Calling Former Pupils Of Stoke School To A Reunion

Published on: 29 Aug, 2013
Updated on: 29 Aug, 2013

If you went to Stoke School, that was in Markenfield Road, Guildford, you might like to attend a reunion that is taking place on Friday, October 4 at 7.30pm at Fairlands Community Centre.

Pupils from Stoke School in 1946.

It is being organised by former pupils Mick Smart and Shirley West. She says: “Please come along, we’d love to see you, and bring any old photos too. You’ll be able to meet up with old friends and some teachers too!”

Shirley adds the although the old school is sometimes not remembered in the fondest of ways, she’s keen to point out that many of its pupils “did all right in the end”.

Shirley West BEM.

Shirley herself was awarded the British Empire Medal for her services to charity earlier this year and another former pupil John Woodhatch is a former mayor and served as a councillor with Guildford Borough Council for many years.

John Woodhatch in his mayor year with his escort Sallie Thornberry.

John Woodhatch in his mayoral year with his escort Sallie Thornberry.

Shirley’s families and John’s families grew up together in Drummond Road.

School days are over – John Woodhatch (left) and George ‘Nobby’ Clarke. Nobby is Shirley West’s brother.

In the 1950s the headmaster at Stoke School was Mr Cross and the headmistress was Miss Williams. Other teachers inlcuded Mr Lever, Mr Hammond, Mr Hall, Mr Slight and Mr Walker.

The teaching staff at Stoke School in the 1950s.

For more details about the reunion, call Shirley on 01483 563071.

Responses to Calling Former Pupils Of Stoke School To A Reunion

Peter Bird Reply

September 20, 2013 at 4:15 pm

Oh my goodness! That photo brings back some memories! I was at Stoke School from 1953 to 1956. I remember Mr Cross well – he was very nifty with the cane – and Mr Lever, who sparked off my interest in French. He was a kind and patient teacher.
June Wilson Reply

August 10, 2016 at 10:03 am

I too was at Stoke School from 1953 to 1957 and I remember Mr Cross and Miss Gregory, also Mr Lever, he was our form teacher as well as teaching us French ( or in my case trying too).

I believe Mr. Hall was our art teacher.

June Wilson (nee Stemp).
- Raymond Hawes Reply
  
  January 27, 2019 at 12:20 pm
  
  I went to Stoke school from 1955 to 1959.
  
  I was in Mr Lever’s class and remember Mr Fell (maths) Mr Hall (geography) Mr Slight (woodwork).
  
  I had a friend Richard Stemp! in my class his father owned a shop close by. I also had a friend called Brian Bettley.
Jenny Woodhatch Reply

August 20, 2016 at 6:09 pm

Any chance of a copy of the photo of John Woodhatch walking down the High Street?

He’s my father-in-law and a bit poorly at the moment. I know he would just love this photo.

Many thanks.

[David Rose replies: picture on its way to you by email with my compliments. Please pass on my best wishes to John, a great Guildfordian!]
George Budd (Edgington) Reply

May 24, 2018 at 5:58 am

I was interested to see about this reunion as I was a pupil from 1940-1949 before I migrated to Australia. I lived at 80 Drummond Road.
- Stephen Crossley Reply
  
  August 26, 2018 at 3:13 pm
  
  Hi George Budd (Edgington)
  
  I am trying to track down Eileen, Kathleen and James Edgington who are all from Guildford and came to Australia around the same time as you. James in 1949. Eileen and Kathleen in 1950. Eileen was born in 1944 and Kathleen is two years older and James a couple of years older again.
  
  I saw your post and I thought it a coincidence and I thought you might be a relative.
  
  You can contact me in Australia – 0429 402 044 or email: spc61@live.com.au
  
  Stephen Crossley, Condah, Australia