Patchway memories
Here are memories of Patchway and the local area. You can start now: Add your own Memory of Patchway or a Patchway photo.
Patchway
I grew up here from 1972-98 then moved to Cornwall. I have great memories of living in Patchway and go back to see friends about twice a year.
Andy.
Memories of Avon
Bitter Sweet Memories Of St Cathrines Boarding School
I arrived in 1955, I was there for three years. I was not happy there, it was like a jail to me. I do recall the names of Clive Wood and Peter Adams - I do not recall any of the others. There was a girl with a birthmark on her face, her first name was Rita, I think. Do you remember a girl called Diana? she had Tourette's Syndrome. Remember the cellar? We would all congregate there sometimes. What was that matrons name that used to watch us boys in the bathtub? I used to think she was a voyeur. When I was there, the big thing to do was raid the pantry at midnight. Someone used to have the key. We used to take the cans of Nutmeat. It was 'ghastly' I can't remember how we ever got those cans open - we didn't have a can opener. Does anyone remember a boy named Bill Shea ? I remember Mr Thunder, I think he was a music teacher, not sure. I loved... Read more
When I Was A Lad....
Ahh.. What a rush of memories return to my mind as I ponder the view of the vale of Almondsbury laid out before me. I grew up in the lower village (then known as marshwell crescent). My father's family hailed from the deepest depths of Patchway common, where my Grandfather was the local Cobbler (always making ready the boots of the local gypsies as they prepared to make their yearly trek to Kent for the hop picking season, and paying my grandfather on their return from picking). I have wonderful memories of running, hiding, and enjoying family picnics on the tumps, and enjoying a glass of cool lemonade from the local pub (Swan on the hill), while my parents inbibed a glass of a more portly brew. Every weekend, we local lads would wind our way down to the marshes, to catch our share of elvers who were always there in abundance, living in the myriad of reens that inhabit that marsh area. I can truly say from the bottom... Read more
Almondsbury
I know the above scene well! I attended the Knole Park house - now sadly demolished - which was then a boarding school, St. Catherine's. One weekend we went on a day trip to the shore of the Severn.......fascinating place. Would love to go sometime and spend a night at the Old Bowl Inn. I understand that St.Mary's in Lower Almondsbury is now a closed church.........I remember walking down the hill on numerous occasions and seeing the War Memorial. I was on holiday with a friend in the late sixties in Bristol and took a trip to Almondsbury and my old school, but found it deserted and empty with grass in back of the house much overgrown.......a very eerie experience. The private homes along the left-hand side of the driveway as you approached the building were still occupied, it seemed. Anyone else have any knowledge of memories of this?
I grew up in London (Ealing is my hometown) and moved to Washington,... Read more
I Was A Pupil at St Catherines School......
I was a pupil at St Catherine's School between 1954 and 1962. The school was run by Ralph and Joyce Cooper.
Teachers I remember are Mr Thunder, art teacher, Mr Smith, and Miss Muriel Stottart, who taught class 3b, the juniors.
At the rear of the building there was a large conservatory and a path that ran down to a long hut which served as classrooms. There was also a homemade concrete swimmimig pool. Our playground was a a grass area and a wood and beyond that were two fields. At the top of one field was a very old horsechestnut tree, where we had slung a rope over a high branch to make a swing.
We were given an amazing amount of freedom.
Each Saturday we were given pocket money, which ranged from one and sixpence (7 +1/2p) to two and sixpence (12+1/2p). We were allowed to walk up to the "top" of Almondsbury hill, to the post office/sweet shop to buy sweets and pop. The Swan pub, which... Read more
I Was A Pupil at ...
Does anyone have any imformation as to how to make contact with Alan Melville Cooper, the principle's son? I would very much like to contact him, as we were good chums at school. Many thanks.
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