King Henry VIII Grammar School

I have found on Ancestry that Kathleen M Atkinson, born 11/6/1904, school teacher, was living at 35 Earlsdon Avenue South on the 1939 census. There is a service record of a Henry Bates Atkinson married to Harriet White of Wrekin Villa Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury. This record shows a daughter Kathleen Mary who was born on 11/6/1904 in Chirk. There is also a death of a Kathleen M Atkinson in 1960 who was born 1904. The probate shows her death at the home of her parents. Hope this is of some help, good chance it is the person you are looking for.

Hello Anne. The Ancestry record may be dubious, it has '1914' entered above 1904 on the 1939 original record. On findmypast it has the same original record but the transcription records it as 1914 for the year of birth. So findmypast have chosen to use the 1914 date as correct. It aso provides a possible birth in Shipston upon Stour. There is also a possibility that she was born in 1909. Not straightforward at all.

Family search show her birth and death as 1904 and 1960. The fact she was teaching at Wellington makes the connection with Shrewsbury and also the war records. The Kathleen born in Shipston on Stour is 2 on the 1911 census. I think it all fits for 1904. If she was born in 1914 she would be very young to be a teacher in 1932. I can see the pencil mark but it is not the original record, Findmypast must have decided to use all alterations!

Thank you very much indeed, Annewiggy and Heathite, this is incredibly helpful information.

You're welcome. It would appear that Anne is correct. If you have an Ancestry account then you can see more here . . https://www.ancestry.co.uk/family-tree/person/tree/119175005/person/170182174302.... If not, I'm willing to help.

Hi everyone You may be interested to know that Ted Norrish has published a 312-page book - Cursus Honorum - of his memories, including stories of mountain adventures and travel, his love of classical languages, the ancient world, running and orienteering, and his enjoyment of poetry, literature and music. He spends a lot of time telling of his time at KHVIII, particularly his role in the very successful cross-country and athletics teams, and includes lots of photos that may bring back memories for Forum members. It only arrived here yesterday, but I've already found it a fascinating read. It's self-published, so I'm not sure if you can buy it yet in the shops, but I can find out for you if anyone wants to buy one.

Just heard that Nick Dodd my best friend at school and beyond has passed away today. He was only 61 and I shall miss him terribly.

Dear God! We were in the same class! Do you have any more details? (PM me if you like) R.I.P. Nick

The present Mrs Red spent the day in Coventry yesterday with one of Mr Brotherwood's daughters (they both attended Stoke Park School) She emigrated to the USA after marriage and ran her own school in Michigan for many years - she recalls having assisted her father with some of the tuition he offered to pupils at their Coventry home A few years ago she suffered a bad fall, resulting in a number of injuries, and was eventually forced to quit her school - she had by then separated from her husband and their children In seeking some life insurance cover, she was required to have some blood tests Imagine her shock when the results of these tests revealed that she had in fact inherited the kidney condition which had afflicted her father, and urgent treatment was now vital Her sister donated a kidney and her life was saved Now she is on a very strict medication routine, and with two homes in USA in differing time zones, and also travelling to the UK on a number of occasions, ensuring that her medication and the pre- and post- fasting times are adhered to exactly is a major task each and every day She intends to sell up in America and to return to Coventry when it becomes possible Without having suffered the accident, she undoubtedly wouldn't be alive today, as she had no knowledge of her condition

Further to earlier posts about Pete Jones being a decent chap and living in Kenilworth in retirement, he is now a local councillor for the Green Party: Kenilworth Abbey and Arden - Peter Jones (For the record, I am in no way trying to promote the Green Party, nor any other political party for that matter!)

I have a question about Mr Bulcock (TSB), Sports Teacher. During my early days at KHVIII he was reasonably good to me as I progressed through the school. But one year (1953?) when we came back from summer holidays to begin a new year he was no longer at the school. A new Master (Harry Dunne?) was in command, I think I was in LVA at the time. Nobody would tell us lads why he left and I never found out what was the reason was! Now I am a member of this excellent Forum maybe someone can tell me what happened? While I am posting I will mention some of my friends in the mainly happy time I spent at KHVIII. Gerald Hignett, Brian Baily, Chris Kearton, Taffy Owen, Gerald May, Mark Clemons, Malcolm Simpson, Norman Barr, Tony Hughes. Favourite teacher Alfie Crocker (believe it or not), Richard Beetham (Maths) - never had a good Maths teacher after that especially Further Maths at A level where I had a truly incompetent Master in 6ScII (name? young guy very prone to blushing when some of his blackboard work promoted laughter).

Question ; does anybody from the 1949-1956 era remember the chemistry lab technician(s) who were there at this time? Also, what happened to Alfie Crocker, a man who was very good to me, as was HH Cork, both of whom set me on my happy trail through life as a Process Engineer and Scientist. I remember them both as excellent teachers! Also, who was the new teacher in that time who was a recognised Grand Master Chess Champion and improved my chess no end!

Do you still have the Coventrian from 1950 (which number is it?) as you can see from my user name I was at KHVIII 49 to 56. I still have five of the magazines, no's 175, 181, 183, 185 and 193, and am very keen to find some more as I intend to write a book of my time at KHVIII and need reliable information! Any chance you can e-mail me a copy? Will pay any reasonable expenses. I have e-mailed KHVIII library but got no reply.

Would the chess player be Derek Horseman? English Chess Forum

I believe Coventry Archives at the Herbert have some copies, although I don't know how many.