It's not all bad

Sue Burton suggested we include Moulsecoomb in ‘My Brighton and Hove’ for the reason she gives below:

“Because as far as Brighton and Hove is concerned – Moulsecoomb doesn’t exist! I’ve taught at the local school there for 18 years – and it’s not all bad!

If you want a good beginning to research Moulsecoomb try a book entitled ‘Moulsecoomb Days’ by Ruby Dunn (ISBN 0 904733 35 1). It’s a personal history. Ruby Dunn charts a community’s emergence … with an unsentimental account of her life as child and mother, student and teacher.”

Comments about this page

  • I remember moving to 4, Staplefield Drive in the late 1950s – when it was brand new. I thought it was great. I soon got in with the rest of the kids and used to play cowboys and indians, Germans and English. I was told to keep away from Birdham Road because that was trouble. We were only there a short time when Dad’s firm asked him to take over as head caretaker at a block of flats in Norwood. I hated it – there was no freedom like I had at Staplefield Drive. Many years later I was visiting Brighton and went and looked at Staplefield Drive – oh dear, what a change. A lot more houses and it seemed a lot smaller than I remember. Broken pavement slabs and broken walls. The fields are still there where my mate Kenny Forbes and I were playing with matches and set a tree alight. We managed to put the fire out – but I burnt my hand. When my dad found out, I got a good hiding. Happy days!

    By Alan Nitsche (11/06/2006)
  • I did not live in Moulsecoomb but did go to school there from 1945-1950. I have many fond memories of the time I spent there. There was a little tuck shop under the viaduct bridge we used for lunch goodies before we went to the Wild Park for lunch break. If any one out there from that time frame is still around give me a shout please.

    By John White (06/08/2006)
  • I lived in Moulsecoomb (Birdham Road) from 1961 to 1965, and despite its reputation found it a good place to live. My brother still lives there and my other brothers and sisters live in Birdham and other roads on the estate. I made many good friends in the short time I was there and when I go to visit (not often enough), it is just as if I have never been away. I found that once you where accepted by the people on the estate, you had good and true friends for life.

    By Derrick Borrer (11/08/2006)
  • I was one of the very first black children to live on Ringmer Road in Moulsecoomb, I went to the local school and played in the local church on the road. I’m 29 now. My love of Moulsecoomb died when Nicola and Karen, friends of mine at the time, were murdered in 1986. I then moved to London and have never looked back since. Until now, until tonight. Before coming onto this site I thought of my time at primary school and remembered the huge field I used to play in at the local school. I remember getting lost in Stammer Park and rolling down the hill in Wild Park. When I was young I remember new homes being built up at the top of Ringmer Road. I remember playing curb ball in the road and picking raspberries amongst the stinging nettles. I remember my friend Claire who lived at the bottom of Ringmer Road. She had a really nice house and as we were poor, I often liked to stay around. I remember being different to some and innocent to others. I remember being called a monkey by Mrs H at my school and running all the way home crying. I remember being in my back garden watching the national train whizz by and I hoped that one day that train would take me to a new place: it did. I remember Moulsecoomb.

    By Rachael Oladipo (16/08/2006)
  • My grandparents lived in Newick Road. We used to visit every sunday back in the 1960s.  Even then, when I played out I knew I had to look after myself. My dad was one of thirteen children, all brought up at number 86 Newick Road, in a three bedroomed house.

    By Paul Hubbard (20/10/2006)
  • Does anyone remember the Aurora Borealus (Northern Lights) round about 1934/5? They lit up the sky and from our Chailey Road doorstep it looked as though the Wild Park was on fire. Very scary!

    By Sheila Winter (30/10/2006)
  • I lived in Stonecross Road, then moved to the Crescent, then moved to Hillside till I married my husband, Phil, 26 years ago. I always think of Moulsecoomb as my home. My best time of all was when I lived at 42 The Crescent. My dad was George Coomber. They knocked our house down to build Jubilee Court. I wish I could see it again. If anyone has a photo, please get in touch. You may have been one of the motor bike boys who were always at our house?

    By Debby (25/05/2007)
  • Is the Danish Bacon Co still in Moulsecombe? I used to work there as receptionist and really enjoyed it. I think I was about 17-18 years old so it will have been about 1958! I lived in Moulsecombe too but can’t remember the road, it was near Natal Road. I remember a Mr. Crook in Sales and a Thelma Wheatley, and her husband George.

    By Sandie (Edna Taylor) Waller (30/05/2007)
  • I lived in Hillside from 1953 till 1963. Then when I got married, we lived in Chailey Rd for 20 years. I get very angry when I hear people knocking it as a bad area. I had some very good times there. I live in Newhaven now but I still miss moulsecoomb and the good times I had and all the good mates I had.

    By Bob Legg (16/08/2007)
  • I used to live in Staplefield Drive, from 1966 to 1987. I loved it. I used to play bulldog with my mates Sarah and Nicola Carey, and my best friend was Carol Howe. Those were fun days, bring back those days. Moulescoomb is and was a good place to live. My mum still lives there. I’m 41 now.

    By Bridget (24/09/2007)
  • I went to Moulsecoomb School from 1962 until 1966. It was then a mixed secondary school but with separate playgrounds for the boy and girls on each side of the assembly hall. The memory of these four years are not particularly good ones as the school was filled with monsterous creations that plagued our existence everyday, and I am not talking about the other kids, no indeed not, the teachers were the plague! Does anyone remember Mr (Mad) Tonks who took Religion and was prone to throwing his bible at your head if you did not know the right anwser? Or Mr Rex who took Maths, who made you stand in front of the blackboard and you had to write up a division and if a figure was wrong you felt his bamboo cane until you got it right! Wonderful methods of teaching. That is not to say that we were angels, indeed not, the truth is that most of us were a badly behaved bunch who did not have much time for school. Much more alluring in summer was the promenade and all its atrractions -much better than going to school! Does anyone remember the name of the then headmaster? Sadly I cannot remember many of the names of those in my class or in neighbouring classes, but I do remember an Edgar, and Roger Hellier, used to live in Mafeking Road, and a Wagner from Whitehawk. Perhaps I will remember other names then I can write an addendum to this. Moulsecoomb never had a good reputation and my experience there only proves the rule.

    By Alan Noakes (10/10/2007)
  • Alan i left Moulsecoomb back in 1958 I was in the infamous 4b, our teacher was Mr. Cox who was not allowed to give you the strap because he had broken a boy’s wrist with one. Mr. Tonks was known as Teddy Boy Tonks because he wore Teddy-boy gear at school. Mr. Percy Pesket took science, Mr. Virgo took metalwork.
    Mr. Pue a little welsh man, and probably the most popular teacher in the school, took woodwork. Mr. Elphick was the head master a very fair man who always listened to you before he gave you the strap. Its strange when you hear today of so much bullying going on in different schools because although Moulsecoomb was rough and ready I can’t remember any bullying going on and if you wanted to learn I think our teachers were as good as any and the education was pretty good. If the art teacher, whose name was Mr. McClusky, should read this I still want the picture of a commando, that I did back please.

    By Bob Legg (21/11/2007)
  • We moved to Birdham Road 6 years ago and were initially wary as we were told it was not a nice place and our house had been empty for a long time. Having lived all over Brighton I can honestly say that Moulsecoomb is where I feel most at home – I have never lived anywhere for this long a time! We have great neighbours and people are friendly once they know you are not trouble! The scenery around here is beautiful and I am very interested in the history, especially Moulsecoomb Place and Hodshrove Woods where the farm was. Any tips on further reading about these places would be gratefully received.

    By Liz (23/11/2007)
  • Liz – I remember Hodshrove farmhouse. In the late 1940’s it was part of Moulsecoomb Junior School and housed four classes: two up and two down. When it was pulled down in about 1949/50, several people caught infantile paralysis, today’s equivalent of polio. One of the teachers died, I think her name was Mrs Bannister. It was said there were 15 coats of wallpaper and the disease was blamed on that, but not sure how true that was. To get to school we had to go up a very rutty tree-lined lane past the farmhouse. I still have a bad scar from a fall in that lane.

    By Joan (09/12/2007)
  • Does anyone remember the grocers name of Quibell (hope I spelt that right!)?  They were in Coombe Road I think.  I remember Mr Quibell used to come round the houses for orders and to deliver.  A very nice man with all the charm of the old fashioned service that seems to have gone!

    By Sandie Waller (20/02/2008)
  • Hello to you all. I attended Moulsecoomb school from 1961 till 1971. I remember Mr Evans the headmaster clearly.The only teacher I had a problem with was Mrs Cow who had a habit of putting a hanky up her nose. My RE teacher was Mr Drakeford or Daddy Drakeford as we all called him. I lived in Moulsecoomb Way and we then moved to Bolney Road. My brother Chris still lives in Ringmer Road.

    By Tony Dyke (27/02/2008)
  • I lived in Birdham Road at number 108 and my dad died there, he hanged himself. I’m looking for history on that house if anyone knows anything please let me know.  Apart from that I loved it I made many friends.

    By Tanisha Smith (01/07/2008)
  • To Paul Hubbard – hi Paul. I remember some of your forebears. Wally attended my class at school. His brother was riding his sports bike home from work along the main road and Wally shouted out a hello to him. He was busy waving and shouting back when the bus ahead stopped at the bus stop and he crashed into the back of it. A hospital job. Wally was a very good footballer as well as a generally good sportsman. He was part of the very good Moulsecoomb Rovers football team which did so well in the 40s – 50s. Run initially by one of the teachers at Moulsecoomb Seniors, a Mr. Williams who left to become a lieutenant in the R.N.

    By Ron Spicer (03/07/2008)
  • To Tanisha. Hi Tanisha, if you will say the period you stayed at l08 and when any others connected with you also were there, I may be able to help. The Hayes’ and Romaines lived at 146 and 144 respectively durng the pre and postwar period and I have a connection with at least one Romaine.

    By Ron Spicer (03/07/2008)
  • Re: Alan 22/2/2008 – the art teacher’s car was not an Alvis, but a very fast Allard, still going, along with our fave Mr Tiller.

    By S. Lockyer (22/09/2008)
  • My family lived in Hillside at no 34 and I lived there from 1958 till 1977 when I joined the Armed Forces. What a great area and a great upbringing; fantastic school and friends, lots of football on the green, just a great time.

    By Jeremy Townsend (24/09/2008)
  • Hi Bob. Don’t know what must have happened but in the 1930s Mr. Cox was the 4a teacher. The Woodwork teacher was a Mr. Abbercrombie who would always want to join in any of the current interests of the boys such as alleys (marbles). He would fire the alley from his thumb crooked back against the forefinger and was fairly accurate with it. A smoker, he would enter the playground just before the whistle was blown for play ending and dump a three quarter length cigarette, still burning, on the ground next to the nearby drain on a daily basis. Come WWII and a number of the teachers disappeared to the services which probably resulted in Mr. Cox at least being changed to a different teaching level on the arrival of a possibly better trained teacher. He also had a habit of throwing a small piece of chalk with great accuracy at any pupil who was not paying attention. One day he threw a piece at one, Dennis Hammond. (Are you still with us Dennis?) Wearing glasses, he looked up just as the chalk was thrown and it broke a lens; phew, Consternation. A very worried looking Mr. Cox hurriedly left the class with Dennis and later we noted Dennis’ mother at the school. Dennis kept quiet about it so I can only presume Mr. Cox paid handsomely for his accuracy!

    By Ron Spicer (28/09/2008)
  • Ron Spicer, sorry to take so long replying, busy times I’m afraid. My Uncle Wally sadly passed on a couple of years back. My Dad is Lenny Hubbard, one of the roofers, who also played in the good Moulsecoomb Rovers teams. Dad is reasonably fit and well. Defeating everybody put before him, nowadays at bowls; he lives with my mum Lyn in Woodingdean, where he plays his bowls.
    Many of the family have sadly passed on, but my dad still sees Dennis quite often. I now live in Spain with another dynasty of Hubbards growing up, but I fondly remember my Sunday afternoons at my Nan and Granddad’s in Newick Road.

    By Paul Hubbard (02/10/2008)
  • What a trip down memory lane. I lived at 18 Chailey Road 1959 – 69. I went to sea in 1966 and never really returned but I still regarded where my parents lived as home until I came to New Zealand in 1969. I’m the son of Frank & Gertrude Groves; I lived with my Nan (Lydia) my two sisters (Linda & Greta) and my brother (Paul). My best mate was John Linter at No 7. There were a lot of teenagers about my age in the 60s Linda Wright at No 1, Cliff & Heather Wilson at No 5, Patricia & Brenda Young at No 9, Patricia was my dream girl and when she became Patricia Swann I finally took the hint. Diane & Patricia Rogers lived at No 16, Susan & Terry Streeter at No 20, Linda & Sharon Rowley at No 22, Valerie Aspinal at No 24 (I remember that I got a smack and sent to bed for giving Valerie a bit of cheek, she was a little bit older than me), Christopher & Susan Mantell at No 30. There are a lot of other names locked inside my head so if anybody can remember Chailey Road from the 1960s drop me a line dave.groves@kiwirail.co.nz. I saw Ivor Williams name on this site, that’s another name that I recall. Moulsecoomb wasn’t for the faint hearted but I loved it there. It seemed that everyone had a family member that worked at Allen West, and that Allen West hooter, how can anyone forget that hooter.

    By David Groves (28/11/2008)
  • Hi everyone, I went to Moulsecoomb from 68 to 1970. Firstly, I must say like you all I remember Mr Tiller, and I agree what a fantastic teacher and person he was. I was in classes 1c up to 3c. Mr Evans was the head, and the only thing that reminds me of him, when we were all lining for dinner, making a bit if noise, he got out the strap from his pocket. It must have been as long as his leg. Mrs Mascall was my Geography teacher. I can’t remember most of them by name, but can remember how they were. They all had their ways. The tech teacher who also did the school boxing, would bash you with a boxing glove, or throw a box of wooden shapes at you. The maths and English teacher would have all the boys line up in front of the black board before class, and would check your hands and shoes and cane you if they were dirty. The woodwork teacher would tap you with a lump of wood, the gym teacher would not let you wear underpants under your shorts, so when you got a whack with the plimsole it left a mark for days. I could go on but don’t want to bore anyone. They were hard days but it gave me respect and I had some great mates. If anyone knows the following, Kevin Ide, Gary Villers, Mark Ward, or if you were in my class please get in touch: andrew_r_kedziora@tiscali.co.uk

    By Andy Kedziora (05/12/2008)
  • Hi, yes I used to live in Chailey Rd, I think it was number 24. Our nextdoor neighbours were the Pollards and I went out with Chris Pollard when I was 16. I lived in Moulsecoomb 1971 till I left in 1976. I remember Mr Bear, he had a blue bubble car and he was a good teacher. He was my form teacher for 4 years I think. Anybody remember Mr Hommer the history teacher? He had a real passion for his subject. I also remember Mr Evens the head and Mrs Cow (the old cow we girls used to call her) and Mrs Holsworthy the cookery teacher, a little old grey haired lady but what a slave driver. If you forgot your cookery stuff, the little old one had a temper and you ended up cleaning the pantry floors. Well, I did once and only once. Next time when I could not afford to do the cookery, I had a day off and walked to the beach. Oh happy days. My best friend was a Delia Keating. Does anyone know her whereabouts?

    By Karen Routledge (01/04/2009)
  • Hi, I lived at 10 Ringmer Road. I was born in 1965 and I lived at Ringmer Road until the mid 1970s then we moved to 32, Moulsecoomb Way until I was 9 years old. I have a lot of good and bad memories at Ringmer. There was eight kids in my family; my Dad’s name was Fredrick Wright and my Mum’s name was Pamela Wright. I remember the long hot summers you could walk for miles through the woods and fields – we used to pick all the raspberries and gooseberries and my Mum would make pies with them. I went to Moulsecoomb School, the only teacher I can remember was Mrs Zolic  – she was my form teacher. 10 Ringmer Road was a lovely house but it had a dark side to it; things happened there that you could not explain. My Mum’s best friend was Mrs Robinson, I think she lived in Newick Road, her husband’s name was Ken. Mrs Robinson was a lovely lady and I will always remember her. If anybody remembers us please get in touch: wozavw@blueyonder.co.uk

    By Andrew Wright (09/08/2009)
  • Hi. I lived at 16, Hillside with my family till I joined the Navy in 1969. I went to Moulsecoomb junior and infant schools from 1956. I loved Moulsecoomb; my Mother only moved from there 4 years ago. I now live in Farnborough. If anyone remembers me from school (I’m sorry but a lot of names escape me but I’m sure they will ring a bell if I hear them again) and they would like to get in touch, then I would love to hear from you after all these years at ronjan@talktalk.net

    By Ron Jarratt (26/08/2009)
  • To Rachel Oladipo (comment above dated 16/08/2006):  I would heavily bet that the teacher (“Mrs H”) who called you a monkey was in fact a Miss – Miss Horton. My experience at her hands is well remarked upon in my memories elsewhere herein. I’m not so sure such teachers would be employed nowadays.

    By Ron Spicer (14/10/2009)
  • Hi, I’m Brenda Young, mentioned by David Groves. My family all lived at No. 9 Chailey Rd for quite a few years. It was rough but, we loved it there. The adventure playground. Stanmer Park. I used to go to Moulsecoombe Secondary High. I remember Ms Cow and some of the other teachers’ names are familiar. I remember Mr. Stockbridge as the English teacher, loved acting, left teaching to go back into it too. My best friend then was Elizabeth Chessell. I live in Canada now. I’ve loved stumbling over this and it’s made me feel very homesick. Lovely website, full of wonderful memories. Moulsecombe was a great place to grow up in! There was 6 of us, and between us and the neighbours’ kids we’d drive our neighbours nuts but, they liked us all anyways! LOL

    By Brenda Young (25/10/2009)
  • Hello, I just found out about this site from my sister Brenda, she said it brought back so many memories for her, and it has for me too. I have many fond memories of David Groves, and it was lovely to read the comments he made about me. I also have brilliant memories of my friends Margaret Stevens, Christine Parr, and her brother Collin Parr. Along the road lived Brian Long. Across the road lived Linda Rowley with her sister Sharon and Steven Rowley. I also remember the Mantells, Ivor Williams, and our lovely neighbours who’s names have slipped my mind, but who put up with us scrumpimg from their apple tree so often, and us trying to make out we were innocent. Linda Wright lived in Chailey Road too, along with Susan who’s daughter was sadly murdered in Wild Park. I went to Stanmer Park|high School, and my best friends were Wendy Archer, Christine White, Margaret Stevens, Carol Brown, Gail and a few more whose last names i have forgotten. I t would be lovely to have an on site get together to tell our life stories, and to see how we all fared. Would love to hear from you Pat Young.

    By Patricia Baker nee Swann nee Young (26/10/2009)
  • With reference to the comment by Rachael Oladipo (16.08.2006) being one of the first black children in Moulsecoomb – hello Rachael. Probably the first one was named Michael and lived with a family named, I think, Marchant, round about 60 Newick Road. As a child in the 1930s I can remember being unthinkingly told to feel his hair. It felt strong and curly and I wished that I could have such wonderful head-cover! However , Michael was not at all pleased and demonstrated his dislike immediately. He grew into a very handsome lad. Almost certainly North Moulsecoomb’s first black inhabitant and certainly within my memory the first one to attend North Moulsecoomb’s schools. Hello Michael; are you still with us?

    By Ron Spicer (17/11/2009)
  • Jeremy – my grandparents lived at 34 Hillside until they died a few years ago. They were there many years, I can’t remember when they moved in but they must have been the next tennants after you now! My grandfather did quite a lot with the garden, splitting it into 3 levels – one for the patio, one as a garden and the last as an allotment for growing vegetables. It’s been sold now, onto a student landlord who, from what I’ve heard, has gutted the place.

    By Lawrence (23/01/2010)
  • Andrew Wright, hello. Helen and Ken were my Auntie and Uncle AND YES MY AUNT WAS A LOVELY LADY. THANKYOU

    By Anonymous (30/01/2010)
  • Hello Ron. I think it highly unlikely that Mrs or Miss Horton as you prefer to call her, would have still been teaching in 1986 or even in the 1970s she was getting on when she was my teacher in 1951. You obviously have a hang up about the lady as has been demonstrated in previous correspondence but my opinion and others that I know is by far in opposition. Strict yes, stood no nonsense I will agree but in the year I was there she taught a class of 54 children, most of us without home back up and from that number 48 of us passed scholarships. No mean feat I think. The intake of Brighton Grammar schools 30 x 4 classes girls and the same for boys therefore 240 places per year seems to be a high percentage of the allocation of the town.The teachers of today throw up their hands in horror at classes in excess of 30 my own daughter being one of them. By the way, you haven’t answered my question about the railway.

    By Joan (11/02/2010)
  • Hi Joan. Enlighten me further please! The railway. Regarding Miss Horton: I probably did have a hang-up about her, considering the way she dealt with me. (Did you read it all?) For my mother to visit the school over her treatment of me and to be brazenly told that she didn’t like me is something no child, later growing up and still remembering, would ever forget! Teachers with such an attitude nowadays would not remain in teaching. It is possible that she matured out of her worst ways coincidentally with the change in circumstances of the children as conditions in living standards and understanding improved.

    By Ron Spicer (16/02/2010)
  • Hello again Ron. The question re railways was in response to your comment about one of my pieces “the railway behind the houses” included in Moulsecoomb housing estates. Re Mrs Horton, you ask if I read all, can’t find any refs in your pieces, I got the gist from replies you made to some of my comments. I can however sympathise very much at you being maligned by a teacher. It happened to me at Varndean. I was ridiculed on my first day by the English mistress Mrs Allen for asking what an essay was, we called it composition at Moulsecoomb. My first piece of homework I ever did and proudly handed in was marked with a large ‘F’ in red, it meant failure and she showed it to the whole class who sniggered. I was always in trouble in that woman’s class and she told me my ‘sort’ from council estates had the wrong background for English. Perhaps as you suggest Mrs Horton had mellowed by the time she taught me. She wasn’t a smiley person and the boys were terrified when she gave them the tawse, but she was a good teacher.

    By Joan (21/02/2010)
  • I was in Mrs. Horton’s class 1955-56. In the third year at Moulsecoomb I was in Mr. Quinn’s class, he was lovely and I remember being terrified that I would be in Mrs Horton’s class. She would arrive every morning in her car with Miss King and I would take their dog for a walk before class (a great honour). I remember she was very strict and still remember the day that she slapped me around the head and said ‘You thought girl you didn’t think at all!’ Obviously I must have upset her for some reason! I would still say she was a very good teacher- in those days you respected a teacher who was strict, not so sure it would work today!

    By Susan Kent (05/03/2010)
  • Hi Johnnie Johnson. Thank you Sir. Your “different slant” on the school was something of a revelation to me as at the time you were the bane of my young life, I wish to thank you and all similar minded staff of the school for your installation of a love of prose, literature and knowledge which enabled many your pupils to achieve fulfilling careers and contribute much more than “checking the pools and their wages”. PS The cause of my particular hardship with you was not the subject content, but my deplorable handwriting, a trait which never left me – thank goodness for the keyboard.

    By Richard Windsor (24/04/2010)
  • Hi all, I thought I may chip in as my family have a very important link to Moulsecoomb. My family owned and ran Hodshrove Farm, which was then sold to the council and became known as “The Bates Estate”, which is now Moulsecoomb. My family moved down here in the early to mid 1800’s from Derbyshire. It is thought that the head of the family, Joseph Bates, moved down here to take on an estate management job for a wealthy Brighton resident up by Preston Park. It is thought that maybe the circumstances changed and they pitched up on the land, where Moulsecoomb is today, and ringed a fence around it. Effectively squatting. However, the law at the time stated that however much land you can fence in one night was legally deemed as your own. Thus the birth of Hodshrove Farm and nuseries. I have put alot of time into researcing my family’s lineage, as has my Grandfather. He has told me stories that were passed down to him about the farm and life there but I seek to know if anyone outside of my family has a story or memory to tell? I am buying a copy of Moulsecoomb Days by Ruby Dunn as I know she mention my family’s farm and some memories of it. If there is anyone here that can and is willing to help I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Mark.

    By Mark Bates (27/06/2010)
  • How about Peter Stockbridge as a teacher? He instilled in me a love of drama. Sadly he died a couple of years ago, but I did bump into him a few times in London. And Mr Rex the Maths teacher! Evans, the headmaster, went to school with the Attenboroughs and he wanted me to go and see Richard when they were filming ‘Oh What a Lovely War’ at the racecourse because I had a love of acting. I was too lazy to go! How silly. I was at the school from 1965-1968.

    By David Crosweller (01/07/2010)
  • I lived in Ringmer Road from 1958 till 1970. I went to Moulscoomb School and loved it. I had lots of friends and would love Alan Gibbens to catch up on old friends please e mail me for a chat.

    By Shirley Grace Jennings (14/11/2010)
  • Linda Wright was my best friend. Susan Streeter, Hellen Saunders, Glenis Jennkins, Nobby Novis, Syliva Ward, Maureen Borrer, all the Swallows boys, I loved you- all great times back in the late 50s till 1970s. I had a ball. Get in touch if you remerber me.  shirleygrace@live.co.uk

    By Shirley Grace Jennings (14/11/2010)
  • Lawrence, thank you for the info about 34, Hillside. I lived in Hillside until ’77 when I joined the army. I remember the Baileys (John and Kev), Lenny and Tina Heath, Chris and Kim Rolf and many others. Now I live in Cornwall but remember Moulsecoomb with fondness.

    By jeremy townsend (21/11/2010)
  • Great site for me to hear about the school (I attended Moulsecoomb Senior from1963), lots of stories.

    By Allan Holmes (03/01/2011)
  • I went to Moulsecoombe Girls School from 1954-1958. Is there anyone still around from those years who might remember me? If so I would love to hear from you. I left Brighton in 1964 and moved to the Manchester area. Girls in my class were Sheila Harwood, Janet Boutle, Pat Stevens, Carol Jordan, Barbara Polkinghorne, Jacky Francis to name a few. The teachers I remember were Miss Neat [cookery], Miss Mitchel [Maths-Geography], Miss Richardson [art-needlework] etc. Also if Lawrence Howel is still in the Brighon area, or any family or friends have any information about him I would be pleased to hear.

    By Pamela Nee Gooch (13/02/2011)
  • My husband lived at 72 Hillside, Kevin Godfrey. He has always spoken highly of Moulsecoomb and the people in it. We have been up there a few times, his trip down memory lane, showing me where “hundreds” of you used to gather on the green and have a head count by the ‘rozzers’. His family lived there from the 1940s through to the 1970s (I think I am right on these dates).

    By Godfrey (15/04/2011)
  • I used to live at 80 Birdham Road. I remember Teddy Boy Tonks. I was expelled for 2 years then returned for 1 year. Mr Elphick was the headmaster.

    By Charles Holes (04/07/2011)
  • I have just discovered this page. I lived originally in Birdham Road (I was born in Bevendean Crescent), then we moved to Appledore Road. I went to Moulsecoomb Juniors (1943 – 1947) and senior school (1947 – 1950). (see school photo as printed from the Argus). I missed the infants as my sister and I were evacuated in 1940 to 1943. I enjoyed my life in Moulsecoomb, and am still in touch with many of the friends I made there. Reading all the comments has been a real trip down memory lane. If anyone remembers me or my sister, please get in touch.

    By Ann Webster (07/09/2011)
  • Shirley Jennings, my brother is Barry Novis, Nobby he lives in Australia now. He is an artist, he moved there about 26 yrs ago. He has a website if you just type his name in he comes up under artist. l also went to Moulscoomb and remember Miss Cow and Moffat PE teacher. l have good memories and friends – Janice Foster, Carol Heath, Lizzie Hargie bless her. l live in Basildon, Essex so it was great reading what everyone wrote.

    By Susan Dougherty Novis (27/09/2011)
  • I was at Moulsecoomb School from 1963 – 67. I couldn’t wait to leave at 15 and find a job. I hated school. My biggest fear was the Maths Teacher, Mr. Rex, who absolutely terrified me. Before a Maths period, I would be physically sick. Having said that, Mr. Rex was an excellent Maths Teacher and knew his subject like the back of his hand.

    By Evelyn (28/10/2011)
  • I have just been reading this fascinating page, its so interesting to listen to all these stories. Just came across the paragraph by Susan Dougherty, I’m trying to trace together my partner’s family history! The name Lizzie Hargie is very interesting to me, am I of the understanding this lady had many brothers and sisters, naming a few: Laura, Hettie, Francis, Alan Stewart and Andrew Hargie? If this is correct, it would be really great to know. Or if anyone reading this knows of these people from back then, it would be great to hear. Thank you. Keep doing what your doing – it’s lovely to hear all your stories.

    By Clare (07/11/2011)
  • Joan, I just happened on this page. Miss Bannister was still teaching at the school when I attended there 1961-64 although she was very disabled and walked with the aid of sticks.

    By SE (18/11/2011)
  • Thank you SE for letting me know about Miss Bannister. Sorry to hear of her disability but preferable to what I originally thought.

    By Joan Cumbers (19/11/2011)
  • Hi to all scoomers, I have been reading this site with great fondness. I lived in Newick Road from when I was 10 in 1963 till 1973 when I moved into the centre of Brighton. I went to Moulsecoomb school and loved it. Mr. Gallagher knocked me out with a ball in the junior’s. I then went on to the senior’s, I remember Mr Rex, Cox, Widdup, Drakeford, Catchpole, Evans, Tiller, Virgo, Miss Cowe, Merryfield, Mitchell, all good fun. Some of the pupils were, my best mate Dennis Williams, Tim Salvage, John Paice, Bill Massey, Trevor Evans, Cliff Marlowe, Colin D Tugwell and Colin Tugwell, girls were,:Carol Langridge, Angela Sawyer, Mary Dunkerton, Angela Everest, Liz Chessell plus many more. The people I remember from Newick Road were Mrs Tucker at 22, Whealdon 24, Cobbett, Robinson (I used to work with Kev at Redifon), Lyons, Squibb?, Martin, Pitt, Spicer, friends with both Robert and Alan, other people around the area were Cooper in Chailey Road, Brian Moore in Ringmer Road, Kennards. I had many a good time climbing trees in the woods, scrumping and garden hopping, playing soccer in Woolards also playing soccer for the school with John Paice, Trev Evans, Minnie Marlowe, Bill Massey. Lots more memories- just need a bit of a jolt. Happy times.

    By Geoff Packer (29/11/2011)
  • Hi Geoff, You have just jolted my memories. Not used the name ‘Minnie’ since school days. I can remember the caning from Drakeford, fond days playing football for the school, the cross country runs around the wild park. Was telling my family that it was great to get just a track suit top and a football for Christmas and not a lot more, not like today. Met another football member several years ago, Steven Measor, another footaller i still see is Ross Paulton. I often wonder what has happen to all my old mate from the 60s. Mums still in the same house over 58 years and i am always in the area. I have lived in Patcham for many years. Have a great Christmas to you and your family.

    By Cliff (Minnie) Marlow (23/12/2011)
  • Hi, I lived in Birdham Rd then moved to Moulsecoomb way in the 1960s. I have a big family and we all went to Moulsecoomb schools. I know a lot of the teachers you are talking about, most of all I remembered Mr Tiller, art teacher, and Mr Nicks my English teacher. They were fantastic. Moulsecoomb was a great place to live, my Mum still lives there now in Coldean. My best mates were Tina…. 

    By kathleen taylor (25/01/2012)
  • Continues from my last page! My best friends were Tina Cooper, Dotty Glynn, Pauline Heath, Sue Hessell and many more. I’m proud to say I lived in Moulsecoomb, and sad to say a lot of my mates have now passed. Kathy Wallace, now Taylor .

    By kathleen taylor (29/01/2012)
  • I am doing this for my sister Angela Wallace, she went to Moulsecoombe infants junior and senior schools. She would like to hear from her mates Megan Adams, Ruby Marchant, and others that remember the Wallace family. Regards Angie and Kathy Wallace.

    By Kathleen Taylor (30/01/2012)
  • I went to Moulsecoomb Seniors from 1968 to 1973, reading some of the comments has brought the memories flooding back. The teachers I remember were Miss Cowl (music); Mr Nicks (English); Mr Merritt(maths); Mr Rex (maths); Mr Homer (history); Mr Guthrie (English); Mr Bear (English?); Mr Stockbridge (drama); Mr Drakeford (music); Miss Merryfield (French); Mr Catchpole (geography); Miss Dixon (cookery); Mr Welch (metalwork); Mr Gregory (woodwork); Mr Peskett (science); Miss Barden (science); Miss Dawson (art); Mr Tiller (art); Mr Hargreaves (tech drawing); Miss Neat (not sure but I remember she taught my sister a few years earlier and my mum in the early 40’s); Mr Leckie (English); Mr Widdup (PE); Mr Evans  (Headmaster) and his secretary Miss Nixon. I always remember it as a good school and I believe I had a good education right through from the infants to the seniors. The teachers could be a bit scary as the cane was still in force then and some of us got it on a regular basis. We must have been taught a good level of respect as I remember when I was aged 26 walking up Duke Street and seeing Mr Catchpole and I still called him ‘Sir’!

    By Paul Clarkson (06/02/2012)
  • For Mark Bates:  Hello Mark, sorry to take such a very long time to respond to your input on the Hodshrove Farm piece. When the Moulsecoomb Way Bates Orchard, as it was known by many of us at the time, was sold off, it became the responsibility of the local Moulsecoomb School Attendance Officer, a certain Captain Crow, whose attire most of the time consisted of a khaki topping with ‘plus fours’, and there’s no doubt he couldn’t forget his one time experience in the army! His florid complexion and loud commanding voice were something to be easily remembered. He was one of the few in those days who could afford a car. With several other boys, I was daringly searching through the orchard for the best apples when we saw his car on the road above us and he’d obviously seen us. Noting the way his car was facing, we ran the opposite way through the orchard towards the railway arch in the Falmer direction. He gave chase, reversing the vehicle at speed. I take pride in having said to the others, “As we run, head away towards the railway line then when we’re out of his sight, double back to Moulsecoomb Way”.  As soon as we were out of his sight I heard the car stop then the sound of it appearing to be turning to travel faster and yes, it rapidly traveled away from us towards Falmer and we then ran out into Moulsecoomb Way, down the road to the main road. A quick discussion, and with our minds prepared to produce the innocent air required if we were questioned, we then walked casually home minus any evidence which had been discarded when we were in flight! The triumphs of scrumping. With hearts pounding and muscles fully tensed from the nervous energy supplied from the experience, it is probably doubtful we would have managed to uphold the promise of pretended innocence we had quickly arranged at the time if we had indeed been tackled. About a year later, the Brighton Corporation gave the contents of the orchard away to the local council house dwellers, each family being allowed to take as many trees as it wished; and to think, we almost certainly would have been prosecuted if old Cap Crow had caught us!

    By Ron Spicer (11/02/2012)
  • Does any one have any history on 123 Birdham Road, Moulescoomb?

    By Annie (18/02/2012)
  • Hi Clare – it’s Shirley Jennings the Hargies 13 kids. I lived in Ringmer Road for 20 years and loved it. My brother, Alan Jennings and my sisters Linda and Rose knew lots of people in Moulscoomb.

    By Shirley Grace Jennings (04/03/2012)
  • I went to Moulsecoomb sr girls school approx 1940- I was 12? The teachers were Miss Mills gym, Miss Moore history, Miss Heath infants, Miss Carson headmistress- she kept a black book and if you were naughty in the book you went. My friend was Brenda Woodhead. Behind the cloak room was an air-raid shelter. I live in U.S.A

    By Joy Reed re Joyce Taylor (17/03/2012)
  • A message for Clare re Hargie family: Lizzie Hargie is my auntie. As you’re aware there was quite a lot of them. My dad is Lee Hargie, do you know him too?

    By Ashleigh Hargie (08/04/2012)
  • I know a lot of your aunties and uncles, I went to school with your Uncle Jim, and went around with Marrie and Jane, they are a lovely family. I was then Kathy Wallace .

    By kathy taylor (20/04/2012)
  • I lived at 76 Hillside and knew Kevin and his sister Patricia- we were good friends. My name then was Janice Sutton. Does anyone else remember the Sutton family?

    By Janice Illingworth (07/05/2012)
  • I remember the Hargies. Anyone remember the Hebborns?

    By Lesley (10/05/2012)
  • This is a message for Ron Spicer: Ron, I’ve only just seen your comment about the teacher who broke Dennis Hammond’s glasses with a piece of chalk. Dennis, who lived in Newick Road as a child, was my dad who sadly passed away in 2001. Thank you for sharing that story. I can just imagine my grandmother charging down to the school.

    By Janet Beal (10/05/2012)
  • Following on from the post I added in February, I was in the school orchestra in the first and second year 1968/9- I played the violin. Miss Cowl was the leader of the orchestra. I was also in the choir where Mr Drakeford took charge. One afternoon I was in a lesson and Mr Hindmarsh, the Brass Band Leader came into the room and asked the teacher (I can’t remember who) if he could borrow me for half an hour. He took me to his classroom and had laid out all the brass instruments for me to try, I tried them all, the flute, cornet, trumpet, bugle and others I can’t remember and I couldn’t get a note out of them. I blew as hard as I can, Mr Hindmarsh was trying to help but to no avail, he said he was aware I was interested in music which was why he had singled me out which was a nice gesture, he was a nice chap. I told him it’s just as well as I get enough grief in the playground for being in the orchestra. The funny thing was as I was leaving the classroom I turned and thanked him for thinking of me and he said “It’s a shame Paul as you have a face for a trumpet!”

    By Paul Clarkson (01/08/2012)
  • Hi Katrina, I well remember Andre Bonner, who went to Stanmer Secondary Modern when I was there. Andre was always in the thick of it there, a strong, handsome lad with plenty of bravado! He must be around 60 now. Please give him my best.

    By Vernon Page (20/11/2012)
  • I lived at number 22 Stonecross Road with my wife Susan and children Chris Joanna and Andrew. We left in 1974 – swapped houses with a family called Lamb. I’m trying to find…………………..

    Editor’s Note: This is the third request we have had from you asking for information on third parties. As you have been informed previously, we no longer publish requests for information on third parties as the sharing of information without their permission breaches their privacy. Please do not post any further requests as they will be deleted.

    By Mick Hussey (16/01/2013)
  • Does anyone out there remember the chimney sweep who lived in Stonecross Road just down from the Ascoombes? They had a daughter called Liz.

    By Mick Hussey (28/01/2013)
  • I have just come back on this site. I haven’t been on it for a while, interesting reading all the stories. I lived at 76 Hillside, my name then was Janice Sutton. If anyone out there remembers the Sutton family, I would love to hear from you. We moved in 1962 to Portsmouth. I went to Moulsecoomb infants and juniors and then to Stanmer. We were a big family and knew the Bonwicks, the Shirleys and Prodgers, and the Hitchins. We had good fun growing up in Moulsecoomb.

    By Janice Illingworth (06/05/2013)
  • I have just found this site and relived my childhood back in the 50s. Would any one remember the Meads of Newick Road? Some may knock Moulsecoomb but it was a great place to grow up in – in many ways.

    By Reg Mead (11/05/2013)
  • Jeremy and Lawrence – 34 Hillside is or was during 2009/10 – a student house, I stumbled across this having lived there as a student! Many thanks to your grandparents Lawrence, my friends and I enjoyed the use of that garden and had many a BBQ there, it was very much appreciated. I’ve enjoyed reading people’s comments and learning about a place which was once home for a short while.

    By Georgie (23/05/2013)
  • Hello Joy, I arrived their in 1951 when I was five, and a couple of years later Miss Moore took us for french. I got in to trouble because I refused to co-operate (obviously).

    By Chris Starnes (13/06/2013)
  • I lived at 20 Stone Cross Road with my grandparents Mr and Mrs Buss. Went to Infants and the Seniors. Moulsecoomb was a great place to grow up, loved every minute, until Alan Mills was killed by a drunk driver. I remember the Hussey’s next door. Really sad when they moved away.

    By Neil Tiplady (18/06/2013)
  • Hi Neil. It’s Christopher’s dad here. We lived next door to you at 22. It’s been a long time, we moved in 1975. All the kids are married with kids of their own. Sue passed away last October. We live in Ireland and Jo lives here with her hubby and one of her children. Chris lives in Waterlooville and Andy in London. How are you, where you living now?

    By Mick Hussey (16/07/2013)
  • Hi Mick. I remember you very well, and Sue. Sorry to hear she has passed on. My Nan only died a few years back, 98 she was. I moved back with my dad in 1976 and stayed in Brighton until I reached 43 and now live in Petworth in West Sussex. I have two grown up sons and a five year old. I do have a question, did you move away because of what happened to Alan. I know Chris was there when he died. Obviously, being ten at the time, things were not passed on to me. Please say hi to Chris for me. Thanks

    By Neil Tiplady (29/07/2013)
  • HI Neil, when you say what happened to Alan I don’t know what you mean as my brother didn’t die until the 90s unless you are talking about somebody else. We moved when I became the manager for Mills scaffolding in Portsmouth and it was too far for me to travel each day. It’s easier to talk on the e mail: mine is mickhussey41@hotmail.com. I told Chris you had been in contact. If you e mail me I can send you a photo of you and him from when you were young.

    By Mick Hussey (30/07/2013)
  • Neil, which Alan are you talking about- my brother or Sue’s friend?

    By Mick Hussey (30/07/2013)
  • Hi Neil, can you e mail me at mickhussey41@hotmail.com  Chris lives in Purbrook near Portsmouth, Andy lives in London and Jo lives over here. Who was Alan Mills?

    By Mick Hussey (31/07/2013)
  • Hi, I was at Moulsecoomb for a short time in 1961/2 when my mum and dad had a greengrocery shop in Islingwood Road.

    Dear Peter,
    Sorry but we have had to edit your post. We are no longer allowing the posting of requests to find third parties, as sharing information like this breaches their privacy. We recommend you try Friends Reunited website if you want to track old friends or neighbours.
    Comments Editor

    By Peter Jackson (05/08/2013)
  • Does anyone remember Margaret, Phoebe or Jackie Tucknott of Moulsecoomb? Both went on to Stanmer School and were there in the 60s.

    By Janice Sutherland (14/08/2013)
  • Hi Vernon Page. I haven’t heard that name since we parted company to go to different schools in 1963. I remember you and your brother Barry. If I remember correctly, you lived near the shops at Bevendean Crescent. I lived at Staplefield Drive.

    By Ian Smith (11/10/2013)
  • Anyone remember the cuttings?

    By Pete (18/11/2013)
  • I lived at 6 The Crescent. We were a big family but were spilt up as some of us were put into care. I went to Moulescoomb School. I remember Mr Evans – got the cane from him for bunking off school. Used to go to the tuck shop. Get a couple of fags and used to sell them a couple at a time. Good old days!

    By Pauline Heath (12/01/2014)
  • FAO Pete, I remember the cuttings; Shirley? Alice? Angie? I was good friends with their extended family, the Pearsons. 

    By Sophia Reeks (06/07/2014)
  • Hello, I have very fond memories of my time in Moulsecoomb Way. I grew up opposite the old Allan West factory in Church House. I had many lovely friends including Susie Hamilton of Hodshrove, Elizabeth Conway of Goodwood Way and Carol and Kevin Trot who lived behind us – lots of football games, and I had loads of guinea pigs.  Went to Coldean School.  Anyone share any memories?

    By Sarah Whitfield (03/08/2014)
  •  Hi, I have just discovered this site although it doesn’t look as if it is used very much. I grew up in Chailey Road in 1958- 1967 and we lived at number 22. Myself and my sister have been mentioned a couple of times on the site, I’m Lynda and my sister is Sharon Rowley. I went to Moulsecoomb School and left in 1965. I remember a lot of the people mentioned on here: David Groves, Brenda young, Susan Streeter, John Linter and so many more. Moulsecoomb was a hard place to grow up in but also a great place to grow up in. We all used to spend all day over the parks, climbing trees, blackberrying and I don’t believe we ever felt unsafe. It is lovely to see all of the comments on here and hope someone sees mine and remembers me. I can be found on facebook.

    By Lynda Standen (06/08/2014)
  • Always check in to the site to read people’s experiences and saw Sarah’s post.I lived in Hodshrove Rd until 1975 and went to Moulsecoombe school. Had a great school football team – myself, Grant Boult, Paul Gent, Stephen Hawkins, Wayne Caldicourt, Lee Banks and Stephen Chatfield to mention a few. Great times – so enjoyed my childhood growing up in the area.

    By Kevan Trott (16/10/2014)
  • Hi, my daughter suggested that I looked at this site after finding articles relating to me and my wife including old school photos which were taken back in the early fifties, but I am writing this in reply to the piece posted by Mr. Johnnie Johnson dated 19/06/2009. I only hope you are still with us. I am one of those sixty year olds who remember the time when you arrived at the boys’ school and I remember you with fond memories even if I was not the brightest pupil in your class. If my memory serves me correctly, you were my teacher in my third year along with Alan Morton who you mentioned and taking the Pitmans exam which I passed, thanks to you making the subject of English more enjoyable than I could ever imagine - because I hated the subject until then. I arrived at the school in 1959 and left in 1963. My first teacher was Francis (the Caveman) Tonks, who would throw just about anything at hand at pupils not paying attention. This did nothing to help me enjoy my first year! Then there was Mr. Rees, a Welshman, who was a really fair man, Mr. Cox (History), Mr. Pesket (Science), Mr. Virgo(Metalwork), Mr. Bunting(Geography), Mr. Mc.Clusky and Mr.Tiller (both Art teachers). I can still recall the names of a few more teachers , but these were the ones that stood out for me. Like a lot of the schools then, and maybe not so much now, there were the bullies who seem to have this great ability to make life hell for those who were small in stature or timid by nature, but that’s what one expected of Moulsecoombe Boys’ School. Hopefully most got through this ordeal. I have mixed memories of my time there, the good outweigh the bad and on the whole I had a great time. I also have a great respect for all the teachers there and what they did for me. I know they seemed very hard and brutal in some ways but it all seems a distant memory of a path we all had to take whether we liked it or not. Hopefully we have all had a good life since those days, I know I have.

    By John Grimes (04/11/2014)
  • I lived at 81 Ringmer Road with my sister Clare . I left Moulscoomb school in 1968. Reading through comments it brought back lots off good memories. I remember Shirley Jenning and Linda Wright . I married a Moulsecomb boy Brian Cork who lived at 21 Ringmer Road  near the Coopers and Tugwells.

    By Marian Howard (23/01/2015)
  • To Ian SmitH. Hi Ian, I used to call up to see you around 1967 when you guys in Staplefield Drive hung around the sub-station at the entrance to the estate. You can catch up with me at henzpa@yahoo.co.uk

    By Vernon Page (02/05/2015)
  • Does anyone remember the Bayleys from 116 Hillside?

    By Mark Bayley (27/06/2015)
  • Hello Mark – yes, I remember you. I was married for a while to Keith, your twin brother’s old school friend, and I gave my wedding dress to your fiancee! We all used to go to Eastbourne on Sunday evenings to see one of your brothers – maybe Jack? I also worked with your sister, Caroline, at the Post Office in Oxford Street for a while. Hope you are well.

    By Gill Gordon (29/06/2015)
  • I lived in Hollingdean but went to Moulsecoomb 1959/64. I remember Mr (Caveman) Tonks, Mr Peskett (Science), Mr Johnson (English), Mr Wragg (Music – Brass bands), Mr Rees, Jim Tiller (Art), Mr Rex (Maths), Mr Buntin, Miss Mitchell, Mr Elphick then Mr Evans (Headmasters).
    I was in the 1st fifth year when GCEs were started and the boys school merged with the girls. I managed to get four ‘O’ levels and one ‘A’ level even though the school had to change some of the subjects at the last minute as they didn’t have the right equipment. School friends: Raymond Russell, Dave Taylor, Bob Savage, Eric Mortan?, Peter Woodward, Mick Coleman, Willy Wymark. I think I remember there being a fight between Moulsecoomb and Stanmer schools being staged at Wild Park although I think it all petered out in a standoff. On one occasion Jim Tiller and some of us in his Ford Allard (which he used to race on Madeira Drive race meeting) going to Lewes to pinch chalk from the chalk pits for sculpture lessons. I joined the Army as an Aircraft Technician for four years and then worked in IT for 35 years. I then moved back to the South Coast (Sompting). I am married to Jenny and have four children and nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren. We’re taking over the world.

    By Steve Willeter (02/08/2015)
  • Hi Mark, I think you are my dads brother? My dad is Vernon Bayley.

    By Sarah Green (Bayley) (18/04/2016)
  • I lived at number 93 Ringmer Road in the fifties and sixties. Does anyone remember us? I went to Stanmer Secondary School from 1962 until 1966 in Mr McPhee’s class. My name is Alan Jennings – good to get feedback.

    By Alan Jennings (10/05/2016)
  • I wonder if anyone remembers Mr Holland, one of the teachers in the 50/60s at the Primary school I think? He was my father.

    By Margo Mary Ralston (25/05/2016)
  • Hi Margo, I was at Moulsecoomb Juniors beween 1964 and 1968 and, yes, I do remember your father Mr Holland. In the 4 years I was there he didn’t teach me but when I was in the 4th year and Mr Gallier was my teacher, he helped out when we used to play football. I remember him as a very nice man and the one thing I do remember is that when he came along to watch the football, if the goalkeeper kicked the ball up in the air and down field he would always shout ‘Up and Under’!

    By Paul Clarkson (01/06/2016)
  • John Grimes/ Steve Willeter – Mr Rees was still teaching at the junior school in the old senior building I believe, my mum Diane South went there in the early 70s. In the late 80s I was in his class in the 3rd year so 9-10yrs old. I remember I was quite scared of him to begin with as he seemed grumpy, but as you say he was a very fair man and an excellent teacher. 

    By Christine Reeves (13/06/2016)
  • Hi guys. Just found this site and came across some old friends. Jimmy Hargie I played in the school football team with,  I hung around with Anthony Bates and Patrick Lyons. I lived in Chailey Road 48, Jeffrey Donagon was my next door neighbour. At school I was in Mr Pierce’s class year 2 and Mr Quinn’s in year 3. Just as I started year 4, we moved back to Whitehawk until 1973, then we came back and lived in Newick road until I moved away from home and got a flat in Hove. One of my best friends in my school days was my first girlfriend, her name was Kathy Wallace. Hope you all remember me. Happy days. 

    By Colin Bowyer (03/10/2016)
  • Does anybody remember Joan Morriss who was head girl at Moulsecoomb round about 1960?

    By David (21/10/2016)
  • I can remember being at Moulsecoomb Middle School back in the early 70’s where the headmaster was Mr Le-Bar.  One of the lads in our class, Nicky Engman, used to impersonate the headmaster which used to have us lot in stitches.  I was a member of the Bonwick family.

    By Alison Harman (18/11/2016)
  • For Sarah Greene: I am Vernon’s brother, my son Craig met Simon on a job a while ago – it’s a small world. How are you and Simon doing, are you still local to Moulescoomb?

    By Mark Bayley (08/01/2017)
  • I’ve been reading some of the comments shown. I left Moulsecoomb senior school in 1961 I didn’t live locally but I do remember some of the boys’ names. John Ward, a boy left school to join the army, did he? Another John Ward and friend Keith Cager, Colin Mills and two boys with the same name – Michael Gates. Are any of these people still living in the area?

    By Keith Young (07/02/2017)
  • Hi Keith, just seen your message and my husband and Keith Cager were in the same year at Moulsecoomb, and are still friends. Keith now lives in Australia!

    By Carol Kendall (20/02/2017)
  • Hi All, I remember Mr LeBar Headmaster. I seem to remember he had a bit of a hearing problem? Also I think in the infants school the head was Mrs Cedan or some such name. She gave me and a mate a good slippering for running away from school!

    We lived in the Crescent No 26 until around 1979ish and I played for the school football team and for the 67 Centre – we lost every week!

    My teacher was Mrs Pollard, Mrs Smith Mrs Adams and games was Mr Bates who played cricket for Sussex. Also can remember a Mr Hall who smoked a pipe in class!

    By chris golby (22/02/2017)
  • Karen Routledge, you lived at 45 Chailey Road.

     

    By Rosina Marten (04/05/2017)
  • I lived at 127 Ringmer Road. My name is Sylvia Castleton and I would like to know if any one remembers my family. Thank you

    By Sylvia Castleton (04/05/2017)
  • Hi all - Yes I remember Shirley Alan and Ginger Jennings and Alf. I lived next door. I remember someone put a fork through their foot.My maiden name was Prince and there were 6 of us. I married John Garret who I met at school. I loved all the games we played in the road, and what about the toffee apple house?There were steam trains running at the back of our gardens and Allen West used to have a hooter which sounded like an Air Raid alarm when it was end of day.

    By sue garrett (16/08/2017)
  • I went to Moulsecoomb girls 1942 the,headmistress was Miss.Carson, history,Miss.Smith, infants Miss Heath. There was an air raid shelter behind the cloakroom, left of the assembly hall. Prayers in assembly hall. Miss.Moore,history.Good old days.     Cooking class was fun,especially clean up. I had a friend named Brenda Woodhead, any one know her? I lived 42 Mafeking Road, off Coombe Rd,took the 42 bus into Brighton. When I left school I worked at Poly Foto lower North Street. 

    By Joyce RE.Joy Taylor re.Reed (19/08/2017)
  • To Joyce, I was very interested to see your post about Moulsecoomb Girls’ school. My mother Eileen Harrod was born in 1931 so she would have been 11 in 1942, and she went to the same school. I was wondering if you knew her at all. She lived with her parents in Moulsecoomb Way during the second world war and up until about 1959. She used to tell me about the cookery teacher Miss Neat who was still at the school when my sister went there in 1962.

    By Paul Clarkson (20/08/2017)
  • Undoubtedly I was the first “Black Child” in Moulsecoomb. (1931) I lived with my wonderful Mum and Dad at 108 Hillside. The children called out “blackie” whenever I walked along the street. I went to the local school down the road, but when I was locked in the bathroom by the other kids, it was decided it was time for me to go into private schooling.

    By Ella Hoskins (12/11/2017)
  • Anyone remember my Dad and his siblings?  They lived in Newick Road in the 40s/50s.

    By Michelle Felsing (15/01/2018)
  • My Grandmother lived in 15 Birdham Road before, during the war and many years after, with my mother Christine and my aunty Eileen.

    My grandmother, Elly, was German and they had a hard but wonderful life in Moulsecoombe. When there were air raids, the neighbours did not go the Nissan shelter but came to my grandmothers house. Why? They thought the German bombers would never bomb one of their own!

    My mum always said she loved growing up there and I remember back in the 1960’s staying at my grandmothers house. I remember the factory wake up hooter,sounded from a car/bus that went around the estate waking up the workers. The lounge had a large range cooker and the loo was downstairs.

    Wonderful memories!

    The house backed onto the woods where I spent many a long day playing with my brother and cousin.

    By Erika C (22/06/2018)
  • Just read Rubys’ book.  A good read.  Actually made me feel quite sad for Moulsecoomb, when you consider how it was when they first developed it in the 20’s.

    By Darren Stuart (26/09/2018)
  • Does anyone know where Susan Keating moved to when they left 96 Hillside in 2017. I know Terrance sadly died in 2019. Just wanted to forward the post.
    Max.

    By Max Buttinger (13/02/2021)
  • I remember Joan Morriss
    who was Head Girl at Moulsecoomb in 1960.
    Miss Mitchell taught Maths, Miss Baker who terrified the hockey team, we played in very short skirts in the freezing cold.
    Miss Neat who lived up to her name and showed us how to cook.
    The school then separated girls and boys and had corridors open to the fresh air.

    I was Joan Morriss who rang all end of lessons with my untrustworthy timed watch which was always wrong.

    Happy days.

    By Joan Horton (02/02/2022)
  • Mark Bayley I’m good, I haven’t seen rest of the family for a while. I’ve been living in Nottingham for 20 years. Have you heard anything from dad? I’ve been trying to track him down for ages. I hope you and your family are all well.

    By Sarah Green(Bayley) (07/10/2022)
  • Hello Sarah, I haven’t seen much of your dad since our mum’s passing in 2009, I do know where he is ,I can let you know if you want to email me on: bayleysgarage@hotmail.co.uk.

    By Mark Bayley (06/11/2022)

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