Nostalgic memories of Seal's local history
Share your own memories of Seal and read what others have said
For many years now, we've been inviting visitors to our web site to add their own memories to share their experiences of life as it was when the photographs in our archive were taken. From brief one-liners explaining a little bit more about the image depicted, to great, in-depth accounts of a childhood when things were rather different than today (and everything inbetween!). We've had many contributors recognising themselves or loved ones in our photographs.
Why not add your memory today and become part of our Memories Community to help others in the future delve back into their past.
Add a Memory!
It's easy to add your own memories and reconnect with your shared local history. Search for your favourite places and look for the 'Add Your Memory' buttons to begin
Displaying Memories 1 - 10 of 12 in total
Strange to read all the memories of Oakbank in the 50s which are so similar to mine! I remember being taken there by my mum and gran in August 1954, excited at the 40-mile bus journey but then downcast at realising I would not be on the journey back. Then there was the handover in a big lobby to the headmistress Miss Hardy and my great distress at being taken upstairs - God knows what it was like for my mum and gran. I ...see more
Oak Bank Open-Air School was the first of its kind in England and opened in 1954 by C. Mitcheson, although the school may date back to the 1930's.
I was an inmate in the mid 1950's aged 8. Mrs Hardy was principal and Nurse Spice dominated the dormitories. Three of us 'ran-away'; headed through the woods and onto the main road where those searching for us picked us up in a car. Where we were going I ...see more
My stepfather, Mr John Few, was at Oak Bank between 1942 and 1947. He was a teenager whose father was the head gardener billeted at the lodge alongside the golf course. John and his older brother Eric worked at the school. John's jobs included lighting fires and boilers in the hall, nursing quarters, classrooms, and dining room. (6 rooms).
Mrs Mitchel was the matron. Her daughter was Molly. They were said to have ...see more
My ancestors the Corkes apparently loaned the money to build the workhouse. One was also the local Surveyor, builder etc. They are buried in Seal Churchyard. I have a large family tree of this family. My maternal grandmother`s father was a local dairy farmer and she used to tell us stories of driving cattle back to Seal from Sevenoaks Market.They also had a dairy in Sevenoaks somewhere..
My Nanna went to oak bank open air school Sevenoaks kent in the late 40's. We are sending her back to the area for her 80th birthday in 3 weeks, we have been collecting pictures of inside the building but can't find any of the building itself and even got in touch with the library and the London archives but no one can help us. We would be very grateful if anyone could lead us in the right direction or send us a copy of any of your photos.
Thank you
My Greatgreatgrandmother loaned the money to build the Almshouses in Seal. Her husband Ben Corke was well known in the village and was a builder/carpenter as well as being the local surveyor and overseer which was quite an important position in days gone by. Several Corkes are buried in Seal Churchyard.
I can remember Oak Bank as a boarder, the Headmaster was Mr Ainley, the assistant Headmaster was Mr Turner a rather big fellow, the other teachers were, Mr Thomas, (music teacher who played jazz on the clarinet), my favourite, Mr Easor, one of two Welsh brothers, (both sport teachers, you guess, "yes" rugby), an art teacher who wanted to write children's books but I can't remember his name and Mr Cole the woodwork teacher. ...see more
I too went to Oak Bank Open Air School and remember Miss Bremner well - she seemed to be particularly kind to me, but maybe she was to all the charges in her care! I remember in particular the camp beds put out on warm days on which we had to rest for an hour. Also, on birthdays we could choose who we wanted to sit with and were given a birthday cake. Not all memories are good. I was given an Easter egg ...see more
Reading someone else's comment about Oak Bank School I am fascinated by their memory. I went to what I only remember as an Open Air School in Seal when I was very young. Don't know what for but think I was a sickly child and this was for my health. I remember vividly the beautiful countryside and the school (where we actually lived) in beautiful woodland surroundings and there were wonderful walks in the ...see more
I was sent to Oak Bank school as a seven year old and stayed for about two years. The Matron was a lovely lady called Miss Bremner, and I remember I stayed in a dorm called Oak, all the dormitories were named after trees. I have never forgotten the beautiful Kent countryside and the wonderful interior of the house, I wonder if anyone else who was at the school has such good memories.