Friern Barnet and Finchley Photo Archive

Behind and to the left a bit is Queenswell Primary School. There were also two football pitches, used by pupils from Friern Barnet County School (as it was called then). Access to the school was in Friern Barnet Lane, but this has now changed. Part of the Queenswell complex of huts was used by the Sea Cadets - TS Invincible. I wonder if there are any photos of Queenswell etc from the 50's?

I was ‘educated’ at this establishment from 59-63. A particularly unpleasant teacher, Miss M..., still scars my memory, her classroom shown in the picture on the ground floor. The headmaster, Mr. Smith, aka ‘smutz’ had the pleasure to cane me on more than one occasion. When I was released, I made it to Woodhouse Grammar, a school for which I only have praise. (That’s not to say I enjoyed it!)

Like Dave Roethenbaugh, I was educated at St Jame's School. I also remember Mr Smith the headmaster, who was always caning boys. Miss M, was my form teacher and a horror as well. They say your schooldays, are the best days of your life?

I seem to remember you Alan from my school days at St.James. I too remember Mr.Smith. My form teacher was Miss Marchington. Think I might have been in same class as you? I too was caned by the headmaster. Do you remember the caretaker we used to call Turkey for some reason. He was either strange or you know what as the boys used to sit on His knee in the boiler room. Didn't really sink in at the time. I remember some of my classmates - Jeff Blair, Steven Stammers, Alan Caxton, Richard Montague etc.

I went to St.James' School from about 1962 and Smutsey was the headmaster when I started there. Form teacher was Miss Glennie. Mr Buchanan replaced Smutsey as head. I can picture him with white hair. He was a lot nicer than Smutsey who was "cane happy"

I was at the school from about 1955 to 1957 when we left the area - and Mr. Smith was Head then!! i had forgotten Miss Marchington, do remember Mr. Baurie sp?) and Mr. Bevan, both excellent teachers. Classes of 50+, no resources and a walk up the lane to get lunch at the Queenswell School.

I went to t James 1945-1949. Touch school! The older boys would pick a younger pupil and say you are gong to be beaten up after school. The meant it to my cost once.

Altogether good experience.

Pupil 1965 to 1969. Class teachers Mullins, Davis, Redstone and Glennie. I was head boy 1968-69. Richard Fensome deputy. Others, mark hacker, Richard Coleman, David peacocok, Tony white, William Harvey, robin horseman and lots more and can name any one out there?

My name is Bob Godfrey and I went the primary school from 1944 - 1949. Mr Grieves was the headmaster. It was a tough school, with fights going on all the time. The head used to walk down the lines in the morning thrashing out bare legs with a cane. I did not enjoy it there, but all good experience
not enjoy life there; but it’s all part of life.
I’m still working as a land surveyor at the age of 88. So it didn’t do us much harm I suppose.
My mum and Dad were married in Friern Barnet church amd I became a member of North Mid Golf Club.
We live on Sussex now. I move here from London in 1968.
I wish our Country was as it was then; despite the war, we felt safe walking the streets.
Good luck to all.
Bob

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