True Native Of Gerrard's Cross

I have just come across this web site today (12th November 2018) after having a nostalgic weekend after watching an old film about a coffee bar and a juke box, which started me thinking of Café Collette down Oak End Way, and Brendons record store by the Packhorse. Went to the Primary School on East Common during the 1950's, how I loved it there. Does anyone remember Marion James, I took her under my wing as she lived at Crosfield House and I felt for her not having a regular home life like I did. I lived at Chalfont St Peter. I think I remember Susan Meredith. patlatham229@aol.com

I went to the C of E school from 1961 to 1967 (I lived in GX until 1980). I think it lasted another year after I left and then they knocked it down to make way for an old people's home. I have brilliant memories of being a pupil there. Headmaster was Mr Simpkin, who lived in the school house. I also remember several of the teachers, including Mrs Skull(?) who terrified the tinies in classes 5 and 6, and had a Miss Jones under her wing. Then there was Mrs Wilson, with the beard, who was very strict, but who's book readings were mesmerising. My final teacher (when I was in class 1) was Mr Childs, who was also involved with a youth club in Slough, I think. Class mates at various times included Anne Leslie, Morag Reid, Juliette Staddon, Jennifer Peacock, Susan Green, Geoff Quinton, Malcolm Hurrell, Peter Barber, Mark Williams, Richard Blundell, Stephen Quiney (who came with me to Wycombe RGS). Too many more to mention. The school dinners were cooked off the premises and arrived in big metal cylinders, and so were almost always colder than you would like. I remember Brendons (used to go in the booths to listen to singles, which cost 6/11), Woodward and Stalder, where I got my fireworks (kids could buy them then!), and Marshall's toyshop in Station Road.

I was at that school in 1958/59 to 1963/64. My name is John Brown.
I lived in Crossfield house children's home for 7 years.
I remember Mr Simkins & some of the other teachers.

I also went to Gerrard’s Cross Primary School in the late 1950s . . . opposite the common. The large lime tree loomed large in the playground as did Mr Simkin the headmaster. He lived next door. His wife I remember with great affection. Such a kind lady. There was a Mrs Strange I recall. I didn’t enjoy dinner times - being forced to eat things I didn’t like. In summer we played on the common across the road. To begin with I came and went from Denham Golf by steam train, but later went home by Greenline coaches from near the church.