Great video. Was a pupil in the early 70’s. One of the terrapin huts was our form classroom. Can only remember Mr Richards, Ms Clement-Jones and the long walk to the playing fields!
Who remembers Jeff Bickley, Barry Sames and 'Fatty Allen'? David Whelan should, I was in his class. I, Martin Allen, was at Boldmere High School for Boys 1960-64. Reginald Prole was my teacher and I always will remember him writing 'trout' and then hitting you on the arse so you wore trout on your backside all day. The teachers that I remember were Reeves, Wallbank, Craig the Yankee who taught Physics, Fairbairn, Goddard, Sewell, Bates, Nuttall, Farris, Wilde, Newman, Jinks, Hoeburn, (a true sadist who got his comeuppance), Pugh, and Mrs. Boddington (WAS's secretary). What a hell hole! Boldmere High School for Young Thugs, rules by the cane and the bullies. I can name so many more of my 'comrades' at the school and so many vivid memories, this would go on too long. John Ponsford played MacBeth, Robert Finlay (Jodders) played in Arsenic and Old Lace, and on Mr. Smith's basketball team.
Just come across your video. Great, I was there in 1959 as a 14 year old. My word, some memories. I didn't know George Nutall shot himself. Very sad. I remember wrestling with Mr. Winnera when he tried to beat me with a hairbrush. Subsequently met him when I was canvassing for the Conservatives in 1967. He lived in Maney Hill Road. All was forgotten I think. Thanks for a super film. John Shakespeare.
Amazing video. I was at Boldmere High School in 1959 so it is possible I am one of the boys filmed, but then they all look alike at that age.Very mixed feelings about my days there. I was an 11+ failure and whilst my 2 brothers went off to posh grammar schools I ended up at Boldmere and feeling very second-class. Turned out good in the end as I enjoyed the practical skills like woodwork and metal work which came in useful while my 2 brothers learnt useful things like latin. My first class was 1B and the teacher was Indian I think, the first none-white I had ever met. He was a brilliant, kind and dedicated teacher and I will never forget him. What became of him I wonder? The one thing I hated about this school was the almost daily canning. Some teachers used it occasionally as a last resort but there were a those who seemed to enjoy inflicting the maximum amount of pain the law allowed and at every opportunity. It's something you hardly ever hear mentioned now and my grandchildren can hardly believe it was allowed. Can you imagine what would happen now if a teacher beat a child with a stick? A change for the better surely these days. I recognise most of the teachers: Mr Godard was my form teacher and took english and history; Mr Whinera who took us for art and ran a photography club, Mr Noble who taught engineering drawing I think. The Science teacher is there also - Mr Preece I think - I'm not sure. It's true you always remember these good teachers. And also remember the horrors like Deakin the music teacher, an evil-tempered and hateful swine who once canned the whole class on a whim. Good old days? For some yes but not for everyone and I for one could't wait to get out of the place. Thank you Martin for posting this video.
poor mr nuttal, he was always falling asleep in class, i was there between 73 to 76 and i was always being caned or slippered by either harrison or mr jones or that !"£$%^&* spider richards, fantastic vid
Loverly to see this film. I left boldmere high school in 1961. All my teachers here.. Mr Prole. Mr Nuttall. Art teacher we called ,the bubble,. Mr reeves metal work . basher bates.. I lived in st Michaels road nice and handy... Thanks for sharing..Brian Shaw.
If DAVID WHELAN calls here again then please read on. Firstly well done Mike for this movie - it brings back such great memories. I was there 1958-1963. I hope DAVID Whelan recognises my name as we went YHA cycling together - it would be great to contact each other again but how ? as this is a public forum. I will look at this site every 3 months on 1st January; April; July & October - if you David or anyone who knows of your whereabouts reads this, then do kindly acknowledge this note to let me know. I am in contact with 2 'boys' from BHS for Boys; and 2 girls from BHS for Girls - I married one girl ! We could then arrange a meeting at a location known only to us without stating an address ( on this public forum ) from 'days of old'. Here's hoping...Michael Ward
AlbertWell who would have thought in 59 about RU-vid? We had other things in mind such as how to contact the girls next door or avoid being caned, hit or bashed. Its amazing that we all survived, especially the school meals. Even more surprising when WAS sent me a nice letter after i got my degree.. I thought he never liked me.
Well done to Mike for the movie film - I was there 1958-1963. I hope David Whelan recognises my name as we went YHA cycling together - would be great to contact each other again but how ? as this is a public forum.
