A Look At Pupils From Stoughton Schools – Extra Names Required

Published on: 14 Sep, 2016
Updated on: 14 Sep, 2016

Reader John Lomas, who now lives in Lancashire, has emailed these pictures that feature pupils who attended schools in Stoughton in the 1950s.

He has supplied some details and names. But some names are missing or not certain to be the right ones. Can you help?

Pupils pictured either towards the end of their time at Stoughton Infant School or soon after they had gone on to Stoughton Junior school. John Lomas is third from the left. Click on all pictures to enlarge in new windows.

This picture was taken at about the same time as the one above. John is in the third row up standing second from left holding a tambourine.

his picture dates to spring / summer 1953 when John was in his final year at Stoughton Junior School.

This picture dates to the pupils’ change over period from Stoughton infants to juniors. The now late Errol Newman is pictured far right in the back row. Errol was known as Lew, by many of his fellow Royal Grammar School pupils and later played in the local band Ricky Clayton and the Rhythmics.

Can anyone add to the names that John has of those picture here? See below for more clues.

Pupils names wriiten by John’s mother on the back of the above photo.

Girls’ names: Mary Hockley, Jennifer Avery, Carol Hill, Janet Crabtree, Helena Mason, Jennifer Stone, Pauline Musker, Hazel Baldock, Rosemary Dowling, ? Gunner, Anne Hockley, Rosemary Feary, Wendy Pusey, Jennifer Newell, Susan Paice, Janet Grimes, Susan Cooper, Beryl West, Janice Blundell, Susan Waites, Ann Laker, Christine Daniels.

Boys’ names: Alan Watson, John Roberts?, Owen Window, Raymond Todd, Barry Best, Richard Avery, Derek Steers, Robin Elkins, Errol Newman, Beverley Newman, Michael Goff, Martin Leahy, Roger Marsden, Geoffrey Sharman, Evan Smith, Roderick Ovey, Michael Dobson, Robert Stowe, Colin Ritchie, Michael Chapman, Kenneth Downs, John Lomas.

Of those, looking at the photo John believes them to be:

Girls, bottom row, from left: ? Hockley, Jennifer Avery, Carol Hill, Janet Crabtree, Helen? Mason, Jennifer Stone, Pauline Muskey, Hazel Buldock, Rosemary Dowling

Girls, second row, this time from right: Phylis Gunner, Anne Hockley, Rosemary ?, Wendy Pusey, Jennifer Newel, Susan Paist, Janet Grimes, Susan ?oafer, Beryl West, Janice Blundell, Susan Waites, Anne Laker, Christine Daniels.

Boys, third row, from left: Alan Watson, John ?, Owen Window, Raymond Todd, Barry Best, Richard Avery, Derek Stears, Robin Elkins, Errol Newman, Beverley Newman, Michael Goff?

Boys, fourth row, from right this time: Martin Lea, Roger Marsden, Jeffrey Sharman, Evan Smith, Roderick Ovey, Raymond Evans, Michael Dodson, Robert Stowe, Colin Richie, Michael Chapman, Kenneth D?, John Lomas.

John’s lifelong friend Errol Newman (who sadly died in August 2016) had suggested some diffrent names to the faces:

Girls, bottom row, from left: Hockley twin B (Sue?), Jenny Avery, ?, Janet Grimes, Helena Mason, ?, Pauline Musker, Rosemary Feary, ?

Girls, second row, from left: Sue Cooper?, Susan Waites?, Janet Crabtree?, ?, Christine Daniels, ?, Sue Paice, Jenny Newell, Wendy Pusey, ?, Hockley twin A (Mary?), ?

Boys, third row from left: Alan Watson, ?, Martin Leahy, Raymond Todd, Barry Best, Dick Avery, Derek Steer, Robin Elkins, Errol Newman, Bev Newman, ?

Boys, fourth row, from left: John Lomas, Rod Ovey?, Michael ‘Sam’ Chapman, Colin Ritchie, Rob Stowe, Mike Dobson, ?, ?, ?, Geoff Sharman, Roger Marsden, Owen Window.

This picture features John on the The Stoughton Pageant costume, I think this was done for Coronation Year I was a Spanish Ambassador so it was relating to Elizabeth 1st. though it could have been charter celebration year '52

This picture features John on the right in The Stoughton Pageant. He says: “I think this was performed for coronation year in 1953. I was a Spanish ambassador, so it was relating to Elizabeth I. Although it could have been charter celebration year in 1952.

This is a group of boys from Northmead Boys’ School pictured with headmaster ‘Pecker’ Howells in the same location as so many pictures from this school – in front of the classroom nearest to the railway line. John says: “The picture dates to when my mother worked there on dinners. I’m not sure of year but assume it was while I was at Stoughton Infants or Juniors because of school holiday dates.

If you can add any details, please leave a reply in the box below.

Responses to A Look At Pupils From Stoughton Schools – Extra Names Required

George Trask Reply

September 16, 2016 at 10:35 am

I remember Ricky Clayton and the Rythmics very well but not the name Errol Newman. The names I recall were Ted on lead, Ted on bass, Butch on lead guitar, and Tom?, on 2nd Guitar, Jeff Salmon on drums. Ricky Clayton’s real name was Peter Arthur. I used to go to all their gigs as a “roadie”.
- John Lomas Reply
  
  September 16, 2016 at 3:51 pm
  
  Hi George
  This is a link to one of Errol’s FB photos.
  
  http://tinyurl.com/hqsh5b3
  
  He is 2nd from the right. perhaps he called himself something else in the band.
- "Butch" - Chris Butcher Reply
  
  June 28, 2017 at 3:56 pm
  
  In response to George Trask, I am “Butch” – lead guitarist who used to play with Ricky Clayton and the Rhythmics I just saw your message. Errol joined us after Ted left and for anyone who is interested Ricky (Pete Arthur) is still gigging in France. Geoff(Drummer) lives in Ross-on-Wye. Tom (Guitar) lives in America and I live in Guildford and still gig a few times a year.
  - George Trask Reply
    
    May 16, 2018 at 6:08 pm
    
    Hi Butch, Those were the days. I remember you were booked for a gig by Bob Potter at a venue in Horsham.
    
    When we got there and set up they said they would get the piano out!
    
    It turned out that Potter had “sold” you as a dance band!
    
    You did what you could and soon had everyone Jiving like crazy.
    
    Is Pete living in France?
- Edward Cassell Reply
  
  September 16, 2019 at 3:24 pm
  
  Hi George, I remember you very well. I am Ted Cassell, who played bass guitar in the original Ricky Clayton and the Rhythmics. We had an old bus to carry our gear and if I remember correctly you helped us with setting up at gigs. I would be delighted if you emailed me via The Guildford Dragon NEWS guildford.dragon@gmail.com.
Michael Flowers Reply

September 16, 2016 at 11:55 am

Girls top row, Janice Blundel 3rd from the left.
- Carole Randall. Reply
  
  September 16, 2016 at 9:17 pm
  
  Trust you to know the girls’ names first Mick. Ha Ha .Hope all is well with you
  
  Carole Randall, Canada.
Ian Mack Reply

September 20, 2016 at 10:19 pm

Many thanks for posting these pictures. I can see my uncle (Raymond Todd), but was wondering whether anyone has any pictures of Frank Todd please? He was a member of staff and was my Grandad.
Aubrey Leahy Reply

September 24, 2016 at 2:49 am

I recognise my brother Martin Leahy. (Not Lea. Top right. Fourth row boys.)

I don’t remember seeing these photographs before.

The picture of boys with Pecker Howells must have been pre-1954 as by then, which was when I started there we all had uniform caps and blazers.

One of the Todd’s was the deputy head and geography master who lived in the house next to the school gates.

The last time I met anyone I was with at Northmead was in 1974. He shall be nameless as he introduced me to his third wife and told me each honeymoon had been conducted at Butlin’s. I wonder how many more since then!
Aubrey Leahy Reply

September 25, 2016 at 7:53 pm

Hmmmm, maybe it was just that school caps had to be worn on field trips or not worn during the last year at school?

Memory is certainly a variable commodity these days.

I remember Oates in woodwork, Senior in gardening, Strongman in history, Oakes in religous instruction and Jackman for bookbinding.

PE, sports and music pretty much ground to a halt when one teacher was arrested. There was also a French teacher who lasted about five or six weeks before resigning as she had become pregnant.

Don’t think that at that time any of the boys really understood how that happened, or could happen, as there was no internet to look up and find out!
John Wallace Reply

September 26, 2016 at 8:26 am

Some teachers from my time at Northmead: Todd, Templeman, Blackman, Trotman (woodwork), Farley (metalwork), Cowden (PT) and Pop Senior.

I also remember ‘Pecker’ Howells placing money on the cricket stumps that you won if you bowled him out.
Aubrey Lehay Reply

September 26, 2016 at 12:39 pm

Pop Senior sold me a tree cutting for sixpence. It was from a tree he gathered from the Himalayas.

I last saw it five years ago and not only was it flourishing but will surely outlive us all.

I also remember a magnificent magnolia tree towards the top of Manor Road that was “accidentally” cut down. Broke my heart.

Perhaps someone has a picture of Ardmore House before it’s demolition to make way for flats.

I think recently someone was murdered by the telephone box there on Manor Road. Was that crime ever solved I wonder? What a strange thing memory is once triggered and then jumps about in all sorts of directions.

[David Rose: I have only one picture of Ardmore House in my collection. It dates back to Victorian times and the quality is very poor. You are correct about the murder in Manor Road. This was probably about 10 years or more ago now. A man was eventually arrested and convicted. I recall that the murder and the subsequent trial was reported in the Surrey Advertiser, as I was the newspaper’s chief sub-editor at the time.]
Brian Holt Reply

September 27, 2016 at 4:46 pm

I started at Northmead in September 1953.

The teachers were Strongman – history, Todd – geography, Mr (Basher) Britain – arithmetic, Mr Blackman – art and book binding, Mr Day and Mr Oates – woodwork.

In the prefab classrooms were Mr (Jessie) James – technical drawing, Underwood – English and reading, Farley – the metalwork teacher who used a metal ruler to hit you.

And a Mr Senior, but I cannot remember the science teacher or the PT teachers’ names.
John Wallace Reply

October 1, 2016 at 10:37 am

Further to recalling teachers at Northmead School, I had forgotten to mention Bill Bellerby and Mr Thomas.

I was a pupil there in the late 1940s and early 50s.
Roger Edwards Reply

October 10, 2016 at 2:47 pm

I was a pupil at Nortmead from 1948 to 1950 after which I went to Clark’s College where I could take my O-levels.

I remember the staff at Northmead of those years, especially Mr Thomas who was a good teacher but a brute with the cane.

I was caned on two occasions just for speaking.

There was a long walk to Pecker’s office to get the cane and punishment book. He would question me about the reasons for my journey while all the time I was anticipating the outcome.

Then there was the walk back to the classroom. Thomas’ cane swiped you hard across the fingers which raised a bruise. Your eyes watered and you tried not to cry as it was not the thing to do in those days.

When my mum saw the bruises she threatened to come down to the school and complain, but again in those times it was not the thing to have your mum coming to the school. You would be teased by your peers.

As a schoolmaster myself of 43 years experience in secondary education I would not have subjected my boys to such an ordeal.

I remember Pop Senior. He was an excellent teacher, albeit that he showed that he had favourites by calling them by their Christian names.

If you were not one of the chosen few. (I was Edwards) you felt a bit low.

Mr Todd was a great geography teacher. He illustrated his lessons using an epidiascope. He really got me hooked on South America.

Tim Davies took us for music, but did not inspire using this sphere. He was nicknamed “Ferret”.

There was a Mr Makepeace, a nice friendly chap and of course Jack Blackman, a verbal bully. He really frightened me. I objected to being called a silly arse.

I think however he had our best interests at heart. Pecker gave us an occasional history lesson and he knew his subject. I met him in Guildford in the Sixties and he was pleased that I became a history teacher.

Other teachers were Bousefield, Coe (science), Durrant (science), Templeman (nice guy) and Bill Bellerby of Guildford borough fame.
David Rose Reply

October 10, 2016 at 3:17 pm

David Rose replies:

Thanks again to John Lomas for sending in the pictures and details that I was delighted to write up for this story, and also to all who have replied with their own memories of Northmead Boys’ School.

I was in the building (now Northmead Junior School) for one year in 1971, when it was the annexe to the then newly opened Guildford CofE School, later Bishop Reindorp School and now Christ’s College (new building) in Bellfields.

The annexe was in use for a few years for first year pupils of the new senior school while that building was being completed.

A number of teachers who had taught at both Northemead Boys’ and Girls’ Schools were still employed.

So I recall Jack Blackman, who taught us science, and continued to use the phrase “you silly arse”. He had a true Hampshire accent and I once heard that in his younger days he had had a trial for Southampton football club.

Miss Rowe, from the former girls school taught music. On one of my school reports she just wrote: “David tries.” Hardly much of a comment. I am pleased to say that I continued to try, in so much that singing and playing guitars, etc, has been a passion of mine for years.

“Jessie James” continued to teach technical drawing at Guildford CofE School, along with metalwork teacher Len Farley, and RE teacher Hazel Brownrigg, who I met not so long ago. Although I did not realise at the time Miss Brownrigg taught me, a good deal of what she said has certainly helped me through my adulthood.
- David Maxfield Reply
  
  August 16, 2017 at 9:55 pm
  
  I to went to Stoughton Infants and Juniors, leaving the Juniors in the summer of 1969.
  
  I have zero photos of that time and would love to get hold of some and was wondering if you could help?
  
  There are quite a few teachers I remember – Mr Waters (head) Mr Richards, Mr Price, Miss Gregory.
  
  Although he was older than me, I struck up a friendship with Kazuo Ishiguro and he once came to my birthday party – it would have been Dec 1966 or 1967.
Roger Edwards Reply

October 10, 2016 at 5:46 pm

Northmead Boys’ photo.

Top row. Peter Bunce, David Newman, Cyril Bertell

Bottom Row Unknown. Ralph Dawson, Unknown, Pecker, Peter Hayward (possibly), Unknown. Unknown.
John Lomas Reply

October 14, 2016 at 11:39 pm

Something I noticed on the internet the other day, Kazuo Ishiguro attended Stoughton Primary from around 1960 before going to Woking County Grammar.

Are there been any other famous ex Stoughtonians?

From Wikipedia: Kazuo Ishiguro was born in Nagasaki on 8 November 1954, the son of Shizuo Ishiguro, a physical oceanographer, and his wife Shizuko. In 1960 his family, including his two sisters, moved to Guildford, Surrey, so that his father could begin research at the National Institute of Oceanography. He attended Stoughton Primary School and then Woking County Grammar School in Surrey.

Ishiguro is one of the most celebrated contemporary fiction authors in the English-speaking world, having received four Man Booker Prize nominations, and winning the 1989 award for his novel The Remains of the Day. In 2008, The Times ranked Ishiguro 32nd on their list of “The 50 greatest British writers since 1945”
Wendy Evans (nee Pusey) Reply

December 5, 2016 at 8:09 pm

Just found photo of Stoughton Juniors class. I think John’s mum’s list is correct i.e. girls front row L to R, second row R to L, third row L to R, fourth row R to L.

Corrections: John Boylett, Ian Smith (not Evan), Phyllis Gunner, Mary Hockley in front row and Ann in second, and it would appear Christine Daniels is missing from left of second row.

Recently met up with Barry Best. Had been friends with Bob Stowe for over 30 years When he sadly died last Christmas.
- Marion Lindsey Reply
  
  March 4, 2018 at 10:32 pm
  
  Although I can’t see me in the pictures, I remember Wendy. My maiden name was Bradley.
John Lomas Reply

December 6, 2016 at 10:38 pm

How nice to hear from Wendy Evans (nee Pusey), another from our years, sorry to hear about Robert.

I wonder how many of us are still around and reading these pages?

I met Colin Ritchie again back in about ’81 he married one of the Hockley twins.
Robert Canham Reply

December 10, 2016 at 7:45 pm

Good to see old boys. Remember the old school? My dad went there too.
Michael (Mick) Bunce Reply

January 28, 2017 at 8:16 pm

Boys from Northmead School: Second from right seated is Mick Gerrard, lived in Canterbury Road in the “Holy City”.
Brian Croke Reply

September 13, 2017 at 10:46 am

I attended Northmead from 1955 to 1958, unfortunately, we had to move away when my father was promoted. I still say it was the best school I attended.

There are many friends who I have lost touch with and would like to meet again.
Anthony Lambert Reply

November 8, 2017 at 8:16 pm

A very interesting paper was found after David Rose’s visit to Shamley Green History Group today.

I was at Northmead 1952 to 1956, and remember all those mentioned above, especially Senior and Makepeace.

I have photos of my year, one of the pupils and one of the teachers.
- David Gilbert Reply
  
  September 25, 2018 at 1:47 am
  
  My dad was John Gilbert. He says he remembers Anthony Lambert. Does he have any pictures of my father? Would love to see dad as a child.
Rebecca Balding (nee Avery) Reply

May 11, 2018 at 3:52 pm

Really excited to see this thread.

My dad, Richard Avery, is in the fourth photo down in the middle.

He was a Vet, before becoming a priest.

Sadly in died in 1989, aged 47.

His parents (Joan and Harold) remained living in Stoughton until their deaths.
- John Lomas Reply
  
  May 14, 2018 at 10:57 pm
  
  Rebecca: I can remember your dad from junior school and most of us were in the infant school (the younger pictures) as well.
  
  I don’t know if you already have those photos but if you email David at the Dragon and ask him to forward to me I can send you the scans direct.
Edward (Ted) Cassell Reply

July 22, 2018 at 6:29 pm

I was the original bass guitarist with Ricky Clayton and the Rhythmics. I am now the ripe old age of 76.

When I left the band I married Jeannette Edwards in 1963, when we were both 21.

We had three children: Laura, Paul and Philippa.

After we married we moved to East Wittering in West Sussex then back to Ash Vale after six years.

We then moved to Stockport.

Jean passed away from breast cancer in 1982. I then moved to Cheltenham for a job in 1984 where I have lived since.

I am happily married for 30 years to Jo.

I have two photos of the original band playing at a gig.
Chris Butcher Reply

October 4, 2018 at 12:15 pm

Hi Ted, glad you are ok.

Pete lives in France, Geoff in Ross-on-Wye and Tom in America.

I still live at Fairlands and have been married to Mary for 51 years. I still play in a band and recently we made a CD. Regards.
Sidney Long Reply

March 30, 2019 at 6:52 pm

In the 50s, the teachers were, Todd for geography (he was deputy headmaster also), then Senior for natural history and maths (he liked to use the slipper), Baldwin for religious instruction and music, “Battler” Britain for science, Trotman for woodwork, Templeman for metalwork and beekeeping and a variety of PE teachers none lasting more than six months.

Can you imagine today, PE and no shower facilities? The school dentist had one treatment, extraction. Oh and pig alley, the way home. Yes, there really were pigs and they stunk.
- Keith Frost Reply
  
  September 17, 2019 at 5:21 pm
  
  I’m sorry but I don’t remember you but I also went to Northmead Boys’ in the 50s and left in 1959. You were right about “Sweeney” Todd for geography, “Pop” Senior for natural history and maths and Mr Baldwin for religious instruction (RI) and music but we had “Streaky” Hamilton for science, “Day and Obey” for woodwork and Farley for metalwork.
  
  “George” Templeman took maths and “Jesse” James took technical drawing. “Harry” Strongman (what a phenomenal storyteller) took history.
  
  I’m not sure what Mr Britain (we called him “Basher”) did except that he took us for the 4th year (on the stage because there were not enough classrooms and we were leaving at Christmas).
  
  Incidentally, I met “Basher” a few years later at a school he was teaching at in Esher. I also met Messrs James and Obey when I attended my sons open evening at Bishop Reindorp School in the early 80s. They were still teaching.
John Lomas Reply

September 17, 2019 at 2:08 pm

Now we have had a few responses from members of the Rythmics, I got this picture from Errol’s FB page which is still up.
https://tinyurl.com/y5bmo3hj

He was always Errol to me but he was known as Lew to others in later years, maybe earlier as well.
Judi James Reply

November 3, 2019 at 6:39 am

I am searching for anything to do with my late father Mr Jim James, also known as Jesse James, who was a teacher at Northmead Boys School. Bit of a scary character by all accounts.

I was at Stoughton Infants, I think around 1965, and walked around to meet dad after school each day. He taught Technical Drawing and Woodwork. I see a couple of references to him on here but my phone seems unable to load anything about him. I would love to see any photos or references if you have them. Many thanks.
Aubrey Leahy Reply

November 4, 2019 at 10:06 am

In response to Judi James, I left, or more correctly was asked to leave Northmead, by Pecker Howells in ’59. Her father was my technical drawing teacher. The word “authoritarian” springs to mind but am afraid I do not remember much else about him or the subject.

There were two woodwork teachers, the other one being Mr Oates. It took me almost a whole term to make a dovetailed trinket box which was so bad her dad asked if they could keep it as an example of how not to make a dovetailed trinket box.

If you were in the last morning woodwork class, at 11.45, you got to help turn the woodwork benches into tables for luncheon which was served through a hatch from the canteen. A two-course hot meal every day, even in summertime. I gather that today a bag of crisps and a fizzy drink is now considered a fitting luncheon.
Richard Melinn Reply

February 12, 2020 at 1:04 pm

I went to Stoughton infants and juniors in the mid 1960s, then Northmead Boys 1967-68, until my mother and father split and we were put into children’s home in Camberley.

All just before my 13th birthday.

“Pecker” Howells was headmaster. I also remember TD teacher Mr (Jesse) James, metalwork teacher and PE master Mr Phillips, and he also took us for rugby.

We called our form tutor “fatgut” he taught geography, and sorry I can’t remember his name.

Mr (Pop) Senior was history studies and also a Mr Farley, but I can’t remember any more.

I do remember those listed stories of changing the woodwork room into dining room.

Was there a teacher known as Mr Tasker?

Pupils I remember: Robin Kinge, David Pankhurst, Roger Mitchell.

Any photos?