooming' of conscription. The '60's and the freedoms that the '60's ushered in must have seemed to them as an alien culture bereft of rules. Like missionaries, they must have felt we needed bringing back under control, for our own good.
Still, having said that, I do recall being caned or slippered for just about any- and every transgression of 'The Rules'. The only noteable exceptions being Mr Easterbrooke who took us for Games. He would hurl a board rubber made of solid beech at you instead! God knows how no-one was maimed! He did teach us cricket and football though, rain or shine. Later, in the showers all together in the all together, Mr Brent would announce times for his Running Club, The Kentish Harriers if I recall. I was too podgy and wheezy but implored him to start a cycling club....what eventually became of that idea I never knew
I clearly remember being given 'the bars' initiation in year one by the older boys by the steps outside the school bogs, but I was a hefty lad and they could not bend my arms and gave up!
Wonderful man Mr Short who took us for English, possibly the only human being there, after Mr Dawson the Headmaster and Mr Jones (science). Mr Short sold me an ancient black bike with rod brakes for 2s6p (25P), about £5 in comparison with today's prices. He would play violin during lessons on occasions, just for fun. A great man, his and Mr Jones' humanity stayed with me all my life.
Mr Jones took us through the scientific process of careful note taking, diagrams and observation. I'll never forget his lessons on atmospheric pressure whereby a metal gallon oil can seemingly crushes itself as the steam trapped inside condenses causing a partial vacuum that enables atmospheric pressure to do the rest. Utterly enthralling, I recall we all were hungry for his type of teaching that rested on explaining things rather than the rote teaching methods of maths and geography.
The strangest teacher has to be Mr Beachamp. Another thrower of board rubbers, he was my form teacher in my final year, 1963 and took us for Geography as well. Ancient teaching methods, I remember the endless job of tracing outlines of countries and colouring in the areas of tundra, tropical and temperate regions for a whole year.....and nothing else! With the exception of my pal John Kinns who was the only one gutsy enough to argue with him, we sat there like mice and were taught absolutely nothing of any value whatsoever! Ditto maths (Mr Chalk from Persia) (7 take away 8 can't be done, give it a ten and pay back one....eh?....why did nobody think to teach us place value...? ''Where did that one come from sir, I don't understand....?'' ''Just remember the rule boy, don't ask silly questions...'' ), ditto Gardening with Mr Green. (He had a Landrover, I recall). Gardening consisted of cleaning the forks and spades with sacking until they gleamed, ready for the following class to muddy up again digging a trench...( the purpose of which was never revealed to us.....)
I only vaguely remember Mr Myram, but was never taught by him. Mr Campbell was my teacher year 1 (lovely bloke), and Mr Bryant for metalwork where we filed...day in, day out until our piece of 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 3/16" plate was perfectly square, beveled and ready to drill two holes in for the hook, which we then riveted in place: a key-hook capable of holding a key weighing a hundredweight. Utterly overbuilt, we did at least learn how to use basic tools properly in the hope that we might make a live steam locomotive like the ones tantalising us from his display cabinet. Never got near them, I think they were Mr Bryant's own private project. Mr Davies took us for Technical Drawing, and that really was interesting. For years I would draw anything technical in Isometric thanks to Mr Davies!
I too went on a fortnight's holiday on TS Foudroyant. We slept in hammocks that we had to take down each morning, then carefully lash in such a way that would create air pockets enabling them to float and become a makeshift life-support in the event of sinking. The ropes were called 'nettles' and were fastened each night to a ringbolt in the deck-beam above our heads using a bowline knot - possibly the most useful knot there is - and we would then swing ourselves up and into our hammock for the night. Brilliant stuff, we sailed to the isle of Wight in a whaler class sailing boat, all of us participating in controlling the main- and jib-sheets. we had to erect an emergency spinnaker sail using an oar and temporary lashing to get back against the tide, and then row as well. Needless to say we slept like logs we were so exhausted. Today, Health and Safety would have a fit!
Mr Brent or Mr Powell caned me pretty often for being late. I lived miles away in neighbouring Bromley and it was quite a cycle, especially suffering from asthma I found the journey pretty tough, especially in the snows we had back then. Cycling everywhere and anywhere, plus school swimming in the icy water at the Blue Circle Cement Co's open pool off Bromley common, or at other times at Beckenham Baths cured my asthma. No inhalers in them thar days. I do remember thinking that Mr Powell had a close resemblance to The Mekon from the Dan Dare comic though.
Lunchtime and my mates Johnathon Collier and John Halligan and I would slink off and spend our dinner money on meat pie, chips and brown sauce at the Kismet Cafe in the high street. With the growth in my interest in racing cycling in year 4 I'd cycle all the way to Badgers Mount during lunchtime, then cycle all the way back...just for the thrill of it....... But by year 4 we discovered the girls of Marion Vian, Beckenham Grammer and Gadsden. Cricket and football suddenly lost its appeal, but my bike sure came in handy....! Yes, happy days...despite the strange old teaching methods of well-meaning teachers.
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Post by The Historian on Jun 19, 2016 15:15:43 GMT 1
Hi Guys, just discovered this site, June 2016. I read with interest and agreement, the postings (above). Nihil Sine Labore the school motto. Nothing without work. A good motto that has stood me in good stead over the years. A pity that it's no longer displayed as it was on the front wall of the school building by the road for all to see. It inspired me to try to do well, and I am sure it would have the same effect on youngsters today. The teachers at Hawes Down came from a very different age. When they were young the received wisdom was 'spare the rod and spoil the child', etched still further into their minds by the harshness of military life that most of them had endured, not to mention the violence that was WW2: Mr Powell, for example was an ex POW and chain smoked all day long as a result. For many, teaching was a calling where they felt they had a duty to instill discipline in an otherwise unruly generation that had not experienced the guidance and 'grooming' of conscription. The '60's and the freedoms that the '60's ushered in must have seemed to them as an alien culture bereft of rules. Like missionaries, they must have felt we needed bringing back under control, for our own good. Still, having said that, I do recall being caned or slippered for just about any- and every transgression of 'The Rules'. The only noteable exceptions being Mr Easterbrooke who took us for Games. He would hurl a board rubber made of solid beech at you instead! God knows how no-one was maimed! He did teach us cricket and football though, rain or shine. Later, in the showers all together in the all together, Mr Brent would announce times for his Running Club, The Kentish Harriers if I recall. I was too podgy and wheezy but implored him to start a cycling club....what eventually became of that idea I never knew I clearly remember being given 'the bars' initiation in year one by the older boys by the steps outside the school bogs, but I was a hefty lad and they could not bend my arms and gave up! Wonderful man Mr Short who took us for English, possibly the only human being there, after Mr Dawson the Headmaster and Mr Jones (science). Mr Short sold me an ancient black bike with rod brakes for 2s6p (25P), about £5 in comparison with today's prices. He would play violin during lessons on occasions, just for fun. A great man, his and Mr Jones' humanity stayed with me all my life. Mr Jones took us through the scientific process of careful note taking, diagrams and observation. I'll never forget his lessons on atmospheric pressure whereby a metal gallon oil can seemingly crushes itself as the steam trapped inside condenses causing a partial vacuum that enables atmospheric pressure to do the rest. Utterly enthralling, I recall we all were hungry for his type of teaching that rested on explaining things rather than the rote teaching methods of maths and geography. The strangest teacher has to be Mr Beachamp. Another thrower of board rubbers, he was my form teacher in my final year, 1963 and took us for Geography as well. Ancient teaching methods, I remember the endless job of tracing outlines of countries and colouring in the areas of tundra, tropical and temperate regions for a whole year.....and nothing else! With the exception of my pal John Kinns who was the only one gutsy enough to argue with him, we sat there like mice and were taught absolutely nothing of any value whatsoever! Ditto maths (Mr Chalk from Persia) (7 take away 8 can't be done, give it a ten and pay back one....eh?....why did nobody think to teach us place value...? ''Where did that one come from sir, I don't understand....?'' ''Just remember the rule boy, don't ask silly questions...'' ), ditto Gardening with Mr Green. (He had a Landrover, I recall). Gardening consisted of cleaning the forks and spades with sacking until they gleamed, ready for the following class to muddy up again digging a trench...( the purpose of which was never revealed to us.....) I only vaguely remember Mr Myram, but was never taught by him. Mr Campbell was my teacher year 1 (lovely bloke), and Mr Bryant for metalwork where we filed...day in, day out until our piece of 1 1/2" x 1 1/2" x 3/16" plate was perfectly square, beveled and ready to drill two holes in for the hook, which we then riveted in place: a key-hook capable of holding a key weighing a hundredweight. Utterly overbuilt, we did at least learn how to use basic tools properly in the hope that we might make a live steam locomotive like the ones tantalising us from his display cabinet. Never got near them, I think they were Mr Bryant's own private project. Mr Davies took us for Technical Drawing, and that really was interesting. For years I would draw anything technical in Isometric thanks to Mr Davies! I too went on a fortnight's holiday on TS Foudroyant. We slept in hammocks that we had to take down each morning, then carefully lash in such a way that would create air pockets enabling them to float and become a makeshift life-support in the event of sinking. The ropes were called 'nettles' and were fastened each night to a ringbolt in the deck-beam above our heads using a bowline knot - possibly the most useful knot there is - and we would then swing ourselves up and into our hammock for the night. Brilliant stuff, we sailed to the isle of Wight in a whaler class sailing boat, all of us participating in controlling the main- and jib-sheets. we had to erect an emergency spinnaker sail using an oar and temporary lashing to get back against the tide, and then row as well. Needless to say we slept like logs we were so exhausted. Today, Health and Safety would have a fit! Mr Brent or Mr Powell caned me pretty often for being late. I lived miles away in neighbouring Bromley and it was quite a cycle, especially suffering from asthma I found the journey pretty tough, especially in the snows we had back then. Cycling everywhere and anywhere, plus school swimming in the icy water at the Blue Circle Cement Co's open pool off Bromley common, or at other times at Beckenham Baths cured my asthma. No inhalers in them thar days. I do remember thinking that Mr Powell had a close resemblance to The Mekon from the Dan Dare comic though. Lunchtime and my mates Johnathon Collier and John Halligan and I would slink off and spend our dinner money on meat pie, chips and brown sauce at the Kismet Cafe in the high street. With the growth in my interest in racing cycling in year 4 I'd cycle all the way to Badgers Mount during lunchtime, then cycle all the way back...just for the thrill of it....... But by year 4 we discovered the girls of Marion Vian, Beckenham Grammer and Gadsden. Cricket and football suddenly lost its appeal, but my bike sure came in handy....! Yes, happy days...despite the strange old teaching methods of well-meaning teachers. If you select this link on the main site and follow the links on the left hand side menu for schools and groups 1&2 you will see photos of all the Hawes Down teachers you have mentioned www.beckenhamhistory.co.uk/flashNifties/gallery5.html
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Post by anthony on May 10, 2018 18:08:32 GMT 1
I was at school from september1963 till easter1968 .I remember mr Rodgers science teacher and mr powell who I found both too be good teachers but davis was a sadist giving me the cane and slipper a number of times also john cooper who was in the 1964 olmpics was pe teacher but he was anoter cruel sadist ,.people say dawson was kind but my experience was different I was called in his office on numerous occaisons to be caned after being humiliated on the last occasion I ran to the bike shed got my bike and rode away with dawson outside shouting at me to come back but I went home.the next day I was called in office and he admitted caning had only made me hate school more so after that I never had the cane again.the art teacher was very lazy always 10/15 minuet late for lessons.i own a hotel in wales now so if anyone wants to contact me please phone01745 353036 .I was in form 4x and friends with keith smith and billy white
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bd
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Post by bd on Jan 7, 2020 22:56:15 GMT 1
I was there between 1965 and 1972. We were the second year to do A levels at the school. I remember a teacher called Mr Joshi who used to have an array of slippers to hit you with after chalking 1,2,3 or 4 on the soles. He called them the “T’underbirds” (Thunderbirds) and you could tell who had been punished because they would have 1 to 4 chalked on their backside!
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johng
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Post by johng on Jan 12, 2020 16:09:30 GMT 1
I saw Myram a couple of years ago in Beckenham, he looked well. Brent is still with us if you look here www.bandbhac.org.uk/great%20heathens.htmlI left Hawes Down in 1970 and have only seen Myram and woodwork Davis and 2 other teachers since. The likes of Dawson, Powell, Jollife, Hardgreaves, Barton and Spurdens are long gone now. I went onto the old playing field last year to show someone where the cricket square used to be, the only other time I returned there was a few summers ago, I walked in and asked some builders if I could look around, everything looked small. The place still gave me the creeps.
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johng
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Post by johng on Jan 12, 2020 16:23:17 GMT 1
I was at Hawes Down 55-60 my first teacher was a young guy named Sullivan followed by the art teacher Minot, I also had the Powell experience in the quadrangle for nothing other than his enjoyment a spiteful man. My friends were Derek Stevens, Geoff Key, Micky Lloyd, in the same class Dave Stoneham Geoff Powell Paul Richards I ones I remember oh and Charles thingyens, I lived in Kent Rd and then Wickham Chase, I think the school has a different name today, anyway some good memories.
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5x
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Post by 5x on Feb 28, 2020 18:08:02 GMT 1
I was at Hawes Down between 1960 - 1963. I enjoyed my time there and it was an exceptional school for a secondary modern. The staff were highly competent and, by and large, likeable. I remember very well Barton ( I was useless at maths - I got 3% in the exam!), Hargreaves - a wonderful English teacher - Alan Brent ( I joined Blackheath Harriers and still run most days at 73!), Powell - he caned me on my last day but only in jest!), and of course, Myram, my witty and slightly irreverent form master. They just don't make them like that anymore. Some of my 5X classmates have excelled: Harvey Jones became a government scientist, Roger Turner a barrister, and Stuart Hepton a Lt.Col in the army and director of the Army College of Physical Education. Others, I am sure achieved distinction. Thanks to the early influence of Hargreaves I eventually ended my working life teaching in higher education in Poland where I still live. An inspirational school that expected the highest standards for which I am thankful.
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jug1
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Post by jug1 on Jun 29, 2020 19:10:03 GMT 1
I was at Hawes Down between 1963-67. My experiences were similar to some but very different from the last poster.I am very surprised,given the standard of teaching when I was there,that you had people who achieved very high positions in life. But then again I was surprised to see that Peter Duncan of Blue Peter fame attended the school a year or so behind me. My brother,now sadly no longer around,also attended between 1957-61. I do remember a lot of the teachers mentioned and agree that Ben Short was easily the best teacher there. John Cooper was horrible as was was Beauchamp who was a sadist. Joliffe also used to enjoy using his rubber hose on your backside if you didn't like metal work. Chalk the maths teacher was ok. Brent the PE teacher was once told by a fellow pupil who had just started after moving from Brixton to stick his plimsolls where the sun doesn't shine. The same pupil also took on the school so called hard but,who was a year older,and gave him a good beating. I also remember Spud Spurden,Ringo Starkey,who father was a vicar. Also remember Powell,who smoked like a chimney,Rogers who used to go down the pub with Cooper. Myram,who I think was a maths teacher and Dolly Dawson ,the Headmaster. I also remember Cross country runs over Jewels Hill and the only school trip I ever went on by train to the Cutty Sark. Overall not a bad experience,apart from the bars,but I don't think I learnt very much ,but maybe that was down to me. Also whilst there Clarks Coaches started operating a single coach from Elmers End to the school gates.I believe old man Clark was the driver having just started up the Company. Look how many coaches you see all over London now.
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Post by davidseaford on Feb 18, 2021 10:42:08 GMT 1
My spell at Hawes Down Secondary School was from September 1965 until June 1971. I have just been doing some research on our teachers on ancestry.com and other places and come up with this Who's Who. Brian Potter, our PE teacher is now living in Worcester and Roger Marples is in Horsham I believe. It is sad to note what brief retirements some of them had, notably Ben Short, Frank Jolliffe and Les Barton who eventually became headmaster for a brief period: Barton, Gilbert Leslie Altmann (Les): 13 Dec 1914 Camberwell - Mar 1984 Bromley (age 69, so had less than five years in retirement). Lived at 4 Red Lodge Court, Pickhurst Rise, West Wickham. Married Helen in 1941 (Macclesfield). He was headmaster from December 1978 until he retired in the following summer. His father had also been a schoolmaster, teaching in Worthing and died aged 53 in 1945. Beauchamp, John Byford: 24 Jun 1928 Bromley - 17 Sep 2006 Croydon (age 78). Lived at 181 Devonshire Way, Shirley. Married Ruby, probably in 1954. Brent, Alan J: 18 Nov 1918 Bromley - 1 Jun 2017 (age 98). Lived at 16 Abbotts Way, Beckenham. His wife Brenda died later in 2017, just before her 97th birthday. They were married in Dec 1942 (over 74 years of marriage). Alan’s father fought in the Australian army in World War I. Alan went to Australia with his parents in 1919 and returned to England in 1923. Here’s an article from Edenbridge announcing his death: www.edenbridge-chronicle.co.uk/article.cfm?id=114177&headline=Harriers%20reeling%20after%20death%20of%20%E2%80%98great%20man%E2%80%99%20Alan%20Brent§ionIs=news&searchyear=2017&fbclid=IwAR2bkTsAqv6o8P_Gemz50JhM6E9YvWL8Bx0qjZjwF3a54v4dg6VHf5txbqoDawson, Ernest Leslie: 24 Aug 1910 Lincoln - 5 Jan 1983 Sevenoaks (age 72). Headmaster 1952 - 1972. Lived at 10 Hollydale Drive, Locksbottom. Married Alva in 1940 (Nottingham). His last address: 11 Woodfields, Chipstead, Sevenoaks. Gibbs, Norman J: 1917 - 2010 (age 93). Lived at 83 Layhams Road. Married Elizabeth in 1953 (Bromley). Served in World War II in the 140th Army Field Regiment, Royal Artillery from 1940 (there was a Norman J E born 26 Sep 1917 Lewisham – a school teacher - that could be him). Jolliffe, Frank William Herbert: 28 Aug 1907 Putney - Jan 1975 Canterbury (age 67). Lived at 3 Wickham Court Road, West Wickham. Married Alice in 1934 (Croydon), In 1939 he was working in a joinery whilst living in Kent Road. Marples, Roger A F: probably born April 1943 Sheffield. In the 1960s he was with three others in an upper floor flat at 38 Bromley Road, Beckenham. After Hawes Down, he was a university lecturer, spending some years at Sussex Uni. Married Jennifer in 1976 and had twins in 1984. Roger remarried in 1992 to Anna and in recent years they lived in Rowhook, Horsham. Myram, Dennis William: Oct 1929 Horsham - 2 Feb 2019 Axbridge Court Nursing Home, Somerset (age 89). In 2002 he was living at 22 Penrith Close, Beckenham. Later, he moved to the Bristol area and finally the care home in Axbridge. He married Enid in 1957 and in the mid-60s was living in Bromley and then, I gather, Battle. His daughter Rebecca is based in Banbury and works in the automotive industry. Powell, Ivor: 23 Sep 1913 South Wales - 15 Apr 1989 Croydon (age 75). Lived at 103 Oak Avenue, Shirley. He took up his first teaching post in 1935 at Bromley Road School, Beckenham and later that year joined Hawes Down when the school opened. He was appointed deputy head in 1950 and retired in the summer of 1973. Ivor was called up for World War II service in 1939, just three weeks after marrying Elizabeth in Croydon. I understand he was at Dunkirk and in 1942 became a prisoner of war (at Changi POW camp in Singapore and was dealt with severely by the Japanese). I heard that his limp was from an injury sustained during the war. Short, Benjamin: 5 Apr 1906 - 5 Sep 1976 (age 70). Lived at 14 Highland Croft, Off Beckenham Hill Road, Beckenham. Married Doris in 1937 (Hackney). Ben was a stockbroker’s clerk in 1939 when he lived in Croydon Road, Beckenham. Spurdens, Norman Arthur: 24 Oct 1922 Camberwell - 9 Jan 2014 Honiton, Devon (age 91). Lived at 26 Abbots Green, Addington. Married Elaine in 1951 (Surrey). Moved to Four Marks, Hampshire in retirement and then Honiton in about 2004. It seems that in WW II, he was enlisted on 13 Aug 1941 and discharged to commission 14 May 1943. Varlow, Kenneth Wells: 29 Dec 1914 Bromley - 19 Nov 1996 Tunbridge Wells (age 81). Lived at 35 Old Tye Avenue, Biggin Hill, and then at Willow Shaw, Ricketts Hill Road, Tatsfield. In 1939 he was a Precision Tool Maker, living with his father in West Norwood. His father was a master hairdresser (from Lincolnshire) and living apart from Ken’s mother who was a teacher in Worthing. The youngest of Ken’s two brothers, Eric was killed at El Alamein during WW II in July 1942 (aged 24) he was a lieutenant in the Northumberland Fusiliers. Ken lived with Edna Mills in the mid-60s and they married in 1966. In the following year, she died aged 39, when they were living in Tatsfield. Wybrow, Kenneth Owen: 10 Dec 1915 Gloucester - 7 Jun 1989 Budleigh Salterton, Devon (age 73). Lived at 44 Pine Avenue (I lived at 28), West Wickham. Married Myrtle in 1940 (Wokingham).
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alvin
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Post by alvin on Apr 20, 2021 13:22:22 GMT 1
Joined Hawes Down senior school in 1961 after 7 years at the junior and infant school - on the same grounds. My elder brother had warned me of Mr Powell - he knew him as Perce for some reason. He was quite intimidating with his chinless visage and nicotine drenched fingers - and cane always at the ready. 'I have nothing but contempt for this boy' I remember him intoning from the raised dais in the playground - one Mick Pepperdine of 4C who had scralled a long black line all the way down the corridor. He could be quite kind though. Strange guy. Mr Myram who taught us 'Britsh Constitution' was ok. He called me by my first name and was quite friendly and a sense of humour. Beauchamp was next door in Room 1 - he was a bit of a nutter - less said the better. Never knew Barton - you had to be good at maths and he taught basic calculus. I wasn't good at maths.
Never really understood algebra let alone quadratic equations and the like. John Cooper was our form teacher. The olympic hurdler no less!! At Tokyo in 1964. Loved religion for some bizarre reason. Jolliffe, Hargreaves (in the quadrangle - room known as the library) Mr Spurdens was the nicest among all of them. He taught music and also taught me rudimentary violin after hours. He lived in Addington village. Potter did Gym stuff. He was ok too. But the most frightening teacher was Varlow!! He taught physics and science and was a really nallsy sarcastic angry git. Never learnt much from him. There was one young teacher called Mr CP Jones who had joined in 1962. He taught Craft and science - and actually he was a nasty piece of work too. Always angry. I sometimes wonder if this was because it was 1962 and the Cuban Missile Crisis was in full swing. The grown-ups must have been dead scared. And of course all those teachers were trying to teach 11 - plus failures which must have been a bit soul-destroying for them. And E.L. Dawson was also quite frightening to young lads.I think they had been through World War 2 (or a lot of them) and had probably been in the forces no doubt and seen some bad stuff. The regimented life led to their insistence on discipline. Oh yes - and Mr Gibbs whom I think was married to Mrs Gibbs who taught in the junior school. He seemed a bit distant somehow - was ok though. Did Technical Drawing. You never hear of that subject now.
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