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A Waste Of Four Years

A Memory of Brimington.

At this school, I really didn't learn anything at all and the punishment was very severe. Didn't seem to matter what you did, you would get hit anyway. When you moved from one form to another, 200 boys would be moving on the stairs and the slowest 5 people to get into the classroom would be punished. The headmaster thought he was something really special and punished students for anything. If the classroom wasn't quiet enough, he would leave and come back 10 minutes later. If you were the one not quiet in an assembly, he would make everyone stay and sing hymns after 4:00. If you got caught smoking off school premises, you would get caned the next day. This punishment would increase the more times you got caught. Some of my worst memories are from this school, however it made me stronger and led me to leaving England and moving to another country. I made something of myself, by getting a real education from an Agriculture College and now am a successful farmer.

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Added 17 July 2013

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My name is Jeff Sharman. I lived in Queen Street, New Brimington. I attended Princess Street Infants, Foljambe Road Juniors and Boys Seniors. The seniors moved to Springvale Road while I was there in the 50's
The headmaster was Kelly. Loved the cane. I was introduced to this on my first day at this school. Other teachers I remember, Bailey, Tech drawing, Clarke, Maths, Croft, Gardening, Sadler, History, Wilkinson, PE, Wood, Woodwork, Seal, Science. Not the best school on earth but I guess I must have learned something because I have done OK in my life. I left school at 15, got an apprenticeship as an Instrument Mechanic on Staveley Works, studied at Chesterfield Tech College, then Commissioning Engineer. Moved to South Africa in 1981 and I am still there. Now retired and 82 years old, but I continue to offer training in my fields of expertise, Instrumentation and Control Systems. Memories. Most good, some not so good.

By Jeff Sharman on Thu Jun 5th 2025, at 9:08 am

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Hi Jeff my name Alan Simms l lived on Burnell street l went to Brim Boys 1962 still 1966 l went to the Congregational church till l was 15 l was friends with John Sharman l have lived in Canada for over 50 years hope to hear back from you

By Alan Simms on Tue Nov 25th 2025, at 5:39 pm

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Hi Alan. I also went to the Congregational Church Sunday school in the 50's. My mother was heavily involved in the sisterhood. Looking back now, I think the school helped to shape my future which turned out pretty good. I emigrated to South Africa with my family in 1981 and I am still there leading a very contented retirement. I am now 82 years old but the memories are so strong. I think in today's environment, the teachers would probably be fired. The "Do Gooders" of today would have been ridiculed big time. The schools, teachers and students are so soft. They are not taught to think for themselves, stand up for themselves and take responsibility. They have all got their noses buried in a screen somewhere. Good hearing from you Alan.

By Jeff Sharman on Wed Nov 26th 2025, at 8:11 am

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