Nostalgic memories of Copthorne's local history

Share your own memories of Copthorne 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.

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Displaying Memories 11 - 18 of 18 in total

I have very happy memories of the two years I spent here. I was aged 8 to 10 years old at the time and left to go to Australia. My name then was Susan Day. My friends' names were Rachel, Fiona and Julie. I lived at Keeper's Corner and caught the bus to and from school from Redehall Road near a small shop. I live in Western Australia and have returned to England to work and holiday over the years.
In 1946, at the age of six, I was placed, as a border, at Copthorne Convent, where I remained for about three years. I'm afraid I really don't have many pleasant memories of my stay there. The nuns were inclined to be quite strict, and aside from the inhouse schooling, we had our chores. One of mine that I recall, was to carry coal, in a bucket, from the coal shed located on one side of the complex, ...see more
I went to school at the convent from 1966 to 1974. Sr. Annunciata, Sr. Kieran and Sr. Bonaventure who was the headmistress. Sr. Damian, Sr. Finbar and Sr. Attracta were our teachers. We had such a wonderful childhood there. I would love to hear from anyone who went there the same time as I did. My name was Rachel Naylor then.
I remember having to pass The Duke's Head every day on my way to school in the 60's, but have never been inside. We lived on Snowhill Road at an old country stores and off license, which was called Fletcher's Stores - now a private house. Mum or Dad would take us to Crawley Down C of E school in the little blue shop delivery van. Occasionally, we had to walk up to the Dukes Head to catch the bus to Crawley Down, ...see more
I lived at the convent from 1970 to 1975, Sister Philomena looked after us as children, I was 5 years old when my father sent my 2 brothers and I to live there. The nuns made my childhood memories so good, I think I was very lucky and over the years have revisited the convent. I am travelling back to England next week and will take my wife and children to visit Sister Philomena and the convent. The ...see more
My name is Maggie Wilkinson. My mum Elizabeth Pilkington lived at Copthorne Convent, then it was called Bank Farm House, she was married from there on 6th June 1942. My parents were married at St John's church. Mum's stepfather owned the house, his name was Sydney Levett. Mum has many memories of Copthorne and Surrey, I have many photos of the house and the gardens which my grandmother created. I managed to ...see more
I think I was one of the first Spanish students that went to England to learn English. This was forty years ago, and I suppose that I have lost a lot of my English. I lived in the Franciscan Convent School from September 1969 till April 1970. I remember Sister Filomena, Mark Balard and some other colleagues. I had such a nice experience there and I hope to visit the place again although I have read that ...see more
I worked on the then new school class rooms in 1950 Jack Cockrell was the builder also working there were Bill Cockrell, Eric Bew, Nobby Harber, his son, and Reg Denman, G. Askew. Ray Budgen, and now it has been knocked down flats built there lasted 59 years.