In response to the mention of cross country runs in the section on GGS.

They usually took place in snowy or icy weather when the school pitches were unusable for alternative forms of torture. There were a variety of routes: Airmyn crossings, fever hospital path, Mad Dog Lane. We once got chased by a farmer with a gun when an enterprising student teacher invented his own route across the fields from Rawcliffe Road to Airmyn.

But as you say, people used to find ways to make it easier. Richard Jennings, who lived in Western Road, just used to pop home in his running clothes and then go back to school at around the time he thought it would have taken him to do the whole thing, taking care of course not to be amongst the first back which could have risked being selected to represent his House in some sporting event or other.

The games teacher, Ellis Postill ("you silly willy nilly"), eventually suspected something and one day greeted his return "Ah Jennings! Nice to see you. Did you enjoy your cup of tea?" The reply "Coffee actually Sir" did not help. As a result Richard then had to do a cross country run all on his own to Boothferry Bridge one evening after school. He had to report back the height shown on the plate at the top of the bridge. Anyway, he got a little way along Airmyn Road when someone, it could have been Steve Kelly, came along on his bike, so Richard just had to wait while* whoever it was came back with the required information.

(*while=local usage).

At the time I attended the Secondary Modern School the houses were Durham (blue), Chester (red), York (yellow) and Lincoln (green, of course) - I was in Chester house. This was 1964 - 1968.

Belated response to Robert Ward's 2001 comments about GGS cross country runs. I'd forgotten about the wonderfully named Mad Dog lane. I do remember that sadist Mr Postil very well. In winter we had to start the runs by climbing over the series of snow covered air raid shelters that used to exist at the rear of the school and on return we were chased through the showers by Mr P wielding a slipper. We also used to stop off mid run at a pupils house to drink tea and smoke cigarettes. Well maybe it was character building.

I went to the Grammar school from 1963 to 1970 and have many memories....good teachers and great atmosphere. Remember the cross country very well...bad move though, trying to run across the ice on the Park boating lake! I was the first pupil ever to walk the length of the gym on my hands...got a Mars Bar for that at the time, and arthritis in thumb joints because of it now. Sorry to hear the science block has gone but I suppose it is progress.

Does any one remember Gwalia Prep School on Hook Rd. I attended the school run by Ms Rhodes from 1949 to 1954. As the school was near to Richard Cooper st all the kids from there referred to the school as Goole Pig Sty. What happened to the school - I moved away from the area in 1955 and have had no contact since

I attended GGS from '54 - '59. Quite a few of us came by (steam) train but towards the end diesels were introduced. I got on at Snaith but other pupils were from Hensall and Rawcliffe. There were also pupils who came on the Hull train, Hessle, Brough, etc.
I well remember my first day in September '54, there was me in crisp new uniform and new brown leather satchel. Whilst waiting for assembly I climbed to the top of one of the air raid shelters and was instantly pushed off by a (new) 2nd former showing his authority. I remember his name but I'm not telling you. I was covered with mud and grass stains and mum was not pleased when I got home! Does anyone remember the goldfish pond in front of the air raid shelters?
Ah yes and the cross-country runs as already mentioned, we all hated them but they were no doubt good for us ultimately.
We had fun, we had discipline and what's more we had terrific education. What's gone wrong in the last 50 years?

I used to love it at the old grammar school.i left in 1986 but they were the best days of my life.i remember Mr plunkett the drama teacher who used to wear eyeliner.Wouldn't be heard off nowadays.it was and still is a good school.even without the old science block. them stairs were horrendous to climb.

what happened to goole high school. i think i was the only one that went, cant seem to find any info on it. my years was 1970 - 1974. I remember being locked in the store cupboard for talking! then forgotten! i had to climb through the window to get out. thanks to our woodwork teacher. still i had many happy memories.

GGS 1950 to 1955. Cross country running enthusiast, since I detested rugby (scared of getting bashed) and never properly knew the rules anyway. We had a strong team for the inter-school sports cross country competition, hardened with many circuits of Westfield Banks in all weathers. In about 1953, we competed with Wath, Mexborough, Thorne, Doncaster, and maybe one other school. One cold and drizzly Saturday morning at Wath-on-Dearne, out of a field of about 40 runners we came 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 14th (me) and about 28th and 29th. At the following Monday morning's assembly we glowed with pride when feared but respected headmaster J L Latimer announced our triumph to the whole school. I think it's the only time I got smile out of Priscus - sorry, Mr. England, Latin scholar.

I remember the semi operas we did in school,
Pirates of Penzance,and others, they were really fun.
The field hockey we played, and the basket ball.
Also the trips to the swimming indoor pool where we earned our certificates, and medal.
I also remember being so scared of the gas mask, until we had to try it on in school and that helped me overcome the fright.
Remember Miss Backhouse ? She was our principal.
I remember I could have left school when I was 14 yrs. old, but my parents and a few other parents aranged for a group of us to remain until we were sixteen yrs. old, so they made a special class for us. If I remember more I will write again, it is so enjoyable to be able to do this. Thank you so very much.

You do realise, that giving ages away like this, at our time of life, is beyond recall.
Somewhere, I have a photo album that proves I did go there.
Abiding first memory was not having a hymn book for morning assembly on first day. I seem to think I called for Marian Knott and my cousin Eileen Houghton sorted me out a locker in Windsor, green.
A mention on one report that I "was quietly effective at back in hockey" also belies my ineptness at sports.
Am sure more of these b.awful memories will surface sooner rather than later - things like showers without curtains springs to mind, too.
What was good was being in School Guides, Miss Caldwell, I recall, and we took off on my first youth hostelling weekend in 1st year - Malton, with a borrowed haversack and school lace-ups.
Reminded recent Easter hols, when me, grandson and daughter stayed over in an Independent hostel at Rogart, Sutherland - believe I am considered a good sport now! Those GGS days were where it began, if not before with parental instructions from age 5 that set the pattern for life.

As for school subjects, I shall come back.

went to the nursery across the road from Alex then to Alex primary, onto Kingsway junior, then High school as it turned comprehensive (1974 ish) then after two years onto the Grammar School till '79, with a year in junior sixth.

don't have that many memories until high school - friends mostly rather than school.

Mr Newton probably the greatest mentor I had in my teenage years - trips to Wales and the Lakes in his landrover with the dog and his family and a few other lads. Mr West - english teacher. Mr Smith - geordie one at that!

A host of memories are coming back as I read your site and other people's comments on school life. I remember having naps in the afternoon at Alexander Nursery school (I didn't like sleeping in the afternoon!); at aged 6 onwards I walked by myself to school, first Alexander Street Infants (lukewarm milk every day), then Kingsway Middle and on to Bartholomew and finally GGS. I sometimes rode my bike the long way round, through Hook over to Airmyn and down the road to GGS -- a long way but if I set off early enough I could get there just in time. Usually it was a last minute dash down Boothferry Rd.

I loved the big windows at Kingsway and my favourite teachers there were Miss Cowling and Mr Hodgson, I also remember Mrs Thompson and Miss Smith. We played netball and rounders and every year the whole school (it seemed) put on a play. At Bartholomew I worked in the library and who was that teacher who smoked cigars all the time? He taught science. Lots of teachers smoked, I remember the staff room being filled with smoke. I remember arguing with Mrs Greensitt that girls should be allowed to wear trousers as well as skirts -- she eventually conceded. And (this was the year of equal opportunities for women) I managed to do woodwork instead of cookery one term (but only because there was a boy who wanted to be a chef so he wanted to cook!). I still have my bookcase!

Crossing the road to GGS was quite a big step and I remember getting lost in all those new corridors. During my years at GGS I spent a lot of time in the music block -- Miss Glover taught music -- singing in the Goole Grammar School Singers and playing in the windband. We had to evacuate the science block once when someone produced chlorine gas. I remember physics on the first level, biology on the second and chemistry at the top. Shame it's gone. Do they still teach all three sciences? I too remember those cross-country runs. Trying to jump over a water-filled ditch is the thing that sticks in my mind because I usually fell in! But I preferred cross-country to hockey! My favourite teachers -- Mr Rinne, Mr Rumney, Mr West and many who's names escape me now but I can still see their faces and while I might have forgotten much of what they taught me I enjoyed the whole experience of going to school in Goole!

Seems quite natural to be going backwards with school memories - in the days of Boothferry where I started aged 5 plus in the January term, I seem to think, anyway the moon was still in the sky when I left home - soon afterwards on a bike more often than not. Rode on the wide pavement if unaccompanied down Airmyn Road, otherwise marshalled by my dad on his shop bike. These were the war years. Taught by Miss Hall, we were fortunate to be under the educational regime of Sir Alec Clegg of West Riding CC.
Not that I knew that then. Classroom had all the stimulus I have since seen in my grandchildren's primaries. Nature table/high window cill, calendar and season charts to be changed daily. Monitor duties. Aged 9 or so, late for school cos I wouldn't clean my shoes and kept at home until I did. Soon learned. Later years going on 11, clubs on a Friday. And reading groups with pupil reading leaders. Sitting 11 plus exam at Goole High School, don't remember any preparation, nor advice about what to do. Wrote my English composition as we called it on my favourite book - these were scarce during the War, but I had read Little Women.
Hated having to do canteen duty, for a three-penny bit I think, weekly. A tin bath full of knives forks and spoons in greasy water. Am certain I answered back and was docked wages by the Chief Cook. Dinners were horrible, like Sago pudding. First banana eaten at school, fruit from USA I think. Had no idea what to do with it until shown. Outside lavs, separate playgrounds for boys and girls, nits and school nurse examinations. Looking back we were probably in better health due to our fatless diets, exercise, and regular check-ups than kids are today.

I too remember being at the Alexandra Street nursery and having afternoon naps (we were aged 3 or 4). We each had an emblem on our blanket, coat peg etc. Mine was a pipe, which upset me immensely as I wanted something glamorous like an apple or strawberry. Story of my life. Talk about forbidden fruit.

Anway, reading everyone's memories is fascinating except that I still don't know what Goole High school is. I went to the Grammar School from 1963 - 1970 (ish) and I only remember the school across the road being called the Secondary Modern. Did the Modern school later become the High school (now Goole College) or was the High school earlier than that? Or is it the Vermuyden, aka GGS, which became known as the High school?
As I now live in Goole again after 35 years away I don't want to commit any local faux pas so please can someone clarify for me? Thanks.

GGS 1962-3, just one year but long enough for those freezing cross country runs to make an indelible impression. Some brilliant teachers and one or two real eccentrics (Bongo!), still fondly remembered. Before that, Kingsway, Mrs Millward, Miss Hall, Mr Hodgson, Mr Millward. Mr Millward loved all things Scottish, teaching us Scottish songs, the Glencoe massacre, the '15 and '45. The headmaster, I think, was Mr Richardson. I remember getting the cane but not what it was for! Before that, Alexandra Street elementary and the nursery, with those compulsory afternoon naps, very boring lying awake in the semi-darkness with the curtains drawn.

Richard, you stirred a few memories for me. 'Bongo' was indeed a lovely man, sadly I believe he took his own life. Mr Millward was very frightening, I remember him slapping the cane down on our desks to help us remember our multiplication tables (it worked!). Kingsway was the only school where I was caned - my crime was writing lines on the wrong part of the page, the teacher was, I believe, Miss Furnace? I was only 9 years old and it was quite brutal in retrospect, but we thought nothing of it then.
Bill

For Gail/
High School (formerly the Sec. Modern) was so-named when it acted as a staging post on introduction of comprehensive education - 11 - 13 years -as Junior School pupils from across Goole went there before crossing the road to what was still called GGS.

Looking to contact Jez (Jeremy Nutbean), would like to hear from you again.

The teacher that smoked cigars at Goole High School was called Mr Brandt. I heard he died of a smoking related illness. I can almost smell them now, thirty-five years later. I initially thought the smell was some chemical in the science room. How things have changed, my students are not even allowed to make a cup of tea or use oil paint in the college I work in, but the in 1970s teachers actually smoked in the school science lab!

I went to Kingsway, failed my 11 plus and ended up at the High School. I frequently thank God that the schools went comprehensive, as I do not know what would have become of me had I stayed there.

I was one of the first generation of students in Goole's comprehensive system. I recall it being very experimental with subjects such as Modern Studies where we looked at inner city deprivation first hand in Sheffield. Religious studies entailed dancing with patients at a mental hospital, which seemed very frightening and wrong to me even at the age of fourteen.

So chuffed to see your message. I would love you to e.mail me on mark.nutbean@blueyonder.co.uk looking forward to hearing from you Mike. We have so much to catch up on. We often come back to Goole to have a look at our old house, and the hill. Although my brother Mike wants to contact no one from Goole as he hated the lot of ya. (he he)

I never attended Goole grammar school however I have been regulaly attending all my life, why? Goole Amatures. (G.A.O.D.S) For 11 years I have been in shows and for 16yrs before I attended as an audience menber in the wonderfull and only only such venue in goole, The Main Hall. Now to the main reason I posted a comment! It has recently come to the attention of myself and other memebers of the community that this hall is........ I hope your sitting down.......... TO BE DEMOLISHED !!! Im sure most of you out there will have some recelection of the hall and want to help us in our quest to save this iconic area of the school! Please I urge you contact the council, school, papers, myself or use the "facebook" group set up to help us to stop this from happening before its too late!
"Save the Grammer school hall!" remeber "Facebook"!

Russell Fallon

Is it true then that the Grammar School is due to be demolished?
Can they do this? It is a grade 2 listed building. Has any one looked into this and the STAGE? The back part of the hall had plaster ceilings with a relief of a Viking ship. Will this also be destroyed? Has anyone seen the plans?

ref fiona moae; i think they are doing the school up and mooving everyone to pasture road (temp) they are defanetly not destroying it.

And hopefully provide more english teachers :)

Yes it is indeed planned to get rid of the Grammar School stage. This will be a massive loss to the town. Much of the school is to be rebuilt, and the local authority have decided there is no longer any need for a permanent stage. They say a hall with provision for a temporary platform would be more flexible. I wonder to what extent cost has influenced this decision. The fact of the matter is that this is the last proper stage in Goole, and its loss would put an end to the Goole Amateur Operatic Society's productions. The town would no longer have a stage big enough, sufficiently equipped, or with the necessary changing facilities. These productions are always very well supported, and have for many years been a significant part of Goole's social and cultural life. The stage is used by other groups too, such as ballet schools. All this will end. It seems to me, from my reading of the Goole Times, that yet again (as with the proposed demolition of Phoenix Street and Richard Cooper Street) decisions are being made without proper regard for the needs of the local population. It makes one wonder whether the East Riding local authority gives a toss about Goole.

I attended goole grammer school 1982 to 1985
had miss dean as the form teacher all the 3 years there , my favorite though was miss henderson , kind of a school boy crush , but she looked after me through times of been bullied .
i was well looked after by all the scooter boyz too . now i wish id have done better at school .
if any of my former teachers are still around my regards go out to you also any friends from then to . as for the bullies *******

I went to Goole Grammar School '63-'69. I truly enjoyed my 6 years there. I was in the House of Windsor, for Phys Ed, I kicked booty on the track, becoming the Victrix Ludorum 2 years in a row. I loved field hockey, wish we could get that sport going over here on the West Coast (maybe there would be fewer overweight and angry young females) I'ts a great sport for venting....take everything out on that ball...LOL!!!!
Mr Teed was the headmaster, Mrs Williams was the headmistress. Miss Potter was our Phys Ed teacher, with backup from Mrs Ounsland (I think). She had a daughter my age named Gail...I did have a crush on one teacher...his name I cannot remember, he and Mr Fletcher, Mr Caldwell, lived at the Clifton Gardens Hotel. Of course I did have a schoolgirl crush one one boy that lasted 6 years, his name bless is heart is Charlie..
I want to say thankyou to Sheila, Charlie, Harry and Marjorie and of course my brother Stephen and his wife Angela for being there to help me celebrate in 2001.

Hi
I am 80 next month and was taken to Goole at the weekend to search for my roots. We went over the bridges to Old Goole after travelling to Hook, past Johnny Johnson' former home, Hook House.

I started my school days at Pasture Road School and remember telling a teacher my "auntie Amy" my young brother had measles so I could be sent home. I next went to Alexandra School as my Dad Alf Gaskin could take me to school en route to work.

Growing older I went to Boothferry Road School and finally to Goole Secondary School having failed the dreaded eleven plus despite taking a rabbits paw which my friend's father Nobby Clark, had given to me (he was a fishmonger on Pasture Road) - I bitterly resented she went to Goole Grammar School but my parents could only afford to send my brother Leslie, as it was believed boys needed to be trained. Les, joined the RAF when he was 17 and became a Pilot Officer and was killed in 1942.

I find IT has given me a new interest in life and I have enjoyed looking at our genaeology from the comfort of this super nursing home.
Val/nee Gaskin/Johnson/Nothard

I came to GGS in June 1959, having moved up from London about a month before the end of the summer term. The school was celebrating its jubilee (50 years) - remember the story of a pupil who thought that the architect's name was MCMIX?
I used to have a collection of school magazines, "The Viking", but my Mother threw them out during a house move in 1972. If anyone has copies of them (1959-1965 especially), I'd love to see them again.
Does anyone remember Cosh House? It was very remote -I think it was in the Yorkshire Dales. Walking expeditions were made from there each year, but probably only by the senior boys. I remember the Rambling Society and one particularly exhausting walk in Dalby Forest, where we got lost.
Happy days.

Hi,
Between 1966 (?) and 1972, i've had a pen friend in Goole. He was attending the Goole Grammar School, his name is Clive Arthur Walker.
I'm looking for him. Can you help me ?

Try Bob Watson on Cosh House!
He can be found at Waterways Museum - on the Web.

And Go00ole ramblers - well me and my kids joined up on advice of Clarry Guest, our window cleaner, about 1970 - good old days when walking meant weather and wind and covering the ground, but none of it without effort. Glad to say, my kids still do it. And me too, occasionally, although slower and less of it. Plus poles.
Keep in touch, Kathleen, there are still many of those who were the old club, out there, none more than Gerry T.

But how much of this stuff is going to be OURS? And not ERYC's?
There is little in the museum that Goole Town Council funded, no doubt with Council Taxpayer's contributions, to suggest that photos, donated artefacts, and even these memories, will be available in years to come, without ERYC's say-so? What's the protocol for keeping Goole Memories active and available, at a request, rather than ERYC expecting us to sign legalities for use of these and photographs etc. in the archives?

I had a bad experience, hence the enquiry!

Is that the same Michael Dudding who we use to rib about standing around the piano singing songs with his family during the power cuts in the early seventies?

Thank you Gail for your comment about the Alexandra School, yes, I remember those pictures, as I helped to make them as I was a teacher in that class, helped the youngsters settle down for their naps after lunchtime. Most of the children enjoyed the pictures as they were too young to read so it helped them know where there own belongings were.
I have a group picture of the teachers in the school at that time. I must try and send it to the site, perhaps I can remember most of the names.
Some very interesting reading here, thank you everyone.

Who remembers Miss Bell,the Deputy Headmistress of the Grammar School?Her very scary,though exciting lessons were great-I studied history as a result! I thought she was really old,until I met her after my school days-age is definitely in the eye of the beholder!Bongo's hilarious lessons- we were all a bit naughty...Miss Scurrah's German lessons-so much fun!Miss Charlton's Classical Society-who remembers the Roman Banquet?
I should love to hear from old pals -I live in Manila now,so e-mail is quick! ogbasan@hotmail.com

Miss Charlton was responsible for my inexplicably winning the 5th year prize for Latin. I was baffled then and still am now. But what I do remember is that she loved perfume so much, she signed herself Nora Perfumatissima on many documents.
She always wore her cap and gown, as it did many other teachers.
Another lasting memory is of Doc Ramsey (Bud) making us all sing classical songs in sol-fa notation. I can sing several songs as, for example, "mi so so, re so so, mi so la do la re" but I've no idea what the real words are and I still can't read music.
My mum also went to GGS, but it was fee-paying in her day and she won a free scholarship, otherwise she couldn't have gone. By the time I went it was a state school, but I feel very lucky to have been a pupil at that time in its history.

Perfumatissima!You have a good memory.Does anyone remember the trips to the Roman Wall or Housesteads?I have a photograph with Valerie Jensen(Miss Streaky Bacon!),Roy Mapplebeck,Chris Lewis,and Stephen Hoier.It's good to be older-so much fun looking back!We were all sitting on a wall somewhere on the classical trip.
Bud used to get me to accompany the orchestra-I got hopelessly lost in a performance of Haydn's Creation!He looked very pained!My schoolboy crush was Mrs. Thompson,who was heavily pregnant in my first year.Do you remember the costume cupboard at the back of IB?
I should like to hear from anyone of my era-1960-7.I live in Manil

Hi I attended GGS from 1965-70. Anyone still around who was a first former then. Long live the House of Windsor. I now live in China on Hainan Island, very beautiful place.

I remember Miss Bell (Mabel) very well - she was very keen on neatness and conforming. She once made one of our form go and remove all the back-combing from her hair (it was the swinging 60s!) during an English lesson. And brought in the rule about regulation shoes, which was very unpopular with parents. She was a wonderful teacher, though. My own particular memory of her -she once told me, when admonishing me for some youthful high spirits, that I reminded her of herself at a similar age. I was so embarrassed! Now I think I should have been flattered.

I have a photograph of her with the tennis team circa 1963 but don't think I can attach it here. (Why was she on it - have never fathomed the logic of that!)

I remember you Steve Petch...I too was in Windsor House. I live in Howden (haven't travelled far and wide like you). Miss Potter and Mrs Williams also live in Howden and both seem to be remarkably well. Where have all the years gone!

I HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF GOOLE MODERN SCHOOL 1946-1949 THE HEADMASTER WAS MR FIRTH WHO WAS A LARGE IMPOSING FIGURE WHO FRIGHTENED ALL THE BOYS BY HIS STATURE THEN THERE WAS LA-LA MOODY WHO TAUGHT ENGLISH CHARLES DUNVILLE TAUGHT RELIGIOUS STUDIES CHARLIE GREENSIDES TAUGHT GEOGRAPHY FRED AMERY TAUGHT CHEMISTRY POP NORTHEY TAUGHT HISTORY HUTCH HUTCHINSON TAUGHT P.T AND GAMES MISTER REAVLEY TAUGHT WOODWORK DIDDY DAY TAUGHT GARDENING MISTER PROBERT TAUGHT AMATEUR DRAMATICS BIRDIE FELL TAUGHT MATHS MISTER FOSTER TAUGHT METALWORK
IN THOSE TIMES IT WAS NEVER KNOWN TO CHEEK TEACHERS OR ANSWER BACK
I PASSED A SCHOLARSHIP IN 1949 TO GO TO SELBY TECHNICAL COLLEGE FOR TWO YEARS SO LEFT THE MODERN SCHOOL

Interesting information there Brian, you certainly have a good memory. As I have previously mentioned I attended GGS from '54 - '59 and we had a metalwork teacher called Stan Foster and a mathematics teacher called 'Hutch' Hutchinson. I reckon they must have moved across the road don't you?

Hutch Hutchinson was form teacher for 1D when I arrived in 1959. I remember him appointing the class 'window monitor' whose job it was to climb onto the high window sill and open the large sash windows, he advised the monitor not to step back to admire his work!

HUTCH HUTCHINSON PLAYED RUGBY FOR THE OLD BOYS THERE IS A PHOTO OF HIM ON THE WALL AT THE RUGBY CLUB
ANOTHER MASTER I FORGOT WAS RON HOUGHTON WHO TAUGHT MATHS HIS PHOTO IS ALSO ON THE WALL AT THE RUGBY CLUB

Ivan/Bill/Brian
Just to confirm what you've been saying. I was at GGS 1951-1956. "Hutch" Hutchinson was the maths master and Stan Foster taught metalwork & geo/enginering drawing. Must say I thought they were both excellent(only two GCE's I managed).

Hey up John Wraith I reckon I went to school with you and your cousin Ian who was in the same year as us. left in 67. I really only attended school for the rugby and a smoke at lunch time over in the gardeners shed near the junction of Centenary road and Airmyn road. Can remember getting caned by Mr Lattimore for not having my cap. the dog had eaten it but couldn't convince him.

Stan Foster was my form tutor in the 4th and 5th year and Gerry Appleyard was in the 2nd year. He checked to see if you had regulation grey socks on every day. I think that a lady called Roesenbruck (or similar was in 3rd year). Her husband had a market garden in Howden. Can remember a teacher called "Hutch" teaching (sorry trying to teach) us physics and chemistry, we didn't qualify for "test tube Taylor". One day he twigged that we were cheating and came along and caught Trigger Tredgitt, Steve Watson and Franksie with books in the drawers on their left hand side. When he came to me the drawer on the left was empty, he didnt realise I was left handed and the book was in the drawer on the right.

Happy day and what do I do for a living well of course I'm a teacher, what else.

Hello Paul Campsell and all.I 'Attended' Goole Grammar School 1951 to 1956.I was out of my depth a lot of the time in the lower classes ,holding the rest of the school up!I only got two GCE.But I have done more learning and studying in my working years in the Police force and other jobs I've had since.I am sure my years at GGS did me good.I now consider myself A Graduate of 'The University of Life' and a very happy family man.My favourite teacher was 'Mr. Hutchinson' who I lived near on Westfield Ave.Goole.He taught us the monologue about Albert Ramsbottom and Sam ,Pick up thy musket.I still recite them to my grand children.Mr. Lattimer didn't like me having an errand boys job,not right for a Grammar school boy?Other great teachers were,Angus Turner,brilliant at art and taught me a lot.Ken Ibbottson,woodwork,Mr. Foster,metalwork.Mr.Kimber our form teacher and French teacher.who was also a Hockey player( For Derby County) I think.Do you remember the 'Staff hockey' matches?I was proud to help make the new flagpole for the front of the school, although I don't suppose it's the same one standing there now.To be serious for a moment ( Unusual for me!) I do think Grammar school education did give one a slightly different outlook on life and it has certainly stood me in good stead.

I have just spent over an hour going through this site of memories and it has brought on some recall of my first 20 years of life in Goole. I have lost touch with all of my school friends and social/drinking mates, but I am ever hopeful I can make contact again.

Born in Dempster Ave, Old Goole and relocated via Dad powered hand cart to Oxford Rd when I was 4. Left Goole just after my 21st and never returned to live, only to visit parents who are now both gone.
Attended Boothferry 56 to 62, then Secondary Modern 62 to 66. Doncaster Tech 67 to 72. School did not work out for me, but College did!
Worked at Jack Petty's then Eggborough Garages in town and moved to Hull.
Memories of Goole are mainly of hours spent with mates in local woods, bike rides and the railways......running from junior school past the shops as the Hull bound steam trains approached the crossing which cut the town in two, racing up the footbridge to catch the full steam blast.
We spent hours fishing in local ponds ("brick pond", "Oakhill" - most near railways!) and as a teenager discovered girls, cars and beer.
I never had school photos and wonder if there are any out there I could have copies of. I did have a camera from the age of 16 and I will dig out some pictures of Goole in the 70's if anyone is interested. I now live in Durham and would like to get in touch with those who I had contact with in the 60's and 70's.
Thanks to the web master for the hard work.

I remember you Mike Taylor, you lived at 48 Oxford road and had an older sister and a younger brother Brian. I can remember travelling in that green Ford Anglia you had put a big bore silencer on it and some big wide wheels. Then I can remember you having a 2002 or something BMW you had painted it the worst coloured yellow I have ever seen.

I saw your sister only today in Market Weighton, shes lived there for about 30 years she said.

Hello Willo,
I wish I could remember your name!!!Poor old thing,the brain is going!Helena Rosenbroek-do you remember her?That frightful woodwork shop with all that smelly beeswax constantly cooking in a pot!I was always "removed" from Woodwork to Metalwork as my practical skills were,and stillare,nil.If a hammer won't do it,then no good at all!I alwys managed to block the Metalwork Room furnace with clinker,and smoke everywhere...Boiler Wright and his "exciting" maths lessons-I took four attempts at my 'O' Level before I got it-says something about the teaching,I think!Dr Ramsay was a bit eccentric,but a wonderful musician.How about poor Bongo-he really lived his subject.Arnie Chappell seemed nine feet tall,but maybe not!Such alot of fun,not so much work done,but I've been a Head now for many years,at present working in Manila and running Korean Schools,after Mr Teed shook hands on my last day,telling me he thought I would be a success in life,but not in the academic field!A late developer is not in it!!! I would really like to know Willo's name...We certaily knew the same people.

John C Wraith - if I remember right you were in the year above me. I once came on the bus to your place in Garthorpe with a crowd of Belgian and German exchanges. I had one of the more extrovert Belgians called Philippe Antoine. We still send each other Christmas cards.
I also got the "not academic" brush off from Teed, but doubt in the 1960s they appreciated how extensive the opportunities for late developers were starting to become. I could name several who went on to become solicitors, vets, university and college lecturers and so on, and the owner of the Costcutter chain of shops.

Hi Willo, yes my 2002 was the worst colour ever.......it was surprisingly the cheapest 5 litres I could find to respray it with!
There seems to be a lot of school memories based on GGS, but as John C. Wraith and Robert Ward mentions many Sec Mod pupils did go on to do well in their careers despite the 11 plus rejection and the efforts of some of the teaching staff to talk them down.
I would like to see comments from early/mid sixties pupils at the Secondary Modern as to their experiences and how they made it in life despite early branding as "not academic".
Any school photos from that time?

Robert,
This website is great fun!I remember that terrible party!Smoking oil lamps and and dark corners...My parents were not too thrilled!What are you doing now?I still keep in touch with my Belgain people too-still visiting them.We had quite alot of opportunities at GGS.I am still very fond of the place-would like to visit it one day.We should all get together and pretend we haven't changed at all!I wouldn't mind retiring in Goole;at least I don't think I could get lost!I am really enjoying reading other people's memories,all credit to the people involved.

John - you can cyber-stalk quite a lot of us on the Friends Reunited web site. Stuart has put a link to GGS at the top right of the Welcome page, but in support of Mike, above, it would be helpful to have a link to the Modern School too (school key 6819).

Wonderful to find the FriendsUnited site.I would love to hear from so many people-scary there are so many grandparents amongst us!It is really interesting-I feel back in IIB already...

How come GGS does not have an Old Alumnae Association with website? Haven't been able to find one !!!

Mike do I detect a note of cynicism in your last comments or was it just a celebration of how well kids from the other side of the road could do as well? Come on we all know that being an academic is not the be all and end all. People from both schools have gone on to greater things and believe it or not there has even been inter school marriages.

Re: any cynicism about Modern School as opposed to GGS I would ask those who passed their 11+ how they would have felt if they had been discounted as being second rate at 11; I remember a TV documentary referring to those who failed as "copper grade children" as opposed to "gold" going to the Grammar School.
I still feel anger at being discarded in this way as a child. thank God the schools went comprehensive in Goole when I was 14 as I would never have achieved anything staying at the Secondary Modern. Girls were trained to be married, be a secretary or SEN at best. Boys kept hens, did wood work & metal work.
I went on to get an MA and I work in an FE college.
I dare say there are some posters that still agree with the old 11+ system. It didn't work for me and as a child you are not aware of what's going on to help yourself.

I don't think it matters too much which side of the road you attended. The most important thing is that you were given good education and learned discipline at school and at home. Sadly this appears to be lacking today. Incidentally I attended GGS 1954 - 59.

Wish to contact Mike Dudding and Jeremy Nutbean. We all lived down Oxford Road 46. 48. and i think Jeremys was 51? 55?.
Please contact me at taylort@shtc.org.uk
Would love to catch up with you (been a long time)
or text 07837967356
Regards Brian

I would really like to hear from my old classmates in GGS.I am now living in Manila,where I have run a couple of schools.I read the entries,here,with great interest.It brings the sixties back to life-I can still remember Arnie towering over everybody!Please contact me on ogbasan@hotmail,com if you remember me-In would be very intererested to hear your news!

Does anyone remember the GGS science teachers Mr.Bennett and Mr.Hutchinson known musically as ' Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Trousers.

My mum is Annie Hall nee Proctor and went to GGS from around 34 to 42. I remember her tales so well: people like Mahalski and Gertrude Leishtman (apologies for spelling) . Priscus the latin teacher. She has such fond memories but many of her year group were killed in the war years. Mahalski went on to be a code cracker - a brilliant man, she recalls. Mother lived in Rawcliffe Bridge at the time - brother Frank, George and Arthur. If any of you do remember her and would like me to pass a message on, I would be delighted to do so. Thank you. Prim

Phil, yes I remember Mr Bennett. At one time he lived in Kingsway where I used to live. I remember him as being a good teacher. Also 'Hutch', who was my form teacher when I was in 1D in '59, another good man.
Bill

You can see their smiling faces at:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=4518&l=f19bc&id=615169103

I went to GGS for only two years, during the mid '50s and I remember our headmaster, Mr Latimer, and art teacher Angus Turner who had no patience with me -- I never was and never will be an artist! Mr Kimber took us took Bruhl, Germany on our student exchange trip -- that was a memorable, but scary time for me. The family I stayed was were very weird -- and Anneliese, the daughter, never did the return visit to Goole. I remember the channel crossing - our cabin was on top of the engine room, and the fumes and the rough seas made us all sick. I remember disqualifying our team (Tudor) in the summer games relay race one year, when I dropped the baton - so humiliated! I hung out with Janet Garner (who moved to Australia later and is now deceased) and Veronica Main. I always hated the uniforms, but now I think young people SHOULD wear them! There were good memories, too!

Rather late in the day I'm afraid, this is for Gail, who wrote in her posting of 26/09/2007 :
".... Doc Ramsey (Bud) making us all sing classical songs in sol-fa notation. I can sing several songs as, for example, "mi so so, re so so, mi so la do la re" but I've no idea what the real words are and I still can't read music".

The music is 'To a Wild Rose' by the American composer Edward MacDowell. I've never seen any words put to it, but I still play it now and again down here in deepest Essex. Bud Ramsay was a hero of mine, since I had a natural inclination for music, and enjoyed his classes. I took my first piano lessons with a Mrs. Sherriff, somewhere near Alexander St. school in about 1950. Incidentally, for years I was lovesick for Bud's breathtakingly beautiful daughter Judith, but shyness and terror meant I don't think I ever exchanged one word with her.

Does anyone know the whereabouts of Jeremy Nutbean or Mike Dudding.
Please contact me at taylort@shtc.org.uk.
Regards

Brian Taylor.

I have a copy still of the Prospectus which I received just before starting at GGS in 1955. I thought it may be interesting just to take a snapshot of the whole of the staff as it existed in 1955 and maybe provoke some memories.
I have added a nickname where I remember it.

Headmaster: Mr J.L.Latimer (Lennie/The Boss)
Senior Mistress: Miss E.M.Venables
Assistant Masters: Dr G.S.Caffrey, Mr W.Calder, Mr A.Chappell (Arnie), Mr J.A.England (Priscus), Mr S.Foster (Stan), Mr W.K.Geldart, Mr P.A.Glew (Sticky), Mr G.B.Hargreaves, Mr N.F.Hidden, Mr R.D.Hirsch, Mr E.Hutchinson (Hutch), Mr K.Ibbotson (Tacky Ken), Mr F.W.Kimber, Mr R.H.Martin (Reg), Mr N.F.Ollerenshaw, Mr W.K.Petch (Bill), Dr C.E.Ramsey (Bud), Mr G.W.Stones (George), Mr L.Taylor (Test Tube), Mr D.C.Turner (Angus), Mr A.W.Wright (Boilerhead).

Assistant Mistresses: Mrs R.M.Ayello, Mrs B.A.Bean, Miss M.M.Coghlin, Miss D.M.Dean, Miss K.M.Holland (Katie), Miss J. Longhorn, Mrs L.H.Mosley (Minnie Mos), Miss D.J.Robertshaw Miss E.Scowcroft, Miss E.M.Tyler (Tillie), Miss S.M.Woodcock

School Secretary: Miss D.M.Laverack
Assistant Secretary: Miss S.Hill

Interesting to read Barry Parsisson's list of staff from 1955. I came to GGS in July 1959 and many of the names are familiar. Miss Coghlin, who taught English, was Senior Mistress (acting) for a year before her retirement in about 1965. She was known to all affectionately as "Ma Cog".

ln reply to the message posted by 'Prim' on 16.03.08 can l just say that l have contact with a Canadian man called Geoff Boyd on Genesreunited and he has told me that the teacher at GGS that' Prim' mentioned was, indeed, a 'code breaker' at Bletchley Park during World War 2. His name was Norman Mahalski. He married a Goole girl and then emigrated to Canada. He then worked in marketing for Rowntree's and then for Shell Oil. He invented various popular slogans and it was his idea to introduce the concept of the 'self-serve' gas station.

I think it was Hutch who used to do a splendid rendition of Albert and the Lion at the Christmas parties - also of Harold at the Battle of Hastings, "with an arrow through his eye". What simple fun we had!!

Kate Hobson mentions 'Hutch' in her posting of 26.4. 08.I went to GGS 1951to1956 and I had Mr.Ted Hutchinson as a form teacher because I was always in the bottom 'D' classes holding the rest of the school up! as we used to say.I was inspired by his love of rhyming poetry such as Albert and the Lion and others,'Sam pick up thy musket' I still write such poetry when moved to do so !I also lived only a few houses away from 'Mr. Hutchinson', on Westfield Avenue and would watch / help him mend his AUSTIN 7 car.He was a very nice family man.

For Barry Parsisson - I seem to remember an Yvonne Parsisson (GGS, 1950 - 1955). Quite tall, slim girl, wearing specs. Any relation?

Yes, Yvonne is my cousin. Her father Robert and my father Walter, were brothers.

I was born and brought up in goole and old goole. We lived near the police station and went to alex nursery and primery school. my sister was friends with stacey steel and i was friends with billy and lucy steel who were twins. we moved to old goole and we went to old goole first, marshland middle and the grammer school. I moved from goole at the age of 25 and have been in west yorkshire since, i go back when i can to see my family. at the grammer school my form tutor was mr ward i remember all the tutor group putting money together and getting a strip a gram for his birthday and an artical and pic went into the goole times. Mr ward was my maths tutor also he was a down to earth chap and was my favourate teacher.I didnt like lessons much and used to gaze out the windows except in science as it was more practical then just sitting listening to teachers drone on.I still remember a few people like amanda best,sherron preston,heather bennet, dulce raper, helen blewitt,hillary clifford,dawn brown and a few more. I didnt have any grades when i left but learnt more when i left and started working and now work within the west yorkshire police force but not as an officer so ive not done too bad and doing a job i like as each day is diffrent and i meet diffrent people all the time. I used to like the old goole gala's with the floats and the effort that went into it and everyone helping, then ther was the blue angels jazz band we used to go all over on compatitions. at one of the gala's the mums got together and did molly's rejects now that was funny.

I lived at greenawn 1957-1960 i am looking for Stephen Butterworth and trevor milner.I used to go to gsm

I only attended school in Goole for a couple of years in the mid 60's before my family moved to Australia. I also remember the afternoon sleep at the Nursery School that have been mentioned in earlier comments and weren't we given Sunshine Pills as well.

Message in reply to Peter Dootson posted 26/06/2008

Hi Pete, It would be nice to be in touch after all these years. Perhaps this web site will exchange email adresses. Look forward to speaking soon,

regards Steve

Could Peter Dootson leave a message with his email filled in (it can't be seen by the public)? I can then swap his contact details with Stephen Butterworth. Alternatively send your email address to feedback@goole-on-the-web.org.uk

I believe I remember Eileen Houghton, is she still alive?
She was my bridesmaid when I marriedin 1945

Our parents were cousins. She was living in North Yorkshire, Bedale area. No further information, regretfully.

Pete - I've passed on your contact details to Steve. I wouldn't recommend leaving your mobile phone number on any public website as it could be used for spam.

Thankyou for all those memories! The smell of polish in Miss Bell's office... Being terrified to place a laurel wreath on the head of Mr. Latimer for our Classical Society Dinner-Perfumatissima in appropriate garb, perfume behind her knees, I remember! "Hamlet" and "She Stoops to Conquer"-who was in them? Those terrible Cross Country Runs - Mr. Postill checking in his van at the hospital!!! What was the name of the thin tall lady that supervised the Lunches,please? When we gobbled our Lunch on the stage - all very smart!

Message for Peter Dootson

I must have the wrong detail from our contact. Can you contact me through the site again and I will give you my email address

all the best Steve

John Wraith mentions "She stoops to conquer" - my friend Hazel Grimwood played Maria, and I think Tim Plackett was one of the lead males. Festus presumably directed? All the dramatic productions were very good - "Murder in the Cathedral", when Garth Jones came back to teach in the English Department, was excellent. He eventually married Gill Ford, who was in it.

jez nutbean was you in setteringtons class i was in those years john howard yarbo

alexandra st primary i was there in 65 66 time my sweet heart was wendy bratby they had the pub called george next to roundabout at clock tower i used to go to her house she sang little donkey in christmas play one year what a nice school it was fond memories of wendy too wonder what she doing now

is it the same mike dudding has sister called julie used to live in gatesby road in 70s i used to go to his house after school some nights

hi, jez nutbean, pete wright here, yes i remember you getting locked in... believe it was old Mr Wreavley,

Hello, I'm looking for any info on ROLAND and DOREEN MORRIS, last known address Fourth Avenue, Goole. I would be interested in which schools they attended, any friends or relatives that are still around that remember them. Roland left the area in early 40's with the army, Doreen and mum left in the late 50's. Roland sadly died in 1973 in Derbyshire and Doreen died in 2005 in Wales. I would also like to hear of JACK BEAMSON , Roland's best mate and best man at his wedding, if anyone has any info at all it does'nt how small I would be very grateful cheers.... Brenda

For John C Wraith - see above, 6/1/2008 and 7/1/2008
Entries in an old diary.
19th July 1965. School trip with penfriends to Rowntrees, York.
21st July 1965. Broke up from school. Went to party at Wraiths. It was OK.
22nd July 1965. Went to fetch my mac which I'd left at Wraiths.
24th July 1965. Went to Heather Gunsons to tape some records [from memory it was Roy Orbison]. Party at Leonards in Hemingbrough. Not very good.

Thankyou Robert!I went to the Leonnard's party too...We seemed to have parties every weekend!How did we get to them all,without so many cars?We had alot of fun and alot of friends.Is GGS having special events to mark its hundredth year?It would be good to have a massive reunion.There must still be some of the "younger" teachers alive!
Do keep in touch-I have never quite got the place out of my system.When I come back to England for my annual leave,I love a few hours in Goole,wandering the streets-so many changes.I may retire to Yorkshire if I can tear myself away from the Philippines.

Hi Brenda, Jack Beamson was my father in law, died in 1995 in Goole, so cannot ask him for you. I married his only son John Beamson in 1971, and we moved away from Goole to live in Somerset. We have one daughter Joanne, and one son, also called John. We all still live in Somerset,

Reference Brenda Tunniclffe,1.9.08. and Jack Beamson.My father Worked with Jack Beamson for a lot of years at the Government,'Home Office 'Depot at Pollington Airfield,where they prepared, maintained Auxilliary fire Engines and other Emergency equipment.for 'Flood' etc.My Dad was Joe/Geordie Anderson and Jack used to drive the Goole men to Pollington to work each day, firstly in an old AFT/auxilliary fire tender and latterly in a mini bus both painted the usual 'Drab Green'.Jack's wife worked at the Goole Swimming Baths for a lot of years.

With reference to Jack Beamson, did he used to park his mini bus in the fire station yard in Stanhope Street?

To Ivan Tasker.Yes he did park the mini bus there at the Fire Station.I think after he left the 'Home Office' at Pollington he became an Insurance man/collector

Ref.Linda Beamson, Hi Linda many thanks for the info,my dad Roland Morris spoke often of Jack and family, I have a lovely photo of dad,Jack, Jack's mum and kids outside their house,dad and Jack would have been in their late teens I guess,Jack came to mum and dad's wedding to be best man in 1942 before dad went off to India, he came home in 1945, a very changed man, had malaria a great many times, was never really well again and sadly died in 1973 aged just 52 yrs.Mum bless her is still batting, and often remembers going up to Goole to stay with Doreen and dads mum Kate in Fourth Ave while dad was away.
So before it is too late I decided to do the family tree, and am trying to fill in the early years 1918 - 1942, so once again thanks for your help.........Brenda

Message for Alan Anderson, Many thanks for your info Alan on Jack Beamson, any titbits no matter how small all add to the story, if you hear of anything more I would be grateful..... Cheers Brenda

I've been thinking about air raid shelters. There is an old aerial photograph of the Grammar School with the earth-covered shelters clearly visible at the back, worn with footpaths over the top. I never saw those, but at Boothferry Road School the shelters were red brick with concrete roofs. There was one at the Henry Street side of the infants playground, with a dark entrance opening we didn't dare go anywhere near, and another between the infants and juniors playgrounds. Some houses had shelters too. In Dunhill Road two of our neighbours still had them in the 1960s, again brick and concrete. They were great for climbing on to throw muck at children in other gardens.

The shelters at most schools incl Alexandra were Anderson steel sections bolted together covered with sandbags earth and then grassed over.Internally wooden boards like pallets in the walkways with wooden benches along either side.At the sound of the siren grab your gas mask and enter the dungeon or in my case at Alex run like hell home to mum quickly followed by the Air raid warden blowing his whistle trying to stop me.

Those at GGS in the 50's & early 60's will remember the earth covered air raid shelters. As a special sadistic treat Mr Postill sometimes required us to run over them prior to the cross country run. Not a particularly pleasant experience when they were covered with thistles and/or snow.

I don't get back very often, but did visit to show my American wife where I came from (to the poor people at 2 Forth St who had this stereotypical American blonde woman taking pictures, (through the window) I apologize!!

I went to Pasture Road school and then to Alexander Street (which I couldn't find when we did the tour, has it been demolished?). I have find memories (as VERY young kids, we left when I was 9 or so) of running around the docks, stealing turnips form the railway trains at the end of Forth St and wandering far and wide. Amazing to consider given the paranoia of today.

My grandfather owned Cowells pop works and Shorts until late 1957 when they were liquidated. I see both buildings are still going strong. Love to hear form anyone with whom I went to school!

I'm now living in Oakland, California where I have been for 12 years and on Tuesday voted in my first Presidential election - and picked a winner :-))

Yes, how i remember the good old days at Goole school. Oh how i remember them................. Oh god, i went to Rawcliffe school!!!

I remember you Mike Taylor, before I think you became Tinger. Lived round the corner from you in Elsie St. I remember as kids when we did a pushbike ride to Selby, which we did more than once...anyway this one time my tyre went bang on the way back. As it was nearly tea time, you said you had to get home for your tea...I walked it home on my own. I think I got back to Goole in time for Sunday Night at the London Palladium...

Happy days Mike...

This is nothing to do with the previous comments on this page it is just an advert for a school reunion that is due to take place at the Vikings Hotel on 14th March 2009. If you started the Goole Grammar School in 1968 or 1969 and you remember people like Linda Brookes, Andy Longhorne, Graham Canty, Martin Wreakes, Jayne Hendrickson or John O'Neil then you should come to this reunion. If you know of anyone who was in these years then please pass on the message. Tickets are available from Martin Wreakes at £5 each. To get your ticket sead a SAE to M Wreakes. 9 Cecil St. Goole. East Yorks. DN14 5JL.

I am surprised that no one has mentioned yet a charming old gentleman teacher from 4A at Alex...Mr D.B.Craven affectionately known to us all as Pop...

Also, to add, from GGS.

Remembered from the 60's and much missed...

Gareth (Gaz) Heywood...went round the world with...

Steve (Sticky) Bostock...a mate also...

Does anybody out there remember a David Christopher who went to the Grammar school between 1969 and 1976? If you do please let me know. Thanks.

I went to GSM school and hated it except for football and metal work.Mated about with Graham Skinner, Paul Jarvis, Jeryl Ward, Joan Kirk, John Revell.Alan Parish, Turkey Burton, Pud Rice, Bongo Arundal, and John Pettican.
Head master was Mr Patterson, best teachers were Josh England, and David Seven and 'splutts' for double digging plus Miss Finch had a nice pair of legs All stood me in good stead for my life ahead which has worked out ok.

Re Elsie street Hill, I remember 'Sticky' Bostock from near Eastoft he had a fantastic music collection, sorry he went so young. Another from that era was 'Scutch' ie Ian Easthope from Luddington, went to a few music giggs with him, and Charlie Simms from Swinefleet.
Makes you feel old don't it ?

Hi Elsie Street-Hill. I certainly do remember Pop Craven. I'd have been in class in 1962 or 63. He once asked us all to write down what our favourite sweets were, which we innocently did (we were 10 years old). Christmas came and each one of us in his class, at least 35 of us, was given our preferred sweet. What a lovely man.

I also remember him once sending me to the council offices with an envelope of money to pay his rates bill! I'd no idea what a rates bill was, but to this day I'm flattered that he trusted me with his errand.

I did well in his class and regard him as one of the main reasons I loved school.

If I'm right Gail, I think your surname began with an "S", (full name not given to protect your privacy). Didn't I see your dad on Locks and Quays on the telly? Again, if I'm right, I was in Pop's class with you...

There was also a made-up pillar box at Christmas where we could "post" cards to friends. Pop made sure everyone got at least one card by sending us one himself!

Unheard of these days, but do you remember him smoking Park Drive during lessons?

Well spotted ES-H, it was indeed my dad and my uncle doing the Tom Puddings stuff on Locks and Quays, and on several other TV programmes. Who'd have thought their tough old job on the canals would turn out to be a tourist attraction today?

I'd forgotten about Pop Craven smoking in class. Astonishing!
I can't quite remember the headmaster's name though. Was it Geoffrey somebody? He sometimes joined in the songs in morning assembly without using words, just very loud POM POM POMs.

Gail. Wasn't the head's name at Alex... Geoffrey Wood?

Sitting cross-legged on the hall floor singing sea shanties and folk songs. Piles of comics in the hall after dinner when it rained...

How did we pass the 11-plus...?

Sticky Bostock, what a great drummer. Used to gig with him in a band with Dennis Wilburn.

Born in Percy Street 1952 and started life at Old Goole infants school Headmistress was Mrs Higham, I remember a Miss Taylor ? sat next to Stephen Backhouse on my first day.
Then went to the junior school on Cottingham street, headmaster was a Mr Dickinson his wife taught there too along with a Miss Gunhill ?
Kids I remember.. John Clift lived in the school house when his dad Jack became a teacher, Peter Daniels, Brian Burns, James Ward, Joe Ward, Paul Raywood, Janet Whitely, David Sharp, Steve and Malcolm Nichols, Mosser Theakston, Michael Carter,Lillian Taylor, I reckon that was Tinga Taylors sister ? Peter Donague... bike shop folks in Goole? Philip Thomlinson, Stuart Anderson. Audrey Andrews, Peter & Neil Hawksworth. family were decorators.? Good days, good people.

I left Goole Grammar in 1984. I was in the Stuart House (Yellow) and my class teacher was Mrs Lester who was also my English teacher. Friends I remember were Peter King, Jonathon Stafford and Mark Headley. Anybody remember please say hello.

I was at GGS between 1957 and 1961. It was fascinating looking through this website. I well remember Mr Postill, the games teacher, who introduced me to cross country running and he did indeed get pleasure out of making you run through mud and snow. I think his favourite saying was 'sick, lame and lazy'. I also remember Mr Latimer, the head, but did he ever actually teach? Also Miss Bell. Can you imagine those two teaching today!
Anyone who remembers me. Please email me ianduncan68@btinternet.com.

This year is the Grammar School's centenary. I was in the first form in 1959 when there were big celebrations for the fiftieth anniversary of the building. Does anyone have any photos from July of that year? Anything planned for 2009?

Yes, we are planning events for the centenary of the school - Vermuyden/Goole Grammar School/Goole Secondary School.

We're going to run events from the centenary of the actual official opening of the school - April 2010 until September 2010.

If you'd like to receive information or ask questions - or just send me memories - please contact me on school.centenary@vscampus.net or write to me at Vermuyden School, Centenary Road, Goole DN14 6AN.

For those who attended GGS 1954 - 59, Colin Ransome and I have some photographs of a few people which can be forwarded by e-mail.

hi polo we must have been in the same class,i sat next to pauline garner,after being split up from dave barkham for messing about.i lived in hatfield place then cottingham st.sam skinner and bongo are in my modern school photo.

Hi Steve, nice to hear some of us survived those days. Trying to fit you to Hatfield place ? I remember Pauline Garner well, especially on sports days !!
Another few lads now spring to mind not far from you on Cottingham Street, Arther Walker and Philip Thomlinson, and David Sharpe. If Bongo and Skinner are in your Modern school photo as sure as hell I am, look for the tall good looking one !name of Paul B.
I left that institution as soon as age would allow and have since had a good career in selling tractors, combines etc. It's taken me all over the world and I've met alot of interesting people in my time but you never forget your roots and where you come from. It's funny sometimes to tell someone in a far off place that your a 'Goolie', always makes me smile. Not been back there for 20 odd years, probably get lost now. I always say though we had a good education and at least we were taught to read and write. Anyway Steve it's nice to speak with you and when I get chance I'll visit the site again.

hi polo,yeah i lived three doors down from arthur,i have the school photo here in front of me and i can put names to most of them so you must be one of three left.its a photo of the first year and you must be either stood next to kapper pierce or between bri burns and sam,either way i thought the only old goolies were dave barkham me and bri in the class.unfortunately i had to leave in the second year to be educated elsewhere but came back to goole as soon as i could,and have been knocking around ever since.i keep in regular touch with paul raywood in fact i sent him a link to this site last night,he only lives round the corner and we are godparents to his two kids.i sometimes see the odd old face around carol palmer and bernice bradshaw mostly and a couple of other girls i can't name and who i don't think know me anyway.nice to think back on a gentler time innit.bye for now.

hi polo me again,just spoken to paul ,he knows you but i can't put a face to you .my wife says you may have walked her home from the vikings a time or two ,her name is jean.happy days eh!

Hi Polo, Thought I might find you here. I just replied to you on another web-site and after reading your email (13/3/09) you are in fact who I thought you were. How the hell are you? I was thrown for a while though 'cause I remember you being in my class and "wappy" and all that, but you must have been in the D form as well. I see you haven't lost your sense of humour. If you're still travelling the world be sure to ask for me in Lilydale, 40 kms east of Melbourne (that's the last green bit now before everything turns to charcoal). Graham (Sam) Skinner has my email address. So you were born in Percy street, eh. My granny used to live down there, next door, in fact, to Paul Raywood. Which brings me to you, Steve Annis. I remember you,too. I wasn't in your class but I used to dream of sitting next to Pauline Garner.

I don't remember you, Graham Bird, but I lived in Forth Avenue until I was 8, about 1961, and went to Pasture Road and Alexandra Street schools as well. We lived at the railway line end which is ofcourse now a car park. At least the last time I was there it was. My neighbours were Steve Foster, David Jackson, Michael, Paul and Chris Andrews, Raymond Alcock (or Elcock),keith and Russell Noon and my cousins, Richard and Clive Ellis. They weren't turnips in those train carriages they were sugarbeet and Mr Huby had the shop at the corner of St Andrews Tce. There was also a woodmill type place next door to the Baths Hall. I remember running up to the Baths Hall clock and back to see the time, because we couldn't afford a clock of our own. Now I live in Australia and can afford many clocks.
And to Gail and Elsie Street-Hill (27/1) I feel I should know you both. I was in Pop Craven's class In about '62-'63. What a character he was, eh, they don't make them like him anymore. And he was a marksman with a piece of chalk, or a board-rubber, or whatever he happened to have in his hand at the time if he heard you talking in class. I swear, my mate John Pettican would be brain damaged I reckon. If he hadn't have lifted his desk lid up when he did the board-rubber would have hit him between the eyes. And there was the time when John ducked, and the chalk hit David Caldicott sitting behind him. There was a soft and playful heart though, underneath that formidable exterior. I remember Pop chuckling to himself one day upon over-hearing Richard Kay, who was in the washroom off the classroom at the time, doing Bill and Ben impersonations. A great teacher and an unforgetable man.

Just happened on this site and saw some names I recognised.
Ivan Tasker, Colin Ransome and Paul Campsell.
I lived in Westfield Sq. and attended Pasture Road School then
Boothferry Road and then Alexandra Street.
I remember Don Craven but don't remember him giving us sweets
at Christmas. It was more likely to be the cane as my friend
Norman Robinson found out one day.
Anyway, from there I went, much to the surprise of the
teaching staff at Alexandra St., to the Grammar School.
1954-1959.
I remember Ivan and Colin from those years. We also had with
us Gavin Bryars, Hazel Dunderdale, Mick Jackson, Fred Marsh.
Sheila Quarmby, Peter Parker, Pat White to name but a few.
As far as teachers went I liked Norman Hidden and Mr. Petch (History) who kept things interesting. Something Pongo Smith
never did.
Finally on Sat. 14th March there was a reunion for some old pupils at the Vikings which my nephew attended. Some weeks
prior to that the Goole Times showed a photo with my nephew on. My sister sent me the paper and I threw it away by mistake.
Does anyone know which week the photo appeared? My email
address is geraldbrooksbank131@btinternet.com

Well Polo the nickname really has me baffled. I had a drink or two with D. Sharpe and he can’t remember you. Hs your surname got a political ring to it and have you a brother called david? If so we may have spent a few hours fishing up at the wells on Swinefleet Drain or am I barking up the wrong tree!

Re Steve Annis
Hi Mate, nice to know that your still around, I didn't click you at first, thinking Steve who ? still there werent many Steve's in the posh part of Old Goole ! I remember asking your dad to buy me some pellets from Seltzers in Boothferry Road for my air gun as I wasn't old enough to get them myself !! now how did that stick in my mind ? Good to here that Paul Raywood is still around. Your right they were good days, bit tough at times but stood us all in good stead I recon. I got the nickname Polo many years ago so stuck with it. You will know me as Paul B.
You have me beat with your wife though Jean ? still had some good nights at the Vikings. As I said it's years since I was in the Old part of Goole. My sister still lives there though, somewhere at the back of where Paul Raywood lived and Morley Street I think there is now a road across from Percy Street to there and all built on.You mentioned Carol Palmer,& Bernice Bradshaw I remember them well. Another lass I recall was Janet Whitely from Dempster Av, hell she could run on sports days. Life goes by quickly when you start looking back, you lose a bit or, a lot of hair but the memories are still there. Good to talk to you Steve, stay lucky regards to Paul. Polo

Have just read the site again, a little more slowly this time. I saw the name Arthur Kendall ex GGS. Are you the Arthur Kendall that lived down Rutland Road, sister Christine? If so, I used to come to your house for Christmas parties.... Incidentally I seem to remember the schools involved in the Inter School Sports were the Grammar Schools from Goole, Thorne, Wath, Mexborough and Maltby. I remember Judith Ramsay being at the Grammar School and we had her sister Annabel in our year.

Re Steve Annis.
Hi again, trying to think of the name Jean ? is it short for Jeanette and her maiden name began with B ?
Polo

Re Ginner
Hi Ginner, your not barking up the wrong tree. yes we did do a bit of fishing down the drain good simple days, fishing has stuck with me and I go when work allows, sometimes I think it keeps me sane !!. Your name last came up yonks ago when I was doing some biz at the coop farm. Don't get to Swinefleet very often usually just to the churchyard. I have been trying to remember your sisters name I think it was E ? she mated about wit Pat H. her dad had coaches ? give them both my regards we had some good times around Swinefleet in the days before computers and DVD's. Things sure move quickly when you leave school and even faster when you start to think back. Nice you had a beer with Dave Sharpe a good lad. It is good to hear that your still around. The nickname Polo was given to me by Sagie Woolass at the garage years back, why I don't know and I use it when need be. It has been good to talk to you, stay lucky, Polo

hi polo,sad to say i can't put a face to you.tried looking you up on facebook to see if you had a photo on but no luck.anyway you have the wrong jean,and she says she may have the wrong paul anyway.yes i remember janet alright she could run like the wind.she was in my class at junior school as well .most of my early memories seem to be centred around playing on the white tips which are sadly gone now.along with the albert rocks great places for kids to play.summer holidays stretching on forever,playing out till late without any worries .taking my dad his dinner between two plates when he worked at the gasworks.there seemed to be a lot more apple trees about then just right for raiding.its only 45 years or so but gone in a flash.getting all nostalgic now!keep taking the tablets mate..steve.

Hi Gary, I remember members of YMCA at Goole railway station on the (Sunday?) night singing 'for he's a jolly good fellow' as the train pulled away at the start of your journey to Aus. (think you were 15 or 16??) not a dry eye on the platform, also remember years later someone with a beard calling at my house - thought you were a double glazing rep. at first - Also remember Pop Craven and the flying chalk, saw him many years later in the British Legion club at Goole, must have been in his 80's and quite frail which betrayed my childhood image of him, but he remembered all his old pupils. Names like Terry Broughton, Dave Bryers, Richard Kaye Cynthia Clarke, Pud Rice. and many more. - With ref to (much) earlier comments regarding 11+ was too early to assess kids, our kid failed that exam but ended up a wing commander in the RAF. Web site brings back a lot of memories and names from the past.

Has anybody heard about vermuydens big change, it's getting new buildings, a new uniform,a new curriculum and belive it or not, a new name. It is going to be called Goole high school so it has links to the town and the uniform is going to be black trousers, white shirt, black and gold striped tie and a black V- neck jumper. And as for the new buildings, well you will just have to wait and see, I have seen the plans and it looks pretty impressive and very modern.

Hi again, Just for those of you that think that the hall is going to be demolished well, you're wrong. the hall in which the murial of the viking longship in the ceiling is staying but the area where the brown floor and the stage is, is going to be demolished and rebuilt with a bigger stage(as i think i remember) but if that isn't the case I think i remember hearing that it is just going to be restored. I hope that put you're minds to rest.

In reply to the last caller regarding alterations at Goole Grammar School, I'm sorry, I can't think of it as under any other title, but that was our time... but something I've always wondered is....whatever happened to the Head's chair on the stage.... is it still there? The one with the mouse carved running up the leg? An artisan's trademark. Was Dr. Latimer such a forward thinker? The new Head obviously now has a mouse on his or her computer, as do we all....

Hi attended GGS from 1963 to 1970. remember that teacher Mr Postill, who remembers Miss Potter? Was sorry to hear only today that Arnie had passed away, sympathy to Anthony, David and their mum. Is Mr Bennett still around? Would love to hear from anybody who remembers me. Lynn.

Yes Lynn, I remember you very well. We were in the same B-stream all the way through GGS, right through to Gerry Appleyard's class. Don't let the pen-name throw you, I sat firmly on the other side of the classroom, near Fanny Gray, Dave Blackburn, Snecky Bacon, Mike Clayton, Peter Hardy, Tank Collins and yes Tony Chappell. I add my condolences to the Chappell family.

As I recall, you sat near the window in Gerry's class just in front of Elaine Elson from Brough, I think.

Cynth Potter....unforgettable. Postill....unforgiveable, after a conversation I had with him and a slipper (in shorts). I deducted the leg to Airmyn on the cross-country to Boothferry Bridge....truth will out...

I'm also sad to hear that Arnie Chappell has passed away.One time when I had the affrontery to say I wanted to go to college, he looked down his nose and sneered 'Stewart, do you really think you are university material' -which was fair comment as I'd spent most of my time through school in the D stream. I think it was his remark that made me determined to prove him wrong -which I did. At which point he was very gracious and gave me wise advice about choice of college.

I,too,was sorry to read about Arnie-that towering man! He told me much the same.I asked to do "A" Level geography,even when I failed "O" Level!he was really a very kind man and was interested in his students.I think Mr. Postill gave me up as a bad job in the sixth form.He used to check the Library to see those who missed Double Games- normally those revolting Cross Countries!Always seemed to be foggy,too!He often saw me pretending to read,but just left me alone-maybe more of a liability outside than in...Do you remember the dancing lessons-much better fun,on a frozen day...
So many of us were fairly late developers-Mr. Teed told me I would be a success,but not in anyway academic-I have been a Headmaster,Lecturer,and whatever,all my working life-all thanks to GGS,really,even if I didn't really work there...Still remember the school lunches-those steamed puddings and custard!Blow all this healthy living!

Hi LINDA BEAMSON or anyone else who might know this.
I have never been to Goole but my father was (or is - as I havnt seen him since I was 5) REGINALD LESLIE BEAMSON.

to hear everyone on about memeries of alex,&modern school.a bit miffed that no-one mentions either me or joe.i can remember alan appleby,graeme ash ann bristow,denise bellwood.i can remember me ann bristow,greame ash,alan appleby,climbing up the old water tower for a dare, god it was scary the wooden stairs were swaying about!still see steve annis,teacher,s i remember at modern school miss finch mr evens, mrs mcallister who took 3d on when nobody else would she was a great teacher.must go now this remenising is getting all too much.

GGS 1955-1959
'The best days of your life' and why not. 'Soppy Stuarts' against the Tinny Tudors, Nutty Normans and Weedy Windsors. Happy days indeed even if you hated cross country runs.
Stricty come headmaster Latimore put the fear of God into everyone, discipline as it still should be but would never be allowed now.
Teachers fondly remembered Doc Ramsey my piano teacher who took me through my last Royal Schools of Music Exams and selected me to play the piano in the school production 'The Mikado'.
Tilly Tiler was it biology or something similar? Stan the man Foster for metalwork (what ever happend to Yvonne his daughter?)plus many more and last of all Gerry Appleyard my maths teacher. Would you believe still alive and come across him regular at Selby indoor bowls!.
Glad to hear the uniform is coming back to whatever they decide to call the good old grammar school.

Is there anyone out there from the period 1935 to 1940?

Hi Mally Bristow. Your name comes to mind every time I hear the name Tottenham Hotspur. Which, as I am an avid watcher of the English Premier League, is quite often. Are you still a Tottenham fan? I'm a Liverpool man, myself but Tottenham is my favourite London club. I remember watching my first ever Cup Final with you in 1963 or 4 at my place. Tottenham and Burnley, I think, or was it Leicester. Anyway, I remember Spurs won it two years in a row back then.
And I remember when you and Richard kay went to see Freddie Truman get his 300th Test wicket at Lords, and that Goole Times reporter who kept you, me and Richard in the rain while he wrote down his story, in the dryness of his car.
When I first met you, at Alexandra Street School, you were a good mate of Steven (Pud) Rice. And I seem to recall you becoming a cool dood soon after your leaving school. The girls then thought you were a snappy dresser, with your trilby hat.
So you were there at Goole Station on that memorable night of 5th January, 1969, eh, when everybody had a whip-round for me. I must have looked like I needed the money. I still remember from 3 am the next morning waiting around for 7 hours at Waterloo for a connecting train to Southamton with well over a pound in my pocket, in pennies and halfpennies. That was a lot of coins. That night there were you, Mally Abbey, Steve Gelder, Pete Walker, I think, that short bloke who used to live in Halifax Ave, was it David somebody, and a whole host of others whose names and faces unfortunately escape me. You all came down from the YMCA to see me off. It was a wonderful gesture.
I knocked on your door in 1987. I was last in Goole for a week in 1991, so I'm overdue for a visit. I'll knock on your door again next time I come. Promise I wont try to sell you any double glazing. Kindest regards to you and your family.

Hi again Sue Collins. Though I remember you more when you lived down my street I also remember you at the Modern School and years later, 1973 or 1976, meeting you and Joe in a pub in Goole and feeling really pleased upon learning that you were both married, to each other, that is. Joe, of course was in your class at school. The only other person I remember in your class was Paul Teather, I think, or was he in Phylis Jackson's class? I remember too, your sister, Maureen and Joe's brothers Geof and, a younger brother who was in my brother's year at school. Was it Michael? Anyway, I remember feeling jealous of them 'cos they all had Beatle-like hair cuts. And wondered, more than once, how they were allowed to grow it so. Between Mr England and my Dad they always made sure my hair never reached that length. Quite frustrating really.

Hi Gary, yes for my sins I still follow the Spurs, those results were (1961) beat Leicester 2-0, (1962) beat Burnley 3-1.
You mentioned Russ Noon earlier, did you know his son (Jamie) is an England International rugby union star?? In the mid 80's
me and Rich got 2 TV appearances out of the Freddie Truman escapade, one with Noel Edmunds and the other with Harry Carpenter - our 15 minutes of fame. Remember too the trilby although my recollection is more Wally than Mally. Also recall 'grenade wars' with uprooted corn stems on Woodland Road field after the harvest, using hay bales as bunkers, the double decker bus near Westbourne Grove and getting chased by coppers for trying to chop a tree down on the riverbank near Boothferry Bridge.
All the best to you and yours mate and give us a buzz next time your back to your roots, if you've time you can buy me a pint!!

Gary - some readers may think it a bit cheeky of me to say you can buy me a pint next time your up this neck of the woods, just to put things in perspective consider it payback for the 19s 6d I put in the kitty on 5th January 1969.
Whilst on Hi also to Sue and Joe, you may not remember me but I think you Sue lived down Woodland Road (near Gary?), remember also Joey and Geoff and the haircuts, terrific guys, also the scooters, Jimmy Osborne on a brand new Vespa 200, John Almond(?) on a new lammy 175, I had a wreck of a lammy 125 which I paid 8 quid for in September 1968 and was always envious of their pulling machines.



Mal

Memories of Goole
I lived in Goole from 1949 to 1955 and attended Goole Grammar school from 1950 to 1955.
I have see a letter on here from Arthur Kendall and would like to get in touch with him again, perhaps he could give me an Email if he reads this.
I have also read the correspondence from "Shuffleton Streets" and did wonder if she would remember my father Kenneth Spink as he was a member of the Rambling club in Goole. He worked at Montague Burton for most of his life and he would know alot of people on this site.

Hi again Mally Bristow, so many memories you stir. My first recollection of Russsell Noon was as a toddler with a running nose in the back lane of Fourth Avenue, and was a favourite of the weekly dustman who thought he was a "rum lad". Pleased to hear about his son. Russ must be very proud of him. Russ's older brother, Keith was in my brother's class at school. You're right, Joey and Geof were terrific guys. Jimmy Osbourne was a nice fellow, too. I met up with John "Almond" again in 1991, great character. Like everyone I thought his name was Almond, too, but it's Harman or Harmen. I only know this because he married my cousin, Janet.
I"d forgotten you were with us when we tried to chop that huge tree down with a hatchet (we were nothing if not optimistic in those days). Mally Abbey and I ran all the way home only to find that the coppers had already been around to our houses. Sam Skinner, the smoker and therefore the slowest, got caught and was compelled to dop us in.
Yes, I remember freezing my arse off and trying to learn how to smoke in that double decker bus, when I could have been in a nice warm house watching The Fugitive. Obviously the company of you, Mally Abbey, Sam Skinner, David Gill (I think I remembered his name now-17/4/09), and not forgetting ofcourse, Vallery Howard and Susan Littlefield, held more appeal that David Jansen. I remember corn fields and bale huts, but I'd forgotten about the stubble grenades. I once hit David Jackson on the top of his head. I don't think it hurt him though. He laughed as much as I did.
I'm just trying to think how much interest 19s 6d would incurr over 40 years. I can't work it out, but I recken I might owe you 2 pints. By the way did my Dad ever pay you that 10 bob for helping him deliver all those leaflets in Hull in 1965. I didn't think so. He's still alive and in good health if you want to chase him for the money. If it's any consolation he still hasn't payed me either.

Fond Regards
Gary Masterman

I was at boothferry road first school from 1980, and remember the house colours being red, blue, green and yellow, we all had to wear our house colour badges at all times and at the end of the week the house with the most points recieved the holding for the trophy with their colour band around it for the next coming week.
I loved that school so so much and was wondering why hardly any people have mentioned it.
There was one teacher that used to keep a jar of sweets in her cupboard for pupils that had achieved good work (mrs Bellamy).And on recognition she would hand out one dolly mixture for that person, she was so strict and was there for years.
Just one other thing does Mrs Newtons shop still exist opposite the middle school?(sorry used to be).

I think i remember you Lynn barker.Were you Lynsey Hewitts cousin? If so your mum was Bessie Barker who went to teacher training college with my mum Jean. I think we all went to the swimming club together when we were 'little'.

I well remember Ellis Postil and his slipper( a size 12 plimsol).He once used it in the gym to help us vault the horse.I think it was Pete Daniels from old goole who was so nervous,he launched himself at the horse, Postil whacked him and he cleared the horse without touching it, breaking his arm as he touched down on the mat.Good job there was no parent power in those days.... lucky Ellis.He also slippered us for giving the girls a crossbar on our bikes to the baths. I got 2 for saying my bike did not have a crossbar...... halcion days.

Yes nice to see Boothferry and Mrs Bellamy mentioned. Winifred Bellamy must have been at Boothferry Road School all of her career as I started school in her class in the 1950s. There is a class photograph that includes her on Friends Reunited. She died in 1999. My teachers were, in order: Mrs Bellamy, Mr Greensides, Miss Walker, Mrs Hopley. And then in the juniors: Mrs Thomas, Mrs Jenkinson and Miss Cowling (twice). Miss Spencely was infant headmistress and Mr Millward junior headmaster.

Correction to the above. My second teacher at Boothferry Road School infants was Mrs Shand, not Mr Greensides. Charley Greensides taught in the junior half of the school. He sometimes taught us when he did a swap with Mrs Thomas. I believe he had also been a teacher at the Modern School, as was his wife, who also came to Boothferry around that time.

What a wonderful web site.

I am researching my fathers life but come unstuck at Goole. He was Thomas Leslie Holland born in Goole 8 August 1917. His dad William was a stevedore out of work with a bad back and so his family struggled. His mom Elizabeth (nee Tenney) produced the only income teaching piano. At age 11 dad was taken by an aunt to South Africa where he died in 2002. Aparently at school initially his teacher had him greet a fellow pupil each morning, 'Hello Henry. How are you?' to help realign his accent.
A Granny Clark / Clarke is in the picture but I don't know how. He had two brothers William and Robert and two sisters Ivy and Lillian and lived at 4 William Street, Hook Road, Goole.
Any info would be most appreciated.

Gary Masterman.. Ruddy hell LOL. I was in hospital only last week with Mally Bristow. We were talking of old times and your name was mentioned. Can you remember the 800 metres 1968 LOL. I was the favourite to win, and you passed me down the straight, and I was about 30 yards in front. But I got you back in the mile. Nice to see all the names pop up again. I got a lot of school photos from around 1957 to 1970 and all the teachers too. I was talking to Mrs Pascoe only a week or so ago...amazing..hope you are well take care.

It took me a while, a few days in fact, but I think I've put a face to the name (well, it has been 40 years). Were you that well-built, good looking guy, in my year at school but in the A or B stream? And did you go to the YMCA, and did we often go back to your place in Charles Drive on a Saturday night and watch Match of the Day? And were you a mate of Dave Webster's? If not, then I'm obviously way out. I certainly remember that day I won the 880 yards, as it was then, when I got bored jogging along with Michael (Bongo) Arundel and took off. I won the school athletics trophy that year. I shared it with a nice guy called McDonald, whose first name escapes me. I remember getting pipped at the post for 2nd place in the Mile. Was that you? All I remember is everybody (including Pat Abbey who'd come over from the Grammer School for some reason) screaming at me, and I didn't realise until it was too late that someone was upon me. Memories eh!
Sorry to hear you were in hospital. Nothing serious, I hope. And Mally Bristow, too. I was only talking to him for the first time in 40 years on this site a few weeks ago. I hope he too is now well. It couldn't have been the result of the Totenham-Liverpool game that put him there because that would have been the week after. I would be most interested to see your collection of photos. I can see that you are another person I have to look up next time I'm in Goole. Take care..!

Where is boothferry?

re.boothferry.boothferry is a village situated over the boothferry bridge. many names have come from village such as,boothferry council-boothferry school-boothferry golf course-even the old home of hull city afc boothferry park etc,

I kissed Sue collins, wow, long time ago, i can,
Remember Phyllis, Chris, Cynthia greatbunch of girls...
Fab Years..

hi gary, yes right year lol..of course i was the good looking guy lol..but not well built.. saw mike arundel only yesterday..yes i remember everyone screeming on the day of the mile..im pete smith my twin stuart smith were not that clever to be in a or b lol..got loads of school photos of all years, been talking to mr greensit just recently ..taffy thomas ..dog watson..etc..and a few weeks ago met mrs pasco for the first time in 40 years..what memories..send me an email and i will send you some pics ...you take care.

by the way gary my email is delboyroduk@yahoo.co.uk

Schools, god bless. Kingsway, teachers, god bless, Miss Cowling fondly know as cowbag, great teacher, best was Mr crawly a real gent 100% nice guy, music teacher, cant bring to mind his name

...then off to Sec mod, school disco were good, smoking in the bogs, swing on the red pipes, headball playtime pushing that massive roller if you were caught on the pipes.. great days,,
happy days ...

My tardy reply to Gerald Brooksbank re- Christmas parties at my home in Rutland Road when we were youngsters. Strangely, I remember your name but not your face. I seem to recall Roger - your brother? - and your giant of a dad, Wilf, he of the beautiful baritone voice, and your mum Mabel. My dad was a somewhat thumping black-note by-ear piano player but Wilf found him adequate as an accompanist. I used to get up early morning after the parties and creep round sipping the stale beer dregs from the glasses in the front room. Vile taste but exciting, since I was forbidden alcohol. Finally gave up the grog when I became a member of the Baha'i Faith thirty years ago. Best wishes Gerald, from Uncle Arthur, Braintree, Essex.

To Robert Ward, from Dennis Garner, blooming eck Robert you have a good memory or did you keep a diary. As you know most of our time at Boothferry we were in the same classes and I had forgotten most of the teachers names, now the memories are coming flooding back. I have just taken early retirement as I am pushing 60 and moved to Howden.

For Arthur Kendall from Gerald Brooksbank. I was the quiet one with the fringe. Yes Roger is my brother, he lives in Airmyn. My sister Winnie lives in Goole still. Apart from Wilf singing I seem to remember a window cleaner who sang at the parties and turned up later in a production by the Goole Operatic and Dramatic Society. I can remember one year walking home from Rutland Road to our house in Westfield Square and my ears hurting from the cold.
I myself live in Boston, Lincs having moved here in the late 70's with my work. Nice to hear from you after so long. All the Best to you.

Hi Pete Smith - Now I remember you! It was your twin brother, Stuart that finally got my brain working. Great to hear from you. I seem to recall knowing you both all way through school. Didn't one of you join the army after leaving school? I remember you as a good runner, too, and Michael (Bongo) Arundel. It was good to hear those teachers you mentioned are still alive. Still, I suppose Taffy wouldn't be that old. I remember last speaking to him in Clifton Gardens after school in December, '68 when he advised me not to leave school with a "cloud over my head"; but the damage was done. I'd love to see your photos. Contact me on: garymasterman@y7mail.au

hi ive just found this site hopefully looking for friends from school , i left ggs 1985 moved to the midlands, if anyone know of debbie gibson , had a son called daniel and i think the other son called ritch , it has been lovely reading these and remembering things , does anyone remember PANSY POTTER the gym teacher , thanks for reading

hi gary ..yes you got it it one lol.. thats me.. spoke to mike arundel he sends his regards.. will be in touch again with your email.. will sort some photos out. you take care and hope to hear from you soon..

Fascinating stuff! Great to be reminded of some of the old names. I was there from 63 to 70, previously hailing from Old Goole. In addition to those mentioned by others, I remember Alf Davis, Rob Balcombe, Chris Lumley, Kevin Gelder, Steve Woolhouse. Bearing in mind I can barely remember my own name sometimes, that's not bad.

Goole High School 1972-75

What a great school, best time of my life.
I was a kid from the local childrens home and attended Goole high School during this period.

I remember Mr Thomas English teacher and Mr Puncheon Science teacher both great mentors , learned a lot from these two. I think the Head master was Mr England?

Hope there are more ex-pupils and teachers out there. Pat

Steve Watson left me a message on my phone last week to say that Ellis Postill had just died. He left his mark on everyone in one way or another, hopefully for most of us in a positive way. I can understand why he left you in the library John Wraith, as you suggest exercise was not for you if I remember correctly.

Gary Masterman - ah, yes - a true football fan I recall. Especially the day we 'taunted' the fans of Spennymoor before they played Goole Town......... I remember you winning the 880 yards and it was my close friend Malcolm MacDonald that you shared the overall trophy with. You just beat me into second place for the discus too that year. Plenty of names coming up that I remember. Pete Smith was not just a good runner but a fearless diver off the high board at the baths and Malcolm Bristow - didn't you go off to the Nautical School in Hull? Great to hear you are all well and enjoying life.

To Gary Masterman (and any others interested in this thread) my apologies, it was not Malcolm MacDonald that shared the athletics glory with you - I had it in mind that his first name began with M but only realised last night that it was James. The M came from the fact that we always called him Mac! He was a good friend and a great lad - I hope he went on to do great things.

To Pete SMITH - Hi Pete, just replied to you giving my work email address. Hope you receive it. Regards, Gary.

David LLOYD, eh! Well, I never! Didn't you also live in Halifax Ave, around the corner from me with your dad and older brother? Sorry, I don't remember your mum. So I pipped you at the post in the discus, eh. You have a better memory than me. Thanks for the memory boost. I have been racking my brain for years who I shared that trophy with. I knew ,too that it was McDonald, but for the life of me couldn't remember his first name. You're right, he was a nice guy. And you were an easy-going dude, too, from what I recall. If that was you in Halifax Avenue, Do you remember Brian (Conk) Carter? He is a couple of years older than us and lived around the corner from you in Western Road, opposite the playing field, he tell's me. He now lives only about 3 kms from where I am writing this in Australia. I bump into him now and again.
So, you were at that Spennymoor game were you? I'm surprised I remember that game at all, after being surrounded by Spennymoor fans at half time and clobbered on the head from behind by a cymbal, of all things. A policeman helped me up and I as walking straight away; though I didn't actually wake up for another three weeks. Great to hear from you David, hope all is well with you. - Gary.

gary Marsterman..thanks for the new email address.. sent you the Modern School pics.. ruddy hell.. BRY CARTER wondered why i not seen him for years lol..but then i have moved here there and everywhere.. im up at whitgift at the moment..and dave LLoyed..still kicking about then lol.. Richard was my best friend and it hurt to see him go.. Me i can still dive at the age of 56 lol..was diving only a month ago in doncaster .. show you lot a thing or two hee hee..only thing is cant be cheeky to anyone .. cant run anymore.. you lot take care..by the way dave you're on the Modern School pics as well.

i went to gsm in 50sto64 my teacher at thsat time was miss hall then we had mr evans for pt oh that dreaded run from modern school to boothferry bridge and back we all hated it .
i think i have a paper cutting somewhere of all the teachers at modern school somewhere .
i am sure someone out there remembers me please get in touch as it would be great to talk over old times

Hi Gary Masterman - Thank you for the kind words. Great to see your name on here and read some of your memories. Funnily enough I don't remember much of the Spennymoor game - the 'taunting' took place on the street beforehand (there were a few of us including Paul Jarvis I recall) so they may have remembered you at halftime!! Yes we did live at Halifax Ave - No 3 - quite a few of us though as it is a big family.
Hi Pete Smith - It was just about the last time I was in Goole when we buried Richard - Apart from Pete Fallon I didn't recognise anyone else at the funeral as I couldn't see through the tears when we (his brothers) carrried him out of the Parish Church. I bet you are still diving too - I remember you being a real live wire - always virtually runnning everywhere! It would be great to have some of the Modern School pictures as I have just about zero memorabilia from my formative years. Try to let me know the best way to contact you. Best regards to you both, David

Pete has kindly forwarded me various photos from Goole Secondary Modern. I'll publish them over the next few days

Hi Polo
I think I remember you,did you used to live directly behind the school about 2 or 3 doors from Mossa? I am now living in Ireland have been for 2 years now but get back to see the family and friends on a regular basis.

Would love to know what happened to Helen(Mawky)Maw

Pete's Goole Secondary Modern photos can now be viewed online. The links on the top-right of this page show inidividual teachers where known.

All the photos can be viewed when on the web-exhibition site. Click Search, choose 'School Photograph' from the category drop-down list and then click 'Show Results'

Hi Dave Lloyd - sorry for delay in replying, sudden health issues have knocked me back since May, still undergoing treatment but crossing fingers for a good outcome.
Anyway, yes I did leave to go to Nautical School in Hull in April '66, worst decision of my life!! My only reason for applying was cos my good mate Pete Mordew wanted to go and I'd go too so he wasn't lonely, but he failed his eyesight test and I ended up there by myself, - what a plonker -
But I always thought your family lived on Burlington Crescent, as I recall walking to school with you when I lived in Alexander St. but maybe you moved? I too remember James MacDonald as an ace runner, I recall being in Durham House (the blues) and part of a 200 (or 400m?) relay team at school sports day, I believe it was James on the anchor leg with a chasm of a distance to make up - we were in awe as his long loping stride reeled everybody in, hand over fist, to win (or was that you Gary Masterman?).
Recall house teams as Durham (Blue), Chester (Yellow) , Windsor (Red???) and Lincoln (Green).

Hi again Gary Masterman - Was it you giving me a croggy down Fountain Street when we were at Alexander School and us falling off the bike with me going face down into loose gravel, that was the first time I witnessed any compassion from Pop Craven at school when he saw the mess of my face. I too remember Bri Carter, a blonde haired lad, and certainly who could forget his sister Rita !! really nice girl and a good laugh. Aah!!... Nostalgia ain't wot it used to be!!

Pete Smith - Hi Pete hope you've made a good recovery since I last saw you in not so pleasant circumstances. Still doing the Elvis gigs??

Also must say Hi to earlier contributor, my first boss, Gerald Brooksbank in Boston, great memories of my early working life Ged - hope all well with you and yours.

just been browsing the secondary modern school photo,s .
one of the teachers seem to be missing anyone know what happened to mr kendall he was my form teacher upto me leaving school .
any info please to myself g.middleton
thanks

Thanks Pete SMITH for the photos. I was thrilled to receive them. I had always regretted not having any class photos and the one you sent me was my favourite. I remember my mum wouldnd't buy it, though, 'cause my hair was too long. After 40 years I can still name just about all the boys (there is only Somebody SHARP, I think, and John Somebody whose names I'm not clear) and a few of the girls. Jerryl WARD was very nice and her girlfriend, Christine JOHNSON later emigrated to Perth, Western Australia, shortly before I went to Melbourne. I was curious about your other surname though, and your email address. I thought I detected a rock and roll bent before Mally BRISTOW confirmed it. I join Mally in wishing for you the best.
Mally, my old mate! I hope your health is improving, too. When I first met you you and Steven RICE (Pud) were as thick as theives at Alexandra St school. Maybe it was him that gave you that ill-fated croggy. It might have been me, I don't recall, but then, you were always in the wars. I remember feeling faint every time you showed me that scared tongue of yours. You're nearly right, Mally, with the school houses, that is. But Chester was red and there was no Windsor; it was York, and I think they were orange. It would have been James McDONALD in the relay. I would never have described my style as long and loping. My legs are short. Pud used to say I looked like Matt Munro. Great to hear from you again.
David BARKHAM, another blast from the past. How're going? Apart from school didn't I last see you at the maze in Scarborough one Sunday in the summer of '73? or was it that BURNS, lad (sorry, I forget his name), or was it both of you together? I was with Carol PHILLIPSON, Christine WAUDE (?), Nigel JACKSON and Gary...I can't believe I've just forgotten his surname; and I never thanked him for introducing me to a life-long passion - Guinness. You definately know POLO. I hope he replies to you and gives you more of a clue as to his I.D. To me he was Swinefleet personified, and I don't mean that unkindly. If you ever find out what happened to Helen (Mauky) MAW can you let me know. I rememeber she lived in Pasture Rd near Wooland Ave with her half-sister, Carol LINDLEY.

Take Care Dave.

Hi Malcolm Bristow - I hope the sudden health problem is now consigned to history and you are fit and well again. I do sympathise though as I am at the stage where bits and pieces are falling off and seizing up - but on the whole I am doing well. I always envied you going off to the Nautical College like that - getting to travel by train to school and in full uniform too! Really missed your company on the way to school thereafter.

We did live in Burlington Cescent at the time, Halifax Avenue had been our previous home when I attended Kingsway School. Some of my friends from there also went on to the Secondary School with me and are in the photo that Pete Smith has sent in. David Hartleberry and Jimmy Mann - who I played in the Kingsway football team with when we won the interschools cup by beating Alexandra Street School at the Victoria Pleasure Grounds - and I also remember Pete Mordew. The photo (number 23 of 32) seems to be later than '64 though and could be when we were in 2A or even 3A - the form teacher is David Severn and I am just behind and to his right as you look at it. James MacDonald is to my right. He was definitely the anchor man for your 400 (yards then) relay and what a sprinter he was. As Gary says the houses were Durham (blue) Lincoln (green) Chester (red - which I was in) and York (yellow).

I take it you are still living in/near Goole? Some of my family still live there and I do occasionnally visit although not as often as I should or could. Not sure if there is a way we can exchange e-mails safely (perhaps via the webmaster?) but it would be nice to look you up next time I am there.

Take care for now, best wishes, David

Hi Gaz
Dont actualy know if it was me you met in Scarborough,could have been Bri Burns maybe?.I was in Melbourne last year(March) for 2 weeks went for a wedding out there enjoyed it,didnt know you were out there,would have been good to meet up for a chat.And yes your right about Mawky and her step sister Carol but I never seem to bump into her when I visit goole(thats if she still lives there).
Well thats about it for now Gaz.
Take care

hi mally bristow and to all who's wrote, hope you are feeling well again. yes still singing lol.. you can get me on the xfactor page from next week and listen to some of the tracks i will be recording.
all these great names and runners and theres me still thinkin' i was the greatest lol. still glad to see you all enjoy the memories with the photo's .. hey you lot take care.. and keep looking at the pics the names will eventually appear.

Hi Dave Barkham,Thats me ok. It is nice to hear blasts from the past. I hope you are doing ok over in Ireland and that you and yours are in good health which is the most important thing. Reading the mails on this page us Old Goolies and Goolies are stretched far and wide across the world. The names keep appearing one by one which is good and brings back many good memories. How fast things go by since leaving school it is frightening. I detoured from the M62 and went through Goole some months back and couldn't believe the change. I had a ride down Percy St and looked at the old infant and junior school sites what memories. I have just been looking at the school photo's on this site they are excellent, they bring back a few memories although I don't think I feature on any. Too many days off twaggging !! no wonder I'll never be a rich man.
As you can read from earlier mails I came across Gary Masterman on this site and Steve Annis. I often wonder what happened to some of the lads such as John 'Wacker' Harding, Brian Burns, John Revell, Paul 'Jarvo' Jarvis, Michael Carter, Paul 'Turkey' Burton, Alan 'Pazzer' Parish but to name a few.
Dave, it's good to know you are still around and remember me.
Stay lucky Regards PB

Hi Polo
Good to hear from you,and yes Goole has changed.I wouldnt know where Alan Parrish or Turkey Burton are these days but I do know that Wacker Harding,John Revell & Charlie(Dave)Blanchard are still living in Goole,Bri Burns is still in Old Goole and Mick Carter I used to go watch Hull City with him nearly every week before I came over here.It is good tho to look at the old photo's bring's back good memories.I am actually going back over there next month for a few days so hopefully bump into some of the above to have a chat and a drink of course.
Take care Polo(that nickname I didnt know)
Dave

Malcolm Bristow, greetings from Boston. Saw your name on this site a while ago and Chris said it must be you as soon as we saw reference to the hat. I believe you were wearing it when you came to the office in East Parade for the job interview..... Hope that the health problems you mention not too serious and that you are better now. Are you still in the shipping business or are you, like me, retired? Perhaps you could drop an e-mail over at gerald brooksbank131@btinternet.com and let us know how you are doing.

What is in a name ? Throughout my school career, If ever a nickname caused anyone so much discomfort, ridicule and difficulty then Paul ‘Turkey ‘ Burton did it for me ! I also remember all those other ‘nicknames’ of boys that I went to school with such as Tony 'Flicker' Fletcher , Gazzer, Mally, Pudding, Petty, Pazzer and many more . Like many growing up in the ‘60s having lived through the trials and tribulations of being regarded as an 11 plus failure and then being rescued by having a solidly good education and encouragement at the Secondary Modern by enlighten teachers ……… Many thanks to John Evans, Frank Ford and Mr Thomas to name but a few, who gave many pupils direction and hope. Having left Goole for nearly 30 years it still holds a few fond memories! Warm summer evenings after school fishing at ‘Oakhill’ or the’ Brick’ Ponds with the ‘Mann’ brothers Jimmy and Arthur. Then in my late teens living it up on a Friday night at the ‘Blacksmiths Arms’ and Saturday night at the ‘Vikings’ with my still good friends the ‘Armitage’ brothers ….. Graham and John and still a very good friend John Dargan. ‘ Biff’ Richardson and her crowd of ‘le gals’ made up some lively female company. I have looked at interest at all of the threads on this site and it has stirred up what I thought were some deep, long forgotten and buried memories and has left me with a smile. ‘Turkey’ never to ever be again answered to Paul Burton

GGS 1960-67. My name was Marshall then. I'll always remember thinking how big the 6th formers were when we started at age 11. They were building the new hall at that time, which I hear is going to be demolished? What a shame. Anyway, there was the most horrible smell in the school which we were told was the decomposing bodies of dead rats which had been trapped under the new construction. The cleaning ladies sprayed lavender air freshener around which did absolutely no good. My first form home room teacher was Miss Coughlin (Coglin?), she taught English, Hutch taught us science in the 1st year - and gave us the formula for photosynthesis - which we didn't need until the 4th year. I was freaked out! Cynth Potter with her cape and motor scooter was a real character. And I remember Bongo - what a sweet man. He had a lot to put up with from us. "Tommy-Gun" Taylor - poor guy with a horrible stammer, Test Tube Taylor in Chemistry, "Elvis" - can't remember his surname - in Physics. Bennet and (Josephine?) Huddleston for Biology. "Boris" for English - can't remember his name either, but he always had a 5 o'clock shadow. Does anyone remember how the Vulcans came in over the school as they were on final approach for RAF Finningley? One particularly loud one caused "Turnips" Townsend to speculate it was an old boy getting his own back!
I was Deputy Head Girl in my final year and had my title and prefect's badge taken off me for getting caught smoking at the swimming gala!!

What a brilliant picture of the old (pre-1964) GGS chemistry lab in last Thursday's Goole Times.

Wow! What a lot of dredged up memories. I too can remember sitting in Pop Craven's class at Alexandra Street School, though I only did one year there. Then on to GGS in 1964 and a memorable cast of characters. Fond memories of 'Bongo' Smith's History lessons, less fond memories of Postill's cross-country runs (or in my case walk around the streets near the school and then jog back in near the end!). I recall having Dr Ramsey as a form teacher and then 'Minnie' Caldwell, and being the despair of Mt Ibbotson when trying to teach me woodwork! Lots of fun in the Science block with Mr Bennett, Miss Huddlestone and Dr Taylor. I also remember a mad Polish chemistry teacher who seemed to like setting fire to things. Naturally I remember 'Arnie' Chapell - terrifying but a brilliant teacher - but my all time favourite has to be 'Hutch' Hutchinson. He was supposed to teach us general Studies when I was in the 6th Form but we soon discovered that he was easily sidetracked into telling stories of operating the limelight machine in the old Tower theatre, and lots of other fascinatingly irrelevant stuff.
PS I also seem to remember John Wraith in a production of Hamlet. My own contribution to the artistic life of the school was to play the Cat in Pinocchio!

Re Paul Burton. Hi Paul,as I have said on this thread before it is surprising who reads it and from all corners of the world aswell. You stick in my mind not only as one of the lads but as the first person I met when I arrived at the Modern school,you were sent to the matrons office to 'collect' me and show me the way to the class room as I started a few weeks after the term had began, funny what little things you remember. The nicknames of both the lads and lasses are as you say a distant memory and now you sometimes wonder how they got there in the first place but, with age and respect they get for the most part left behind. The Modern school was a good solid institution and as I have told many folks throughout the years there was a good education to be had from some really good teachers, Josh England was my favourite If I had to choose any, very fair but very firm. Ok so we messed about a bit but at least we were taught the basics properly of how to read and write etc, and respected right from wrong which without doubt has been a good base for me over the years. If you seriously crossed the mark then you took the punishment for it. I only said a few days ago that I can remember the only time I had the cane, it was from Patterson the head honcho, that was for being caught by Mr Cutler for going to the sweet shop during the break, and getting the slipper by Les Setterington, who had size 10 hands, and a size 4 slipper, I thought att he time this won't hurt, but how wrong I was by hell I shudder even now ! That was for climbing up the cricket nets when they were first erected down near the bottom prefabs. But Les God bless him was a fantastic bloke and his horticultural skills, his big smile and superb manner taught me a lot which I have made good use of throughout my career. I left school and went to work for Joan Kirks dad and then her brother for a lot of years, plus Jeryl Wards dad aswell. I sat next to Jeryl all the way through school as I remember it was strange going to work and still seeing them. Paul, it is good to know you are still around even if like me you are long gone from Goole. We can all shake off a nickname but one thing is for sure mate we are all Goolies born and bred. stay lucky. PB. Paul.

Robert - Re "picture of the old (pre-1964) GGS chemistry lab in last Thursday's Goole Times". Haven't seen the picture but I vividly remember the smell of the place!

At Goole High School now chilllin' with my friends and stuff enjoying the time while i can. Also boosting my future with with alsorts of different topics it is a good school all look smart in our new uniform.

Pam Revell (Teale) and Susan Allen (Revell) would like to know if any of our our year at GGS are interested in having a reunion. We would like to hear from anyone who was with us between 1962 and 1967. Please contact either Pam or myself on susan1951allen@btinternet.com

Re coments: Betchley code breakers teaching at GGS Miss Hetty Hill, later had sweet shop on corner of Elsie Street. This lady had a great knowledge of the war days at Betchley.

To Willo,
May I ask your name?I recently read your comment on being left in the Library-I sometimes had to support Mr. Postill when he did knee stands on me...I think I normally dropped him,so he was happy to "lose" me in the bookshelves...He always treated me well,and we could walk the dreaded Cross Country Course in an hour-no need to use alot of steam!

Hi I was at the Modern School from 1970 - 75, My Teacher was Taffy Thomas, just reading some of the comments, creased me up, had a good time at school, had a long weekend most weekends and didn't go back till tuesday, always had Friday off, yeah it was good fun. I noticed a post from Paddy Ward, wonder where you are now!! if your still in Goole it would be nice to catch up sometime. Best Regards Steve Walker

I was at GGS from 64-71 : so I remember Terry Broughton, Arthur Walker & Pete Daniels, to mention but a few. I think no-one can forget Bongo Smith and Arnie Chappell. Reading Arnie's obituary made me realise why he struck fear into us - we were nothing compared with what he went through at Arnhem. I also fondly remember Alan Whitehall & 'benjy' - a great teacher who'd be struck off these days! Like some have recalled, my parting words from PL Teed were "we wish him well we can do no more" - written off at 18!

Keith, can you say where Arnie Chappell's obituary was published. I'd like to read it. Thanks. Bill, GGS1959-67

Mr Chappell's obituary was in The Goole Times of Thursday 19th March 2009.

I started at GGS in 1958 and my first form teacher was Ted Hutchinson. One of the best to gently introduce a boy from a small village into large school. I can still visualise him walking along the corridoor and raising his hand in greeting with the litany I = E over R after we had had a science lesson.
I hated PE and Gym with a fervour especially when we were sent out on runs while Ellis Postill retired to the staff room in bad weather.
I recall the school being extended by connecting the old hall to the canteen block and the construction of the tower block which was reputed to be 18" out of plumb. Despite this minor detail it stood the test of time. During the building phase Nutrocker by B Bumble and the Stingers was to be heard blasting out from contractor staff radios.
I spent many happy hours in the wooden metalwork shop which stood apart from the main school. Maybe that was a fire precaution in case the forge was overfired? Stan Foster was my form master for two years in 4M and 5M.
"Elvis" Hall taught physics and somehow showed us how to create formulae out of thin air by dimensional analysis. I wish I could remember how but its forgotten nowadays.
We had a brilliant chemistry student teacher called Gray, who won a PhD in Chemistry while he was with us but had a really difficult time controlling us kids on a mundane level.
I also have fond memories of Bongo Smith reading from the Canterbury Tales to us but when he came to a risque bit he would edit the reading. We said he had a wooden leg but I don't know if that was true.
George Stones ground "BODMAS" into our minds in his maths lessons. I found myself doing exactly the same to some apprentices a couple of years ago.
Contemporaries of mine were Tim Lewis, Paul Wales, Paul Dobson, David Kyme, John (Spud) Taylor, Susan Abson, Christine Colby, Beryl Taylor, Anne Stannard and others I am no longer in touch with.

I attended GGS from 1941/1946, having read all above comments, it seems that there are very few of my old school friends left,
I saw Gerry Appleyard's name among those listed, he was in the first form in '41 J.L. Latimore was Head master "Bandy" Burroughs was metalwok A Mis Maddison taught English can't recall other teachers
Among other pupils at that time were Jack Hatfield Roy Greensitt
Wilf Pullan Daz Wressle Dis Allen George Cheeseborugh
Ken Richardson Malcolm England.

To pick up on something John Jessop mentions above, Doc Gray wasn't a student teacher but a full staff member. He started around 1961 and stayed until around 1967. Around 1963, Mrs Rosenbroek told us Mr Gray was now to be called Dr Gray.
In response to Alan Cumberworth, there has been a fortnightly column running in the Goole Times since February on the history of GGS. Lots of it has been devoted to the accomplishments of people there in the 30s, 40s and 50s, and actually I wish it would hurry up and get on to the 60s and things I remember, but maybe Alan would relate to it. I get the GT by post, not cheap, the postage costs more than the paper, but I guess the series will eventually come out as a book.

Reply to Robert Ward, I left Goole 1956 worked with BBC in London and Leeds until 1988, a few years later I emigrated to Perth Western Australia, so thanks for the info re Goole Times I join you in hoping it comes out in book form soon

I think Dr Gray came to GGS as a student teacher first, then came back again shortly after as a full time chemistry master. I could be wrong?

Re Sue Pinkerton's recent message (4/11/09). I see you had your prefects badge taken away from you. I suffered the same fate. My crime was to be caught canoodling with, possibly even snoging, a beautiful girl in the fifth form. She was called Cheryl, can't remember her last name. In the event I was happy to lose my prefect's status as it meant I was no longer eligible to read a lesson in the morning assembly.

I well remember Mr Craven. I was in his class 1956-57 He wore a trilby as I remember.G wood was our Head we had Noel Longbottom, Mrs Raywood, Mrs Westerman and other female teachers whose names escape me .In the infants Miss Savage is the only name I remember. although I think Mr Longbottom might have taught infants too. I have school photos of Mrs Raywood's and Mr longbottom's classes from the early 50s.My sister went to the nursery but I went straight into the infants.I remember being shown round Kingsway school when some had the chance to attend there but I wanted to stay at Alex. I have some fond memories of Alex friends and teachers.I moved as an adult,and after 27yrs went back to Goole, sad to see that the old school had gone.

Ref. the posting by C.A. about Mr. Craven. I was in his class 1953/54. I started school at Pasture Road, I walked to school from Westfield Square. Left Pasture Road and went to Boothferry Road School. There was then some changes made and I, along with several others from the Westfield Square/Woodland Avenue area were moved to Alexandra Street. I recall the "Kid Catcher" had his office at Alexandra Street school. His name was Mr. Crabtree and he lived in Westbourne Grove. I went to his house a couple of times with my father to watch television, football matches as I recall. I seem to remember Mr. Craven as being very strict and a very good teacher. He must have been, I got to the Grammar School.... Alexandra Street has been demolished and neither Boothferry Road or Pasture Road are schools any more, a shame that.

hi Gerald do you remember any of the other teachers at Alex? The ones I mentioned or others.Yes Mr Craven was strict but as you say a good teacher.Any one know when he finished teaching or other details

Hi C.A I only remember Mr. Craven, Geoffrey Wood the Headmaster and Mrs. Raywood. I seem to recall a tall, thin lady with glasses but don't know a name. The only other name I remember from the primary schools is that of Miss Cranitch who was headmistress at Pasture Road School when I started there in, heaven forbid, 1948......

Hi Gerald I think you possibly mean Miss Savage There was Mrs Windle(not sure of spelling)and a Miss Peterson I think she came after your time at Alex.Surprising how things come back, this website stirs memories up. I started school about 1950 as I was born end of 45. Left Alex summer of 57,never see any reunions mentioned

just been talking to steve walker today.i too was at childrens home in goole same time as paddy ward.we are trying to get in touch with everybody to sort some kind of get together.its been a long time coming 34 years since we left.best years of my life where av they all gone we got away with murder...until we got caught . so anybody out there who remembers lets get in touch...chris

Goole Grammar School Leavers of 1990

I’m hoping you’ve heard – Mandie Purves (nee Howard)/ Sally Sneep have organised a reunion for our school year.
7pm - Saturday 6th February at The Vic Club, Carter Street, Goole.
There’s a bit of info, and Mandie’s contact details, on Friends Reunited but everyone’s invited and can just turn up on the night. Helen Lawson, Liz Walton, Janie Sherburn, Tony Clark, Graig Gelder, Shelly Marrit, Donna Moore, Jo Oswald, Simon Leech, Donna Phillpot are just a few of the names who’ve said they’re hoping to make it. It’s a great chance to meet up and find out how everyone’s doing - it would be great to see you there!

Does anyone remember the name of the Head Boy who was killed on Bridge Street while he was biking to school? It happened around 1965, I guess.
I remember he had a bright future ahead of him and what a tragedy it was.

Robert Ward - are you the brother of Mike Ward? He was in my class all the way through Grammar School as I recall.

Re the tragic death of the Head Boy. I'm sure his name was Keith Burton.

No not related to Mike.

Yes I think he was called Keith Burton, he had a younger brother who I knew. I believe Keith was waiting to go up to Oxford or Cambridge when the accident occured. The headmaster (Mr Teed) organised a memorial service at the parish church to which the whole school attended. A very tragic affair.

For CA and Gerald Brooksbank re - teachers at 'Alegs', as I and my mate David Clarkson called it. The headmaster was Mr. Frankland, our final teacher was 'Pop' Saynor (sp?), and there was a Miss Brown over my first class - she was rather partial to whacking kids across the knuckles with a ruler. Maybe that's why I gave up trying to get Grade 8 abrsm :-)) .

My Dad, Roger Freeman, came from Goole and had many fond memories of Goole Grammar School, class of 1963, and Goole in general. He talked about the Copper Kettle, cups of coffee and a Park Drive. And of sneaking off cross country runs to have a sly cigarette but still arrive back in a respectable place. We used to go back often to visit relatives when I was a lot younger, and I remember swimming in the Municipal Baths, the beautifully kept cemetery on Hook Road (which I still visit annually) and Snells ham for tea. Dad would be horrified at the demise of the New Bridge Street Hotel, run at one time by his grandfather, Arthur Calvert.

Did he live on Pasture Road and go on to med school? If so, I had a mini-crush on him!

Sue - yes he did, on both counts! How extraordinary to think someone had a crush, albeit a mini one, on Dad! Were you at school with him and do you still live in Goole? He used to tell great stories about growing up there.

He wouldn't remember me - I was a chubby little 3rd former when he was in the 6th form, I worshipped him from afar!
I now live in the US about 30 miles outside Boston.

Thats a long way from Goole! Dad went off to medical school in Leeds, and eventually moved to Newcastle for work (The Freeman Hospital, believe it or not) where he stayed, and where my sister and I were brought up. He was always a Goolie at heart though! He would have loved this website as he and I had got quite into family tree etc. and had had a trip round Goole and Swinefleet looking for stuff shortly before he died.
My Grandma still lived at 110 Pasture Road for years, until she came to live with us in Newcastle. I think she was a dinner lady at the school - she told us she had to serve the peas at the end of the line because she was left-handed and would have clashed spoons anywhere else!

Reply to Steve Sharpe...hearing your list of names brings the memories back. I served 31 years as a physics teacher, and am in my second career as a physics lab technician at Dame Allans school in Newcastle, a happily settled grandad.

All the best to a great bunch

Dave

Quck scan through, the 1 name I recognised was Barry Spink I seem to recall he was a redhead like myself and lived in Woodlands Ave is that correct?

For Sandra nee Charlesworth
As a lad I lived in Rutland Road and my old school pal Barrie Spink lived round the corner in Woodland Avenue as i remember. I was in e-mail contact with him a few weeks ago.
He now lives in Scotland. He was very much a hero of mine, an absolute engineering genius who was fixing tv sets for Kevin Balmforth by the age of about 15. We met up one day in the fifties in Coventry where I was an apprentice in telecommunications at GEC. At the time Barrie was at the Radar Research Establishment at Malvern.

I attended GGS from 1971/1979. It's nice to see that Alan Cumberworth remembers my dad, Malcolm England.

Does anyone from GGS late 60s early 70s remember a lad called "Scutch" Aka Ian Easthope from Eastoft.
We had some good nights watching live bands together. Last I heard of him was many years back now when he was driving a crane for British steel at Scunthorpe.
Anyone know of his wherabouts today.

A reunion has been arranged for GGS pupils that started school in 1962. The event will be held on July 3rd 2010 in a local hostelry! Any one that attended school at that time and would like more details please contact me. susan1951allen@btinternet.com

I shall be in England in April and would like to know what is happening for the centenary celebrations. It is a long way from Manila! I have caught up with quite a few people through this website, but if there are people I went to school with, just around the corner, please contact my email so we could meet up-never mind the grey hair and wrinkles! ogbasan@hotmail.com

Have a great time, John. Look up Helen while you're there.

i attended goole modern schoole 61 65 have fond memories of that time the great times we had dances we would have on thursday nights in the hall with john evans learning to do the twist in the playground and the hippy hippy shake sports days swimming galas realy good fun i organised a reunion when we were all 40 then when we were 50 they were great so now there is another one arranged for us 60 year olds on the 23 october 2010 at the vikings again 60 music and good old rock and roll 3pound a ticket since the last dance we have lost a few school mates so anyone reading this who would like to come along and meet up with old school mates please do anyone wanting more information give me a ring 01405 768366 a few names to jog the memory stan butler denis garner george hubie mally chapel gavin ash stephen clarckson john johnson margaret westerman ellen macaurley rossie smith janet ross angella palmerone the list goes on

hi. my dad mr teed was headmaster at GGS 1964 to 1984. he was the one who pushed the am dram with doreen chapelle, hired the teacher from london who wore makeup and got him in trouble. i went to same school 71-78. i saw a post on longhorn. i played rubgy with his younger brother jeremy , and gilly and john arnold was it. adiran glue in my year. mandy appleyard who went on to journalism and last i heard edited news of world sunday mag. michael west i kno endd up at cargill and still in area. ruth ne deighton, collette pounder, denise kitchen any of you out there. how wierd we all have similar memories of the school bit like reading proust and it all floods back back from a taste of a piece of cake. oh and was that janet wtson 2 years earlier who was in my sister srar's year. My dad is still alive if a bit shakey 85 retired in cornwall fyi.

Well Well Well Mr Teed. I see quite a few people who attended school the same time as we did. I am glad to hear your dad is ok, wasn't your mother an artist?

Well Well Well Mr Teed. Glad to hear you dad is ok. I see quite a few people that were at school with us, must try and have a reunion at some point, I think Sharon Moore (that was) organises them from time to time, She has nursery land in Pasture Road

I was at school with you, I seem to remember we shared the art prize though you were much better then than I was. I work as an art lecturer & still do my own painting.
I remember the drama teacher who wore make up. What happened to him? I seem to remember he was there one day & gone another. At 14 you quickly forget & in those days we didn't question stuff like youngsters do today.
There was another teacher called I think Mr Kerridge something wierd happened to him too.

Very happy to know Mr. Teed is still hopping around!he very kindly talked to my class in London,years ago,about a historical subject,but the students only wanted to know if I had been bad at GGS!I stayed with the family in Thornbury-I still have a Shirley Teed in a prominent place in my house in Manila!Much admired...Please give him my very best wishes!

For David Teed. Some time ago I posted a message seeking contact details for Mr Teed. I simply wanted to give him my belated thanks for something he did for me. Once when I had committed some misdemeanour, can't remember what it was-possibly not attending some cultural event, your Dad summoned me to his study. I was expecting a good telling off. Instead after expressing his disappointment in my behaviour he gave me a load of books to read by American authors- James Baldwin, J D Salinger, B F Skinner, Kerouac etc. Some of it quite racy stuff for a 16 year old in Goole! Anyway I read them and the experience engendered a life long interest in American literature which has given me much enjoyment. I wanted, belatedly, to thank your Dad for that. I would appreciate it if you would pass this message on to him. I thought he was an excellent headmaster.
Regards
(Bill Stewart,GGS 1959-1967)

thank you bill . My father is coming to stay this w/e and im going to introduce him to the website. he has an email adress so im sure he will want to get in touch. not sure how that works exactly i note some people have typed their email adresses in here.

hi denise. didnt you originally go to school in newquay. My dad retired to CrantocK south of newquay in 1984 - i myself bought a farmhouse in the same village. My mum is still painting she and my father have just got back from a trip to venice. My younger brother robert became a teacher down in London but is now actually back in York running an art gallery with an an old school flame he re-united with . I went to a 20 year school leavers do in 1998 at the ''new'' rubgy club - nothing like the old one. Not been back since. did you return to the area?

David, thanks for that. Should he want to get in touch my email is: terrabills@aol.com

Hello there - this is Peter Teed, headmaster GGS 1964-1984.

We are staying with David in London and have read your emails. It is amazing that anybody should remember all those years ago and I very much enjoyed the experience of everyones recollections.

John Wraith - I well remember coming to your school in London, but I had no idea you had finished up in Manila. It sounds idyllic. Shirley is still painting and is currently showing in York where Robert, my youngest son runs an art gallery. I do nothing except try to keep alive. Fortunately for me the health remains reasonably good.

We love living in Cornwall and the webmaster has my email and if any of my ex pupils wants to get in touch pls feel free.

Bob, I will send you an email. I must say I don't remember giving you the American literature but it seems to have had a more positive effect than the cane!

Dear Mr Teed, I have lots of happy memories of being a pupil at GGS from 1963 -70. I decided to take an extra 'O' level at the same time as my 'A' levels and in order to accommodate it you gave two of us extracurricular classes on the American Constitution in your own study. I got the extra 'O' level, by the way.

But my strongest memory of you is this. One day you began morning assembly with a talk about the American civil rights movement and Martin Luther King Jnr. Someone from the side of the stage quietly came to tell you that Dr King was dead, had been assassinated. It broke your heart right there in front of us all and you had to leave the stage. I've always believed that moment changed me too.

Very good work, Mr Teed.

looking for anyone who was in Miss Halls class of 1964 ?

Aha! Many names I recognise on here from a dim and distant past. I was at GGS 1971 to 1978, vivid memories of it. Now a journalist and moved back to East Yorkshire (Beverley) some years ago after deciding to go freelance and slow down the working life. Names I still hear/of: Adrian Glew, a curator at the Tate Gallery, Mark Johnston now a professional actor, Netty Harrison (from Garthorpe) a GP practice nurse in Leeds, Ruth Deighton back in Goole area, Steve Hailstone teaching adults in Lancashire, etc. Fiona Moate - happy memories of meeting up with you about a decade ago. The teacher in make-up was Mr Robertson, I think -a Canadian? He didn't last long: recall him getting eaten alive trying to teach the finer points of Shakespeare's history plays to a motely crew in the youth centre. I remember Goole and those early days fondly, though my school days were fairly unhappy. MA

PS I think Peter Teed was a visionary. As I recall he came in for some stick from hang 'em and flog 'em locals, but I think his interest in the wider world, notably Europe and America, was timely and brought a refreshing new dimension to school life. His passion for the arts filtered into school life and made my GGS days richer than they would otherwise have been.
MA

hi mandy - i tried to contact you whne i saw you were editor of news of the world magazine a couple of years back. Good to hear from you - see you dont remember me :-( But thanks for the kind words about my dad - ill pass them on when im in cornwall later this month...might even get him to work his PC and log onto the site. take care

for denise walker - did you return to the area - i remember sharon moore .I went to a 20 yr re-union in 98 missed 30 yrs in 08 - we should do another one but before 2018 ! I got to looking at our old house -manor cottage, old goole on google streetview - its changed so much from when we left in 1984 - funny things memories.

David L. Teed! Course I remember you. Vividly! Not sure why you wouldn't have reached me at News of the World but anyway....I wasn't there long. Would be good to catch up properly with you. I remember meeting you at the reunion, and you coming to my 36th birthday shindig at some ex-Turkish Baths in London. Aren't you a mega-wealthy oil trader now? More distantly, I remember some wonderful times with you at Manor Farm in Old Goole, and with you in Crantock. Oh, and of course, in A level French with Mr Grossett. How are you doing? MA

David. I'm interested in buying one of your mum's paintings. How would I do that/see her old work/new work? Does she still paint? I always loved her oils, and a 'Shirley Teed' on my wall would be a reminder of so many happy moments/places/milestones in life. M

I missed the last reunion as I was very ill. Back to health now, so I hope there will be another one soon.
I get to Goole now & then & it would be good to meet up again & exchange some memories.
I hated school, but I realise school days are good ones when you look back. I also realise when I discuss mine with friends & work colleagues that GGS was particularly liberal & ground breaking in the 1970s.

hi mandy. My brother Robert moved back to York a couple of years ago and ended up going out with Paula who was in his class!- they live in middlethorpe - you remember where the rum runner club was that has now been turned back into middlethorpe hall hotel a wonderful queen anne hotel. anyway they opened an art /crfts/pottery/jewellery gallery in york this year and currently my mum has an exhibition of oils she painted over the last 2/3 years in venice. otherwise she could do one of cornwall for you/! drop me an email and we can exchange contact details - david.teed@sky.com

Hello Mandy Appleyard, I think the teacher was Ian Macelinni not sure if that is the right spelling, but he was Canadian, and always smelt of garlic and wore big jumpers, thats the one I am thinking of. David Teed my god what a memory you have, yes I did start my school years in newquay, it was trenance infant school, then I went to crantock st junior school. I have been back in the Goole area for about 26 years now, and yes I think a renunion should be sooner than 2018 lol, take care... Dee x

To Mr. Peter Teed.
I have a Shirley Teed,hanging in my house in Manila-much admired-a 1967 production of an eroded shell.I really loved Shirley's bold work-all that paint!A terrific character to boot!I should love to e-mail you directly-my address is ogbasan@hotmail.com.I sort of retired two years ago,but had so much work,that I thought a regular job was more efficient!I am Head of a new international school just outside Manila-almost eleven year here now!Can't come back until the dog dies!!!

I didn't realise your school days weren't happy ones (Mandy). I hated my time at school (apart from the 6th form when it got better). I really felt an outsider & was very unhappy at times. I have never coped with authority too well & I was terrified to stand up to the teachers. I couldn't stand Mr Urwin the English teacher, though in hindsight he was probably a pretty good teacher & I suppose very young at the time. I work in education myself, for the second biggest Adult Education Service in the country (at the moment, subject to David Cameron). It's a great job, very rewarding & I hope it will not be closed down due to more education cuts. I still do my own painting, but had a difficult few years following brain surgery (probably due to an unnoticed head injury, I was always clumsy)!

Denise!
Ian McIlhenny became a well known actor: have seen him in loads of TV dramas over the years, most of them set in Northern Ireland, most recently in Queer As Folk. I always liked him. He was Irish but had lives in the States for ages, I think. Mr Robertson was the Canadian, I think: short-lived tenure at GGS. Anyways up.......Did/do you have dark hair and look like a 40s movie siren? Trying to picture you. Did you work in a caff on Boothferry Road?
Mandy

Fiona,
You sound like you've been through it. Fully recovered now, I hope? I remember you really well at school - one of the characters, you stood out, and I remember your art work vividly. Are you living in the north-west still? I get back to Goole now and again and feel fondly for the town despite miserable school days, though I am shocked by its aesthetic decline, its down-at-heelness these days. Successive planning authorities have a lot to answer for, eh? I am still good pals with Netty Harrison - seeing her this Saturday, in fact. Email me? mandy@mandyappleyard.karoo.co.uk

hi there everyone,sorry i have not been on he on here for a while,
i just would like to say that my twin brother Stuart Smith died on the 28 aug 2010 im sure there are many out there who will remember him.. any comments please R.I.P. Stuart.

Hello Pete, I am really sorry to hear the sad news of Stuart's death. I remember well how you were both inseparable and know you will really miss him. He must have been quite young and is yet another example for us all that we should make the most of life.

Best regards,
David