Brockenhurst, 1949

Brockenhurst Grammar School

I spent eight years of my school life here in Brockenhurst between 1955 to 1963. Being a somewhat shy individual at that time, my presence at the school was hardly recognized. I was known as 'Twink' until my younger brother David came to the school and he flew off with my nickname. I did not excel academically, or on the sports field but achieved a basic education. Dr Wood was the Head Master, and teachers I remember were Truckle, Merridith, Pierce, Evans, Bromley, Davies, Dibden, Hicks, Lee, Spalding, Hirst, Huggins, Bain, etc. and a custodian Sam Curd. People in my year: Tom Watts, Jill Wigglesworth, Diane Derbyshire, Bob Maddock, Si Newham, Chris Darcel, John Dickenson, Martin Dickens, Roger Foreman, etc

Rope Hill Preparatory School

In the early 1950s, my brothers and I attended this private school to be taught discipline and to cultivate the finer things in life. We were there from 1951 to 1955 and that school holds memories both good and bad. Being boarders there, our movements were highly controlled, with no escape until half term, or end of term holidays. Mr Heaton was the Head Master to start with, followed by Mr Arch. The teachers I remember were Mssrs. Randle, Sheldon, Edwards, Flood, with a Groundsman Mr Ellis and Matron Mrs Burridge? Where did all the old boys go?

Miss Meriel Alexander

Who was Muriel Alexander? I have a scrapbook that she put together after the 1st World World. I think she was very much involved with organising trips to visit war graves and monuments for families of the fallen. Would be very interested to hear from family or anyone that remembers the family, they lived at the Old Manor, Boldre.

I went to school in Pilley but I was born in Sway

I went  to school in Pilley. My teacher was a Miss Figgins, she was fantastic, she taught my father too, Fred Woodburn. We lived at the bungalow, Sandy Down, After  my Gran Died  Annie Woodburn  shes laid to rest in boulder grave yard along with my grandad Walter Woodburn and my uncle Bill Tosdevine.sadly the Bungerlow isnt there any more. We use to sail down Pilley Hill on our bikes, not too much traffic then. I have such great memories of Pilley and all my old school friends.  theres no place like home .
Valerie Woodburn.