Frederick Bird School

Talking about assemblies at "Freddies" reminded me of when I was there. My year I believe, was the last year before "mixed" classes of boys & girls became the norm. After leaving school in 1965 & working with girls, first at Henley College, then at an hotel & later in retailing, etc. I got on with them better than male colleagues. But at school, I was extremely scared of them. Well, maybe I exaggerate a little, but I was so shy, & when we trooped into assembly & the girls were on the other side of the hall, me & a few others did all we could to avoid sitting next to them. A few years later on & I would have fought to sit next to them! I remember one or two girls' names from those days; hopefully, they are still "with us" (Pauline Monarch, Brenda Thompson, & a Hazel somebody). I used to fancy the pants off her!! Excuse the expression! If any of Freddies girls from the 60s read this, I hope you are all well.

I think you meam Hazel Davis, friends with her and Elaine Barfield, though I was in the year below them. I had crushes on Ben Cox and a David Wygell, though not at the same time. I was Rosemarie Wood in those days. I remember all of the teachers mentioned.

What a great site. Only just found it and wish I had come across if a couple of years ago. Dave Owens, Phil West and me were real buddies and got into many scrapes. I never apologised to Dave for getting him in trouble with Mr Bannister and an ink well. If you pick this up Dave, send me an e-mail at paulsalisbury1@btinternet.com It would be great to hear from you.

Welcome to the forum Paul, I hope you enjoy your time here!

I also went to Freddies along with my brothers Derwent and Melvyn and my sister Jillian. I was in the last year of the single sex school and Melvyn was in the first year of the mixed school. I took Derwent to see Barry when he was in Coventry a couple of years back.We had some of the boys teachers so I remember some of the names mentioned along with Miss Strong and Mrs Mitchell.

Welcome to the Forum Alison - it's good to have you on board

Hello Alison, Derwent was in the same class as me, are you a twin to Derwent? As we were also in the last year of school when the first year became mixed. Do you remember Yvonne James, Diane Jelly, Hazel Hall, Diane Carey, do not remember any of the boys names, lol. Derwent also went to St. Peter church when Father Jones was there. Racking whats left of my brains but cannot remember you? Hope everyone is still well.

No we were not twins but I am just over a year younger and also attended St Peters Church, Sunday School, choir and Group 20. I remember Diane Jelly and Diane Carey they used to walk me to school because they were a year older than me. Lesley Ward, Jean Nicholson are two of the names I remember who were in my class. My name was Olivers sister more often than not.

Hi Alison, If you look on the first page you will find a class photo of 2A. I am sure you will recognise Derwent.

I went to freddies until 63 along with my brothers and sisters, more of the teachers that I remember were Mr Clements who was deputy head, Mr Wilson, Mr Powell who had a fondess for using the rubber off his harpoon gun on your rear end. And Mr Lot who used to use the big blackboard ruler so he could hit 3 or 4 of you at once, had the name of the metalwork teacher the other day, lol, it will come back, Mr Lydyard who wrote a musical for the school. I was in Mr Shannon's class then Mr Turner's, then Mr Bannister's, really good years. Am trying to remember the names on the photo that scrutiny has put up, besides me, lol

See if you remember the names I know. Ollie. back row. Malcolm Rollason, Mike Millwall, Ronald Thompson, ?, Alan Wiltshire, Pete Valance, ?, John Collins, Malcolm Macdonald, Basil Hopkins. next row, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?, Alan Hickman, Jeff Thorpe, Eric Spence, Jim Thompson, Theo Price. next row, Ian Kemp, YOU, ?, ?, ?, Tubby, Alan Weston, ?, Jim Gibbard, Alan Belvoirdeer. front row, Ken Bell, King, Gauge, ?, Alan Warwick, Christopher, Alan Robinson, ?, Grenville Bailey. Cannot remember some first and last names

Hi Rosie. Thanks for the reminder. You're right, it was a Hazel Davis. Regarding Ben Cox. We were best mates for ages. His real name was Clifford Cox, but he got the nickname of Ben for some reason. He lived in Ranby Road. We used to go everywhere together till he fell out with me for just talking to another boy. We never spoke again all through our schooldays. I worked with his younger brother, Ken, at Royal Mail till it closed in 2010. His older brother Pete worked there too. Afraid I don't remember you Rosie but I hope you are well. Best Wishes. Doug.

Hi, I am Jean I was at Freddie Birds Senior School. Born 1954 so would have left Easter 1969 I believe. I was best friends with Angela McGowan, Maureen Lobben, Susan Harrop. My maiden name was Durrans and I have an older sister Valerie and a younger sister Janice I remember Mr Lydiott (the idiot) music teacher, Miss Tildesley (who later did a study of me for a college course)

Welcome to our forum, Jean Hope you will enjoy your stay - there are many ex-Freddie Birds pupils as members

Hi Jean, I remember you and all the other names you mention. I also left Easter 1969, born Jan 55, were you in Mr Golby`s class (2B)? My name is Mick Williams, I`ve read all posts on this topic and it`s not till I get to the very last that I recognise someone`s name, just my luck, hope you log back in and respond.