Strood Memories Schools And Shops

Mrs Lowrey was my grandmother. Got my first bike from Cartier’s in strood high street

Aaah Thanks for adding to my memory. I remember her as a very kind ladyand I'm pretty sure I remember going round to her house. One lunchtime and knocking on the door-perhaps it was during the holiday and she gave us a couple of minutes. As I remember I think she lived just around the corner from the school? I do remember one occasion, however, when the Aberfan disaster happened in Wales and the school got engulfed, that she returned from her lunch break and clearly was upset and when several children misbehaved. I remember her, reminding how lucky they were not have been in that particular school-we, of course, knew nothing of it, so it didn't quite make sense! I also have fond memories of her using an old tape recorder and felt pictures in order to try and teach us the basics of Nuffield French!! I'd like to think she might have helped me in a small way, as I went on to became a primary school headteacher, and OFSTED inspector and just about to retire at the ripe old age of 61-God bless Mrs Lowrey and her colleagues at Saint Mary's primary (I have fond memories of Tom Daniels, Arthur Rushton and Mister Dougherty-and of course the lovely Miss Duke who we were all in love with!!)

Apologies-the headteacher that I remember was Arthur Ashton! also have four memories of a student teacher called Mr Shafter-I wonder what ever happened to him!

Temple school had moved from the old school on the other side of the Darnley Rd estate to the brand new school in Frindsbury. I was one of the first to attend and i remember the Headmaster, Mr Hancock who wore a black cloak and i believe he was a Lancastrian whom was very proud of his new school. Other teachers names that come to mind are Mr Wade (Music), Boris with the huge finger, Mr Sinclair, Mr Frank Gold (PE) Mr Marshall and Mr Mason. Hard to imagine that just 50 years later this brand new school along with the girl's school next door (Chapter) would be demolished.

Thanks for the memory. With a slight twist of fate I think I inspected the school became a primary school I in the building I think you are referring to. I enjoyed my time there and very fond memories!! Very sad to see it go...... I do remember some of the teachers that you refer to and my own favourites were folks called Mr needles, Mr Bonnie, Mr Hinchcliff and Mr Rogers. Sadly another favourite Mr Green, passed away only a few months ago. Just remind you that those moments in time move on and find goodness the Francis Frith collection is that a record of the passing of time!