Whittlebury Lodge College
I was a pupil at Whittlebury College 1962-1964 . The school was run by Major Meager and his wife as a sort of "crammer" for those of us who needed to get more help for O and A levels. The teachers were perhaps not the best in the county but did help many to get the O levels that were needed, including myself but not in my subjects as I was expelled before I could take three more O Levels. I was seen smoking a Woodbine in the coppice just north of the school and was reported by a prefect (who I did not get along with). Lester Piggott's (the well known jockey) son was a junior at the school and his mother and father were particularly upset to find their fine young son had taken a puff or two of a Woodbine or similar! Major Meager was quick to make a new rule that anyone caught smoking would be punished too the maximum extent! I had been caned before by Major Meager and was not afraid! (The scars on my back and bottom have faded now but were visible well into my thirties.) I could take it! I got expelled! The good of it all was that my father was not angry and instead supported me and helped me to get into Slough College instead where I surpassed my goals. Other students who I remember well for different reasons were 'Ginger', Alan Renault, Basil Rathbone, 'String' the Art teacher, 'Bunny' the school nurse, Major Meager's son who was also a pupil and taught me to drive in his Austin Seven (without doors) and only within the grounds, a very sweet girl from the village who I introduced as my cousin on Open Day! The Vicar who taught me some Latin and also confirmed me 8th March 1963. I shall try to dig up some photos.
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RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
Hello Francis Just read your memory with great interest. I left Whittlebury in 1963 having started in 1960. &snbsp;I would be intrigued as to the circumstances leading to your expulsion from the school and also whether you were one of the group of 12 who were caned most severely in 1963? &snbsp;I was one of those 12. &snbsp;I do have recollections of Anthony Meager's old car but thought it was a Model Y Ford of circa 1935 which even made an excursion round the frozen lake during the winter of 1963! &snbsp;I was also punished for smoking which took place behind the changing rooms which I think would have been before your time as those changing rooms were replaced by the gymnasium which was built in 1961. &snbsp;I have received info from an ex-pupil who confirmed that the majority of boys failed in their O Levels and have yet to hear of anyone who had an A Level pass. &snbsp;Do you have memories of any of the masters eg Spud, Jake, Dennis Johnson? &snbsp;Was the "sweet" girl's name Denise and did she have a friend called Sue who lived in Silverstone? &snbsp;I see you obtained the rest of your qualifications at Slough College - did you live in that area at the time and where do you live now? &snbsp;When I was at Whittlebury I lived in Newbury, Berkshire and now live in West Sussex. &snbsp;It would be great to hear from you with further info on yourself and more details on your life and experiences at Whittlebury School and any photos you may have. &snbsp;Have you checked out Whittlebury on Friends Reunited? Regards, Malcolm Etherton
Comment from Malcolm Etherton on Friday, 5th September 2008.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
Hi, I have just found this site. I was at Whittlebury from 1958-62 and often wonder what happened to Major Meager and son Anthony. I still meet a lot of old boys. Does anyone have photographs of the school or grounds?
Comment from Timothy Taylor on Tuesday, 4th May 2010.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
Nil Nobis Infectum You Can't Catch Us I was at Whittlebury School circa 1960-1963. I have a prospectus, 100 guineas a term for over 14s, and a copy of the school magazine from 1964 with Photos etc. I left with 4 O levels & then went to a crammers in London. Been an Airline Pilot since 1970 & remember the Barley Mow at Paulerspury with affection as I was there when the raid at Silverstone took place and led to the mass beatings! The Barley Mow had a skittle alley which the off duty masters didn't patronise if they spotted me there. I have quite fond memories of the school and think it would make a rich source for a novel. Plenty of larger than life characters.
Comment from Rodney Hopkins on Monday, 7th June 2010.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
Hello to all and everyone, who may or may not remember me. I can't help but have some affection for the place, after all we were all deposited there by our parents when the transion to manhood was just under way. I was a pupil at the school from 1961 to 1965, as with many others the art room was my inner sanctorium, and thanks to Mr Johnson, and later on with Peter Welsh who guided me through my A level, and eventally to the Ruskin school of drawing in Oxford and I'm still painting now. Reading the above memories, it brings back many names, faces and memorable events, too many to do in one hit, however I do remember hitching back from Northampton with Nigel Daniel, when just after leaving Towcester, we were picked up by Major and Mrs Meager and had a very frosty journey back to the school. The only light I can shed on Meager after it closed, was in about 1979 my mother met him at a social event somewhere in Kent, when he appeared to by contrite about the school's record and final demise. Names for the hat! Terry Sladdon, Austin Martin, Paul Edmunds, John Keyser, Fred Roberts and many others, would be great to hear from anyone.
Comment from Robin Thomas on Thursday, 24th June 2010.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
I was in Clare House 1963 -1965. Some of the people I remember were: Bonham,undertakers in Northampton, Sawbridge, cattle dealers in Castlethorpe, John Garner, flower growers in Boston (very nice sister Jane). Quite a few boys whose parents were DWS: Talbot, Mike Reeves, Gordon Cree, Adrian Tooth, Penfold, Roger Joyce, Lester Piggot was also at the school. Does anyone know what has happened to these people? One of the people I have mentioned I have recently spoken to and we both agree that the Vicar was a terrible Latin master, Spud may have been good at Maths, but he did not like children, Major Meagre was really more interested than making a profit than educating his charges. Sister Chandler, who came from Old Bletchley and was trained at Reading Hospital married one of the Masters. Any news would be welcome, if there is anyone out there who remembers me, 50 years is a long time. I believe most people improve with time.
Comment from Peter Legg on Thursday, 30th September 2010.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
I, along with Pat Hunt, Malcolm Lawrence, Malcolm Etherton and Richard Pullen have been looking into a SCHOOL REUNION.
On the basis that none of us are getting any younger we were considering a 'one off' event. We have investigated a number of options in Whittlebury, starting with the Whittlebury Hall Hotel, however we will be charged for hiring room for event etc. and we felt it was becoming costly. Our idea now is to hold it at the Whittlebury Park Golf Club (next to the hotel) and to that end Pat Hunt and Richard Pullen went there to check it out. I have since contacted them to get a price. We are hoping to have a lunch in early October 2011 (giving time to contact as many 'old boys' as possible. We are also trying to keep he cost for a lunch below £20.00.
I will try and post more information on this site, also Facebook and Friends Reunited. My e-mail is Timothy.gaskell@btinternet.com.
Please can I ask you to tell any other 'old boys' about this and to contact me if only to register interest and so I can build up a data base of e-mail addresses.
Regards,
Tim Gaskell
Comment from Tim Gaskell on Tuesday, 2nd November 2010.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
Further to my comments 2nd November, a reunion has been organised as follows:-
Date and Time 1st October 2011, 12 noon for 1pm lunch.
Venue The Atrium, Whittlebury Park . (the Golf club opposite the old school site)
Cost £25.00 for three course lunch.
Tickets for the event from any of the following:-
Tim Gaskell, Overmoor Farm, Castle Hill Lane , Burley, Ringwood, Hants BH24 4HF - Tel: 01425 403726 - e-mail - Timothy.gaskell@btinternet.com
Richard Pullen, The Old Post Office, Shillingford, Oxfordshire OX10 7EW - e-mail -pullensr@btinternet.com
Malcolm Etherton, 60 Acorn Avenue , Cowfold, West Sussex . RH13 8RT - tel. 01403 864006 - e-mail - malcolmetherton@live.co.uk
Pat Hunt, North Farm, Woodstock Road , Stonesfield, Oxon. OX29 8EJ - Tel: 01993 891231 - e-mail - pandshunt@btconnect.com
Malcolm Lawrence, 76, Doddington Road , Wimblington. PE15 0RD - Tel: 01354 742307 - e-mail - Malcolm.lawrence1@virgin.net
The closing date for tickets is 1st July, 2011 this is in order that we can give final numbers to our venue for seating and menu purposes.
Tickets will be issued on receipt of your cheque (made payable to 'Whittlebury Park', only). These cheques can be 'post dated' so they clear no later than 1st July 2011
Finally, and most importantly, I would ask you to tell any 'old boys' you know about the reunion and direct them to one of us for details and tickets.
Tim Gaskell
P.S. I have also set up a blog:- www.whittleburyschoolreunion.blogspot.com.
Comment from Tim Gaskell on Thursday, 18th November 2010.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
Further to my comments 2nd November, a reunion has been organised as follows:-
Date and Time 1st October 2011, 12 noon for 1pm lunch.
Venue The Atrium, Whittlebury Park . (the Golf club opposite the old school site)
Cost £25.00 for three course lunch.
Tickets for the event from any of the following:-
Tim Gaskell, Overmoor Farm, Castle Hill Lane , Burley, Ringwood, Hants BH24 4HF - Tel: 01425 403726 - e-mail - Timothy.gaskell@btinternet.com
Richard Pullen, The Old Post Office, Shillingford, Oxfordshire OX10 7EW - e-mail -pullensr@btinternet.com
Malcolm Etherton, 60 Acorn Avenue , Cowfold, West Sussex . RH13 8RT - tel. 01403 864006 - e-mail - malcolmetherton@live.co.uk
Pat Hunt, North Farm, Woodstock Road , Stonesfield, Oxon. OX29 8EJ - Tel: 01993 891231 - e-mail - pandshunt@btconnect.com
Malcolm Lawrence, 76, Doddington Road , Wimblington. PE15 0RD - Tel: 01354 742307 - e-mail - Malcolm.lawrence1@virgin.net
The closing date for tickets is 1st July, 2011 this is in order that we can give final numbers to our venue for seating and menu purposes.
Tickets will be issued on receipt of your cheque (made payable to 'Whittlebury Park', only). These cheques can be 'post dated' so they clear no later than 1st July 2011
Finally, and most importantly, I would ask you to tell any 'old boys' you know about the reunion and direct them to one of us for details and tickets.
Tim Gaskell
P.S. I have also set up a blog:- www.whittleburyschoolreunion.blogspot.com.
Comment from Tim Gaskell on Thursday, 18th November 2010.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
I was a student at Whittlebury School from 1955-1957 in both third and fourth forms and Sheldon House. As an American, a long way from home, I had some cultural and language problems at first. Although there were many difficult incidents my overall memories are very positive.
After leaving Whittlebury in July 1957 I attended the International School of Geneva, 1957-1959. In June or July 1958 I returned to Whittlebury to sit my "O" levels at Towcester Grammer School. In Geneva I prepared for the Cambridge exam instead of the Oxford one given at Whittlebury. I went on to complete a BSc, MA, and additional graduate work in the states. In 2005 I retired from the Los Angeles School District and settled in Colorado, just west of Denver.
I have already signed up for the 1 October old boys' luncheon and encourage all of you to support those organizing it. So far I am one of a very small number of old boys from 1955-1957. The only name I recognize of those signed up is Malcolm Lawrence who was in our Sheldon dorm and had the bed next to me. I know Roy Turner and Peter Morton plan to attend.
I would really like to see Michael Kimber, Roger Bates, Philip Lacey, and many others.
Comment from John Morris on Thursday, 17th March 2011.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
The "late" Major Meager still intrigues me: he rarely spoke of his service in W.W.2 except to mention serving in the Far east (Burma) ROY. ART. A/Aircraft.As far as I remember nobody caned 1953-58. He would fix you with those pale blue eyes and deliver a quiet bollocking. Although a heavy smoker he would occasionally take a P.E. class and kept up with us! NAMES: Rhodes the best history master I ever had; a Triple A,Coach (trained Mike Parry a National 880yds runner). Tragically Mr. Rhodes contracted Polio. As this was a notifiable disease the school was placed in quarantine - which was due to expire at end of term, and the atmosphere during the assemblies, waiting for the all-clear, was fraught! Mr. Hoare biology, owned a superb Railton Coupe, and Mr. Burr who nowadays would probably get a visit from the Paedo sqad. Mr. Thurston, "Wriggle", I believe had a "thing" with the delectable red-haired all fronted Miss Brooks. Major Hyde Upward, typical Indian army, gruff disciplinarian but whilst I was suffering flu in the San he appeared with a large choc bar, very welcome.
Comment from Terry Pepper on Wednesday, 6th April 2011.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
Reunion still on 20+ attendees and rising daily. Contact me if interested.
Timothy.p.gaskell@gmail.com
Regards to all 'old boys' whether attending reunion or not.
Tim
Comment from Tim Gaskell on Friday, 10th June 2011.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
Hey, guys. If you haven't signed up for the reunion yet hurry up and do so. Tim and others have put some time and effort in getting as many of us together as possible. Even if you were unhappy at the old dump, this event is going to be fun so get in touch with Tim and register. This is your chance to end your Whittlebury days on a high note. By the way Rodney, some of us thought Nil Nobis Infectum meant You Can't Catch it Here - although judging from some of the comments about village girls, maybe you could have! All the best to all of you. Martin Smith 1960/64
Comment from Martin Smith on Tuesday, 14th June 2011.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
What a blast from the past!! Just received a pleasant but surprising phone call from Pat Hunt regarding a reunion of Old Whittlebury school Boys, sounds like a great idea so will be going. My name is Richard Watts and my internment was from 1957 to 1961, God that's over 50 years ago! I was wondering if anybody out there from those dark and distant days remembers me? The only good thing I remember about the so-called school was the woodwork lessons and Mr. Ince the teacher, does anybody recall building new work benches or building the four house canoes? I had no interest in the rest of the subjects and often wondered what the hell I was doing there, I suppose my parents thought it a good idea, they should have saved their hard earned cash. I have a copy of the school prospectus and a photo of the school boys of 1959 if anybody is interested. What about the winter school trip to Austria, does anybody have any memories? It would be great to here from any survivors of that period in history and meet up on the 1st of October Kind regards, Richard Watts.
Comment from Richard Watts on Saturday, 9th July 2011.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
Richard,
Good to hear you are coming to the reunion on 1st October. Please let me have cheque (payable Whittlebury Park) before 1st September and will then send you a ticket. Any other old boys you know who don't know about reunion please give them my address and phone number. Overmoor Farm, Castle Hill Lane, Burley, Ringwood, Hants BH24 f4HF 01425 403726.
I remember building a canoe for myself in Mr. Ince's lessons. Cut out frames and stretched over the canvass. Took it on the Thames many times also a very famous and hilarious school trip to the Norfolk Broads where pupils fell over board, slept in hammocks and line holding them broke on night. Nearly de-masted the sailing wherry were in going into Great Yarmouth. Could not possible happen today with all the 'Health and Safety' rules.
Look forward to sharing many more tales on 1st October.
Comment from Tim Gaskell on Saturday, 9th July 2011.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
Hi, Just found this site, does anyone remember me? I lived in Birmingham at the time. Robert.
Comment from Robert Lowe on Friday, 16th April 2010.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
PS. Somewhere I have the original prospectus with views of the house and grounds.
Comment from Christopher Rabone on Monday, 15th February 2010.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
BTHF. It was my ambition not to have a computer before iIdied, but this site is one of the compensations. I thought I was the only boy to get beaten every week. I was expelled quite often, but only had to leave when parents stopped paying the fees. There was a time if Spud saw me I got minus 4. Being brutalised I became a brute, gladly not for long. To this day I have a loathing of institutionalised bullying. The school building, the grounds, Colin Harbottle, David Cairncross, Janet Bacon, and a few others have been with me all my life, like beacons. Like Colin I have also been a traveller. BTHF.
Comment from Christopher Rabone on Sunday, 14th February 2010.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
Just read your memory with great interest. I left Whittlebury in 1963 having started in 1960. I would be intrigued as to the circumstances leading to your expulsion from the school and also whether you were one of the group of 12 who were caned most severely in 1963? I was one of those 12. I do have recollections of Anthony Meager's old car but thought it was a Model Y Ford of circa 1935 which even made an excursion round the frozen lake during the winter of 1963! I was also punished for smoking which took place behind the changing rooms which I think would have been before your time as those changing rooms were replaced by the gymnasium which was built in 1961. I have received info from an ex-pupil who confirmed that the majority of boys failed in their O Levels and have yet to hear of anyone who had an A Level pass. Do you have memories of any of the masters eg Spud, Jake, Dennis Johnson? Was the "sweet" girl's name Denise and did she have a friend called Sue who lived in Silverstone? I see you obtained the rest of your qualifications at Slough College - did you live in that area at the time and where do you live now? When I was at Whittlebury I lived in Newbury, Berkshire and now live in West Sussex. It would be great to hear from you with more info on yourself and more details on your life and experiences at Whittlebury School.
Comment from Malcolm Etherton on Friday, 5th September 2008.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
In the school magazine of May 1964, of which I have a copy, there is a full list of the Old Boys and their addresses at that time.
I was also a pupil of the school and my brother was head boy. I would like if possible to get hold of some photos. Any photos of the school, the grounds or the interior. The school actually moved to Whittlebury from Chichley Hall and many of the boys when I started still had Chichley Hall blazers.
One pupil did have an affair with a girl from the village whom we used to see on Sundays as she was in the church choir, and being very beautiful generally pushed her head veil back. (I know all the names.)
One pupil had an affair with one of the master's daughters, she used to sneak in to the dormitory at night to be with him. I was in the next bed but four. Usually at half term and occasionally on free weekends
I think if John Grieve got A level Maths he might be the only pupil I knew who did.
I think the best bet for further info is probably the Pepper brothers, Terry and Malcolm, who lived in Hill Farmhouse in Barton Springs in Bedfordshire. But it's more than forty years ago.
Comment from Colin Harbottle on Saturday, 3rd January 2009.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
I was also a pupil at Whittlebury, though I remember Nigel Daniel and Malcolm Etherton very well I am struggling with Colin Harbottle at present but if you're on the long school photo I will get there eventually. I also left with very little in the way of academic qualifications, two O levels for which I am grateful to Spud Ryan and JJ Etridge. I also remember very well young Daniels being expelled and remember how harsh and unjust it seemed to us at the time as nearly everyone I knew smoked in the Lower Fifth. I also remember the caning incident for the twelve including Malcolm Etherton. I also remember another incident involving the "borrowing" of the Headmaster's car late one night and it ending up in a ditch, for which there were repercussions for some. However at the end of one term I remember being involved with others in taking Mr Etridge's Mini and placing that in the middle of the cricket pitch and the geography master's scooter was wrapped in toilet paper and placed on Major Meager's assembly table. I also remember being confirmed in the local church. Has anyone managed to find out what has happened to all the others? Obviously we all know Aken Hutchison became a well known actor but I would love to know what became of "Hamy" and "Fred" Roberts, Frosty, Gordon Pink and Clarkey, Azor-Smith, Pennington and so many others? Amongst many other things I will always remember the tea at breaktimes from that "urn" being served in the TV room by the new Tuck Shop after the building of the Gymnasium, I often wondered what else was in it as I am sure tea on its own never tasted that bad.
Comment from Tony Wood on Wednesday, 11th February 2009.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
I was supprised that you "lads" (Malcolm, Colin and Tony) answerd. I have rather "bad" memories of that school in fact to call it a school. It was, lets face it, a disaster. I tried to did up some photo´s but they seem to have disappeared.
I answer to the questions :
Yes I do remeber all the teachers who were on the most part very supportive when I was about to be expelled and I remember "Edwards" and "String" saying that "I was better off going to another school anyway ! "
-but dont tell anyone we said that.
Now I can tell you all these years afterwards.
And yes her name was Denise ! (you jogged my memory)
The car was as you say not an Austin seven.It was a Ford.
Looking into my certs now on my CV I only got two "O" ´s at WC the rest I got at Slough.
I was the second boy to be caned serverly as I remember : The fist time for breaking windows , 2nd for repeatadly being "off the grounds" 3rd for being at Silerstone and breaking a window on and old double decker bus, 4 th ,yepp you geussed ! ciggarets and smoking ! and of course expulsion after that ! Ok ! I was a bit wild and didnt "look up to " Major Meager as a headmaster. But on the otherhand did have some good mates and some fun times.
My parents or rather the people I lived with part of the time on holidays were living in Gerrards X around that time and several other places in Bucks.
I went to extra couses in "Art" at St Martins and "to sea" and eventualy became AB then first mate. cont. later
Comment from Nigel Daniel on Thursday, 12th February 2009.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
I was surprised that you 'lads' (Malcolm, Colin and Tony) answered. I have rather 'bad' memories of that school, in fact to call it a school. It was, let's face it, a disaster. I tried to upload some photos but this site does not accept them.
In answer to the questions :
Yes I do remember all the teachers who were on the most part very supportive when I was about to be expelled and I remember 'Edwards' and 'String" saying that I was "better off going to another school anyway - but don't tell anyone we said that". Now I can tell you all these years afterwards.
And yes her name was Denise! (you jogged my memory). The car was as you say not an Austin Seven, it was a Ford.
Looking into my certs now on my CV I only got two 'O's at WC, the rest I got at Slough.
I was the second boy to be caned severely as I remember, the first time for breaking windows, and the second for repeatadly being "off the grounds", the third for being at Silerstone and breaking a window on an old double decker bus, and the fourth, yepp you guessed! for cigarettes and smoking! - and of course expulsion after that! Ok, I was a bit wild and didn't 'look up' to 'Major Meager' as a headmaster. But on the other hand did have some good mates and some fun times.
My parents or rather the people I lived with part of the time on holidays were living in Gerrards Cross around that time and several other places in Bucks.
I went to extra couses in Art at St Martin's and 'to sea', and eventualy became AB then first mate.
To be continued later.
Comment from Nigel Daniel on Thursday, 12th February 2009.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
Nigel;
I think that I would agree with you about the academic attainment generally at Whittlebury. I notice that you refer to it as a college. When I attended 1956-1961 it was just Whittlebury school. As I mentioned previously when I started it hadn't been going too long. I remember the beautiful walled kitchen garden and the lab block was in an old Laundry. near the gate on the Buckingham road. I loved the Old pump house, at the end of the paddock and the secret underground boathouse on the lake. The woods , were full of magnificent trees especially the lime tree avenue by the lake . Unfortunately as Meager ran into financial troubles the huge trees from the grounds were logged and sold.
I left with almost nothing, Three O levels. Eventually I did end up with a C.Eng and went on to Do an M.Sc. in metallurgy, but it was a hard slog. I worked in Kuala Belait in Borneo for ten years, Pusan South Korea for nine years and four years Spread about in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. I retired at 57 after the last three years in Bilbao in Spain. I went back to the school, some many years ago, when it was boarded up waiting demolition, after that girls home/ abuse incident. I climbed in and had a look round. My brother Peter's name was still visible in gold lettering "Head Boy" on the oak panelling. Sad really. Does anyone know what happened to Meager?
Comment from Colin Harbottle on Tuesday, 24th February 2009.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
Nigel,
I think that I would agree with you about the academic attainment generally at Whittlebury. I notice that you refer to it as a college. When I attended 1956-1961 it was just Whittlebury School. As I mentioned previously, when I started it hadn't been going too long. I remember the beautiful walled kitchen garden and the lab block was in an old laundry, near the gate on the Buckingham road. I loved the old pump house, at the end of the paddock and the secret underground boathouse on the lake. The woods were full of magnificent trees especially the lime tree avenue by the lake. Unfortunately as Meager ran into financial troubles the huge trees from the grounds were logged and sold.
I left with almost nothing, three O levels. Eventually I did end up with a C. Eng and went on to do an M. Sc. in metallurgy, but it was a hard slog. I worked in Kuala Belait in Borneo for ten years, Pusan in South Korea for nine years and four years spread about in Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore. I retired at 57 after the last three years in Bilbao in Spain. I went back to the school some years ago, when it was boarded up awaiting demolition, after that girls home/ abuse incident. I climbed in and had a look round. My brother Peter's name was still visible in gold lettering, "Head Boy", on the oak panelling. Sad really. Does anyone know what happened to Meager?
Comment from Colin Harbottle on Tuesday, 24th February 2009.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
Colin I was still at the school when it closed and I have e-mailed your account at this site with some small bits of information, which you may find of interest. I will try and e-mail the others shortly but you asked a specific question. I also enjoyed part of my time there, though academically the masters’ ability to motivate in most subjects seems to have been limited as seems to have been confirmed by all of us having to improve ourselves despite our time at Whittlebury.
Tony Wood
Comment from Tony Wood on Wednesday, 4th March 2009.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
Martin, I remember you very well, I have sent an email to your Frith account. I have some questions for you. The reason for this comment is that I see that you have not opened and read your Frith email account. Also I now have two fairly good digital images of Whittlebury school these are made from Kodachrome scanned slides taken late during the summer holidays of 1961.
If any one would like these would you please send me your email address and I hope dig arround in your own archives for any photos that you may have, black and white or colour.
Colin J Harbottle
Comment from Colin Harbottle on Thursday, 12th November 2009.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
I was at Whittlebury and survived... I last saw Major Meager in the lift (going up) at Peter Jones. I took a look at him at said, in full view and hearing of the others in the lift, 'You were the headmaster at Whittlebury. You have a lot to answer for.' In my day the policy (with a few honourable exceptions) was to make the bullies prefects. So Fret could more or less control the school. Very Evelyn Waugh, but nastier. I, like Colin Harbottle, returned to the school when it was boarded up, and climbed in; it seemed an almost comical end to what was really a nightmare. By doing this the experience seemed exorcised. The building was later burnt down, probably arson, and the site developed. The two masters I remember and liked were String Johnson, the art master, and a very urbane biology master, very keen on Railton cars and the facts of life. As for my life, I became a painter and have lived by my brush all my life. The dark experiences of Whittlebury have been grist to my mill. The only person I remember on this site is Colin Harbottle, and I would be very interested to share memories. I did once, in New York, bump into Tony Shafrasi, who vandalised Guernica, and became a very successful New York art dealer. And from school days I remember the tragic suicide of One Ball Strother and the subsequent cover-up. My other memory is Major-General Hyde-Upward, who was made to drop rank in order not to outrank the headmaster. And poor Philip Sprosen and how he was treated. On a lighter note, there was Miss Brooks' red hair and frontage.
Comment from Martin Fuller on Sunday, 8th November 2009.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
I was at Whittlebury and survived... I last saw Major Meager in the lift (going up) at Peter Jones. I took a look at him at said, in full view and hearing of the others in the lift, 'You were the headmaster at Whittlebury. You have a lot to answer for.' In my day the policy (with a few honourable exceptions) was to make the bullies prefects. So Fret could more or less control the school. Very Evelyn Waugh, but nastier. I, like Colin Harbottle, returned to the school when it was boarded up, and climbed in; it seemed an almost comical end to what was really a nightmare. By doing this the experience seemed exorcised. The building was later burnt down, probably arson, and the site developed. The two masters I remember and liked were String Johnson, the art master, and a very urbane biology master, very keen on Railton cars and the facts of life. As for my life, I became a painter and have lived by my brush all my life. The dark experiences of Whittlebury have been grist to my mill. The only person I remember on this site is Colin Harbottle, and I would be very interested to share memories. I did once, in New York, bump into Tony Shafrasi, who vandalised Guernica, and became a very successful New York art dealer. And from school days I remember the tragic suicide of One Ball Strother and the subsequent cover-up. My other memory is Major-General Hyde-Upward, who was made to drop rank in order not to outrank the headmaster. And poor Philip Sprosen and how he was treated. On a lighter note, there was Miss Brooks' red hair and frontage.
Comment from Martin Fuller on Sunday, 8th November 2009.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
Colin, could you please send me copies too, M&P chucked mine out with the rest of my old stuff by mistake! sotab@spray.se PS. Are any of you on FB?
Comment from Nigel Daniel on Thursday, 12th November 2009.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
It is with a smile that I read the memories of my colleagues from a bygone era, and I cannot but whole-heartedly agree on the academic calibre of the school or lack of, but that's history. I too hold the metre long photos of 1963 and 1961, if anybody would like a copy email tim@cmmassoc.co.nz I recall when Silverstone had a meeting I and Roger Flint and a few friends would pinch Mr Sheldon's wheelbarrow and take a midnight trip through the woods to the racetrack and its marquees and help ourselves to the beer refreshments and return laden. Then being enterprising take the empties by cycle to the pub at Pury End and get a refund on the bottles. My term of attendance was 1961-67, so teachers that left a lasting impression good or bad, were Mr Bolton 'Bobo', Mr Ryan 'Spud', Mr Beagley, Mr Thompson and of course Mr Ince the woodwork teacher. Mates at the time were John Brock, Jefferey Poulter, Andrew Pink to name a few.
Comment from Tim Brown on Tuesday, 19th January 2010.
RE: RE: Whittlebury Lodge College
More memories:
Bonham would boast about his dad's Mark 10 Jag parked in the forecourt on Sundays.
Mr. Bolton had little authority and a very short temper. Was anyone around when he bunged the wooden board cleaner across the class room and nearly pulverised a colleague ?.
Like most, I failed most of what I was (supposedly) trying for. Brought up in France, my maiden language was French; I almost failed my French A level cos I couldn't stand the teacher and refused to study boring classic novels.
In 1965, most teachers resigned/left/fled etc. in the middle of exams. Meaguer ran off with his secretary (?) and the school went bust and closed down. The many failures were certanly due to this mutinous atmosphere. This episode certainly marked me for a long while.
Didn't Meaguer purchase a brand new blue MGB before going bust ?
Nicholas Azor-Smith.
Comment from Nicholas Azor-Smith on Thursday, 15th December 2011.