Early history.
Florence Gladstone wrote the following in her excellent ‘Notting Hill in Bygone Days’ (originally published in 1924).
Until the beginning of the present century there was a great stretch of Common between St Helen’s Gardens and Latimer Road. Here cattle and horses grazed. This space had been curtailed in 1884 by the opening of Oxford Gardens School. This school originated in some of the leading tradesmen in the neighbourhood petitioning the Schoolboard to provide State-aided eduction for their children, but at the highest possible fee. And Oxford Gardens was a 6d school until fees were abolished in 1891.
Pam Macdonald whose family had lived on Walmer Road since 1889/90 until it was demolished in the 1960s, recalls her mother telling her that she remembered standing on a stool by the kitchen window watching ladies riding horses on Salters Field as it was called, just beyond the school.
The building of the St Quintin Estate on ‘Salter’s Field’ did not begin until 1904. Oxford Gardens School can just be seen at the left of the photo above of the new houses on Oxford Gardens.
Sue Snyder
Oxford Gardens School from 1905
Photographs and memories of two generations of ex-pupils.
My grandparents, my mother and her two sisters lived at 1 St.Helen’s Gardens in 1905. My Aunt, Evelyn Barnard was just 5 years old on her first day at Oxford Gardens Infant School which was right next door. When it came to break time, she didn’t know where the toilets were so she went home. I am sure she would have been returned very promptly!
This picture is of a class at Oxford Gardens School in 1906. It shows another Aunt, Ethel Barnard who had just started school. She is the one in the sailor suit, in the second row.
This shows a class at Oxford Gardens School in 1909.
This shows Evelyn Barnard in a music lesson at Oxford Gardens School in 1913. She is in the front row, fourth from the left.
Another class in Oxford Gardens School. My mother is first on the left in the front row. She would have been 5 years old, 1908.
My own memories, 1939 – 1944
In 1939 when I was 5 years old I started school at Oxford Gardens. One of my main memories is of there being a large Wendy house in the hall where we could play. Another memory is of having to lie down on beds in the afternoon, presumably to go to sleep. I hated this.
In1939 the school was evacuated, but my sister and I did not go; my mother took my sister and me to my father’s home in Wales but we were not there very long and I came back to Oxford Gardens School. As the war continued we were going to and from the country and each time we returned I went back to Oxford Gardens.
We used to take a spoon and a cup and we would queue up with our spoons for malt and have milk in our cups.
I left Oxford Gardens in 1944 to go to Burlington School.
My sister, Beryl Jones, in the Oxford Gardens School uniform in 1950
Audrey Jones 2006
Postscript -1950s and 1960s
Beryl Davies has sent in two photos. The first shows children from Miss Scown’s class in the playground in 1962. In the back row are Julia Storey, Karen Hurst and Madelaine. In the second row are Sally Peake, Susan Cole, Jaquie Mott, Pamela Roberts and Joan Wall. In the front row are Jennifer Berry and Beryl Lindsay.
The second photo below was taken in Mr Barrett’s class on the top floor around 1965. In the back row are Gary Black and Nigel James and in front of them Peter McGraph, Beryl Lindsay, Pat Buzzle and Jane Galloway.
Jay Smith has sent in the following class photo. Let us know if you can add any more names.
Oxford Gardens School 1960 or 1961. Photo : Julian (Jay) Smith.
Michael Butler has sent in some class photos below from the late 1950s. He attended Oxford Gardens from 1953 until July 1959. He originally went to St.Francis but transferred to Oxford Gardens when we went to live in Wallingford Avenue.
He then went to Latymer Foundation after the 11+ .
1956 Mr. Hitchens Head master with I think Miss Cooke
1957 Headmaster Mr. Hitchin and Miss Cooke
1958 Mr.Lusby and possibly Miss Dennison
1958 our class prior to Sayers Croft Camp 1958. Teachers left to right, Mr. Barret, Mr.Lusby, Miss Dennison?
circa 1959 Headmaster Mr. Van Eyck and Mr.Lusby Glasses.
North Kensington Histories 
I went to Oxford Gardens 1948/1953 Mr Lusby / Mr Taylor…”Norman Norrington”
I also went to Oxford Gardens School.I remember Mr Barrett. Mr lusby. Mrs Sayers was my teacher in the infants. I too hated that Wendy house. Does anybody remember Mr Gilli’s a little scotch man in juniors? Peter Norrington
Yes I remember Mr Gillies, he was my form teacher, he was a nice kind man. I also remember Mr Lusby. when he occasionally filled in doing English, he spent the whole lesson talking about cricket, which didn’t interest any of us girls.
Mr Lusby was my teacher and spent all the lesson talking about cricket with Gary Black, he was a very nice teacher.
I recall Mr gillis miss grant. Mr Hastings. And headmaster also called Mr hastings. Went there from 1952 to 1958. Infants and juniors. Lived in Chesterton road.
I also lived in Chesterton Road up until 1963
You’ve reminded me of so many happy memories I have of Oxford Gardens Junior School. I was there between 1962 and 1966 and my sister, Anne Lindsay, was two years ahead of me.
My first teacher was Miss Scown (that’s how I used to pronounce it but I’m not sure that’s how it’s spelt). I remember her being quite round with white hair. Her classroom was situated on the first floor. She gave us weekly tests on our times tables and spelling. When we did well, we were rewarded with one or occasionally two squares of Cadbury’s milk chocolate from her bag. Sometimes it was a bit squashed and worse for wear but we didn’t mind at all.
Year 2 was with Mr Barrett in a ground floor classroom. He was such a wonderful teacher and gave up so much of his own time for band practices. I remember us putting on shows and performing quite complicated classical music like Handel’s ‘Alla Hornpipe’ and Beethoven’s ‘Romance’. Heaven knows what it sounded like with all those squeaky recorders!
Year 3 was with Mrs Taylor, a tiny Irish lady with dark black hair. Amongst other things she taught us italic handwriting. She would dish out raps across the knuckles with a ruler if you were naughty – my crime was to play in the soap suds that overflowed onto the playground when the cooks pulled the plugs out of the kitchen sinks.
Year 4 was spent with Mr Barrett again, this time on the top floor of the school. He was so creative and inspiring and went on to become Head of a school in Fulham.
I remember the system used at dinner times. When the bell rang to say play was over, we would come into the lower hall and sit cross-legged on the floor in rows until our class was called.
A boy would have the important job of standing on a landing where there was a small open window that overlooked the hall and, just at the right moment, would signal to the teacher in charge (usually Mr Lusby) that it was time for the next class to come up to the main hall for their food. It all worked very efficiently.
I clearly remember that once there was a shortage of staff in the kitchen and some of us girls were asked to help out by clearing tables and taking things into the kitchen which seemed to be full of steaming pots and pans – another thing that wouldn’t be allowed these days.
While I was there the Headmistress was Miss Allen and there was a Mrs Plumb who seemed strict and taught arithmetic – I learned how to do long division with her – and a Miss Marlow who seemed to me to be young and pretty and took us for PE. Now that I’ve been reminded of his name, I remember Mr Gillis too.
One of the dinner ladies/helpers, Mrs Jeffers/Jefferies, was a great piano player and I recall her being able to play any tune by ear in a ‘pub-like’ fashion. She would always help out at events such as Christmas parties/shows. I had a feeling that Miss Scown didn’t always approve of her style!
Another treat was on special morning assemblies where, after prayers and hymns, an LP record would be played, one of the favourites was ‘Peter and the Wolf’.
Over the years at Oxford Gardens I remember being in class with Pamela Roberts, Jane Galloway, Joan Wall, Sally Peake, Nigel James, Gary Black, Margaret Sayers and Jennifer Berry.
In 1966 Pat Buzzle, Jackie Mott and I went on to Fulham County Grammar School for Girls and I’m still in touch with Pat.
Oh,Beryl what fantastic memory you have !! Reading your account of that time brought back so many lovely recollections. I remember how Mr Barratt used to make our rounders team practice catching with a cricket ball,to toughen us up. I think we were quite sucessful. You were right about Mrs Plumb. She was strict,gave the naughty ones,the double rulers on out stretched hands !!
I always recall Mrs Jeffers playing the piano for country dancing at wet play. The military two step(where we got to stamp out feet) and the Polka,where we galloped like lunatics. Happy days. Lynn Prieg ( nee Hayes)
Hi my name is Melvyn Barrett. I went to Oxford Gardens in the 50s and was in Mr Barrett’s class, played the recorder well tried to.
Like my friend Audrey Jones I went to Oxford Gardens School, but due to the war I was up and down between Wigan, Lancs living with my grandparents and then home and to Oxford Gardens School. I vividly remember the cod liver oil on a spoon. I also remember learning to read, the word kite sticking in my memory I remember attending morning prayers in the big hall,looking at this huge crowd of teachers and children and thinking “You are on your own in this world, Anne” l was a little scared of the Juniors in the playground. I also enjoyed the singing lessons.
I attended Oxford Gardens School from about 1948/9 to 1954. I remember the following Teachers:
Mr Lusby he took us for Cricket, and may have been our Form Master.
Mr Pimm …. Swimming – could have been deputy Head Master
Mr Barrett (He had a daughter who attended the school – I think she was named Dembress Barrett.
Mr Taylor (Our Form Master)
Mr Hacker was the Headmaster
Mr Jones – I believe that he lived in Oxford Gardens.
I remember one of the Form classes having a heater with a chimney, and a wicker basket in the room. The room was on the right of the passageway leading to the main hall, from the Oxford Gardens entrance.
Those whom I remember are (some names may be misspelled);
Robert Murrin
Robert Lewis
Walter Williams
Kenneth Bruton
Reggie Harwood
Wendy Goodall
Things I remember;
We had the daily 1/3 of a pint of milk, and a cod liver oil capsule – both good for us. I also seem to remember having a dessert spoonful of a treakly like substance – Malt?
I believe that it was on Fridays that we were shown films; sometimes Mr Hacker’s Holiday Films?
On other occasions we were shown films on coal mining; and fishing – trawling and drifting.
On yet other occasions we were shown film strips; probably on the same subjects.
I distinctly remember often being made to sit at the front of the assembly hall during the showing of films, facing the other children, so that I could not see the film! This was a sort of punishment for misbehaving! So, also, was the cane!
There was a building which was next to the playground which had the entrance in Oxford Gardens, and this was involved with Aluminium, or some type of metal; and somehow, angular pieces of this finished up in our playground (I wonder how!). We thus finished up pulling one another around the playground with this aluminium strip bent so that we could fit it under our shoes and hence slide on it.
Some of the classrooms were stepped, and others on one level. We had a speaker in each classroom, and one thing I seem to remember was the announcement over this, of the death of King George the Sixth. General uses for the speakers were for announcing the change of classes, etc., and for teaching purposes.
I would be pleased to hear from anyone who was at the school during this period, and will probably remember other things/names, later.
Brian Wybrow
Hello Brian I went to OGS from 1946 to 1951/2 and my first teacher was Miss Grant also I remember Miss Sexton who was I thought a bit more strict. I also remember Mr Barrett and Mr Taylor who came away with us to a school summer camp near Gt Yarmouth. There was a Mr Pinn who taught us the recorder and formed the OGS recorder band and we actually played live on the radio at Maida Vale studios for the programme childrens hour. The last form teacher I had was Mr Williams who lived in St Marks Road.
When I first went to OGS the milk was poured out into mugs that were not cleaned properly so there was a bit of a bad smell of sour milk drinking it. I was given a daily ration of Malt and really liked it but that soon stopped when they found out they were giving it to the wrong person when it was really meant to be for a Gary Saunders in the same class of no relation to me. I believe he needed it because he was under weight.
I also remember with my classmate Derek Camp getting caterpillars off the tree in the playground and taking them back into the classroom to crawl over the desks that had inkwells set in them that were refilled daily by ink monitors.
Thanks Ken,
I remember all of those Names. Do you remember the factory premises that had a wall on the Western edge of our playground?
We used to somehow get pieces of aluminium which we put under our shoes, so that someone could pull us along the playground. I believe that this metal came from that factory. I believe that our Headmaster was Mr Hacker. He used to show films on a Friday.
Please note that my website, http://www.patently-creative.co.uk (referred to in earlier comments) is now either of very limited content, or no longer available. I thought it was time to “retire”!
Best wishes
Brian
when i was at OGS (c.1952-58 that building next door was called Mansells, and we were always losing tennis balls and footballs on their roof..
Yes – I remember it now.
Thanks again Ken.
Brian
Thanks Alan,
In a previous reply (which was wrongly believed to be in response to Ken’s comment) I said that I now remember the name Mansells.
I thought I was replying to Ken! So he has a reply from me, regarding your comment.
If one replies to the email, it is private, but if one makes a comment on the website, it goes public.
I will be unsubscribing from follow up comments.
Thanks again, Alan.
Hi Ken. I was there at the same time and have the same memories. Wow. I use to climb up on the Roof of Mansells to return ALL the lost Balls. I lived at #12 Oldham Road. What memories.
Hi my name is Robert (Bob) Peachey. I was at OGPS from 1945 to 1951 and I remember Derek Camp. I remember Mr Lusby, Mr Williams, Mr Pinn but not much else. I have a photo from Sayers Croft camp which would have been taken in 1950 (I think) if anyone is iinterested I can email a copy, don’t think I can name many of the boys though. I now live in Australia.
Hi Guys, My name is Malcolm Libby ( was Malcolm King) Oh my, you brought back a lot of lovely memories. I remember Miss Sexton, very well. (ouch). I also was on the trip to Yarmouth and another trip to Leath Hill (I think) in Surrey. I use to live on Oxford Road, across from the Bombed Houses. I remember Russell (Rusty) Williams. We met up again in Acton, around 1957, when we were both in the Dices Skiffle group. I now live in Vancouver Canada.
Hi Ken..I’m David Walker. I went to Oxford Gardens 1950-56. I noticed the name Derek Camp I think he used to be mates with my older brother Pete. We lived in Snarsgate Street. Did you live at the North Pole end of Latimer Road and your dad’s name was Charlie?
HI, WENT TO OGS, NOT SURE OF DATES AS WE MOVED A LOT DUE TO DADS JOB.
LATE 1951-1953, LIVED AT 11 HIGHLEVER ROAD, MR LUSBY LODGED ON THE CORNER OPPOSITE. WENT TO SAYERS CROFT CAMP HAVE THE PHOTO CAN’T REMEMBER NAMES, THE SCHOOL WAS PROUD OF IT’S RECORDER MUSIC. CAN ANYONE REMEMBER THE MASS EXECUTION CANING WHICH TOOK PLACE WHEN NO ONE OWNED UP TO THE MISDEMEANOR? WE HAD TO BEND OVER, THE CLASSROOM DOOR OPENED AND THE TEACHER RAN THE LENGTH OF THE INVITING BACKSIDES SLAPPING EACH ONE IN TURN, BUT ALWAYS STOPPING AT THE BOY WHO HE THOUGHT GUILTY, GIVING A HARDER SMACK, PROBABLY BE PUT IN GOAL IF THAT WAS DONE NOW. MY SURNAME WAS HARDING AND GOT CALLED GILBERT WHICH I HATED, RETALIATED ONCE CALLING A BOY GREENSMITH AS HIS SURNAME WAS SMITH, ESSEX HAD A BOWLER CALLED GREENSMITH. MR LUSBY OFTEN TOOK CRICKET LOVERS TO LORDS AFTER SCHOOL WHEN ENTRANCE FREE
ALL FOR NOW, LIVE IN THE VALLEYS OF WALES, 19th MOVE
JIM HARDING 80 THIS YEAR NOVEMBER
I do not know how to edit my submission, above, so I am adding some more info., with corrections, here:
Robert Murrin should be Ronald Murrin.
Other names that I remember are;
Jimmy Hay
David Denton
Serge
I believe that another Teacher/Deputy Head, was Mr Gemmell, andhe may have taken us for swimming.
Another of my Teachers was Ms Sexton. I remember us having to learn a rather laborious Poem called “The Bells”. We had to recite it at the Kensington Town Hall. I also remember what I think was called Empire Day, when we had flags, and watched masses of aeroplanes fly over London.
I am afraid that my class may be responsible for Miss Scown’s white hair by the time Beryl Lindsay attended Oxford Gardens School. Miss Scown was my first teacher and remained my favorite; this may be because her Christian name was also Gladys. Miss King was Headmistress and I adored her. One of my most acute memories is of the day we all assembled in the main hall and Miss King announced the death of King George V1, there were many tears shed as I think most young girls thought of him as a surrogate grandfather. We said prayers and sang the national anthem. Fond memories are of recess and playing ball games against the brick wall in the playground, putting on shows on the landing of the back steps of the school during lunch hours, walking in crocodile fashion to Silchester Road baths for swimming lessons. The teacher who made sure almost all her class passed the 11+ examinations was Miss Brooks. We were all terrified of her but as the years progressed after leaving Oxford Gardens, I am sure we have all come to appreciate the disciplines she taught us.
I attended Oxford Gardens School from 1935 to 1942. The school was evacuated on September 2nd. 1939. Teachers involved were Mr. Wise, Mr. Garnet, Mrs. Thoroughgood and Mr A.E. Dawes. headmaster. We were evacuated to Mells village in Somerset. We were supposed to go to Devizes but due to some miscalculation, we ended up in Mells. I was billeted on Farm and lived there until I was sent to Bridgewater, Somerset for continuing education due to gaining a scholarship to the School of Engineering and Navigation. I hated Bridgewater and arrangements were made to get me back to London, during the blitz. I attended Paddington Technical College for three years.
Hello Dennis, my brother Clive Wybrow (now deceased) and my sister Shirley Wybrow (still alive) both attended Oxford Gardens School, in the years within the range that you give for your attendance, and were evacuated to Bishops Cannings, Devizes, Wiltshire. They came back to London during the “phoney war period” (September 1939 to April 1940) but went back to Devizes in approximately June, 1943, with me (as a baby) and my mother. My father was in the Home Guard, doing fire watching, and manning the Anti-Aircraft Guns, in Hyde Park, located on the now, wide open area of Hyde Park above the underground car park. Later, he was in the Royal Army Service Corps, and worked on PLUTO, and the Mulberry Harbours. We lived at 11a Maxilla Gardens, W10 (now Maxilla Walk; and Westway!)
My father, Donald Laurence Hodge (1903-2001) attended Oxford Gardens School and subsequently Latimer Upper School. He went on to study chemistry at University of London followed by PhD from Imperial College and post doctoral study in Darmstadt, Germany. From the 1930s to his retirement in 1969 he was a government scientist working for the Ministries of War, Supply and Defence at Woolwich Arsenal and ERDE Waltham Abbey.
I have a classroom photograph including him dating to 1913 or 1914, which i would like to share with this website if you can tell me how to upload it.
If you want us to put a photo onto the website then you need to email the photo to me, Sue (I am the administrator for the website), at northkenstories@yahoo.co.uk. Make sure it is a JPEG file and send it attached to your email. Please supply as much information that you can about the photos, who when where and any other information. I could probably upload it to the Oxford Gardens School section.
i was at oxford gardens school from around 1951-1957 starting in infants then moving to the juniors.. Mr Hitchens was headmaster at first but he died and i remember a very tearful Mr Lusby telling us this at morning assembly, on the stage that had “no quest – no conquest” written above it. It was the firsr time i ever saw a grown-up cry. Mr Lusby took over as head and he took us for cricket, He lodged somewhere near north pole road and i can see him now walking to school with his big brown suitcase – lovely man. i remember Mr Tayor (a bit strict), and Mr Barret (a bit mad!) who used to let us record skiffle songs on his home built tape recorder and taught the recorder band. He used to hold a 10 shilling note out then drop it and if you could catch it in 2 fingers, just below his fingers, you could keep it. It was a small fortune then but no-one caught it. I wonder if anyone else remembers that? i also remember Miss (Granny) Grant who played the piano, and the ginger headed Mr Gillies. Also some fun days at Sayers Croft camp near Guildford. I can remember the names of nearly all my classmates, among them Ron Kimber, Denis McGarry, Neil Clark, Michaei Price, Roger Williams (and many a first friend, i’ve never seen again – Dylan). I used to walk to school from St Quintins Ave, down the plane tree lined Highlever Road, past the horse drawn carts selling coal or milk, past old Ma Marmey’s house (we were terrified of her!), then back home for lunch every day. What a different world!
Hello Alan Tomkins, I’m so glad you remember my father , Donald Hitchings, who as you remember died almost 60 years ago in 1958. I was only 11 then but remember being proud that my father was a head teacher. We lived in Chiswick, so my sister and I didn’t
go to OGS. Does anyone remember Miss Douglas who I think was in charge if the girls, but that might have been at a previous school.
Mr Hitchings , the headteacher, was my dad. He died in February 1958 when I was as 11. I remember him talking about Mr Lusby but can’t remember if I ever met him. We lived in Chiswick so I went to school in Chiswick.
What wonderful memories from you all, covering a vast period of OGS experience. I attended OG from 1956-1964, my brother Phillip Burton also attended as well a my older sister Maureen Burton, who still lives close to the school,and who lived in the flats at the back of the school where we could see the playgrounds and most of the building from above. Mr Lusby had a profound impact on my young life, eventually leading me to a career in education spanning 44 years and teaching 3 years olds through to post-doctoral students in Physical Education.
Hi my names Lorraine Reeves I attended Oxford Gardens school around 1956. I remember Mr Gillis and I remember a teacher called Mrs Plum. I also remember Mrs Scown or I thought her name to be Gown I maybe wrong. I remember Mr Busby or Husby as some call him. I lived on the Sutton estate and walked to school with Norma Lyons and Susan Brock as I remember. We would walk past Princess Louise hospital on the way.
I also went to Sayers Croft in Guildford the school camp. We used to watch Norman Wisdom films in the evening. One day they took us in to Little Hampton. Great days to look back on.Lorraine
Hello Lorraine, your name sounds very familiar and I wonder if perhaps you would remember me. I was known then as Georgina Karal. Another name I remember Gladys Brown and a sweet little girl with a name like Bimedela or something like that. I also went to Sayers Croft in 1962 in the harshest winter
I started Oxford Gardens School when I was 5 until 11 when I went to Saint Marks girls school, which changed to St Quintin Park school, I used to live at 3 Rillington Place. Did any one attend Oxford Gardens during 1945 and 1951, were there any school photos? Thanks for your information.
Hello Winifred – I attended Oxford Gardens School between 1948/9 and 1954. I have made some comments previously. I lived at 11A Maxilla Gardens, W10 (now Maxilla Walk) which was just the other side of the elevated, Hammersmith and City Line, from Rillington Place.
Hi, I was there from 1947 until 1950, when we moved to South Ockenden.
Hello Winifred. As you can see from my reply after your comments, I was there when you were. I remember Dembres Barrett (sorry for any miss-spelling). Her father was one of the teachers. another teacher had a son at the school. Very much earlier on this site, I have placed lots of info. about those who attended Oxford Gardens. So if you go to go to where I started on the site, you will find those comments. The boys’ playground traversed each end of one side of the school, and the part I preferred was the part that had the entrance in Oxford Gardens. At the other end, where the sheds and boys toilets were, there was another entrance,and a connecting gate to the girls’ playground, which also had an entrance in Oxford gardens.
Regards, Brian.
I believe my great great grandmother started at Oxford Gardens in 1889. Does anyone know what the school was like then?
My grandfather was at Oxford Gardens School from 1894-1898. He was 9 years old when he left, and he was then put in an orphanage because his widowed mother was unable to care for him.
Hi Helen,
My great grandfather went to OGS, he was born in 1873 his name is Albert Alexander Capps and lived at 97 Highlever road as a boy then moving to 31 Cambridge Gardens when married.
I was told by my grandmother when I was a boy going to OGS his name is on some awards wall but i don’t think I saw it.
I left OGS in 1964
My Name is Stephen Edwards. I went to Oxford Gardens from 1961-1965. I lived in Balliol Road.
My Great Great Grandfather, Albert Alexander Capps (1871-1971) had some sort of connection to Oxford Gardens School. He was an estate agent in Ladbroke Grove and had a number of properties in the area. My parents told me there was a plaque in the school because he won a 100 mile road race (Cycle) with The London Polytechnic.
Hi Stephen, I think we were in the same class together. I can remember Mr Gammell who took us swimming and managed the school football team. I think I can remember a Portuguese or Italian boy in our class. My name is Joseph Espana.
I wento to Oxford Gardens with my brother Bob Stroud, from1934 til outbreak of WW2 when I was evacuated with the school to Devizes. I have a group photograph taken there with teacher Miss Brooks.
Hello Joyce,
My brother Clive, and my sister, Shirley, both went to Oxford Gardens, and were evacuated to Devizes during WW2, from our house at 11A Maxilla Gardens, W 10. Clive died many years ago, but Shirley is still alive. I, also, was evacuated to Devizes, but as a baby, and went to Oxford Gardens, after WW2.
My Name is Andy Taylor.
I came from America to Oxford Gardens in late 60s
What a culture shock
I was there in the early 60’s.
Lusby was a one off !
What was the name of the Scottish teacher, I think his class room was at the top of the building, was it art class?
That was Mr Gillies. do you remember the long cupboard at the back of his room.
Strange man. i could tell you a story about him. he used to wear a green raincoat. Peter Norrington
Yes Peter, it must be him seen his name on some other posts as well.
OK, you can’t just leave us hanging……..what’s the story ?
I’ve commented on my time in Oxford Gardens before but this is I think attached to memories of Lacaster Baths.
I went to the school from 1960 -1967 (I think!). I lived in Chesterton Road in a house shared with my great grandmother known as ‘nan upstairs’, her younger daughter and her family and an elderly lady, Miss Parry (I think) who lived in the attic! Poor lady must have been freezing as I distinctly remember being taken to see her and seeing the sky through the roof!
I have fairly fond memories of the school (except of the then Head of Infants!) I remember Mr Lusby well. I was a bit scared of him as I remember him being a fairly strict disciplinarian and I remember at some school assemblies some of the boys might receive the cane for apparent misdemeanors. I think girls got a smack on the hand but my memory could be playing tricks! Mr Lusby told me off one day as I was feeling very unwell on the day of exams and he found me in the assembly hall. I did have ‘previous’ of getting very anxious about exams but to his credit he came to my house to see how I was and to say sorry as it turned out that I had a ruptured appendix! My mother was not very pleased that she had not been called however, as this may have prevented the rupture (and it’s very unpleasant consequences!!)
My real reason for posting this comment is to say how strange life is! In September (2017) I was visiting The Isle of Wight and having a cup of tea at a fete. Another couple joined our table and as one does we started chatting. They lived on the island, we said we were visitors from Surrey. We discovered that the other lady had lived in the town we now inhabit. We chatted further and she said she originally lived in Kensington. It turned out that she had lived in St Quentin Ave and had gone to OGS (albeit a bit before me). She then moved out of the area before going into junior school. My family moved some years later, to the same area it transpired and just (literally) round the corner from her secondary school! The clincher to these spookey coincidences was that we discovered that her grandparents and my great grandparents had lived in Rillington Place! We did exchange names but neither of us had pen or paper and I’ve now forgotten! Isn’t life funny!
I went to Oxford Gardens in the late 70s, loved the school, my best school and friends ever, often dreamt of the school in my adult years,I remember Mr Chalk, very distant headmaster, the school gave me the creeps at times, was so big, and mysterious.
Hi I’m Melvyn Barrett went to ogs about 1957 till 1962/3 ? Then on to Isaac Newton – anyone know me ? My sisters were named Tina and Jill,
Hello Bill, you may remember me my name is Charles Cole. I was at Oxford Gardens the same time as you. do you remember a teacher Mr Jordan and a Mr Thompson who had the class room at the top of the building and was a wonderful pianist? I was in both their forms. If you look closely at the photo of the boys going to Sayers Croft camp I am the one sitting down in the front row next to the two boys wearing ties. You took me to your grans one day and she told us all about Christie whilst she was peeling sprouts, funny what you remember. There was a mixed race lad called Balmain Smith who I was quite friendly with, but he tragically died falling from a train. We only found out when the headmaster told us the first day back in assembly. One of the other kids I remember was Barry J Phillips who lived in Slchester road. They called him the Professor as he was what we all called posh. I’m sure you remember him and a Philip Griffiths who lived in Maxilla Gardens across the road from Balmain
Melvyn did you live in Blenheim Crescent ?
Hi my name is bill Lawrence I attended Oxford Gardens from 55 – 59 then went on to Isaac Newton I also lived in Rillington place with my gran at no. 8. I recall mr. Busby and the head master in 58-59 was mr.Van Eyck.
i think we is cousins.
Hi Dave yes we are cousins your dad was my mums brother my uncle Chris and aunt Mary
Hello Bill Just a quick add on, was it you who lived in Acklam Road. I remember going up there once or twice with whom i thought was you.
I went to Oxford Gardens Junior school between 1967 and 1970. I only lived down the road so a few minutes to walk to school. My name is Rosemary Plumridge (nee Carr). I remember my first year there and my teacher was Miss Grant, a very strict elderly lady. Second teacher was Miss Marlow, then Miss Taylor and finally Mr Lusby. I was also in the school band and played recorder and remember Mr Barratt. Headmistress I think was Miss Allen. I also remember going to Sayers Croft, twice even and had a great time. I did the 3 hill walk, Box hill, Pitch hill and Leith hill – anyone else remember. Sitting in rows in the hall and being given our milk allowance, cold in the winter and yet horrible in the summer as the milk was warm. Many happy and fond memories of a lovely school. I also attended the primary school.
I think I remembered you Rosemary Carr. Yes lovely memories of a lovely school. Joseph Espana. I think one of only 3 spanish boys in the school – me, Armando and Jose-Mari
Hi Rosemary, I believe you must be Peter Carr’s sister. My Mum, Dad, brother Richard used I (Barbara) used to live opposite you in Oxford Gardens at number 156.. Richard and I both went to OGS. I went onto North Kensington Central and Richard went onto St Marylebone Grammar. I remember your parents so well, I think you lived next door to the Jefferies family.. Richard retired Head master living in Wolverhampton. I now live in Exeter. I have great memories of OGS
Following my previous message I got the dates incorrect. I was at the school between 1960 and 1966 and then went on to Burlington Girls Grammar school. That’s what old age does for you !! Does anyone remember me? Rosemary Plumridge. (nee Carr)
Hi Rosemary,
I was there between those dates although i moved to Aylesbury in 1965. We lived in Balliol Road, my grandmother lived in Cambridge Gardens and my Great Grandfather lived in Highlever road. my next door neighbour was Keith Shirley and across the road was Silvia Hoy, both in school then.
Mr Lusby and Mr Hitchin were the only 2 teachers i can remember. my friends in school were Richard Berryman, Fred Baldry and Ricardo Elaine. but i haven’t seen anybody since I left in 1965.
Hi Steve I went back to my routes to have a look round a couple of years ago how things have changed. Do you remember Mansells near the school
You mention Fred Baldry the name rings a bell. I havent seen anyone since I left and went to Burlington school
Hello Rosemary,
I was at OGS at the same time but my memory for names is appalling! I have some pictures from school including one or two taken at the infants nativity play and one where for some reason we were all dressed up to be parts of a Christmas Tree. I was a cracker! I also have one or two taken on a school trip to Sayers Croft, probably in the last year of juniors ( or there abouts).
I remember Sylvia Hoy, Janet McKentee (sorry Janet if spelling wrong), Hazel, Suzanne Szall, a boy called Mark. In the pictures I have, I remember some faces but cannot put names to them.
Does any of this ring a bell?
Regards
Sally Davis (as was)
Hello Steve,
I also replied to Rosemary. We must have been at the school at the same time as I remember Sylvia. I was at the school between 1960 to 1966. Unfortunately your name doesn’t ring a bell but as I mentioned to Rosemary my memory for names is rubbish!
I mentioned a few names I do remember to Rosemary so when the post is published have a look?
Regards
Sally Davis
Hi Rosemary. i vaguely remember you as Peter Carr’s sister . I was at OGS 1948-1953/4. But my brother Riichard Pithers was at OGS approx. 1955-1961. I think Richard and Peter were the same age. We used to live opposite you in Oxford Gardens at number 156. I think that you used to live next door to the Jefferies family. I went on to North Kensington Central school and my last year at Holland Park school when it first opened. and Richard went on to St Marylebone Grammar. He was teacher for many years in the Wolverhampton area then Deputy Head and then a Head teacher for many years and still lives in the .Wolverhampton area .. i got married from 156 Oxford Gardens in 1965 and now living in lovely Devon.
Barbara Young nee PITHERS
Hi Barbara lovely to receive your message. I do remember the Pithers family, was Richard ever in the church choir at St Helen’s. I used to belong to it with Peter who sadly died years ago. I loved OGS and then went to Burlington girls school in Wood Lane. Married at 18 and have 4 wonderful sons and 13 grandchildren and have just become a great grandmother
Have remarried and live in Caterham and my husband and I both retired in November and are now looking to relocate, maybe to Devon which is lovely. How long have you lived there
Hello Rosemary. Great to hear from you. So glad that you remember the Pithers family. Yes, Richard belonged to St Helens church choir. he has been married for 43 years . Started his teacher training up in the midlands married Gill and they have a son and daughter. No grandchildren as yet. Brian and I got married in 1965 . 57 years this year.. We have two sons and three beautiful grandaughters. We moved from Hillingdon in 2008 down to Exeter. Fantastic living so near dartmoor and the beaches. sorry to hear of Peters passing. I remember your Mum & Dad so well. They came to our wedding.
My your family keep you busy. Hopefully now that you have retired you can have some time to yourself. Since we have moved down to Exeter we have been busier than ever. We have two allotments which are very near to us which it keeps us busy. Do you remeber the Jefferies and asian families that lived next to you. I remember Linda Jefferies I think she moved to St Ives Cornwall about 1966.
Brian and i ” did our roots a couple of years ago”. went back down to Oxford gardens . I managed to have a look around the school it bought back many lovely memories. The houses are still much the same but not surprisingly the prices have increased beyond anyones expectations. The area is still so nice St Helens gardens, Balliol Road, Wallingford Avenue, Kingsbridge Road, HHighlever Road all sort after properties.
Lovely to hear from you. Barbara
Hi Barbara hope you are well. Thank you for your news. How lovely being near Dartmoor, must be beautiful. Heard Exeter is really nice. I liked being in the choir and remember the vicar the Rev Bralant, a little old lady who sang called Mrs Wimbridge and the choir mistress Betty Roe, happy times. Got married when I was 18 at St Helen’s church. Our next door neighbours were Charlie and Ethel William’s who had 2 sons one called John, who was a musician cant remember the other and Linda their daughter who as you say moved to St. Ives. I remember going down there to visit her with my family for a holiday. Our other neighbours were the Indian family Mr and Mrs Shahani who were very nice. Think I had my first proper curry in their house. Also went back to my routes a few years ago and it many memories came flooding back. Even went to Portobello Market where I used to go with my mum for shopping. Visited St Helen’s church but it has changed so much inside, a the old pews have gone, shame really. My husband has just gone to play golf and I a going to take our puppy out for a walk while the sun is shining. Please remember me to Richard and take care Rosemary x
What wonderful memories came back when reading these histories. I attended Lancaster Road School 1951-1953, then Oxford Gardens School from 1953-1957, before moving to Burlington School in 1957 leaving in 1964. I remember Miss King, headmistress, Miss Scown, my first teacher, then, I think, Mrs Millar and the last two years were with a real tartar of a teacher whose name I cannot remember at the moment. I do remember my classrooms being on the first floor at Oxford Gardens, with the boys on the ground floor. There was one occasion when the fire alarm went off, we all trooped downstairs into the playground, only to be surprised to find the fire brigade running into the laground. The kitchen on the first floor had caught fire. I was told by friends (Colin and Geoffrey Mendoza) in the boys school on the ground floor that the first they knew about it was the water pouring through the ceiling from the water hoses.
Hello Sally Davis. It was me who chatted with you at the fete on the Isle of Wight where I now live! I attended Oxford Gardens from 1952 until 1955 and I loved my time there. I had a friend called Oona. I remember learning to write “between the lines” and I had a lovely teacher who was very encouraging but can’t remember her name unfortunately. I know I could write very well for my age, as my mum kept an essay I wrote about how I’d like to live on the Isle of Wight, (where we used to go for holidays and where, coincidently, I now live). In it I described all the rooms and the garden. When my family moved from 83 St Quintin Avenue to Putney, I attended Elliott School. When I married, I moved to Guildford where Sally now lives and my grandmother and my mother and father lived at 8 Rillington Place. It is indeed very spooky.
Hello Christine!
I remember your name now I’ve seen it! Hope you are all well.
You’ve found you’re way to this site.
I have done a bit more family research and discovered that my great grandmothers sister latterly also lived at No 6 Rillington Place and was there in 1939 (1939 Cencus) as were a certain Mr and Mrs Christie at No 10. When did your grand parents/parents live in Rillington Place?
Hope to get to IOW again soon.
Hi Sally, lovely to hear from you! I’m not sure how long my grandmother and my dad lived ar 8 Rillington place, but I do know my mum definitely lived there at the age of 16 (my dad took her to my nanny’s because of problems at home with her parents) which would have been in 1941, but by the time of my parents marriage in 1943, they lived in St Quintin Avenue, together with my grandmother. My nanny would always meet my mum from the bus stop after work, as it was blackout, and she didn’t trust the man at number 10 Rillington Place! I really wish I knew when my nanny started living at number 8 Rillington but it must have included some years before 1941. Wish I’d asked more questions. Nanny died when I was seven. My grandmothers name was Mrs Margaret Elizabeth Girardot and my dads name was Walter Philip. He was the youngest of nine. Nanny was widowed in 1931 due to my Grandfather being gassed in the First World War, so I am wondering if it was then she moved to Rillington Place. My email address is christineart7@gmail.com and if you visit the island, perhaps we could meet up for another lovely chat!
Hi Charlie yes it was me who lived in Acklam road ,and I do remember you very well.we were quite good friends.I saw you in the photo and knew it was you straight away bill.
Hi Bill, do you remember me? Came to your house many times in Acklam road. Be nice to hear from you. I am on Facebook.
Best wishes to you, bill.
I have a very old photo taken 1906 of a boys class at Oxford Gardens School. It belonged to my dad. But he’s not in it as wasn’t born till 1921. I’m not sure why it was in his possession.
Goodness me, this site certainly brings back memories of my time at Oxford Gardens Primary School. I began Infant School age 5 years in 1950 or thereabouts. The Infants building was to the left as you entered from Oxford Gardens. I progressed to the Juniors. I remember Mr Hacker was the Headmaster, he would take assembly every morning standing on the stage along with other staff. A grand piano sat to the right of the stage and Mr Wynn, I believe, played music for the morning service. Boys class rooms were on the ground floor, girls upstairs. We also had our school meals on the first floor. I too remember the small bottles of milk, what a treat! Of the teachers, I recall Mr Lusby, he taught the bright boys. He also taught them to play cricket. At lunchtime he could be found in the front playground with his selected team. He placed a metal plate on the ground in front of the wicket, if the bowler could pitch the ball to strike the metal plate he would be rewarded, with a penny I believe. The teacher I remember the most was Mr Barrett, he taught the recorder and was my class teacher. Not a man to upset, I remember him smacking me across my face for speaking out of turn. He lived in Cambridge Gardens. Being of Welsh origin, I had a voice and sang in the school choir. In my class was another Welsh lad named Anthony Hopkins (not the actor), his father owned a dairy in Latimer Road. I recall an occasion at prize giving, I believe, when we sang a duet for the entertainment of the parents assembled. Lancaster Road swimming baths was used to teach us to swim. The caretaker lived in the house at the end of the play ground. Mr & Mrs Double, they had two sons, one named Michael, who was a member of the same Scouting Group I belonged to. 22nd Kensington. Our meeting place was the assemble hall at Oxford Gardens School, so having left the school aged 11, I returned once I joined the Scouts. I lived in St Quintin Avenue during my time at the school, all three of my sisters were pupils too. I recall the magic lantern shows given in the hall, also near Xmas time, a group of puppeteers attended the school, they performed on the stage. It was a wonderful experience, I believe the theme of the performance was Neptune, the Roman Mythology God of the Sea. I went on to secondary education, and was a pupil at Holland Park School on the day it opened, where Sir Alan Clarke, the first headmaster, welcomed us. At that time in my life Oxford Gardens Primary School was a wonderful place to be.
Hello Graham.
I was at Oxford Gardens School from 1949 to about 1954, and remember Mr Lusby (or was it Luzby) and Mr Hacker, the Headmaster.
I also remember the cricket with Mr Lusby, and I remember that he placed something in front of the wicket and gave the boy who got the ball to land on it, some money. It was either a sixpence that one had to land the ball on, or you had to land the ball on something”; which could have been your “metal plate”, and you received sixpence”
I definitely remember the sixpence. I landed the ball on the “object”!
I, too, went to Holland Park School, but only for two years, in the lower, and upper, sixth Forms, in the “Lodge”, which was situated on the left, just inside the front gates.
Unfortunately, the school has become a bit of a fortress, with locked gates at the front, and a high wall at the other entrance on Holland Walk, and you cannot nw look out of the picture windows where we had our Maths lessons with Mr Frost, and you cannot see the peacocks in Holland Park.,
Recently, after all those years, I discovered that I was in a Pathe News film that was produced about the School.
Here is a link to that film: https://www.hollandparkschool.co.uk/about-us/history
I am fourth from the right in the balcony, in the uppermost row, next to the boy who looks straight at the camera, and next to two boys wearing glasses on my left. They are close to the bannister rail on the right of the shot, at 19 seconds into the film.
I enjoyed being at both schools; but especially Holland Park, because it was within walking distance of my house, in Clarendon Road, whereas from about 1954 to 1959, I was at Haverstock School, Chalk Farm, a train and bus journey, or two trains, to and from school. The teaching was excellent. I was the first boy to get 4 A-Levels and I also got Scholarship Level in Chemistry. I still have the book prizes.
Hello, I’m Pat Phillips and I went to Oxford Gardens school around ’45 to ’52 then I went to North Kensington Secondary School. I lived almost next door to Oxford Gardens school in Robinson House, Bramley Road. Mr Lusby was the teacher that I remember most.
Hello Pat.
Glad to hear that you were at Oxford gardens School during some of the time that I was there.
Please see my comments to Graham, above, and my earlier comments on this site.
You may also be interested in my comments on: https://northkensingtonhistories.wordpress.com/page/2/
I visited Maxilla Walk, in April this year, and it was interesting to stand near where my house once was, at 11A Maxilla Gardens, W10, until it was knocked down to make way for the elevated section of the A40.
Do you remember David tydman.
I remember David, DennisGeoff/ and all the family, I attended their dad Harry’s funeral. Also went to OG. I have been a school governor there for 36 years..
Hi,
My father Eric Walker 1915-2001, went to Oxford Gardens school and then to Latymer Upper. He gained a History Exhibition scholarship to Wadham College, Oxford. He eventually returned to London as Assistant Education Officer for the London County Council and afterwards as Senior Assistant Education Officer for the ILEA. He was instrumental in the introduction of Polytechnics throughout the London area.
His father was the superintendent of the public baths in Kensington where my father was born and lived during his time at school. He always said that his schoolteacher at Oxford Gardens encouraged him and his parents to apply for a scholarship to Latymer Upper and obviously had a major impact on his future career.
Hi
My mother (Pamela Joy) and father (Wally Curd) both born 1931 were at OGS circa 1936-1942 but although they remained in W10 during the war, believe school lessons were somewhat interrupted. Mum went onto Burlington Grammar, Dad went on to work aged 14 !
I went to OGS 1964-1971, good school, good teachers and good mates. Mr Fill was a superb form teacher, learnt a lot from his time there. Mr Chalk headmaster, treated me well considering we lived directly opposite the school gates yet I still managed to turn up late most mornings.
So many people I remember and haven’t seen for 40-50 years now. Alan Brown, Laurie Dowling, Barry Craddock (still going QPR?), Bobby Shearman (ditto), Steve Downer, Anthony Kilakowski, Steven Johnston, Timothy Foley, Paul O’Connor, Alan McDonnell and many others. Hope you’re all keeping well out there.
Loved your entry Steve. I went to OGS too between 1964 and 1970 when I moved up to Willesden. I remember many of the people you mention. Hope you are well. Joe Espana
My name is Anthony Cotterell. I remember you Steve and after thinking a while, I remember all of those names. Here are some more. Raymond Francis, Frank Mullings, Oliver Chandler, Joseph Ryan, Junior Tomlin, Cindy Dunning, Helen Conroy, Anthony Mitchell, Rabia Onibudo, Rupert Taylor, Rustle Williams, Glen Rose, Garry Low, Rodney Maynard -.seems to roll off the tongue. Ring any bells ???? Good Times !!
Hi Anthony
Great to hear from you, I do remember you, hope you are keeping well in these weird times.
Wow, all those names, you’ve got a memory!! I remember well over half, some i’m trying to rack my brain though, getting old and all that. Seems amazing that was over 50 years ago, still remember the place and the people like it was yesterday, good times as you say.
Saw Barry Craddock last year, but seems everyone around the area has largely scattered far and wide since we were all there.
All the best.
Wow, lovely to read through this forum and absorb the memories. I was at OGS infant school from 1967-69 and then got moved out to Uxbridge (the middle of the countryside) in 1970 when Ruston Close, formally Rillington Place, was demolished – I lived at 47 St marks Rd. The only name I can remember from school is Mr Hitchin because I was friends with his son, David, and went to his house in Chiswick for tea one afternoon after school (I don’t know why I remember that but can’t remember what I had for dinner yesterday). It was David that made me laugh so much, when bringing the milk crate in, that I wet myself and spent the rest of the day in girls knickers because there were no pants/shorts in the lost property box. I remember playing ‘flicksies’ with playing cards round by the back gate to the school. I also recall being forced into the gap by the gate between the boys and girls junior playgrounds (I’m sure boys and girls were separated. On the other hand the gate might’ve been between the infant and junior playgrounds) so that a girl could peck me on the cheek – was it me of her that said they liked the other 🙂 ?
I spent a few months, Sept 69 to Jan 70, in the junior school before moving – can anybody remember the tune that we sang the Lords Prayer to ?
I have nothing but good memories of my OGS years (even the time when half a house brick was thrown in the air and came down on my head in the infant playground), and would love to see any pics of 1967-70 if anybody has anything.
Hi derek bill Lawrence here i do remember David tydeman and his brother Dennis .Thier mum was a dinner lady at the school and was also my mums cousin.
Hi Alan Tomkins,
I remember you as well. I was at the school from 1956 to 1958. I transferred from St Clements Infants. My first teacher was Mrs Grant, then Mr Barratt, and, finally Mr Lusby. I learned the recorder but could never keep up with “The Dam Busters March” which everyone tried to learn. I was also in the cricket team and used to attend practice with Mr Lusby. As a bowler I had to bowl at a metal plate on a length and aim at the off stump. Mr Lusby used to put a 3d or 6d coin on the off stump and the first to hit it won the money. I became I good bowler but never had the chance for batting practice. Not surprisingly, I went my senior year without scoring one run. Mr Lusby read out my name, and a Cheeseman?, as joint failures at the prize day!
We had a supply teacher who used to read to us once a week – Huckleberry Finn, The 39 Steps, were two that I remember. She was in her fifties, badly dressed and badly made up, looking the worse for drink (I used to imagine). But she was great! When she introduced herself she said “My name is Mrs Waterhouse and you will remember me in years to come”. She was right!! My best mates at school were Nicky Bartlett and Terry Cavanagh, both of whom I met up with about 15 years ago.
One thing I do remember is that there was a clear class divide – the boys who lived the Notting Hill side of the school, like me, were generally badly behaved hooligans; those who lived the North Pole side of the school were very neat, well-dressed middle class boys. At the 11plus we went to Comprehensives like Isaac Newton, they went to Grammar schools like Clement Danes. Oh, happy days
Hi,Neil if you knew Terry Cavanagh you may remember my brother Ken Walker who was in the same class as Terry. You’re right about the Notting Hill side of Oxford Gardens being Hooligans haha. Anyway all 7 kids in my family turned out ok in the end.
Hi John,
Unfortunately, my memory for names, particularly surnames for that period is very poor. I can remember faces, however. For instance, I am in the Sayers Croft picture of 1958, above. I am in the third row, right hand side, second from the right. I am wearing black v neck and tie. Does your brother appear in any of the pictures?
I did make friends with boys from the better side of Oxford Gardens. I distinctly remember being taken home for te by a boy who lived in St Quintins Avenue. We went into a room on the first floor which was designated as a playroom. The floor had been landscaped for a train set and included garages, shops etc. Their playroom was almost half the size of a two-bedroom flat I lived in at Moreland House. Their mother brought in drinks and cakes and asked us about our day at school. It was a totally different world from the one that I lived in.
I wonder if kids now at school have the same opportunity to mix. However, when I went to Isaac Newton in Autumn 1958 that diversity had been screened out by the 11 plus. I remember meeting up with an ex-OGS pupil at the barbers who was carefully explaining to the man cutting his hair how he was studying Latin at his grammar school.
Those were the days , my firiend
Neil
I have just found the school admissions record for my great grandmother for this school. She started there in 1887 a few years after the school opened. J. Lewis
How do you get school admissions records.
lPlease,where did you find scool admissions>
Hello,
I did my first year teaching at Oxford Gardens in I think 1972-3. My name there was Miss Gunn. I was only there a year, but learned an awful lot. I can still see many of the kids’ faces, and remember some names – Debbie, Brenda, David, Shirley, Jeremy (or Jerry). I remember going on a class trip to Hampton Court. I’d love to know what happened to any one I knew there. Would anyone have a picture? I think the principal was Derek someone, and the VP was Ann. Marie taught grade 1 I think.
I have lived in Ontario,Canada since 1974.
With apologies for any damage I might have caused (it was my first year!),
Pam Shewchuk
Hi Sally Davis
Just seen your reply of 8 November 2019. I certainly remember your name and that of Sylvia Hoy Unfortunately I don’t have any photos of my time at OGS so would love to see some photos if you have some. I really enjoyed my time at that school and have such fond memories. I didn’t take the 11 plus as I was off with German measles but still managed to get into Burlington Girls Grammar School which I left when I was 16 and then went on to Hammersmith College and did a secretarial course.
Hi Rosemary,
Sorry it’s taken a while to catch up with the posts. Hopefully everyone remains well and getting their vaccinations? I’m still working in the health field so have had my first ‘jab’, bring it on!
I’ll have a look to see what photos I have. The only ones I have taken at the school were in the infants school at the nativity play and one where we were parts of a Christmas Tree. The others are a few taken whilst at Sayers Crofts on outings. I’ll scan them and send them in for posting if this is still ok to do.
I’m sorry to say that I don’t remember your name, I am terrible with names but better with faces! My recollection of Oxford Gardens are, with a few notable exceptions, good and I hope that the present day pupils have as good a memory of the school as those who have posted here.
Keep well.
Sally Davis
Hi Sally thanks for your reply. Still waiting for my covid jab and hope it wont be too long. Memories coming back, 1st teacher was Miss Grant, 2nd Miss Marlow, 3rd Miss Taylor and then Mr Lusby. Did a couple of trips to Sayers Croft and had a great time. I remember a girl called Anna Taggart and doing a school play where I was a Mexican and one of the girls dressed as a frog, think it was Carole Shear. Do you remember any of this? Please post some photos of you have them it would be good to see
Keep safe Rosemary
Hi,
Just reading the comments and realised my family started going to OGPS from 1920’s , my mother Joan Downer, then Philip Downer. Later in the mid 30’s came Peter Downer, Alan Downer and Keith Downer. 1945-51 came me and then my sister Jennifer Peachey. Then the cousins Steve Downer, Simon, Paul and Mark. I lived in Chesterton Road from 1940 till 1970. Great memories from you all.
Hello Robert,
I lived at 68 Chesteron Road from about 1956 to 1966. I also went to Oxford Gardens albeit a few years after you. Where in Chesterton Road were you?
The houses then might have been described as (at best) poor or low quality by the time we lived there but the prices now are unbelievable! I looked just recently and a 2 bed flat at 58 Chesterton Road sold for over £1.4 million in Feb of this year! Crazy!
Regards
Sally Davis
Hi Sally,
I lived at 110. My grandfather moved there in about 1914 and we eventually sold it in the 1990’s I think, by that time I was living in Australia so cant quite remember the actual date. The Downer family( mothers family) were living there the whole time. The prices certainly have gone crazy but it is very good location. I was last there in 2016 and it brought back lots of memories, trying to remember the names is a struggle but this happens as you get older anyway.
Bob Peachey
Hi Robert it was great to read your notes. My name is Tony Smith. I was at Oxford Gardens same time. I would love a copy of the Sayers Croft photo. Today is the first time I have seen this site and it has brought back many memories. I shall also add some notes. Malcolm Libby gave me confidence to swim. I have always remembered this. Keep well during these difficult times. Kind Regards Tony
Hi Tony, great to see you are well and enjoying the OGS site. You certainly brought memories that started in the infants and all the way through. It’s rather amusing that I remember the social time rather than the academic time, especially the Football and Cricket in the school yard, climbing up on Mansel roof to get our lost ball’s.The summer trips, Leath Hill and Norfolk/Suffolk come to mind. This time of year our daily little bottle of Milk would sometimes be Frozen and I use to Love the Malt. My favourite class was metalwork. I think the only negative thing were the stinking toilets at the back of the playground. I was a member of the 22nd Kensington Cub group and I believe we met in the OGS Hall. My grandchildren love to hear of our OGS exploits and “”THE OLD DAYS”. OGS certainly set me on my way to a great life. Although we live White Rock, BC Canada now I will always have fond memories of OGS and the great friendships made.
Keep safe, Malcolm.
Hello Malcom,
I was in the 22nd Kensington Scout Group between 1955-1961. Mr Fraser-Young was the Group Scout Master. Near the end of my time with them Mr Cole was the scout master. We went to the HQ camping sites at Walton Firs in Cobham, Chalfont Heights in Hertfordshire, we had our own site at Petersfield in Hampshire. After St. Helens Church was re-built, we stored our camping equipment in their basement, attended there for church parades. Wonderful times growing up at OGS and with the 22nd. What years were you there?
Best wishes.
Graham Evans.
Hi Graham. I think I was there a few years earlier. My best guess would be, 1947 Infants through 1958. From then a couple of years at the London Nautical School, then Priory SM in Acton and Isleworth Tech.
Dear Malcolm, I was after your time at the school but seeing that you now live in BC Canada I can envisage a OGS school reunion in BC! Loved the country! With several ‘old’ boys and girls living around the world we could have a rolling programme of ‘school trips’ although I did enjoy my trips to Sayers Croft at the time! Roll on a time when we can all travel with some safety again! Regards. Sally Davis (1960 to 1966/7 I can never remember!)
Hi Malcom thank you for your news from Vancouver, here are some of my memories of OGS. In 1946 I moved from Abertillery to Latimer Road and then attended OGS. I am new on this site and reading other postings has brought back memories and names. Before reading these I remembered the following teachers: Mr Williams, Miss Sexton and Miss Hedges. Some boy’s names I remember are: Anthony Lockwood, Robert James, Derek Rogers and Henry Newman. From OGS I went to Quintin School in Regents Street, and only one other boy went to Quintin and his name was Tucker, I do not remember his first name. I made 2 trips to Sayers Croft which I enjoyed very much, so different to W10 ! We soon found out why we had to wear rain capes on a warm day to visit the local dairy farm. The cows showed no accuracy. It was good to visit Leith Hill and Pitch Hill, and other outings. At school I played in the football team but I had no musical talent. Even the recorder was a struggle. I joined the 22nd Kensington cubs but did not go onto scouts, a relief for the scoutmaster. I have fond memories of OGS and living in Latimer Road. I lived at the North Pole pub end, last house before the shops (next to the “oilshop”).
Today you cannot display paraffin next to open sacks of rice and barley. We had so much oil seeping into our back garden my grandmother thought we were in Dallas. Keep well during these difficult times.
I was at Oxford Gardens 69/70. I remember some of the above names, I think my form teacher was Mr Pitt, some of my school mates were Billy Hutchins, Ronald Brown, Keith Greenwood, Steven Graham. There were too boys who were great mates, Hensley hostin and his mate Steve I remember being a very good cartoonist. I think there was Armando, Oscar – can’t remember some last names, I remember doing a school play about a coal mine disaster and mr Chalk being quite impressed. Girls, there was Helen Shean, Angela Laine and July Ruly. I have vague memories off Mr Gammell he took us to a cricket game.
HELLO Everyone. My name is John Walker. I have just joined the site. My times at Oxford Gardens school is a little bit different. I attended Lancaster road secondary modern school 1947/1949. But I went to Oxford Gardens for Woodwork classes, I think it was on a Thursday. But I also went there in the boy scouts into the 22nd troop. I think they are based now at St Quitens Gardens. Many happy and many sad times.
Hi John,
Welcome.
You may note from my previous posts on this site that I too went to OGS, was also a member of the 22nd Kensington Scout Group. Were you there when Mr Fraser-Young was the Group Scout Master? Some of the older members were Raymond KIng, David Angel and Tony Lockwood. What years were a member?
Jayne Lines Maiden name )What wonderful memories I attended OGS 1965 /1971. I had the best time such happy memories. Mr Chalk was the head, Mr Pitt, Mr Whitaker. I won a chocolate competion, made a project about chocolate. Miss OniJacko (Spelling most probably wrong) was my teacher. My best friend was Yvonne Grant, she moved away and I lost contact.
Who was the male teacher in the room at the top? if I remember there was a romance with him and Miss Morris. I remember Jane West, Sally …, Janice … twins and a boy called AO whe was a little naughty. Loved the dinners except semolina and tapioca. Remember getting orange for christmas which were in a large straw crate.
My mum was the dinner lady in infants at the time .
In the last year we went to Isle Wight for our school Journey, had a great time.
Hi Malcom thank you for your news from Vancouver, here are some of my memories of OGS. In 1946 I moved from Abertillery to Latimer Road and then attended OGS. I am new on this site and reading other postings has brought back memories and names. Before reading these I remembered the following teachers: Mr Williams, Miss Sexton and Miss Hedges. Some boy’s names I remember are: Anthony Lockwood, Robert James, Derek Rogers and Henry Newman. From OGS I went to Quintin School in Regents Street, and only one other boy went to Quintin and his name was Tucker, I do not remember his first name. I made 2 trips to Sayers Croft which I enjoyed very much, so different to W10 ! We soon found out why we had to wear rain capes on a warm day to visit the local dairy farm. The cows showed no accuracy. It was good to visit Leith Hill and Pitch Hill, and other outings. At school I played in the football team but I had no musical talent. Even the recorder was a struggle. I joined the 22nd Kensington cubs but did not go onto scouts, a relief for the scoutmaster. I have fond memories of OGS and living in Latimer Road. I lived at the North Pole pub end, last house before the shops (next to the “oilshop”).
Today you cannot display paraffin next to open sacks of rice and barley. We had so much oil seeping into our back garden my grandmother thought we were in Dallas. Keep well during these difficult times.
Hello Tony
I can remember you visiting your grans house at 483 Latimer rd around 1946-7 as I lived 2 doors away at 479 and can remember playing out with you and found it difficult to understand your deep Welsh accent as in those days in the mid 40s we never really met any accents other than our cockney types. I also seem to remember that your gran had a lady living with her who had a bad leg. I went to OGS and started off in miss Grants class
and learnt the recorder with mr Pinn. Finished OGS in Mr Williams class. When did you move from Latimer Rd as I cant remember growing up with you or ever seeing you around into our teens. i always thought the inside of the oilshop had a nice smell to it. Probably the mixture of parrafin and new wood etc. The shop also sold bamboo canes that we bought to make bows and arrows and swords. All nice memories of those days in OGS and growing up in Latimer Road.
Hello Ken
It was very good to hear from you and sharing some of our Latimer Road memories. None of us remember everything from the OGS days and it is great to read peoples memory’s which then trigger off our own. You remember the lady with “the bad leg” who lived with my gran, she was my aunty Doreen, who had one leg in an iron frame. She was an early victim of Polio and before emigrating to Iowa she tragically had to have the leg amputated. During the Summer holidays when I left OGS we moved to Belsize Road NW6. That is the reason we did not share our “Teen” years. How different things were during our time in Latimer Road and OGS.
I remember an open lorry often parked around the corner on St Quintins Avenue with about 4 BRM Grand Prix cars loaded and uncovered. No security in those days. One day at OGS we were asked to bring our plimsolls the next day for sprinting in the playground, to test our speed to be selected to run at White City in the local schools events. I forgot mine ! I ran in heavy shoes and did not qualify. I have always regretted this and cannot tell my grandchildren that I ran at the great White City. My main memories of OGS are football, swimming, cubs, Sayers Croft visits (2), nothing academic. I must have scraped through the 11+ to get a place at Quintin School. When we were about to leave for Sayers Croft, the bus was delayed because one boy was late. I will not mention his name but he lived almost next to the school. When he finally arrived his Dalmation dog boarded the bus first. We then had to wait to offload the dog. Since that day I have always loved Dalmatians and some time ago I had one, and she was with us about 12 years. I have looked at the Latimer Road and OGS areas on street view, and there seems to have been a lot of development mostly due to the A40/M40 construction. Though many sites are still familiar. Great to hear from you, keep well.
Anthony Smith
Hi Tony, thought I knew you for a second but you are a slightly earlier age than my friend (he and his brothers lived in the Peabody Est) but you may have known my brother Martin.
But I digress !
The 22nd Kensington scouts was mentioned earlier of which I was also a member along with Tony and his brother Mark, Alan Bevan, Graham Hearn and John Clark. Unfortunately another, younger friend of mine, who’s father was one of the scout leaders died very tragically in the early 60s.
It was only yesterday that I walked past the school. They were using the small playground next to Mansell’s as a car park but have now put one of those portacabin classrooms in there.
Hi Julian Thank you for your message but I think I was at OGS earlier than you. I have not been to the area for some time, but I was very impressed by the Head Teacher on BBC news after the terrible Grenfell disaster talking about how they were helping the children to cope, many of whom lost family and friends in the fire. I was proud to tell friends I attended the school.
My parents and my two older sisters moved to Lancaster Road in 1953. My parents took me to Oxford Gardens school 1955 until 1961. I remember being in Mr Lusbey’s class and we beat every school that year (1961) in cricket and won the shield in the final, I remember, Mr Barrett and playing the recorder we did do a show at the Royal Albert Hall. My recorder playing was terrible, so I mimed. I manage to get in at Sloane grammar Chelsea. I didn’t like school at any time and was glad to leave at the age of 15 to pursue a hairdressing apprenticeship. In the time at Oxford Gardens, I do remember listening in the main hall with the whole school to Tchaikovsky‘s 1812, overture on a very scratchy long player, and the highlight was in the recording The original guns were used for the sound effects , on another occasion, an old boy returned after touring America and showed us slides, again in the main hall , a black boy joined the school, and the headmaster told the entire school in the main hall not to tease him as he had six fingers on each hand (the lad in question was NOT in the hall at the time, of course) . my wife and I got married in 1970 at Saint Helens church. That was the end of living in Notting Hill. We moved to Harrow had a child in 1974 and left for Australia in 1975. It’s now November 2023, and we are still here whilst living in Sydney We had another child and he has blessed us with a beautiful grandson. After 10 1/2 years in Sydney, we moved to Perth in 1985, and we are still here still married. and very happy