Making slides in the playground
Good old Cottesmore. I started at the primary school not being able to speak a word of English in Mr Joyce’s class in late 1952. My recollection was it was a cold winter, and we used to make slides in the playground. I still carry a scar after hitting a wall coming off one of them. I am pleased to say that I was made very welcome and joined in the football. I specially remember Mr Joyce who used to walk about the class with his hands tucked in his trousers behind his back, and would give you a knuckle if needed.
The famous flying rubber
I remember that we used to find spent ammunition by the trees on the edge of the field. I also remember having the strap most weeks it seemed, from the Head Master, it was probably for fighting. I moved up to the secondary school in Mr Harvey’s class. I remember the flying rubber – but it was never aimed at me though. I still recall the ghostly story of the tramp read out to us; does anyone else remember that?
Did you attend Cottesmore? Please share your memories by posting a comment below
Cross country to Hove Park
Mr Harvey used to take us cross country to Hove Park – snow and all. He was also keen on boxing; “get them in the solar plexus”, as John Rose did at the Dome inter-schools competition’s fastest round ever. I went to the new school and was in the school football team – inside right, Paul Rose – inside left, Jimmy Mulholland – left wing, They were very happy days.
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My Dad, Frank Joyce, died in 1975 after a short illness but is obviously remembered by his pupils. I was chatting with Jim Lloyd recently who remembers my dad from the mid 50’s and his being rushed into hospital with peritonitis. My brother Vincent and I were at Cottesmore, leaving for Xaverian College in 1959 / 1960.
I remember the flying blackboard duster I think I probably deserved as I was always talking in class. I also remember having homework to do and hadn’t done it so borrowed my best friend’s book and copied hers. Stupidly I copied it word for word so it was obvious I had cheated. I was never very academic – much preferred being on the sports field. Mr Harvey lives in Australia and I believe has for several years. I have spoken to Jim Mullholland but not recently and often see John Rose as we both play lawn bowls but for different clubs. They were certainly happy days but I don’t think I thought so at the time.
Jenny – yep, I remember the lines too – so it was you receiving the duster. Ask John Rose if he remembers the fastest knock out. I used to be very friendly with Paul Rose, John’s brother. I still have the photo of the football team we were in 1955-6. I sent it in but it may have been lost in the process of computing. I used to roller skate together to school with Paul. I used to live in Edmont Road, two doors up from the church hall. I used to have other friends in Stapley Road, Vincent and Edmond Burke. In the teddy boy times I remember two squaring up to each other outside the hall and they were cooled down by the lady from across the road throwing a bucket of water over them – can you imagine that! I think the record playing at the time was Diana by Paul Anker. Fancy catching up with Jimmy Mulholland – he is in the photo right wing: me inside right, Paul Rose inside left. Give them my regards and lovely hearing from you. Tom
Hi Tom, yes will give your regards to John next time I see him. I don’t see him very often but think we may still have a match against his club. Jenny.
I was at Cottesmore from 1953 to 1957. Miss Hobden Year 3, Miss Hanvey Year 4, Mr Joyce Years 5 (strict but fair), and Mr Woolley Year 6.
I was at Cottesmore until 1957. Mr Woolley was the best ever in Year 6. He taught me so much and was such a help in promoting my future education.
Mr Joyce was the first person who really opened my eyes to the Catholic faith. Plus he enabled my drawing talent to blossom. He was a great person.
Hi, I was at Cottesmore junior and senior – junior 1949-1951 and senior 1951-Dec 55. Lots of happy memories. My two sisters are Francis and Ann Young. Francis went on to teach at Cardinal Newman.
Does anyone remember Miss Hanvey who took us for Needlework and was our class teacher when she sadly died? Such a character – I remember she coined the phrase about me: bold, brass, brazen Bickerton! I felt honoured when she asked me to be her needle-threader because her eyes were failing…
Lynne, do you or anyone elose remember when Miss Hanvey died and what of? She was a close friend of my family and I would really like to know. Thanks.
Didn’t Miss Harvey have a useful ruler!
I was first in in Sacred Heart from 1950 till we moved to Cottesmore St Marys where I stayed until 1957. My memories are now getting vague but I enjoyed playing in the football team in goal. My best friend, Peter Senior, lived near me and I remember going with him watch to Brighton play at weekends.
I was at Cottesmore from 1951-1956, I remember 2 friends, Peter Wrench and Christopher Moore, but lost touch when we moved over the border into West Sussex.
Yes Miss Hanvey was handy with the ruler! I remember Mr Joyce too. I was mad keen on football.
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