Frederick Bird School

These images I have found in an old photo album. May be of interest.

Hi all, Can anyone tell me, who was Frederick Bird? A Frederick Bird had a shop in Spon Street. Possibly a pharmacist. If so, what connection with the school?

That’s him, Philip “The school was set up between 1899 and 1904 on a large site taking in the school's current grounds in Swan Lane. There was a primary school, a secondary school and an evening institute for adult education. It was founded by city chemist Frederick Bird who chaired the city's education committee and visited the school regularly.”

You're brill.

I was at Freddies infants and juniors until 63 then off to the comprehensive. Don't remember much from the infants apart from having to take part in a performance of HMS Pinafore - Gilbert and Sullivan by 7 year olds! Unlike many I used to like the school milk, especially when it was cold and would usually drink two or three bottles (1/3 of a pint each) most days as many did not touch it and there was always surplus - calcium was supposedly good for teeth and I still have most of mine so thank you Freddies! I remember the large bars of carbolic soap that were cut into blocks - soap that I have tried to buy but you can't find it these days. I found a photo with a few faces from Juniors and can remember some names but not all. In no particular order; Terry Clewlow, Barry Williams (I think), Andrew McGuckian, Robert Simpson, Gramail Singh, Ludlow Coleman, ??? Patel, Keith Mathews, Jeffrey Edgington, Robert Thacker, Alan Johnson and Robert Wilde (I think) and the teacher is Mr Brian Cogley. Sorry for the one face I can't recall and any spelling errors! The Juniors building is on the left, Seniors at the back and the outdoor bogs on the right.

Hi, I also have this photo and am the fourth along on the front row. My name is Robert Thacker and have lived in Dorset for many years. I went to Freddies infants, juniors and two years in the senior school before going to Whitley Abbey. I am still in touch with Robert Simpson, who lives in the North West. Regarding the infants, I was terrified of the headmistress, a Mrs Chinn and was thankful when she left and the kindly Mrs Jenkins replaced her. The junior school teachers I can recall are Mr Cogley (who married Miss Mallard?), Mrs Bullock and Mrs DeMello (an ex Olympic swimmer). I think the headmaster was Mr Lewis. Pete Waterman was a couple of years above us. Happy days!

A Mrs De Mello lived just across the the road from me in Wyken. I believe she was a teacher. I wonder if its the same one?

Hi Sadtomato & Rob, Your post certainly opened up the memory box. I attended Freddie's infant and junior school from 1959-1966 when I left for Binley Park Comp. You would have been in the fourth year when I was in the first, but I do recall some of those mentioned, Barry Williams I can remember as he was the tallest kid in the juniors, so hard to miss, also he lived 'over the' hill in Burlington Road where I lived with my 3 older siblings whom all went to Freddie's. I think that's Mitch Patel from Hartlepool Road and Rob, did you live in Ranby Road? or around there. The teachers in the juniors were also there when I was there, do remember Mr Cogley played the piano at Hymns in the morning and he was a bit of a bully to say the least, plus several rumours circulated about him and his wife, Mr Cogley I recall leaving in 1965. Other teachers, Mr Morton who ran the school football & cricket team, both of which I captained when I was in the 4th year. Mrs De Mello, I also remember, she was a kind sole, I think she originated from South Africa and lived in Kingsway at that time. Rob, Pete Waterman was in the same year as my eldest brother so would be 77 now and also lived 'over the hill' in Burlington Road. Great Memories.

Hi, I did indeed live in Ranby Road.

Hi sad tomato and Rob, Just joined the forum. My name is Alan Johnson and I'm on the photo as well. Good to see this again and recollect happy memories. Do you remember the school trips we had over the years - I think these were Slimbridge, Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth House, and London (Madam Tussuads and Planetarium) plus Royal Show when it was very very muddy.

Hi Alan, welcome to the forum

Hi Alan, I think that I remember you. Did you used to live in the Post Office in King Edward Road and went on to King Henry's?

Hi Rob. You've got some of that right. I went to Henry VIII with Robert Whydle of our year. I lived in Wright Street. It was David Faulkner that lived in the King Edward Road post office and he went to Caludon Castle. But that wasn't bad it was over 60 years ago!!

I remember now. Do you recall Robert Simpson, who is also in the photo? He lived in Cambridge Street and went on to Caludon Castle. He now lives in the North West and I am still in touch with him after all these years.